Zero budget and zero crew — Matthew Simpson debut feature works in the most unforeseen circumstances
When Matthew Simpson first started his solo venture Disremember – a film in which was made with zero budget and no crew outside of Matthew himself – he wasn’t even sure he would finish it. Which is understandable, the mere thought of having to go through the whole creative process on your own caused me obscene amounts of stress just thinking about it.
Disremember has arrived at film festivals and gone on to win several awards on its way. Its next place on its circuit was at Riverside Studio which was presented by London Breeze Festival and where I was able to see this impressive feat of filmmaking first hand.
It follows Rob, an ex-military man who has started experiencing unexplained blackouts. After waking up in his friend’s flat with no recollection on how he got there, Rob is forced to deal with his unexplained blackouts head on to try and uncover what is happening to him.
It’s a seemingly simple premise on paper but there is a certain level of unpredictability which leaves you uncomfortable throughout. Even when I had guessed some of what was going to happen, there was always an extra layer to the mystery which would keep me guessing up until the last minutes.
I’d be lying if I didn’t feel a little sceptical going in. After all, knowing we are going to be alone with the same character in the same Brixton flat for the 85 minute run time doesn’t feel as though it lends itself to an enthralling time.
However, I am happy to say I stand here corrected. Happily so, as well. Simpson takes this challenge head on, and expertly crafts a psychological thriller which would have fooled me into thinking he was a seasoned professional in front off and behind the camera.
I was very surprised to find out that this was his directorial debut. Consider me impressed.
There’s a worry that the one person selling point would come off as gimmicky, but you never feel as though that is the case. Outside of the narrative only following one singular person, it lives and breathes like any other movie would.
If anything, it acts as a strength. You feel a level of intimacy with the way he uses the camera that I’m not sure you would have been able to replicate as well with a whole crew behind the camera.
It was always going to undoubtedly be an incredible achievement in filmmaking, but the story equally demands your attention. Despite a few moments which feel repetitive throughout, Simpsons performance is captivating and never grows tiresome even though he is on screen for majority of the run time.
Disremember is a film which despite everything seeming like it won’t work, manages to excel in the most unfathomable circumstances.
I can’t help but feel as though I’ve seen something which will struggle to be replicated. Mainly because I’m not sure who else would be crazy enough to take on such a massive task, but also because of the care and work which was put in to make this as much of a triumph as it is.
I’m excited to see where Simpson goes next and for his own sake, I hope he has a few people alongside him for the ride next time.
