1. 44 CUTS APRIL 2013 www.screenagazine.com
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Not Just a bit of
Fluff....
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RELEASED May 1st
CERTIFICATE PG
DIRECTOR Sebastian
Whitsfield
CAST Philly Marra, Sebastian
Whitsfield, Terrisha Downton-
Snood and Robbie Judkins
RUNNING TIME 5 mins.
PLOT When a boy, (Sebastian
Whitsfield) cheats on his
‘girlfriend’(Terrisha Downtown
Snood) he seeks wisdom from the
great the buddhist, Robbie Judkins
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A truly creative and meaningful
insight into the trials of young
love.
Philly Marra stands as real joy.
You may have just caught her
recent cameo on ’30 Rock’,
playing the part of Jack Donaghy’s
life coach which was utterly
hilarious. However, as gifted as
she is at comedy her performance
in ‘Fluff’ is enchanting and does
not rely on her comedic
sensibility, instead we see an truly
touching interpretation of
Whitsfield’ script, which anchors
the film and gives it real heart
without ever being sentimental.
Overall stand-up comics seem to
be breaking through and we are
beginning to see just what they
can do.
Whitsfield has also turned a
corner; his anchoring
performance (which he has also
produced) has ensured the film’s
narrative never flags.
The short, just over five minutes,
is shot on entirely on location
which has now become a
hallmark of a Whitsfield film.
‘There is so much more life on a
real street, I need that energy to
imbue my film.
IF YOU ARE EXPECTING to see
‘Crazy Love’, Part 2, then ‘Fluff’ is
going to be a big disappointment.
Whitsfield has succeeded in throwing
off the Rom-Com slush and delivered
Good performance too from
Robbie Judkins, a memorable and
uplifting performance in his part as
the mystic.
Whitsfield is well within his
comfort zone, being no stranger
to playing the almost comical
looser. Such familiar elements
aside Whitsfield is authentic.
When I stopped by his offices last
week, I was surprised when he
told me that the film was inspired
by a true life episode, ‘I believe
that being so intimately connected
to the story gave me a better
grasp of my character.’ How did
you find directing? ‘I have to
admit working on both sides of
the camera has it’s problems,
but I’d do it again.’
VERDICT Marra’s role is
shamefully underwritten
(especially for an actress capable
of carrying a franchise), but Fluff
is a indie cut above your average
boy meets girl with a lovely
experimental-chaos vibe.
David Hughes
★ ★ ★
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Whitsfield
reflects,
‘working on
both sides
of the camera
has it’s
problems
but I would
do it again’.
FLUFF
‘A LITTLE GEM’
IN CINEMAS.........
