Achilles

Even the legendary Achilles has moments of self-doubt. Achilles explores the Achilles syndrome, known as the fear of failure. An experimental micro drama shot on Super 8mm film with no editing.

  • Adam Morris
    Director
    Bugsplat
  • Adam Morris
    Writer
    Bugsplat
  • David Freedman
    Producer
    The Number 30, Over The Influence, Under The Radar, Homeless Ashes
  • Guy Samuels
    Key Cast
    "Achilles"
    Glow & Darkness, Crying Out Loud
  • Toby Harris
    Cinematography
    64 and Over, The Little Kings
  • Jodie Rose Elliott
    Production Design
    Eve, Indulgence
  • Rob Northcott
    Music
    Lycanthropy, Dolly
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Experimental, Drama
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 28, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    3,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Super 8mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Adam Morris

Adam is a filmmaker and photographer from Leigh-on-sea. An MA Film graduate from Southampton Solent University, he specialised in directing, working closely with acclaimed director Jon Sanders. He started travelling whilst at university and once finished lived in Malaysia teaching refugees English alongside documenting humanitarian work. Since his return Adam has taught film to school children and has assisted on several UK indie features notably Butterfly Kisses, winner of the Berlinale Crystal Bear, under director Raphael Kaplinsky. Currently he is working with several production houses and has written and directed short documentaries and music videos across Europe, most recently directing for The Vamps and Universal records.

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Director Statement

Achilles explores the concept of multiple selves. That we are each made of more than one conscious self, and in particular looks at the dark self within, responsible for anxiety. How would we react if confronted by this abusive self? If we don’t tackle the demons inside, will we be imprisoned by our own darkness forever?

I hit upon the idea of a character confronting their self from a cinema screen. Many people, especially in the arts, suffer from anxiety, imposter syndrome or the fear of failure. After hearing a therapist referring to our ‘other selves’ and the 'Achilles Syndrome', I realised that who better to confront themself than Achilles. He epitomises the fact that we all have human weaknesses we must face. I decided a Super8 film, with that startling 8mm quality evoking rediscovered home movie footage, would be the perfect vessel to explore this crippling self-confrontation.

The films takes influence from the surreal, dark worlds of Lynch and Buñuel, with nods to the silent era, the cinematic noir of Hitchcock and the multi-strand, non-linear narrative of Strickland's Berberian Sound Studio.

It's often affirmed that we only get one shot in life. This itself drives anxiety. I therefore thought it apt that Achilles be shot as a series of one take wonders with in-camera editing. I and my team would confront the challenge and rise above it or be lost forever. We tried to plan meticulously. Although there were minor elements which were adapted, ultimately, the majority of the film was largely shot to script and shot successfully.

Sincere thanks to my talented team of Producer David Freedman, Cinematographer Toby Harris, Production Designer Jodie Rose Elliott, Composer Rob Northcott for his amazing score and all the crew and cast for their terrific work on Achilles.

I hope audiences will find this a visually striking, entertaining and puzzling film and I hope it will stick with people. Guy Samuels is mesmerizing playing multiple versions of Achilles. Plus, I hope the film gives a sense of understanding and empathy for the those who suffer from anxiety and the fear of failure.