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Beneath the Surface

A dark, comic tale that jumps between a psychiatrist's office and the fast lane of a public swimming pool, Beneath the Surface is the story of Michael, a young man undergoing long-term psychiatric evaluation.

During the film we see how perceived infringements of etiquette spiral out of control in a delusional mind and conclude with a startling self-realisation on the behalf of our silent narrator.

Thematically Beneath the Surface explores how Apophenia (seeing patterns and making connections in random or meaningless data) can effect memory and behaviour whilst observing some humorous truths about lane swimming in public pools.

Written and directed by filmmaker Alexander Osman, the story is beautifully captured by acclaimed cinematographer Shaun Harley Lee and scored by Prix Italia-nominated composer, Jon Nicholls.

A talented cast is led by Stephen McLeod, Lucy Roselyn and Tommie Grabiec.

  • alexander osman
    Director
    This Little Place in Gospel Oak
  • alexander osman
    Writer
    This Little Place in Gospel Oak
  • alexander osman
    Producer
    This Little Place in Gospel Oak
  • Tommie Grabiec
    Key Cast
    Crossing the Line
  • Stephen McLeod
    Key Cast
    Bring Me Home
  • Lucy Roslyn
    Key Cast
    The Garden of Eden
  • Shaun Harvey Lee
    Crew
    Sweetheart
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 21 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 21, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - alexander osman

Alexander’s creative career spans many industries and includes success as a Music Producer, Multidisciplinary Designer and Filmmaker.

'Beneath the Surface' is his first pure drama having seen success on last years festival circuit with the widely acclaimed docudrama, 'This Little House in Gospel Oak' and a previously for a film about Arsenal football club for 4Docs.

More recently Alexander has produced and directed a short for 1000 Londoners: http://youtu.be/5CjEg3XcuLg

Alex has also written and directed films for Land Rover, Jaguar, Mazda, Curry’s, KPMG and Brand Perfect.

He is currently working in pre-production for two new short dramas as well as treatments for commercials and working as Creative Consultant for Global PLCs.

www.alexosman.com

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My vision is to make films with strong cinematic narratives that focus on visual story telling, strong characters and beautiful vistas.

Beneath the Surface is based on a true encounter I had one lunchtime in a public pool. The story is an exploration of how memories can be both true and false, and how the subconscious can play tricks with the mind particularly when under stress.

The film’s style, framing and musical composition all build around the theme of patterns, repetition, and reflection, echoing forgotten memories triggered at unexpected moments.