Junture

In approaching Juncture, I was immediately taken in by the script and the characters. I gave up alcohol a number of years ago, so I felt I had a lot to bring to the film. From the get-go for me I saw Juncture as a small but very important story about an ordinary man trying to start afresh after losing his way in life. In trying to capture this I wanted Juncture to be a universal story much like the famous Irish short film "Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom"; a film that would transcend language and deliver a powerful message about redemption, temptation and the human condition. Everything in this film needed to be natural from the performances, the anecdotes in therapy, to the make-up, to the lighting thus making this film feel real. For Juncture to succeed the audience needed to root for Leo as he is a very likeable character who simply wants to pick himself up and begin again, perhaps with a new relationship with Kayleigh and with his old job back. In all his interactions he comes across as someone seeking redemption and grateful for the fresh start despite his past, and in this the audience likes him and empathises with him, especially at the film's climax.

Leo's like-ability is paramount for the film to succeed not just as a short film but as a parable about everyday temptations and the quest for redemption that I think we all strive for somewhat. Temptation is a very powerful force in life but even more so in recovery and regardless of what has been gleaned from therapy, temptation will always attempt to seduce and attract, this is the motivation for Cayleigh's character.