Private Project

The Nothing

'The Nothing' encompasses, a fear of the dark playing on your imagination, and mindfulness of being alone even in the safest of places...the house you grew up in. The short film is a journey of mental health in which we can learn and grow from; taking each challenge and moment to reflect on.  Arthur is in his late twenties and feels he doesn't have his life together based on what we believe are the standards society sets for him. He still lives at home, no apparent job or career and when left alone, his fears are heightened. Being left alone with his thoughts to face his anxiety and depression. 

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With all the subtext in the films minimal dialogue, there is emphasis on visuals to portray Arthur's anxiety and emotions. His friends are there in the beginning, but there's an elephant in the room, Arthur's depression. It isn't not brought up, but both characters are aware and dance around the subject as many people do. What is revealed in the end is hope for not just Arthur, but perhaps for anyone going through a similar situation.

  • Mel Pellicano
    Director
    Coffee & Sisters, The Letter J
  • Mel Pellicano
    Writer
    Coffee & Sisters
  • Steven Gatti
    Writer
  • Mel Pellicano
    Producer
  • Steven Gatti
    Producer
  • Arthur Kriklivy
    Key Cast
  • Steven Gatti
    Director of Photography
    The Wounded and the Slain, Coffee & Sisters, The Letter J
  • Jane Saunders
    Composer
    Coffee & Sisters, The Letter J
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Suspense
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    7,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39.1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Mel Pellicano

Having grown up in Staten Island, New York, Melissa knew the challenge wasn't just getting noticed in New York, but also the ever present "boys club." Every project through school and onward has been inclusive and experimental in storytelling to bring something new and completely collaborative to the industry.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This short film was a journey of mental health in itself from the beginning. We hope others can learn and grow from the message of the film, taking each challenge and moment to reflect on. With each frame and cut, I wanted the viewer to experience what Arthur is feeling. With every sound, note and image, I wanted to direct the viewer into a heightened anxiety. Through the process of production, I, myself fell into a deep depression and had felt more entwined with the films message. Remember, we are not alone in this and sometimes we can find sanctuary in unsuspecting allies.