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The Last Fool

Before his execution, a far-right extremist receives a tarot card reading from an idealistic reverend, revealing that neither man is who they appear to be.

  • Ernest Anemone
    Director
  • Ernest Anemone
    Writer
  • Max MacKenzie
    Producer
  • Ernest Anemone
    Key Cast
    "The Reverend"
  • Max MacKenzie
    Key Cast
    "Kyle"
  • John de la Parra
    Key Cast
    "Guard #1"
  • Jon Heutmaker
    Key Cast
    "Guard #2"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Film Noir
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 5, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Arri Alexa
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Ernest Anemone

After practicing law for nearly a decade, working with violent offenders, Ernest Anemone pivoted to storytelling to ask questions the legal system could not answer. As a true multi-hyphenate, Anemone brings a unique perspective, tackling complex themes of justice, faith, and human nature from a queer Christian perspective. Their spiritual path included the interfaith study of theology at Harvard Divinity School and working as a professional Tarot reader for many years. These experiences infuse ‘The Last Fool’ with a depth and symbolism rarely seen in mainstream media, which allow them to approach sensitive subjects like extremist violence with both empathy and insight.

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Director Statement

Around 50 million Americans believe “true patriots" will have to resort to violence in order to save our country. Kyle is one of them. 'The Last Fool' is a psychological thriller that unfolds in the moments before his execution for the murder of seven unarmed protesters at a social justice rally in Philadelphia.

In America, far-right terrorist attacks have quadrupled since 2011, rising from five or fewer per year to over 30. This film is a confrontation of the ideologies motivating these attacks. We are not born enemies, but once we make them, is there any hope of turning back?

Set in a claustrophobic prison meeting room, the film frames a contentious conversation between two men with opposing worldviews—a progressive reverend and a neo-Nazi. Visually, we’ve crafted a world that resembles reality but manages to constantly undermine it. The tight framing, distorted perspectives, and even the color grade immerse viewers in the characters' psychological states. This visual approach, paired with our haunting soundscape and atmospheric score work to bypass intellectual defenses and deliver a visceral experience.

Technically, we've pushed boundaries in terms of sound design. Both the score and ambient sounds are intricately layered to create a constant state of unease, reflecting the turmoil within the characters and the outside world. This acoustic tension complements the visual tension, creating a fully immersive experience that pulls the audience towards the film's gripping final moments.

As we try to make sense of our increasingly polarized world, 'The Last Fool' offers a timely and provocative insight into our seemingly insurmountable divides. It challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and consider the roots of violence and the meaning of redemption.