This Modern Man Is Beat (2015) User Reviews

A moving, if slightly overacted, film

[apblanco-94664 · 8/10 · 16 February 2024]

This Modern Man is Beat is in many respects a fantastic short film. Though many of the characters are understandably somewhat one-note given its short length, both its central protagonist Habib and his wife receive a significant amount of development, and the dismal and desperate mental state of the former throughout comes across very well in the writing and acting.

The sets are also of sterling quality, with strong contrasts of light and dark dividing the past and the present. The film's foreshadowing is top-notch, as small, intermittently introduced details combine to form a grander picture, subtle enough to clue one in without giving away its true premise until the end.

That said, for all its high points the film does have its share of foibles, as the cold open in the pawn shop leaves little time to establish the gravity of Habib selling his guitar, and Habib himself is a little too eager to spill his whole life's story at the drop of a hat. The film is also prone to shots that occasionally come off as awkward and even slightly comical, which can undercuts the tension somewhat.

The film's cold open combined with its short length are generally what hurt the film the most though, as the extremely dramatic, dolorous music, the slow pace of dialogue and perhaps overly impassioned delivery of the main actor can appear almost to be self-parody at moments given the emotional attachment they expect the viewer to have for a character they've known only fifteen or so minutes.

Overall, the film is very competent and moving but occasionally considers itself more emotional than it is, and undermines itself in the process.

Fantastic Visuals, Somewhat Weak in Story and Dialogue

[miloakerman · 8/10 · 15 February 2024]

In terms of pure audiovisual quality, the film met and exceeded my expectations. The environment is well established through good color grading (that avoids falling into the Breaking Bad trap of "desert equals yellow") and fantastic audio design. However, as mentioned by some other commenters, the film somewhat fails in presenting the characters as multidimensional and complex. The main character is introduced through a somewhat unnatural dialogue sequence, which seems more like a dream than a pawn shop interaction, and the developments that follow are not explicated well enough to merit any sort of goodwill towards the characters.

A Captivating Journey Through Emotional Turmoil

[beyanidoreliennoel · 8/10 · 28 March 2024]

"This Modern Man Is Beat" unbelievably dives into the enthusiastic complexities of its protagonist's travel through turmoil and existential emergency. Through extraordinary exhibitions and reminiscent imagery, the film welcomes watchers to reflect on subjects of misfortune, lament, and the journey for meaning. Whereas not a routine crowd-pleaser, its thought-provoking narrating and emotive profundity make it fundamental seeing for those looking for a cinematic encounter that reverberates on a significant passionate level, displaying the control of free cinema to incite thought and blend the soul.

Great suspenseful film

[kevingomez-99964 · 10/10 · 7 December 2022]

This Modern Man Is Beat, a phenomenal short film with a very good unexpected turn of events. It had stunningly beautiful and colorful scenes. The film kept me tense the whole way through. Wondering what had gotten Habib in such a depressed mood. The small hints and details throughout specific scenes not giving you the whole picture but slowly leading you to to make your own assumption of the situation. The mains characters quick development of emotions towards the end was very well curated, it had really left you with a lot to think about. I would love to watch it again and recommend this film to everyone.

Awesome Short Film

[alxandrasantana · 10/10 · 22 July 2023]

The greatness of this film lies more in what is intimated than in what is presented. On the surface, the plot of the movie seems relatively simple: a man goes to a pawn shop to sell his guitar. However, the backstory that is only alluded to and not even seen is incredible. I've never seen a movie use negative space so effectively. The narrative is presented in little fragments, leaving the remaining details to your imagination. It began by striking the person with the appropriate emotions. How effectively the primary character was able to convey each feeling. He conveys his sorrow over his wife's memories in a way that also conveys his feeling that there is a slim chance that things will return to the way they were. The small amount of joy he experienced upon learning that he was able to sell his guitar for a little bit more money. He started to feel the weight of what had transpired, the desperation he had experienced upon realizing the police were going to arrest him.

Intriguing, but room for improvement + expansion

[vdavis-21162 · 6/10 · 16 February 2024]

This Modern Man is Beat is a dramatic short film featuring professional cinematography and visuals. The narrative was intriguing, with a shocking plot twist at the end. I did anticipate the plot twist correctly within the first few minutes of the film, but was satisfied with the narrative, nonetheless. I do feel as if some of the dialogue and pauses between scenes were a tad awkward or artificial - the main character, Habib bin Habin al Fulan, often spoke too little or too long. Upon exiting the motel in the first half of the movie, the camerawork showed several angles to view Habib and his surroundings with, including a dog laying on the other side of the road. The lengthy shots suggested something significant or dramatic would occur, perhaps with the dog or the area Habib was in, but nothing of note happened besides the transition to the next location. The story itself was compelling, though it lacked the backstory that I felt was necessary to truly appreciate the film. Overall, I would rate this as a quality film with a lot of room for an expanded story. Much potential for a longer, more intricate adaptation.

Thought-Provoking Film

[valdezrignak · 4/10 · 10 April 2024]

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: "This Modern Man Is Beat" is a captivating exploration of identity and cultural assimilation. The film follows the journey of a Muslim man navigating the unfamiliar terrain of beatnik culture. Through beautifully crafted scenes and genuine performances, it delves into the complexities of personal and cultural identity. While some parts of the narrative may feel disjointed, the overarching themes of belonging and authenticity resonate deeply. The cinematography adds depth to the storytelling, capturing the clash between tradition and modernity with striking visuals. Overall, "This Modern Man Is Beat" offers an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

This modern man is Beat.

[nicoldaniela-36545 · 10/10 · 5 April 2024]

The film delves deep into a man's psyche whose life testifies to how much emotional strain and economic pressure can bear down on someone. In Habib's confession to the pawnshop buyer, he not only reveals his dire circumstance but an unexpected truth about their relationship as well; this twist serves as a critical juncture for what becomes an overarching theme in this film (Merkin 2015): That despair at times prevents us from making rational choices and sometimes forces us into terrible ones. Merkin challenges our understanding that true heroism lies within one person but instead emphasizes that it is more about resilience found at rock bottom. Habibs love for his wife - despite being incompatible and her lack of faith- leads him down a slippery slope into a rage, which ultimately reaches its climax at an irreversible moment. This momentary weakness suggests deep emotional bondage; it amplifies exactly how destructive unchecked emotions become and sheds light on miscommunication as well as misunderstanding between partners.

It's a Solid Shortfilm

[ul3vm · 6/10 · 10 February 2024]

I can see a lot of thought and effort went into creating this film. All the actors did great. It has some nice cinematic shots, my favorite one actually being used as the cover. At the same time, the dialogue is telling not showing. One example is the long drawn-out scene of his wife being still on the bed while Habib talks to himself. It has an abrupt tone shift from "Can you say something? Are you going to stay in bed all day?" to "You don't believe me but it's okay cause I was lying." It feels drastic because nothing happened in those 30 seconds. Unprompted, Habib overly narrates to the audience and both men at the pawn shop. His background and ethnicity give depth to the character but within the film itself, it's awkwardly stated and adds nothing. The events between Habib and his wife would be more impactful to the audience if you cut to flashbacks to hear and see what happened in real-time instead of Habib retelling it.

"An impression of poetry in motion for all generations"

[cloydinmedina · 5/10 · 9 December 2020]

This is great short film created by an amazing effort of a small talented group of professional actors and great developing crew back in 2015. The hypnotic film under 17 minutes long will have you on the edge of your seat. The film is full sounds and profound music, with every eye-catching color and romantic scenes completely sequestrated all the senses. it is easy to get lost into the storyline and get your mind blown away with the tragic emotional twist. Astonishing performance; The holistic story of a man broken man living in a world divided by cultural differences and confusion. Habib bin Habib al Fulan, (Jordi Villasuso) the submissive loving and dedicated husband whose sole purpose in his life was to cherish his wife (Sheena Colette). Fierce warrior cast from the Americas the antagonist of the story. The great dark secret that Habib and his wife share while sharing his state of denial. Turmoil and the struggle to reach out beyond the heartbreak and enormous grief in his heart. All that Habib could hope for was an attempt to reconcile his demons and return with his beloved wife. Longing to share one more moment with his beloved one. Habib attempting to pawns his guitar for fist-full of dollars, with the endeavor of a fresh start. The money would catapult new hopes and dreams for the young couple, together again. This is a great film that must be watch over and over, new twist along this great performance of splendid actors and the amazing direction of Prof. David Schroeder. The unique style of cinematography can only be contemplated as masterpiece amongst many. Congratulation to the Team for executing this fantastic film and creating this powerful impression of poetry in motion for all generations.

Captivating Story! Must watch!

[bascoapril · 8/10 · 5 April 2024]

Through a fragmented narrative and striking cinematography, the film plunges viewers into the turbulent psyche of its protagonist as he navigates the complexities of modern life. The performances, particularly by the lead actor, are raw and emotionally resonant, pulling audiences into the heart of his existential struggle.

However, the film's nonlinear structure and abstract storytelling may be off-putting for some viewers, requiring patience and open-mindedness to fully appreciate its depth. While the ambiguity of certain scenes adds to the film's enigmatic charm, it also risks leaving audiences feeling disconnected or bewildered.

Despite its challenges, "This Modern Man Is Beat" rewards those willing to immerse themselves in its introspective journey with thought-provoking insights into the human condition and the search for meaning in a world fraught with uncertainty.

Great watch

[lauren-95298 · 7/10 · 29 November 2023]

The short film "This modern man is beat" is a riveting short film produced and written by David Schroeder. From the amazing actors, to the intense cinematography, and engrossing music, this film keeps you entertained throughout the whole film. The story of a man trying to navigate himself in todays discriminatory society. The film shows a mans experiences while dealing with his personal relationships, such as that with his wife, and evaluating his personal life decisions. We watch as this foreign mans love for America is put to the test when it feels as though America may be against him. It is a feeling many can relate to and therefore creating a very touching story.

Guilt In This Modern Man Is Beat

[douglasperlajose · 5/10 · 30 October 2023]

"This Modern Man Is Beat" tells the story of a troubled, guilt ridden man. It is a simple yet compelling story, though it may feel cliche, its storytelling is done wonderfully so, to the point where it does not feel as just a simple retelling of an exhausted cliche. The story revolves entirely around the protagonist, and for such a short film, it makes sense. All the elements of the story are very well done and introduced, it wraps everything up nicely. I personally really enjoyed how the character's (Habib) guilt plays a huge role in the film, as it's arguably the reason the film even happens to begin with. He murders his wife, which admittedly, was more predictable than rain in a desert, but the way it affects him, feels incredibly human. He's not some psycho mastermind, just a man, and as all men do, he has flaws and a conscience, and morals, and all those elements which makes us human. Naturally, the murder was an accident, and he goes on to cope by basically living in denial, which is very well portrayed up to the point where it boils up, eating him alive, and he confesses his sin to a store clerk. Very nice film, and for like 15 minutes of actual storytelling, it's worth the watch.

A Short Film with Depth

[dzgyttc · 8/10 · 9 April 2024]

The short film "This Modern Man Is Beat," directed by Alex Merkin, takes audiences on a journey that explores the complex layers of modern identity. The main character, goes on an unforeseen adventure while visiting a strip club, where he meets people from various walks of life. Merkin explores cultural themes and uses self-aware visuals to look into issues of heritage, masculinity, and personal introspection in the vibrant setting of Los Angeles. The film's aesthetic/ imagery contribute to its raw and quiet atmosphere, creating a sense of introspection and reflection."This Modern Man Is Beat" provides a thought-provoking examination of identity in a society that is struggling with its own disagreements and brief moments of understanding.

"This Modern Man Is Beat," Review Jean Fuentes

[jeancfuentesjf · 9/10 · 1 December 2023]

"This Modern Man is Beat" deftly moves between emotional terrain. The plot, which revolves around a guitarist and his wife, explores the subtleties of perplexity, despair, and loneliness. Moments of extreme hopelessness and melancholy dot the protagonist's journey, depicted with striking and powerful reality. This short video is incredibly captivating because of its skill in smoothly switching between tones, which keeps viewers interested all the way through. Unexpected twists and turns in the plot create depth and layers of tension, which enhances the story's overall effect. The film steadily intensifies as viewers follow the protagonist through his hardships, creating an incredibly dramatic and memorable and incredible climax.

Review and Critique

[diegocano-71840 · 5/10 · 5 April 2024]

This movie doesn't do much to steer far from your run of the mill thriller,. It has solid ideas presented and for the most part is actually well paced. For being a short film however, it could've honestly used some its time building on its characters, particularly the protagonist and/or his wife. I think if either of those characters had given me more material to care about them, all of the plots twists and structures could've landed harder. The short film excels with its acting and cinematography and those aspects I feel are the film's greatest strengths. The symbolisms in its cinematic style are also nice in its subtlety. Though the montages and muted dialogue scenes in the flashbacks I believe can be a weakness. I understand showing and not telling but sometimes these interactions can work better to serve its characters instead of appearing only as glimpses. However, for where the scenes are placed it contrasts well to the idealized daydreams he reaches for in denial. So far that lack of development and how predictable some of the story beats are, are what happen to make the film ordinary. I feel the film at best is a decent viewing if there is nothing else to watch; this film probably would work a lot better if it was a feature. With how short this film is though it should've focused on making its characters more interesting, the background info on Habib could've gone somewhere but it ultimately was just exposition. One thing that I strongly feel the film in its current state suffers from and can do without is Habib's depiction as a half Palestinian man, I can get behind him being El Salvadoran to bring a job opportunity but it does nothing for his character being an Arab. I bring this up because in a post 9/11 world, this portrayal of Arab people in villainous/violent roles is just a reflection of how wrongly perceived they are in real life. It may have not been the films' intentions but this aspect serves to reinforce western fears of "the untrustworthy middle eastern man" stereotype. If the film wanted to center around him being foreign, it can do that, but here it just feels like throw away information and feels poorly handled.

Absolute Delight!

[gonzalezraycel · 10/10 · 1 December 2023]

Experiencing this movie was an absolute delight from start to finish. The protagonist's journey resonated with me on a personal level, and the film's brevity didn't compromise its impact... it heightened the emotional intensity. Visually, it's a masterpiece, with each frame meticulously crafted to enhance the narrative. In just a brief runtime, the film manages to explore profound themes, leaving a lasting impression and making it a standout piece that I'll undoubtedly revisit. The cinematography is a visual feast, complementing the narrative beautifully and adding layers of depth to the overall viewing experience. In just a short span, the film manages to convey a powerful message about the nuances of contemporary existence, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate storytelling at its finest.

Surprising!

[naylamasis · 10/10 · 1 April 2024]

The short film "This Modern Man is Beat" is an amazing suspenseful film. I love the cinematography it was beautifully made. I recommend watching this short film if you are into twist. The way it was leaving me anxious as to what would be the turn out. This short film isn't like others because you know what's going to happen but this one had a surprising ending that caught me off guard and left me wanting more. The producers did an amazing job with being creative and finding the right actors for the short film. This film deserves more hype and would love it to become a movie because I would watch it.

The last straw

[leanyhernandez · 8/10 · 27 September 2023]

A film that starts in the middle 'en media res' and from the first 10 seconds you can predict the end, but the beauty of it is in the outcome of the events, even though you already know that is a tragic end, you can't help but want more, I saw it three times and every time I played it, a new detail emerged, little things that maybe you don't notice at first but they give a new meaning to the end. It also made me think about the mental state of Habib (the protagonist) and his wife, what made them get to that point, it also made me realize how this kind of situation its more common than what we think,and how many marriages end up in that situation.

A great watch.

[mcalderin-28424 · 9/10 · 14 February 2024]

The Modern Man is Beat is a captivating story, with amazing visuals. I don't know exactly how to describe it, but the story feels larger than what's portrayed. This feeling is especially present at the end, when the twist is revealed. I also like how it ends without actually ending. The suspense at the end, just to be cut by the credits is something that just leaves me wanting more. It also leaves the ending up to interpretation, though I could imagine that the creator has his own idea of an ending beyond what's shown.

The shortness of the movie is also something I appreciate, because not everyone have 1, 2, or sometimes 3 hours to sit and watch feature length film. The shortness of 17 minutes allows more people with less time to watch and enjoy.

AMAZING

[mariannemartinez-28905 · 10/10 · 9 April 2024]

This Modern Man Is Beat, was an amazing short film with many twists and turns of events. Throughout the film they are showing you a man named Habib who is trying to make money for wife. Habib the main character lost his job a couple months ago and would return to this pawn shop to see what he can make from his guitar. The scenes keep you wrapped in as you don't know what is going to happen next. From what we can understand he just wants to make his wife proud and prove to her that he can provide and come up with something. As the short film goes on Habib the main character is shown in the bathroom with scratches all over his back, with smeared lipstick on the walls. Now this leaves room for questions, as to what could have happened to him. Habib makes his way back to the pawn shop where they tell him they can buy his guitar from him. But in these moments, he begins to start telling a story and as he keeps talking, they realize what he is saying is the reality of the situation going on with him, they proceed to call the police. As Habib is explaining his story and opening up to them you begin to realize the wife had been deceased the entire movie. The short film is filled with details that show us the pain and stages of grief that he is going through in a way that doesn't just tell you but where you have to start pieces things together.

"Shocking end"

[aaranafernandezd · 9/10 · 1 April 2024]

It is an interesting film, although there's not too much dialogue but the actor Jordi Vilasuso as the main character can express his struggle with emotions. This movie grabs the audience's attention by giving us little details so that they get the same sense of desperation as the protagonist. The final scene is very shocking, and it shows the complexities that come with being a man. I recommend watching this short film since it shows the struggle of being in an abusive relationship from a man's perspective. It also addresses man's pressures of bottling up their feelings. The open resolution at the end also lets you wonder what could have happened so everyone can have a different interpretation.

Amazing short film !

[saby-33056 · 10/10 · 11 February 2024]

Is a gripping short film that delves into the psyche of a man who, left with nothing, confronts the consequences of his actions after killing his wife. Through stellar performances and evocative storytelling, it explores themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, leaving a haunting impression on viewers with its exploration of moral ambiguity and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a gripping story about guilt, loss, and redemption that captivates with its strong performances and thought-provoking themes. This film leaves a lasting impact, making viewers question morality and the human capacity for forgiveness.

Phenomenal Short Film

[kyle-98917 · 9/10 · 1 December 2023]

This is a Phenomenal Short Film.

This short film told an awesome story. The characters did an outstanding performance which enhanced the experience of this film. The internal struggle of the protagonist was captivating. There were instances where the film left it up to the viewer to fill in details with their imagination thus pulling the audience in. Alongside the story that was being told the scenery and cinematic shots were very nice. The attention to detail is very noticeable which makes this film even greater. Overall, This Modern Man Is Beat was an awesome short film.. I recommend others to watch as well.

Captivating short film

[manuelduenas · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

The story begin with a man carrying his guitar, and in front of the motel, across the street, he see a dog on the road face to face staring into the eyes, but the dog seems to be scared by him, and the dog look down to get calm down. At the same time, the story is intriguing, fascinating, mysterious, odd, he bring flashback memories, outstanding character. On the one hand, the man demonstrates to be strong, but on the other hand he is fragile. In his inner, he is suffering because of his way always was telling him that she did not believe in him and he was not a real man, apart from it, he would never be a good guitar player, he is thinking about her all the time, but her words made him feel like a loser.