Human nature is fickle. For all the good things that come with it, there is a belief, even a drive, to be right. Perhaps best termed a stubborn streak, we feel that we alone can have the appropriate perspective on an issue, leading to countless gripes between neighbours or amongst family members. It is likely that, if we travelled back two thousand years, Ancient Romans would be having similar tiffs in which both believe they are in the right.
It is this scenario that comes to life in the absurdist 2017 short film Punch Bag, a dark comedy with a unique vision. Written and directed by Daniel Harding, the narrative follows Naomi (Ingvild Deila), a woman who finds herself in one such similar situation, disgruntled with the intrusive noise of her neighbours. Finding a striking yellow and red pamphlet that offers aid for such matters, she waits outside the business office, growing more hesitant to enter after hearing the lopsided row going on inside.
Finally entering because she feels like she does not have a choice, an elderly man, Lucas (Bryan Samson), confrontational from the beginning, hears her tale. Like the eternal rectifier of such clashes, he seems disenchanted by the bland nature of her complaints, as well as how she would like it to be solved; after all, the noisy neighbour is not exactly an original scenario.
Resembling the absurdist sketches of Monty Python, it perhaps best draws parallels to the “Argument Clinic”, in which an outlandish situation is used to expound philosophy, logic, and liberal doses of comedy, all of which is done to hit the viewer over the head and make them contemplate what they have just seen. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNkjDuSVXiE In a similar manner, Harding scribes a narrative of multiple clashes, done in thought-provoking ways. Utterly ironic, Lucas is a unique character, a fusion of a stringent school teacher and flip-flopping politician, able to quell his pupil, yet do a complete one-eighty on a subject in literally a second. With a tinge of split personality, he can go from crotchety man tired of his altruistic ways to a benevolent guide in an instant – a rivetting performance from Samson. Naomi, who has some rather outlandish ideas when it comes to solving the issue she has with her next door neighbours, is self-centred and passive aggressive, as well as a bit timid and mousy, yet slowly finds strength of character by way of Lucas’ unusual methods. Leading to a suspected clash for a conclusion, Harding pulls a complete 180 (much like Lucas), flipping the tables and leaving the viewer with a somewhat unexpected twist. It speaks to the above mentioned human nature, and the need to look inward – viewing both sides of our own flawed story.
Bubbling with the same unparalleled dark humour that runs through so many British series and films, Harding finds a unique way to build comedy by way of a pitch black concept. With superlative performances from the two leads, effective direction and editing, as well as a thought-provoking nature, it is a more than entertaining ten minute watch. You’ll hear some great dialogue: for instance, when Naomi finally comes out and says, “What I want was for someone to hurt my neighbours. . . to teach them a lesson”, to which Lucas replies, “Hurts like how?”. She simply responds, “Physically”, and he dryly retorts, “Of course, no one wants to hurt their neighbours emotionally, do they?”. So, grab your own pamphlet and check out this excellent little short film, it pulls quite a few unexpected punches – both literally and figuratively.
Here is the link for your viewing pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcm7YdCy67k
I am so glad I watched this little gem of a film which totally brings back, quite rightly, the Monty Python skit mentioned in the review. We are definitely a curious lot, and it seems that we need guidance, in this case, received in a most unorthodox manner through a little bit of
role playing. Love how things come full circle and tie up nicely in the end. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Filmizon!!!!!