The First Date
By Pete Bauer • Nov 8th, 2006 • Category: NewsThe First Date, created by Anthony Spadaccini and Nate Edwards, is a clever silent film about a bumbling man that humorously struggles on a first date. When I use the term silent film, it is exactly that, an ode or “remake” or “retake” of the turn of the 20th century silent films. Shot on video, but in black and white, effected with digital film grain and imperfections as well as a slightly sped-up frame rate, the film does its best to create a modern day silent film.
Nate Edwards fills the Charlie Chaplan-esque role of the bumbling lead that endears himself to Melissa Torrence by foiling a purse snatcher and uses his newfound heroism to convince her to come over to his house for dinner. Edwards has moments of real talent as the inept beau who’s every attempt to have a successful date are undone by his own incompetence. His timing is often spot on and his antics quite humorous. A secondary story about the relationship of the purse snatcher trying to reform his life is far less successful and diminishes any momentum created by Edwards’ date mishaps.
The digital film grain and other effects to age the film actually became surprisingly distracting as the 15-minute short unfolded. That being said, I am a big fan of filmmakers taking the digital media and trying something they would rarely attempt, with film and making a true old-school silent film on video is a bold choice that is more successful than not.
In the end, The First Date is hit and miss comedically, but an inspired effort nonetheless.
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