Synopsis
Paradise Lost is a short dark comedy exploring themes of obsession, double life, and isolation. Do we ever really know those we’re closest to? What is the meaning of closeness at all? What constitutes a relationship?
James moves into his new apartment. It’s a couple of days of housewarming bliss until one night, he notices a strange man standing on the sidewalk across the street, pointing a finger directly at James’s living room window. Once noticed, the man begins to dance. And he just. Won’t. Stop. James attempts to confront the man, but every time he tries, the man disappears.
Days go by, then weeks. At first annoyed and disturbed, James eventually becomes obsessed with the dancer. The latter uses new and innovative dances and never leaves – he’s on moon shoes bouncing away, he’s doing the underwater dance, he’s doing “the Egyptian.” He changes costumes; he’s inventive and relentless. He’s anonymous and omnipresent. James is bewildered, but unable to look away. It’s like a trance, a special relationship, a performance meant only for him. But what does the dancer want? Where did he come from? And why can’t James take his eyes off of him?
One day, James discovers that the dancing man has abandoned his post. James waits at the window for his return, but the man never comes back. His absence causes James to spiral, foregoing his duties and responsibilities. His life in disarray, the apartment a total mess, James decides to go looking for his dancing tormenter.
James runs into his mailman on the street and asks him if he knows anything about the dancing man. The mailman gives him an address – everyone knows Eustace! James goes to Eustace’s home only to find his portrait with a black ribbon on the corner. He is wearing a military uniform in the photo. Eustace’s widowed wife, Cathy, greets James and tells him all about her husband. How he was everything for everyone. The life of every party. How to this day people come to their home and share stories about Eustace that bring a new perspective, a side of him she never knew. James slowly realizes his experience of Eustace is far from reality. As Cathy reminisces about her husband, James realizes – he can never shatter her memory of him. When Cathy asks how James knew Eustace, James is elusive and brief. He leaves, having gotten closure, but not the kind he wanted
Key Personnel
Matthew Huston – Director
I’m Matthew Huston, a filmmaker from Michigan and a graduate of the film department of the University of Michigan. I’ve taken on roles of writing, directing, and acting for this project, but in the past have found myself working with the camera, editing, and production teams. I’ve made short films in the past and helped to produce live productions in New York City. In pursuing a life in filmmaking, I’m excited both for Paradise Lost to be my next step and to take this step with the team we’ve built for this film.
Masha Mikhailova – Producer
Hey, I’m Masha! I’ve been working in the film industry for the last 7 years as a Producer and Editor. I moved to NYC from Michigan in August 2021 and have been a freelancer ever since, working on narrative, documentary, and commercial projects. My biggest love is character-forward storytelling and unconventional, untrodden paths.. I’m excited to be producing Paradise Lost because it’s uniquely weird, funny, and unlike anything I’ve worked on before. I’m also stoked to work with this incredible, dedicated team and bring Paradise Lost to life!
PORTFOLIO: www.mashamontage.com
David Mejia – Director of Photography
My name is David Mejia, a Cinematographer originally from Texas. As someone who’s always looking to stretch new muscles, I’ve found myself on one end of film through the years, and Paradise Lost acts as a welcome way to flex and develop what I’ve always known as filmmaking. Never really venturing into comedy, Matthew and I’s relationship serves as a foundation to explore this genre and how I can bring what I’ve honed in more dramatic/darker-toned genres into this film.
PORTFOLIO: www.davidamejia.myportfolio.com
Delaney Cavanagh – Art Director
I’m Delaney, a Production Designer and Scenic Painter based in Ridgewood, Queens. After studying classical voice professionally, I pivoted to film production and worked heavily in the Detroit area as a set dresser in multiple design fabrication studios there. Moving to New York in 2022, I’ve continued picking up projects in the independent and comedy scenes, working in set, wardrobe, and scenic painting.
Aayushi Mehrotra-Zakaria – Wardrobe
I’m Aayushi, and I work in the fashion and beauty world. While studying Economics, something I have absolutely no interest in, I found myself gravitating towards fashion and film all through college. I moved to NYC post-college and dived into the fashion world and also became a DJ. Through this project, I’m continuing my journey in the film world through the lens of fashion!
