“Square Up” By Mvstermind

The short film IN MEDIAS RUSH is an experimental cinematic journey into the depths of a manic mind. A poetic retro-sci-fi narrative unfolded in a string of unsettling tableaus that encapsulates the male protagonist’s ambiguous feelings about his birthday. While balancing between realities in his silent struggle with severe mental illness, we plunge into the film at a neatly orchestrated birthday party. The protagonist is accompanied by his girlfriend, and they are drinking cocoa on the couch in their mutual home. The setting breathes pure perfection, but through the voice over we sense that another reality is soon to be revealed. With one foot on the accelerator, he is heading towards the edge. The thematic focal point of IN MEDIAS RUSH is mental health problems among young adults, and the social/personal consequences related to the existing taboo on the subject. The film wishes to formulate an honest cinematic space in which words, sound, and image artistically interprets and articulates some of the perspectives related to especially bipolar, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. IN MEDIAS RUSH was nominated in the category 'Best Danish Short Film' at Copenhagen Short Film Festival in 2020. Original title: IN MEDIAS RÆS Directed by: Esben Persson -------------------- DK: IN MEDIAS RÆS IN MEDIAS RÆS er en filmisk rejse ind i dybderne af et manisk sind. En ung mand fejrer sin fødselsdag, mens hans tanker tordner afsted. Med en uvillig fod på speederen har han kurs mod kanten. FR: IN MEDIA RES IN MEDIA RES est un voyage dans les profondeurs d’un esprit maniaque. Un jeune homme fête son anniversaire tandis que ses pensées se multiplient. Malgré lui, il se dirige vers un point de non-retour. -------------------- Cast: Peter Alexander Bach & Amanda Overby Drew Director // Script writer // Set designer // Costume designer // Editor // Speaker: Esben Persson Photographer // Editor: Lasse Mølsted Producer: Latifa Lykke Ben Mabrouk Assistant producer: Cecilie Creutsberg Music composer: Martin Bejder Sound designer: Mads Hye Chief Lighting Technician: Rasmus Bruun Liboriussen VFX: Jonas Fonnesbæk Lodahl Colorist: Kristopher Paterson Graphic designer: Jakob Toft Kristensen -------------------- Shot on RED Monstro 8K with Lomo Squarefront Anamorphics.

Synopsis

Loosely based on the artist's real life experience, Square Up is a narrative music video that follows Mvstermind actively trying to locate and retrieve his repossessed vehicle. Overcoming various obstacles allows him to find what it is he is truly in search of.

Directors statement

When writing this music video for Mvstermind, as always, I let the music guide the story. This time, however, I found myself inspired by the true events of Mvsterminds's struggles. His story dealing with a car repossession the day of signing his shoe deal provided the jumping-off point. The song already had this tone of being down on your luck and overcoming those obstacles, so it naturally made sense to adopt that story and create this hectic adventure.

View fullsize

View fullsize

The character and set-pieces were crucial aspects of the video. I wanted to anchor our quirky characters in these gritty environments that felt unique and believable. Each set-piece provided its own challenges, all having their own specific tone and style. That's where the collaboration with D.P. Mike Dalton and Set Designer/Wardrobe Stylist Emily Pfeiffer elevated this project. We have collaborated on past projects and have developed a visual shorthand that makes the process easy.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Collaborating with Mvstermind has been something I've been wanting to make a reality for a while. It took the right song and concept to make it happen. The energy of Mvstermind along with the talented cast and crew truly made for an enjoyable and memorable experience and can be seen in every frame.

Credits

Produced by Stolen Sun
Music: Mvstermind
Director: Dustie Carter
Director of Photography: Mike Dalton
Producer: Matt Siemer
AD: Casey Nation
1st AC: Jesse Bader
2nd AC: Makayla Hufziger
Gaffer: Ethan Waddell
Key Grip: Joe Tello
Wardrobe Stylist & Set Designer: Emily Pfeiffer
Set Design Assistant: Caitie Aasen
Balloon Artist: Brian Styles
Editor: Sam Baiamonte
Colorist: Brian Singler
VFX: Andy DeVries
3d Artist: Brian Ellebracht
Graphic Design: Skcrub
Sound Design: Colton Jackson
Camera Provided by Alvaro Aro
G&E Provided by Tim Hawn

Starring:
Big Tone, Mai Lee, Alonzo Townsend, Savis Davis and Mvstermind

Special Thanks:
Junk Cars for Cash, Dellwood Market, Mission Taco Jay Steinback

“Square Up” was submitted to us by Dustie Carter. Have a film of your own you’d like us to check out? Click here!