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Stardust 73

Synopsis

A surreal vision of a young man’s journey into madness as he attempts to leave his sheltered life under the over protective watchful eyes of his now recently departed mother.

Review

3/5
A chilling 70s drama short about a man grieving his mother.
Written and directed by Kai Van Der Putten, ‘Stardust 73’ follows Roger (Ara Shehigian) as he battles with the death of his mother (Claire Clark). The mystery-drama is entirely shot in 16-mm film and rewards viewers with a classic 1970s tone and style. The short powerfully tackles themes of mental health, loneliness and grief.

The 11-minute film opens with Roger in a depressive dream-like existence. Medicated and residing in a motel, the protagonist reminisces about his late mother and the conversations they shared during his childhood. It appears Roger is unable to accept life without her, creating a disturbing fantasy to feel her presence. Kai Van Der Putten (Writer/Director) has created a moving short that explores what happens when a man is unable to “come-of-age”.

Stardust 73
Ara Shehigian’s performance as Roger is certainly chilling but praiseworthy – leaving the audience feeling empathy and equally uncomfortable. In flashback, Roger’s mother advises him to “learn to take care of yourself” – this dilemma is ever more apparent as scenes of peeping-Tom sexual adventures and prescription drug use showcase his depressive state and adolescent mind. Cinematography, sound and music aid the tone of the era and help to create a dreamlike sedation from start to finish. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Writer(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Cast: Ara Shehigian, Claire Clark, Maria Wakefield, MIchel Cuillerier
Producer(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifications

Genre: Drama, Mystery
Subjects: Aging, Breakup, Coming-of-age, Depression, Family, Guilt, Heartbreak, Identity, Lockdown, Loneliness, Loss, Love, Mother and Son
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2015
Published in March 2022
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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Writer(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Cast: Ara Shehigian, Claire Clark, Maria Wakefield, MIchel Cuillerier
Producer(s): Kai Van Der Putten
Director of Photography:
Editor(s):
Animation:
Sound:
Music:
Miscellaneous:

Specifcations

Genre: Drama, Mystery
Subjects: Aging, Breakup, Coming-of-age, Depression, Family, Guilt, Heartbreak, Identity, Lockdown, Loneliness, Loss, Love, Mother and Son
Country: United States
Language: English
Year: 2015
Collections:

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Stardust 73

Synopsis

A surreal vision of a young man’s journey into madness as he attempts to leave his sheltered life under the over protective watchful eyes of his now recently departed mother.

Review

A chilling 70s drama short about a man grieving his mother.

3/5
Written and directed by Kai Van Der Putten, ‘Stardust 73’ follows Roger (Ara Shehigian) as he battles with the death of his mother (Claire Clark). The mystery-drama is entirely shot in 16-mm film and rewards viewers with a classic 1970s tone and style. The short powerfully tackles themes of mental health, loneliness and grief.

The 11-minute film opens with Roger in a depressive dream-like existence. Medicated and residing in a motel, the protagonist reminisces about his late mother and the conversations they shared during his childhood. It appears Roger is unable to accept life without her, creating a disturbing fantasy to feel her presence. Kai Van Der Putten (Writer/Director) has created a moving short that explores what happens when a man is unable to “come-of-age”.

Stardust 73
Ara Shehigian’s performance as Roger is certainly chilling but praiseworthy – leaving the audience feeling empathy and equally uncomfortable. In flashback, Roger’s mother advises him to “learn to take care of yourself” – this dilemma is ever more apparent as scenes of peeping-Tom sexual adventures and prescription drug use showcase his depressive state and adolescent mind. Cinematography, sound and music aid the tone of the era and help to create a dreamlike sedation from start to finish. Highly recommended.

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