This Modern Man Is Beat (2015) User Reviews

This Modern Man is beat.

[mattmullin-89948 · 8/10 · 22 September 2023]

This 17-minute short film delves into the complex emotional journey of Habib, a man grappling with depression stemming from his tumultuous relationship with his wife, a relationship that raises questions about his underlying motivations. The film impressively demonstrates high production value, effectively harnessing suspense to engage viewers in a manner that truly encapsulates the essence of a short film's brevity. Furthermore, the performances by the actors are exceptional, vividly conveying powerful emotions and intensifying the suspense surrounding the unfolding narrative. As a result, this film undeniably leaves me eager to delve deeper into its intricacies and discover more about its compelling storyline.

My Short Movie Review

[gabrielleseaga · 8/10 · 15 February 2024]

The Modern Man is Beat, is a an amazing film to watch as it shows what runs through the main characters mind. The film makes a person wonder if Habib is going to be able to move on from this dark period of his life or will he just stay in that motel. There are some hints as to if he will stay depressed or if he is going to fight this feeling. Habib seems to try to remember his wife in a positive way but it seems like he had a difficult time. This movie shows how a character is fighting his thoughts and tries to survive. The Pawn shop cashier took a while to catch on why this man needs money but the owner caught on right away and called the cops.

A Great Emotion of Suspense

[nitrohalfgunaron · 8/10 · 26 October 2023]

Right, from the beginning the short film immerses you in an atmosphere that hints at hidden depths waiting to be explored. The storytelling skillfully builds on this sense of intrigue. As the scenes unfold it compels you to delve into Habib's sense of desolation. Throughout its duration, the film cleverly drops hints without spoon-feeding the audience allowing them to come to their conclusions. The protagonist's journey, and their emotional transformation leading up, to the climax, is portrayed with such finesse that it leaves viewers deep in thought. Not only does the film showcase storytelling but it also demonstrates the power of leaving certain aspects open for viewers to connect and interpret on their own.

Great suspenseful film

[kevingomez-99964 · 10/10 · 7 December 2022]

This Modern Man Is Beat, a phenomenal short film with a very good unexpected turn of events. It had stunningly beautiful and colorful scenes. The film kept me tense the whole way through. Wondering what had gotten Habib in such a depressed mood. The small hints and details throughout specific scenes not giving you the whole picture but slowly leading you to to make your own assumption of the situation. The mains characters quick development of emotions towards the end was very well curated, it had really left you with a lot to think about. I would love to watch it again and recommend this film to everyone.

Awesome Short Film

[alxandrasantana · 10/10 · 22 July 2023]

The greatness of this film lies more in what is intimated than in what is presented. On the surface, the plot of the movie seems relatively simple: a man goes to a pawn shop to sell his guitar. However, the backstory that is only alluded to and not even seen is incredible. I've never seen a movie use negative space so effectively. The narrative is presented in little fragments, leaving the remaining details to your imagination. It began by striking the person with the appropriate emotions. How effectively the primary character was able to convey each feeling. He conveys his sorrow over his wife's memories in a way that also conveys his feeling that there is a slim chance that things will return to the way they were. The small amount of joy he experienced upon learning that he was able to sell his guitar for a little bit more money. He started to feel the weight of what had transpired, the desperation he had experienced upon realizing the police were going to arrest him.

Intriguing, but room for improvement + expansion

[vdavis-21162 · 6/10 · 16 February 2024]

This Modern Man is Beat is a dramatic short film featuring professional cinematography and visuals. The narrative was intriguing, with a shocking plot twist at the end. I did anticipate the plot twist correctly within the first few minutes of the film, but was satisfied with the narrative, nonetheless. I do feel as if some of the dialogue and pauses between scenes were a tad awkward or artificial - the main character, Habib bin Habin al Fulan, often spoke too little or too long. Upon exiting the motel in the first half of the movie, the camerawork showed several angles to view Habib and his surroundings with, including a dog laying on the other side of the road. The lengthy shots suggested something significant or dramatic would occur, perhaps with the dog or the area Habib was in, but nothing of note happened besides the transition to the next location. The story itself was compelling, though it lacked the backstory that I felt was necessary to truly appreciate the film. Overall, I would rate this as a quality film with a lot of room for an expanded story. Much potential for a longer, more intricate adaptation.

"An impression of poetry in motion for all generations"

[cloydinmedina · 5/10 · 9 December 2020]

This is great short film created by an amazing effort of a small talented group of professional actors and great developing crew back in 2015. The hypnotic film under 17 minutes long will have you on the edge of your seat. The film is full sounds and profound music, with every eye-catching color and romantic scenes completely sequestrated all the senses. it is easy to get lost into the storyline and get your mind blown away with the tragic emotional twist. Astonishing performance; The holistic story of a man broken man living in a world divided by cultural differences and confusion. Habib bin Habib al Fulan, (Jordi Villasuso) the submissive loving and dedicated husband whose sole purpose in his life was to cherish his wife (Sheena Colette). Fierce warrior cast from the Americas the antagonist of the story. The great dark secret that Habib and his wife share while sharing his state of denial. Turmoil and the struggle to reach out beyond the heartbreak and enormous grief in his heart. All that Habib could hope for was an attempt to reconcile his demons and return with his beloved wife. Longing to share one more moment with his beloved one. Habib attempting to pawns his guitar for fist-full of dollars, with the endeavor of a fresh start. The money would catapult new hopes and dreams for the young couple, together again. This is a great film that must be watch over and over, new twist along this great performance of splendid actors and the amazing direction of Prof. David Schroeder. The unique style of cinematography can only be contemplated as masterpiece amongst many. Congratulation to the Team for executing this fantastic film and creating this powerful impression of poetry in motion for all generations.

One of the Best Short Films

[stephanyplol · 10/10 · 3 April 2024]

" This Modern Man Is Beat" is the best short film I have watched. I enjoyed the acting, the plot, and the cinematography of the film. There was some mystery which I loved since it kept me intrigued and wanting to know what was going on. During the end there was an unexpected plot twist. I really enjoyed watching this film because it had such an interesting plot and ending, and it wasn't like the typical movie that you already know what is going to happen. It would honestly be amazing if there could be a continuation of this film. If you want to be amazed and want to watch a good film to talk about, this film is for you.

Confusing Plot

[rmilford-36992 · 6/10 · 8 June 2024]

What happens in the end? It is a massive cliffhanger that I just rewatched multiple times. The plot is good. It is a good short film but leaves me upset at the end. I want to find out what happens to the man. This man is someone who is emotionally, mentally, and physically beat down and is tired of life and wants it all to stop. I think overall it is a good film, the actors are good, and the screenwriter wrote well. Next time I wish for a ending showing what happens with the man at the end of the film. This film shows how life can affect all the decisions a person can make under stress and how these decisions impact the rest or their life.

Review and Critique

[diegocano-71840 · 5/10 · 5 April 2024]

This movie doesn't do much to steer far from your run of the mill thriller,. It has solid ideas presented and for the most part is actually well paced. For being a short film however, it could've honestly used some its time building on its characters, particularly the protagonist and/or his wife. I think if either of those characters had given me more material to care about them, all of the plots twists and structures could've landed harder. The short film excels with its acting and cinematography and those aspects I feel are the film's greatest strengths. The symbolisms in its cinematic style are also nice in its subtlety. Though the montages and muted dialogue scenes in the flashbacks I believe can be a weakness. I understand showing and not telling but sometimes these interactions can work better to serve its characters instead of appearing only as glimpses. However, for where the scenes are placed it contrasts well to the idealized daydreams he reaches for in denial. So far that lack of development and how predictable some of the story beats are, are what happen to make the film ordinary. I feel the film at best is a decent viewing if there is nothing else to watch; this film probably would work a lot better if it was a feature. With how short this film is though it should've focused on making its characters more interesting, the background info on Habib could've gone somewhere but it ultimately was just exposition. One thing that I strongly feel the film in its current state suffers from and can do without is Habib's depiction as a half Palestinian man, I can get behind him being El Salvadoran to bring a job opportunity but it does nothing for his character being an Arab. I bring this up because in a post 9/11 world, this portrayal of Arab people in villainous/violent roles is just a reflection of how wrongly perceived they are in real life. It may have not been the films' intentions but this aspect serves to reinforce western fears of "the untrustworthy middle eastern man" stereotype. If the film wanted to center around him being foreign, it can do that, but here it just feels like throw away information and feels poorly handled.

A short film that that you should watched if you are interested in the hardships of life

[jjacobolopezp-10031 · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

"This modern men is beat" is a short film that shows the difficulties of a young couple while they try to sustain their lives. The way the film was developed was organize making you understand what is happening through the film, making it easier to show the different problems that the protagonist is facing. Some of the different problems that the protagonist has, for me the main one would be the 0 support from his wife and the how mentally unstable she is, he getting fired, and to not get any longer whit the problems the las one would be no getting the money he wanted by pawing his guitar. The ending was some of the most interesting parts because it leads you to an open ending where your imagination need to create how you want to end the movie by seeing how the protagonist was feeling through the movie. This some of the reasons why I recommend this short film.

Great watch

[lauren-95298 · 7/10 · 29 November 2023]

The short film "This modern man is beat" is a riveting short film produced and written by David Schroeder. From the amazing actors, to the intense cinematography, and engrossing music, this film keeps you entertained throughout the whole film. The story of a man trying to navigate himself in todays discriminatory society. The film shows a mans experiences while dealing with his personal relationships, such as that with his wife, and evaluating his personal life decisions. We watch as this foreign mans love for America is put to the test when it feels as though America may be against him. It is a feeling many can relate to and therefore creating a very touching story.

Thought-Provoking Film

[valdezrignak · 4/10 · 10 April 2024]

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: "This Modern Man Is Beat" is a captivating exploration of identity and cultural assimilation. The film follows the journey of a Muslim man navigating the unfamiliar terrain of beatnik culture. Through beautifully crafted scenes and genuine performances, it delves into the complexities of personal and cultural identity. While some parts of the narrative may feel disjointed, the overarching themes of belonging and authenticity resonate deeply. The cinematography adds depth to the storytelling, capturing the clash between tradition and modernity with striking visuals. Overall, "This Modern Man Is Beat" offers an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Phenomenal Short Film

[kyle-98917 · 9/10 · 1 December 2023]

This is a Phenomenal Short Film.

This short film told an awesome story. The characters did an outstanding performance which enhanced the experience of this film. The internal struggle of the protagonist was captivating. There were instances where the film left it up to the viewer to fill in details with their imagination thus pulling the audience in. Alongside the story that was being told the scenery and cinematic shots were very nice. The attention to detail is very noticeable which makes this film even greater. Overall, This Modern Man Is Beat was an awesome short film.. I recommend others to watch as well.

Captivating short film

[manuelduenas · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

The story begin with a man carrying his guitar, and in front of the motel, across the street, he see a dog on the road face to face staring into the eyes, but the dog seems to be scared by him, and the dog look down to get calm down. At the same time, the story is intriguing, fascinating, mysterious, odd, he bring flashback memories, outstanding character. On the one hand, the man demonstrates to be strong, but on the other hand he is fragile. In his inner, he is suffering because of his way always was telling him that she did not believe in him and he was not a real man, apart from it, he would never be a good guitar player, he is thinking about her all the time, but her words made him feel like a loser.

It's a Solid Shortfilm

[ul3vm · 6/10 · 10 February 2024]

I can see a lot of thought and effort went into creating this film. All the actors did great. It has some nice cinematic shots, my favorite one actually being used as the cover. At the same time, the dialogue is telling not showing. One example is the long drawn-out scene of his wife being still on the bed while Habib talks to himself. It has an abrupt tone shift from "Can you say something? Are you going to stay in bed all day?" to "You don't believe me but it's okay cause I was lying." It feels drastic because nothing happened in those 30 seconds. Unprompted, Habib overly narrates to the audience and both men at the pawn shop. His background and ethnicity give depth to the character but within the film itself, it's awkwardly stated and adds nothing. The events between Habib and his wife would be more impactful to the audience if you cut to flashbacks to hear and see what happened in real-time instead of Habib retelling it.

Guilt In This Modern Man Is Beat

[douglasperlajose · 5/10 · 30 October 2023]

"This Modern Man Is Beat" tells the story of a troubled, guilt ridden man. It is a simple yet compelling story, though it may feel cliche, its storytelling is done wonderfully so, to the point where it does not feel as just a simple retelling of an exhausted cliche. The story revolves entirely around the protagonist, and for such a short film, it makes sense. All the elements of the story are very well done and introduced, it wraps everything up nicely. I personally really enjoyed how the character's (Habib) guilt plays a huge role in the film, as it's arguably the reason the film even happens to begin with. He murders his wife, which admittedly, was more predictable than rain in a desert, but the way it affects him, feels incredibly human. He's not some psycho mastermind, just a man, and as all men do, he has flaws and a conscience, and morals, and all those elements which makes us human. Naturally, the murder was an accident, and he goes on to cope by basically living in denial, which is very well portrayed up to the point where it boils up, eating him alive, and he confesses his sin to a store clerk. Very nice film, and for like 15 minutes of actual storytelling, it's worth the watch.

REAL LIFE

[andygoestofsu · 10/10 · 5 April 2024]

This Modern Man Is Beat, a beautiful short story about a man on the verge of losing everything. Men losing everything everything happens every day around us but is not talked about enough. I loved the colors used through out the film. Habib being of middle eastern descent makes it more relatable for me as well. I really enjoyed how it took us through this well paced journey for it to pick up very quickly towards the end I was not expecting that outcome. The struggle of men in modern times is not talked about enough and this short film does a very accurate job of showing you how it easily can become this way for certain people. I look forward to watching it and depicting more detaisl on it later...

Shocking turn of events

[yaelispena · 9/10 · 16 February 2024]

"The Modern Man is Beat" explores the depths of relationship breakup and despair in the wake of 9/11. In the face of financial hardship and marital problems, Alex Merkin portrays Habib's effort to sell his guitar in a way that is both realistic and moving. The film masterfully depicts how Habib's emotions and trust are destroyed when he faces reality. Merkin skillfully negotiates the difficulties of love, sorrow, and self-realization via exquisitely rendered images and an engrossing story, ending in a shocking turn of events that has a profound effect. The profound insights this short film offers regarding the human condition and the pursuit of redemption transcend its little length.

Karli Torres's Review

[karlixo · 10/10 · 8 April 2024]

This movie offers a poignant exploration of identity and societal norms through the eyes of its protagonist, Ricardo. Jordi Vilasuso's nuanced performance captures the internal struggle of a Mexican-American man caught between two worlds. Director Alex Merkin's deft storytelling and visually captivating cinematography elevate the film, immersing viewers in the contrasting landscapes of suburban privilege and urban reality. With its thought-provoking themes and strong performances, "This Modern Man Is Beat" is a compelling indie gem that leaves a lasting impression on audiences, prompting reflection on issues of race, class, and personal authenticity.

Surprising!

[naylaa-45217 · 10/10 · 27 November 2023]

The short film "This Modern Man is Beat" is an amazing suspenseful film. The film is based on the main character that is going through a struggle and it unfolds it so wonderfully. I love the cinematography it was beautifully made. I recommend watching this short film the way it was leaving me anxious as to what would be the turn out. This short film isn't like others because you know what's going to happen but this one had a surprising ending that caught me off guard and left me wanting more. The producers did an amazing job with being creative and finding the right actors. This short film deserves more hype and would love it to become a movie because i would watch it.

Yasan Guerra

[yasanguerra · 10/10 · 13 April 2021]

This movie is filled with many subtle details that portray of sin and redemption and show the protagonist is going through the stages of grief through the entire film in a way that doesn't tell the audience flat out. The film also hints and foreshadows the ending in a very subtle and clever way.

Incredible film!

[melaniemorales-15325 · 10/10 · 29 November 2023]

This film is incredibly captivating. It kept me at the edge of my seat with the help of the great acting portrayed and very well thought out plot. Definitely was not expecting so much emotion and shock to be felt in this film, that was a great surprise. It has remarkable cinematography and audio. With all the high quality production, it makes the film very entertaining. Overall, I would recommend it to everyone who enjoys watching amazing films. I am totally going to convince my family to watch this film with me and my friends to watch it because, in my opinion, it is different than other films I have seen.

Surprising!

[naylamasis · 10/10 · 1 April 2024]

The short film "This Modern Man is Beat" is an amazing suspenseful film. I love the cinematography it was beautifully made. I recommend watching this short film if you are into twist. The way it was leaving me anxious as to what would be the turn out. This short film isn't like others because you know what's going to happen but this one had a surprising ending that caught me off guard and left me wanting more. The producers did an amazing job with being creative and finding the right actors for the short film. This film deserves more hype and would love it to become a movie because I would watch it.

The last straw

[leanyhernandez · 8/10 · 27 September 2023]

A film that starts in the middle 'en media res' and from the first 10 seconds you can predict the end, but the beauty of it is in the outcome of the events, even though you already know that is a tragic end, you can't help but want more, I saw it three times and every time I played it, a new detail emerged, little things that maybe you don't notice at first but they give a new meaning to the end. It also made me think about the mental state of Habib (the protagonist) and his wife, what made them get to that point, it also made me realize how this kind of situation its more common than what we think,and how many marriages end up in that situation.