video stills
Who’s afraid..., 2007
Performers: Veronica R. Perez & Shahram Entekhabi
Full HD video, 24:00 min, color, sound, without dialogue
Who’s afraid... is a short film that delves into the intricate dynamics of a romantic relationship, where power struggles, control, and the yearning for personal space take center stage. The absence of dialogue throughout the film intensifies the emotional impact, as the narrative unfolds solely through expressive dance movements and performative elements. The accompanying musical score, composed by the artists themselves, sets the tone and adds depth to the visuals.
Within the film's confined setting, a man (Shahram Entekhabi) and a woman (Veronica R. Perez) navigate a tumultuous journey marked by shifting poles of fragility and passion. Their relationship oscillates between fervent love and psychological and physical turmoil. The couple immerses themselves in an insular world, offering each other minimal privacy and relying solely on a telephone for contact with the outside world. This self-imposed isolation eventually transforms into a perilous battle and a provocative game of sexuality. Notably, a sharp knife emerges as a potent symbol, embodying violence and asserting dominance.
The film employs visual elements to convey the complexities of the story. The absence of dialogue is compensated by a carefully crafted visual language. The stark, empty space, coupled with symbolic objects, serves to heighten the suffocating atmosphere and underscore the characters' confinement. Skillful play with light and shadow amplifies the emotional intensity, while choreographed body movements become a vehicle for expressing the characters' inner conflicts.
By juxtaposing external and internal scenes, the film accentuates the stark contrast between surface appearances and the characters' internal struggles. The expansive interior space becomes a stage for their confrontations and clashes, with key props such as a bed, suitcase, mirror, and telephone augmenting the interactions and building tension.
The performances of the woman and the man are captivating and contribute significantly to the psychological depth of the narrative. Through their nuanced gestures, meaningful gazes, and powerful physical expressions, they reveal the intricate layers of their relationship—unveiling affection, hostility, and everything in between.
"Who's afraid..." is a thought-provoking video art piece that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of human connections, power dynamics, and the enigmatic nature of human emotions.
Who’s afraid... is a short film that delves into the intricate dynamics of a romantic relationship, where power struggles, control, and the yearning for personal space take center stage. The absence of dialogue throughout the film intensifies the emotional impact, as the narrative unfolds solely through expressive dance movements and performative elements. The accompanying musical score, composed by the artists themselves, sets the tone and adds depth to the visuals.
Within the film's confined setting, a man (Shahram Entekhabi) and a woman (Veronica R. Perez) navigate a tumultuous journey marked by shifting poles of fragility and passion. Their relationship oscillates between fervent love and psychological and physical turmoil. The couple immerses themselves in an insular world, offering each other minimal privacy and relying solely on a telephone for contact with the outside world. This self-imposed isolation eventually transforms into a perilous battle and a provocative game of sexuality. Notably, a sharp knife emerges as a potent symbol, embodying violence and asserting dominance.
The film employs visual elements to convey the complexities of the story. The absence of dialogue is compensated by a carefully crafted visual language. The stark, empty space, coupled with symbolic objects, serves to heighten the suffocating atmosphere and underscore the characters' confinement. Skillful play with light and shadow amplifies the emotional intensity, while choreographed body movements become a vehicle for expressing the characters' inner conflicts.
By juxtaposing external and internal scenes, the film accentuates the stark contrast between surface appearances and the characters' internal struggles. The expansive interior space becomes a stage for their confrontations and clashes, with key props such as a bed, suitcase, mirror, and telephone augmenting the interactions and building tension.
The performances of the woman and the man are captivating and contribute significantly to the psychological depth of the narrative. Through their nuanced gestures, meaningful gazes, and powerful physical expressions, they reveal the intricate layers of their relationship—unveiling affection, hostility, and everything in between.
"Who's afraid..." is a thought-provoking video art piece that invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of human connections, power dynamics, and the enigmatic nature of human emotions.