Execution is an experimental short film that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Created by multimedia artist Stavit Allweis, this film ventures into the realm of the dark and absurd, offering a unique cinematic experience.
Please note that Execution contains violence and graphic content, so it's not suitable for young children and classroom settings. Viewer discretion is advised.
The story begins with a woman and a girl in a red van. The woman reads out a dark tale of a woman’s murder by a man and asks the girl, "death by…?" The girl’s answer decides the fate of male character, foreshadowing the gruesome events of the film.
The narrative then shifts to a classroom, where the woman and the girl, who we discover is named Infinity, are joined by a group of other women. One by one, they bring in restrained men, each from a different country, their national flags displayed in the top right corner. The women read out their crimes, which include rape and murder, before ruthlessly executing them. The method of execution is determined by Infinity, who, each time, answers the question, "death by…?".
In the meantime, the other women in the room engage in absurd conversations about mundane topics like flowers and sandwiches. These surreal interactions create a contrast with the bloodshed and chaos around them.
One of the standout elements of Execution is the incorporation of visual elements inspired by comic books: speech and thought bubbles, page-turning animations, onomatopoeic exclamations such as "BANG" and "CRASH”… These elements enhance the visual experience, adding a fun, playful dimension to the movie.
However, the absence of a concrete plot or character development can make Execution challenging and occasionally tiring to watch: the film relies on the shock value of the execution scenes and the bizarre interactions among the female characters.
What subjects or college majors would benefit from the content covered in this film?
Execution could benefit students majoring in several fields, particularly Film Studies, Visual Arts, Gender Studies, and related disciplines. The film offers insights into unconventional storytelling, has a unique visual style, and explores themes of female empowerment and justice.
What type of library programming could use this title?
Execution is a challenging and graphic film that may not be suitable for all library programming. However, it could potentially be incorporated into programming aimed at a mature audience with an interest in experimental cinema or provocative discussions.