The Eleven O’Clock (2016)

Directed by: Derin Seale | 13 minutes | short film, comedy | Actors: Josh Lawson, Damon Herriman, Eliza Logan, Alyssa McClelland, Gregory J Thorsby, Jessica Wren

The short films in the running for the Oscar for Best Short Live Action Feature are serious in tone. Every now and then a comic film pops up between the nominees, which manages to hold its own between all that drama. In 2018, ‘The Eleven O’Clock’ (2016) is the odd one out. The thirteen-minute film by Australian director Derin Seale resembles an extended sketch from a satirical program. While the other nominated directors in this category are at the beginning of their careers, Seale has now more than earned his spurs. He worked on films such as ‘The English Patient’ (1996) and ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999) and was second unit director, supporting the director, on the production of ‘Cold Mountain’ (2003). His directorial experience is currently limited to two shorts; ‘Static’ (1998) and now ‘The Eleven O’Clock’.

The premise of ‘The Eleven O’Clock’ is as simple as it is effective: a psychiatrist has an appointment with a patient who claims to be the psychiatrist. dr. Terry Phillips (Josh Lawson, who also wrote the screenplay) is awaiting his 11 o’clock appointment. He is a bit upset because his permanent assistant is not there and he has to deal with substitute Linda (Jessica Donaghue). If mr. Nathan Klein (Damon Herriman) arrives, confusion immediately ensues. Klein claims that he is not the patient, but the doctor. Both men try to put things in order; Phillips tries to contain himself, but the persistent, manic Klein thwarts all his attempts to reason. Particularly during a psychological test with associations, a verbal ping-pong game is created that is not only hilarious, but also shows how well the actors are attuned to each other. Meanwhile, Seale plays a fascinating game with space; where the reception where Linda manages the desk seems to be getting bigger and more spacious, the consulting room becomes more and more oppressive during the men’s squabbles. Of course they are working towards a delicious punchline, which isn’t even that surprising, but it is very well developed.

‘The Eleven O’Clock’ is a delight for fans of sketch shows like ‘Monty Python’, ‘French and Saunders’ and ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’. The confusion that arises and the mistaken identity that is getting further and further out of hand has a huge effect on the laughing muscles. Actors Lawson and Herriman turn it into a tightly timed, verbal spectacle that works towards that inevitable climax. In just thirteen minutes, this Australian film manages to pack us in with ease.