The saddest part of this whole movie was that the main character was actually a really good catch in my opinion. Very relatable, down to earth and good looking.
I love how the movie portrays what's wrong with so many narcissistic people: they're manipulative, they gaslight, they turn tables on you, and are not interested in anything other than themselves. And of course, the movie's commentary on what's so wrong about people today - so disconnected and not being able at all to communicate (and having a totally different online personality as well). Very sharp. Thank you for this film.
Baako Jernigan, I think the black guy on the train represents the missed opportunity to meet someone in the real world. Since he never looked up from his phone on the train, he missed his chance at a truer relationship.
Craig Lambert, something tells me that the guy he went on a date with is his type and anything outside of that is threatening and bad for his image/parents/friends !!!
I think Craig hit this out of the ballpark. I kept wondering how the other guy on the train played into this film, and now I can totally see it. I was actually wondering why he never once looked over at him, when the guy kept staring. I also think that the guy in the adjacent table to the dates, is the blonde haired guys brother. I don't think it had anything to do with the film, but maybe used as a fill in.
I used to be on the phone all the time, until the day I realized how rude it was. Later, I had my fair share of dinners and parties where everyone in there was more concerned about their phones and how many likes they got instead of talking to me or anybody else in the room. Nowdays, whoever goes out with me (friends, family, BF) knows the non-phone-in-hand policy which comes with me. I have no problem with stand up and left the place when someone dares to break it. Plus it's contagious! my inner circle loved the idea and actually integrated to their own lives.
I don't like a no-phone-in-hand policy. What matters is that one should not devote more attention to the phone than to others. An occasional notification or a short call is fine with me.
Thank you everyone for the comments! This is why I make stuff like this - to hear opinions and comments. Happy you found your way here and looking forward to showing your more stuff in the future. -Christopher Birk.
Christopher Birk Not at all what I expected. I have never seen anything like this and it both frightens me and makes we to turn off my phone for the rest of the week. Thank you for challenging the way I perceive reality in a way I have never been challenged before.
+John P. McCartney Bravo! A healthy reaction. I hope you succeeded. It is not a black or white situation. Set boundaries for yourself. Know when you are addictively involved with tech or when it is a useful tool for something productive. When your out and about Look Up, look around, at the sky, trees, people's faces. It is not only about finding sex, a partner, love, you might meet someone who'll be your best friend for life. Or you might smile at someone who is depressed and make their day. Human connection, acknowledgement is getting lost and yet vital to our physical, emotional and psychological well being. Living hidden in the virtual world is destructive to the individual and to our species.
This is brilliant. No dialogue at all-just the texts. Sadly, this kind of texting is universal I think, and the end scene with everyone on the phones, yet in the same room, feet from each other is a really tragic comment on society. At first I thought the 2 guys might be deaf, so they had to text but then I saw the real message behind this. Excellent work.
One of the last time I hung out with friends. Everyone had their phones and texting away. I asked if this was going to be the new thing where we hangout and have nothing to say but on a text 🙃
Yeah, the tall guy was far too aggressive for a first date. He came off as a meat hunter interested only in his next trick and not the person. I wouldn't want to know anyone like him.
I would've left the minute he started asking questions about what I like in bed... like it's a fucking date, I want a relationship not a fucking hook up. If I wanted to talk sexual positions I would've hook up on Grindr... that guy was the wrong date ...
That could be because hot guys are always sought after, so they can afford to reject guys. They will still be able to find someone. But for those who are not very good looking by the standards set by the society, they cannot afford to be jerks and offend people.
The dark haired guy is a great actor. His facial expressions were on the mark. You could clearly see what his thoughts were by way of his expressions. Good job! Entertaining film!
The guy staring at him on the train is black so he gets ignored !!! I can imagine all of the horrible things the main character is thinking about the black guy, without even having a 20 second conversation with him !
The thing is, I don't think it would be much different if they are not on the phones. They're different people. One is shy and more reserved, who'd probably still be reserved even off of the phone. Another is brash and jump to conclusion, who'd probably still be jumping to conclusions even off of the phone. One want sex first relationship later, another want relationship first and sex later. As for the missed opportunities, that happens all the time anyways.
God, I loved it... Initially I thought they were being playful, trying to be less awkward. Then later I thought they were probably not able to speak. The emotions and talk felt real. I loved it. Well acted too.
I am very impressed with this short film. It highlights the impersonal nature and toxicity of chat sites and people trying to connect with someone on a personal level that it inhibits their ability to go out in the real world to actually see someone eye to eye. Excellent point was the main character in the train not realizing there is someone looking at him probaby interested and doesn't know anything about him yet could be willing. And then theres the supposed date in the restaurant that is probably an illusion beause the main character is basing the date only on looks and wanting to dig deeper but realizes when you're online, people can be too probing in asking way too personal questions and not actually getting to know the person in an organic nature. We all want someone to love us at the snap of a finger but too impatient to invest time and energy out of fear of rejection or wanting something more. Technology has a double edge sword in today's world.
Pretty accurate insight into dating nowadays. I have found myself in countless situations like it where I was so wrapped up in my own cocoon I missed giant opportunities. Excellent!
I used to love traveling on business. So many new things and people. Now everyone is buried in their phone and this is a great portayal. Thank you for this. I will share.
Not knowing what to wear on your first date is very much relatable. But for real, when his date sat down and typed on his phone instead of TALKING to him it was a big wtf moment for me. Edit: I am sorry for not considering that they also could have been deaf and therefore texting.
This makes for the best video on the overuse of smartphones I've seen, and incidentally the only one I really enjoyed. It wasn't just a moralistic scene showing some people looking bluntly at their screens with a sad music in the background. Instead, when the two guys kept talking on their phones in the restaurant, I was genuinely surprised and I found the whole scene really amusing and enticingly bizarre cause I didn't know if it was all for real or what... Some really good work. You got a like.
Applaud!!! Wow!!! That's all i can say. This short was a real eye opener in many ways. It's so relatable, at least for me. Great one. Gosh this was good. Seriously loved every bit of it. Keep up the good work.
My hubby Frank and I (together since November 1975) were at a restaurant recently in northern California late in the evening. We were the only two people at nearby tables that weren't on our cell phones. We actually spent the whole time talking to each other - when we weren't eating, of course.
Very well done. I wrote a keynote presentation a few years back called Anti-Social Networking. Neat to see you convey that so well. Great acting! The facial expressions are perfect. thanks for sharing
Why wouldn't they have that conversation before they even meet? This is why the first date should always be coffee or a drink. Don't waste time on a dinner with someone you can't connect with.
Excellent! It mirrors our stupidity. How we think we can't live without our little toys. How we have forgotten to actually talk to other persons. How we spend hours and hours on FaceBook achieving nothing. Our brunet hero should have settled for the nice young man who sat opposite him on the Underground and quite visibly was INTERESTED!!! :-)
@@FuzzyElf Well, you got him on that one! LOL Uh, wait, that's what I'm doing!!! But I have an excuse as I am 70 years old. Nobody wants you when you're old and gay! 🤣
My favourite moment? 4:52 when there's a soft piano arpeggio just at the same time as the woman sitting with her back to the window in the restaurant brushes her hair up!! Very well timed..
this is the second time i've watched this and the second time that it moved me. cell phones, wow as much as you want to think that it's a way of life you're wrong. it's a disability that one does not realize. yes perhaps to meet someone it's good but once you meet them, then you must be able to talk face to face and be honest with each other. honesty well that's another topic. feel the vibe feel the emotion one will transfer to you. be you and let them be themselves so that both will know each other. if sex is all you want just say it before you meet. if a relationship meet and show your true self. i love this film
The Message is that everyone is to busy in their own business, that people often misses many opportunities that could led to great things and chances, sometimes you just gotta look around because who knows.. you might find love at the corner of the street, so it’s like seeing but at the same time it’s like being blind.. In this case the guy was so into his phone with that online guy while in the train, that he didn’t realize he was JUST missing the opportunity to be in a real relationship with someone that actually cared for him (at least we can kind of see that because that kind of stare is not about sex but rather about actual interest in going further, of course I’m not implying that every guy/girl that stares at you it’s because they want something with you but you can tell what’s happening right away) I’m not saying that long distance relationships doesn’t count but this is the message to all, you could be living a nice time flirting and playing with someone on the Internet but who knows.. like you really never know, for example here: they didn’t even get to know each other in person and they were already fighting so it’s not worth it, better look around unless the person your chatting with feels exactly the same as you.. that the only way to keep a relationship alive despite distance or not because if you don’t feel the same then that “relationship” is forced and thus it would led you to an unhappy relation. Also, one could say that they’re deff too and that this is the way they communicate with each other, but I HIGLY doubt it because if this were the case then the scene at the train with the black guy staring at him was pointless. People don’t seem to care about little details nowadays, it’s.... sad.
This is now life for most with phones. Well congratulations we have graduated, much less people skills and more IT skills. Well done we should all be totally ashamed...
Okay! Did miss something here? No comments seem to address the subtext. The use of messaging was brilliant and is a statement in it's self but the sub text of the date wanting to have just a hook up was deafening ( excuse the pun). Perhaps my ability to identify with the very same scenario made it stand out, the final text " I was just kidding" was so expected. Bet that guy is a bully. That is if a gay guy could be a bully? Stand for your principles and don't be apologetic. Loved it, very clever, will there be a sequel? Please.
I thought both characters perfectly portrayed their individual personalities through texts and body and facial language. Great story, well done to all involved.
This kinda reminds me of one of my bus ride. The guy was looking my way but i never bothered bc i was shy. I kinda regret it bc he’s actually nice. When he was about to ride the bus earlier and notices me he actually step aside and let me in first. Its a one in amillion chance encounter that i we will never have again 😔
I missed a kiss on a night.. He hold me tight and me too..suddenly my other friends came and i left that place with my friends...and pretended as nothing to happen....he was looking at me still i disappeare and me too... I m living with this guilt...that i can never make right
Story of my life. Dating apps are a recipe for disaster 9 times out of 10. The Internet and all these apps were created mostly for the purpose of creating connections of all kinds with different types of people yet a couple of decades in, the more technological advancements there are, the more disconnected people are becoming with each other to the point where they don’t see each other as humans with feelings and emotions anymore. It all about individuality and an insatiable,inhuman self serving need that boarders on ruthless cruelty. It’s quite amusing and ironic that you can literally watch multiple people turn into the things there swore they never would become all because they failed to respect the privilege of being able to use the internet for the right reasons. The one fact that is constant about the internet is that it exposes the true natures of all humans sooner or later regardless on intent.
Dani Prados’ short film “The Date” is a satire as much as it is a lament about dating in the digital age. With first class production values and a beautifully nuanced acting performance from its lead, Troy Iwata, my overwhelming feeling at the end was of sadness: sad at how the smart phone has successfully de-personalised adult interaction, and has given permission for the coarsening of our relationships down to the sole determinant level of “what’s in it for me?”
Christopher, I have found this film to be a poignant reminder on that which is known today as the "loneliness epidemic". We live within such close proximity to one another yet we more often than not choose to keep to ourselves. So many opportunities each day to reach out to someone new.. as wonderful of a tool that technology is to connect and learn about the world around us, we must be willing also to take a pause from it and meet the world eye to eye. Oh all the beautiful flowers one can see as one walks in the neighborhood, or meeting a friendly neighbor along with their furry canine companion. Oh the delight of meeting a kindred soul and feel the sparks fly of shared ideas exchanged. Perhaps as we learn to live our own life more authentically and pursue that which we REALLY enjoy in time we'll meet those who really appreciate us for who we are. Namaste
definitely agreed! We are a society of lonely individuals who have lost their ability to connect with people by going outside and just reaching out to someone in an organic nature. Technology has taken that away for a lot of us. Not good.
Christian you made a great film. Production values were good, the acting was good and sublime music. And the reality of the chat apps spilling into the date
I started watching this because of Troy Iwata from Dash & Lilly. He has something that intrigues me. And this short did too. Each moment dragging me along to the next. So much could be said about the way they communicated or didn't and the fear of just taking a chance with each other without mapping out the evening. Personally when someone asked me, in the past, what I like to do in bed I cringe. As if my response would always be the same. Beautiful short. Full of poignancy. Thank you.
Looking for one thing. Expecting perfection. Hiding your true self. needing other's confirmation of your worth. Knowing when the vibe is wrong. Not knowing how to get through the walls. This was so well done. The build up of expectation. The glances on the train and that missed opportunity. The use of the testing was so clever, as it accentuated the disassociation that the blonde man felt. He couldn't even say hello. Such a tragedy when everyone in that restaurant was a totally unique and exciting person, yet had no way to express their gift. Going into my faves file. Thanks
Is this a metaphor on dating in the 21st century. Or have we just lost the ability to communicate? Ironically it seems that the more devices and methods we have for communication, the less we actually communicate with each other. A text message will never replace a phone call.
Wow! It´s been a long time since i liked a short gay film. Bueautifully crafted and with a lot of truths like it´s been said here. Congrats! The cute guy´s face is everything. Also the black guy´s looks on him. I feel like there´s a lot of raw material here for a gay movie or even a series. They could meet later on and hook up, after cute and blond guy are done with their failed attempt of a relationship (and so on). I loved cute guy´s faces putting up with that jerk. And I also loved how vulnerable the jerk was when he was left alone. I loved the casting and acting. I´m no director or actor, but I feel like most short gay films (and films) suffer from too beautiful, bad actors and obvious ´commercial´/gay plots centered on sex, first time sex, homophobia, and youth. What about mature gay/bisexual guys that stare at young boys (and so forth)? Will that ruin our LGBT pride? Maybe we are the scared ones and not the homophobics, showing a sex centered perfect community, when gay films could show more of our reality. It would be so cool to talk to a director. Congrats! Keep up the good work.
There is a great deal lost in not hearing the inflection and intonation of voice which can clarify an intent, as well as needed facial expression. Meaning can be lost in the written word. This is a beautiful moral tale in brief.
I don't know if one is deaf or both. They clearly don't have same interests. But truth be told......the ability to text has really improved life for the deaf to communicate with each other and with speaking people. I have been opinionated in the past about people texting while having dinner until I met a sweet deaf couple at a restaurant and they told me that they used texting to keep their conversation private. Because if they used sign language others can see what they are talking about. Hope their is a sequel to this story. The black man in the train was his missed opportunity but I can't blame him.....he was excited about the date. The fact that they hugged when they met intend of exchanging words of greetings gives us a clue that they were deaf. As is most cases people fail to express their expectations ahead of meeting someone for the first time leading to a disaster. The fact that when he got up and walked away and it appears the other did not hear him walk away is another clue they are deaf. Great film Christopher
Well we have to establish that Troy Iwata is one very good-looking guy plus..he is a great actor, because without any dialogue he expresses what the character feels through his eyes.. beautiful.
While I was hoping the main character would be back on the train meeting the "missed opportunity" - this was brilliantly done - a very open and honest portrayal of current dating and social interaction. Thank You
KLSinCT Hi there! Since this film was never intended for commercial purposes, the music is non-copyrighted stock music found online. I believe the composer of all the piano pieces is Lucas King - however I don’t know the names of the individual pieces unfortunately. But find his channel on TH-cam and you’ll find the music and many other great pieces. :)
Finally, a short that explains what I have found since texting hit the scene, few people actually talk any more. Hop 2 the sack, not my cup; wanting to get to know someone develops a strong friendship long before sex. Actually, I had rather not have sex without the closeness of true friendship. Keep U/R smartphones I do not own one
The guys expressions were priceless his face said it all. A great little film about the complexities of modern life and those damn mobiles cell phones as the Americans call them
This is brilliantly done! It shows how disconnected we are as humans… The dependency of technology has overshadowed true intimacy in our society! Good Work 💙
It's so tragic how we communicate these days - I'm sure glad that I was raised in the age of decent communication - tragic...that's my take... the moral of this short can be interpreted in many ways - and all are brilliant - great job!
Just goes to show that we are so involved with social media that we don't know how to actually be social anymore, put down the phone once in a while and look up, you never know what you might see or who you might meet
This reminds me how sad I would be if this became "normal" for everyone to text their conversation.....even in person. This inspired me to be less on my phone in public. Seriously, I am making some changes.
to me the whole point of the film was that people no longer know how to communicate without it being in a text. The guy was still texting and didn't even realize that the date had gotten up and left. then it pans the whole restaurant and everyone has their face buried in a phone and doesn't even know anything else is going on around them. Get out of the phones and have a conversation.
Very well done. Portrayed what our smart phones are ruining our relationships & the arrogance of the blond guy who thinks hell lot of himself - a control freak.
Oh my this is such a wonderful short film. It reminds me of the movie on Netflix :The Social Dilemma. We have really been engulfed by technology and this has widened the gap in how we communicate and express ourselves. Personally, the moment the other guy became rude I would have left so fast like a champagne Cork.. 🏃🏿♂️
This film to me isn't about dependency on phones, because what if one of them can't speak hence you type the words you want to say until you can learn sign language. The message here is how people quickly jump into sex without even taking time to know a person first. It's hard to find love this days when all people do is just hook up for sex. Some people are still old fashioned and still want connection. Meanwhile nice movie 👋👋👋
Physical face to face conversations today are a lost art because of our electronic devices. We need to do better with our human interactions/relationships, and this video is a clear stark reminder of that.......
Oh hard but good times before smart phones. We had to hide, and fight and all that. We had to keep secrecy but we were more honest. Sad times now. No more feelings, no more true relationships, just that killing question - what r u into? And that ends and kills everything.
Another interpretation, Deaf people meet in this restaurant. Which means ??? They look to their phones for connections. New concept, but I really never thought about it before I watched this. Thank you for bringing me to my senses.
That is astute -- Deaf people do use technology in various ways to communicate, especially with hearing people. But they also tend to be very visually aware, and would definitely notice someone walking away! Which is why I figured this was more about the characters' negative use of technology and what was missed.
that is me on dates since I need use type or write notes, because of my deafness. So yes my shy and reserves make it worse. It was really difficult for me to make eye contact with new person.
@@keribritton4535 awww I'm sorry about that... I used to be so shy and get nervous but in the end I broke away from it and now I'm more open and more true to myself and I care less of what people think of me because either u like me or u dont, I'm a great person and a great friend and if u dont like then sumthing is wrong w u lol
I know that and it is why I not give up on it. Also I can see if they can put up with it until I become comfortable with them. Plus it would make my day if they would learn sign language too.
One of my favorites! I watched with my mouth wide open because its so true and indictative of the on line dating (I use that word loosely) scene. So sad but true and the obnoxious would not think he is doing anything wrong. He also missed out on the possiblity of a good guy that was out the subway.
My personality is like that man on black jacket. I am old fashion, traditional and too kind. Many find me a boring person. I don't even know how to flirt, maybe online but not on real life. I think that's enough reason why i am still single. Well i wouldn't change being kind or a weirdo just to find love or be loved. I still believe i would find someone who could understands me and love me as i am. The right person will eventually come, you just have to be yourself, stay with your principles.
The saddest part of this whole movie was that the main character was actually a really good catch in my opinion. Very relatable, down to earth and good looking.
I agree Joey
Why "actually"?
you miss the point !
@@hijodelaisla275 Because.
@@tonkraaijenhagen9572 No, I didn’t. I understood the point completely. You must have missed the point of my comment.
I love how the movie portrays what's wrong with so many narcissistic people: they're manipulative, they gaslight, they turn tables on you, and are not interested in anything other than themselves. And of course, the movie's commentary on what's so wrong about people today - so disconnected and not being able at all to communicate (and having a totally different online personality as well). Very sharp. Thank you for this film.
I'm confused who are you reffering as narcissist , manipulative ...blonde one or the other guy
@@macjensen1968the blonde guy
Baako Jernigan, I think the black guy on the train represents the missed opportunity to meet someone in the real world. Since he never looked up from his phone on the train, he missed his chance at a truer relationship.
Craig Lambert, something tells me that the guy he went on a date with is his type and anything outside of that is threatening and bad for his image/parents/friends !!!
I think Craig hit this out of the ballpark. I kept wondering how the other guy on the train played into this film, and now I can totally see it. I was actually wondering why he never once looked over at him, when the guy kept staring.
I also think that the guy in the adjacent table to the dates, is the blonde haired guys brother. I don't think it had anything to do with the film, but maybe used as a fill in.
exactly!!!
Well we have to remember the sad truth, there is quite a bit of racism inthe LGBT community against blacks and asians mainly, it's so fucking stupid.
@ NC Quadraxis "Blacks and Asians" don't fucking care.
I used to be on the phone all the time, until the day I realized how rude it was. Later, I had my fair share of dinners and parties where everyone in there was more concerned about their phones and how many likes they got instead of talking to me or anybody else in the room.
Nowdays, whoever goes out with me (friends, family, BF) knows the non-phone-in-hand policy which comes with me. I have no problem with stand up and left the place when someone dares to break it. Plus it's contagious! my inner circle loved the idea and actually integrated to their own lives.
Hi
jam Rodrigues Finnuno
Congratulations Álvaro
That's my policy too. Even when our family gets together all phones are turned off and placed in a basket.
.
Exactly! Human Actual Connection Is What That Matters ☺️
I don't like a no-phone-in-hand policy. What matters is that one should not devote more attention to the phone than to others. An occasional notification or a short call is fine with me.
Thank you everyone for the comments! This is why I make stuff like this - to hear opinions and comments. Happy you found your way here and looking forward to showing your more stuff in the future. -Christopher Birk.
This was great Christopher. Job well done!
Christopher Birk
Not at all what I expected. I have never seen anything like this and it both frightens me and makes we to turn off my phone for the rest of the week. Thank you for challenging the way I perceive reality in a way I have never been challenged before.
+John P. McCartney
Bravo! A healthy reaction. I hope you succeeded.
It is not a black or white situation. Set boundaries for yourself. Know when you are addictively involved with tech or when it is a useful tool for something productive.
When your out and about Look Up, look around, at the sky, trees, people's faces. It is not only about finding sex, a partner, love, you might meet someone who'll be your best friend for life.
Or you might smile at someone who is depressed and make their day. Human connection, acknowledgement is getting lost and yet vital to our physical, emotional and psychological well being. Living hidden in the virtual world is destructive to the individual and to our species.
Great jobb, Christopher Birk. From the begining to the end. Thanks!
Christopher Birk ,hi how can I talk to you? Mr Birk?
This is brilliant. No dialogue at all-just the texts. Sadly, this kind of texting is universal I think, and the end scene with everyone on the phones, yet in the same room, feet from each other is a really tragic comment on society. At first I thought the 2 guys might be deaf, so they had to text but then I saw the real message behind this.
Excellent work.
One of the last time I hung out with friends. Everyone had their phones and texting away. I asked if this was going to be the new thing where we hangout and have nothing to say but on a text 🙃
Personally I would have left far sooner
Yeah, the tall guy was far too aggressive for a first date. He came off as a meat hunter interested only in his next trick and not the person. I wouldn't want to know anyone like him.
I would've left the minute he started asking questions about what I like in bed... like it's a fucking date, I want a relationship not a fucking hook up. If I wanted to talk sexual positions I would've hook up on Grindr... that guy was the wrong date ...
So would I!
I'd have been compelled to splash water in his (fuck) face.
About 30 seconds after Mr Hot Stuff arrived, I'd say!
Something I’ve always learn in gay relationships: most hot and buffy guys are always a jerk. They thought the world revolves around them.
Harry Martin true
Indeed
Jam Rodrigues Finnuno
agree with u
That could be because hot guys are always sought after, so they can afford to reject guys. They will still be able to find someone. But for those who are not very good looking by the standards set by the society, they cannot afford to be jerks and offend people.
The dark haired guy is a great actor. His facial expressions were on the mark. You could clearly see what his thoughts were by way of his expressions. Good job! Entertaining film!
This is a beautifully crafted film with a disturbing message. All too true.
Marc Joseph yeah ryt...
It's called 'Generation Cellphone' 😉
But...but the guy on the train...
That's the point :) because he wasn't flirting on his phone
Baako Jernigan he represents the real world.
Karthika Jailakshmi wow, now I got it!
The guy staring at him on the train is black so he gets ignored !!! I can imagine all of the horrible things the main character is thinking about the black guy, without even having a 20 second conversation with him !
@@ascott2168 honestly, he didnt even notice the guy
The thing is, I don't think it would be much different if they are not on the phones. They're different people. One is shy and more reserved, who'd probably still be reserved even off of the phone. Another is brash and jump to conclusion, who'd probably still be jumping to conclusions even off of the phone. One want sex first relationship later, another want relationship first and sex later. As for the missed opportunities, that happens all the time anyways.
I'd say you're right. But the exchange would have taken about 1/5th of the time if they had said the lines instead of texting.
God, I loved it... Initially I thought they were being playful, trying to be less awkward. Then later I thought they were probably not able to speak. The emotions and talk felt real. I loved it. Well acted too.
The main character was cute ...I like his smile
bro ikr
I am very impressed with this short film. It highlights the impersonal nature and toxicity of chat sites and people trying to connect with someone on a personal level that it inhibits their ability to go out in the real world to actually see someone eye to eye. Excellent point was the main character in the train not realizing there is someone looking at him probaby interested and doesn't know anything about him yet could be willing. And then theres the supposed date in the restaurant that is probably an illusion beause the main character is basing the date only on looks and wanting to dig deeper but realizes when you're online, people can be too probing in asking way too personal questions and not actually getting to know the person in an organic nature. We all want someone to love us at the snap of a finger but too impatient to invest time and energy out of fear of rejection or wanting something more. Technology has a double edge sword in today's world.
WOW Danny.
Perfectly said. I had read your comment twice to absorb every word......impressive
a happy ending i would have expected and actually would have loved to see is meeting somehow the train guy again and both starting to talk for real...
Better yet, meeting someone compatible on the train back home.
If i had gone on a date with the dark haired guy, we'd be celebrating our two year anniversary this year ...
Wow, just wow! This is a truly great film, I love 💯👌🏻 The concept, the storyline, and the plot twist at the end, my mind was BLOWN!!! Good job 🥂
Pretty accurate insight into dating nowadays. I have found myself in countless situations like it where I was so wrapped up in my own cocoon I missed giant opportunities. Excellent!
this is so true... happen all the time ..
THE REAL DRAMA QUEEN IS the blond guy and he call the black hair guy drama ......
I used to love traveling on business. So many new things and people. Now everyone is buried in their phone and this is a great portayal. Thank you for this. I will share.
Not knowing what to wear on your first date is very much relatable. But for real, when his date sat down and typed on his phone instead of TALKING to him it was a big wtf moment for me.
Edit: I am sorry for not considering that they also could have been deaf and therefore texting.
Nicely filmed. I think it portrays a lot of truths, including we depend on screens too much.
This makes for the best video on the overuse of smartphones I've seen, and incidentally the only one I really enjoyed. It wasn't just a moralistic scene showing some people looking bluntly at their screens with a sad music in the background. Instead, when the two guys kept talking on their phones in the restaurant, I was genuinely surprised and I found the whole scene really amusing and enticingly bizarre cause I didn't know if it was all for real or what...
Some really good work. You got a like.
Applaud!!! Wow!!! That's all i can say. This short was a real eye opener in many ways. It's so relatable, at least for me. Great one. Gosh this was good. Seriously loved every bit of it. Keep up the good work.
My hubby Frank and I (together since November 1975) were at a restaurant recently in northern California late in the evening. We were the only two people at nearby tables that weren't on our cell phones. We actually spent the whole time talking to each other - when we weren't eating, of course.
eugenegm - How weird. What was it like? Just kidding. Hurrah for connection.
Good for you i guess but you sound like you want a medal
insane. Had your devices run out of battery? :-)
+blitva1
Sad for you that you missed the point.
+Calvin Corvidian
Did you miss the point or are you being ironic?
Very well done. I wrote a keynote presentation a few years back called Anti-Social Networking. Neat to see you convey that so well. Great acting! The facial expressions are perfect. thanks for sharing
We don't talk anymore like we used to do...
we don't laugh anymore
@@gracehettinger3980 what was all of it for?
Rudeness doesn't override being cute.
Perfectly said Terry
Even face to face, there is no human connection anymore. Everything is just a transaction.
Why wouldn't they have that conversation before they even meet? This is why the first date should always be coffee or a drink. Don't waste time on a dinner with someone you can't connect with.
Excellent! It mirrors our stupidity. How we think we can't live without our little toys. How we have forgotten to actually talk to other persons. How we spend hours and hours on FaceBook achieving nothing. Our brunet hero should have settled for the nice young man who sat opposite him on the Underground and quite visibly was INTERESTED!!! :-)
Rukasepar - Or we spend time IN TH-cam, watching videos and commenting. :-)
or laughing on a reply to a comment : hahaha :)
@@FuzzyElf Well, you got him on that one! LOL Uh, wait, that's what I'm doing!!! But I have an excuse as I am 70 years old. Nobody wants you when you're old and gay! 🤣
@@Fandango541 hi
My favourite moment? 4:52 when there's a soft piano arpeggio just at the same time as the woman sitting with her back to the window in the restaurant brushes her hair up!! Very well timed..
this is the second time i've watched this and the second time that it moved me. cell phones, wow as much as you want to think that it's a way of life you're wrong. it's a disability that one does not realize. yes perhaps to meet someone it's good but once you meet them, then you must be able to talk face to face and be honest with each other. honesty well that's another topic. feel the vibe feel the emotion one will transfer to you. be you and let them be themselves so that both will know each other. if sex is all you want just say it before you meet. if a relationship meet and show your true self. i love this film
really good! i liked his facial expressions a lot 😊
very nice music!
The Message is that everyone is to busy in their own business, that people often misses many opportunities that could led to great things and chances, sometimes you just gotta look around because who knows.. you might find love at the corner of the street, so it’s like seeing but at the same time it’s like being blind..
In this case the guy was so into his phone with that online guy while in the train, that he didn’t realize he was JUST missing the opportunity to be in a real relationship with someone that actually cared for him (at least we can kind of see that because that kind of stare is not about sex but rather about actual interest in going further, of course I’m not implying that every guy/girl that stares at you it’s because they want something with you but you can tell what’s happening right away)
I’m not saying that long distance relationships doesn’t count but this is the message to all, you could be living a nice time flirting and playing with someone on the Internet but who knows.. like you really never know, for example here: they didn’t even get to know each other in person and they were already fighting so it’s not worth it, better look around unless the person your chatting with feels exactly the same as you.. that the only way to keep a relationship alive despite distance or not because if you don’t feel the same then that “relationship” is forced and thus it would led you to an unhappy relation.
Also, one could say that they’re deff too and that this is the way they communicate with each other, but I HIGLY doubt it because if this were the case then the scene at the train with the black guy staring at him was pointless.
People don’t seem to care about little details nowadays, it’s.... sad.
This is now life for most with phones. Well congratulations we have graduated, much less people skills and more IT skills. Well done we should all be totally ashamed...
Well said Scott
Okay! Did miss something here? No comments seem to address the subtext. The use of messaging was brilliant and is a statement in it's self but the sub text of the date wanting to have just a hook up was deafening ( excuse the pun). Perhaps my ability to identify with the very same scenario made it stand out, the final text " I was just kidding" was so expected. Bet that guy is a bully. That is if a gay guy could be a bully? Stand for your principles and don't be apologetic.
Loved it, very clever, will there be a sequel? Please.
Excellent, and yet so sad. Sums up so many people's reality.
Painful.
Painful to watch.
I thought both characters perfectly portrayed their individual personalities through texts and body and facial language. Great story, well done to all involved.
This kinda reminds me of one of my bus ride. The guy was looking my way but i never bothered bc i was shy. I kinda regret it bc he’s actually nice. When he was about to ride the bus earlier and notices me he actually step aside and let me in first. Its a one in amillion chance encounter that i we will never have again 😔
I missed a kiss on a night..
He hold me tight and me too..suddenly my other friends came and i left that place with my friends...and pretended as nothing to happen....he was looking at me still i disappeare and me too...
I m living with this guilt...that i can never make right
Brilliant! Cinematography, soundtrack...txt/emoji communications on a hook up/date? Yea, been there. Love this!!! SHARE IT!
Best, most classy and so well written, directed and acted short i have watched in 2018. Really simple, clever and poignant. Excellent!
God the the African American guy on the train looked like he was a down to earth guy. Damn cute too.
Story of my life. Dating apps are a recipe for disaster 9 times out of 10. The Internet and all these apps were created mostly for the purpose of creating connections of all kinds with different types of people yet a couple of decades in, the more technological advancements there are, the more disconnected people are becoming with each other to the point where they don’t see each other as humans with feelings and emotions anymore. It all about individuality and an insatiable,inhuman self serving need that boarders on ruthless cruelty. It’s quite amusing and ironic that you can literally watch multiple people turn into the things there swore they never would become all because they failed to respect the privilege of being able to use the internet for the right reasons. The one fact that is constant about the internet is that it exposes the true natures of all humans sooner or later regardless on intent.
Dani Prados’ short film “The Date” is a satire as much as it is a lament about dating in the digital age. With first class production values and a beautifully nuanced acting performance from its lead, Troy Iwata, my overwhelming feeling at the end was of sadness: sad at how the smart phone has successfully de-personalised adult interaction, and has given permission for the coarsening of our relationships down to the sole determinant level of “what’s in it for me?”
Wow just wow
Hats off to that person who came up with the script.
Just wow
the raw thing that happens over apps and cruising. I loved it
Christopher,
I have found this film to be a poignant reminder on that which is known today as the "loneliness epidemic". We live within such close proximity to one another yet we more often than not choose to keep to ourselves. So many opportunities each day to reach out to someone new.. as wonderful of a tool that technology is to connect and learn about the world around us, we must be willing also to take a pause from it and meet the world eye to eye. Oh all the beautiful flowers one can see as one walks in the neighborhood, or meeting a friendly neighbor along with their furry canine companion. Oh the delight of meeting a kindred soul and feel the sparks fly of shared ideas exchanged. Perhaps as we learn to live our own life more authentically and pursue that which we REALLY enjoy in time we'll meet those who really appreciate us for who we are.
Namaste
definitely agreed! We are a society of lonely individuals who have lost their ability to connect with people by going outside and just reaching out to someone in an organic nature. Technology has taken that away for a lot of us. Not good.
Christian you made a great film. Production values were good, the acting was good and sublime music. And the reality of the chat apps spilling into the date
I started watching this because of Troy Iwata from Dash & Lilly. He has something that intrigues me. And this short did too. Each moment dragging me along to the next. So much could be said about the way they communicated or didn't and the fear of just taking a chance with each other without mapping out the evening. Personally when someone asked me, in the past, what I like to do in bed I cringe. As if my response would always be the same.
Beautiful short. Full of poignancy. Thank you.
Looking for one thing. Expecting perfection. Hiding your true self. needing other's confirmation of your worth. Knowing when the vibe is wrong. Not knowing how to get through the walls. This was so well done. The build up of expectation. The glances on the train and that missed opportunity. The use of the testing was so clever, as it accentuated the disassociation that the blonde man felt. He couldn't even say hello. Such a tragedy when everyone in that restaurant was a totally unique and exciting person, yet had no way to express their gift. Going into my faves file. Thanks
So true. The anti-social media in full display. Good film.
Is this a metaphor on dating in the 21st century. Or have we just lost the ability to communicate? Ironically it seems that the more devices and methods we have for communication, the less we actually communicate with each other. A text message will never replace a phone call.
Wow! It´s been a long time since i liked a short gay film. Bueautifully crafted and with a lot of truths like it´s been said here. Congrats! The cute guy´s face is everything. Also the black guy´s looks on him. I feel like there´s a lot of raw material here for a gay movie or even a series. They could meet later on and hook up, after cute and blond guy are done with their failed attempt of a relationship (and so on). I loved cute guy´s faces putting up with that jerk. And I also loved how vulnerable the jerk was when he was left alone. I loved the casting and acting. I´m no director or actor, but I feel like most short gay films (and films) suffer from too beautiful, bad actors and obvious ´commercial´/gay plots centered on sex, first time sex, homophobia, and youth. What about mature gay/bisexual guys that stare at young boys (and so forth)? Will that ruin our LGBT pride? Maybe we are the scared ones and not the homophobics, showing a sex centered perfect community, when gay films could show more of our reality. It would be so cool to talk to a director. Congrats! Keep up the good work.
Are you sure it was a gay film? They kept their shirts on through the whole thing, so it makes me wonder.
There is a great deal lost in not hearing the inflection and intonation of voice which can clarify an intent, as well as needed facial expression. Meaning can be lost in the written word. This is a beautiful moral tale in brief.
I don't know if one is deaf or both.
They clearly don't have same interests. But truth be told......the ability to text has really improved life for the deaf to communicate with each other and with speaking people.
I have been opinionated in the past about people texting while having dinner until I met a sweet deaf couple at a restaurant and they told me that they used texting to keep their conversation private. Because if they used sign language others can see what they are talking about.
Hope their is a sequel to this story.
The black man in the train was his missed opportunity but I can't blame him.....he was excited about the date.
The fact that they hugged when they met intend of exchanging words of greetings gives us a clue that they were deaf.
As is most cases people fail to express their expectations ahead of meeting someone for the first time leading to a disaster.
The fact that when he got up and walked away and it appears the other did not hear him walk away is another clue they are deaf.
Great film Christopher
Well we have to establish that Troy Iwata is one very good-looking guy plus..he is a great actor, because without any dialogue he expresses what the character feels through his eyes.. beautiful.
Bravo! One of the best meaningful films I’ve seen on here. Only because most guys would consider me “prude” also.
While I was hoping the main character would be back on the train meeting the "missed opportunity" - this was brilliantly done - a very open and honest portrayal of current dating and social interaction. Thank You
Does anybody know the composer and title of the solo piano piece that's played at the beginning? Thanks!
KLSinCT Hi there! Since this film was never intended for commercial purposes, the music is non-copyrighted stock music found online. I believe the composer of all the piano pieces is Lucas King - however I don’t know the names of the individual pieces unfortunately. But find his channel on TH-cam and you’ll find the music and many other great pieces. :)
@@alphatreeproductions Thank you very much!
Finally, a short that explains what I have found since texting hit the scene, few people actually talk any more. Hop 2 the sack, not my cup; wanting to get to know someone develops a strong friendship long before sex. Actually, I had rather not have sex without the closeness of true friendship. Keep U/R smartphones I do not own one
This boy sure can act! It’s amazing how we can read his face and eyes.
I truly miss the time before cell phones (or self phones) took over our souls and the real world out there.
If I was in a date and my significant other is texting I would just walk away.
The moment they ‘talked’ was the moment all of this went out the window tbh
The guys expressions were priceless his face said it all. A great little film about the complexities of modern life and those damn mobiles cell phones as the Americans call them
Brilliantly done. I hope this won some awards.
Just a mirror of life. Well crafted narration of a story with characters that many can relate. Thumbs up!
Agree with you
This is brilliantly done! It shows how disconnected we are as humans… The dependency of technology has overshadowed true intimacy in our society! Good Work 💙
It's so tragic how we communicate these days - I'm sure glad that I was raised in the age of decent communication - tragic...that's my take... the moral of this short can be interpreted in many ways - and all are brilliant - great job!
Man! I have been the guy on the train!!!! This was way too real...
Just goes to show that we are so involved with social media that we don't know how to actually be social anymore, put down the phone once in a while and look up, you never know what you might see or who you might meet
This reminds me how sad I would be if this became "normal" for everyone to text their conversation.....even in person. This inspired me to be less on my phone in public. Seriously, I am making some changes.
Congratulations Victor.
I have made many changes to prevent this from happening to me or prevent me from being rude to others.
to me the whole point of the film was that people no longer know how to communicate without it being in a text. The guy was still texting and didn't even realize that the date had gotten up and left. then it pans the whole restaurant and everyone has their face buried in a phone and doesn't even know anything else is going on around them. Get out of the phones and have a conversation.
The movie is "cute," but sad, too. The music blows me away.
Very well done. Portrayed what our smart phones are ruining our relationships & the arrogance of the blond guy who thinks hell lot of himself - a control freak.
A good short about (in)communication & modern life. I hope you'll keep doing this kind of films.
So much truth in this video . I hope you make more.
That’s absolutely the plan 👍😀
Oh my this is such a wonderful short film. It reminds me of the movie on Netflix :The Social Dilemma. We have really been engulfed by technology and this has widened the gap in how we communicate and express ourselves. Personally, the moment the other guy became rude I would have left so fast like a champagne Cork.. 🏃🏿♂️
The "wasting my time" comment would have been the tipping point for me to get out of there.
Very good piece....That is how our conversations are becoming.....sad
This film to me isn't about dependency on phones, because what if one of them can't speak hence you type the words you want to say until you can learn sign language. The message here is how people quickly jump into sex without even taking time to know a person first. It's hard to find love this days when all people do is just hook up for sex. Some people are still old fashioned and still want connection.
Meanwhile nice movie 👋👋👋
Physical face to face conversations today are a lost art because of our electronic devices. We need to do better with our human interactions/relationships, and this video is a clear stark reminder of that.......
What a sad commentary on our obsession with media at the expense of interpersonal interaction. Well done.
I really liked the face expressions on the guys face :) he is so sweet!
I actually met Troy Iwata and I felt really bad for him the whole time. Also the representation in this is great, really good work.
I'm surprised he didn't leave sooner.
I would have walked out after the first text unless he was deaf
Oh hard but good times before smart phones. We had to hide, and fight and all that. We had to keep secrecy but we were more honest. Sad times now. No more feelings, no more true relationships, just that killing question - what r u into? And that ends and kills everything.
This is why the world is the way it is. Who in their right mind would sit at a table and do this? Sad. Depressing. Not normal. Well done!
Another interpretation, Deaf people meet in this restaurant. Which means ??? They look to their phones for connections. New concept, but I really never thought about it before I watched this. Thank you for bringing me to my senses.
That is astute -- Deaf people do use technology in various ways to communicate, especially with hearing people. But they also tend to be very visually aware, and would definitely notice someone walking away! Which is why I figured this was more about the characters' negative use of technology and what was missed.
that is me on dates since I need use type or write notes, because of my deafness. So yes my shy and reserves make it worse. It was really difficult for me to make eye contact with new person.
@@keribritton4535 awww I'm sorry about that... I used to be so shy and get nervous but in the end I broke away from it and now I'm more open and more true to myself and I care less of what people think of me because either u like me or u dont, I'm a great person and a great friend and if u dont like then sumthing is wrong w u lol
I know that and it is why I not give up on it. Also I can see if they can put up with it until I become comfortable with them. Plus it would make my day if they would learn sign language too.
No confirmation of this, but this seems very plausible.
The guy was really really cuteee!
He really looked like an emoji
Great job
no one had the courage to suggest that a pre-date clothes changing montage might have been done before????
One of my favorites! I watched with my mouth wide open because its so true and indictative of the on line dating (I use that word loosely) scene. So sad but true and the obnoxious would not think he is doing anything wrong. He also missed out on the possiblity of a good guy that was out the subway.
Nice film. The message is so relevant to the state of our culture .
Brilliant! Just brilliant storyline...
What a expression man, amazing, without talking all is clearly shown
Great short film! Is this modern dating?! I'll just stick to building things with tooth picks...LOLOL
Incredible. I just saw this short film today and really enjoyed it. The music, acting, story, everything was wonderful. Thank you Christopher Birk.
Got irritated by the texting, then by the rude ginger guy then realized whoever made this is a genius.
My personality is like that man on black jacket. I am old fashion, traditional and too kind. Many find me a boring person. I don't even know how to flirt, maybe online but not on real life. I think that's enough reason why i am still single. Well i wouldn't change being kind or a weirdo just to find love or be loved. I still believe i would find someone who could understands me and love me as i am. The right person will eventually come, you just have to be yourself, stay with your principles.