A Review of ‘I Don’t Care If The World Collapses’: A Compelling Case of Acting Inspiring Actor
The plight of an actor on set induces the producer to return to thoughts of similar personal tragedy.
‘I Don’t Care If The World Collapses’: A Compelling Case of Acting Inspiring Actor
Cast: Salma Abu-Deif, Emad Rashad, Ameer Salah Eldin, Emad Tayeb
Critic’s Rating: 4 Stars out of 5
Director: Karim Shaaban
Duration: 20 minutes
Genre: Drama, Short
Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
Release: 2024
What’s it about?
The plight of an actor on set induces the producer to return to thoughts of similar personal tragedy.
Review:
When it becomes too difficult and painful to grapple with the truth, is it easier to live the lie? That is the central theme of this mesmerising little drama short, which unfolds over the course of a few emotional interactions. This thought-provoking film also explores the notion that people are predisposed to putting on a face when confronted with a predicament and that acting transcends situations conjured up for the camera.
I Don’t Care If The World Collapses begins with a multi-tasking film producer - Loubna (Salma Abu-Deif) - who begins her work day at an early hour. She is not only competent at coordinating the people and preparations involved in the production of a TV commercial, but possesses an artistic ability on the side. Arriving at the studio, she converses with the project’s director (Ameer Salah Eldin) and their production manager – Magdi (Emad Tayeb). The former confides in Loubna that the elderly gentleman - Mr. Farouk – who is contracted to act in the ad, had been expounding on his tragic life.
Just as the day-long filming schedule is about to get under way, tragedy strikes in the form of a phone call bearing the sad news that Mr. Farouk’s best friend has just died. While, the bereaved man struggles to come to terms with the shock and contemplates leaving the studio, Magdi begins to unravel at the prospect of having to shelve the ongoing production. Loubna attempts to placate her harried colleague before condoling with the saddened actor.
Loubna proceeds to share with Mr. Farouk a similar misfortune and dilemma that she had faced in her own life and guarantees him her unconditional support. Will her empathy strike a chord with the actor and will it be adequate enough to change the outcome of the day? Furthermore, will forging a human connection rise above commercial and contractual obligations? The film’s title is cleverly used as a recurring mantra of sorts and there are a couple of intriguing revelations as the movie heads for a poignant conclusion. Cynicism, hope and gratitude blend to make for a powerful sign-off.
Director Karim Shaaban expertly extracts humanity from impersonal situations, a premise that he had previously explored in his 2020 short Nightshift. Meanwhile, Wael Hamdy’s moving script is convincingly brought to life by robust performances from the film’s two leads, who traverse the gamut of human emotion. The camera-work is minimalistic without being deficient in any way and the effective editing and music make for a holistically enriching experience. The resounding message of the film is that even if the world collapses, the show must go on. And that is something this film accomplishes superbly.
