Created by: Diana Galimzyanova
Nothing Happens is an introspective Russian short film, a story told without dialogue, and a great soundtrack.
Written and directed by Diana Galimzyanova, this 8 minute long film follows a man, somewhere between his mid -30s and early 40s, who works in a bar that is also a live music venue. This character, who remains nameless, leads a life where different nights and different events seem to blur together. He surrounded by people and music but seems to be, to coin a phrase, lonely in a crowded room. He observes but doesn’t speak, simply getting on with what he has to do.
Technically this film is very interesting. Not only does it showcase a brilliant soundtrack, including bits of covers of David Bowie songs, and great cinematography that transports you fully to a night out. It Is also deeply naturalistic, almost documentary-like, to the point where you wonder if these are scenes from real life being filmed, and edited for expression. We see some brilliant framing and inspired points of view throughout.
This piece might be expressing monotony and pessimism, but it might equally be expressing patience and a strong sense of self, that we need the most at so many points in our lives. It’s good, thoughtful work.