Written and directed by David Allan Rohrer, Objects of Affection is set in present-day Hollywood. The story follows struggling painter Miles (Andreas Orrego), who can’t catch a break. Every day is the same routine of frustration as he battles his creative block and nagging criticism from his wife, Tara (Kianna Vo), who’s fed up with his failure to finish a single painting or find a stable job. Their arguments escalate until Tara threatens to destroy his work altogether. Miles gathers a few canvases and tosses them out before she can.
At the dumpster, Miles meets a stranger, Dylan (Allison Moses), a woman who shows a peculiar interest in one of his pieces. A spark of interest ignites, and when she asks about the painting, Miles gives it to her. Dylan heads home with the artwork, only to be confronted by her drug dealer, Caleb (Billy Hayes), who sees a chance to solve her debt problem by selling the painting. Back home, Miles catches more from Tara. He feels spent. Immediately, Dylan comes to mind. He picks up the phone to meet her. That choice marks a turning point for him, as he finally steps out of the stressful home situation toward someone who sees value in his art.
“Every day is the same routine of frustration as he battles his creative block…”
First, I need to mention that Objects of Affection was filmed on 16mm…yes, actual film. Cinematographer John Barrett produces a tale that harkens back to the old grainy art films of the past. This allows the story to walk that fine line between natural and surreal, and David Allan Rohrer delivers a heartbreaking, Twilight-Zone-ish tale about the pitfalls of getting what you want. Rohrer dangles the carrot of hope only to take it away.
David Allan Rohrer has full command of his storytelling in Objects of Affection. He creates a sympathetic character in Miles, and we fall for him from start to finish because, deep down, we’re this guy, and a better life is just out of reach. It’s stories like this that remind us why short films are so important.
"…Rohrer dangles the carrot of hope only to take it away."
David Allan Rohrer writes a beautiful story, still there is hope!
Beautifully written and the 16 mm black and white is awesome, kudos to John Barrett, and the entire team of talented actors portraying their roles, Andreas, Allison, Kianna, Billy and David!