In Michael Rogan’s short film The Guitarist, a once-famous musician, Charlie Winters (Ryan Link), finds himself somewhat lost in thought in his home studio, strumming away on his guitars. The solace is interrupted by the arrival of a new student, Liam (Elli Hannon), on his doorstep with an online receipt for a music lesson at four.
Frustrated by a ruined afternoon, Charlie starts the lesson and quickly realizes that Liam is a beginner with an expensive guitar. Not wanting to waste time in the future. This will be Liam’s first and last lesson. As Liam excuses himself to the restroom, Charlie discovers an old photo of himself and Liam’s mother in Liam’s backpack. Seeing this as some ruse, Charlie demands that Liam leave, but Liam’s hour is not up.
“…Charlie starts the lesson and quickly realizes that Liam is a beginner with an expensive guitar.”
The Guitarist is a story about fathers and sons. In the case of Charlie and Liam, it was a matter of never knowing one another existed. Writer/director Michael Rogan subtly walks us through a simple three-act story when Charlie unknowingly takes in a student with a secret. The revelation of that secret follows and then sticks the landing with the resolution.
It’s a simple story shot beautifully, with fantastic performances by Ryan Link and Elli Hannon as Charlie and Liam, respectively. Charlie’s home studio looks semi-professional, and the house itself looks as lost in life as Charlie does.
"…a simple story shot beautifully, with fantastic performances..."
