The Hedgehog live action short

[thehedgehogfilm]

The Hedgehog is a short film about video game obsession that I directed.

What do people make of the film?

https://vimeo.com/117371025

[Ming Ming Hatsune]

I watched it before you even posted it. XP

 

The hedgehog is cute! I just wanna hug the kid in the Sonic suit! <333

 

The ending kinda confused me though. 

 

Why did the guy want to hang himself?

[Badnik Mechanic]

Just a heads up SSMB, if you're feeling kinda down, you might wanna skip on this for a while.

 

It's really good, but... my god the ending is depressing. 

[Cyrus]

The cinematography is excellent and scenes with the kid running around pretending to be Sonic are cute and remind me of myself when I was younger and obsessed with Sonic, but the suicide scene was confusing and out of nowhere. The man holding his Sonic doll moments before supposedly taking his life was an efficient tear-jerker, but after thinking about it, it just comes off as throwing dark vague shit at the audience for literally no reason other than shock value. What exactly was the message there?

[Gregzilla]

The man holding his Sonic doll moments before supposedly taking his life was an efficient tear-jerker, but after thinking about it, it just comes off as throwing dark vague shit at the audience for literally no reason other than shock value. What exactly was the message there?

 

I'm afraid I'm going to have to echo this.  I didn't see anything particularly potent or interesting about that ending.  Guy doesn't wanna grow up, kills himself.  Alright?  So?  There isn't really anything to think about or ponder, it's just sad for no reason.

 

But with that said, the cinematography was pretty good, and very effectively evoked a strong mood throughout the duration.  The music helped this too.  It definitely had an atmosphere to it.

 

So while I can't say the story was particularly interesting, it has some very good elements that show off your directorial potential.  Keep at it!

[Badnik Mechanic]

What exactly was the message there?

 

The first thing I got was 'all Sonic fans are going to look for adventure, fail to find it, then die from depression.'

 

Though I have to agree with your criticism, I kinda get what the directors were going for, I think it's supposed to be a life without joy and obsession can lead to depression and... suicide. But yeah, it was a bit 'has this just been done for shock value?'

 

I'm a little mixed on it, the quality of the film is really good, that's evident, but the ending was a little, yeah not sure how I feel after that, certainly don't like the possible implication that being a super fan of something can be an unhealthy thing when that's a very weak stereotype.

[Tani Coyote]

Well that was... something.

So are the man and the kid the same person? I would assume so given they're both holding the plush at the same time.

Though why the suicide either way? So the guy doesn't want to grow up... does he have to? Other than adult responsibilities, I see no reason he still can't enjoy youthful things in his personal time.

[The Deleter]

I'm not really sure what the message this short is trying to convey outside of the obvious, but I think I've figured some stuff out.

 

Going by the fact that the guy is bald, has a red shirt/jacket, and had a parakeet in a cage, I'm guessing he was supposed to resemble Eggman rather than just being a random man, but then I can't find much more meaning that would have in the story at that point.

 

I'm guessing Sonic was one of his obsessions at one point, but since it lacked what he was looking for, like what the kid was feeling near the end of his playtime, he moved on to other sources of potential adventure and excitement, as shown by the room full of other action figures. That in turn turned into a search for media, and then finally (caging and keeping) animals.

 

I guess the short is saying that the kid could eventually lead up to such a state if he keeps searching down such a futile path as the main source for meaning, as "lonely" is brought up quite a lot in the discriptions, but in a way, what if this sort of applies to the Sonic universe, as well? What if Sonic could have turned out like Eggman if he didn't have any friends? They both are childish and impulsive, and they both seek excitement in their lives to a degree, so if Sonic never had the attention of anybody in his whole life, as the short is implying, would he go down the same self-destructive path that Eggman has gone in a desperate search for captivation and excitement?

 

 

 

That, or this short is just conveying the effect RoL has had on everybody :U

[thehedgehogfilm]

Thanks guys the feedback is all really honest and exactly what we were looking for. 

I guess you could say we were initially inspired by the amount of content today there is around a certain blue hedgehog.

Agreed the suicide is strong but when we were writing it, it seemed a logical step to end such a short film in this way to bring some drama to the story. Plus what can I say? I love dark and surreal tone in cinema.

The narrative is certainly open for interpretation but we were really about trying to create another world in the same way we explore alternate worlds in video games. The character(s) in the film portray an exaggeration on the impact of game culture.

 

When I was younger I was also obsessed with Sonic, so I've often wondered about the subtle addictive qualities of video games, and in contrast to the popular games of today. Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?

[Badnik Mechanic]

When I was younger I was also obsessed with Sonic, so I've often wondered about the subtle addictive qualities of video games, and in contrast to the popular games of today. Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?

 

It's currently 1:38am... I'm not going to get into a huge analysis of the film or what's been said, I'll save that for an instalment of 'The Spin' when I get chance.

 

Also I don't mean to sound offensive with this, but based on your statement just now, I think your understanding of gamer addiction and obsession is very misguided and your film does very little to suggest otherwise.

 

Here's the problem, Your main character is a boy, dressed as Sonic, looking for adventure like Sonic, wanting to be Sonic, yeah so what? Kids do this all the time, it's called pretending and playing.

 

Now granted, the boy is older that what people would normally assume is the age for boys to do what that kid does in the film... however a strong counter argument would be both Cosplay and people who do this stuff at that age just because they want to entertain others, themselves as well as have fun.

 

Now your film gives the impression that these obsessions are unhealthy and can lead to depression, loneliness and suicide. 

 

If this is the case that is a wrong view which does nothing but cater to a misguided stereotype for someone who hates a specific media or subject.

 

I don't doubt that maybe that has happened, that maybe someone has become obsessed with something to the point where they have become lonely and depressed, but that is certainly the minority to the point where it barely registers, otherwise, given the size of gaming fandoms worldwide, the age of the average gamer, this would be major problem that was very well noticed and commented upon.

 

How you choose to deal with an obsession determines if it's healthy or not. With the Eggman character here, he deals with it badly, he becomes overweight, confined to a wheelchair (though we don't know if this is due to age or lack of exercise), depressed, lonely, no sign of family and he kills himself... he's taken it badly, to an extreme case. 

 

The film ends on a bit of an ambiguous note, is Eggman and the boy two different characters? Are they the same? Regardless, the implication is that the boy is doomed. Maybe if he took his head piece off, that would have been a subtle hint that he wasn't going to let his obsession ruin him?

 

Or if it were the same character just aged, why didn't we see some other kids who were not alone playing pretend? Something to suggest 'hey obsession and not wanting to group up can be bad if you let it control you, but it's not your fate to wind up like Eggman did'

 

One interpretation that I thought you were going to go down which would have been a lot better, yet you would have kept your original message and intention yet not ended on shock value, was if the boy sees Eggman and realises if he keeps being alone or letting his obsession take over him, he'll become the villain of the game he loves and not the hero.

 

Because most kids when they play want to be the hero, this boy did, yet we see a possible older or representation of his future self as the villain, as fun as it is to do impressions of Eggman, I can't imagine many kids would want to grow up to be the Eggman we saw in your film. 

 

 

Moving onto what you're now asking us, do we think games are more or less adictive? The answer is simple, they're the same, but they do it in different ways, games use Skinner Box techniques to hook the player, they keep giving just a little reward at precisely timed moments to entice them to keep playing.

 

This is not a new, in the time of the arcade this was true, only it was level progression, now with home systems it's a reward based system of something tangible within the game. 

 

Now the issue here, why have you brought this up when addiction and obsession are different things? I can be addicted to something, but that doesn't mean I'm obsessed with it. 

 

For example, a lot of games now have daily challenges, many people play these games daily for rewards. Is that addiction or obsession? Is it both? Is it neither. 

 

Is someone who goes to work, comes home, logs into a game every day for 365 days just to do the daily challenge the same as someone who goes to work, plays it every single spare second of the day because they like it? These are two very different kinds of people, one is clearly obsessed, the other is probably addicted.

 

So... which one has the problem? Is it a problem? They're both going to work, they're not letting their habit interfere with their work, so long as it doesn't impact their life in a negative way, is it a problem?

 

I have no doubt that some fans have mis-interpreted the film, and some fans are deliberately trying to sex up their dislike of it, however, you've really not done yourself many favours with how you handled these issues, it honestly feels like you didn't research this subject very well and were just catering to the anti videogame stereotype here. 

 

 

Edit: Ok there's something else I need to say here because... if you seriously mean this the way I think you do, frankly this is highly insulting and would suggest you were highly selective in your evidence just to support a stereotype and just for shock value in order to appeal to a certain type of person.

 

 

 

The character(s) in the film portray an exaggeration on the impact of game culture.

 

An exaggeration on the impact of game culture...

 

This is Neil Light

 

On Saturday 25th April 2015 (last Saturday if you were wondering), he ran 26 miles through London in order to raise money for Bipolar UK, a charity dedicated to helping people who suffer from Bipolar disorder, whilst dressed as Sonic the Hedgehog, a character who he apparently likes. Before anyone asks, no I do not know who he is, I have never met the guy nor have I had any conversation with him, I just read about him in a London Marathon article.

 

Not only did he raise over £500 for the charity, he also broke the world record for the fastest person to complete the London Marathon in a video game costume. From what I can tell, he has friends, a family, a good job, is a respected colleague and has done a lot of events like this before. 

 

Here he is dressed up as one of his favourite game characters running for the benefit of complete strangers...

 

... ... Is it just me or does he look a lot like the boy in your film? 

 

He's older yes, but does he or does he not show that gamer culture is a positive thing? You want more evidence? How about his pledge page which shows that the people who pushed him over his target goal were not friends or family, but strangers, Sonic fans and other gamers. 

 

This was gamer culture in action, supporting a stranger who in turn was supporting strangers. 

 

Anyone remember the guy who had his PSP stolen during the London riots? And how gamers raised money to allow his family to fly to the UK to visit him in hospital? That's pretty good gamer culture if you ask me? 

 

Or how about when I've and many others I know to go conventions full of gamers, I've been made to feel welcome and usually made friends when I've gone?

 

Gaming is an inclusive hobby, sure I could find examples of where people have tried to turn it into something nasty, but the vast majority of the time it's inclusive and from my experience, hanging around with gamers is just as nice and enjoyable as hanging around with non gamers. 

 

Yes there are some who have done stupid shit and it's been linked to gaming, though I bet I could find equally compelling cases of that with other media. However I'm not naive enough to then make a film saying it's an exaggeration of the impact of that culture and focus only on a negative when I know full well that any hobby has those who could be considered Superfans who don't let it take over or ruin their lives, and that minority who have.

 

Whilst I've defended gaming culture here, I will not finish by saying it's free from problems, of course it's not, look at the size and impact of it, there is no way it's a problem free hobby, You wanna debate those, make a new topic I'll be more than happy to debate the negatives as well as the positives. 

 

But to insinuate as your comments and film does that gaming culture and children who are obsessed or addicted with a character will grow up to be a guaranteed social outcast, have depression and then commit suicide is the norm or a near guaranteed life progression is so fundamentally wrong unless you deliberately looked at extreme negative examples

 

And the sad irony with all of this is, you guys clearly have talent, technically the film is great, can't fault how you shot the film and I probably would want to see more of your work. 

[McGroose]

Both the cinematography and the atmosphere are great. Trying to identify who the older man was and what his motives and backstory were required some additional analysis after my first watch, but it only ended up with me liking what I was watching more the further I looked into it. I needed to watching the film several times before I could form a solid opinion on the ending and whether or not I considered it a good choice to make his suicide a part of the film, but I've come to like the film's plot as a whole.

 

My favorite little detail of this short is how you made the older version of the child resemble Eggman, the very character which Sonic was determined to fight against. Showing how the kid went from dressing like Sonic in his youth to looking like Eggman was a terrific idea that was pulled off tremendously well. 

[Autosaver]

Though why the suicide either way? So the guy doesn't want to grow up... does he have to? Other than adult responsibilities, I see no reason he still can't enjoy youthful things in his personal time.

He can't enjoy youthful things because SEGA killed it. SEGA hung itself and with that, killed Sonic. See: Sonic Boom

 

lel

[KingIgort]

The character(s) in the film portray an exaggeration on the impact of game culture.

 

When I was younger I was also obsessed with Sonic, so I've often wondered about the subtle addictive qualities of video games, and in contrast to the popular games of today. Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?

 

The "impact of game culture" leading people to depression and ultimately suicide is a really toxic view point, in my opinion. Especially since I would argue most people play video games because they're fun and they make us feel good.

 

And video games being more or less addictive feels like a loaded question. Yes, I would say more people play video games, and for longer, these days than they probably did two decades ago but what video games are now is also much broader and appeals to many different aspects of human interests. It's kind of a non question.

[Brad]

That was the most cynical piece of shit I've seen through. Like "Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared" without the camp that makes such a production appealing and likable. Sort of like that infamous Superbowl commercial that aired this year. You could call it "The Strawman Fanboy" and it wouldn't change it a bit.

And cut your bullshit rhetorical questions about "Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?". You sound like a 40-year old Kotaku writer, and that's not a compliment.

 

Wow. Asshole much?

 

Enjoyed the film, thought it was very well filmed with an interesting idea explored. Visually it was lovely and I liked the contrast between the two leads and the stories it could imply. I could imagine somebody could get so caught up in a world of collecting and cutting themselves off from people with the world of video games they forget to live for themselves - however video games have moved to become much more sociable nowadays, so I'm not sure it would be an issue affecting today's generation. For what it was though, I enjoyed it.

[thehedgehogfilm]

I wouldn't say I'm anti-game, just intrigued by an obsession from a young age and a 'what if' nightmare scenario.

When a lot of people think badly of video games today, they may reference GTA, COD, etc. and address the whole violence/cathartic argument, but its interesting to think of sonic in contrast. All video games can be considered addictive and transcendental on some level.

I can see how people would interpret the film as having this anti game message and I would agree its certainly unrealistic but it wasn't intended to suggest people should stop playing games or you might die.
The character was also largely inspired by Peter Pan syndrome; a pop psychological term for not wanting to grow up. In games we visit new worlds and can die as many times as we want, for him paradoxically he sees this as an escape in reality but who is to say what is and isn't the reality in this film.
 

[Willsy]

I think the message that the film is trying to convey is that if eoneone cannot accept reality and ignores the outside world, they won't have a very fulfilling life and might very well deteriorate to the point where life just becomes too painful or pointless for them. It didn't come off as anti-gamer to me, I think that the man only just so happened to be a gamer who became so obsessed with what he did that he completely blanked the outside world out. The loneliness and unfulfillingness of his life eventually consumed him and pushed him to end it all.

I really thought that the film was well written and the cinematography was fantastic. It had so much meaning and depth for a film without any dialogue whatsoever, and it does leave an impact on you. I personally found that impact to be very dark and somewhat disturbing, not in a way that detracts from the film, rather in a way that works with the film to create that air of tragedy.

[TheGerkuman]

I think you may be projecting a little there Lemanic.

[CottonCandy]

Well, that was.... interesting. I got a different message from this, I think its the case of someone who can't accept the reality of getting older. Which is understandable for some people, life past your innocent youth days can be scary. I didn't grasp the addiction to video games message. As a matter of fact that wasn't the first thing that pop in my mind after I saw the film. 

 

On the plus side, the cinematography was done extremely well and I enjoy the film. 

[Roger_van_der_weide]

Was the Suicide really that out of nowhere?
The melechony feeling of the whole film with the music and worn down British village did nothing but build up some sort of tragedy or uncomfortable ending up for me.
Altough I suppose it would have been cute if the movie ended with "Sonic" and "Eggman" bonding over their love of videogames and playing together. But hey, it's art, no happy endings allowed, happyness is cheesy and childish and stuff.

Altough I would probably end the movie with a sudden upbeat action reenactment of the Games, but that's why I'm a stupid parody cartoon maker and not an art film maker.

 

 

Anyway, uhh, movie didn't get much of a reaction from me. It seems to put the fears and worries of our generation's parents and some of our own in visual form. That's neat.
But since this discomfort of nerd culture and the demand to get a "Real life" is such a constant present force around us, the constant attacks from the media, trolls on the internet and parental figures, it doesn't have an effect on me anymore beyond "Oh this again."

Tough considering the intense anger this movie seems to get from some people, I guess it does hit a few nerves.
But whatever, in my interpretation, this movie isn't really trying to teach us or tell us something, it's mostly turning the fears lingering in a lot of people's minds into a movie.
So getting angry or pointing out that not every Sonic fan commits suicide is probably unnecesairy. This is an emotion movie, not a educational or moralistic movie.
And the film maker here mostly describing his choices with a 'it felt good to me' attitude confirms my expectations.

 

Must say I love the first shot of "Robotnik" from the distance in the wheelchair, that was neat. Almost wish he was only seen from a vague distance.

 

Hmm, okay, so there is at least one question lingering in my mind from this movie, altough I doubt the film maker will give me an answer since that would ruin the point of an art film.

But since the movie seems to be about Geeks in general, with the VCR and action figure toys everywhere, it makes me wonder why Sonic is The ultimate posterboy representing this phenomenon.

Probably because using something that looks more like a Children's mascotte rather then a Power Ranger or something more "mature" looking is extra visually powerful, but still.
Can't help but ponder further implications.

[Kiah]

That was the most cynical piece of shit I've seen through. Like "Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared" without the camp that makes such a production appealing and likable. Sort of like that infamous Superbowl commercial that aired this year. You could call it "The Strawman Fanboy" and it wouldn't change it a bit.

And cut your bullshit rhetorical questions about "Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?". You sound like a 40-year old Kotaku writer, and that's not a compliment.

 

That was really rude and definitely uncalled for. How would you like it if you created something here at the SSMB that you felt was an important accomplishment to you only to have someone give their opinion on it with derogatory insults? You wouldn't. If you don't like what the member has done that is all well and fine provided that you express your thoughts respectfully as the insults and hostile tone here in this post are really out of line.

 

If anything, we should be encouraging those that share their works with us here and if one is to critique them, it should be done in a constructive manner, whether is it positive or negative. Looking at the previous posts in this thread from other members giving their viewpoints respectfully and critiquing constructively, you was only one that failed to do this with the insults.

 

Posts like this tend to discourage members from sharing these works with us here at the SSMB ever again, and that is not a vibe we want to give around here in addition to possibly making them feel unwelcome. Especially with a brand new member that just joined our community yesterday. So please, express your criticism or dislike in a constructive and respectful manner, or don't post at all as not doing so is counterproductive as well as disrespectful and mean-spirited.

 

Wow. Asshole much?

 

I'm going to ask you to refrain from the insults also. I understand the post in question upset you but dishing out an insult for an insult doesn't help matters any in addition to being rude as well.

[Daisy-Fan]

That was the most cynical piece of shit I've seen through. Like "Don't Hug Me, I'm Scared" without the camp that makes such a production appealing and likable. Sort of like that infamous Superbowl commercial that aired this year. You could call it "The Strawman Fanboy" and it wouldn't change it a bit.

And cut your bullshit rhetorical questions about "Do people think gaming today is more or less addictive?". You sound like a 40-year old Kotaku writer, and that's not a compliment.

Yes, gaming is addictive as everything else in this world. But it also is an artform, like music and film, that inspires people. It inspired me to become a musician.

 

 Way too much exaggerate from you Lemanic,how about to start giving more critic less insulting, stop acting like an asshole simple.

 

Edit watched, i find this very brutal at the last part.

[Nepenthe]

Way too much exaggerate from you Lemanic,how about to start giving more critic less insulting, stop acting like an asshole simple.

 

Edit watched, i find this very brutal at the last part.

[LongcrierCat]

The imagery in the cinematography really emulated the weird blur of reality and game really well. The film could be expanded sure enough to explore other themes, but what themes it does cover it covers awfully well. When you get to the hills and evoke the feeling of going through Green Hill only to show how actually drab and unadventurous it was, that really hit. The line of pretending to have an adventure and the act of actually having the adventure by going out of your comfort zone was effectively orchestrated, Lee & Storrie. There's keeping cherished memories of the past, then there's dwelling on them. There's the dwelling of wanting to not have consequences, to ignore reality, and having that reality crash down on you. 

 

Videogames are enjoyable, you guys have to repeat this every time when you're asked about "but does this mean videogames are bad?" No, they're not. But not living in the present for the future is. Pretending instead of working to become the hero is the obsessive and creepy part. 

 

Your point was well made. And you made a very poignant picture out of it. Things change, and sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to experience the best in life. That doesn't mean you don't have to let go, it just means to not let it consume your life. 

[thehedgehogfilm]

Wow, some really informed feedback here, thank you everyone, I have taken the words written here with a lot of thought.
For a film with no words, it is surprising how much can be read but it was never the idea to trick or offend sonic fans, nor people with mental disorders.

Visual film language is somewhat restrictive in that I believe we are bound by stereotypes, plot structures and cliches (to an extent) in order to string a comprehensive narrative together and effectively incite drama, comedy, end a film etc. but I'm all for discovering new ideas so its great to hear your thoughts.

 

On referencing Sonic, THE global icon of video gaming seemed most fitting for the 'hero' for the film. TBH he's been my favourite hero for 20 years. Also the absurdity of wanting to be a speedy blue hedgehog... its quite impossible to imagine so this was of interest to try to bring this to reality. And why not Mario? I couldn't imagine a boy wanting to be a mushroom eating italian plumber. But maybe theres the sequel
 

[Sonicstitch]

First off I hate when people say that video games make you antisocial.

 

Like if you’re antisocial and you play video games, than video games are why you are antisocial.

 

There's a big difference between

being antisocial because you play video games.

And playing video games, because you are antisocial.

 

As for ignoring the outside world.

 

You can be vary social and still get depressed.

 

What if you try so hard to be socially accepted that you lose the real you?

 

This song is a good illustration on my point.

Blue Man Group - Persona ( LIVE ) 720p

or this

Blue Man Group - The Complex - The Complex Tour.mp4

 

PS

I love the boys Sonic suit. I want one.