“Blanched” is a uniquely surreal and beautiful drama telling the story of woman and her passionate love affair with fashion and colour. Set in a city bursting with personality, it’s inhabitants extrovert, outgoing and friendly, contemporary life has never been so vibrant.
This ten minute film follows Blanche who was brought up in a society where fashionable exuberance is second nature, where everyone's individuality is expressed whole-heartedly through their clothing, Blanche is the personification of said society. She is youthful and lively, eccentric and kind and has a burning passion for clothes and colour. Everyday she buys or creates a new piece of clothing to express herself and to flaunt her extravagance about the city, without a care in the world. Even in a society where everyone is similarly spirited Blanche is admired for her flare.
Years of collecting and hoarding, brings about infinite choice and possibility for wearable expression. It is this overwhelming amount of choice which see’s Blanche’s indecision cascades her into a cocoon of colour, both physically and emotionally. The film see’s Blanche’s sudden withdrawal from the world. Despite intent to engage with the outside world her obsession and indecision finds her unable to step outdoors for lack of knowing what to wear.
Having been trapped in this cycle of chromatic enchantment for over a decade, Blanche eventually brings herself to gaze through the curtains into the now unknown world outside. What she finds shocks her and deeply saddens her. The once flamboyant city which she had one loved, ached with monochromatic melancholy. The effect of industrialization and modern stresses brought her city to a state in which it had forgotten happiness and people no longer knew how to enjoy themselves.
Blanche, being the only bright flame left in this place feels obligated to show the world the true meaning of being alive. Her self entrapment in her colour ridden apartment turns out to have saved her from being drained of spirit like the rest of the world. Her life is once again flooded with purpose. She must use her preserved spirit to re-enlighten the world and save it from being driven any further into grey indifference.
However, she soon realises she will have to sacrifice more than her clothes collection to save the world. After she gives everything to help her fellow man, will they reciprocate and save her too? Or will she perish as a martyr?
yes. sold. done. great work.
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