Introduction –
Some of the short films tickle your intelligence; some affect you emotionally while the majority of them provide that much needed thrill & entertainment. The Big Shave by Martin Scorsese doesn’t belong to any of these genres. This film simply knocks down the viewer with its dark subject and equally intense allegory. There is yet another facet to this film. It demands concentration, deep musing and the ability to draw a conclusion through various perspectives and prisms.
Synopsis –
The film begins with a medium shot of a sparkling white bathroom. The camera then offers a glimpse of various accessories such as steel faucet, washbasin and wall cabinet with a mirror. Peter Bernuth, the only character of the film steps inside and immediately a background score ( I can’t get started by Lester Young ) starts playing in the background.
Peter sprays the foam on his palm and then rubs it over his cheeks and neck area. The glistening razor then moves around his face reflecting a routine which we are all aware of. Nonetheless, it quickly evolves into grotesque carnage. Peter continues to shave again and again and again, and every time he inflicts a cut on his face and neck. Finally, he cuts his throat, sliding the razor against the neck
The film ends with the bathroom losing its earlier purity, its snow-like ambience, and now immersed in vivid crimson color. An alternative title, ‘Viet-67’, at the end gives a hint of what the film is all about.
Analysis –
This self-destruction it seems is a metaphor, a kind of ‘bloody’ protest against an equally ‘bloody’ war ( 1967 U.S – Vietnam ).
Year of Release – 1967 | Director – Martin Scorsese | Writers – Martin Scorsese | Running Time – 6 Minutes | Availability – YouTube