全球搜索教育: 作为对话的喜剧: 马克·基弗在《定时炸弹》中的气候寓言

这个月, 观众可以放映 定时炸弹 在星球课堂网络上. 这部电影由 Planet Classroom 为 Planet Classroom Network 策划.

Immerse yourself in the witty, yet gripping short film, 定时炸弹, by Director Mark Kiefer. The film is a humorous and cautionary tale about tackling climate change. The gripping narrative delves into a group’s amusing yet urgent efforts to defuse a bomb amid climate change. We witness their quirky problem-solving and tense moments, mirroring humanity’s approach to environmental disasters.

全球搜索教育 is pleased to welcome Mark Kiefer.

Mark, what inspired you to tell a story about climate change and people’s responses to it?

The story initially stemmed from the comedic potential of characters seemingly indifferent to their impending doom—juxtaposing urgency with indifference naturally brings humor. As it evolved, I realized it became an allegory for our current moment and the issue of climate change. The small idea and the larger concept merged into one, which I find compelling in storytelling.

How did you develop the quirky and relatable characters in the film? Any anecdotes from the process?

The characters reflect archetypal roles present in the real world—the disinterested middle manager, the cog in the machine, the tech-savvy but socially challenged young individual, and the impenetrable bureaucracy acting as an unseen character. Comedy arises from character conflict, so I placed these characters in a high-pressure situation to observe the outcome.

Can you discuss the symbolism behind the bomb and its context?

The bomb symbolizes our tendency to avoid difficult conversations or challenges, hoping they’ll disappear, ultimately exacerbating the issue. It represents what we consistently avoid dealing with and our denial of the necessity to address it. This pattern exists both on a personal level and in broader societal contexts, notably exemplified by climate change.

How challenging was it to balance comedy while delivering a message? What feedback have you received from audiences?

Comedy serves as a safe middle ground between the unspoken and the essential. Good dialogue thrives on subtext, and comedic dialogue skillfully addresses significant issues indirectly. Balancing comedy with underlying messages was surprisingly well-received; audiences seem to grasp the film’s underlying themes.

谢谢, Mark!

C.M. Rubin with Mark Kiefer

不要错过 定时炸弹, 现已在星球课堂网络上直播. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.

作者: ç. M. 鲁宾

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