In the early twentieth century, Maureen settles down in the city, with her husband in modest accommodation. But soon, Maureen’s life starts disintegrating before her eyes. And her dreams are shattered. Through her marriage to ‘race-horse Henry’, she expected an exciting, action-packed life ahead. But soon, she finds herself out of his grace and ignored. Henry is preoccupied with other engagements all through the day. As someone accustomed to an easy life, Maureen is worried. She expects to be cared for and provided for all her life. She does not look forward to having to work for her survival any time soon. Her only solace is her loving girlfriend, who gives her hope for a life without Henry. Reluctant to consider such a scenario at first, Maureen soon finds the idea growing on her. Maureen’s girlfriend also happens to be the sister of Henry’s boss and his mistress too. So how does this love triangle untangle itself?
‘Don’t smoke in bed’ is a narrative short from Director Dristan Kastrati. Set in the 1920s, the film is striking in the authentic recreation of the period with detailed production design, set dressings, costumes, accessories, jewellery and the other specifics down to the print used in ticket stubs. The attention paid to the details in the re-creation of the period and the props used in the film takes us back to an era we are more familiar with though stories and books. The film stands true to the creator’s idea of creating a workable conflict with colour and Noir. The director’s manoeuvre to show the change in time by actually tricking the audience to accept a seamless transition is a gem that could easily pass unnoticed in the film.
‘Don’t smoke in bed’ can either be a very well thought out murder conspiracy or an unfortunate accident at the wrong place. Even though the film leaves plenty of very valuable clues all along, this question will continue to confuse the viewer, nevertheless.
