Standing at the gates to the unknown, the debate whether one should take the plunge and explore what is on the other side, or stay within the safety of the known, plays out in the mind. Taking the sides for the argument is ‘bravado and ‘caution’, two emotions responsible for finding the right path forward. ‘bravado is upset that he is being forced to give up on millennia-worth of learning and knowledge. He is upset that his quest for knowledge is stifled in exchange for a life locked down in a cave and presumed safe from the disease and destruction that lies beyond the gates. He believes that mankind’s greater purpose should not be forgotten while seeking personal comforts. ‘Caution’ puts his foot down, stating that in today’s changed circumstances, it is of paramount importance to stay safe from disease. He believes that the world of science and explorations are things of the past and the prime objective of human life today, is to stay alive, and if that means being locked away in a dark cave, so be it.
‘Safe’ is a Lockdown film by Director Bruce Barker. In this short presentation of just five minutes, Barker addresses a very poignant question as to whether the lockdowns are the right way to deal with the pandemic. He presents both sides of the argument, Science vs Safety, and debates on the topic through his main characters in the film. Well put together digitally, the setting of the action in a long cave, leading to a huge gateway with bright lights on the other side, is evocative of the promises that lie beyond the gates. It reminds us of all the good things that lie outside our locked doors. Bruce Baker also a terrific job playing both the characters, managing to add subtilities to each character with body language and voice modulations.
‘Safe’ questions whether it is prudent to go outdoors into a world unsafe with disease and danger or whether it is wise to lock ourselves indoors, no matter how long the pandemic lasts. And, when the door is finally locked down, we feel that we do not have a choice for the moment.
