Swings and Roundabouts
2013, 5 minutes
A dark 5 minute psychological film about the abusive relationship between a young boy and his father.
Swings and Roundabouts Student Short; Throughout the film, you gradually see the years pass, the two of them growing older, and the suffering continuing. To begin with, this shy and neglected 8 year old constantly faces the brutal and unjustified consequences to his harmless juvenility. His estranged, hostile father having an uncontrollable temper takes out his rage and emotions by physically abusing him, momentarily thriving on the feeling of power and control. It is only after that he is drowned in guilt. The guilt forcing him to spend more time with his son in the garage - the place that becomes synonymous with their broken relationship. As the boy grows up, the abuse becomes more intense as the father starts to feel as if he is losing control. The youthful boy still feeling trapped, cannot seem to find a way out. He resents his father greatly, but feels so belittled and ashamed he cannot face up to him. As the boy ages, he struggles to contain his emotions.. and fear... and cocky outbursts only result in his father lashing out more. So much more that one day this cold-hearted, control-freak rapes his own son. The son is left traumatised, ashamed and emotionally scarred, with revenge becoming his sole purpose in life.