Film Review

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Title: THE  LAZY SUSAN

Film review  by Abigail Asabea Otoo 

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STORY AND THEME

The film made me feel amused and curious, especially as it skillfully played with historical tropes and absurd humor. It pulled me in from the start, thanks to its witty narration and confident pace. The story was engaging because it combined historical parody with a quirky sense of drama, gradually revealing the character’s struggles and motives.

In a few words, the story follows a woman named Susan, whose ingenious household invention is repeatedly dismissed, leading to a comedic but frustrating battle for credit in a male-dominated space. The central message seems to touch on overlooked contributions—especially by women—and the way history sometimes forgets or rewrites inventors’ legacies. While light-hearted, the film carries a subtle critique of gender dynamics in innovation.

There were several unexpected moments—especially the twist ending, which reframes Susan's legacy with bittersweet irony.

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CHARACTERS AND PERFORMANCES

The characters, although exaggerated for comedic effect, were well-developed and believable within the tone of the film. Susan stood out immediately—her resilience, awkward brilliance, and emotional depth made her both humorous and sympathetic. The supporting characters, particularly the pompous male inventors and dismissive critics, were caricatured but effective in showing the societal obstacles Susan faced.

Performances were strong across the board. The lead actress delivered Susan’s blend of passion and dry humor with great nuance, anchoring the film emotionally. Relationships, especially between Susan and her husband, added depth and occasional tension that enhanced the story's stakes.

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CINEMATOGRAPHY

Visually, the film used a polished mock-documentary style that suited its tone perfectly. There were standout shots that mimicked archival footage, interviews, and flashbacks—all crafted with intentional theatricality. The use of lighting and framing, especially during “dramatic reenactments,” added to the parody while still effectively conveying the mood and narrative.

Colour tones often shifted between sepia and natural light, helping to distinguish between memory and present commentary. This was a clever way to guide the audience without breaking the comedic rhythm.

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SOUND AND MUSIC

The soundtrack supported the storytelling well—subtle, playful background music enhanced comedic timing and emotional beats. The score didn’t dominate, but it left a faint, whimsical impression that matched the film’s satirical tone.

Dialogue and sound effects were clear and well-balanced. In particular, sound was used effectively in scenes with Susan’s inventions to emphasize their ridiculous or surprising functions.

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OVERALL IMPACT

The film exceeded my expectations for a short comedy. Its blend of satire, historical parody, and character-driven storytelling made it both funny and meaningful. Its greatest strength was how it used humor to spotlight serious themes—like gender recognition, legacy, and the rewriting of history.

The only minor weakness was that some jokes relied on stereotypical setups, though they were generally subverted smartly.

Emotionally, it evoked laughter, but also a touch of sadness—especially at how Susan’s efforts were repeatedly dismissed. I would absolutely recommend it to others, particularly those who enjoy witty short films with a feminist edge.

Ultimately, Lazy Susan leaves a lasting impression—not just as a comedy, but as a clever critique of whose names end up remembered in history.

https://youtu.be/MzdmDdXBEVw?si=a9XhSnlaoaSWyWGZ

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