In 2013 I was fortunate enough to attend the premier of this little gem of a film at the Hackney Picturehouse in London. I knew roughly what to expect having skimmed through an earlier draft of the script and having numerous conversations about the film with writer/director Robert Trott. I remember the day of the premier being a hot day to the point of being uncomfortable in your own skin, but as soon as all who attended were seated, and the film started playing, it was easy to forget all discomfort and be completely charmed by the goofy and heartfelt story of 4:00am.
"So tell me, are you having fun yet?" - Douglas Courage
So tell me, what's it about? The film's protagonist, Douglas Courage (Tommy Balaam) is a lovable, good hearted yet socially awkward individual who, unfortunately for him, embodies pretty much the opposite of what his name implies. We've all known him. It just so happens that the object of his affection is his best friend Juniper (Sophia Jackson) who has troubles of her own, but has also decided it's time for Doug to start having some "normal fun" and accompany her to a party. What follows is an eventful evening, lazily hosted by the brilliant but depressed artist Cooper (Craig Haines) and attended by a diverse cast of characters who almost seem hell bent on ensuring that Doug wishes he had stayed at home with a Chinese takeaway and a DVD. Will Doug survive the night and walk off into the sunrise hand in hand with the girl he loves? I'd recommend you see the film at your first opportunity to find out!
"Don't hide from them, okay?" - Juniper
Tommy Balaam gives an outstanding performance as Doug, and Sophia Jackson brings a lot of soul to troubled Juniper. The Dreg, wonderfully portrayed by Daniel Lillie is always entertaining every time he's on screen, so much that you feel guilty for liking the character. Natalie Wakelin is perfect as Lucy, a character that seems surprisingly layered for a supporting role. While Ellie Mitra brings a warmth and reassurance to the role of Sebastian, a character I think we could all do with bumping into if we were to find ourselves in Doug's position, "That Sebastian, she's a nice girl" is what Cooper has to say about her. Now, about Cooper, Craig Haines is effortlessly fantastic in the role, and fortunately he has some of the best dialogue in the whole film. I think it's safe to say that his character will be a favourite for many viewers.
"Life moves too fast when you do bugger all with it." - Cooper
The film also boasts an effective soundtrack, great camera work and even some interesting effects shots which are all the more impressive when you consider the film's extremely tight budget. I have it on good authority that it cost around £8000 which is quite remarkable and a real triumph of independent filmmaking. In the end, my only gripe with the film is it's short length, and the fact that it leaves you wondering without any clues, about the fates of all these characters. Where are they going? Who will they become? But then I guess it's not much different from real life in that respect.
"Leave nothing unsaid." - Cooper
4:00am was written and directed by Robert Trott, a promising young talent with an apparent knack for pinpointing the essence of a good story, and exploring it in a brutally honest way that communicates directly with the hearts of the audience. The film feels like the fleeting memory of a night we've all experienced at one time. It features characters that feel like old friends from a period in our lives that seemed all too brief, and a simple yet profound story that will feel all too familiar for a number of young people, and evoke bittersweet memories for those of us that have already lived it.
