Paper Doll

In the summer of 2013 I wrote, filmed, directed and edited the short ‘Paper Doll‘.

Set within the contemporary world of vintage clothing and social swing dances, Paper Doll is the tale of Edward, a young man who dresses everyday like it’s the 1940s. He works a dead-end office job where his colleagues make fun of him but comes alive when he’s out dancing, drinking and womanising.

Edward’s world is turned upside down when he meets Agatha – the woman of his dreams – who helps him to become the gentleman he’s always strived to be, but is she real or just a paper doll?

Cast: Matthew Blacklock, Fleur McGerr, Katie Sommers, Ruth Netania, Anna Symes, Sarah Podmore
Crew: Adnan Mangral, Anya Krasnikova, Leon Radschinski-Gorman
Live Music by: The Swing Ninjas
Supporting cast: Brighton Lindyhoppers
Written & Directed by Mathew Keller

The full film can be watched here: https://vimeo.com/mathewkeller/paperdoll

INT. TEMPLE BAR – EVENING

Later that night he’s standing at the bar waiting for a drink. The Mystery Woman appears next to him. This time he’s a bit more with it (perhaps buoyed by the alcohol).

EDWARD
Hi

MYSTERY WOMAN
Hello

EDWARD
(pausing)
Edward

Edward holds out his hand. The Mystery woman takes it in a handshake.

MYSTERY WOMAN
Agatha

EDWARD
Come here often?

AGATHA
That’s a little cheesy don’t you think?

EDWARD
Yes, very… Sorry I just meant I thought I’d seen you here before tonight

Edward’s drink arrives.

AGATHA
Perhaps… although I don’t get out as much as I used too

EDWARD
You look really amazing. Is that all original?

AGATHA
What this old thing? I’ve had it for years!

She brushes something off her lapel

AGATHA (CONT’D)
Thank you for noticing though. You’re looking very ‘authentic’ yourself

EDWARD
Huh, thanks, yeah… a old lady actually stopped me in the street the other day and said; “You look just like my Dad!”

They laugh together and there is a natural pause.
A new song starts playing and Edward, taking a deep breath, turns to Agatha.

EDWARD (CONT’D)
Do you dance?