A SXSW Dark Comedy Short | The Voice In Your Head

Dan spends every waking hour tortured by the negative voice in his head until he learns something shocking that allows him to break free.
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The Voice In Your Head
Directed by Graham Parkes
www.grahamparkes.com/
"Solitude can be an important part of life and help you to develop who you are and your sense of self. But what if you could never truly feel alone? For Dan, an average Joe stumbling through life, this is exactly the situation he finds himself in, as the negative voice in his head follows him everywhere and never seems to give him a break. S/W alum Graham Parkes returns to our site for a third time with The Voice In Your Head, a sharp and witty comedy that surprisingly reveals itself as a much deeper opportunity for introspection.
In The Voice In Your Head, Parkes reunites with actors Mat Wright and Lewis Pullman (who has actually been in all of Parkes’ previous shorts). The trio last worked together on Craig’s Pathetic Freakout, and Parkes tells us that it was the desire to work with the pair of actors again, within what he calls the “comedy of panic” genre, that planted the seed for the film. The dynamic between Wright and Pullman, their ability to deliver insanity while staying grounded and vice-versa, lead him to the concept of having Wright play the voice inside Pullman’s head.
Although the premise is not revolutionary, Parkes makes it shine with an extremely sharp screenplay, which is perfectly brought to life by the outstanding performances of the whole cast. Wright’s character goes to town serving up the most epic zingers. Creative yet so hurtful, the extreme nastiness of his comments often cross into crushing home truths, making you almost feel bad for laughing. Dressed in a costume that fittingly encapsulates the nature of his character, Wright delivers his lines with a perfectly detached, yet spiteful tone and adds an extra comedic layer to his presence with a complete lack of respect for personal space.
On the flip side, as Wright portrays a character truly enjoying his demeaning duties, Pullman does a great job at capturing just how resigned his character Dan is. Stumbling through his life, in a state of near numbness, his appearance is that of a weary, disheveled man, exhausted from the continuous jabs he takes on a daily basis. “In my mind, they are sort of perfect opposites as actors”, Parkes reveals as we discuss his lead actors. “Mat is a master of playing these ecstatic or insane characters in a totally grounded way, whilst Lewis is a master of playing grounded characters with this sort of heart-breaking clarity”... Continue reading on shortoftheweek.com - S/W Curator Celine Roustan
Producer: Brendan Garrett
Screenwriter: Graham Parkes
Cinematographer: Chris Ripley
Production Designer: James Whelan
Sound Designer: Trevor Estes, Jack Sobo
Principal Cast: Mat Wright, Lewis Pullman, Trian Longsmith, Jackie Barnbrook, Arthur Keng, Benmio McCrea, Tom Truax, Jeff Lewis
Music by: Alex Belcher
Reproduced on this channel with the permission of the filmmakers.

[@shortoftheweek]

Watch the best short films at shortverse.com

[@handsomelyerin]

Lewis trying not to laugh at 1:55 is so adorable 🥺

[@lukaskubinec9608]

One of the best short movies I seen. I can confirm most things are like that. Even when I battle depression and anxiety it always returns to spit into my face the next morning.

[@kathyr1592]

Lukas, that's so sad. I hope things are better for you now.

[@yourbarista4154]

It’s a daily battle oftentimes.

[@johnespino886]

That he let him back in... oh gosh what truth.

[@davidbrown1566]

The unfortunate reality for some is that the devil you know is better than the one you don’t. Eventually even these harmful thoughts can become familiar comfort. Only really competent professional help can empower one to close the door.

[@agod5608]

The democrat wynd one. (Glutton for punishment).

[@timmycrackz]

​@@davidbrown1566 I think you may have missed the point of the ending. He didn't let the voice in his head back in per se, but he invited in his new perspective. The point being....we need the voice in our head. We just don't need it to be as it was in the beginning of the short. In the beginning the voice controlled him, also he didn't understand the reality of the voice. He saw the voice as himself. He also saw it as, quite literally and contradictory, un-real. It took another person to tell him that the voice isn't real. But that's the catch, the voice is real, it just doesn't always guide us in truth. But we need the inner voice as it does guide us. It does serve purpose and while it is not us, it is a part of us. Once it's true nature is realized, it won't be the same as before. It won't wield the control it once had and thus the new relationship begins....

[@davidbrown1566]

@@timmycrackz . Hmmmm Timothy. Thanks for your perspective but I missed nothing. It is a fundamental acknowledgement of psychotherapy that ‘ old habits die hard’ . Attempting to camouflage harmful thoughts by over intellectualizing may distract momentarily but will ultimately be unhelpful in achieving emotional resolution. But thanks for taking the time to engage. 🙏🏻david

[@JohnSmith-cc3ud]

Underrated comment

[@TheAdeybob]

this liberating film is going to convince a *lot* of viewers that they're not abnormal. I swear, after watching this short, I feel like I've been cuddled after scraping my knee.

[@TheQuincyEdwards]

Dude... this right here. This is what it’s like. Goddamn demon in my ear.

[@elchasai]

it often is like that, just takes one event, one person, to knock that voice out of your head

[@valerio51987]

it's not about knocking out the voice but accepting it as a part of you that needs comprehension

[@elchasai]

@@valerio51987 well you know interpretations and opinions and assumptions and all that.

[@valerio51987]

@@elchasai I am just saying I don't think is about getting rid of a so called "negative voice". The end is quite clear about accepting the inner part that usually made you feel uncomfortable just because you didn't want to look at it or to consider it as a real thing, with its own needs. This short movie is not using metaphors, it translates literally the meanings and symbols without even hiding them under the appearance. I don't see anyone knocking out anything here.

[@agod5608]

That is called a friend.

[@elchasai]

@@agod5608 fair do

[@pradipnalodh]

Wonderful movie. What I took away from this is that the voice in your head depends on how you look at life. When the protagonist of the story finally allowed the pessimistic voice of his head to let go, he felt happy, confident and positive. The voice in his head was still there but it was not pessimistic anymore, he met the optimistic side of his voice waiting for him at the roadside. Amazing concept, congratulations to the cast.

[@Concetta20]

That was very clever, making it literal guy but still making a figurative point about negative self-talk. 👏🏻

[@jtreal]

That negative voice inside your head can rule your life, but once you learn your own self worth, self-esteem comes next, then only you can accept it, and finally control it. 👍👍

[@gemstar7286]

Yet he still let the "voice" back into his car which makes no sense

[@adamstevens3263]

@@gemstar7286 cuz even after all that. He forgave his voice for being so toxic. Kind of like forgiving yourself, I think?

[@plutobeliever]

...making peace with the voices...wonderful story...

[@davidrandall2742]

So happy when it was sent away, and so sad when it was accepted back. Maybe the analogy is that one has to confront it oneself, and it can't be sent away by anyone else.

[@BrunoKabahizi]

It takes a lot of practice to stop hating yourself if it's something you grew up doing, can't expect it go away in one day.

[@4inShopper]

No one can fight your demons for you...the end.

[@lewisriley7166]

Thank you for this comment, I'm writing an essay on this video for my English class and you just gave me my thesis.

[@againagain394]

@@lewisriley7166 how it go

[@Lana-yl3ed]

When " the one" understand all you are going tru you Need to listen, your suffring It will help at right Moment, the right Person Just Need to Say to you, then the message may be riceved, it Is up to you if you are ready!

[@pimdiepersloot7646]

The "Et tu, Brute?" part cracked me up. Well done.

[@donjuanluiz]

BRILLIANT. Just brilliant.

[@YungWill-rx6qe]

Damn. They scripted this out so perfect.

[@harveyholt2675]

When you order Fight Club on Wish

[@buzzvideochannel]

the dynamic between Pullman & Wright is perfect

[@tajender_singh]

Even I felt that unsettling feeling when he left... shit what's wrong with me

[@consumedbyrage5951]

You're not alone there mate.

[@yazzythecattyweirdo188]

𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲

[@gemstar7286]

but the guy "the voice" was a complete bellend

[@sakshiverma7659]

Ok I should admit..that I have to go through comment section to actually get the message this short film was telling...bt now after getting what it is all about..I feel like relating to it...voices in our head rises higher and higher and make us over thinker and a worrier...we turns more impatient, irritable towards other ppl...has serious trust issues...bt at some point of life...ppl like Julia come and help us get out of our head...bt then as we start trusting, becoming more patient and humble...we get a new voice in our head, reviewing our new selfes again!!! It’s complicated..bt feel me?

[@nadahkhi]

You explained well. 👍

[@Tudobem268]

Great explanation thank you

[@sebastian_niegoh]

Why is this so relatable

[@desiredecove5815]

Cause we all have that “ voice” in our head that makes us doubt how awesome we could be.

[@matthewjury4385]

One of the best shorts I’ve seen in ages , Thankyou

[@jacobtittl3316]

How could someone dislike this short?!

[@K.C-2049]

"you know your dad hates you." President Whitmore would NEVER

[@SBG420]

Everytime i walking past someone i say to myself ''Walk Normal"

[@AnnaPxx]

This is a brilliant short, and the characters and actors are ace

[@detrajackson5992]

Nope. As he came walking, I would have zoomed off while tooting the horn an flipping him the BIRD!!!!

[@Dramadonia]

I swear I though that's what he was going to do but it seems he made peace with the voices in his head. Sometimes you have to do that, other times it's best to let go.

[@James-xr7pb]

I just say the same thing to the voices. 'If you're not going to help, shut up'.

[@tiffanyo8792]

I just watched a different comedy short with the same 2 actors called “Craig shouldn’t smoke weed”. It was pretty damn funny!

[@shortoftheweek]

Same director too!

[@rrokng1rrll99sueann9]

Ya I just about choked to death laughing at that one!

[@TeddysTube]

Yes I watched that one too. Absolutely hillarious. An all time favourite.

[@pw6447]

Beautiful. Powerful.

[@sevilnatas6757]

My eye watered a little at basically the same time he spit on Dan's face which made it feel like he had spit through the screen and onto my face as well.

[@fourweekfilms522]

THIS DESERVES SO MUCH MORE VIEWS

[@cjames7918]

This is one of my favorite videos on KZbin

[@lucaD5743]

Surprisingly wholesome

[@artbybryan9182]

That so so good and original!

[@albo8404]

Great comedians ! love these they are soo true

[@yunusmohamed4072]

Loyal to the voice in hes head.

[@selmaella2018]

This short film is amazing 😍👍

[@joshray2117]

ok that ending made me FEEL

[@CompunctionTime]

That was a beautiful short film.

[@sharyonanita]

"I once slapped Octavia Butler's youngest nephew" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@avidodd26]

this is art

[@mahalia5812]

oh my god this is amazing

[@Tana_Ray]

Yeah, it really was masterfully executed

[@asallen]

Hilarious. Deep. Perfection.

[@megchippendale529]

The way I seen is we don't have an inner voice that is our own. It is only that of the voices, words and actions of those around us and who we choose to let in.

[@kylewilkins316]

Now how did this video manage to make me cry 😂

[@jscott45]

Love it!

[@Reapinangel91]

This had me rolling, I love it

[@Nocap_motion]

It makes you to feel horrible, but once alone, u want it back

[@zeeschelp]

how he nuances his points but then says "but you are an exception"

[@B_R_A_G_O]

Nothing to say... because its really amazing

[@Mar-gd5vo]

i get fight club vibes sooo much! this was great! thank you for sharing!! ahahhha it is truly great that twist got me goood! nooiicceee!

[@LifeFilmsWA]

Exceptional 👍🏻

[@maddy8390]

Brilliant!

[@Holipsism]

This was excellent 👍🏾

[@RadianFilms64]

Good short! Just one thing ... towards the end, in the parking lot, when he talks to Julia, it gets from daylight to maybe after sunset, with all the street lights on, really fast... In less than a minute of real time conversation.

[@MsGechi77]

I think I scared my neighbors from my scream when she asked if they could see him!

[@sprintershepherd4359]

that was excellent !

[@Witchofthewoods.]

I'm dying 😂😂😂 this is some hilarious 💩 I knew dude was an asshole. I mean did you see that gold chain🤙

[@karsen_6424]

He’s my fav actor

[@truerthanyouknow9456]

“Aim it at the water so he hears you on the way out.” Hahahaha

[@Bitacoradeunvacilante]

Wau, that was amazing😍

[@tanrose8645]

Very well done! 👏👏👏👏👏🌹We all need a 'Julia' in our lives🥰 Stay 'safe' everyone❣Blessed be~🌜

[@leetogo3333]

holy shit, is this a new one from the guys who brought us the incredible funny "Gregs pathetic Freakout" :O love it!

[@asallen]

Perfect closing credit song would've been Dennis Leary's "Voices in my Head"

[@zorrotio]

Michael A. Singer digs deep into the issue of mental 'chatter' in his book "The Untethered Soul". Highly recommend.

[@staciejean]

Yessss! LOVE Michael Singer!!!

[@sbopela9993]

Ugh! I literally cried🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cmonnowuserious2705]

ok i love this

[@zlieze]

At the end he realized he missed the chaos

[@thegoosaroo4290]

"I used to do puzzles...and...scream at the same time."

[@ramatatakaja]

So... nice. (-: Nicely done

[@MSReidpr]

I don’t know if the letting him back in at the end is a metaphor or it was just a joke that the whole thing was an elaborate plan for him to get a date with the girl and he was in on it

[@joshuaizly5502]

You are a true optimist aren't ya?

[@firstfloor_]

For real I was thinking the same thing 😃

[@raerubio8925]

Sometimes being alone with ur self is even more scary lol 😂

[@doguscannamal6920]

I like these guys from Craig's Pathetic Freakout

[@yohhhhhh]

where can I get someone like Julia for me

[@Chematronix]

I know no Julia, but you could try Diana Winston or Tara Brach. :)

[@pakde8002]

Look in the mirror. Feed the one you like seeing there.

[@lukaskubinec9608]

@@pakde8002 Sometimes the reflection isn't a beautiful sight, what then huh?

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

Dude, you ARE Julia.

[@jollysteffi9681]

😢😢 this just 😢

[@scottyj6226]

I got a Budweiser commercial while drinking Budweiser on the toilet in MN at 6:40 am and I just got off work Dec 17th 2020. Eat that everyone who gets this video in thier recommended.

[@aquarara2610]

Wow.. bellissimo!!

[@alligatorwoods]

Amazing!!! Letting him back in??!

[@flyalvent168]

Hard. True. Natural. Antistegme.

[@aresgodaware0369]

Soooo goood

[@williamjoyner3759]

Moving.

[@standindarkness]

It's the dude from The Guild!

[@adamstevens3263]

You can be honest with yourself without being a dick about it. And sometimes the voice needs to go away for awhile if it's gonna be so negative. Action will prove it wrong, once there's action theres a time to change your mind about something. Like " see this is nice actually, I shouldn't be so worried about avoiding this." Or other positive affirmations (choose your own) but they're typically more effective while your in the act of doing something related to the thought. Also purposely thinking of your to do list while board or idle is an easy motivation. Some people write down their to do lists. Knocking out your to do list gives you something to do(obviously) but it's also positive for your value of life in other words, it empowers you.

[@alpeshjaybajrangbalip4054]

Great absolutely extra mind works

[@hoo5886]

I want to try to put korean subtitle on this amazing video for my friends TT

[@brianpollstergaard7143]

Ouch

[@christelletremaine8900]

WOW.

[@vanlalruatpuiarpa3922]

Since english is not first language i spent much time figuring and trying to understand what everything in this video meant

[@terrezewilliams3656]

I'm sad because this is the case, unfortunately. The Voice in Your Head is great

[@bombather]

just.. go to the next person 😭

[@ParvaizRaja]

stupidly incredible film.

[@SkywireTV]

These two have great chemistry. I wan't them to film my divorce video.

[@1JesusChrist1]

LOL looks like it was filmed in my city riverside ca.

[@AlZakariaNegative]

WOW!

[@yungtornado]

lollll its great

[@gassesv]

Shits wild

[@RakiReviews-bu6hp]

0:26 , 1:17, 1:49 MY Life This guy looks like me Greatest twist

[@embryonic7692]

Remembre that it's not true, that we don't need to put much weight on it. When u separate it from your self it becomes more silent. It can be in the background but we don't have to emerge with it. Thanx for this short.