LAST MAN (2022) | Short Film

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

Thank you to everyone who has watched and commented on our short film "Last Man". I never expected it to actually receive as many views as it has, and all the feedback has been fantastic to read. The majority has been very kind and positive, and I'm happy that all of the hard work has seemed to pay off. We originally shot this in the fall of 2019 as my graduating student film at Toronto Film School. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we were unable to finish it in a way that truly satisfied me so outside of a few school festivals I never posted it. In September 2022, I finally decided to go back and fix the issues I had with it and this is the result. I plan on making a behind the scenes video sometime next year where I will go into more detail on the creative process and comparing the different versions that we've had. That being said, there are issues I was unable to fix with what I had. As some have mentioned in the comments, there are some audio issues with the first part of the conversation (from at 3:29 to 4:00ish) . This is due to a technical error which caused us to lose some of the on set audio recording. As a result, the camera audio was used. This audio did not mix well with the rest of the film and, as a result, is much too quiet. As it goes on, the dialogue becomes much more clear. Thank you all again for watching, enjoying, and subscribing!

[@MorpheusOne]

No blood-splatter at 9:17 makes it seem particularly unrealistic. The lack of any character development for "the Figure", i.e., the Grim Reaper, seems to rob this short film of a proper narrative. Such as, what was it that caused _`the end of the world`_ would not only have _'breathed life'_ into the story - but, it also could have provided the Grim Reaper with that character development. I get the impression that this would work well in a longer film, be it feature length or a short film that's three times longer.

[@ed1606]

Please where can I find this movie?

[@daniel_wilkinson]

I like it. Rarely do people consider what they are expected to do AFTER they've completed their goals.

[@carmonaragorn]

​@@MorpheusOne thanks for sharing, but couldn´t let by your comment, cos I did have some thoughts about Camerons Death, not so much with its character development, but the way it walks towards the already dead skulls and cadavers, would have it goes away from the done work. The blood splatter, beside not every director is Tarantino, I liked it a lot, cos when the Last Man looked at the knife, I was already thinking "no way josé", you touch the death and you are a goner. This is top 10 for me too, as I read within this comments. I do suggest "The Gunfighter", "Black Metal Babysitting" and "Alma" so far. Keep up the good work and themes Cracked Bulb Films. Thanks for sharing.

[@carmonaragorn]

@@daniel_wilkinson Admirable and notorious. Rare indeed, must have some german blood.

[@Mautinuee]

"How long have you been out there?" "Since the beginning."

[@about10ninjas]

I like how Death insists on sitting down for a brief chat with the last man alive. It's a beautiful courtesy in a way, and brings closure to them both. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this." There is a profound, and startling weight to that statement. Death had indeed been there from the beginning. "Afraid of living, and afraid of dying. Yeah, that IS a s****y predicament." This was his last job, and it showed - very plainly that Death was also afraid to die. To become meaningless by killing the man. He almost let the guy go. Almost, but as always mankind sets into motion the machination of our failures. Even to the end. Which is probably what set all this into motion to begin with. "It was supposed to be quick, but here you are, and here I am." Beautiful work.

[@joestitz239]

How does the reaper get to men in a military submarine ??

[@aWitness33]

This comment is beautifully poetic, which is sorely lacking in modern discourse. Thank you, I needed to see this in someone else.

[@emmanuelzoutaithul1631]

In short its greed😂

[@abegarfield7031]

​@@joestitz239 He must be a strong swimmer.

[@Blackshuck51]

Bravo, beautiful comment

[@msursa]

Normally "Death" on a low budget might be less than convincing, This was elevated by an interesting premise and strengthened by it's brevity.

[@toddstidham8374]

Once again, I am amazed how someone(s) can tell such a complete story in so little time, and with so small a budget. Something some major motion pictures over 90+ minutes and millions in budget have failed to do. Well done fellas! Loved it.

[@ninfreak727]

I loved this film, despite any "flaws" it may have. The ending got to me...the fact that Death no longer has a purpose, and humanity is officially a thing of the past. The music fading out, followed by the ambience of a dead world that no one is around to hear gave me chills. Excellent work!

[@jennycee7225]

Definitely 🤣🤣🤣

[@jonpayne4931]

Try reading 'Mort'. 'Death' has to retire.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Yeah I like how it ended too.

[@DanielAppleton-lr9eq]

Death goes into retirement ( ? )

[@anoobis777]

not only humanity as it seems

[@rc4688]

If he's the last man then it must be a woman working the camera.

[@angelemendez7090]

Obviously!

[@cristinasumadchat605]

😂

[@caseyw.9556]

It's a movie short lmao, but good one.

[@kogbdghh]

👍😂

[@dogrsqr]

And she did a great job!

[@BonyFingers1969]

Love how you maintained an aura of mystery right to the bitter end, anticipation is a very strong force within us.

[@aarond1622]

Death: Hmmm. No more humans. I guess I'll get started on the insects now.

[@chivo850]

1 year later...... "Shit, there were so many. Time to punch out all the micro living organisms...need a microscope for this one..."

[@JaydragonM]

All the bugs are already gone in the film lol

[@frankboff1260]

They missed an opportunity to advertise bug spray

[@zolmazzoboto6085]

Time only exists when there's somebody around to observe it.

[@takovejchhodin4780]

you are welcome night shift workers

[@piddy3825]

...and in the end, the grim reaper is doomed to walk the earth alone for all eternity after having reaped the last soul on earth. Death must be bored outta his mind...

[@atulkapur9829]

Towards the end of the movie there are 3 more people left for the grim reaper to hack

[@earthman6700]

A great portrayal of our tricky nature and how it will be our undoing. He was so close to seeing another sunrise, and he blew it.

[@dianelapp]

Great short! I liked how Death left his scythe behind when he departed Last Man's house. He has no further need for it...

[@Ingothnia]

No one's job is safe anymore.

[@YD_02]

कोई भी छोटा मोटा ठेला खोलना अच्छा रहेगा क्या भाई??

[@michaellecaplain3377]

Absolutely brilliant. Atmospheric, wonderfully acted and just the right amount of eeriness. Never thought I'd end up feeling sorry for Death, either! Give me this over the usual monster/jumpscare/vacuous-teen-brushing-his-teeth rubbish that some seem to increasingly think constitutes a scary short. More please!

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Ikr, what's with people thinking teeth brushing is something filmworthy? That always irks me, so lazy. I like this film, though, really well done.

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

@@zxyatiywariii8Oh, shoot. Guess that means I should cancel our next film “Guy Brushes Teeth for Eleven and a Half Minutes”. I thought it would be a sure fire hit 🤷🏼‍♂️ (Joking aside, thank you for enjoying our short!)

[@kiernanmooney6210]

This is wonderful, man. I really love the concept of Death reaching the finality of its purpose, and therefore dies itself. I hope you're proud of this thing, especially in the pandemic times. Getting a short made, even when you have the resources of a college available to you, is a massive massive massive feat and takes so much work and commitment from everyone involved. But you brought it, your set decorators brought it, your DP and lighting crew CRUSHED it, and I don't know who scouted the locations, but it was properly nostalgic and rustic. Your actors were great. Your version of Death reminded me a little bit of the Motorcycle Dude in 'Raising Arizona' but no face and less of a sense of humor (so props to your wardrobe department too!). :) I hope you're proud of this, and I hope throughout your illustrious and long-lasting film career, you return to this piece and love it for what it is and for who you were when you made it. It's beautiful! :)

[@hirdomful]

i like how death is not horror in my experience died for 8 minutes and he is kind for the ppl that are going to the next realm but i lived and so its like a dream for me or was it ?

[@marksellers4875]

This day will actually come, when death and Hell are cast into the lake of fire. I commend you for this EXCELLENT piece of art. Incredibly well done. Lacks nothing and doesn't need a second longer. BRAVO!

[@j0j0kay]

lmao hell isn't real.

[@marksellers4875]

@@j0j0kay Hell isn't real... Humm... God says different. Unequivocally so.

[@lockandloadlikehell]

Which one os that? ​@@marksellers4875

[@80fcollins]

Really liked this... a new concept and not just another typical cookie cutter horror film. Great job :) I actually feel a little sad for Death.

[@mothified1676]

Death is like "well... Shit.... Look what you made me do now... *Puts on music* "

[@Kryptic1046]

Why on Earth would someone think attacking Death would be a good idea? Guy kind of got what he deserved on that one. Great short.

[@username82765]

What do you have to lose? You're dead either way.

[@Kryptic1046]

@@username82765 - I would agree, but Death was looking like he was going to accept the guy's offer and let him live awhile longer. It didn't make much sense to trade that in for a pointless attempt at attacking him which would undoubtedly result in the man's immediate end.

[@username82765]

@@Kryptic1046 been a couple months since I watched it and forgot that part. Personally, I think it depends on the individual. Some people rather not attack and maybe live for another hour, day, week, etc... For others, the idea of constantly living in fear of literal death is no way to live. They rather try to stop him or die trying. Personally if I knew I was the last human left alive. I think I would welcome death.

[@randyfreeman396]

Death comes for us all! That was awesome!!

[@mikemcmahon8982]

Audio problems aside, I found it an interesting story. Reading your written piece about the timing of the making of the film just made it a more interesting short. To make a movie like this just before the pandemic hit makes it even more relevant as I am sure many people felt like they were the last people on the planet after being holed up for the duration.

[@zxyatiywariii8]

Yes it was so eerie during lockdown. . . my friend and I worked disaster response and one day (or one morning, really) we were driving the truck back and we turned onto this freeway at what was usually morning rush hour and it was like that scene from The Walking Dead with the road completely empty and dust swirling across it in the rising sun. It was so surreal. I love this film! I already felt an affinity for the guy in the very beginning (no spoilers in case anyone reads this) his weary determination, and I needed to know where he was going and why.

[@sembilanindera2231]

Finally, DEATH could rest. After that, DEATH went to the black desert, under the endless night. END.

[@CrespoSr18]

No the true is death probably gonna kill itself cause there no more living species anymore so that the true ending

[@jackhills2440]

Excellent. Plot, well written. Ending. Definitely a massive upgrade over the large amount of tripe these shorts seem to offer.

[@kharris9359]

You would think Death would be able to find a nicer bag for his scythe.

[@clivesmith9377]

Death is the biggest power in the Universe. Everyone and everything dies and death always wins!

[@kunfussed213]

Sounded like the wind was blowing like crazy, but not a leaf moved an inch. 😬🤣😭

[@Blog23345]

That is what u called dark mode 😂

[@powerofthesun1000]

Got some big Terry Pratchett "Death" vibes from this one, loved it.

[@BadyTheProgram]

Wow, I just taken a small break from my post apocaliptic game project, and accidentally stand upon your pure gold short movie. I got inspired again. You are awesome. I hope you will make similar movies in the future, I will wait it. :)

[@MattFaris]

Great job Cracked Bulb Crew! Love the world you created in this one!

[@NerdySabbath]

This feels spiritually closer to The Twilight Zone than both reboots without it even trying. Wished the convo lasted little longer, loving the concept & deaths portrayal so much. But it does relate the feeling of being entitled to jus alittle bit more time I suppose. Applause to the cast & crew ❤

[@oldsoldier181]

This brings up a question: what if you KNEW you were the last person on earth? What would be your reason for existence at that point? Good film :)

[@j0j0kay]

Many of us truly enjoy being alone.

[@wonderingpiper]

The same purpose as always: living life until the end

[@Bob20011492]

An absolutely awesome vignette. The last scene of a long and painful experience. And what must this suddenly pointless Figure do now?

[@newvillagefilms]

I like how Death is wearing an iWatch. Lol, even Death is an Apple fan! 😂🤣

[@kharris9359]

Why they are Made In China and Death does do a lot of work for Satan. Probably just traded a couple of souls.

[@twoeightythreez]

He is wearing a memento from when he came for Steve Jobs

[@blacaboki]

Quality time 😂

[@chivo850]

@@newvillagefilms LOL Takes Steve Jobs...goes to leave but notices something on his wrist.... "Ooooh...".

[@kristina1120]

This has to be one of the best short movies I have seen awhile..bravo!.keep them coming and thank you ☺️

[@rafsanrafee1234]

Really I m watching it

[@j0j0kay]

@@rafsanrafee1234 the fuck?

[@FernandoSilva-dm5pz]

Stunning! Never try to argue with Death! Great video! Scenario so amazing and well made. Congrats!

[@ariellevin3008]

Needs captions! Not everyone can appreciate the excellent work you've put in. Excellent visuals. Perfect expression of desperation mixed with a pinch of fear, but also resolve.

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

Hi Ariel, thank you very much for pointing this out to us. I just went through and added captions. We're happy you enjoyed our film!

[@ariellevin3008]

@@CrackedBulbFilms Thank you so much. I don't hear well and have to rely on nuance and structure to formulate the endings. I absolutely loved the dialog and the futility of the ending. What is the purpose of death if nothing is left in the end. Death out of a job. Unemployment!

[@anthonyb7571]

If you have an Android, just tap on the screen and hit the "CC" box... You'll be able to read what they are saying.

[@redline5003]

If you donno understand vedio then how do you comment in English.?

[@anthonyb7571]

@@redline5003 Google Translate - copy & paste text.

[@immanutt4442]

Grimm Reaper left his Sythe behind

[@DrachenGothik666]

He doesn't need it anymore. And it's spelled "scythe".

[@immanutt4442]

yeah i typed too fast - or is it spelled ... tiept

[@calebshoemaker]

I think about the Discworld novel where death comes to the end of the world. There's nothing left. Then suddenly "pop" a paper clip, I think, big bangs into existence. He picks back up the scythe and says "well, this ought to be interesting"

[@ExpertContrarian]

glad I never started reading that

[@about10ninjas]

I come back to this short film every so often, and it's always as incredible as the first time I'd seen it. Seriously, amazing work.

[@吴去-n3v]

I have a deficiency in my comprehension ability. Can you help me interpret this short film？

[@HiccupandToothless]

@@吴去-n3v I think the hooded guy is Death itself, and it has came for the last guy alive Though that’s pretty obvious and maybe you meant the hidden message…

[@no.1.2.u]

The man in all black! Oh my god PLEASE I love that costume, How is it SOO dark? like Jet Black dark?! Help me make that exact outfit please! Also, the film and its concept? Love It and I hope you guys bring it back one day with like a Last Woman or something.. Lets repopulate life in the eyes of Death and see how that goes. And the end too like whaaat? I'd be mad af Like Never Again Yo. Never again.

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

Honestly, the costume was pretty straight forward. Just some black pants and gloves from Walmart (along with my winter boots). The main piece of it was the jacket, and I got it from a thrift store for $10. We also used a black morph-suit mask to keep the actors faces in shadow. The stark-blackness comes mostly out of the color grade (along with some additional editing masks for shots where you can still see his face). Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@frankboff1260]

Death is made of Vantablack. Worse is that he lacks a sense of humour.

[@John-qu8zv]

Very good movie. I really enjoyed it . Was very well done. If I was the last man I would have taken off as soon as Death hesitated and wouldn't stop until I lost him.

[@SalmanSaifChowdhury]

Watch The Latest Hollywood Movies Before Release Pirated Version: apple19843297.brizy.site

[@gilbertdarisse4705]

Super cool story, and very well shot. What an ending!

[@USArmyVet91]

The burning question.. What Now? Great job, team. Big thumbs up!👍👍

[@richarddeleon3558]

The two men were perfect 😮 thank you

[@vickimoran1349]

Very interesting, and the ending is very deep, contemplative and bleak. Great job!

[@johnathanbelrose2215]

This was awesome. Acting was good. Sound was good. Intriguing and creepy. Loved it

[@brachio1000]

Excellent. Fredric Brown: "The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock at the door."

[@gregkral4467]

That was fun, felt really sad for the both. I really enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@bobbelles8440]

Outstanding job, gives thought to what “Death” will have to do when all else is gone! I almost hoped he was going to give the guy a chance to get away so he would have reason for still existing!

[@RadicalNurse]

Death will kill itself when there is no one else

[@papabear9481]

Pretty cool. I'm not up on all of these short films with zero budget, but I have seen a few and would say, in my opinion at least, that this one is easily in the top 10. I certainly liked it

[@harryfox7488]

Not at all what I was expecting. Great film with a lot of meaning behind it.👍

[@algemmegla9002]

This captured the natural progression of how a person would react. The instinct to survive, even in this case.

[@Mikeghoul78]

Excellent short film. Thank you guys for creating this.

[@DARK-ANGEL17-ru]

You have to love life more than the meaning of life.... A very good movie... It is worth it for humanity to think about its existence... Thank you.

[@Trump145]

Guys I give that one 100%, that was pretty good loved it awesome storyline setting beautiful you guys did a great job on this one.

[@amyana5687]

منور ايها الرجل

[@amyana5687]

@Quentin Hackett شكراً لك

[@antrivedinekkanti4103]

If he is the last man, then why does he shut the 🚪 door?

[@Flashbackhub]

It says last man not women☕

[@16nowhereman]

Keep the heating bill down.

[@BonyFingers1969]

Keep the rodents and bugs out, he might wanna return someday...looking for the last woman...

[@twoeightythreez]

Symbolic gesture; The last chapter of humanity has ended, close the book The job is done now, dont forget to close the door and lock up before you go Death is looking for a new job Etc yada yada

[@MPSTechnique]

Because he don't know that he is one and only man on earth

[@liammoreno1408]

This film was great and I also liked the acting,I fell like this as a full length movie would be cool!

[@markcross8649]

‘The Road’ and the protagonist’s conversation with Ely must surely have been inspiration…?

[@lauriejoneswilson5925]

Sorry for the problems you encountered, but thank you for going back and adding The ability to click on subtitles. Heartbreaking yet the “last man” brought it on himself. Very thought provoking, and I do wonder how many others are out there, if any that the figure will kill. And if not what will the figure do now? I am still processing after watching this, I have so many questions, but that’s kind of pointless because no matter what Death comes to all of us. Well done! ❤

[@batscove]

He was the last man, there probably aren't any others out there. I feel like the point of the film is that by killing the last man, death kills himself as he has no purpose anymore

[@abcrehaan_yt2006]

That last line by the man was nearly good enough to convince death himself!

[@utkarshgupta3689]

Last Man looks a rich guy too.......😅😅😅😁😁😁👍😊

[@imtehazchuttur9198]

For a first time short film,it was excellent,the picture superb,the way you filmed,it was great.keep it up

[@jakerazmataz852]

I had an apartment with those same cabinets in the 90's.

[@marewinks7177]

Held my full attention! Fantastic job!

[@joferbrasil]

Just amazing. Congratulations to everyone involved.

[@professord1522]

I am assuming that the name given for the actor portraying "Death" is a pseudonym. But, given that, would we call this film "The Motion Picture of Dorian Grey?" If that really is the actor's name, then his parents and other loved ones must have "The Pictures of Dorian Grey." I can do this all day... By the way, NICE film!

[@jeusgarcia8597]

*EVERYONE NEEDS A PURPOSE* 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MrYuripina]

Good!, Thanks for the captions,greetings from Cuba

[@julieandrea318]

Loved it. Something different. 👍👍

[@mortem-tyrannis]

I believe the psychological distress of being the last human would be the hardest part.

[@saswatakundu1284]

I too think so, its an enormous thing to bear !!

[@SStevenson555]

How would u know ur the last? Just trying to survive in a world where you were suddenly plunged into a primitive world would take up most of ur physical and psychological stamina and time.

[@nodeki8514]

sublime, this will serve of good inspiration for my videogame!

[@Gus._.-]

Good luck on it

[@robertjudy9135]

“Death” wasn’t the last man standing. Great video.

[@CrespoSr18]

Yeah cus he wasn't human

[@22kpar1xcyberdyne9]

A bit odd how it ended but I guess that is what makes this work. I was expecting a long rifle. I was expecting a weird gay bond. I was expecting cannibalism. I was expecting more of a horrific fight to the death. Now it bothers me that the Grim Reaper walks off into the sunset. It would make a great sequel if he found a whole hidden page in his book!!! Then he did a happy dance then only to find out his next victims were a mermaid colony but he can't swim in black leather. 😂

[@NaughtyAelf]

This was a really nicely done film.

[@tonydabaloney]

I got as far as one and a half minutes until I saw how nice the road edge grass was maintained!

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

It's actually funny that you bring that up. The location we shot at had been abandoned and untouched for nearly six years with super tall and overgrown grass. We got there to shoot a few days after someone had bought the land and started keeping back up with the landscaping.

[@professord1522]

Maybe the last human's purpose was to keep the grass mowed!

[@carlosdanger1843]

I’m late to the party, but I think this was very entertaining! Please keep using your gifts and education to make such fun movies. Thank you!

[@frank215m]

sooo good. better than a lot of stuff that's out there.

[@markeidt6404]

A thought provoking video. Well done!

[@clawandcleaverflicks]

👍 Great work. Love it!

[@kathypichey4306]

Great Keep up the good work

[@paulmoore-LPC-LMFT-NCC]

Enjoyed this

[@onioneditor]

I still remember that day in class when we watched the rough cut of this short. In the last shot, there was a car showed up in the background and everyone sighed. I am glad you get rid of the car and time flies, doesn't it?

[@CrackedBulbFilms]

Fun Fact: If you look carefully at the left of the screen at around 10:55ish, you can still see the ghost of the car pass by briefly. My mask got moved a few frames on accident before export and I didn't notice until months after the upload. Great to hear from you, man! Time really does fly, I can't believe it's going on five years since we shot this. Hope things have been going well for you post-TFS.

[@marcokeller3575]

I liked it. Well done.

[@happyandblessed5640]

That was clever! First time watching this excellent short film. Suspense from start to finish.

[@calebempey495]

The reaper could've had a far more poetic adversary

[@fastjeff6]

Be like in GW2, "you're the last one on this server, you can move to a more populated one if you want, but if you stay.... "

[@micknordstrom2591]

That was great! But what is Death going to do now?

[@CrespoSr18]

Death probably gonna kill himself cause it has mentioned in bible Ik I don't want talking about religion but this has something to do about religion

[@CrespoSr18]

If death has killed everyone in world ,he will kill itself so the world has nobody with any life species anymore

[@People-are-the-valley-of-Death]

Bernard Malamud - wrote God's Grace - main character was underwater doing something on a research ship of primates - and he comes back up and everyone is dead - except the primates - and he finds out that God forgot about him = so he escapes death - and god lets him live - and he has all these primates, and he is teaching them - and he even mates with one and since it is fiction a baby comes - and then the primates turn on him (this is god letting him know how it feels to be in the drivers seat and no listens and eventually turns on their teacher = so these primates now on an island turn on the last human and kill his family and then him - and the book is overlooked - Malamud also wrote the natural - the baseball movie turned into a movie - but not much was done with god's grace - the last novel he wrote. so ya this movie short reminded me of that = god forgot - as the death character says - 'it wasn't suppose to be like this' --- basically a statement that reflects the entire of centered direction man has taken - and everything we are not going through just to get back to a reset - maybe unless the real plan is to just end everything and start over -- like what has happened 6 or 7 times before, good luck everyone

[@docwilson5384]

Amazing job...Peace

[@katiaemeline2092]

Very well done thank you for sharing your talent!

[@daveweller9579]

Well now he's out of a job

[@CyberSpider35]

Yeap. Story about how silly it is to fight for life when Death is your only relief. Exact thing I need wright now with my creepling depression. Thank you.

[@mayam7449]

I has been 2 months since your commet.are you better now? 🙏

[@herheartbeats5727]

Interesting story...in some way, Death is probably the most pathetic character ever imagined...because it CANNOT EVEN CEASE STRIKING ! Each living being carries it's own death withing, because life is just meaningless and thermodynamically irrelevant without death. Hence, till even one only living being remains in our universe, then Death will have to strike, over and over again...even when "It" doesn't like it...

[@charitysghost1207]

Death needs a makeover already. I mean, at least then he might trick people. ☠

[@richardsalley9848]

Dope!

[@bluelava4282]

How much?

[@THEHORRIBLESTAIRS]

Love this. especially the great use of music and sound.

[@trishazechel8402]

Last Man vs Omega Man.

[@D.1PROPHET]

Boring

[@saltlight4220]

The last man has the chance but blows it because his nature to kill kicks in.