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Bye Bye Sally
9.0

Bye Bye Sally (2009)

Apr 01, 2009 15m Thriller

Life has been cruel to Sally Grimshaw and she has had enough. It's time to end it all. In a last ditch effort to save herself she calls a suicide hot-line and is persuaded to come in and see one of their mental health counsellors - Mr. Vincent. But Mr. Vincent has no intention of talking her out of killing herself. In fact, he runs a service that matches suicidal clients with potential hits. I mean, if you're going to kill yourself you might as well take out some human scum at the same time. At first she refuses, but life is never going to be kind to Sally and she finally agrees - she's in. Sally is faced with the moment of truth when she has to perform the hit. And it is always in such moments that we discover a truth about ourselves. And in such a moment, Sally discovers a reason to live.

Directed by Paul Leyden

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Paul Leyden
Writer
  • Lisa Mannetti

Reviews

Chris
9/10

Bye Bye Sally is a dark comedy-thriller short film starring the beautifully talented Malin Åkerman as Sally Grimshaw. This film was refreshing, captivating, and distinct.

The story was intriguing with a unique kind of twist on 'suicide prevention' and 'hired hitman'.

Malin's performance as Sally was convincing and absolutely dynamic. Just further proof of how talented an actress she is.

This was a fun and enjoyable film, a highly recommended watch.

Feb 15, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

Bye Bye Sally represents a fascinating example of Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Paul Leyden brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Bye Bye Sally took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 15 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 43 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
  • The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2009, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Bye Bye Sally shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Skin & Bone, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Bye Bye Sally subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Fatman and Paper 4: Unfolding explore similar territory, Bye Bye Sally stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 1, 2009
  • Runtime: 15m
  • Budget: $40,000

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