Philippe Orreindy
“I’ll Wait For The Next One” instantly proved to be a heart wrenching tale about the bittersweet journey to find love. Written in 2003 by Thomas Gaudin and Philippe Orreindy, this short film highlights the modern day struggles of finding love in a judgmental, cynical, and antagonistic world. Those in love, like the couple envied by the main character, are admired by those who feel lost. Those who feel lost, like the supposed “single” man and woman, search for comfort, often taking desperate measures to do so. The concept of love is so idealized in this day and age, that finding true love has become a difficult, painful, and almost tedious task. As it becomes more and more difficult to envision this real romanticism and adoration, finding true love has become a laughable concept to many people.
The woman in the video contradicts this somber notion. Her emotional and facial responses to the loving couple, to the man’s monologue and to his rejection of her at the end of the short give the reader deep insight into her search for love. She is instantly charmed by the man’s ‘honesty’ and truthbearing speech and jumps willingly at the notion of having companionship with someone who is verbalizing what she is thinking (and what others on the train were thinking as well). The woman is given such an obvious sense of optimism that the man’s request seemed to good to be true, and that it was.
Given the opportunity, the viewer will either choose to believe that the steps the woman takes to find love and wholeheartedness are desperate measures or are charming and inspiring signs of optimism. By giving the story an abrupt and cruel turn, the writer and director leave the viewer to sympathize with the heartbroken an humiliated woman. Even though the story ends on a bitter note, I was left with a sense of encouragement and assurance about the few daydreamers and hopelessly romantic people left in the world. Yes, people are cruel and discouraging, but the concept of love is not an endangered notion. There are still numerous people that, despite rejection and mortification, strive to see the glass as half full, aspiring to find the purest form of contentment in their lives. As my heart wrenched for the woman who thought she had found her ultimate source of love and happiness, I felt inspired by her willingness to take any measures to find it.
All in all, “I’ll Wait For The Next One” proves to be a brilliant short film juxtaposing the rebirth and death of love in today’s society.
