Endearing and oddly uplifting BAFTA-winner

Hattie Dalton's 'The Banker' tells the story of a shy, nervous man who works in a sperm bank who is madly in love with a the woman who works at the artificial insemination clinic where he delivers his weekly donations.

This wonderful short film won a BAFTA and deservedly so. The Banker is an original and imaginative piece of storytelling that begins as a comedy but becomes something very different, and with this being a short film, does so within minutes. The film ends on an oddly-uplifting and sweet note which comes as a wonderful surprise.

The film is led by a charming and engaging performance from Michael Sheen, currently very popular in film, TV and theatre, for among others, his portrayals of David Frost in 'Frost/Nixon' on stage and Tony Blair in 'The Queen' in cinemas. He has also proved himself in a variety of roles on TV, recently playing both Emperor Nero and HG Wells.

This sweet, charming and highly entertaining film is one to look out for, as is its writer-director who shows great promise for the future in the British film industry.

The dark comedy subgenre, also known as black comedy, combines humor with elements of tragedy, morbidity, or darker themes. Dark comedies often explore serious or taboo subjects, such as death, crime, dysfunction, and societal issues, while infusing these topics with humor to create an unusual and often thought-provoking contrast. The humor in dark comedies is typically edgy, satirical, and often unsettling, challenging traditional comedic norms.

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The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

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The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

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A story about unrequited love, focused on a lonely scientist who toils away in a sperm bank.

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The Banker

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