This short film uses old text messages to convey the story of a relationship. At the same time it shoots new footage (on an iPhone ironically enough) at the places where the texts had originally been sent. The result is really a fantastic film that has stayed with me since I first saw it many months ago, until it recently went online and did great business, with several high profile features and well over one hundred thousand views in the first week. Considering it is a low-tech film which relies on people and ideas to deliver (rather than special effects and viral buzz).
The film is really moving in how it delivers the relationship. It is heartbreaking to see the relationship change and fail to manage the pregnancy, and the film delivers it really well. The on screen delivery adds a lot, by virtue of typing speed, pausing etc, but the footage also adds a lot of context and brings a lot of information of the mental state of the person sending the message. On top of this there is a lot to think about regarding the use of electronic messages to communicate. It doesn't push this side, but it lets it bleed across in a way that is much more rewarding.
160 Characters has done incredibly well online since it went public, and that in itself is really heartening about the audience. It is a personal and heartfelt film which is made with imaginative conception and delivery in a way to move the viewer, but also stimulate thought and reflection. It is fantastic.