Review for “How to Tie a Noose” - Letterboxd
This is a difficult film to recommend, not as a measurement of its worth, but because the subject might feel all too familiar to some. I hesitated to watch it for months, out of fear that it would be like looking into a mirror and tackling a subject I actively avoid. I think many of us will at one time or another contemplate suicide, even if it's not an act that you would ever actually commit. I've learned that there's a big difference between fantasizing about it and considering it, and I'm very fortunate in that my darkest thoughts usually take me to an edge that I can easily pull myself away from as I'm able to come to my senses. Still, the character in this film has his darkest thoughts personified and whispering in his ear, and many of them matched things that I've thought often as well. It was simultaneously disturbing and something of a relief to know that I wasn't necessarily alone in certain self doubts, while also put off by the idea that something that felt so specific to myself might actually be common and relatable. It's why I'm ultimately glad I watched it, even if there are lingering moments within it that I wish I could shake. I don't think that this film is meant to be a universal portrait of suicidal thoughts, but it is a touching and affecting view at the director's past trauma and it gave me a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards him. - Johnny Pomatto
Review for “How to Tie a Noose” - 8/10 Film Threat
Suicide is a lonely venture, but how does someone get to this point without anyone knowing? In Joshua Barnett’s How to Tie a Noose, we are put in the mind of one man who decides it is no longer worth going on.
Elden Henson plays Joshua Barnett, a deeply depressed man who lies alone in bed after suffering a humiliating incident. Dwelling in his darkened bedroom, lying in bed, and occasionally watching television, Joshua finds himself having a conversation with…himself.
This “inner demon” replays the traumatic incident over and over again and talks about Joshua’s worth to others and himself. The relentless self-criticism can only lead to one final conclusion…but can Joshua find that glimmer of hope to make it worth going on?
Although How to Tie a Noose serves as a warning to seek help if feeling suicidal, Barnett’s short film emphasizes the importance of empathy. It strongly emphasizes that you are not alone in the world and that others have felt the feelings you are experiencing in similar situations.
Writer/director Barnett brilliantly portrays on screen that argument playing in your head that you screwed up, no one loves you, and you’ll always be alone. Almost as if the fact that Barnett’s protagonist bears his name is not exactly coincidental.
Elden Henson’s portrayal brings to life the intense and confrontational conversation, depicting Barnett’s internal struggle as his mind both condemns and ultimately lures him into committing the final act.
How to Tie a Noose is for those who are struggling with hitting rock bottom in life and a reminder for the rest of us to keep our eyes open to those we’ve not seen in a while.
Review for “How to Tie a Noose” - 5/5 Letterboxd
It took me a while to write this review because I didn't feel prepared. Since this short came out, I've watched enough of it to know the lines by heart. And I cry every time.
I feel like I owe a debt to the creator of this short, something I can never repay. What we see in this short is the purest and rawest face of depression and all its ugly nuances. There is no Hollywood romanticization here. There is no magic where the good guy finds love. There is reality, the ugliness of loneliness and self-pity. There is a dark apartment for a lonely and hopeless soul. There is an apartment empty of life and full of empty fast food crates. There is a phone that rings and rings but there are no words to answer it even when the soul begs for a little attention. Sometimes there is no crying, just the silence of a screaming soul.
I would love for this short to be seen by the world and help more people like me understand that they are not alone. - Michely Sampaio
Review for “How to Tie a Noose” - 5/5 Letterboxd
I've been waiting for this title for a while and I was so excited when it finally came out.
Elden Henson starring alongside Elden Henson in two polar opposite roles was absolutely phenomenal, showcasing some of his acting abilities much like we've seen before in The Butterfly Effect.
The framing of this movie was amazing too, showing the demon in different lighting depending truly how close Josh was to listening to it was brilliant.
Despite being short it cuts right to the point and gets out its story in a really amazing way, seeing the lowest and most breaking point in someone's life. I hope the best for the real life Joshua Barnett. This is a short film I will be thinking about the rest of my life. - Darren Gray
Review for “How to Tie a Noose” 5/5 Letterboxd
The trailer for this short film came out on my birthday in 2023, and I’ve been waiting for it ever since. Here to report that HTTAN was well worth the wait. Elden Henson is absolutely phenomenal (as always) acting opposite his co-star . . . Elden Henson. The last three minutes of HTTAN are a perfect example of this.
This film took the lowest point in the director’s real life and transformed it into a symbol of hope for others — you can get through dark times, you can accomplish your dreams even if you’ve hit rock bottom. - Dana!