The Smile Man (Short 2013)

Detailed Summary

Aftermath of the Accident

Willem survives a car crash—but the nerve damage leaves him with a permanent, involuntary grin. He tries to adjust to everyday life.

Misunderstanding in Public

His chronic smile causes comedic misunderstandings. He’s mistaken as happy, insensitive, or even bizarre in serious situations—loss of nuance becomes his curse.

The Encounter with Irene

Willem meets Irene, who’s been through the same accident. At first she’s furious—mistaking his smile for mockery—then realizes he suffers like she does.

Mutual Recognition and Connection

Once Irene understands the reason behind his expression, she—who cries uncontrollably whenever she feels emotion—finds solace in Willem’s “smile.” They bond over their mirrored conditions.

Movie Ending

By the end, the two characters—Willem, locked in perpetual smile, and Irene, whose emotions burst into tears—find each other and a shared kind of acceptance. Willem gives Irene a genuine, heartfelt smile. In that small, human moment, they each experience comfort and recognition: two people defined by involuntary emotional expressions meeting and finding hope and companionship in their shared strangeness.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, The Smile Man does not include any post-credits scenes. The story wraps up within its runtime—no extra surprises after the credits roll.

Type of Movie

This is a short romantic comedy-drama—with comedic undertones and tender emotional notes. It’s very much a “rom-com with a twist” packed into under 10 minutes.

Cast

• Willem Dafoe as Willem (the man with a permanent smile)
• Camille Guaty as Irene
• Supporting: Jeremy Luke (Shorty), Damien D. Smith (Taxi Driver), David St. James (Doctor), Alexana Thomas (Woman with cell phone)

Film Music and Composer

Score composed by Christopher Young, adding emotional weight and enhancing the tone of empathy and gentle humor.

Filming Locations

No public information indicates specific shooting locations. It seems to be a modest production likely filmed on controlled sets or local interiors, focusing instead on expression and performance—not scenery.

Awards and Nominations

There are no widely noted awards or festival trophies associated with this short. It’s more of an online and critic favorite rather than an award circuit darling.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Directed and written by Anton Lanshakov.
• Produced by notable names including Dana Brunetti and Kevin Spacey.
• Strong editing and cinematography focused on character emotions and facial close-ups.

Inspirations and References

The story seems original—no clear literary or biographical source is cited. It explores themes of disability, expression, and emotional authenticity, with a fresh concept at its core: what if you literally couldn’t stop smiling?

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There’s no documented information about alternate endings or deleted scenes. It seems the final cut is a concise, polished vision as intended by Lanshakov.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Not based on a book or pre-existing source material—so no comparisons needed here.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The awkward doctor’s diagnosis scene, a perfect blend of comedy and discomfort.
• Willem’s awkward interactions in daily life—his smile creating unintentional havoc.
• The emotional, connective moment when Irene finally understands and comforts him.

Iconic Quotes

Since this is a short film with minimal dialogue, there are no well-known quotes. It’s Willem’s expressions and the silent exchange with Irene that resonate—rather than lines.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The smile itself serves as visual irony and a symbol of both miscommunication and emotional depth—metaphorical rather than hidden.
• Cinematic style: close-ups and shot-reverse-shot emphasize emotional dissonance and participants’ inner worlds.

Trivia

• The film packs a full emotional arc into under 10 minutes.
• Willem Dafoe brings weight to a mute, comedic, yet tender role—earning the praise of being “endearing” and “haunting.”

Why Watch?

• Stellar performance by Willem Dafoe conveying depth with minimal dialogue.
• A unique, heartfelt concept: smiling as a disability—but also an invitation to empathy.
• A short film that’s both humorous and emotionally resonant—perfect if you want something creative, warm, and thought-provoking in a brief time.

Director’s Other Movies

Limited public record about his other works—he seems to be a filmmaker with a small, quality portfolio. This short is his most notable piece available to the public.

Recommended Films for Fans

If you loved The Smile Man, check out other emotionally inventive shorts or performances like:

• Pigeon: Impossible (Short 2009)
• World of Tomorrow (Short 2015)
• The Silent Child (Short 2017)