Hi there,
DUALITY is my multimedia thesis project that uses both a a narrative-driven album and a short film to explore the complex nature of human duality. The project examines the double sided nature of ourselves and how it shapes our identities, influencing the decisions we make. Drawing inspiration from Jekyll & Hyde and my own personal relationships, it unpacks themes of emotional repression, toxic cycles, and self-discovery, aiming to resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. This is a project years in the making and I'm ecstatic to finally bring it to reality.
The Album:
The album is structured in two halves, mirroring the protagonist’s emotional journey:
Siren Songs: A reflection on being trapped in an abusive relationship. This section conveys feelings of confusion, dependency, and yearning, interwoven with moments of suppressed resistance. The musical style is lush and layered, symbolizing the complexities of emotional entanglement.
Songs of The Saint: A cathartic exploration of the fallout and recovery after escaping the relationship. This half is more raw and minimalist, with vulnerable lyrics and stripped-down arrangements. It channels themes of regret, anger, self-realization, and ultimately, empowerment, underscoring the importance of facing one’s shadows to achieve growth.
The Short Film:
The short film acts as a visual companion to the album, dramatizing the inner conflict between the protagonist's optimistic, hopeful side and his repressed, nihilistic side.
Plot: The film follows the protagonist as he is haunted by a surrealist Siren, teasing him and splitting his mind into two, bringing out his darker psyche. in a dreamlike landscape, his two minds are split into distinct characters, clashing in a psychological and physical battle for control. Spurred on by the Siren and the Saint, a heavenly figure attempting to revive his spirit, his optimistic side, representing hope and resilience, pushes him toward healing, while the nihilistic side, representing despair and suppressed trauma, attempts to drag him into emotional stagnation.
Aesthetic: The film employs stark contrasts in lighting, color, and set design to visually represent the two sides of the protagonist’s psyche. Fluid transitions between the surreal and grounded moments blur the lines between reality and inner turmoil, immersing the audience in the protagonist’s struggle.
The film highlights the necessity of embracing both the positive and negative aspects of oneself to achieve growth. Suggesting that integration—not elimination—is the key to personal freedom.
Artistic Vision:
The project balances raw emotionality with polished cinematography and sounds, drawing inspiration from avant-garde films, experimental music videos, and psychological dramas. Think Black Swan meets Euphoria, with a particular emphasis on emotional authenticity.
DUALITY is meant to encourage listeners and viewers to embrace their full emotional spectrum, understand and undo destructive cycles, and find a sense of freedom in self-expression. The project is as much a personal journey as it is a universal exploration of the human condition.
