Do It Yourself

Do It Yourself is a 2017 Greek action-comedy film directed by Dimitris Tsilifonis. It stars Konstadinos Aspiotis in the lead role along with Makis Papadimitriou, and Mirto Alikaki in supporting roles. Masterfully weaving elements of suspense, humor, and film noir-style storytelling, the film offers a fresh take on both genre conventions and Greek cinema.

The plot revolves around Alkis Vidalis (Konstadinos Aspiotis), an erstwhile small-time crook who finds himself in a perilous predicament when he decides to leave his life of crime behind. After being framed for a high-profile crime he didn't commit, Alkis is forced by his gaudy gangster bosses to perform a rather unusual task: make a raw, DIY video of his fake suicide.

Supposedly, the said video is meant to serve as a diversion to protect the criminal boss from the blows of his rivals. However, as the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that things are far from what they seem. Alkis soon finds himself embroiled in unforeseen difficulty as playful trickster turns into a tragic protagonist. The events unfold in an abandoned warehouse where he isn't alone, and the layers of complex schemes and hidden agendas come to light.

Do It Yourself is a fiercely original crime story that presents an unpredictable cat-and-mouse game and surprising plot twists with a sense of black humor and irony. As the plot thickens, Alkis must use his wits and contemplate his every step if he's to escape the deadly trap set for him, involving a web of corruption, criminal machinations, and deadly encounters - not just with human enemies, but also certain non-human 'guests' within the rundown warehouse.

Taking a step away from his usually comedic roles, Konstadinos Aspiotis delivers a bravura performance as the troubled yet undaunted anti-hero Alkis. His range is impressively explored in DO IT YOURSELF, as he navigates his character's journey through this claustrophobic and dangerous maze of treachery. Equally compelling are his interactions with Pery (Mirto Alikaki), a hardened criminal that is more than meets the eye, and the infamous gangster boss Ballas (Makis Papadimitriou), who provides a dose of dark humor.

Director Dimitris Tsilifonis skillfully uses both tension and laughter to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. On the one hand, he employs film noir elements, such as a suspense-filled plot, a morally ambiguous protagonist, a haunting mood, and a shadowy visual style. On the other hand, he infuses his narrative with a wry sense of humor that serves to parody, if not downright reject, certain traditional crime and action tropes. The result is a unique blend of different styles that makes DO IT YOURSELF a genre-bending tour de force.

Additionally, the film's distinct cinematography stands out with an innovative visual style. Befitting the DIY theme of the story, the film is largely shot in a single, confined location - the warehouse - with clever use of camera angles, gritty textures, and atmospheric lighting that greatly enhance the tense ambiance of the story. The practical set design, combined with the claustrophobic cinematography, brings an authenticity to the narrative and heightens the immersive experience for the audience.

In summary, Do It Yourself is a compelling and original cross-genre film that stands well above the typical crime-action fare, largely thanks to its unique premise, unpredictably twisting plot, memorable characters, and distinct visual style. It's a must-watch for fans of action-comedy films and those seeking a fresh and edgy take on the genre. The movie successfully interweaves high-stakes action, comedy, and a dash of thought-provoking drama to create an engaging and thrilling cinematic experience. The intricate premise, excellent performances, and director Dimitris Tsilifonis' expert handling of the multiple genre elements make Do It Yourself an audacious and entertaining romp that is sure to leave audiences both entertained and intrigued.