From the Film Maker...

When I first saw the painting, I was taken with the use of light and shadows. The atmosphere it creates is powerful and heightens the feeling of isolation and loneliness of the character depicted. I concentrated on this aspect in my film.

On my first viewing of the painting, the man looked like he was sat a piano. With my admiration for the work of Dennis Potter, I wrote my script with 'The Singing Detective' in mind. My character in the film is an ex-pianist suffering from a severe skin disease which means he can't play any more.

I wanted to convey the feeling of how a human being can suffer and yet cope with suffering. I show how music is a comfort to him. I shot a beam of light coming through the window to convey a sense of hope and relief while he remains trapped inside his own body.
Benjamin K Dyson