They are often considered the "other" filmmakers. The average American
doesn't know who they are, and many will never see their films. They
are, at times, the future feature filmmakers just starting to hone their
filmmaking skills. Their task is often much more difficult than their
feature filmmaker counterparts...they must make a memorable, meaningful
film with MUCH MUCH less. They win Oscars, but let's be honest...when
these Oscars are being presented many of us are running off to the
kitchen or the bathroom.
Who are they? They're the "short" filmmakers and, boy, they sure don't
get much respect. Now then, it may strike you as funny to have a double
amputee film critic starting a regular column feature reviewing short
film.
In fact, it strikes me as funny. Yet, I've long had a love for short
film and after attending a few film festivals and hearing from a few
other filmmakers, I've found myself thinking "What can I do to support
this largely unappreciated group of filmmakers?"
I can review their films.
Each column will review a "spotlight" short film along with 4-5 other
short films. Of course, in keeping with our theme, the reviews
themselves will be shorter than usual. They will, however, continue to
follow the rating system established here at IndependentCritics.com. |
SPOTLIGHT SHORT FILM
"SHADE"- Three and a Half Stars - B+
The winner of $10,000 Vision Award for Best Short Film during the 2006
Heartland Film Festival, "Shade" is a 14-minute film chronicling the
real-life story of a woman with a rare genetic condition that causes her
to constantly avoid sunlight. Written by, directed by and starring
Kimberly Williams-Paisley (in her first directorial effort), "Shade"
also stars Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy) as her ever-loving,
constantly loyal husband. In 14 minutes, Williams-Paisley creates an
emotionally raw, heartbreaking look at one woman's challenges and the
courageous (or perhaps foolish?) decision she makes. For a "short," the
make-up and production design is remarkably effective and Dempsey and
Williams-Paisley have a nice chemistry. Williams-Paisley, in particular,
offers an outstanding performance here...easily one of the best I've
seen in short films in the past year. "Shade" is an marvelous short film
from an actress we love and a director to be watched. Listen
carefully…”Shade” also features music from Williams-Paisley’s husband,
award-winning country artist Brad Paisley!
SHORT REVIEWS
"Window" - Two and a Half Stars - B-
As produced by director and co-producer Varda Hardy, the 15-minute film
"Window," starring previous Oscar-winner Louis Gossett, Jr., is the
story of Ralph, an ailing veteran holed up in a hospital whose only wish
is to have the window bed. As he becomes increasingly despondent and
belligerant, Ralph becomes antagonizing to Gene (Robert Patrick), the
terminally ill veteran who possesses the window bed.
Varda's film is simple, straightforward and timely. The powerful
presence of Gossett, Jr. benefits the film greatly, though subtlety has
never really been the actor's strength. "Window," much like its title,
is rather obvious and the ending was quite predictable. An effective
performance from Gossett, Jr. saves the film from mediocrity and nearly
creates a film as important as it clearly wants to be. "Window" captured
the Crystal Heart Award during the 2006 Heartland Film Festival.
"Emily's Song" - Two and a Half Stars - C+
Another Crystal Heart winner, "Emily's Song" is a 15-minute film about
two brothers who set aside their differences to help their father grieve
the death of their mother.
Co-written and directed by Frank Kennedy, "Emily's Song" is a simple,
sweet story that had the curse of being screened by me after the
marvelous "Shade." Thus, many of the emotional moments of "Emily's Song"
simply felt a bit more forced and lacking in authenticity. The film's
brothers are Irish, and the film has a strong Irish feeling to it that
is evident even throughout its production design.
Jason Byrne, Eric O'Brien and Shane Murray-Corcoran all perform
competently, however, "Emily's Song" ends up feeling just a bit too
short.
"Queen of Cactus Cove" - Three and a Half Stars - B+
"Queen of Cactus Cove" gave "Shade" a run for its money at the 2006
Heartland Film Festival and was undoubtedly a true crowd-pleaser. The
22-minute short film stars Alia Shawkat ("Arrested Development") as a
teenage chess champion facing the prospect of losing for the first time
when she faces her best friend in the championship of her biggest chess
tournament. The film co-stars Alex Frost (“Elephant”), and it is the
chemistry of Shawkat and Frost that is key to the film’s success.
"Queen of Cactus Cove" is quirky, charming and utterly delightful with
director Anna Christopher delivering one of 2006's most emotionally
resonant short films.
"I Want To Be A Pilot" - Three Stars - B
Diego Quemade Diez directs this 11-minute short film centered on an East
African child named Omondi who watches planes fly overhead everyday in
his impoverished nation and dreams of becoming a pilot. More photo essay
than actual film, "I Want To Be A Pilot" captured the Audience Award for
its emotionally charged, yet simple approach to looking at East African
poverty, hopes, dreams and realities.
Are you interested in having your short film reviewed by
IndependentCritics? Submit your short films to:
Richard Propes
IndependentCritics.com
5115 Devon Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46226
USA
Please include any additional press materials (by mail
or e-mail), including a hi-res photo that may be included with the
review. For more information, please contact me! |
