Parallel - A.K.A. The split-personality film can be difficult for me. I've known folks with dissociative identity disorder over the years, so when it's a tool used to tell a story, usually a very dark story, I'm dubious. Parallel manages to tell a dark story, using that trope wisely, and makes it an entertaining eight minutes. Part of the reason for that is that it turns on you a couple of times, and that only makes it more amusing. There's a scene of office banter that's downright sickening in the realism of it, and there's a date that's... well, that would be telling. I thought the acting was a bit restrained, which was good considering the content, and the production values were solid,, if unspectacular. The Score, though, was phenomenal. It told the story as much as either the visuals or the dialogue. Really good music! |
Hoblio - Piero Tonin I love me some animation, and when you can make a message without weighing things down too heavy, I'm happy with that as well. Hoblio is exactly that kind of film, and while the animation may seem a it simple, the way it interacts with the story, and especially the sound, makes it a fine view. The message is obvious - leaving behind worldly pleasures is the path to rightousness, and it's told so wisely that I have no fault with it! I would love to see a feature film in this style, not because the storytelling needs so much more time, but because there is so much more of the world that I would love to see director Piero Tonin explore. |