| The sub-five minute short is one of my favorite forms. They are nearly impossible to pull off as dramas, though I've programmed several that managed (including one with the amazing Paprika Steen that is absolutely heart-breaking) but for comedies, they are perfect. You come up with a gag, or a simple concept and explore it gently. The Date is an example of a simple story - a guy prepping with his best friend for an up-coming date. Things change, and you can probably figure out the rest. It's a great example of a sub-5 because it does a few things perfectly. It has a simple concept, it plays with the ideas, it has a satisfyiing payoff, and the acting is clean, clear, and poignant. It's also adorable. It's exactly the feeling you want to get from a romantic comedy, but in a tidy, compact form. Fancy, on the other hand, is much different, but still works with the sub-5 idea brilliantly. It's got the marvelous Gilliam Vigman as a woman leaving embarrassed from her gynocologist. She calls her best friend, and tries to figure out why the doctor reacted to her visit with a single word - "Fancy" It's really funny, and it's tight, it's smart, but best of all, it's perfectly acted. Vigman goes into full-on nutty 90s woman mode as she walks away at the end of her call. Great stuff! |
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Klaus at GunpointA Film Journal dedicated to all film.A segment of Office Supply Publishing. Archives
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