More intended for what I can assume is a demo reel to send out to studios, “The Collective Works of Joe Burke” is a compilation of five short films from actor-director Joe Burke, all of which of varying quality (obviously), and I always tremble whenever I’m sent a compilation of short films, because with such a collection from any director, there’s almost always a guarantee of sub-par quality. Joe Burke has a great knack for direction and though his short films on display are generally hit or miss, there’s not a single one I wanted to turn off and forget.

“Coop’s Night In (2006)” is a film I reviewed a few years ago and recall boasting about rather generously because it is an awfully good dramatic film featuring a story about a young man who decides to have a night home and is pulled into a social situation by his best friend which helps to spark his feelings for a girl he’s had his eye on for some time, and entices some compelling existential musings. “Coop’s Night In” is still a very good short film, and thankfully the topper in the group.

“Disturbance 2013 (2006)” is the thirteen minute short filled with competent performances but a tone that shifts back and forth. Burke is never sure what he wants this to be. Is it dark comedy? Is it tragedy? Or is it a horror film? I was never sure, and that confusing shift back and forth makes this an uneasy experience with a story that really fails to make much sense. How did our character Jimmy not discover this dead body? Can dead bodies fit down garbage chutes in this day and age? Nonetheless the performances from David Vick, Evan Sierminski, and Janel Benisch are very good and they handle the material with flair.

“Run (2007)” is the four minute action suspense film school shoot that lacks a defined narrative, but that’s forgiven because it’s really just an experiment in action cinema, and Burke pulls it off very well. Scott Hess from “Hunter’s Fall” stars as a young man with some secrets who is chased by an assassin in the middle of the night. That’s about it, but Burke’s editing along with the tense score and overall resolution is a treat, and there’s also the strong presence of Kevin Oestenstad as our resident gun man, who is very convincing and very horrific.

“Morning Light (2005)” is a two minute romance that also seems like an experiment in simplicity and yes, it works. Burke shines the light on a couple who’d presumably just awoken from a night of lovemaking and is trying to find reasons not to get up and leave each other’s arms. Burke never really gives us a back story but instead shows the man’s dog tags, which we can assume is there because he’s on leave, or just came home from the army. Though it feels slightly like an ad for cologne or something, Burke’s editing is great closing in on body movement, facial expressions, and searing heat between the two. It’s a very good little drama.

Joe Burke has talent, that’s a definite. Even when he misses, he presents a clear grasp on editing, and great storytelling, and his world of shadows, and soft tones of browns and oranges make Burke’s own perspective on reality quite illuminating. The compilation is hit or miss, but even the misses are watchable. Which is rare for an independent filmmaker.

• To learn more about Joe Burke and his films (and to order his collective works on DVD), visit Elantra Films.