Based on the comic book by Josh Howard, Mark Steensland’s adaptation of “Dead@17” is a great short that really registered, even if I’ve never read the comic before. I know, it’s a shocker considering I try to grab every horror comic out there, but “Dead@17” is a series I’ve heard about in passing, but never actively sought it out. And thanks to Steensland, that’s all about to change. Steensland depicts a rather interesting world on film, with a short that signals the start of something much bigger afoot.
Tag Archives: Short Film
A Very Sunny Morning (2006)
If I told you I knew what Eric Carter’s film “A Very Sunny Morning” was about, I’d be lying through my teeth. Carter’s surrealist comedy is probably one of the weirdest and unusual short films I’ve seen since Sundance, with a plot that’s almost nonsensical. I say nonsensical in the sense that I really couldn’t understand what the hell was going on in front of me. But surprisingly enough, Carter’s film is not completely meant to be understood. He goes for the more dream vs. reality, and our consciousness hook that folks like Charlie Kaufman have in their films. And Carter succeeds with his experiment. A couple sits down to breakfast, goofing around, and is suddenly called to attention by a floating head in an old television.
Cabbie (2007)
In spite of the caveats, Steve Gelder takes the role on with a really funny sentiment that makes the title character in the film worthy of a viewing. Gelder takes the character on with finesse, and adds a sense of dimension that brings this character into a different view as this person who is so pathetic, and yet so oddly compelling. His delusions keep us wondering, and Gelder really dives into the role. Unfortunately, much of the comedy played for, during “Cabbie” doesn’t quite hit the stride as much as it wants to.
Who's Ma Ma! Joe Ma Ma! (2007)
Sean J.S. Jourdan seems to have a knack for perfectly pinning humanity in all its chinks and warts, and that’s a true talent. Not many directors can properly capture the human tragedy and when it comes along, it has to be appreciated. “Who’s Ma Ma!” is a short documentary about a simple family of men who have endured horrible tragedies in their lives and yet—they still stagger on.
An Open Door (2006)
Yet again, I was sure I had this film pegged from the get go. It’s a wife struggling to hold on to her husband. Of course. It’s heartbreaking and tragic, but that’s life. And then director Jourdan completely and utterly sideswiped me, and I was breath taken. I admit that. What “An Open Door” is is an utterly gut wrenching display of a woman who simply can’t let some things go. It’s going to be very difficult to review this without giving some things away. The surprise plot twist is utterly fantastic and hard to sit through, but what “An Open Door” is is the portrait of the human psyche and its refusal to sometimes admit to certain things.
Harvey Daggit and the Devil's Olives (2007)
One thing about comedy is that there are so many different dimensions of the art form to explore, and it takes a lot of time and patience to discover what’s right and what doesn’t work. “Harvey Daggit” is a new approach from directors Larry and Aaron Longstreth, more of a dark and demented comedy. About olives. You have to give to the Longstreth’s for taking such a ridiculous concept and adding a sense of menace, and utter confusion to it. It’s not often you see a crime mystery that revolves around gardening. Well, there’s “The Godfather,” but you get the picture.
Balance (2007)
Chris Sparling’s “Balance” reminded me a lot of one of my favorite revenge films “In the Bedroom.” That’s a film many have written off as a blatant grab for Oscar attention, but I consider it one of the best revenge films ever made. Possibly one of the most original as well. “Balance” is in the same vein of the aforementioned title, yet it’s also almost as good as “In the Bedroom,” too. Sparling’s truly good short film explores the sheer wrath of loving parents on anyone that inflicts pain on their children.