 |
 |
|
Short Films 1) Lobotomobile by Sara St. Onge Short film, musical (5 mins.) Inspired by the real life exploits of lobotomist Dr. Walter Freeman, this musical comedy was really entertaining. The song had a catchy tune, but the sound lacked the production values needed to be suitable for screening in a state-of-the-art theatre. Short films, by their nature are often made with less that the best, and so it is acceptable to miss the perfection we have come to expect in feature films. This was a great film to capture the audience attention in this series of short films. The choreography was excellent and the whole presentation was fun. 2) How Are You by Martha Burns, Susan Coyne Short film, (18 mins.) Olivia (Susan Coyne) has recently separated from her husband. This is the record of others reactions to her new found status in the college community where she lives. It evolves into a scene of two Olivias, the practical woman and the diva, sharing a glass of wine. It is a well done short film, with a large cast and multiple locations, beyond what is usually seen in a short film. 3) What I've Lost by Duraid Munajim Short Film, documentary (10 mins.) Iraqui exiles, living in Amman, Jordan, describe what they have lost in the face of war. A short documentary, it became repetitious viewing of talking heads repeating similar losses. A vanity piece, that tells of loss but shows little. 4) Princess Margaret Blvd. By Kazik Radwanski Short film, (14 mins.) Isabelle (Gina Sylvester) is faced with the progressive stages of Alzheimer's disease. This was an expressive film of the challenges faced by a person who is losing memories and must live with the uncertainty. Isabelle fights for her sanity and is feisty with anyone who suggests her mind isn’t as sharp as it always was. This was a challenging role for the actress, and Gina Sylvester’s performance was exceptional. Although it was in a short, this was one of the best performances I saw at TIFF. 5) Pudge by Annie Bradley Short Film, (17 mins.) Violet, a chubby adolescent orphan, moves into a new foster home. On her first day in the new school, some kids make fun of her ill-fitting winter coat, which causes her to seek work that will enable her to buy a new coat. She meets Edith, an elderly eccentric, who needs someone to help, and compensation is negotiated. Violet doesn’t seem to want to do the work as much as she wants the money. When Edith pays her, Violet immediately goes to the schoolyard where the same kids steal her money, leaving her without a way to get a new coat. But Edith comes to the rescue, giving Violet an old coat that belonged to her nanny. This short film had some fine casting, and was well made by a director and crew that are qualified and talented. If only the story had been up to the quality of the rest. It almost seems to suggest it is alright for kids to steal your money, as someone will give you an old cast-off coat which will make everything right, if you’re an orphan living in a lower class foster home. If only it was clearer what the point of this short film was. 6) Passages by Marie-Josee Saint-Pierre Short Documentary, Animation, (25 mins., B&W) French An autobiographical docu-drama about pregnant Marie-Josee, and the trials she went through in the delivery of her first child. This was a film that needed to be made, although it feels as much like a vendetta against the hospital as an educational lesson to other first-time pregnant couples. It has simply drawn animation, that adds to the impact of the presentation, and makes the story and information clearly understood. A difficult subject, extremely emotional, and a credit to Marie-Josee for having the fortitude to challenge the hospital authorities over what she perceives as incompetence that threatened the life and health of her child, as well as herself. She proves her points very well. This is a short film with a purpose, and the purpose is very clear. This is an exceptional piece of filmmaking. Marie-Josee Saint-Pierre is a talent to be watched. |