08 Nov
Once in a while you come across artwork that expands your universe, even if just little bit, and leaves you somewhat changed. Recently I came across two short films that really resonated with me. The first is by Hillman Curtis. I stumbled across something a few weeks ago that pointed me to his website. I think I was intrigued because I remember him from a former life when he was a Flash design superstar, and I was a Flash design wanabee. He has been making feature length and short-form documentaries, as well as narrative shorts recently. Here is one of my favorite pieces, but please check out more at hillmancurtis.com.
The second film is by Sean O’Malley, and features Barak Hardley and Tipper Newton. If you are familiar with Barak Hardley, you know that he is a hilarious and insanely talented guy. This was the first I had seen him in a more dramatic role, and I think he does a great job here. Check out his website 50yearplan.com if you want to feel completely un-prolific.
What stood out to me in both these films, is something that gets me every time. Very real, seemingly trivial situations that become very poignant upon deeper inspection, by both the characters, and the viewer. I really enjoy these moments in film, literature, and well, any artwork, because they seem very true to life. Not the pseudo “reality” of reality tv, nor the grittiness of cinema vérité or the like, but the fullness of life, where the awkward and the transcendent walk hand in hand. While Blow Up references weighty themes (the Apocolypse), the real meat of the story is the relationship and the inner-life of the main character. In Parts & Labor, what could be dismissed as a cute story, ends with a very real moment that captures a very human spark and emotion. Apparently, this was “Originally made for a defunct feature length project where several filmmakers submitted shorts all based on random text messages.” I don’t know if they were intending to create something so beautiful, but that was it’s effect on me.
The other important thing present in these two shorts is a connection to the characters, that is created without a ton of explanation. Done in the right way, this piques the viewers curiosity, pulling them in, and allowing them to tell part of the story themselves. This participatory approach, makes for an artistic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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