A couple of weeks ago, for the second year in a row, I had the pleasure of traveling a scant 110 miles to the south to view The Best Short Film nominees for this year's Oscars. Unless you live in either a well-cultured or big city, you probably didn't get this opportunity, but do not fear; I am here to break down all the nominees and give you something to think about when the category gets mentioned this Sunday.
Although there are a limited number of screenings, you can catch most of the films on iTunes now for a mere $1.99 each, for those of you less concerned, wait a couple of months after the Oscars, and you should be able to rent a DVD collection of the shorts at your local Blockbuster or via your online rental service.
Last year, I felt the decision was easy, Le Mozart des Pickpockets, was far and away the best film in the category. The decision this year will not be as clear. Each film was engaging and enjoyable, unlike last year's painfully long Om Natten (At Night), which practically put me to sleep.
Auf der Strecke (On the Line), a film about a voyeuristic security guard named Rolf who becomes enamored with Sara, a bookstore clerk in the mall he oversees opened the screening. Rolf goes out of his way to get close to Sara by rushing to ride the train home with her each night, but never seems to have the nerve to approach her romantically. It is not until a tragedy occurs on the subway which touches both characters personally, that Rolf finally gets his chance with Sara. Unfortunately, Rolf may have been in a position to prevent the tragedy from happening, and his regret threatens to destroy what he has found with Sara. On the Line is a well-constructed morality play with a brilliant closing shot.
The French short, Manon on the Asphalt, follows a woman’s interpretation of what will occur upon her death in a traffic accident. As Manon lies in the street after being struck on her bike, it is not her life that flashes before her eyes, but the unfolding story of how her loved ones will learn the news. We are treated to quick scenes of Manon’s life with each person and their reactions when they get the call. Manon on the Asphalt is a unique and often endearing vision of a person’s perspective while close to death.
The lone English language offering in the bunch is the Irish short, New Boy. When Joseph, a nine-year old African boy becomes the new kid in an Irish classroom, he is immediately tormented by the class trouble-maker. Through flashbacks we learn of Joseph’s difficult past as he draws upon his experience to resist the bully sitting behind him. Joseph’s stoic nature gives way to a defensive maneuver that gets both boys in hot water with the teacher. It is only then that the two learn just how alike they really are. New Boy is a rewarding story that will take you back a few years, when you occupied a desk in a room full of students.
Grisen (The Pig) had to be the most enjoyable film of the bunch. When a man is admitted to a hospital for a colonoscopy he finds comfort in a painting of a pig which hangs on the wall of his room. After the procedure when the man wakes in his hospital room, he finds the painting missing. A comic obsession with a picture quickly turns into a heated dispute with his Muslim roommate’s family. The battle ignites a debate between his individual rights and the family’s need for religious tolerance. Although the subject is serious, the man’s obsession will keep you laughing through the film’s ironic ending.
It will likely be Spielzeugland (Toyland) that grabs the Oscar on Sunday, according to a number of so called experts. Its Holocaust subject matter is one the Academy Award voters have identified with before. Heinrich, a German boy getting Piano lessons from the Jewish family downstairs begins to question his mother about the biased treatment the Silbersteins are receiving. Trying to protect him from the truth, Heinrich’s mother tells him that the Silbersteins will soon be moving to Toyland. Heinrich, of course, wants to go with the Jewish family to Toyland. The story leads to a climax when both the Silbersteins and Heinrich disappear one day. Will the mother’s lie destroy her, or will she find a way to save her son? Spielzeugland is a great film, but it feels an awful lot like Life is Beautiful and I think a vote for another Holocaust movie will be more of the same for the Academy.
If I had my vote, Grisen would probably get it, but I could easily understand if any of the films won. This is truly a group of gems that you should try and see. I only wish the short films could garner more attention from the movie theaters and the public. Although they are becoming more accessible, they will never be the money makers big budget films are, but they are a way to discover new talent, and you might have a chance to say I knew about that director or writer back when…
Tomorrow I will post my thoughts on the nominees for Best Short Film, Animated.