Review: 2009 Oscar-nominated Shorts

It is a good thing that more effort is being put into making sure that the viewing public gets a chance to see the Oscar-nominated shorts in theatres. Distributed by Magnolia Pictures, the shorts are presented as two separate features, the animated and live-action program which opened across the country this past Friday. Here in NYC, the venue was the IFC Center and seeing the features in DLP (digital light projection) was a major plus. If you've never seen a DLP presentation, go as soon as possible - you would never have imagined how great watching a movie could be...

The nominees are (synopses and images c/o The Oscars official website):

Live Action:
On The Line - d. Reto Caffi, Switzerland/Germany: A department store security guard who is drawn to one of his co-workers makes a fateful decision. 30 min.

While there's a general creepiness to Rolf's stalking of Sarah, the film cruelly shows the power that desire can have on the motivations of individuals and subsequent consequences.


New Boy - d. Steph Green and Tamara Anghie, Ireland: A nine-year-old African boy begins his first day of school in Ireland.
11 min.


While there's nothing new here, I found this film to be enjoyable purely from a performances perspective. Oluntunji Eban-Cole, who plays Joseph, was cast really well. I also loved the contrast of the proper but joyous African classroom to the rowdiness and irreverence of the Irish classroom.

Toyland - d. Jochen Alexander Freydank, Germany: In 1942, a German boy believes that his Jewish neighbors are going to Toyland.
14 min.

It's a Holocaust film. I don't want to say I grow weary of this subject because clearly there are far too many stories still to be told from this very dark period in the history of humanity. That being said, while I found "Toyland" to be a bit predictable, it was well executed. If the film were any longer, I wouldn't have found it as appealing.

The Pig - d. Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh, Denmark: A man facing surgery finds comfort in the painting of a pig hanging in his hospital room.
22 min.

This film asks some interesting questions regarding the importance of cultural respect and consideration. It was both amusing and thought provoking. BTW, you may never look at a pig the same way again.

Manon On The Asphalt - d. Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont, France: The proximity of death brings a young woman a new perspective on life.
15 min.

Is it just me or can the French ever make bad movies? This was a hauntingly beautiful piece that was just right. This film may have pushed me over into learning the French language.

My favorite out of these five is "The Pig"; "Toyland" or "Manon On The Asphalt" are the favorites to win...

Animated:
Lavatory-Lovestory - d. Konstantin Bronzit, Russia: A lonely lavatory attendant finds a bouquet of flowers in her tip jar.
10 min.

The approach to this film was actually quite refreshing - line drawings in black and white with the occasional splash of color for the flowers. I really liked this one.

Oktapodi - d. Julien Bocabeille, France: An octopus fights to keep his beloved out of the cooking pot.
2 min.


Reminiscent of those wacky Warner Bros. cartoons. Predictable but able to deliver the laughs. Short and sweet, great for kids too.

Le Maison en Petit Cubes - d. Kunio Koto, Japan: In a world gradually flooding with water, an old man adapts to changing circumstances and looks back on his life. 12 min.

Like "Manon On The Asphalt", this was beautiful to watch. Poignant.

This Way Up - d. Adam Foulkes and Alan Smith, UK: A series of misfortunes befalls a pair of undertakers on their way to the cemetery.
9 min.

This was funny. The animation may not have been as slick as "Presto" but it was funny. Who says death can't be funny? I really, really liked this one.

Presto - d. Doug Sweetland, USA: A carrot triggers a war of wits between a magician and his hungry bunny.
5 min.


It's Pixar. All you need to know is they've yet to make something that sucks - short or feature length. Why? It's all about story and not gags strung together.

My favorite? It's a toss up between "This Way Up" and "Lavatory - Lovestory"; "Presto" is the favorite to win.

I used the word 'predictable' a lot if only to highlight how difficult it is to come up with a truly original story or plot. What is left is how the story is told and all of these films do well doing so. Highly recommended... Check out the shorts programs in a town near you...