It is not without trepidation that I make an annual pilgrimage to my local Spectrum Theater to see the Oscar-Nominated Short Films—Live Action.
What gives me pause is that in recent years, despite the films originating from countries around the world, most of them have been heavy on the tragedy: the boy who drowns in quicksand, the young woman sold into sexual slavery, the family double-crossed and snatched by immigration police. I can only take so much, and I’m one who can handle a sad story.
But I also attend with gratitude, because not many theaters show these Oscar-nominated films. And I was pleasantly surprised by this year’s five entries. Not a one was an outright tragedy. I’d even dare say three of the five could slot into the uplifting category; one was bleak, and one was as strange as can be.
In the order shown at the theater:
The Singers
In a smoky, blue-collar bar, a group of downtrodden drinkers experiences an uplifting evening when the bartender calls for an impromptu singing contest. Some beautiful singing, including a stunning rendition of “Unchained Melody.” What kind of irked me is that it’s a Netflix entry, and therefore super-produced, with all the camera angles and editing and sound and lighting just about perfect. For these short films, I prefer giving space to the upcoming or alternative filmmakers, and seeing films that may not be as polished but feel fresh or promise new talent.
Butcher’s Kitchen
This film from Israel dives into political tensions when a Palestinian butcher working in an Israeli supermarket is falsely accused of tearing down posters of political hostages. It reinforces the hopelessly complex and tense relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. But two scenes in a row rely on the butcher eavesdropping on conversations that are necessary to move the plot forward. I hate to say this, but that’s lazy storytelling, especially in a short film. Find another way to do it.
Friend of Dorothy
An octogenarian and patron of the arts nearing her end days engages in an unlikely friendship with a teenager who dreams of becoming an actor. It’s a cross-generational platonic love story that wasn’t very convincing and was made even worse by being framed by the reading of the old woman’s will and having her spoiled, uppity grandson present.
Two People Exchanging Saliva
This wins the weird trophy, from its title to its end. Of course, it’s French. Imagine a repressed dystopian society where kissing is punishable by death and slaps to the face are currency, then add a growing allure between a beautiful young saleswoman and an unhappily married female customer, and top it off with a jealous, vindictive store supervisor. Here again, an important scene is delivered via eavesdropping, this one involving forbidden tooth-brushing. I guess I’m sensitive to this device. Yes, the film is as odd as it sounds, but strangely compelling despite being too long (even for a short film).
Jane Austen’s Period Drama
This comedic fan-film of Jane Austen’s work and style runs only twelves minutes, but packs some laughs as it follows the protagonist, Estrogenia, whose period (period drama!) arrives in the middle of a fervent marriage proposal from a charming and innocent young man. It’s light and clever while delivering some period social commentary.
