Author Archives: Ellen

Director Ian Barnes brilliantly produced a heart-rending film that puts the mind and heart unease as the plot grew bigger from the size of a kiwi to a peach. Barnes isn’t James Cameron or Peter Jackson but his work, Wish 143, made it as one of the nominees for the 2011 Oscar in the short films category. With Tom Bidwell as the writer, the 24- minute film brought about many tears and laughter.

The story revolves around a 15 year old cancer patient who gets one wish from the Dreamscape Charity and in his presently ill moment, he pursued the desire to lose his virginity. Samuel Holland, who plays David, portrayed the character with sensitivity, sincerity, and full dedication to the role. He deserved applauses for creating a character that the audience can empathize with.

A Rep. from Dreamscape visits David

The film started out in a gray cloudy hue with David and the man from the Dreamscape Charity asking David to make a wish. Ideas like a trip to Disneyland, or meeting soccer player Gary Neville was suggested, however, like any teenager with raging hormones, David boldly said out loud he wants to have sex.

Scenes of comedy ensue as we are introduced to Father Carter, played by Jim Carter, who shows David a newspaper article regarding his wish to lose his virginity. A kind elderly woman responds to the newspaper article by telling David that she is willing to do the dirty deed of taking his virginity away, over at a bed and breakfast room she booked. David makes up a story that he already lost his virginity to get out of this one.

In a desperate attempt, David escapes the hospital to seek women off the street. After being rejected by a pimp daddy for being underage, it brought a tearful silence in the theatre, as David walked away in despair as it was obvious that his time was running out and feeling the self pity. Seconds later, the audience chuckled at the change of David’s facial reaction where he recklessly grabs a brick, turned around, and jump screen ahead, being bailed out of jail by Father Carter.

Similar to Cinderella’s fairy godmother, Father Carter, who was hesitant at first with helping David see his wish granted, eventually becomes understanding and helps David with his situation. Eventually, he becomes more than a priest to David, a mentor. “Sex is a sacred thing,” he tells David. Father Carter then sneaks David out of the hospital and takes him to a more respectable and professional call girl.

The events that happened and followed, although not entirely realistic, were very emotional and touching on screen. A film of schemes, mixed with comedy and sorrow of one’s unrealistic desire quickly became a self realization of the true meaning of love and happiness. David’s mission to seek out sexual pleasure from just any female partner failed but in returned his self journey helped him discover his desire was a cry out for love and company, and instead of finding it with what he thought would be, was found in his short-live friendship with the Father.  It definitely left a mix of tragic and a sweet satisfaction to the end of the film.

Lewis Howlett plays Sam in 'The Confession'

I swore to myself I would never pay to see a movie since the price of a movie ticket shot up to $12.50 last year and now, for my trip to the Independent Film Center, $14.  However, due to the Oscars coming up, my visit to see the Oscars Nominated Shorts 2011: Live Action was an exception.

Located on the lower west side, you’re more likely to spot me walking pass the rated R stores or dining in one of those nearby inexpensive hole-in-the-wall restaurants, but never at the IFC. Sure, I have walked by the Independent Film Center a couple of times but this was my first time actually going in.

Purchasing tickets was effortless; I ordered mine online for two.  Upon arriving on a beautiful Thursday afternoon, I presented my credit card to the cashier, received my tickets, and walked in. The process took less than a minute: no line, no fuss, and none of the velvet red ropes that you have to snake around in to get to the counter.

I decided to get a medium popcorn since I did not eat breakfast, it read ‘organic popcorn.’ Organic popcorn? Two words I would have never expected to be put together. “Do you want butter with that?” One of the staff workers asked. “Yes, a lot please.”

With popcorn in hand and a seat close to the screen, I didn’t know what to expect nor did I had any expectation for it. The lights dimmed, and the previews started to project on the screen. After sitting through almost 2 hours viewing 5 short films and 2 previews, I walked out feeling satisfied that my $14 was well spent and the popcorn made the experience even more satisfying.

For a short-film virgin, I really enjoyed the experience, especially the deep meanings behind each of the films shown.  I will definitely be willing to pay another $14 to see one of the previews shown, We Are What We Are.

For Richer or Poorer

In response to a recent NYtimes blog by Mike Hale, he raised a question to his audience “Do you prefer the polish (relatively speaking) of works subsidized by sponsors or prominent Web-video sites? Or do you look for the rougher, let’s-put-on-a-show feeling of the D.I.Y. independents?”

Preferably, my vote goes to the sponsors’. After watching a short clip on the Indie’s Neighborhood #1 and a trade group’s Suite 7, it was no doubt that I had to watch the laugh-out-loud Suite 7 again.

Before I start babbling away with Suite 7, I do have to give credits to the producers, actors, and actresses of Neighborhood #1. Pamela Bell, who plays Mina was the star of show. With very little resources, the actress brought her best performances on set. One of the most entertaining parts happened when her 3 bearded pals from college left her in a jiffy when a hottie walked in, whom in turn, turned out to become more than beyond the grave.  She created a believable situation that relates to the audience, or at least it does happen to most of us.

Now, Suite 7’s For Richer or Poorer, was hilarious and engaging. A short 6 minute clip sums up the plot of the film, 2 newlyweds finds out how little they actually know about each other on the night of their wedding. Tony Janning and Tara Perry, the couples fought about a stash of money found under their hotel bed. In every scene, the drama builds from verbal fighting over the uses of their newfound fortune whether it is a chicken slap to the face, caking a gal’s most memorable wedding dress, or sword fighting in ridiculous manners. It was just too sad that the fun had to end.

Viewer Robert commented on the ‘dull and obvious’ storyline and acting. He said, “The storyline and acting was cheesy and boring. I didn’t like any of it (films) at all. But perhaps it’s due to my generation liking.”