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Reviews
Gin & Dry (2010)
More than meets the eye
This short film, at first, gives the impression of a light-hearted take on a prison break movie. The ditsy, disconnected residents of the nursing home seem almost comedic as we see them going about their lives. Their outrage at the news that they won't be imbibing as much as usual this Christmas gives way to a more meaningful reflection on their lives as the film progresses.
In their world of board games and white noise, having at Christmas is one the only things they look forward to. Shot with shallow depth of field, we get the impression that the residents don't often get to see much further than the confines of the home.
The film cleverly references the war and compares it to the rationing that has been imposed on them again. It provokes thought about the trials that their generation had been through when compared to the traumatised Adam, the nursing home employee.
It is admirable to see a film centred around the older generation, as elderly characters are often denied the privilege of being given any depth or opportunity for empathy. Gin & Dry is a sweet, thought- provoking story, with more to it than you would think at the outset.
Hawk (2011)
More than an ordinary short film...
For a short film, Hawk is impressive on a large scale. Vast, dramatic landscapes are the setting for an complex story of an old man and a young boy. The old man has rejected the new ways of Christianity in favour of a shamanistic lifestyle and teaches the boy to respect and worship nature.
The film is visually stunning, and the sound design is massive. Each scene is framed in awe-inspiring backdrop that is graded to give a moody, ominous tone to each scene. The camera work is at its strongest in its super wide landscapes and minute, visceral close-ups. The score is responsive to the story and adds to the darkness of the film.
The folklore is told interestingly through stories told by the old man, and they are echoed by the narrative which often references them. As the line between reality and mythology becomes more blurred, we get a sense of this through the narrative. The special effects are impressive, as they also seem to blur this line. They are subtle enough to confuse the viewer of what is real and what is not.
This is a very strong film which is firstly ambitious and beautiful to look at. The script which has its own philosophical depth and intrigue, fights with the visuals for the audience's attention and may just be overpowered. Hawk, overall, is entertaining on all levels and engages the senses in a way other short films won't.