Apple Jack

This is an effort of a man we should keep our eyes on. As Hitchcock started as an art director, so it is with Mark Whiting. His powers of visualization are truly a mazing. This short, even though filmmaking is the collaborative art, can said to be handmade by the filmmaker. All of the great talent of Whiting was brought to bear on the superlative look of this project. The multi-dimensional characters display the masterly direction of the talent. It left me wanting to see more and I am sure we shall surely see it.

I happened on this film while in California this past September. Generally, I'm not a fan of the short film format but on my friends insist we decided to go to a nearby short film festival. An admitted snob about cinema I expected nothing from these independents. And that's exactly what I got until this picture came up. Right away I found myself smiling like an idiot while being drawn into its rugged and dreamlike world. The story was charming, humorous and efficiently told. The artistry magnificent. The acting a homage to Hollywood's past. It was as close to a perfect short as I think I've ever seen. It's been a long time since I've seen anything from the States, feature or not, that made me feel this inspired about cinema. Bravo.

I've been a fan of short films my entire life. In fact if you grew up watching cartoons (and who didn't?) we were all fans of shorts before we were fans of features. But most live action short films are mercifully just that- short! Rarely does one inspire the way a great film should. This one not only inspires but leaves your thoughts provoked and your heart satisfied. I recently saw Apple Jack at the LA International Short film festival (which is the worlds largest film festival) and was left with a feeling of awe. When I returned home later in the week I was curious to know who won the festival and wasn't surprised in the least to find Apple Jack had won 'best film'.

This short is so original, so entertaining and left me with such an unusual sense of wonder that it's almost hard to describe the levels it's operating on. I will say this however: If you get a chance to see it, jump! Short films don't get any better than this.

The worst thing about this short is that it wasn't accepted to Sundance! A really great short is so hard to come by. "Apple Jack" should go down in history as - what a short film should be. It has all the elements… an amazingly tight story, solid performances, and phenomenal visuals. "Apple Jack" is a surrealistic journey that's both fun and challenging. Every second of the film is entertaining. The characters are classic, yet very unique. Mark Whiting is truly an inspiration to me. I had the opportunity to see him in action. I've never worked with anyone so passionate and in tune with what they want, the way Mark does. I'll gladly buy a ticket to whatever his next film may be!

Prepare your retina for a gorgeous work of art. This twisted tale of 'time and precision' hooks you from the very first frame to it's final flicker. Witness a case study of good old-fashioned story telling, meticulously mixed with subtle but effective cutting edge technology. A motion picture marvel that brilliantly reveals the fate of a couple of knuckleheaded cons, a visually challenged farmer and an impeccably perceptive kid on the eve of the biggest UFO scam, ever!

Beautifully shot, not unlike the best of Hitchcock, this glimmering 'mini-epic' can be visually enjoyed with the audio turned off. The dazzling deft and dexterity of the camera work is so intoxicating, you'll find yourself instantly pulled into a world of profoundly complex relationships. With a highly personal point of view and an intimate eye that embellishes the tiniest details, groundbreaking director- Mark Whiting ignites the imagination while stimulating our sense of wonder. After Lucas and Spielberg, SOMEONE had to be next.

Keep an eye on this guy.

O