Cracker Bag

Alright this was quite a sensitive little number but I can't help thinking I've seen it before. Reminds me of another VCA film I saw at Poitier called "THE OTHER DAYS OF RUBY RAE" Also had specks of "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Ratcatcher" and Lynne Ramsay in it's execution. Which is not to say that they're not tasteful references...just that they feel very modern and very fashionable...which makes me feel like this is closer to advertising (as an approach in style and story) than the work of an original and authentic auteur to come.

The cinematography is just...too perfect for my liking. Too coral filter (or charcoal) for my liking...too archly framed 12mm. Therefore the entire impression left me a little distant -- beware of art that proclaims itself too readily! The french (they are a conservative bunch) seemed to buy it as did the jury however... but Cannes short film selection is notoriously conservative compared to it's feature selection although I wonder what's been happening in the last few years.

Not only a recent first-time father but now a first-time winner at Cannes too.

Sensitive little short from director Glendyn Ivin from Brunswick in Melbourne, Australia. The simplistic tale of a young girl who saves her pocket money to build up her collection of fireworks. For a film of just fifteen minutes running time, Ivin has painted a credible and touching little portrayal of youthful deliberation. The judges at Cannes 2003, obviously felt the same way, awarding CRACKER BAG the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film.

An important thought which would immediately cross minds while watching Australian short film "Cracker Bag" is that it is a suitable tale for all types of audiences.It can be enjoyed by curious youngsters as well as their mature adult counterparts.Australian author Glendyn Ivin has succeeded in creating a universal tale of innocence coupled with dogged determination in a harsh world where one has to be bold enough to enjoy unexpected joys offered by a mysterious thing called life.The positive impact of this film is huge as there would hardly be any viewer who would fail to detect its universality.Cracker Bag deals with the universal theme of bursting crackers which is a favorite pastime of innumerable people in the world.It is rightly said that the true joy of life lies in being brave by stoically facing unexpected situations.This is something which happens in the life of this film's protagonist Eddie. Glendyn Ivin has created a perfect short film as Cracker Bag is capable of eliciting positive responses both from audiences and critics alike. Lastly,it can be said that Cracker Bag is a perfect film for those who would like to discover new facets of screen writing of short films.

I was treated to a viewing of Cracker Bag last night before a preview screening of Disney's Holes. I don't know who decided to show it but I'm so very glad they did. Cracker Bag is an absolute gem, a snapshot of Australia in the early 80s as seen through a child's eye. The "conversations" between Eddie and her brother were hilarious and, as with the rest of the film, so true to life. Each shot brought a great sense of nostalgia as it reminded me of my own childhood (being the same age as the director probably helps a little) and the audio multiplied the feeling. I only hope I get to see Cracker Bag again some day.

It was only when I saw Napoleon Dynamite that I remembered seeing Cracker Bag. Just beautiful sentiment and yet never stooping to being soppy. There is some terrific cinematography and the lead girl is quite brilliant. It captures more than the nostalgia of the time. It has a real heart to it. It is the Achilles wound of childhood that is exquisite and painful. A simple story is always effective when done well. This Glendyn Ivin has a big future and I for one, am looking out for his next project. The follow up is always the most difficut thing. It's like the second album blues for most people.

I just hope his next film is not something lame like a shark film. Cheers to all. Enjoy your cinema.