Validation

This short film revolves around parking attendant Hugh Newman who not only gives people tickets but compliments that changes their whole outlook on life . Within a short period of time Hugh has become something of a celebrity but finds his life unfulfilled when he meets a photographer who is incapable of smiling . What can he do to make her smile just once ?

On paper there might have been great potential turning this short in to a feature length movie but the more I thought about it the more I started to realise quirky shorts probably don't make good features . One the problems might have been the character Hugh himself and the way he's played by TJ Thyne .Try and imagine a young Gene Wilder on ecstasy and you have some idea of how irritating an initially happy clappy character can quickly become

This probably sums up VALIDATION - it's length compliments its quirky nature and feel good factor . It's well shot by director Kurt Kuenne and is a feel good fable that comes to a stop just around about the time when cynical embittered nihilists feel their patience might just end

I've lost count of how many times I've been grateful for YouTube. Today a friend sent me the link to this short and within seconds I knew it was special.

Validation is truly a gem.

There are so many superlatives I could use about Kurt Kuenne's short. The acting, direction, writing, etc., are all superb. But what really stands out is the movie's heart and simplicity. The story (a parable, really) is subtle, uplifting, inspirational--it even surprised me. And after 50+ years of movie watching, I don't surprise easily. This is not your typical Hollywood movie. It has a French feel to it; in fact, it reminded me a bit of Amelie. It is uniquely American, though. I can't wait to see more of Kuenne's work.

It's rare that I get a link I can forward to everyone on my email list. You'll see what I mean. Don't miss this one--and pass it along!

(It's an hour since I saw it and I'm still smiling!)

"Validation" is a 16-minute short, but it packs a lot of story in those minutes. The protagonist appears to be a selfless guy, someone who exists only to provide happiness to others. But when he is unable to make a person happy, he loses his focus. Since this film is really about karma, his past deeds catch up with him and change his life. What follows is a fairytale ending, but "Validation" connects with so many people that it must have a ring of truth to many who view it.

The production values are good, and the editing is excellent. The soundtrack is integrated well into the story.

Can this film change lives? Perhaps. And that is really saying something.

I can't add to the two superb previous comments about this short film.

I just watched it again, and yes, tears spilled from my eyes, tears of complete overwhelming appreciation for this moral fable, this poem to the positive in people, and to love.

I teach preschool age children with severe special needs, and seeing this the first time had me by the heart, weeping profound tears of gratitude. It helped me realize that a large part of what I do, and have always loved to do for my kids and their family's is to simply appreciate the greatness it takes to go through their lives, made difficult from having unexpected horrors happen to their little children. To put that into words sincerely spoken is very touching and does indeed change people for the best.

I just forwarded the Flixxy link to another very large group of friends who also work in special education.

Every superlative applies to the wonderful magic of this film.

I know. It's MY LIFE that's real, not movies. Movies are just a shadow on the wall, and you can hit STOP any time you feel like it. But I'd somehow managed to befriend Kurt Kuenne after being wowed by his "Shuffle," and had to see the rest of his resume. Unfortunately (for ME, since I've been an emotional wreck for decades), next up was "Dear Zachary," BRILLIANT but WAY too disturbing for the likes of moi. That was a month ago, and I haven't slept right since. Kurt actually apologized. But HERE was the best of all possible apologies..."Validation" was, simply, the most life-affirming 16 minutes of celluloid I've ever encountered (and please believe me - the celluloid I've encountered could reach to Pluto from here). I won't relate its story - a 2-line synopsis can't do it justice - but I do feel the need to convey that this is 16 minutes with the power to HEAL. And you'll laugh while healing. And I think maybe my poor battered subconscious can be talked into letting go of that psychotic witch from 'Zachary' that had sunk her claws in DEEP. Thank you, Kurt. This slate is CLEAN.