Desserts

I saw this short at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Sundance has a reputation for showcasing great shorts and this one was terrific. If I were giving the awards -- but of course I forgot to fill out my audience ballots -- the Best Short award would have gone to Jeff Stark for this brilliant three-minute masterpiece of comic horror (starring Ewan MacGregor). This exquisite tidbit caused an immense unified gasp of shocked laughter at its first screening. I can't tell you the punchline except to say, "Beware of stray chocolate eclairs on the beach."

This is a funny short film that has a nature in reverse joke. Ewan McGregor stars as the drifter. Watch it and it's length will make you want to see more. You'll be hooked. More films should use this approach instead of making terrible comedies. *** out of ****

Despite its brevity, a measured mood is developed during this four minute multiple prizewinning short, perhaps due to a complete lack of dialogue that serves to enhance a surprise ending that delighted audiences at its Toronto Film Festival debut, as well as those who viewed it during its wide distribution to European and Asian theatres. The title is cleverly reflective upon a theme of revenge that would be appropriate for a magazine published fantasy short short story, appreciated by the substantial numbers who saw the work in the Los Angeles area, playing there on the same bills as Tom Tykwer's RUN LOLA RUN. The production for this short is flawlessly accomplished by all involved and especial notice shall be given here to the work of makeup artist Colin Shuler for a highly skillful prosthetic creation.

If you want to make a Short Film, start by having a look at this one. A Short is hard to make and this one is a fantastic demonstration of a great idea explored by excellent film making. Definitely the best short I have ever seen.

A solitary man strolling along the beach comes across a tempting eclair. Why the dessert is sitting there and who left it are questions the stroller should have pondered. The next decision he makes changes his life forever...