Little Red Riding Hood

Not a moment nor a note is wasted in this little ditty shown two years ago at the Chicago Film Festival. As an English teacher, I have seen and read many versions of this tale and have used some for critical analysis in my classes, but this piece is something quite extraordinary (though not quite intended for small children). I long to possess it in my library and to show to everyone I know and meet its evocative imagery and disquieting premise: woman is not as vulnerable and naive as we are led to believe nor man so forceful and ugly. Debussy's work could not have been more aptly interpreted onto the screen. The cinematography is breathtaking.

This quite short film is a little masterpiece of a fairy tale. There are only three characters. The scene opens with a very sexy-looking wolf stalking Red Riding Hood through the wood on her way to dear Grandma's cottage. By the time she reaches her destination the wolf has already digested Grandma apart from a few entrails which he has reserved in a bowl for little Red Riding Hood. The wolf with lathering lips waits expectantly in bed for the innocent young maiden. "Take off your clothes" he murmurs "Throw them in the fire. You won't be needing them any more". Puzzled she complies and then into bed beside the hairy body.

Quentin Crisp's oily voice seems just right for the narration...very persuasive, very sexy. We are held in suspense waiting for the wolf's next move. Poor little Red Riding Hood, we think, she is only a little girl and completely at his mercy. How can she possibly outwit this monster?

But this Red Riding Hood, bred and brought up in the country is no simpleton. Her big round eyes have seen many things and she has learnt from Nature. She soon realises that all is not as it seems. The conclusion to the film is as interesting as its beginning and the music selected adds a lovely freshness to the scenes.

This movie is just one of the greatest short films of all time. Dispite the fact that its only like 15min. Its still worth the long search for it. I had always thought that Ricci Would be a great Little Red Riding Hood with out knowing that she played LRRH, I knew I had To have this movie, I searched and I found it. Took a long time but absolutly worth the time.

You know this is going to be different the moment it starts. Every step of the way you are surprised by the daring take on this classic tale, the mastery of the adaptation lies in the fact that nothing of the original story is changed on the surface, it's what's unspoken but suggested between the lines that turn the tale on its head. Beautifully shot in black and white, with Afternoon of the Faun playing in the background, it's a fairy tale for the grown ups.

I must say this film is gorgeous. Contrasted with a divine line of mediums. Truly worth the search, especially for an independent film collector. Although its short it has what is needed to be brilliantly eye pleasing and beautiful. By all means possible, I say see it.