Auteur

I saw "Auteur" last summer at a film festival in Palm Springs and was thoroughly impressed! In telling the story of a video pirate who unwittingly orchestrates his own fall from grace, filmmakers Kevin Abrams and Alex Simon paint a touching, realistic portrait of a self-destructive narcissist, and also a fitting metaphor for the shark-infested waters that are Hollywood.

Beau Clark is a young man to watch in the future, as he effortlessly carries the picture as Eric Pelham, the video pirate in question who actually thinks he's a real filmmaker, and hopes his genius will be recognized by legendary cinematic icon Jack Burton (played by veteran character actor Granville Van Dusen, whom you'll recognize from countless TV and movie roles). Eric winds up screwing over anyone and everyone in his path to realize his goal, albeit unconsciously in most cases, vividly showing how the seductive powers of the motion picture business can cloud the minds of virtually anyone who attempts to enter her hallowed gates.

Supporing cast is terrific, as well. I won't give away any of the plot twists, and there are some Duzies, but suffice to say "Auteur" is a film I won't soon forget, and neither will anyone else who sees it, I'm sure.

An excellent satirical comedy with Hitchcockian details. A first rate screen play, fine acting and smooth direction.It sends up Hollywood foibles brilliantly and with a marvelously tongue-in-cheek quality.This film could easily be expanded into a full length feature. The dialogue is witty and the plot twists are unpredictable, thus holding the viewer's attention.The FBI agents who doubled as phony producers were particularly hilarious; and the leading actor's deadpan delivery was exactly right for the character. What's more this film should be reasonably inexpensive to expand and therefore of interest to some major producers.

I love the way this movie makes fun of itself. It's a fun ride that ends to soon. The way you used animation to move the story forward is imaginative and smart. You show how a smart film maker with little money and a great cast and crew can create a wonderful piece of art. I don't want to give anything away, but I can say you made bold choices, and broke some rules, proving there are no rules. Alex Simon has written a fun script with a message as well. Bravo! Kevin Abrams does a great job with a talented cast. I would loved to have seen more of Mitch & Tony. They could have their own movie. Thanks and good luck on your next film.

Great little film about a film pirate who gets his just rewards. The script by Alex Simon is particularly sharp with some great twists and turns. The lead filmmaker character is well-drawn and I liked the sort of Chandleresque voice-over. The guys who make his pirate film deals were also noteworthy and fun. I particularly didn't see the last twist coming, but boy, did this character deserve it. I enjoyed the lead filmmaker guy, as well as the actor who plays the movie star. The animation and the titles were outstanding. AFI is putting out some good stuff these days, better than the hackfest at USC Film School to be sure. Definitely one of the better shorts I've seen.

Wow--I couldn't believe a short was this well-produced and performed. I have actually KNOWN these characters, people who are just like them, in my time in the industry. There are no heroes and villains, just flawed souls trying to make their ambitions come true in a 'hightened reality' of course. Great cast. Yes, I think it should be a feature, too. Give us more like this--plain stories about things that people really do to each other without commenting on the characters or their motives or telling us what we should think. The director and crew was great and the production style entertaining. I am guessing they didn't have a lot of money to work with, but it looks expensive and artistic.