Negative Space

"Look at all that wasted space, look at all that wasted Time" One of the best Father Son Stories ever made even if it's only a 5 min Short Film, The level of creativity is stunning.

Beautiful animation. Sometimes death just leaves behind some weird trademarks from the person who is no longer with us. I completely identify with this little story. Its emotion is in its simplicity. The negative space for me is also the negative space in the heart of this little boy who has grown up and could never connect more with his dad.

I'll be blunt. This year's collection of Oscar nominated animated films are a rather sorry lot...there, I said it. Most of the films are nice and reasonably well made but really nothing more....which makes me wonder who picks these films as well as what criteria they are using for their selections. Of all the picks, I think "Negative Space" is the most confusing as I just can't see what makes this one special.

The animation is okay. The characters are unique but also a little grotesque. The story is about a boy who connects with his father through efficient packing of suitcases. And, all this is punctuated by a joke at the very end that made many in the theater laugh...but I kept thinking "all this just for one joke??!!".

A film about relation son-father. Simple, touching, cold, precise. In same measure, a diagnosis about everyday relations from near reality and a portrait of the love in special form. For a boy- a great movie. For the subtle way to translate in image profound, defining truths. A boy, a too busy father, a suitcase and the funeral of the parent. A terrible, poetic last observation of the son. And the image of car-zipper on a huge suitcase as reflection of wise manner to give a profound message.

'NEGATIVE SPACE': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A 5-minute animated short film about a young boy, named Sam, who's always away from his dad, due to the busy parent's frequent business trips. The father is still able to keep a relationship with his son though, by teaching the boy how to pack a suitcase. This short was directed by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata. I found it to be simple, but quirky and interesting enough (in a very odd way). The animation has a lot of character to it, and so does the film. It's even a little touching, and funny as well (in some places). I can definitely see why the Academy likes it.