O Contador

Simply the best short film I ever saw. Imaginative, funny (did I say funny? I mean HILARIOUS)and one that can be viewed over and over again to get the whole picture. This reminded me of the great work of the Coen Bros(especially THE BIG LEBOWSKI). Seems very absurd and scores as great for almost the whole duration (about 30-35 min.) of the (short) movie, until the end, when it becomes a masterpiece. With all of this in mind I'll be happy to watch it again for sure, if I can get my hands on it once more. Just caught this on Dutch television but shorts don't come by so often on TV, so next time I'll surely try and tape it. Won't be for all tastes, but won't kill you either ;-) and I simply loved it. 10/10 ( a first for a short in my book)

Ray McKinnon's The Accountant is the best short-film, comedy ever. I highly recommend it to everyone who feels a connection with others who are also facing everyday challenges. McKinnon's screen writing depicts the daily struggle local farmers have in trying to keep their farms out of bankruptcy. Ray McKinnon's portrayal of a rural accountant is so funny I almost fell out of my chair laughing. However, his character has a serious side when it comes to teaching family values, the southern way. Eddie King's portrayal of David O'Dell, a farmer, touches my heart as he reminds me of a nurturing father, who wants to preserve his heritage. Walton Coggins does a great job in portraying Tommy O'Dell, the business-minded brother, who shows up at the family farm during a crisis and suddenly becomes interested in saving it. This movie shows how people play upon each other's feelings and how they might attempt to beat the system. The film crew does a superb job with both the sound and visual effects. The music sets the tone, which makes the viewers feel what the characters are also feeling. Then, the camera movement shows the exact location of the movie in single frames. This technique allows viewers to analyze when and where the movie takes place. Then, a large camera shot brings the whole setting together, and viewers are surprised when they realize the actual time period. Camera angles show the intensity between each character during emotionally, revealing scenes. This movie also uses metaphors to visually describes life's transitions in practical ways.Viewers are left guessing on what will happen next. I hope to see more movies like The Accountant from Ginny Mule Productions.

Ray McKinnon is a delight. The Accountant is a whimsical, fast-talking tale concerning a very strange fellow and his bucolic interests around the tax nature of a farm. The highlight of this film centers around the writing. The words are snappy, well-timed, and extremely funny. The performances do a great justice to the words, and you can tell that the filmmakers are masters of their craft.

I think this short film is well-deserving of the Oscar, but sadly McKinnon has been all but absent in the feature scene. He's had his appearances, and I even enjoyed Crysthal, but in the end, they are outshined by The Accountant. I hope McKinnon comes back and captures this character in another piece. It is a delight.

I saw this short film at the Atlanta Film Festival a few years ago, which, I believe, was its premiere. My friend told me it was excellent so I sat through four or five not-so-excellent films (and one very nicely done film) to see it... but it was entirely worth it.

This beautifully shot film is not only constantly hilarious but also constantly thoughtful and intelligent. It's truly a great story that just happens to be set to film. Ray McKinnon is brilliant here, and he was also a very appreciative and grateful guy when approached at the Atlanta Film Festival. Though the film promises to be a humorous romp through redneck country, the ending definitely delivers a message that I won't soon forget. Especially for those of us who live or have lived in rural America and who are now seeing hundreds of acres of beauty and bounty being turned into subdivisions and golf courses, this short movie will definitely stand out. It's worth buying on DVD (or VHS for you farmers), if only for the lines "...she's a fornicatress!" and (to paraphrase) "...you don't tell them about the better life... because this IS the better life..." The context of that last line, and the delivery, was incredible.

As I left the theater, I told my fat buddy that this film deserved an Oscar. I had no idea that it would actually (and rightfully) win one!

In summary: Great short film, made by some good people.

P.S. Just in case any of you good people reading this attended the same Atlanta Film Festival... that one B&W oddly Orwellian short film was also great. I don't remember the name, but I didn't want to discount it. Kudos. Wish I'd done that. :)

I saw this film with all of the other nominated short films. The Accountant was clearly the best. I was so glad that Ray Mckinnon won for this film. It was a breath of fresh air. It was funny, plausible, and thought provoking. I hope it is available for viewing on the internet someday.