Auteur

It's not often that you see a short whose subject easily lends itself to possible expansion into a feature film. Auteur is one of those gems.

Starting with a well-written script from Alex Simon, confident direction by Kevin Abrams and anchored with a strong performance from Beau Clark, Auteur takes its viewers inside the morally ambiguous world of Hollywood film-making. A landscape where the denizens will pimp their mothers if they think it'll get them a greenlight. Aspiring writer/director Eric Pelham finds out the hard way what happens when one is on the receiving end of the conscience-free chicanery in which he traffics. Kudos to the filmmakers. I look forward to their future endeavors.

Maybe the smartest student film I've ever seen, not to mention one of the best short films in recent memory. The script, dialogue and story were especially good: a nice blend of laughs, character, pathos and socially-relevant satire, as well.

The acting, cinematography, editing, direction is all top-drawer, as well. Of special note is Beau Clark as protagonist Eric Pelham. The entire movie really rides on Mr. Clark's shoulders, and he does an admirable job of pulling it off with an effortless charisma that usually indicates a star-in-the-making. Also of note are Jonathan Coogan and Jack Rubinoff as the forever-bantering Mitch and Tony, and the great Granville Van Dusen as smarmy star Jack Burton.

I see that AUTEUR has already won some awards and hope it will be a big hit on the festival circuit, as well, as it certainly deserves it!

I attended the premier for "Auteur" at AFI recently and was captivated by this film. Excellent acting by all and I loved how Beau Clark, who plays Eric Pelham, interacted with the viewers - made me feel like I was right there. Sonny Van Dusen did an awesome job portraying the slimy character Jack Burton - great casting for that role for sure, and the two detectives, Mitch and Tony, played by Jonathan Coogan and Jack Rubinoff, were perfect playing off each other. And of course, Lee Schall and Victoria Profeta were awesome in their roles - loved the ending with them. Hats off to director Kevin Abrams for such a great job and to Alex Simon for a very witty script that hits close to home. Would love to see more of it!

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.

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.