On Time

I never have really been a fan of short films. I like my movies and I like their length - enough time to explore a new world, complete with an evolving plot, fleshed out characters, and all sorts of twists and turns. I decided to watch a few short films earlier, though, because I wanted some quick breaks in between studying.

This work was one to spark an interest in me for the art of short film. The very first shot tells an entire story in itself. I immediately found myself interested. Soon afterwards, a stranger approaches our main character with a one-of-a-kind product. It offered the sort of opportunity no one I could imagine would refuse.

I don't want to spoil any surprises here, but suffice it to say that this "mystery box", and its consequences, deliver a simple yet poignant message that we can all relate to. And that's why I've found a new appreciation for the art of short film: you don't always need two hours to tell a story, or to enjoy one, when a few minutes and the creative talent of a brilliant team of filmmakers will do.

I saw this last month at the 2008 Palm Springs International Short Fest. Arthur (Kai Albrect) is a young traveler who is devastated because his fiancé has broken off their engagement. He meets a traveling salesman Frank Martins (Peter Farkas) who offers Arthur a peek inside his suitcase a glimpse into things yet to come. also in the cast in small roles are Greta Galsih de Palma, Till Butterworth and Sabine Krause. This is a Twilight Zone style story written by David Halls and directed by Los Angeles director Ted Chang. Chang filmed this in Germany through the Berlinale Talent Campus and is his fourth short along with Mike s, Passages and A Thousand Words. This has a promising storyline and is well executed by the cast and filmmakers but it falls a little short for me. I found the story became too simplistic instead of conflicted. I would give this a 5.5 out of 10.

When a short is well written, it goes a LONG way. And while this isn't a new idea or even a rehashing of the old idea, it's effective.

The acting is honest. The performances given do nothing to take away from the film. They're simple, yet effective.

The cinematography is good. It's not a cinematic masterpiece or a incredible work of art, but it gets the job done. It's simple, yet effective.

The score isn't something you're going to download and listen to. It doesn't move you to tears or get you out of your seat. It's simple..... you get the idea.

It's a surprisingly easy little film, that's a great watch and gives you something to think about. Well worth checking out.