The Jump Off

I'm afraid the answer is a resounding "No". Huge and elaborate claims have been made for this short. Statements about exploring hidden relationships, digging into complexities, being thought-provoking, questioning societal norms. It's doing all this in the contest of a downlow love affair between two black youths.

Well, the claims are ludicrous. The film is less than five minutes long, for heaven's sake! We see a lad watching a few guys playing basketball, then the observer in bed with one of the players having sex. After, the sportsman leaves, but is kissed on his way out of the gate and they're spotted.

And that's it. No depth, no discussion, no nothing. Apart from the attractiveness of the two actors, the film was meaniingless. It didn't even make me wonder what would happen next.

If you have five minutes to spare, watch. But don't expect some shattering profundity. There isn't any.

A sketch reminding intense love and effort to save apparences. A young man watching to a basketball game in a street yard. The sex , in night , with one of players. The reaction of the last when it is seen by a man kissing his partner. Something who can be defined as memories or crumbs of reconciliation.

Two basic virtues - the music and the blue light suggesting a sort of jazz atmosphere.

And, against obvious good intentions, nothing more.

In short, just a sketch. Not bad, poetic in intention , maybe not so convincing. But decent one for the suggestions and for the moral. Ad for too easy reflection of near reality facts.