Spartree

With some breathtaking images and camera angles, Phillip Borsos' "Spartree" follows the efforts used by loggers while climbing huge trees for use in a cable logging operation in the British Columbia forests. It makes a comparison on the process that was done in the early days of the 20th c century when cutting trees was a massive 5-hour operation, then moves to a blacksmith preparing tools as an experienced climber makes his way to the highest part of the tree, using of the blacksmith tools, lots of ropes and then removing the tree top. It's all silent except for the presence of the tools at work and some music in the background.

It's hard to find a big definition or a major purpose for it except that it merely presents a working process - Borsos would repeat a similar effort in his Oscar nominated short "Nails", which basically follows the development of nails (a wild spectacle that stays with you, both visually and sonorous). It's magnificiency lies in the captured images where he follows through a series of cameras closely positioned next to experienced and courageous climber Hap Johnson as he performs his job and even manages to stay on the top of the huge tree. One might even think he's crazy for performing such stunt, but it is actually a line of work. Spooky. 6/10.