El columpio

Very interesting 8 minutes short, about a boy and a girl who'd like to be together, but they can't make it because of their shyness. Worth watching. It all happens in a subway station, in Spain. The editing and music are perfect.

In these days of bloated budgets and CGI characters, it is short films like this, which won a Goya and launched Armero's career, that really reconcile you with the art of filmmaking and show how much you can get from so very little when there are talent and creativity involved.

Filmed in one enclosed location, with just two actors and no effects other than their voiceovers as they exchange furtive glances, this uniquely witty duel of thoughts and interweaving monologues that is "El Columpio" grips you with unexpected strength, and in a mere 9 minutes manages to construct a build-up and a climax that leave with the impression of having watched a singularly powerful comedy-drama and lingers in your mind long afterwards.

It's hard to catch now, even in Spain, but if you ever come across it, I promise it will be among the best spent 9 minutes of your life.

In El Columpio (English: The Merry Go Round), a man and a woman are waiting for the train in a deserted station. Through their thoughts, we find out that they seem interested in one another, despite being complete strangers. They try to show their intent, but their signals seem to be misread. Will they ever be able to share their feelings for one another?

This film is a comedic but quite real take into what goes on in the heads of people when they find someone they really like. It's funny to watch the two give out signals that are missed or totally misread, but I suppose that is just how it is in the game of love. All in all, El Columpio is a fun film about the hesitations and ridiculous things we do to get the attention of someone we find interesting.

When I was searching for Armero´s film "Brujas" featuring Penelope Cruz, I found this great short film on the data base and used the chance to watch it. The music is a very great support for the rising tension and keeps you in suspense- even if you do not understand all the words that are spoken in interior monologues. I only speak a few words in Spanish, but what Armero does in this few minutes, is very, very impressive to me. And, from my point of view, it is very close to reality, as I experienced it myself. It is the most interesting, even thrilling Short film I have ever seen, thinking about the Top Ten of the IMDB (which I all saw)- this one should be at Number One. Perfect 10/10.