The Accountant

I saw this short film at the Atlanta Film Festival a few years ago, which, I believe, was its premiere. My friend told me it was excellent so I sat through four or five not-so-excellent films (and one very nicely done film) to see it... but it was entirely worth it.

This beautifully shot film is not only constantly hilarious but also constantly thoughtful and intelligent. It's truly a great story that just happens to be set to film. Ray McKinnon is brilliant here, and he was also a very appreciative and grateful guy when approached at the Atlanta Film Festival. Though the film promises to be a humorous romp through redneck country, the ending definitely delivers a message that I won't soon forget. Especially for those of us who live or have lived in rural America and who are now seeing hundreds of acres of beauty and bounty being turned into subdivisions and golf courses, this short movie will definitely stand out. It's worth buying on DVD (or VHS for you farmers), if only for the lines "...she's a fornicatress!" and (to paraphrase) "...you don't tell them about the better life... because this IS the better life..." The context of that last line, and the delivery, was incredible.

As I left the theater, I told my fat buddy that this film deserved an Oscar. I had no idea that it would actually (and rightfully) win one!

In summary: Great short film, made by some good people.

P.S. Just in case any of you good people reading this attended the same Atlanta Film Festival... that one B&W oddly Orwellian short film was also great. I don't remember the name, but I didn't want to discount it. Kudos. Wish I'd done that. :)

"The Accountant," certainly deserved the Oscar it got, since it's a masterpiece of mood and suspense, rather than a simple farce that lampoons Southerners. The scriptwriter and lead actor, Ray McKinnon, was superb, although his role as the accountant was one-dimensional. It was a new and unconventional role - the country fellow who's sophisticated and articulate. Eddie King nailed the part of David, who ironically became the only character that mattered. His constant intensity showed how high the stakes were, in contrast to the role of Tommy, who was dispassionate to the point of being callous. The set - the dilapidated farmhouse w/holes in walls - was itself an absolute masterpiece of film making. it achieved almost as much as any actor. The ending was a real shocker, esp. for a "farm comedy." Obviously, they didn't mean "comedy" in the classical sense. i'm still wrestling with the finale.

I loved the movie.....relevant message presented in a quirky way.....not used this style of acting, but it was refreshing. The context of the plot....the rural south, in which I happen to live is where many of us struggle not only to make a living but to preserve a heritage for our kids. It seems that this philosophy of life is being replaced by McDonalds and Wal*Mart. Not that these entities are bad it's just that we're not only losing touch with a heritage but, we're running out of energy to keep history alive.

The dialogue makes a very clear point that the farmer (all of us, regardless of vocation) needs to be smarter and savvy with how we spend our money and time. I do know that you can now buy the accountant online @ www.theaccountantmovie.com. I plan to pass it on to my friends because it made me think.

Ray McKinnon's The Accountant is the best short-film, comedy ever. I highly recommend it to everyone who feels a connection with others who are also facing everyday challenges. McKinnon's screen writing depicts the daily struggle local farmers have in trying to keep their farms out of bankruptcy. Ray McKinnon's portrayal of a rural accountant is so funny I almost fell out of my chair laughing. However, his character has a serious side when it comes to teaching family values, the southern way. Eddie King's portrayal of David O'Dell, a farmer, touches my heart as he reminds me of a nurturing father, who wants to preserve his heritage. Walton Coggins does a great job in portraying Tommy O'Dell, the business-minded brother, who shows up at the family farm during a crisis and suddenly becomes interested in saving it. This movie shows how people play upon each other's feelings and how they might attempt to beat the system. The film crew does a superb job with both the sound and visual effects. The music sets the tone, which makes the viewers feel what the characters are also feeling. Then, the camera movement shows the exact location of the movie in single frames. This technique allows viewers to analyze when and where the movie takes place. Then, a large camera shot brings the whole setting together, and viewers are surprised when they realize the actual time period. Camera angles show the intensity between each character during emotionally, revealing scenes. This movie also uses metaphors to visually describes life's transitions in practical ways.Viewers are left guessing on what will happen next. I hope to see more movies like The Accountant from Ginny Mule Productions.

I attended a special showing of this film the day it won an Oscar for best live-action short subject. The story unfolds in a classic three character short story form. Clearly, Ray McKinnon had committed himself to the project as writer, director, and the title character- but the heart of the film belongs to the farmer David O'Dell, (Eddie King)through who's eyes we observe the accountant's peculiarities, and after a few minutes wonder if the man is dedicated to his clients or psychotic. The accountant's conspiracy-textured world view is so detailed that we are impressed by the breath of the information he has at his command. The film would have benefited from some editing both in text and pacing, but the genuine spirit and center of the film is the natural performance of Eddie King, an actor to keep an eye on.