The Last Chip

This film tries very hard to please, but in the end is a strange mix of styles and stories that doesn't ultimately work. The cutting between the story of the dealer and the three lead actresses creates an unsatisfying approach to the story - the acting drifting between ham and grit, and never sure where to stay. The camera work tries hard to give the film further resonance, but what one is left with is a film that fails both as a comedy or drama. There are some strong moments by the lead actresses, especially toward the end, however the film lacks the economy and narrative focus to stick to the story that the audience really cares about. The editing is strong in places, but again, takes a very 'flat' approach - it builds too quickly and stays at that level for too long, so the whole film drags, especially when it's trying to be funny. In the end, the film just seems to try so hard that it stops short of being the art house short it wanted to be. There were a lot of silent pauses where the audience was meant to laugh in the screening I attended. Strangely, I saw this film in 2005, but it's listed as 2006. I saw it again this year and it was, sadly, no easier to watch. The film is just too long...