Validation

I've lost count of how many times I've been grateful for YouTube. Today a friend sent me the link to this short and within seconds I knew it was special.

Validation is truly a gem.

There are so many superlatives I could use about Kurt Kuenne's short. The acting, direction, writing, etc., are all superb. But what really stands out is the movie's heart and simplicity. The story (a parable, really) is subtle, uplifting, inspirational--it even surprised me. And after 50+ years of movie watching, I don't surprise easily. This is not your typical Hollywood movie. It has a French feel to it; in fact, it reminded me a bit of Amelie. It is uniquely American, though. I can't wait to see more of Kuenne's work.

It's rare that I get a link I can forward to everyone on my email list. You'll see what I mean. Don't miss this one--and pass it along!

(It's an hour since I saw it and I'm still smiling!)

A simple film who could be defined as motivational. in fact, it is more. a pledge for small gestures. delicate /brave words. about the change using simple tools. about honesty. and about the importance of the other. nothing complicated. but usefull. for the message. for the tears of the end. for the basic lesson about ordinary things - briks of every day reality. a nice film. and that is all.

"Validation" is a 16-minute short, but it packs a lot of story in those minutes. The protagonist appears to be a selfless guy, someone who exists only to provide happiness to others. But when he is unable to make a person happy, he loses his focus. Since this film is really about karma, his past deeds catch up with him and change his life. What follows is a fairytale ending, but "Validation" connects with so many people that it must have a ring of truth to many who view it.

The production values are good, and the editing is excellent. The soundtrack is integrated well into the story.

Can this film change lives? Perhaps. And that is really saying something.

Movies today seem to have difficulty making something happy. No matter how hard they try, it almost always comes off as being fake. This is where Validation comes in. A short film directed by Kurt Kuenne that oozes joy. And not the fake kind. By the end of this 17 minute film I was beaming. I was so happy that I immediately watched it a second time just to make sure I wasn't imagining it. I wasn't. Then I began showing it to every single person I could, and each one of them was smiling at the end. In fact, I have yet to see one single person who did not care for this movie, or did not feel great at the end of it.

The plot it simple, a man gives out free validation. Yes, the car kind. But he also throws in a bit of the other validation, and brightens the day of everyone he meets. Except as he is going out to get his drivers license renewed, he sees a girl and instantly falls in love. The only problem? She doesn't smile. I won't delve any deeper into the plot, but rest assured, it ends well.

The movie is filmed in black and white for no other reason than that it looks good. And after seeing the whole thing, you really couldn't imagine it in color. The music, to put it simply, is genius. An upbeat Gospel tune rings out throughout almost the entire movie, and every time I hear it I want to dance. The actors of course do a great job, overacted yes, but it's clearly on purpose.

Validation is a movie I believe everyone should see. It's funny, charming, and at the end of it all, a piece of joy. Look it up and watch it. I can guarantee you'll be glad you did.

I know. It's MY LIFE that's real, not movies. Movies are just a shadow on the wall, and you can hit STOP any time you feel like it. But I'd somehow managed to befriend Kurt Kuenne after being wowed by his "Shuffle," and had to see the rest of his resume. Unfortunately (for ME, since I've been an emotional wreck for decades), next up was "Dear Zachary," BRILLIANT but WAY too disturbing for the likes of moi. That was a month ago, and I haven't slept right since. Kurt actually apologized. But HERE was the best of all possible apologies..."Validation" was, simply, the most life-affirming 16 minutes of celluloid I've ever encountered (and please believe me - the celluloid I've encountered could reach to Pluto from here). I won't relate its story - a 2-line synopsis can't do it justice - but I do feel the need to convey that this is 16 minutes with the power to HEAL. And you'll laugh while healing. And I think maybe my poor battered subconscious can be talked into letting go of that psychotic witch from 'Zachary' that had sunk her claws in DEEP. Thank you, Kurt. This slate is CLEAN.