Breakfast Served All Day

Let's be honest here, folks. This short film is trite and predictable. There is nothing about it that's new or even remotely intriguing. Nothing is revealed about the human condition that's worth considering for more than a millisecond. With all the possibilities to write something meaningful, relevant, compelling, and artistic Amy Higgins chooses pedestrian and boring instead.

So here's some advice for Amy Higgins: Either get off the dull train and dare to be an artist or go find another career. If your films aren't going to move, shock, disturb, enlighten, thrill, frighten, agitate, hurt, distress, excite, or upset the viewer then you're just another drop of water in a sea of mediocrity and you need to go get a job waiting tables, which is where it appears you may belong!

Wow! I came upon this little treat randomly and was sucked in immediately. It captures the authenticity and honesty of each character in this very specific location. The particulars of the dialogue, wardrobe, and behaviors of each person in this diner were rendered so subtly yet strongly, that they become identifiable for virtually everyone.

The tension kept building and only after it ended did I realize it was all done on one long take! Amazing use of the long shot -- Bazin would be proud. Bravo, Miss Higgins! Such an ambitious feat and pulled off so well.

The world should be sure to look out for what comes next from this rising talent. Further research shows that this was a student film from Columbia University's Graduate Film Program. They have a good reputation and this viewer will certainly seek more to screen from this storied institution.

Amy Higgins wrote and directed this well done short film. My giving it an 8 is the result of comparing it to the work of other independent films--so her work easily stacks up well with the rest. This is amazing considering that this is Ms. Higgins first film AND most of the actors have no or very, very little experience. This sure didn't look like the work of amateurs. While far from perfect, this definitely bodes well for these people in their career plans.

The film is a slice of life that was surprisingly shot in one long uninterrupted scene. A series of small stories are all linked by a larger story and as the camera moves about this restaurant, the actors behave mostly like real folks (though a couple came on a tad strong and the old lady reminded me of my mother--so YES there really are people this obnoxious in the world). I could really imagine this short film being stretched into a play or perhaps a longer film--during which time more of the subplots could be worked out and explored more fully.

Good job.