I thought this film was very funny and very well made. It is about a man driving a car on the freeway, a very old woman driving a car on the same freeway and a very big plain also involved with that freeway. You have to see what happens for yourself. Very nice, 8/10.
13 Reviews
Excellent film, especially for those learning the art...
MarkHurd26 September 2000
Given the budget, this is a hard one to score...
However, as a computer programmer, I can see they put a lot of effort in to the details, so that the film has a finished feel. Similar attempts by others have seemed like five minute hacks of previously copyrighted material (and often are).
This film is worthy of cinema release -- may be it should be sold as an ad to Intel, because they provided the hardware to produce most of it.
This film (and the related web site) is strongly recommended to anyone intending to use computers to enhance or generate moving pictures.
However, as a computer programmer, I can see they put a lot of effort in to the details, so that the film has a finished feel. Similar attempts by others have seemed like five minute hacks of previously copyrighted material (and often are).
This film is worthy of cinema release -- may be it should be sold as an ad to Intel, because they provided the hardware to produce most of it.
This film (and the related web site) is strongly recommended to anyone intending to use computers to enhance or generate moving pictures.
Beware of emergency landings!
duce12230 November 2002
405 (2000) D: Bruce Banit, Jeremy Hunt. Jeremy Hunt, Angela Burns, Erin Kotecki, Bruce Banit. A section of highway is blocked off so a plane can make an emergency landing, but there are still two cars on the highway: a young man in an SUV and an old woman. Lesson learned here: Beware of emergency landings. Funny film short. RATING: 7 out of 10. Not rated.
One of the best short films I have ever seen.
Anonymous_Maxine14 January 2002
405 is an extremely short action thriller that takes you on a wild adventure ride and then drops you off almost before you even realize that you've gone anywhere. The film is barely three minutes long, placing it on the level of extremely short short films, yet there is still so much accomplished in it that it is able to make a huge impression on the viewer even in that short time.
In glancing through the other reviews of 405 on the IMDb, it seems that a lot of people (or, at least, most of the six or seven people who bothered to review it) were impressed with the special effects but saw a problem with logistics in the film. Okay, it's obvious that if a DC-10 rear-ended a Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's landing gear is not going to crumple, nor would the Jeep have the slightest chance of holding up the plane if it did. No roll bar in the world is going to enable a Jeep to withstand the gigantic weight of a full size commercial airliner.
Also, to stoop to an even lower level of complaint, even the most decrepit of senior citizens is likely to notice that the guy who just flew by her and almost caused her to wreck was probably not doing it on purpose, seeing how there was a jetliner resting on top of his car. I doubt she assumed that he was towing it, so clearly the finger at the end of the film was thrown in for comic relief. Did they go too far with that? Was that too much lowbrow comedy to allow the movie to be taken seriously? Personally, I don't think that the amount or style of comedy put into the film was either excessive or cheesy. And even if it was, the movie is so good that it wouldn't even matter. This is a nearly perfect short action film, with the small exceptions of the very much forgivable logical flaws, and I think that it should be recognized for that.
Another thing that I noticed in the other reviews on the IMDb was that the acting was criticized, particularly that of the driver of the Jeep. Well, first of all, there was such a miniscule amount of actual acting in the film that it would have been pointless to hire a more professional or more well-known actor to play the part of the driver, and besides that, I really saw nothing wrong with his acting. His facial expressions and body movements (which collectively made up about 99% of his total amount of acting) perfectly showed his reactions to what he saw happening with the airliner, and the fact that he was just some guy rather than a more well known actor made it much more believable. This is just a regular guy driving down the freeway, and this amazing thing happens to him.
The reason Alfred Hitchcock's movies were and continue to be so successful (besides the tremendous directing skills of Hitchcock's himself) were because they were so often stories of amazing things happening in normal circumstances, and that's exactly what is happening in 405. We're not told what circumstances led up to the point where this guy is driving his Jeep along a closed freeway, wondering why there's not a single car on the road with him, but it doesn't matter because it's not significant to the story that we're watching. That's like asking what Norman Bates had for breakfast the day that Marion Crane showed up at his hotel.
I can't say I wasn't shocked to read that someone was impressed with the special effects in 405, but then called it a `bad movie.' What a thing to say! This movie is incredible! I think that the fact that Roger Ebert reviewed it says enough about its quality. Try to find another three minute movie that Ebert took the time to watch and review. I haven't done that myself, but I can't imagine that there are many.
This is a famous short film for a reason, and it should not be picked apart for such insignificant flaws as the ones I pointed out above. This is a movie that nearly anyone would enjoy, and it also provides a great lesson for people who are interested in the possibilities of the filmmaking medium (like myself). 405 is an extremely amateur film but the final product is amazingly impressive. Overlooking that just because the strength of a DC-10's landing gear was not parallel in the film with reality (or because you invented some problems with the acting in the film) would be a cinematic tragedy almost on the same level as it would have been if Kubrick had decided to throw that copy of The Shining against the wall with all the others. Enjoy 405, and give it the respect that it deserves.
In glancing through the other reviews of 405 on the IMDb, it seems that a lot of people (or, at least, most of the six or seven people who bothered to review it) were impressed with the special effects but saw a problem with logistics in the film. Okay, it's obvious that if a DC-10 rear-ended a Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's landing gear is not going to crumple, nor would the Jeep have the slightest chance of holding up the plane if it did. No roll bar in the world is going to enable a Jeep to withstand the gigantic weight of a full size commercial airliner.
Also, to stoop to an even lower level of complaint, even the most decrepit of senior citizens is likely to notice that the guy who just flew by her and almost caused her to wreck was probably not doing it on purpose, seeing how there was a jetliner resting on top of his car. I doubt she assumed that he was towing it, so clearly the finger at the end of the film was thrown in for comic relief. Did they go too far with that? Was that too much lowbrow comedy to allow the movie to be taken seriously? Personally, I don't think that the amount or style of comedy put into the film was either excessive or cheesy. And even if it was, the movie is so good that it wouldn't even matter. This is a nearly perfect short action film, with the small exceptions of the very much forgivable logical flaws, and I think that it should be recognized for that.
Another thing that I noticed in the other reviews on the IMDb was that the acting was criticized, particularly that of the driver of the Jeep. Well, first of all, there was such a miniscule amount of actual acting in the film that it would have been pointless to hire a more professional or more well-known actor to play the part of the driver, and besides that, I really saw nothing wrong with his acting. His facial expressions and body movements (which collectively made up about 99% of his total amount of acting) perfectly showed his reactions to what he saw happening with the airliner, and the fact that he was just some guy rather than a more well known actor made it much more believable. This is just a regular guy driving down the freeway, and this amazing thing happens to him.
The reason Alfred Hitchcock's movies were and continue to be so successful (besides the tremendous directing skills of Hitchcock's himself) were because they were so often stories of amazing things happening in normal circumstances, and that's exactly what is happening in 405. We're not told what circumstances led up to the point where this guy is driving his Jeep along a closed freeway, wondering why there's not a single car on the road with him, but it doesn't matter because it's not significant to the story that we're watching. That's like asking what Norman Bates had for breakfast the day that Marion Crane showed up at his hotel.
I can't say I wasn't shocked to read that someone was impressed with the special effects in 405, but then called it a `bad movie.' What a thing to say! This movie is incredible! I think that the fact that Roger Ebert reviewed it says enough about its quality. Try to find another three minute movie that Ebert took the time to watch and review. I haven't done that myself, but I can't imagine that there are many.
This is a famous short film for a reason, and it should not be picked apart for such insignificant flaws as the ones I pointed out above. This is a movie that nearly anyone would enjoy, and it also provides a great lesson for people who are interested in the possibilities of the filmmaking medium (like myself). 405 is an extremely amateur film but the final product is amazingly impressive. Overlooking that just because the strength of a DC-10's landing gear was not parallel in the film with reality (or because you invented some problems with the acting in the film) would be a cinematic tragedy almost on the same level as it would have been if Kubrick had decided to throw that copy of The Shining against the wall with all the others. Enjoy 405, and give it the respect that it deserves.
Here's the complete script: only a few lines!
wombat_130 October 2002
Note sure whether this meets the IMDB guidelines or not.. I guess if it doesn't, then this won't be posted. Here is the COMPLETE script:
AM117: LAX, this is AM 117 heavy, requesting emergency approach.
LAX ATC: AM 117, come about to 175 and proceed to 3000 feet.
AM117: Arr, Roger that, LAX; we're not going to be able to make that approach, we're having trouble maintaining altitude.
Reporter: Shaping up to be a rough commute out there today, watch for an accident on the 101 near Sherman Way, and we're just getting word that the 405 Southbound has been shut down completely. Looks like some sort of police activity 'skinda cleared for a two mile stretch (move inside car) from the 118 all the way up to Victory. As soon as we get more information we'll let you know, but in the meantime we'll get you through with another 40 minutes of your favourite hits on K... (fades into indistinguishibility).
AM117: LAX, this is AM 117 heavy, requesting emergency approach.
LAX ATC: AM 117, come about to 175 and proceed to 3000 feet.
AM117: Arr, Roger that, LAX; we're not going to be able to make that approach, we're having trouble maintaining altitude.
Reporter: Shaping up to be a rough commute out there today, watch for an accident on the 101 near Sherman Way, and we're just getting word that the 405 Southbound has been shut down completely. Looks like some sort of police activity 'skinda cleared for a two mile stretch (move inside car) from the 118 all the way up to Victory. As soon as we get more information we'll let you know, but in the meantime we'll get you through with another 40 minutes of your favourite hits on K... (fades into indistinguishibility).
A great short film! The best i have seen!
thejessman100020 December 2002
I really do not watch short films a lot but i really enjoyed this one. This film had great affects that you would see in some of the films today! I really liked this short film ,and if you have not seen it...
do so.
With Comedy ,Suspence and some Action ,it makes it a must see!
do so.
With Comedy ,Suspence and some Action ,it makes it a must see!
One of the Best Privately Made Short Films of Recent Times.
xdjs4 March 2007
I was completely impressed with the effects and story line of this film. Filmed with a 1CC camera in their spare time, Bruce Branit and Jeremy Hunt took amateur film making to a new level. A lot of detail went in to the CGI of this project. Both gentlemen researched the fine details of the DC-10 aircraft and created an exact CG model that major film makers would find incredible. Adding a finer quality to the film is the excellent scoring by Wayne Boon, who created an original score that complimented the action and intensity of each scene. A well deserving winner of "Best Web Film". I hope to see further projects from these two young men. "405" is definitely a short film you've gotta see.
Good animation, bad movie.
marcelkiel13 August 2001
The most important and interesting part of this movie is probably the 3D animation. And clearly, it is very professional and able to compete with other animated movies or scenes.
But I don't understand why the rest of the film is so unprofessional: not only are some technical assumptions, such as the stability of a DC-10's nose gear, highly uncertain, the characters, acting and music are very poor, too. It should have been possible for the producers to find a competent actor or actress for the driver, or to find or compose better music.
The fact that 405 is an action movie don't make interesting characters unnecessary. And the comedy is somewhat over-used.
Watch the movie, but, except for the animation, don't expect much.
But I don't understand why the rest of the film is so unprofessional: not only are some technical assumptions, such as the stability of a DC-10's nose gear, highly uncertain, the characters, acting and music are very poor, too. It should have been possible for the producers to find a competent actor or actress for the driver, or to find or compose better music.
The fact that 405 is an action movie don't make interesting characters unnecessary. And the comedy is somewhat over-used.
Watch the movie, but, except for the animation, don't expect much.
AmAzIng
obieguy5 October 2000
I have seen this film at least twenty times, and I never tire of it. The volume of action, thrills, humor, special effects, and detail in this short film should make Hollywood ashamed of their feeble output. No, this film is not perfect, but it is close enough. Sit down, strap in, and enjoy the ride. (PS: I live in LA, and it would not surprise me if this DID happen!)
impressive, yet not original...
Adromeda_girl5 March 2003
Ok, I have to admit. 405 is pretty cool. It is brief yet exciting to watch, with it's skillful visual effects. Well done, and kudos to it's makers. No question, it's damn fine work.
It just isn't original.
Does anyone remember a quirky film called 'Buckaroo Banzai'? Of course you do.
Well, after it was long since finished, some time ago in the late 1980's or early 90's an attempt was made to resurrect the property as a television series. A lot was poured into the pitch, including, interestingly enough, a pretty cool all CG visual effects sequence which served to show what kind of cool stuff we can
expect to see in the series on a weekly basis.
If I recall correctly, this work was done at Foundation Studios, a respectable VFX studio that has done a lot of great work on shows such as Star Trek TNG, among others.
Now, in this pitch video, we see the Banzai rocket truck, or whatever it was
called, racing across a vast stretch of flat scorched Earth- salt flats I think. It is reminiscent of a scene in the feature film, except we see that what is going on is quite different: the Space Shuttle is on a landing approach, and it's front wheel is damaged and obviously cannot make a safe landing- the Banzai truck then
races into position, becoming in a sense, the front landing wheel for the Space Shuttle, saving the Astronauts and the spaceship.
It was pretty cool, one has to admit. It was quite original as well, as I certainly cannot recall anything like it before.
At least that is, not until 405 came about several years later, made by a pair (really? just 2 guys?) who were (former foundation studios employees?) VFX
artists making an (original?) short film featuring a 747 making an emergency
landing on a freeway, while an unwitting commuter finds his SUV standing in for the front wheels.
Interesting.
Ok, I guess I've made my point. Anyone who finds this fascinating, or perhaps anyone who does not believe me might just want to check out the Buckaroo
Banzai DVD, which includes, along with many other nifty extras, a failed TV
pitch that showcases one very original action sequence, featuring a rocket truck and a Space Shuttle.
It makes me wonder if there was any special reason why that was included on
the DVD.
It just isn't original.
Does anyone remember a quirky film called 'Buckaroo Banzai'? Of course you do.
Well, after it was long since finished, some time ago in the late 1980's or early 90's an attempt was made to resurrect the property as a television series. A lot was poured into the pitch, including, interestingly enough, a pretty cool all CG visual effects sequence which served to show what kind of cool stuff we can
expect to see in the series on a weekly basis.
If I recall correctly, this work was done at Foundation Studios, a respectable VFX studio that has done a lot of great work on shows such as Star Trek TNG, among others.
Now, in this pitch video, we see the Banzai rocket truck, or whatever it was
called, racing across a vast stretch of flat scorched Earth- salt flats I think. It is reminiscent of a scene in the feature film, except we see that what is going on is quite different: the Space Shuttle is on a landing approach, and it's front wheel is damaged and obviously cannot make a safe landing- the Banzai truck then
races into position, becoming in a sense, the front landing wheel for the Space Shuttle, saving the Astronauts and the spaceship.
It was pretty cool, one has to admit. It was quite original as well, as I certainly cannot recall anything like it before.
At least that is, not until 405 came about several years later, made by a pair (really? just 2 guys?) who were (former foundation studios employees?) VFX
artists making an (original?) short film featuring a 747 making an emergency
landing on a freeway, while an unwitting commuter finds his SUV standing in for the front wheels.
Interesting.
Ok, I guess I've made my point. Anyone who finds this fascinating, or perhaps anyone who does not believe me might just want to check out the Buckaroo
Banzai DVD, which includes, along with many other nifty extras, a failed TV
pitch that showcases one very original action sequence, featuring a rocket truck and a Space Shuttle.
It makes me wonder if there was any special reason why that was included on
the DVD.
amazing effects movie for a basement production
linusmoke dot com7 July 2001
if you are interested in indie digital and computer-based filmmaking, i would highly suggest you check out the short film "405." this is an incredible example of what can be done with a digital camera and some home computers. you'll be amazed. two guys did this film over a few months with nothing but simple equipment.
sure, it's been seen before. but...
jeh-531 October 2003
Regarding the sequence from the Buckaroo Banzai DVD:
> It was quite original as well, as I certainly cannot recall anything
> like it before.
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's _Thunderbirds_ TV series, episode 1, "Trapped in the Sky"... original airdate 30 Sep. 1965. If you're patient you can catch this in reruns on TechTV.
It's not quite the same, though: In both _Thunderbirds_ and the BB clip, those were deliberate rescue attempts to rescue a crippled aircraft. (Spacecraft... whatever.) The SUV driver in _405_ was where he was by accident, and tried doing everything he could to get away from the DC-10! (Well, not everything. Why didn't he go for an offramp? Or at least the shoulder? :)
Ok, the visual is very much the same. But ideas are common. If you're going to fault _405_ for using this bit, you also have to fault huge numbers of movies for following the "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl" formula. It's how you develop an idea into a story and how you tell the story that matters.
Really, though, if you focus on that aspect, you're missing the real point of _405_. Which is that two guys (yes, just two guys, and no, they weren't ex-FS employees; if you read their web site you'll find they're seeking work in the industry) with a DV camera and some fairly ordinary PCs were able to make this movie with its utterly convincing visuals.
That they gave us some dramatic and funny visuals and a funny story as well is icing on the cake.
> It was quite original as well, as I certainly cannot recall anything
> like it before.
Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's _Thunderbirds_ TV series, episode 1, "Trapped in the Sky"... original airdate 30 Sep. 1965. If you're patient you can catch this in reruns on TechTV.
It's not quite the same, though: In both _Thunderbirds_ and the BB clip, those were deliberate rescue attempts to rescue a crippled aircraft. (Spacecraft... whatever.) The SUV driver in _405_ was where he was by accident, and tried doing everything he could to get away from the DC-10! (Well, not everything. Why didn't he go for an offramp? Or at least the shoulder? :)
Ok, the visual is very much the same. But ideas are common. If you're going to fault _405_ for using this bit, you also have to fault huge numbers of movies for following the "boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl" formula. It's how you develop an idea into a story and how you tell the story that matters.
Really, though, if you focus on that aspect, you're missing the real point of _405_. Which is that two guys (yes, just two guys, and no, they weren't ex-FS employees; if you read their web site you'll find they're seeking work in the industry) with a DV camera and some fairly ordinary PCs were able to make this movie with its utterly convincing visuals.
That they gave us some dramatic and funny visuals and a funny story as well is icing on the cake.
great shot film: what do you want for free !!!!
wombat_126 August 2002
Considering that the LA freeway system has to be the world's largest open sewer, anything that can make light of it can't be too bad.
On a serious note, I wonder if this "movie" was inspired by the true story of a plane having to land on a racetrack because it ran out of fuel (something about a pounds / kilograms misunderstanding as to the amount of fuel in the tank)?
No-one else has mentioned the radio clip in the beginning. A very "real" sounding one. Or the ATC section, where the plane is identified as an "AM" one.
THe most surprising thing to me is that this thing is called a "movie". I"m not quite sure what I WOULD call it, but not that :-)
On a serious note, I wonder if this "movie" was inspired by the true story of a plane having to land on a racetrack because it ran out of fuel (something about a pounds / kilograms misunderstanding as to the amount of fuel in the tank)?
No-one else has mentioned the radio clip in the beginning. A very "real" sounding one. Or the ATC section, where the plane is identified as an "AM" one.
THe most surprising thing to me is that this thing is called a "movie". I"m not quite sure what I WOULD call it, but not that :-)
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