I caught this short at the Deep Ellum film festival and was very impressed with it. What's especially interesting is the way the director uses mostly visuals to tell the story. The dialogue is spare but very funny, and the actors - especially the two leads - successfully straddle the fine line between reality and exaggeration. My only complaint would be that the short's ambition leads to a slight tonal discrepancy between the first and second halves of the film. For the most part, however, it was extremely enjoyable and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what the director and the actors come up with next.
4 Reviews
Loved it!
amore40413 January 2006
I loved "The Ropes." Garthe demonstrates excellent directing skills in this unique comedy short. The character development in this film reveals quirky, empathetic characters that we come to love, despite their annoying laughs, silly habits, or awkwardness. In the span of less than fifteen minutes, Garthe is able to take us on a hilarious journey that leaves us cringing (Lanel's laugh), feeling sympathy (Marlon's routine), laughing (the whole time), and ultimately wanting Part II. The direction is fabulous down to the last detail... Garthe doesn't miss a beat. The result is an intelligent, offbeat, even poignant short that left me smiling and rewinding to watch it again.
The Ropes
pink23-213 January 2006
This movie is a perfect example of why I like shorts. There is not a superfluous moment. First of all, the movie begins with a twist. In 10 seconds you know you are into something good. Soon we are led into a familiar office environment, but even though the characters are somewhat stereotypical, they are hilarious. There is an homage to the movie THE FLY, and then through soundtrack and expressions we are led into the realm of insanity-making. So alternating between humor and bizarre, we are roped in from the very beginning. The lead characters of Marlon and Lanel are both perfectly cast. The costumes are great. The movie speeds along to its surprise conclusion. The director has made a tight, witty, romantic movie, with excellent timing and award-worthy.
Very VERY funny!
daddyjsk13 January 2006
I have had the honor and the tedium of reviewing many many shorts, and I must say that this has got to be in my top ten Favorites. It is clever and smart. It is clear the director has an eye for clarity, a brain for wit and a heart for romance. The movie moves along at a fast clip until it's very very endearing conclusion. The misery of working in an office with a suffocating cubicle mate is captured perfectly, and as an avid jump-roper, office nerd, and true romantic, I cannot imagine a movie that would better speak to me. The actors and actress clearly gave their small parts their absolute all. I particularly liked Lanel's dress. I repeat, Very VERY funny!
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