Alt (2013) Poster

(2013)

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8/10
A short film with a lot to say
jnquintero_1610 May 2014
Alt has a lot to say, but since it's a short film, it stays that way, short. And I think the reasons are quite obvious: its running time, its budget. Those who fully understand the premise (fascinating, by the way) will notice that there's a lot more than meets the eye and I think that's where Alejandro Hernández succeeded: providing a good structure to leave that impression, that this is all a concept and there's an even larger meaning within the story. Of course, none of that has to do directly with what we see in the short film, since it starts and ends in the most comprehensible way and I say that as both a compliment and a weakness.

There are other areas where it succeeds, such as the acting by the main actress, whose appearance may be short but nonetheless, she knew how to give the best facial expressions and reactions to the situations. The visual effects were pretty "simple" but impressive, you could say they look great. The film has a particular atmosphere, great music and an above-average camera-work, it had like three amazing shots, really.

Production is excellent for what it is. This is proof that you can really make science fiction in Venezuela. The only things needed are ideas and the right minds, it doesn't necessarily mean big budgets to blow up buildings, crash cars and first-rate visual effects. It's not that those things are not what the audience would want, but what I mean is that you must know how to produce something with what you've got and make the most out of it. I think there hasn't been more people experimenting with this genre because of that.

Overall, it's not a perfect short film, but it goes way beyond a "good effort" and I hope that more productions like these were released in Venezuela, by Alejandro Hernández or any other filmmaker with the same enthusiasm.
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8/10
An inspiring invitation to encourage others Venezuelan filmmakers
dgoma9214 May 2014
'Alt' is an interesting and intriguing short film, where we can perceive a suspenseful atmosphere around our protagonist, Sofia, played by Edmary Fuentes. Everything seems normal in her life but suddenly an inexplicable event changes her daily routine and the direction of the film completely.

Edmary Fuentes is the one who has most the scenes of the short film; she delivers a physical and emotional performance, where her body language and expressions works perfectly to let us understand what she was feeling during the scene. The screenplay isn't something memorable, but that's not important, this is a visual experience.

'Alt' looks visually incredible on screen, the cinematography is very elegant and stylish. The soundtrack is remarkable and well-executed, because it elevates the intrigue and mystery of the moment. What surprised me the most about 'Alt' are its special effects, due to, considering the budget which the team worked and the technological advance we have right now, they have an acceptable finished on screen, they don't look incredible, but they don't look cheap either. This is another perfect example that without a big budget, you can still do great pieces of filmmaking.

'Alt' feels like an inspiring invitation to encourage others Venezuelan filmmakers to try other genres and make an improvement in the local market. Alejandro Hernandez did a great job, by the end of the short film I feel he knows exactly what he was looking to do, because he reveals a couple of clues about the story but letting another one hidden, especially its ending, everyone will have a particular interpretation of it and that's another aspect I liked about 'Alt' it keeps you thinking during and after its ending. I can't wait to see what Alejandro will do next, he's a promising Director.
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8/10
A interesting short film
Manvardu14 May 2014
The Venezuelan Films are getting better, and this is just a example that it prove this.

Since the beginning the atmosphere is so mysterious and keep that way until then end.

Very good the plot of this short film, it reminds me the movie "Source Code". It has a good screenplay, interesting and intriguing, i think it could work very well for a sci-fi movie.

The Cinematography and the production in general seemed good, first movie / short film made in Venezuela that i see and doesn't look like a novel.

Everything was fine, the only thing that i would change are the performances, the actors do a good job, but i think that could be better. As I said, it would serve very well for a sci-fi film and I'm very sure is gonna give a new face to the Venezuelan cinema.
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8/10
An Important Short film in the country.
gerardomatheus13 May 2014
The first short film by Venezuelan comedian Alejandro Hernández, best known for his online show called "The Alejandro Hernández Show" demonstrates his wide knowledge about the general execution of an audiovisual product and I think it could be taken as a fine example of the fact that there can actually be made varied projects in the country.

The short is entertaining and intriguing, and I believe it managed to transmit a curious and complex anguish. Some doubts came up to me as I was watching it but the ending offered a clear resolution that succeeded at conveying a definite closure concerning the story, and that was well done. The cinematography along with the music complemented each other somewhat eloquently, so to speak, and I liked them both, particularly the way in which they helped in the storytelling. On the other hand, it seemed to me that the main character should have been more compelling and convincing, mostly facial gestures-wise as far as the acting is concerned. The depiction of her "perfect life" should have been more detailed.

To sum up, it was a solid piece of work I really enjoyed, and it makes me glad to think that in my homeland there are some filmmakers who can explore different ventures. I send my most sincere congratulations to Alejandro, who I think has achieved something important here. I hope he stays on track. 7.5/10.
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8/10
A short film with projection
so-manuel-e1 June 2014
A short film with projection, Alt is a work that shows a story that lends itself to multiple understandings. To be the first proyect of college youth, has a very professional production, taking into account important elements when contemplating an audiovisual work, as are photography and the sound.

The actions. It is inevitable be critical, but you need to understand that this issue, along with the tight budget, is very complicated. Despite this, I think it meet its objective.

I think Alt is just a preamble to what they're up to these young Venezuelan filmmakers, who bring to the table imnovadoras and fresh proposals.

In conclusion, a good short that leaves a good taste.
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4/10
Carelessly executed.
zapesrv4 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Although aesthetically pleasing in some ways such as composition and color, "Alt" disappoints in many others.

The careless directing and acting kills the credibility of the performance, the careless post-production kills the credibility of some scenes and obfuscates the plot development that is meant to be communicated to the viewer.

The unnatural reactions of Edmary Fuentes' character when the phone signal is interrupted in the kitchen or the triangle-shaped symbol appears on TV (which is also seemingly useless to the development of the story) are uncomfortable to watch, not to mention the non-subtle use of a recycled scene and the mandatory English subtitles that are only good for distracting the Spanish-speaking viewers -- that are, as far as i know, vast majority of Hernandez' audience.

In summary, Hernandez' first work looks done in haste, and whatever aesthetic merits it deserves do not make up for that in any way.
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