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Reviews
Swimming (2006)
Funny, original - a beautiful film.
A rare gem of a film. Beautifully crafted by director Diane Lisa Johnson and superb acting all around, Danielle Taddeie shines as the shy mail room clerk, I was instantly able to identify with. Really terrific storytelling, I was surprised at how involved and drawn in I was in an eighteen minute film. Most feature films fall far short of what this film accomplishes in eighteen minutes. Beautiful music, great writing and expert direction (I felt like I was in the hands of a seasoned filmmaker) make this one of the best short films I have ever seen. I eagerly await the next film from Diane Lisa Johnson - surely a filmmaker to watch.
Ausreisser (2004)
Ambitious and original - we need more of these.
I came across this film on a compilation DVD of several other Oscar nominated shorts. This was by far my favorite. It felt like a complete story. It took me somewhere and left me with something to think about. As a big fan of David Lynch, I prefer to be challenged and participate in the storytelling and perhaps come to my own conclusion about "what it all means". This film afforded me that opportunity as short films rarely do. I was initially surprised that this great little piece didn't win the Oscar, but perhaps it was too good... and maybe this way the filmmakers will find themselves in better company (Kubrick, Hitchcock, Coens, etc.).