Vartan LLP (2007) User Reviews (3)

Brilliant Short!

[sushrut_jain · 10/10 · 20 April 2007]

It is rare to see a short that draws you in and affects you so deeply. A story about friendship, betrayal, loss and nostalgia that anyone with a heart could feel. The fact that the main characters are successful white businessmen in a dry corporate world makes it even more powerful. Men of consequence, but, at heart, just boys in the playground.

The film reminds us of what is truly important. Not all of the money, power and success in the world can replace the value of a true friend. Yet how often we let our egos get in the way and destroy the only things that matter. At the end of the day, we are defined not by any worldly wealth but by how those we care about saw us.

The performances by Jay Sanders and Joel Swetow are stellar. Myles Price is clearly a filmmaker to look out for.

USC can be proud of this young talent.

Friendship devastated by greed.

[AlexT2233 · 10/10 · 5 November 2009]

This has got to be one of the most compelling short films I have ever seen. It very quickly takes you in and digs very deep without getting sappy. I saw it at Tribeca and you could feel at the end everyone felt something when the credits came up.

The short really pushes the boundaries of film-making too, both with the dramatic structure and the visuals used to tell the story. I don't think I've ever seen a dolly zoom shot that was that long and was able to hold the audience's attention.

All of the performances are well crafted, Jay O. Sanders' performance is unforgettable.

It really is a hell of a short film. Whoever this guy is I want to see his next film.

Friendship and business don't always mix

[rasecz · 6/10 · 2 May 2007]

Barry Green and Sidney Taylor have been friends for a long time (since their 20's?). They created their own successful investment company, Vartan LLP. When Sidney decides to sell out , Barry is against. The friendship tanks. They are barely on speaking terms. Sidney has prevailed and Barry is effectively gone.

One day Sidney receives a call from a journalist that wants to write an obituary about Barry. He died the night before of pancreatic cancer.

The film alternates the main thread with flashbacks that are not in chronological order.

The idea is good, but I found the narrative structure haphazard and its execution poor. The short is salvaged by good acting.