The balance between photography and storytelling, details , large plans and silences represent the main virtues of this film reminding first a western, then a form of tension and high expectation, last - the powerful force of memory and generosity. Short, more than a good short film, it is a pure delight.
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Kirpianuscus1 April 2020
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adbsousa25 April 2020Picking up the pieces of what may seem like a run-down western, in every sound and plan, this short soon feeds you the idea that you're in for a treat. You get the good and the ugly, the blues and the hard slap of reality, all in less than 15 min. All of these clearly inspired by the great directors of our times. Let's wait to see more of Filipe, he sure has a talent for timing and photography that deserves a bigger screen time.
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The search for a piece of apple pie is the central plot device behind this slow and handsome short film; an older man seeks out a woman who he has been told makes the best apple pie in the land. It is not clear why he is doing this, and the film spends a lot of time watching him waiting for something to happen. The ending of the film reveals why he is waiting, and offers something in the way of commentary and heart. For the majority of the film there is a slow burn interest to it; it looks attractive in the cinematography and in the Americana tone that it produces, and it has a reasonable hook through that.
I wasn't totally sold on the ending, which is important in how I take away from the film. It continues the slow burn, subtle approach, but at the same time trying to offer social commentary and conclude a reflection on the feelings of the main character we have been following. It probably tries to do too much in this moment, because it comes off a little 'trite' in its presentation, and it is easiest to take away the most basic 'feel good' message as opposed to anything deeper, more challenging and reflective. This is how it landed with me, and while it gave me some reflection afterwards, I don't think it drew me into the scenario and character enough to be immediately in that space when the film wanted me there.