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This week's SATURDAY SHORTS are sure to tickle your funny bone.
Hello ladies and gentlemen, Muldoon here with another exciting edition of SATURDAY SHORTS, this time with 200% the funny. Below you'll find a small handful of comedic shorts that I found pretty neat. Obviously you may or may not agree, and that's cool, but I think they're each something kind of awesome and hope to see more from the filmmakers who put them together. (That actually goes for all the shorts I've been lucky enough to screen here on SATURDAY SHORTS.) So prep your funny muscles, you're about to get a workout (not the creepiest thing I've said all day). Again, remember each of these were submitted by fellow Ain't It Cool readers, so if you hated something or feel like it somehow wasted your time, (firstly chill out) just don't be a dick about it. Constructive criticism I'm sure is more than welcomed by the filmmakers, but "This sucks..." frankly that belongs in another TB. Anyways, that's enough negativeness - let's get pumped up with these shorts!
Go grab yourself some popcorn, lock your kids in a closet, kill the lights, relax and check out this little weekly film fest we've got ourselves here:
SUCCESSFUL ALCOHOLICS
(TRT: 25:13)
Here we are with a special treat, the hilarious TJ Miller and equally funny, and ridiculously lovable Lizzy Caplan. (What? I'm not allowed to crush on movie stars?) Filmmaker Jordan Vogt-Roberts has put together quite a perfect little mini-movie here. I can totally see this turning into a TV show...
A co-dependent couple drowning in booze need to redefine their definition of "success".
Successful Alcoholics premiered at Sundance, then played SXSW & AFI and then played over 30 other festivals It features TJ MIller, Lizzy Caplan, Nick Kroll, Tony Hale, Matt Braunger, Whitney Cummings and more. It's 25 minutes so get ready to hunker down.
Check out Jordan's website HERE or follow the guy on Twitter: @VogtRoberts
TIMMY, THE BAG BOY
(Comedy/Drama)
(TRT: 23:24)
Up next we have filmmaker Randy Kent's dramedy about a boy with a bag on his head. Okay, that's not really doing the film any justice, in his own words:
“The story of a boy, his bag and the one man who may just understand”
In this quirky comedy/drama mix of live-action, animation and cross video formats we meet Timmy, a seemingly normal nine-year-old boy who walks through life wearing decorative paper-bags over his head. His frustrated parents finally have to break down and take him to see a local child therapist. At the medical center Timmy meets the Bandage Man, an older, boorish man whose head is completely wrapped in bandages after having been in some kind of accident. The two masked men develop a bond that only they seem to understand.
Be sure to check out Randy's site HERE.
DONUTS IN NATURE
(TRT: 2:38)
While I haven't screened many wildlife shorts here (none come to think of it) this one just seemed to stand out. I feel like it'd be the Bell of the ball at MOMA or as some art installation where those crazy hipster kid's would dig and dig into the deeper (and deeper and deeper) meaning of the piece, but it's funny, it's an interesting bit of "Hmm, okay... I can go along with that." You read that title correctly, you know what you're in for.
Donuts in Nature is a short film in which Donuts are photographed in their natural habitat. I filmed it with Richard Arenas, who also did the music. We wanted the score to remind the viewer of the science programs everyone had to watch in elementary school. Many thanks to the Donut colony of Bronson Canyon for their cooperation in this film.
YOU BETTER WATCH OUT
(TRT: 21:45)
Okay, so here's a rarity, a short that's already been reviewed here at Ain't It Cool headquarters by Latauro HERE. Would that/should that mean we can't screen it here? Hell no! I must admit I didn't catch it until filmmaker Steve Callen shot it to me and I love it. If you give it a shot, I'm 110% sure you won't be dissapointed. Funny/darkish stuff.
A wickedly dark comedy about a department store Santa Claus who is kidnapped by two disgruntled brothers with a score to settle. As the brothers continue their interrogation, the man in the Santa suit is forced to remember things from his own past, things long since buried, of a time when he stopped believing in himself. Its only when he faces his own demons that he reaches enlightenment. However, enlightenment comes at a price.
BAM! That's it for this week folks. No mas shorts for this week. I sincerely hope you guys and gals had even half as much fun watching these shorts as I did. Special thanks to EVERYONE who's sent in shorts - without you this column doesn't exist. If you've already shot in a short, maybe had it screened, or not (I still have around 80 left to watch) - but have friends who've made a short - go ahead and let them in on SATURDAY SHORTS - I'm always on the lookout.
But wait? You want more SATURDAY SHORTS fun? Bam, here's a list of previous columns/screenings.
If you have a short and think it belongs here or are on the fence about whether to send it in, please do send it in - I'd love to see what you've put together. I've already seen hundreds of fresh new filmmakers' shorts and like any good addict, I need more!
Shoot me an email at "Mike@aintitcool.com"
In the subject line include:
“SHORTS” + “Your film’s name” + “The film’s genre”
Then, in the body of the email, please include a synopsis of the film and any contact information you might think I need or would want published.
Please don’t feel the need to submit multiple times. I swear to each of you I truly check every email I get, and sending the same short a few times just makes it a bit messier.
Remember, the filmmakers might still be in the audience, so feel free to share your thoughts in Talkbacks below. (JUST DON'T BE A DICK). I picked them, so you know I think highly of all of these, but how about you fine folks? How'd you dig em?
- Mike McCutchen
"Muldoon"
Mike@aintitcool.com
Readers Talkback
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May 12, 2012, 12:22 p.m. CST
Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams kissing in Brian De Palma's Passion...
by maxcherry
How could AICN, not be on top of this? http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3120608256/tt1829012
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Muldoon, are you an 8-year-old girl texting on her phone? It's "ridiculously," buddy. But, yes... she's very lovable.
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--for putting the running time on these!
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Not sure about aicn but ... I'd certainly like to be on top of that!!!
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Lizzie Caplan in a black bra ... Now I'm gonna hafta rewatch a coupla True Blood eps ... I'll be in my bunk!
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That was really excellent. Really great performances, some really laugh out loud moments. I'm not sure it wants to be a movie or tv show, honesty i think this would work out well as a fully fledged movie if they toned down some of the lol moments. it kinda swings from sitcom funny to movie funny to dramedy. If was evened out a bit I'd totally get this as movie. made in 2010? how come I'm only hearing about this now?!?!?! Thanks Muldoon, great column
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May 12, 2012, 3:47 p.m. CST
@korus1234, missed it, but AICN has for years now been way behind on posting current breaking movie news….
by maxcherry
so I was just assuming. But I guess I was wrong on this one.
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so I'm going to go ahead and kick off my shoes!
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It's good to see something indie that breaks free of typical aintitcoolfanboy genres and style. I hope to see more stuff that doesn't tread familiar old devices in the usual ways!
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Ha, sorry for the horble typnig. No, seriously thanks for pointing out - I'll go tweak it. I've been kind of swamped as of late with all sorts of things and I guess didn't have enough room left in my brain for spelling. Meh, it happens.
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Would you guys be interested in a column wherein people who don't typically get interviewed are? Someone like in the costume department or a lesser known special effects makeup company or a Production Designer? Directors and actors get interviewed an enormous amount all around - websites - newspapers - etc... But you never really get an insight into the world of everyone else. Would you guys dig something like that? Thanks again for checking out SATURDAY SHORTS!
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Yes! What does it take to be a gaffer, best boy, sound mixer? I definitely be interested in hearing their stories.
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I mean, as long as they have something interesting to say I'm definitely always up for hearing and learning about more varied aspects of film production... and I doubt I'm alone on that one.
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URL is doubled
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May 12, 2012, 8:36 p.m. CST
Sounds good Muldoon, I've always wondered how they perfect audio for movies.
by Chris
something I still can't quite nail for my home made films. DAMN YOU BACKGROUND NOISE!!!
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May 12, 2012, 10:36 p.m. CST
Muldoon, regarding question, OH HELL YEAH!
by Stereotypical Evil Archer
There should be a couple categories: LEGENDS: Interview with a crew member from what us geeks would call a classic movie. COMING SOON: Interview with a crew member from a movie us geeks are excited to see. ARTSY FARTSY: Interview with a crew member from an Indie, low budget, no budget, or avant garde movie. Or, you know, don't have categories at all.
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May 12, 2012, 10:56 p.m. CST
Muldoon, the column should be called... ROLL (call) CREDITS.
by Stereotypical Evil Archer
Get it? AICN can pay me to go on set and talk to and interview the people behind the scenes. You know, really make it about the art of making movies and focus on the collaborative effort that's required for this form of art that we love so dearly. If you need qualifications: I have a degree in Anthropology and a second degree in Creative Writing (with a emphasis on filmmaking), both degrees are from an accredited university. I own somewhere around a thousand movies on DVD and Blu-ray. I have produced, written, directed, and edited student films and some no-budget documentaries. I own a spring-powered hand-held 16mm camera, and a spring powered hand-held 8mm camera, 'cause they're cool. Yeah, lets face it, I'm a movie geek. I'd love do this for AICN.
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Don't know how I have not seen this column before. Very very cool.
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Its a great idea for a column to create some interesting new content of those guys behind the scenes. I'd like to make another suggestion. A best of web column. ( i kinda eluded to this in hercs abc renewal thread) theres stuff out there that elusively on-line that i stumble upon and really enjoy. Vice has a really great YouTube channel with interesting documentaries ( suicide forest of japan, World's Scariest Drug (scopolamine), the ongoing adventures of slutever. That's just one web channel / site that i stumbled upon that deserves a wider audience. I' sure we as takbackers have found some really interesting channels and videos that we thought should be wider recognised like your Saturday shorts. You cant check everything out. why not use the power of the many talkbackers here to help out?
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SUCCESSFUL ALCOHOLICS The life of the party rises up fast and burns out slowly. This felt like torture, only because its depictions were so on the money. Good writing and acting from the male lead in depicting the constant evasiveness and re-calibrations required for maintenance alcoholism. The duality of the ending was appropriate, leaving much unresolved, but also felt wrapped up too neatly in doing so. Technically, this was of the level of a feature. TIMMY, THE BAG BOY The allegorical live action sections seemed inaccessible for a children's story. The animated sections, directed at children, thus felt unnecessary. Perhaps the allegorical sections, about a child's self perception being adopted from adults, were really all this needed. Something like that can open up discussions between adults/teachers and kids. I found this to be a refreshingly unique piece. DONUTS IN NATURE For a bit this provoked thought about how processed food is prepared to seem appealing, like how a plant or fruit presents itself for consumption by wildlife. It sort of blew it at the end with the *donut birth*, allocating this to the experimental category. YOU BETTER WATCH OUT ARTHUR CHRISTMAS meets BAD SANTA. The Santa myth can fire-up enough expectations in children to be traumatic when the ultimatum is *are you good or bad?*. The question here seems to be, *Are children ever deprogrammed of Christmas?* This went on too long and needed a trim - sort of like Santa's beard. That's what happens when you critique a myth by becoming the myth. Performances and lighting were strong. A *Wilhelm scream* hidden in there. Overall this week - Muchas graçias!
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May 13, 2012, 2:37 a.m. CST
@Muldoon: Sure, a weekly advice feature from film pros in various fields could be helpful for burgeoning talent.
by justmyluck
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Well this week my "funny bone" wasn't tickled that much (or was not ticklish enough?) Successfull alcoholics: Great title, but I was with the boss who midway through it said: "This isn't funny - anymore". Watching drunks being drunk is really sad and boring as everybody who had to stay sober during a party knows. The production values were good - first I was a bit concerned about the ratio but the wide format was used well. This could have been much more interesting if filmed through the eyes of the drunkards, complete with changed perception - at least that's what went through my mind when sitting through it. "The Bag Boy" was easily the best short this week, quirky and touching in a different way than many stories concerned with "different" kids. btw, a feature adaption of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is in works as far as I know, maybe AICN might look into it? "Donuts in Nature" was a bit weak. The music was grating, and maybe they should have got Richard Attenborough for a voiceover, and what's worse: Nature docs rely on image quality. Learn some macro photography or shoot bigger game, guys! Seriously. "You Better Watch Out" ... didn't find it very captivating, I blame the acting.
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May 13, 2012, 12:07 p.m. CST
I MADE A FILM CALLED THE WOLFMAN'S HAMMER, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH IT FOR FREE
by Brad Elmore
Look, I know this is spam. But I've been coming here since before gordon had a beer and cheated on his wife, and before Kiera Knightly was a sexy tomboy beanpole. I made a film. For 10 grand. Its up for free on YOUTUBE in glorious 1080P. All I ask is that you give it a shot. I can best describe it as white trash Shakespeare. Its a grim little character drama about a heavy metal loving/guitar shredding meth dealer and his flunky cousin who inhabit a trailer in central oregon. It's called THE WOLFMAN's HAMMER. You can see the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfKochjSsus and the full film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjLWrxRlmXE I know this is a hustle but it's an honest one. I'm 26 years old and this is my first feature film and I can guarantee that it's one of the best looking, most emotionally effective movies made for that budget. Thanks and take care, -Brad
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Bow down to google, and just upload on youtube.
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What a surprise this was. Mumblecore to the core, loose while feeling tight and characters well delineated. For a film-as-song/sonnet, the critical sound mix was balanced poorly. The circles of confusion rack focusing into butterflies after the heroin injection — great. Editing out the attack on David was wise, as was the use of silence to strip down certain moments throughout. The climax was telegraphed but happened swiftly enough to not feel redundant. Trying to stretch itself to bare-bones feature-length, these more critical beats were well-shaped. Tries too hard to capture the metal audience with self-conscious bursts of guitar here and there. Low-rent characterizations and atmospherics were handled with confidence. I would suggest submitting this to festivals, since it deserves better notices than a semi-Dokken, half-Winger or full-Anvil.
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No worries. Just ribbing you a bit. All in fun. Thanks for posting these.
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May 15, 2012, 12:23 a.m. CST
Muldoon great and always a great saturday spent with you on the shorts...
by t_allen
Soz a late tuesday grats on another Saturday great waste of time on film makers, well... making films. Tuesday here but another great way to waste a few hours and to the film makers, thank you!
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