Film Reviews 2006

UNDERGROUND EVENTS - Mini Movie Monday

UNDERGROUND EVENTS

It is great that film has returned to the Fringe. A programme of short experimental films slotted into the hectic underground events beneath the Old Hall Hotel included a brave attempt to portray different human emotions without dialogue. Fortunately each emotion was flagged in advance otherwise it might have been difficult to work out which gestures indicated boredom on the one hand or frailty on the other; but an enterprising idea nonetheless.

Rather more obscure was a film entitled "Paul" who is seen washing his car interspersed with scenes in bed with his wife. We can tell what sort of guy he is as he wears his socks in bed! Rather a nerd.

Perhaps the most interesting work was "Cycle" which cleverly combined animation with a young actor who, after sorting out her hair, was presented with a succession of rather improbable items to be swallowed ranging from a long length of cloth to foodstuffs of varying shapes and sizes, Make up was applied - and then removed - confirming what men have always thought, that ladies look much prettier without all that gunge on the faces and finally a stream of water cascaded down her nose. All the while a regular heartbeat counted out the march of time.

Some programme notes explaining in more detail what the directors were aiming at would have been welcome. But even so this was an ideal Fringe event.

Peter Lowe

Look out for another programme of short films on Monday 17 July at 9.00 pm. in the Paupers Pit.