A Reel Review: The Oscar Nominated Live Action Short Films

Short films can be considered to the purest form of filmmaking. With limited time to work with, the challenge is to tell a story and develop characters as effectively and swiftly as possible, and with the rules in place for all, independent filmmakers can easily compete with larger studios. This year’s batch of live-action Oscar nominees rises up to the challenge, while drawing inspiration from real life drama.

Here are the Reel Reviews for the nominees…

DEKALB ELEMENTARY – A lone gunman enters an elementary school and forms a bond with the terrified receptionist.

Inspired by a real-life 911 call during a school-shooting incident in Atlanta, this film feels like a chunk of a larger story, and could have benefitted from more setup and a stronger conclusion. But, on its own this is a harrowing movie, as it doesn’t pull any punches in dropping us right in the middle of a frightening ordeal.

WATU WOTE (ALL OF US) – In Kenya, a Christian woman is protected by Muslim passengers on a bus hijacked by terrorists.

Also based on a real-life incident, this powerful film also drops us right down the gun barrel. It’s an exploration of faith and trust, and how different religions can ultimately have one thing in common.

THE ELEVEN O’CLOCK – A delusional patient of a psychiatrist believes he is actually the psychiatrist.

The only comedy film of this year’s nominees is full of laughs, but at the same time can be obnoxious as the patient and doctor battle over their identities. The dialogue is sharp and witty and very clever, and it constantly changes what we think we know is going on…although the twist at the end is telegraphed very early.

MY NEPHEW EMMETT – A preacher in 1955 Mississippi tries to protect his 14-year-old nephew from racist killers.

This nominee is based on the real-life, infamous murder of an African-American teen in 1955, and has the potential for a feature-length film while standing well on its own. It’s a quick reminder of the vicious racism that plagued the deep south in the 1950’s, and also ramps up the tension once threats are made and guns are drawn. It’s the best-looking of the batch with stunning cinematography which seems to rely only on natural lighting.

THE SILENT CHILD – The parents of severely deaf little girl clash with her social worker/teacher over the best way to help her.

This little heartbreaker serves as a social statement and has the most potential as a feature-length. The idea here is that deaf children are at a disadvantage not only because of their handicap, but because schools and parents are un-equipped, or un-willing to take the right steps to help them. The acting in this is excellent, and the finale will have anyone reaching for the tissues.

*

Review for the Animated Short Film nominees HERE

The Oscars will be awarded March 4^th.