I just finished watching this gorgeous short film about a creature who is given a short period of time to create a companion for himself and breathe life into her. There is music but no dialogue in this piece. You can watch it with the volume turned off if necessary. I don’t want to give away spoilers but I will send a short private message to anyone who requires a written description of what happens.
Done watching? Let’s talk.
It’s amazing to me how accurately a five-minute film can capture the dull ache of loneliness, the pinch of overdue anticipation, the slightest whisper of hope. I’ve seen feature length films take two hours to cover the breadth of emotions this piece touches on in the first two minutes. Lately I’ve become jaded when it comes to watching fictionalized stories on a big (or small) screen. I’d rather not watch anything at all than know at the beginning of a TV show or movie exactly how the plot is going to unfold. Surprise me or I’ll stop watching.
The Maker was so good I thought I’d make it the subject of today’s post.
What do you look for in a good story? Have you found yourself growing pickier about the TV shows or movies you watch? What are the best shows you’ve seen lately?
Wow. That was quite the story. We need a better ending …
I agree on both counts!
That was a great story! I have found myself becoming pickier, and lately I’ve been trying to nail down what makes a good story, largely because I am toying with writing a book. I’m having trouble defining it precisely, but maybe that’s the catch; good stories just have to work. They have to be balanced and well metered, like a good song, at least in my opinion. I don’t mind not being surprised, as long as the story is well told. I haven’t seen anything of note lately, at least in the realm of fiction.
Yeah, that makes sense.
I was moved to tears. I have believed that music gives life. I know for me it has met me in all the seasons of life. I see the circle of life here. We are born, we tend to move towards companionship, then often we create more life and so on and so on and so on. We don’t just create life by increasing the species (though many of us do). We create life by taking hold of our circumstances and creatively managing them. I like how at the end of the movie, the essence of the rabbit’s being spreads out into his surroundings . . . he is not gone, and though he is no longer and she is alone, is she lonely? The hour glass tips and I see her mind start to work. What is next? Create.
I look for the struggle in a good story. The innocence before the struggle, the struggle and then hopefully the redemption or the peace/understanding that comes after the struggle. I want to read between the lines in a good story. I want the story to allow me to do so. To contemplate what has not been said so that in a way the story I’m reading is not complete and I am left to imagine so much more than what is actually written or told.
I have lost interest in movies for the last two years. My favourite t.v. show is the Big Bang. I just watched Fried Green Tomatoes for the first time on DVD. I haven’t watched a DVD in ages. Right now I’m into books again.
That was a really touching description, Zoe.
Have you read the book that Fried Green Tomatoes was based on? It included information about certain characters that didn’t make it into the movie.
You know Lydia . . . I was really moved by the short film. I’m so glad you shared it and I think I shall bookmark it.
I have not read the book but I’m thinking I’d better read it. The movie started off with tragedy and it triggered me big time. I almost shut it off not knowing if I could go through it. (I saw a classmate of mine killed in front of me. We were age 7 when it happened.) Fortunately, I didn’t shut down and stayed with it allowing the tears to flow but it wasn’t easy. I must tell you that I didn’t even know it was a book, so thanks for letting me know. 🙂
I’ll totally understand if you’re not able to read the book as that tragedy is described in detail in the first chapter or two.
I can’t imagine seeing someone killed at such a young age. It must have been very difficult!
But if you’re able to get through that part the rest of the story is wonderful.
I think zoe just gave me my better ending.
Big smile. 🙂