Mary Tobin on Short Films Series Bravo: Prom Night, Hasta La Vista, Help Point, Ticky Tacky, Desk Job, and Actor Seeks Role

This article is part of NUFEC's ongoing coverage of the Independent Film Festival Boston 2015.


Before I dive into these films, I just want to say: damn were they good. I only attended one short film session, which was Shorts B = Bravo, a narratives collection, but I wish I could've attended more short film series. These were truly fantastic films, and getting back into the practice of watching short films is quite easy. They're pithy, because they need to be, and they're often quite funny, which is impressive given the small amount of time we have to connect with the characters or the situation. Bravo, indeed, to these six films: Prom Night, Hasta La Vista, Help Point, Ticky Tacky, Desk Job, and Actor Seeks Role.

Prom Night

With a light, airy soundtrack, this comedy short about the sexual expectations accompanying prom night delves into the insecurities of an inexperienced young man with a fresh feel. Armed with tips from his quite-sexual parents as well as a health class instructional vagina 3D model from a friend (who considers himself a “generous lover”), he sets out for a prom night he won’t soon forget. Funny and well-cast, this short delivers on the surprises and production value.

Grade: B+

Hasta La Vista

*image sadly not available*

A young, slightly awkward man living in New York City attends a party thrown by a friend. What could go wrong? This quirky, hilarious short with a quick-witted premise could easily be too sad or too overdone, but manages to walk a comedic line throughout. You’ll learn about relationships, the impact of subway singers, what true awkward behavior looks like, and maybe even a few fun facts about hippos.

Grade: A

Help Point

Two strangers looking for their cars in an airport parking lot cross paths and lament over their common woes. The bus stand hosts a “Help Point” where they can speak to someone to help locate their cars, but in the meantime there’s plenty of time for a story or two. This short felt a little overdone at times but was largely enjoyable. Thank goodness I don’t have a car to lose in an airport parking lot.

Grade: B

Ticky Tacky

Initially, this short caught my attention with Wes Anderson-esque symmetry and angles, as well as the inclusion of an all-knowing lawyer who appeared to be about eight years old. But the star of the show, Oscar Isaac, stole the moment with a tale of love, betrayal, and loss. I’m all for a film set exclusively in an office-library featuring a precocious child who shares a murderous streak with his enigmatic boss, so it was pretty exciting all around.

Grade: B+

Desk Job

In Desk Job, we accompany a man through his frustrating day as an insurance claim adjuster working from home. Largely, we only see the one man and the sound editing of the voices he speaks with on the phone is quite impressive. Having working for a large corporation, albeit without the clients breathing down my neck, I completely identify with the feelings of worthless time and meaningless emails. The film managed to feel familiar without feeling overindulgent for the most part. It felt like the person who made this maybe had to convince their parents that they should be able to work in film rather than have a stable job at a large corporation; I don’t know about their parents, but that person convinced me.

Grade: B+

Actor Seeks Role

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Short Films at IFFBoston this year.

An aspiring actor (Alex Karpovsky of GIRLS) in New York City pays his rent with a part-time medical acting gig, which involves performing the symptoms of various illnesses to help train student doctors. Although his acting coach doesn’t think he has what it takes, he truly subscribes to the Meisner technique through which the focus is for the actor to "get out of his head," such that he or she is behaving instinctively. His medical instructor (Dylan Baker) loves his flair for the theatrical and is especially excited to see him perform a series of complicated illnesses for the students’ final exam.

Alex Karpovsky’s portrayal of a man going off the rails for his craft feels natural, albeit disturbing. Dylan Baker may have stolen the show, though, as his medical instructor excitement flew off the screen. Both actors worked for the minimum amount they’re required to make accordingly to guild rules, yet their performances indicate they were paid much more. Hats off to the special effects or makeup crew for the film as well – I thought I was looking at real rashes.

Grade: B+