by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to The Short List! Each month, I treat you to a collection of short films. Hopefully this list will inspire you to check out some of these gems…
Now and Then: The Last Beatles Song – (Disney+)
Who would have thought we would be getting one last song from The Beatles? The new Disney+ documentary, Now and Then: The Last Beatles Song, shows how the song “Now and Then” came to be. It is a fascinating account of technological advancements, musical ingenuity, and the passion of four musicians who created some of the best and most significant music of all time. Told through the perspectives of Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s son, Sean, this film highlights years-long process that brought this last piece of music to its final form. You can check out the companion music video on Disney+ as well. Now and Then: The Last Beatles Song is a must-watch for fans of music all around.
Looking Forward (Theaters)
Our anxiety often shapes the experience we have in the world. The ever-crumbling environment around us. The political landscape becomes more and more radicalized. In Looking Forward, documentarian Steven Ascher crafts a short that brings the “Age of Anxiety” into perspective, and suggests what we can focus on to get the most out of life. Ascher makes the bold decision to use AI created imagery, which only sets to unnerve with its expressionistic feel that paints a picture of a world not quite our own, but one that is so close that it feels uncanny. These visuals help imbue the film with a poignancy that makes it soar and deliver quite an impactful experience. Channeling his love for the classic La Jatee, Looking Forward is a series of impactful yearnings about the world, and the images that make it come to life.
Temple of Film: 100 Years of the Egyptian Theatre (Netflix)
Do you love the art of film? Do you enjoy listening to others talking about how much they love film? Would them being famous filmmakers make it even better? Well… enjoy Temple of Film! This documentary short is a love letter to not only one of the most important theaters in the history of film, but also the art form we all love. Guillermo del Toro is its anchor, and he is such a wonderful and joyous cinephile that he makes these 11 minutes a wonderful experience. Rian Johnson and others join in talking about their favorite films and their experiences at the legendary Egyptian Theatre. We see iconic moments, like the Ben-Hur premiere and so many others. This is not deep or complex, but it is a beautiful little letter to the medium we all love.
How We Get Free (Max)
What do you need to make a documentary short grab you? A compelling subject. Elizabeth Epps is a driven young woman who has bold ideas for the world. How We Get Free looks at her campaign to decriminalize Colorado and abolish prisons. What is most fascinating is the way the film shows her dynamics with the police, who she collaborates with. It is secure enough to provide differing perspectives, while showing the power of cooperation. There are some haunting moments as we see Epps own confrontations with police and the unfortunate results. This is a moving, passionate, and inspiring look at a person driven to action. You might not agree with her perspective or plans, but you can see how well this character study highlights her relatable and inspiring traits.
Peter & the Wolf (Max)
Who wants a fresh take on a classic tale? Bono of U2 certainly had that in mind when he took the steps to deliver a brand-new adaptation of Peter & the Wolf. This famous musician is getting into story writing game, as well as character design. And I’m not going to lie… his designs are quite impressive! This animated short is rendered in layers, with the background having a photorealistic feel. Its characters feel more two-dimensional with a unique animation style. The most memorable piece is certainly the wolf with its accented Xs painted over its eyes. With the crisp black and white, you’re in for a starkly impressive visual experience with perfectly placed color accents. The story is familiar, but narrator Gavin Friday lends his textured and rich Irish brogue to bring it to life.
You can read more from Shane Conto, and follow him on Instagram, and Letterboxd