Tropic Sprocket / The 2022 Oscar Shorts: Live Action

By Ian Brockway 

With this year’s selection, although existentialism and seriousness are still in vogue, the stories are potent and compelling. From Denmark, “On My Mind” focuses on a tense man (Rasmus Hammerich) who has to sing a karaoke song as if his life depends on it, and in a way, it certainly does. What starts out as comedy, gives way to poignant drama and then a singular great performance by Hammerich. 

In what is probably the most humorous story, “Please Hold” from the USA, features a fast food worker (Erick Lopez) accused of committing a crime that he doesn’t remember. Communication is futile. Even his parents don’t believe his innocence and he is forced to bargain with machines with a hopeful release in the future. Reminiscent of the film “Thank you for Calling” it showcases wonderful black humor throughout. 

The film that is probably the hardest to watch is Aneil Karia’s “The Long Goodbye” from the UK. A joyful Pakistani wedding preparation quickly turns sinister when a man (Riz Ahmed) notices a gang of thugs outside his home. The hand-held tone of the camera recalls Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan” and the tension is nearly unbearable.  

In rural Kyrgyzstan things don’t fare much better. A young woman (Alina Turdumamatova) is kidnapped and forced to marry in “Take and Run.” The film, from Switzerland by Director Maria Brendle, includes a performance by Turdumamatova that is first rate, and Brendle infuses the story with excellent suspense and apprehension reminiscent of Polanski, but with added heart and empathy.  

Last but certainly not least, Poland’s “The Dress” follows Juylia with dwarfism (Anna Dzieduszycka) as she reflects upon a first sexual encounter. This selection is the most wistful and there is much to reflect upon. The film by director Tadeusz Lysiak delivers a full range of emotions. Dark, sly and irrepressible despite its violence right up there with David Lynch, this pointed and haunting film is my pick for the Oscar. 

Somber and downbeat this lot is but they are also provocative, vibrational and anxious—a window into the world’s shadowy and oppressive lives which often carry on in daylight.

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