The short film format allows a lot more freedom for experimentation than the feature film format (obviously), and it often costs a lot less, though that's definitely not always the case. Some ideas can only sustain 5-10 minutes, and some just want to express a feeling, almost like a dream, where the viewer must interpret the meaning for themselves. That's the case with Kevin Margo's short film Grounded. Rather than try to interpret myself, I'll let him explain:
From the Vimeo description:
One astronaut's journey through space and life ends on a hostile exosolar planet. Grounded is a metaphorical account of the experience, inviting unique interpretation and reflection by the viewer. Themes of aging, inheritance, paternal approval, cyclic trajectories, and behaviors passed on through generations are explored against an ethereal backdrop.
He added this after, which may or may add clarification, but I think the story still stands on its own:
Did Grounded inspire you? My dad's life inspired me and his death inspired Grounded. 100% proceeds of this Tip Jar (note vimeo's 15% service fee) goes to the American Cancer Society in memory of Paul Vincent Margo. Or donate yourself to cancer.org/
Most short films are based on the simple idea/punchline routine, but then there are some that venture outward and try to get the audience to find their own interpretations. Metaphorical observations aside, the visual effects are truly breathtaking, and that surely comes from the fact that Kevin is a visual effects/CG supervisor at Blur Studio. He's been doing effects for a number of years, so that certainly contributed to the quality of the effects with what seems like minimal resources. It's always more interesting to me when the genre is used as a storytelling tool rather than a crutch, and to me, the best science fiction does the same.
Links:
[via The Creators Project]
