Short Films are so much more than short

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Short films have the true ability to revolutionise the world of cinema as we know it and are therefore so much more than simply short. Although most short films are limited in both budget and time, they are often ingenious, visually stunning and experiment with controversial ideas in contemporary society. As feature films are becoming more and more commercial, short films are one on the last places of genuine artistic freedom. “The Lunch Date” and “Vincent” are two examples of excellent short films and show us exactly what the short film genre has to offer, through the techniques employed in their construction.

The “Lunch Date” (1989), is spectacular a 10-minute short film by director Adam Davidson, which explores the perceptions and realities of race, gender and class. The film illustrates ideas about fear and stereotyping through the story of a well-to-do white woman who is forced to confront her bigotry while stranded in a Grand Central Station diner with an African-American.

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With minimal dialogue (and none between the two main characters), Davidson manages to tell a complete, complex, compelling and compassionate story within a very small time frame. He initially entertains the viewer by masterfully crafting a concise screenplay that contains a surprising twist and an even more surprising reversal. And then, just when it isn’t expected, he astounds us with a stunning resolution.

“The Lunch Date” is filmed in black and white because of budget constraints but has obvious symbolism to match its theme and content. Black and white also has connotations of earlier decades and gives a ...

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