Short films are often overlooked in the world of cinema. However, they offer a unique and powerful storytelling medium that should not be ignored. Whether you’re a film buff looking to expand your horizons, or a casual viewer looking for a quick and engaging watch, short films offer something for everyone. Below are short films that every movie buff needs in their collection.
A Day In The Country
One of the earliest and most renowned short films is “A Day in the Country” by Jean Renoir. This 1936 film was initially intended to be a feature-length film but was shortened due to poor weather during production. It is a masterpiece of French Impressionist cinema. The movie tells the story of a family’s outing to the countryside. Through its use of natural light, location filming, and character-driven storytelling, it creates a sense of realism and intimacy that is truly special. “A Day in the Country” is a must-see for film buffs interested in the history and evolution of cinema.
Breathless
‘Breathless’ is a 1960 crime drama film that was written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard. It stars Jean-Paul Belmondo as Michel, a wandering criminal, and Jean Seberg as his American girlfriend, Patricia. The film tells the story of Michel Poiccard, a car thief who kills a police officer on the road between Marseille and Paris. He then travels to Paris, where he seeks money from someone and falls in love with Patricia Franchini, a young American woman studying at Sorbonne.
“Breathless” is considered a seminal film of the French New Wave movement, which emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The film’s innovative use of jump cuts, location filming, and non-linear storytelling was ground-breaking for the time and influenced a generation of filmmakers. The film was critically acclaimed and has been named one of the greatest films of all time by various organizations.
La Jetée
Another must-see short film is “La Jetée” by Chris Marker. This 1962 French science-fiction film is a true innovator in the genre, and it uses still photographs and voiceover narration to tell the story of a man sent back in time to prevent a nuclear war. “La Jetée” is a truly unique and powerful film that explores themes of time travel, memory, and the human condition. It also hugely influenced Terry Gilliam’s feature film “12 Monkeys”. This film is a perfect watch for science-fiction enthusiasts and those interested in unconventional filmmaking techniques.
The Audition
Martin Scorsese directed the 2015 short film, The Audition. Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio play fictitious versions of themselves who travel through Asia and vie for a part in Scorsese’s next movie. This film was made to advertise Studio City Macau Resort and Casino. Scorsese has never before cast both Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio in the same project. If you’re interested in playing casinos, you can check out play live casino guides for a step-by-step guide.
Bottle Rocket
Bottle Rocket is a short American crime-comedy film produced in 1996 and directed by Wes Anderson. The film’s plot is about three friends living in the suburbs attempting to become criminals but not having much success. The movie starts with Anthony, played by Luke Wilson, coming out of a voluntary rehab facility and immediately joining his friend Dignan in his poor attempts to become a criminal. Some critics argue that the movie is more about the characters and the comedy than the crime itself. The movie is generally seen as a character-driven film that focuses on the lives of the three friends as they struggle with various personal issues in addition to their criminal attempts.
Glory At Sea
“Glory at Sea” is a 2008 short film directed by Benh Zeitlin. The film tells the story of a group of survivors of a terrible storm who build a boat and sail out in search of the loved ones they’ve lost. It is never explained why they believe their children, lovers, and friends are still alive, but they steadfastly believe it to be true.
The film has been praised for its epic and visually stunning spectacle, with some critics noting that it feels like a full-length feature film. It’s been said that the film’s ability to pack so much emotion in such a short time is a testament to the filmmaking skill of Benh Zeitlin. The film also explores themes of grief, hope, and resilience. The film was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and it was also awarded “Best Short” at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival.
Paperman
If you’re a fan of animation, then “Paperman” from Disney animation studio is a great addition to your collection. This 2012 short film, directed by John Kahrs, is a beautiful blend of traditional 2D and computer animation. It tells the story of a man who uses paper airplanes to connect with a woman he sees in a building across the street. “Paperman” is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that showcases the best of what animation can be.
Black Mirror: White Christmas
“Black Mirror: White Christmas” is an episode of the anthology series “Black Mirror.” It was directed by Carl Tibbetts and was released in 2014. This short film is a science fiction and psychological horror that explores the possibilities of technology and its impact on human relationships. The episode is a perfect watch for fans of the series, as well as for viewers interested in the intersection of technology and society.
While this is far from an exhaustive list, these short films offer a representative sample of the power and diversity of the medium. From impressionist masterpieces to unconventional sci-fi, from heart-warming animation to psychological horror, each of these films demonstrates the unique storytelling potential of short films. As a film buff, it’s essential to expand your horizons and explore the full range of cinema; short films are an integral part of that journey. Whether you’re looking to add to your film collection or just for something new to watch, these short films are great places to start.