Automation

I have a hard time not liking this movie. I want to hate it, because I think it's the one that got away. It sits in that nasty zone where you almost hate it more because it was so close. But as you can tell from the score I gave it I must have like some aspects. It has a deeper meaning, yes. It is absolutely reliable, yes- who has not been in a situation where you are stuck, desperately seeking a human being. I just moved, and setting up all of my services was a freaking nightmare. But I think we begin to sneak in to some unfamiliar territory as this short progresses. The picture just leaves me saying what the...I just can't understand out of all the possible pathways how do we end up here. Now there is redemption. The lead is outstanding, the production value is strong for the budget, it is funny, and really engaging, you begin to really feel his madness. It is shot well, with some interesting directorial choices. It does have a pop to it. All in all worth its weight in film stock and sweat.

This is a powerful and searing film about loneliness in the modern world. Despite all that, it's also very, very funny. Sean Everett gives an amazing performance.

The cinematography is also amazing, giving this movie a haunting isolationist feel.

I don't want to go too heavily overboard as far as the deeper meaning of the film, yet this short film gives us an excellent snapshot of a man who has managed to reach out to almost no one, who in this modern day and age manages to survive without almost any real contact with other people, and who seems satisfied with his sole place in the world. This leads to a hilariously frustrating and violent episode when he tries to find a movie using one of those 777-film phone numbers. His ability to even connect with a computerized voice stifled, his carefully modulated life spins out of control.

This movie, though short, is powerful, beautifully shot, funny, and very touching.