Gina, an Actress, Age 29

Though this film isn't superb, I had to write a review to balance the previous 1 star review. I don't think this short merits a very high score, but it's certainly above a 1.

Gina is a relatively simple film about and actresses struggle. I would have preferred a bit more dramatic conflict than the story offers, but it is a short, and seems to have a pretty basic agenda. I think that the acting is fine for a low budget independent film, although I would say that some of the cinematography is not very interesting.

I saw this film because I'm in a class taught by Paul Harrill (Writter/Director), and I must say that besides being an excellent teacher, he seems to have a very strong grasp on the producing side of things, as this film was made on an extremely low budget, and with quite limited resources.

I saw this short again recently on some cable channel and I was reminded of having seen it at Sundance. At the time, I couldn't believe it had won Best Short. Sundance often goes for films that 1) explore the plight of the working man, and/or 2) have a surprising plot twist. This film has both. That is the only rationalization I can find.

Skillful filmmakers always make careful choices and seem to disguise the fact that they are working with low budgets and inexperienced actors and crew. Not this film. One is made painfully aware throughout that everyone seems to be winging it. What irritated me most was that I came away with the impression that this was a project in which someone had more money than talent.

So, amateurish acting, bland direction, and poor production values -- I still don't know what Sundance was thinking.