Logorama

In a city made completely of corporate logos and branding, two cops shoot the breeze until they spot a fugitive from justice and give chase leading to a cataclysmic conclusion.

Whether or not it is intended as a commentary on the nature of American "culture" (and I think it is), this is a remarkably well made short film that mixes clever ideas with a real understanding of the genre that they are using as a vehicle to their satire. To deal with the surface first – this film is very clever in the way it utilises brands and logos in every aspect of the world it creates. Not all of them will be recognisable but the design of them will make them unmistakable as brands even if the names escape you. It is startling how many you will recognise and, while some have complained that the film is little more than a game of "spot the brand", I did think that the high hit-rate was perhaps part of the point and it was a point well made.

If the film was only a cleverly use series of logos then perhaps this may have been a valid point, but the short goes onto to spoof American movies and culture by delivering all this in the middle of a high-octane crime thriller where everything goes up to 11 and, if it can be destroyed in glorious Technicolor, then it is. It gets this spot on and shows a real understanding of the genre. OK the Tarantino-esque chat is a little obvious but past this the direction and framing of the shots and "camera" movements could all be taken straight out of many blockbuster action movies – movies perhaps that are accused of product-placement with their cars, watches, drinks etc etc. In this way the film actually engages beyond "spot the logo" and "isn't America morally bankrupt?" because it delivers an exciting action short with plenty of movement and style.

I really was surprised by how enjoyable it was. I would have liked it to have had a bit more teeth in regards the satirical aspect to it but this part still did just about work for me. Beyond it though I can understand why some did see it as all style and logos because the logos are used really well and the style is genre-perfect. A very clever short film that deserves credit for not wallowing in the smartness of its idea or for being snide or acerbic in its commentary.