CUCALORUS

Cucalorus is such a great film festival! I was so happy that I was able to attend the screenings and can’t wait to see everyone else’s thoughts about it. I attended the Flesh Jelly Shorts. I really enjoyed it even though it kept me squirming in my seat and confused my brain the whole time!  The first initial thought was that the cinematography in each was spectacular. The quality and scenery of the shots made it so enjoyable to watch. This was my first festival I have attended so for me it was so fun to enjoy really great cinematography in every production. 

My favorite short from this block was by far was the closing one: Blackstory. Although the bloody shots were a little hard to watch, I thought it was genius. This was a film that I would watch over and over again. The use of multiple screens showing at once MADE this film. I don’t think it could have had such a strong impact without this unique addition. The multiple screens combined with reading foreign dialogue made it so difficult to follow along with each individual shot- yet that is what made it so great! It was so suspenseful and yet rewarding throughout the film. You already know the fait of these characters from the beginning, so seeing them get closer and closer to their death was pretty exhilarating to watch. I liked the idea of knowing that these characters will die from the start. There is still a lot of mystery since it is hard to tell how each character was killed- so some of the fun is putting all the pieces together. It was also funny because the whole time I was anticipated their death yet not really wanting them to die. This is crazy to me since none of them had characteristics that would make you wish them well- but you are on this journey with them so you can’t help but watch. Our music video idea was generated from the design of using multiple screens so seeing this film really showed how it can be carried out well. This film really played with my head and I loved it!

I also loved the idea of the Chance film. Some people did not like this one as much, and I do agree that it lagged a bit; but I thought it came full circle in the end. From the start, you know that this killer is not messing around-, which provided the suspense from the beginning. I especially liked the moment that he was speaking with Catherine (I think was her name- the one that ends up living) and talked about how she will grow old and look back on her life and how she never accomplished anything. Dying is a scary thought and what he said is so true- we all need to live to the fullest cause you never know what will happen. I really liked the spin that it took at the end too. Hearing the other characters say her name, you assume that this means she will die- but in the end she gets to live. It was crazy to me too because you almost feel more sorry for her than the others that are about to die- knowing she has to live with that fear of him returning and the sadness of the others that she watched die for the rest of her life. I really enjoyed the film and I thought it was a great discussion opener.

Also loved Journey to Planet X. This was not part of the shorts but I wanted to mention it. I love documentary and I thought this one especially is the reason I love them so much. I was laughing the whole film and it was such a joy to watch. It was also great speaking with the directors after! Loved the festival and can’t wait to go again next year when I’m 21:)