on January 29, 2010
In keeping with the Sundance theme, this Short of the Moment is a documentary that was well-received at the 2003 festival. It is a portrait of Fred Harwin, who straddles the Art/Science divide in his line of workâfashioning realistic fake eyes. The film is interesting, though not recommended for the squeamish. Nothing imaged is really any more traumatic than putting in contacts, but it looks a thousand times worse!
Speaking of looks, the film has a very slick aesthetic in its shooting style and edit. There is a dynamic tension in the quick cutting and juxtaposition of close-ups with wider shots, complemented by a propulsive soundtrack. Though a small story it is not an amateur production. Vance Malone of Station Film is the director and is a veteran filmmaker with many commercials and shorts to his credit. He’s back at Sundance this year with his new short The Poodle Trainer.
What a beautiful man. The film is artful,educating and intimate like a reflection of how this ocularist ,Fred Harwin interacts with his patients.
Many in a general audience would be uneasy with seeing these manipulations of the eye socket, in a more graphic presentation.Vance Malone is sensitive to this and did a beautiful job of educating us in an artful and intriguing way.
Haha, I’m glad I found one that worked for you. I was worried we’d lose our best commenter!