Film of the Month Winners: April
Robert Eggers, director of the terrific horror phenomenon The Witch, has returned with his feedback on the April finalists for Film of the Month, choosing Cowboy Ben as the clear standout within a trio of impressive, and particularly beautifully shot, shorts. Congratulations to the various cinematographers who are not mentioned here, as well as the directors credited..
A terrifically well shot, compact but fully realised drama that plays out the whole history of a relationship in less than 10 minutes, for Robert, Scott Rawsthorne and Jon Shaikh’s Cowboy Ben “is anchored by a fantastically tormented performance by Shaun Dooley. His face is both perfectly haggard and perfectly child-like. The film is simple (in the best way) and confidently executed, with the tension building extremely well to the inevitable and satisfying climax.”
Cowboy Ben from Scott Rawsthorne and Jon Shaikh
Next up, Sara Stanton’s Harry Baby, a high concept music video recorded in a single extended and eventful take. Robert remarked that “the song is great. The technical concept is strong and many of the tableaus were mysterious and imaginative.” The film is a one take recording of a live performance by Milly Upton.
The other runner-up. James Tyler’s Any Other Sense also impressed Robert with its formal elements. He noted that “the smart sound design elevates the editing and performances to build tension and atmosphere. The compositions, light, and use of color were very tasteful and appropriately spare.”