What about the Bodies?

Master of the short Simon Ellis specialises in low budget tales of British low life. Macabre humour at its best `What about the Bodies' covers the escapades of a murderer looking for a quiet place to bury his Mrs on the English moors. Driving an classic 1970s motor he's so unpleasant he even makes rude gestures at the sheep. But the sheep aren't the only thing lurking on the hillside. Although only 7.20 minutes long I laughed out loud several times. But then I have always had a sick sense of humour.

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Strike

Setting a short in three cities and time zones might seem a trifle ambitious but Mikal Portnoi Lazaren wanted to make points about technology removing geographical boundaries as he follows the desperate attempt of a New York ad agency to get a script read on a tight radio deadline during an acting strike. They eventually employing a LA-based actor to read a political script for a Chicago politician. However it's all a bit of an anti-climax. You are waiting for the twist but it's so weak it would probably be better described as a mild bend.

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Stealing Innocence

The fictional tale of two girls who grow up friends despite being born either side of the Arab/Israeli divide and who for some reason both have American accents. I am sure it's all very meaning but its cloying tone and obvious plot line make it more suitable to kick off class room discussions rather than air to adults at film festivals.

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Ten Again

Another classically nostalgic British offering from the accomplished Simon Ellis. This short has a written narrative by grown-ups recounting their childhood romances over shots of children acting out the stories in appropriately authentic dress. I was extremely impressed that they managed to find a brand new 1980-era England shirt for one scene but I don't expect you to be. Although Ellis is credited as the writer I still can't work out whether actors are used for the readings. The first one seems too genuine to be staged but either way the format works and will no doubt spark you're own childhood memories. Like the time I cycled all the way to Southwick to ask out Linda Edwards only to be cruelly spurned. I mean Southwick! We all know how far that is don't we?

Matthew Taylor