I saw this at the Palm Springs 2006 International Festival of Short Films. This is only a five minute film so I can't comment too much on it without giving it all away but it was part of a screening package of nine shorts called After The World Changed. This and the other short films were observations told in fictional storyline of how our world is different because of the events of 9/11 and the war in Iraq. Last Stop is a clever little piece filled with mounting tension about something that may have been an everyday occurrence in the USA five years ago that wouldn't have drawn any suspicion and probably little attention but now it has dramatic overtones and possible consequences. Tatiana Doroshonko wrote the story along with the film's director Greg Williams. Excellent photography from Katie Millwright. Good use of sound and picture. I would give this an 8.5 out of 10.
3 Reviews
A Taut, Clever Film
FestGoer26 August 2006
Last Stop is a great little film. It does exactly what it sets out to do, which is make a very serious observation about contemporary society without being heavy handed.
In the last few months. I have seen literally hundreds of short films. This is one of my favorites. One of the joys of this movie is that it is, in fact, very funny. Too often, filmmakers forget that the most important messages can be communicated through satire.
Greg Williams does not forget this. Not that the only tool in his arsenal is laughter. He does many things with this film: he holds us in suspense, he surprises us, and then (when we are most vulnerable) he makes us laugh ... which, in turn, makes us think. What else do you want from a short film.
In fact, what else do you want from a feature film?
In the last few months. I have seen literally hundreds of short films. This is one of my favorites. One of the joys of this movie is that it is, in fact, very funny. Too often, filmmakers forget that the most important messages can be communicated through satire.
Greg Williams does not forget this. Not that the only tool in his arsenal is laughter. He does many things with this film: he holds us in suspense, he surprises us, and then (when we are most vulnerable) he makes us laugh ... which, in turn, makes us think. What else do you want from a short film.
In fact, what else do you want from a feature film?
Welcome to the 21st century!
planktonrules22 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very well made film. Despite being very simple in construction, the folks who mounted this production sure knew how to do it right and it sure hits home during this age of radicalism.
The scene is aboard a tram. Nothing that unusual happens until a man (who MIGHT be of Middle Eastern extraction) gets off the tram and leaves his duffel bag behind. While not immediate, the passengers all become very nervous and begin wildly yanking on the rope to stop to vehicle. Only then, before they get off, does the man who left the bag return--as it had all been a simple mistake--not an act of terror. Almost immediately after this, the bratty kid on board pops a HUGE bubblegum bubble and nearly gives everyone a heart attack--and I wanted to throttle the kid!! This is not only a very well made film, but it is exceptionally timely and is a bit ambiguous. This is a rare case where many on the far left and far right can BOTH enjoy the film because it gives you a lot to think about. Excellent work.
The scene is aboard a tram. Nothing that unusual happens until a man (who MIGHT be of Middle Eastern extraction) gets off the tram and leaves his duffel bag behind. While not immediate, the passengers all become very nervous and begin wildly yanking on the rope to stop to vehicle. Only then, before they get off, does the man who left the bag return--as it had all been a simple mistake--not an act of terror. Almost immediately after this, the bratty kid on board pops a HUGE bubblegum bubble and nearly gives everyone a heart attack--and I wanted to throttle the kid!! This is not only a very well made film, but it is exceptionally timely and is a bit ambiguous. This is a rare case where many on the far left and far right can BOTH enjoy the film because it gives you a lot to think about. Excellent work.
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