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"Handshake" is a simple film. Two people meet at a bus stop. They shake hands. Essentially, that's it, for seven minutes. It's a marvelous, sticky, symbolic dance that could only be staged in a cartoon. It's a whole relationship in a handshake, and it's refreshing when a film doesn't have to assault us to demonstrate its creative edge. (Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Nevada Theatre; all other programs at the Magic Theatre)
Except for the fact that "Curious Acts of Modern Lovers" is completely unlike "Handshake," they are the same movie. Any description of "Curious Acts" would only detract from its seven minutes of brilliantly tempered absurdity. To violate writer/director Jason Graham only slightly, just know that he toys with sensitivity and compresses relationships into a hilarious knot. (Saturday at 7:35 p.m.)
The title-forming scene of "Get the Dime" sets an intense tone. Maybe that's the point, because "get the dime" is just an exercise actors are put through in an acting class. Soon enough, the film drags the audience through a compelling scare. When an actor - phenomenal at getting the dime - does some edgy research in a seamy night club, he discovers that a person can't necessarily turn the scene on and off at will. (Friday at 7:35 p.m.)
Even for those who will think "Pillow Girl" runs its kaleidoscope too long, this is an ingenious short film. All it does is morph from cover to cover to cover of pulp books and magazines from decades ago - a meticulous parade of romance novel covers, to detective fiction covers, to men-at-war covers. As a parade of narrow themes, it titillates and disturbs and somehow does not feel like a time gone by or an attitude we've outgrown. (Friday at 7:35 p.m.)
In "I Killed Zoe Day," two buddies wake up after a drunken night. They've got some serious figuring out to do. This compact film concept would be a tough bet for a feature length film, but it's a cool challenge for the creators and the viewers of a short film. Fuzzy memories reconstruct the previous night with flashbacks. The intentional confusion and clever conclusion manipulates us well. (Sunday at 7:35 p.m.)
Actually, "I Killed Zoe Day" is a good example of a short that might grab one person but not grab another. Or vice versa amongst the rich variety in 30 films at the fifth Nevada City Film Festival. There's plenty to entice moviegoers who ride the too-rare opportunity to see short- form cinema.
Except for the fact that "Curious Acts of Modern Lovers" is completely unlike "Handshake," they are the same movie. Any description of "Curious Acts" would only detract from its seven minutes of brilliantly tempered absurdity. To violate writer/director Jason Graham only slightly, just know that he toys with sensitivity and compresses relationships into a hilarious knot. (Saturday at 7:35 p.m.)
The title-forming scene of "Get the Dime" sets an intense tone. Maybe that's the point, because "get the dime" is just an exercise actors are put through in an acting class. Soon enough, the film drags the audience through a compelling scare. When an actor - phenomenal at getting the dime - does some edgy research in a seamy night club, he discovers that a person can't necessarily turn the scene on and off at will. (Friday at 7:35 p.m.)
Even for those who will think "Pillow Girl" runs its kaleidoscope too long, this is an ingenious short film. All it does is morph from cover to cover to cover of pulp books and magazines from decades ago - a meticulous parade of romance novel covers, to detective fiction covers, to men-at-war covers. As a parade of narrow themes, it titillates and disturbs and somehow does not feel like a time gone by or an attitude we've outgrown. (Friday at 7:35 p.m.)
In "I Killed Zoe Day," two buddies wake up after a drunken night. They've got some serious figuring out to do. This compact film concept would be a tough bet for a feature length film, but it's a cool challenge for the creators and the viewers of a short film. Fuzzy memories reconstruct the previous night with flashbacks. The intentional confusion and clever conclusion manipulates us well. (Sunday at 7:35 p.m.)
Actually, "I Killed Zoe Day" is a good example of a short that might grab one person but not grab another. Or vice versa amongst the rich variety in 30 films at the fifth Nevada City Film Festival. There's plenty to entice moviegoers who ride the too-rare opportunity to see short- form cinema.
Know and Go
<B>What:</B> Fifth Nevada City Film Festival<B>When:</B> Friday, opening festival screening, 7:30 p.m.; Q&A w/filmmakers, 9 p.m., then folks are invited to a party at Cooper's, Nevada City.
Saturday, second festival screening, 2 p.m. with Q&A at 3:30 p.m.; third festival screening, 7:30 p.m., Saturday is also the day a screening will be at a different location: 2 p.m., Nevada Theatre, 401 Broad, Nevada City, the only time two screenings are happening simultaneously.
Sunday, fourth festival screening, 12 noon; fifth festival screening, 3 p.m.; final festival screening of a selected feature film, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, a recap of audience favorites at 7:30 p.m.
<B>Where:</B> At The Magic Theatre, 107 Argall Way, Nevada City
<B>Admission:</B> $7
<B>Information:</B> www.nevadacityfilmfestival.com
<I>Chuck Jaffee lives in Nevada City. Find links to his other articles for The Union at www.startlets.com, including his review of "The Santa Claus Happy Tyme Story" (Saturday at 2 p.m.) and three other short films.</I>
