Interestingly, none of the nominees for Live Action Short is in English. Here is my take on the nominees:
"Ennemis Interieurs": This French entry features an interrogation of an applicant for French citizenship blunts its impact by keeping the interrogator a bit of a blank slate. This is a strong statement about how search for terrorism claims victims, but is also a bit of a missed opportunity for greatness in leaving one character undefined. Grade: B+
"La Femme et le TGV": This Swiss entry overplays its cards by making the female lead too much of a character. The underlying true story of how her habit of waving at the passing train every day out her window leads to a friendship with a train engineer is charming, but also a near miss for greatness. Grade: B+
"Silent Nights": Every year, there seems to be one short that has enough story it should have been a feature. Denmark's entry looks at a relationship between an African immigrant and a Salvation Army architect has some great moments, but could have been even better with more time to fill in a few story gaps. Still, a very emotionally effective story. Grade: A
"Sing": Hungary's entry should be seen by anyone who has felt belittled by a teacher. A choir teacher's desire for acclaim for her school choir causes her to be very cruel to some of her students. The students' response leads to a near perfect climax. Grade: A+
"Timecode": Spain's entry is certainly the strangest of the bunch, as the communication between two security guards left me puzzled but intrigued, until it pays off with a fantastic final gag. This would not work at a long length, but at 15 minutes, it is just about the right length for its joke. Grade: A+
What should win: The emotional payoff of "Sing" has my vote.
What will win: I could build a case for all five, but I think the emotion of "Silent Nights" plus its message of tolerance for others, will carry the day.
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