USA
3 OUT OF 4 STARS
Sometimes the end of a relationship creates the feeling that an entire countryside has grown between two beings. Sometimes it feels like an Obsession perfume commercial.
The imagery of Alexandre O. Philippe's short is lovely and dramatic, but it holds an air of pretension. Sweeping gold fields reflect the filmmaker's inspiration (Andrew Wyeth's paintings Christina's World and Helga), and extreme close-ups slowly reveal items that may hold metaphorical significance.
A woman sits forlornly in her chair, a pained expression on her face as she follows a man in the distance. Haunting music borders on sparse musique concrète until violins regain focus when the camera does.
Has the man left her? Has he died? Is she grieving for a ghost? Director Alexandre O. Philippe attempts too many objectives while scouring a dilapidated farmhouse and peering through tree hollows. However, the film is worthy of a debate on interpretation.