I've mentioned before how Netflix has gotten into the distribution business by taking on indie films. One such movie is The Puffy Chair, which has won or been nominated for a few awards. I figured, what the hell, I'll check it out.
The story is fairly interesting. The characters are all pretty pathetic, but you do identify with them to a certain degree. It's a bit of a downer because they all appear to have so much hope, and then let it all go by choosing to let everything fall apart. I'm not one of those people who insists on a happy ending, but even unhappy endings tend to leave some hope. Overall, I'll rate it 3 of 5 stars on Netflix.
They shot it on a DVX100, which is the DV predecessor to my HVX200. They shoot documentary style, which on one hand might make it feel kind of real, but in the end it feels gimmicky and the focus hunting drives you nuts. In the special features they say the story making is more important than the technical details, but after doing several shorts, I think that's just making an excuse.
I've decided I need to do a short and just make it happen in the space of a week. Write it, shoot it, get it out of my system. I have an idea in my head that I'm trying to flesh out, and I could start writing at any time. Seeing as how I can't focus enough to work, it would be a good use of my time.
On a side note, I just saw Poseidon. It was OK I guess. The only reason I even rented it was to see if Emmy Rossum (from Phantom) could be as charming without singing. Was also surprised to see the actress that played Nadia on Alias and Jacinda from Real World London.