Negative reviews on Singapore Short Cuts

“The director apes Wong Kar Wai’s direction, look and music choices in In The Mood For Love. He also tries to imitate Christopher Doyle’s cinematography, but the only things that achieved were extremely orangey or extremely grey scenes. The short film eventually descends into camp, which amused me to no end since it was so incongruous with all the ersatz In The Mood For Love.”

From a high yesterday to a low. I told myself that there will be people who will get it and those that don’t. But you know what? We are only human- it does hurt and it is disorientating. I guess what didn’t come across strongly was this was never a serious serious film and done more like a sexy B-Movie. Yes, I wanted it to be ‘funny’ but not funny haha. So ‘campy’ is about right but it is not a parody (although it is also a favorite genre of mine). The ‘femme fatale’ genre is miles away from WKW’s romanticism and sentimentalism (I wouldn’t dare imitate WKW or Doyle). But if you shoot something 60’s Singapore- you will get THAT feel. I even ‘dirtied’ it up for this short to look not so pretty and more like a old camera lens feel. Must everything be about bitching about Singapore or ‘REAL’ stories about some old/handicapped/suicide for subject matter? But I guess, If I have to explain all this then maybe I failed.

singapore short cuts 22 July 2006

What a day. I don’t count on having many like this. I had my first experience of ‘fame’- nearly 15 minutes of it. Screening ‘HELLo?’ as the opening film was an incredible honour for me eventhough it may have just been a matter of convenience and luck of the draw. I was nervous when nobody reacted after the screening. My shorts always have that effect on people. Well….compared to the huge response that Colin & Yen Yen’s 3 Meals- I guess I realised that having a rapport with the audience is a new curve I have to climb. They certainly had theirs. All 3 other films were good, glad to be part of the first slate of shorts. The Q & A was a great experience for me. Nice to know there were people wanting to know more about my short. I think I talked too much but like what Em said-’just be yourself’ and I guess she is right. I am always shooting myself in the foot and that’s what I am. I had some good moments and some moments that I think I don’t make much sense I think. Practice… Met Hui Ling there and I will have to catch up with her later to find out the going forward in getting co-production projects. Met Mr Mun briefly-he came across as very eager to be involved. Surprised that SFC Chairman Jennie Chua was there throughout the screening and even the Q&A-very funny woman-has an almost stand up like routine in her speech. Its all good. Bummer that I can’t attend the rest of this. Must say that Wenjie is doing the community a great service and I hope he is sufficiently encouraged and rewarded. Wonderful little episode and hope my little foray into filmmaking will bring me more fulfilling experiences.

We are going to SAO PAULO, BRAZIL!!!

Hi Gavin,
This is to confirm that your submission to SFC for Overseas Travel Grant
(OTG) for your participation at Sao Paulo Intl Short Film Festival has been
approved. The approval letter will be mail to you soon. Have a fruitful trip.
B.regards.
Singapore Film Commission

‘HELLo?’ going to San Francisco!

Dear Filmmaker,

We are elated to announce that you have been accepted into the 2006 SF Shorts: The San Francisco International Festival of Short Films. This year we are screening 56 films in competition, out of over 900 entries. The festival dates are August 10-12th. C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
jim kenney and mike coyne
directors, sf shorts.

Kenji Uchida’s ‘A Stranger of Mine’

Just watched this film and was blown by the plot, writing and characterisation. I am ‘touched’ and in awe of Keniji Uchida’s debut effort. This film demonstrates the point that the script and cast’s performances were more engaging than pretty visuals and preened technical work which Singaporean crews seemed to be obessed with. I thought it was shot on Video but was actually on 35mm. No ambitious camera work, safe coverage, almost sterile lightings but very ‘real’ life- not glamoured. This wonderful film drives me harder to improve my treatment for my feature-”MR. Easy”. It was subtle,good amount of weight in the all the main characters… Superb.