Rent Cinema 16: European Short Films (2006)

Essential viewing for short-film enthusiasts - Cinema 16: European Short Films review by WS

Sixteen films from established directors showing a remarkable range of tone, style, and subject matter.

There's "Charlotte et Veronique", Godard's delightful neo-Nouvelle Vague comedy about a young Parisian philanderer; "L'Homme sans Tete", an allegorical fantasy that gives a whole new meaning to "head shop"; "Talk", a sombre tale of a social vampire who is desperate for company after being fired from his job; and "Gisele Kerosene", a demented caper in which transvestite witches on combustion-powered broomsticks hurtle through an ultra-modern cityscape in pursuit of a stolen relic. Other stand-outs include a stop-motion from the master of Czech surrealism; a gentle yet sardonic comedy from Chris Morris about a man who thinks his dog can talk; and an over-zealous anti-racist who comes a cropper in Jensen's hilarious "Election Night".

Should be something to please everyone - there are no real duds except the forgettable "Opening Day of Close Up" and maybe "Nocturne" which is perhaps too minimalist for most people's taste - so I'm a little surprised to see it rated at only 3.5 stars.

Shorts - Cinema 16: European Short Films review by ms

I enjoy shorts at festivals but never see them again. With these dvds by some great directors is like reading short stories. Memorable and watchable can watch and choose prefences to watch again. More please!