Short for Nothing (1998) User Reviews

"Short for Nothing" a charmer!

[ronanddawn · 9/10 · 9 April 2006]

"Short for Nothing" is a charming little indie gem. Beautifully shot in Toronto, it follows three women working in the restaurant industry while pursuing their respective artistic dreams. The struggle with whether or not to take the big "leap of faith" in pursuit of one's dreams when opportunity presents is a theme with which I think many viewers will empathize.

Overall there is a sense of realism to this film that just feels honest and true. The combination of the themes, the imagery, the understated humour, and well written dialogue along with the original musical soundtrack make for a very enjoyable film.

Enjoy this film for what it is, not for what it is not.

[rdykstra · 8/10 · 8 May 2006]

I quite enjoyed this film. Its fun to see a film that is about Toronto and filmed in Toronto. So many films we see look suspiciously like Toronto, but claim to be set in New York, Chicago or Boston. Having worked in the restaurant industry, I can tell you that the film is the authentic work of someone who has been down that path also. The perpetually aggravated manager, the casual drug use, and the fact that most of the waiter types are trying to make it in entertainment certainly all ring true.

Jon Scarfe, who has continued to work hard in smaller films and good television shows, was particularly fun to watch, and his on screen chemistry with Karen LeBlanc was very, er, enjoyable.

By all means check this film out.

Ron

Great Watch

[nadiaesco · 10/10 · 11 September 2013]

Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Where can I buy it on DVD for my collection? Excellent Direction, Actors were superb. I am interested to see other movies by this Director. Cinematography was great. I enjoyed the soundtrack immensely. Why can't there be more movies like this. I am excited to tell others about this movie, they just don't make movies today like this anymore. Off to look for where I can purchase this to keep. Great movie my brain is happy for the feed. Intelligent messages about the lead trying to make it in the music industry. Some parts were so realistic they made me cry very heartfelt. My husband is in the music industry he will love this move and am sure will have some similar stories to share. Glad that such a movie was made as it is important for people to understand that things are not always what they seem. The relationships throughout the movie are so well represented and if I may say the Director is before her time on this. Just wonderful. Thank you a truly enjoyable tear jerking real movie.

Short for Nothing is highly recommended, a film that gently and steadily, captures the experiences of 3 young creative women transitioning in love, career and self acceptance.

[nahdove · 10/10 · 8 January 2016]

Short for Nothing is a sensitive, realistic, moving and intimate look at the lives of 3 young female friends, the main character is black. They have hopes and aspirations for becoming creatively involved in the world of media/art. Their lives are deeply intertwined using the restaurant as one of the settings for this drama to unfold. At the same time, the film shows that their personal relationships are critical to whom they aspire to become. Short for Nothing is before its time, set in Toronto highlighting some of the taboo social issues relating to women, race and sexuality through the intimacy of their relations with each other and friends. What adds to the realism of this under rated film is the low budget and amazing actors that allow the viewer to observe and capture the authenticity of real life, which is often lost in a big budget Hollywood movie with its constructions and formulaic stories. Reminiscent of a French film style, this unusual story stays with you long after watching.

Such a wonderful work

[stephaniejon-1 · 10/10 · 7 June 2013]

Not sure how the rating system is set up, as this film is certainly not a 2.3 out of 10. There must be a flaw in the rating system. Some times you are a member of a project that sets itself apart from the other work you have done because of the positive vibe of the people involved and the dedication to truthful story telling. This is one of those projects. The story follows three women in their twenties as they navigate their careers, relationships, rent and integrity. The look of the film is unique and romantic. It is set in Toronto and a slice of reality told in a new way by a distinct voice, Siona Ankrah Cameron. As her first feature, I would seek out what else she might be attached to artistically, I predict this is the first step to a bright and powerful future