Film(dzama) (2001)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

deco dawson

Writer:

deco dawson (writer)

Genre:

Short | Drama

Plot:

Filmmaker Deco Dawson has created an entirely fictional biography of the internationally celebrated visual artist Marcel Dzama...

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Maurice Dzama	...	Marcel Dzama
Helen Gair	...	Nude Woman
Owen Pangman	...	Young Boy
Myles Langois	...	Misc Characters
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tamar Ouziel	...	Dancing pig

Runtime:

23 min

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Filming Locations:

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

A Fantastical Return to Cinema Wonderment!!!

I too saw this film at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival, and let me tell you, it is entirely deserving of the BEST SHORT FILM prize it won at the festival! This movie is not only the most unique and innovative short film I have ever seen, but it also possesses all those things that contemporary films lack. Filled with camera tricks, a psycho-analytical storyline, and a huge party scene filled with bears, lions and trees (reminiscent of the Alice and Wonderland scene from Putting on the Ritz) , this movie is a fresh and imaginative portrait of an artist. Though I don't know the work of the artist Dzama, both the enthusiasm and mystery displayed in the movie, inspire me to find out more.

The movie most accurately re-creates the look of a silent film (how he did that so well, I have no idea!), complete with a wall to wall soundtrack, quick editing, fake sets and no dialogue. This however does not limit the film in any way; instead it opens it up to a new world where magic and surrealism abound.

It is very rare for a short film to gain as much attention as this film has; it seems to be the hottest short to have screened in Toronto, as I have seen it mentioned in the paper countless times since the festival. I am dumb-founded by the earlier review, and personal opinions aside, this movie is nothing like the work of Maddin, except for the use of black and white film stock. And in terms of the nudity it is entirely expected seeing how the movie is based on the artwork of a contemporary artist.

I must congratulate writer and director Deco Dawson on his film. It is a shame that some audience members can't watch innovate films for what they present, without expecting the same old storyline and 35mm colour performances. Though I don't particularly understand the film either, I know that I enjoyed it, and that my own personal interpretations are enough to make me believe that there is something brilliant going on in the film. The film is fun, enticing, magical, mysterious and brilliant, I would have to say that it truly is a fantastical return to cinema wonderment!!!