David (Ethan Moskowitz) is a reserved, handsome 14 year old who adores high school senior Amber (Olivia Avila).
Shot in color on 35 mm, the 17 minute film wonderfully captures the awkward teenage experience of first love. David offers Amber his ultimate gift - his love of music in the form of a mix tape, allowing the rest of his life to take a secondary role.
This short works not only because of the atmospheric indie/emo music and smart editing, but because of all the times it could have stepped into melodrama it withdraws. Ethan Moskowitz's portrayal as the fragile David reaches its highest vulnerability from his shared glances, most notably with his impotent mother and sister.
"Wow and Flutter" was a winner at The Hampton's International Film Festival, 2004 and the Palm Springs Int'l Festival of Short Films, 2004. You don't have to be one of the millions who have actually made mix-tapes for an unrequited love to enjoy it. And you gotta love that title; one of the hall-of fame names for a mix-tape.
