Change Your Image
samueltaylorhectorfilms
Reviews
Lin (2010)
Reviewing Piers Thompson's LIN
BAFTA-nominee and British director Piers Thompson has managed to put together a dream-like universe that you can't help but getting sucked and, finally, plunging into free falling. And let yourself do so.
I was really curious about this film, as I was aware of its BAFTA-nomination. The 4-5 couple minutes had passed and I started questioning, why on earth this film had been nominated. It hadn't captivated me so far and my attention was about to drift. Meaning, I was about to write "Lin" off, but kept myself from pressing stop, as I felt too curious due to the BAFTA- nomination.
So, yes, this short film did not have me glued to my seat for the first few minutes, as short films should manage to considering the short amount of time they have to convince their viewer. But "Lin" has its own pace and its own universe, and I am telling you, it works.
"Lin" portrays a woman, with no name", wandering through an unknown and mysterious country. It appears that she is running away from her past from the little dialogue the audience is offered.
The film is shot on RED ONE and has one of the most amazing cinematography's I have ever seen. The locations are superb in undermining the mystery of the why, where and what. We are being disclosed very little information on the woman's background and current doings as viewers. To me it appears that this is a deliberate choice Piers Thompson has made, for the dream-like universe he has created is supposed to carry every and each one of us away on our own respective journey. A journey of life, individuality, the meaning of what the meaning of life is. Based on our individual cognition while traveling along with this anonymous woman, while one slowly becomes that woman him-/herself. She is anonymous, so we can become her. Feel like her, see like her. If you let go, you will know, what I mean.
On her path with, seemingly, no narration nor goal other than to "merely" escape, she encounters other people, who also remain strangers. At times her encounters seem so surreal and then again the intensity of them are just mind-blowingly real.
The story line seems to be random, if not unstructured, and the plot itself very unusual. But in the end, all the pieces fall into place and you get a beautiful mosaic that is as colorful as her journey. The journey of life.
Her journey ends at the same location as the film's establishing shot. The circle has been closed. At the location, there is nothing there. The location is a void. But like the woman says at one time, she will keep going. She will the void.
One more thing, this review does not really give a lot away about the short film as to the events happening in detail. However, "Lin" is very special. It is a mood piece and experimental in its form. You will understand Piers Thompson's vision, if you see "Lin". I encourage you to get carried away. I hardly reviewed this film. Basically I gave you my personal interpretation and experience watching "Lin". Nonetheless, that is what reviews are and are about, because reviews, are, subjective interpretations. Some more, some less. This one is my journey. Reel reporter.