Review of Let's Build a Fire

Let's Build a Fire on Reel 13 Shorts

Amazing that an experimental-type film actually managed to win the Reel 13 shorts contest this week (The other experimental film offered up by Reel 13 – Everyday – didn't fare so well – and rightly so). Some might suggest that LET'S BUILD A FIRE is a music video, but I would disagree – I believe it's an experimental film that happens to use a singular song to tell its story. The story of the film and the titular song is about the breakdown of a relationship. The filmmaker holds up Polaroids in front of the camera, which each represent a different moment in the relationship and then proceeds to burn the picture. Cool gimmick and fire always looks great on film. I wish it had varied the concept a little more – perhaps different frame placement for the Polaroids, perhaps more than just Polaroids, maybe burning objects that appeared in the Polaroids – something that the film can build to. Still, the film is short enough that the Polaroid device works without ever getting stale. I'm amazed, however, that Thirteen aired the frontal female nudity in the film. I mean, I personally don't have a problem with it, but doesn't that violate their FCC license? It did air after 11pm when the rules are relaxed, but I'm pretty sure that full nudity is still a no-no. This isn't a complaint as much as it is a curiosity. I'd be interested to see if this comes back to haunt them in the coming weeks. (If not, that should open up the doors for a lot of films that otherwise wouldn't be considered…) (For more information on this or any other Reel 13 film, check out their website at www.reel13.org)

Posted on 12/02/08 by: eplromeo8 12:56 PM