Created in 100 hours by Keith Rivers Films, LLC for the Film Racing Grand Prix 2009 based on a theme (privacy) and surprise element (a balloon).
Awarded Best Film of the Film Racing Grand Prix 2009.
I can be difficult to find a short film where the director has so successfully managed to craft together a series of beautiful shots into a short film that has depth, meaning and a sense of solemnity, however for me this film does just that. The first shot lasts 1:40 a slowly tracks along at a high angle following a car down the road. In reality this first show is actually quite dull, although it is made interesting by the voice over that covers the film. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about the film is that you only realise towards the end that each shot is form the point-of-view of the balloon itself, which is why each shot is so smooth and slow.
The soundtrack also fits perfectly with the film. Just like the video it provides a beautiful, rhythmic and moving tone, that also serves to keep as certain steady pace throughout. The titles as well, although very subtle, fade in and out perfectly without lingering unnecessairly on the side of the screen, and aren't at all in your face.
The locations used in this film are (just like the rest of it) beautiful and so calm, and all credit goes to the director of photography who has done a rather stunning job of composing each shot so carefully for maximum effect.
However, hands down the most impressive part of this film is the thing that is hardest to understand, the voice over. A voice over which - as evidence shows - can so easily ruin a film, has been perfectly executed in this case, but it is the meaning behind it that makes it so powerful. Comments that people have made on this film showed me a glimpse of the long debates people have had over YouTube on what it all means. I have to say though after listening to the film at least 4 or 5 times I came to these conclusions. The letter/voice over is written by the balloon, if you listen carefully to the choice of words this becomes clearer:
"I'm drifting"
"You've sucked the air out of me"
and my favourite, "There always a string attached".
What the letter says are words I think that the main character has wanted to say for a long time, but he can't quite do it alone. However the balloon, which is almost a part of him or his conscience, has put his thoughts into words for him. Interestingly though, it seems as if even when he has the letter there he can't bring himself to give it to his wife, he drops the letter at the end.
The best part I feel is that there are so many different interpretations people can have of this short, and so many aspects to it that allow for that. The whole short revolves around the theme of privacy. This is shown through the narrative - the balloon is almost telling him how he feels, which reflects the pressures he is under - and contrasted with the fact that he is alone throughout the film, however the balloon has a certain presence as if it is watching him.
