Desserts

I came across this film purely by accident, it was played before the real feature film starring Ewan McGregor. It is a very simple idea, McGregor is a lonely stroller minding his own business walking on the beach, and then he spots a delicious looking chocolate éclair in paper just lying on the ground.

Despite its brevity, a measured mood is developed during this four minute multiple prizewinning short, perhaps due to a complete lack of dialogue that serves to enhance a surprise ending that delighted audiences at its Toronto Film Festival debut, as well as those who viewed it during its wide distribution to European and Asian theatres. The title is cleverly reflective upon a theme of revenge that would be appropriate for a magazine published fantasy short short story, appreciated by the substantial numbers who saw the work in the Los Angeles area, playing there on the same bills as Tom Tykwer's RUN LOLA RUN.

"Desserts" is a British movie from 1999, so two more years until this one has its 5th anniversary. The writer and director is Jeff Stark and this is one of two films he made together with famous actor Ewan McGregor, who also had his huge breakthrough in 1999 when he played Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars.

If you want to make a Short Film, start by having a look at this one. A Short is hard to make and this one is a fantastic demonstration of a great idea explored by excellent film making.

This is a funny short film that has a nature in reverse joke. Ewan McGregor stars as the drifter.

Revenge! An interesting short film.

A solitary man strolling along the beach comes across a tempting eclair. Why the dessert is sitting there and who left it are questions the stroller should have pondered.

Hilarious and shocking at the end. I was definitely not expecting it.

I saw this short at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Sundance has a reputation for showcasing great shorts and this one was terrific.