Fiction (S through Z)
The Score
Kim Collier/Trish Dolman/Leah Mallen
Screen Siren Pictures
83:30 min. 2005
Also available on DVD
Dr. Lynn Magnusson is a brilliant geneticist racing to isolate a cancer-causing
gene. All that's standing in her way is competition from a well-funded French
lab. Her ticking biological clock and a risky office romance distract her further,
and she is forced to face the fear she might carry the same Huntington's gene
that killed her mother. As Magnusson seeks answers within her research, a composer
whose studio is upstairs from the lab strives to complete a beautiful score,
seemingly driven by the events in the doctor's life.
Based on the award-winning play by the Electric Company Theatre, this musical
drama uses humour, music and dance to transform the scientific ideas explored
in the laboratory into universal themes of human identity, freedom and creation.
It also raises ethical and moral issues surrounding the genetics industry and
its effects on individuals. How does one deal with the fact that they might
pass on a genetic disorder to their offspring? How do patents and ownership
affect the industry and the public? When is it morally acceptable to withhold
findings from the general public? How much will determinism play a role in the
future of the human race? The Score underlines the necessity for an
active dialogue between the public and scientists in determining what ethical
guidelines will dictate the ongoing exploration of this brave new world.
"Science comes out to play in this hypnotically
stylized take on the Electric Company Theatre piece about a gutsy research scientist
trying to map out human genes, including her own….adventurous viewers
will want to know The Score, an ambitious item that succeeds on a number
of challenging levels—without breaking too much sweat about it."
– Ken Eisner, Variety
Subject(s): Biology,
Ethics, Genetics,
Music, Science
For more information on the film or to view clips, visit The Score
website: www.thescorethemovie.com
Amnon Buchbinder
9:30 min. 1988
Haunting music by Holly Cole combines with striking metaphoric imagery to create a powerful, evocative creation story at the end of history. The film portrays a dream of some children, a wasteland, and an unexpected gift. Accompanied by a discussion guide.
Award: Best Short Film on a Planetary Theme, Wine Country Film Festival, California
Subject(s): Peace/War, Poetry/Performance
Mark Sawers
13 min. 1999
Shoes off! portrays a lonely bachelor smitten by a mysterious blond women and her beautiful black boots. In his attempt to meet her, he crashes a housewarming party and finds himself at the centre of an embarrassing faux pas involving a shish-kebob skewer and a wine-stained carpet.
Set to an original operatic score, Shoes off! enters the realm of poignant giddy art, "a world of slightly magic realism where coincidence and fate click their heels and do a syncopated pas-de-deux". Craig MacInnis, The Vancouver Sun
Award: Shoes off! won the Canal + award for Best Short Film at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival's International Critics Week
Subject(s): Fantasy,
Film Studies,
Humour,
Love
Zale Dalen/Laara Dalen
Highlight Productions
94 min. 1977
John Collins has spent his life making others miserable. He's the best bill collector in town - cold, calculating, and uncaring. But now his conscience is beginning to bother him, and in his business, that's bad news.
Awards: Etrog, Canadian Film Awards; Chicago International Film Festival;New York Film Festival; Denver Film Festival
Subject(s): Feature length
Marks Sawers
Driftwood Productions
15 min. 1992
This black comedy about the stress caused by our growing technologicalenvironment chronicles the plight of Nathan Thompson, a highly driven 39-year-old executive. In an effort to make his life more efficient, Nathan has furnished his apartment with a variety of modern communication devices. But one evening after suffering a sudden stroke, those same devices not only preventhim from getting help, but also expose the degree to which he has isolated himself from his friends and family.
Award: Official Selection, Cannes Film Festival 1993 "Un certain regard" section.
Subject(s): Irony, Isolation
Andrew Barron/Andrew Currie/Robert MacNevin
19 min. 1991
John Ferguson prefers to observe the world through a technological interface. Video cameras and computers shield him from human contact, until a neighbour's visit forces him to choose between virtual reality and the real thing.
Award: Certificate of Merit (Short Drama), Chicago Film Festival
Subject(s): Isolation
Kenneth Sherman
52 min. 1997
A visually stunning and evocative drama, The Time Being follows one man's attempt to come to terms with his grief and guilt after assisting in his partner's suicide. The film examines the experience of loss that has become a premature reality for many due to the AIDS epidemic.
Subject(s): Ethics, Gay, Grief, Health - AIDS, Men, Relationships
Harry Killas
9 min. 1985
In his attempt to meet a dark and mysterious woman he sees on the street, a young man is overwhelmed by his fantasies and unconscious fears of making contact in a big city. The film uses unconventional storytelling techniquesthat challenge the audience to interpret what they see.
Awards: Best Short Film, 4th Annual Turino Film Festival; Silver Award,Houston International Film Festival
Subject(s): Fantasy
David Vaisbord
12 min. 1988
In the framework of an age-old story, a hero sets off on a journey of adventure, a quest to find himself. The film parodies various screen narrative styles, making a serious point with its pronouncement that life is like a long journey.
Award: Official Selection, "Panorama" section, Berlin Film Festival
Subject(s): Film studies
Nitasha Kalra
6 min. 1997
An aged widower composes a letter to his first love, recounting the life he
enjoyed with his late wife. In a sad irony, he reveals that he misses his spouse
not for her love or companionship, but for the prepared meals and ironed shirts
she once provided. In this thoughtful drama, filmmaker Nitasha Kalra paints
a subtle portrait of a man who is oblivious to his own selfishness, a portrait
that many will find all too familiar.
Subject(s): Relationships
See also:
Fiction A through H
Fiction I through R
Return to the catalogue page
Moving Images Distribution
402 West Pender St, Ste 606, Vancouver, BC CANADA V6B 1T6
tel: 604.684.3014 toll-free: 800.684.3014
fax: 604.684.7165
Send us an e-mail
