There is some stunning photography in this imaginative experimental video clip, which is what it purports to be, anyway. But the sharp, quickfire editing that typifies that medium is not present here. That in itself of course is not necessarily a problem, but the type of music Gonnelli has decided to use here simply doesn't gel with the imagery. Maybe that was precisely the point, but there's little merit to frustrating your audience in that way, particularly as you feel this would have been a much more interesting experience had there not been any music at all!
In the opening of this film - based on a true story - the narrator introduces his mother, who is represented by a stern-looking, extravagant transvestite, who is surrounded by other members of the storyteller's extended family. The boy in question grew up on St Maarten and gradually figured out he was interested in boys, but feels unable to fully express himself as long as he stays with his relatives. The story may not be particularly original, but by presenting his personal struggles in the form of some truly amazing Vogue-battles, this turns into both an energetic and a fascinating narrative. It even manages to give a crash course into the basics of Vogue-dancing!
A landscape full of sounds and images that range from the exciting to the excruciating is a good way describing the farewell party of Radio Voorwaarts, which is being celebrated in a building which is about to be torn down and therefore gives the young people present to do whatever they like. There's no characterisation or narrative, but we are presented with the sight of a girl peeing in the presence of couple of male drunks who are discussing nothing particulary interesting, which perfectly describes this short.
Nightshift [The Netherlands - Jasper van de Pol] => 6,5
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