Yes as we breathlessly await the news if Aaron will be gracing the premier of his film ' The Greatest ' tomorrow at the Sundance Film festival , I thought I'd take a brief look at the world of short films . The first collection of shorts I brought , were collected together by the now defunked label 'Dangerous To Know' a label which released a number of Gay films . I think it was quite ahead of its time .
Boys On Film had a great short - Pool Days in which a cute high scholar Justin takes a job at a local health club in between cleaning out the steam room , surprisingly filled with white towel glad hunks . Justin battles with his feelings aroused by flirty speedo wearing health instructor 'Naughty Nick' Of course he succumbs Justin that it is and gives in . ( sadly by not wearing a speedo and doing laps together. ) I think that could have been more interesting, than the kiss the two share.
Wow ! Its A VHS Video tape cover - Dreamboats goes old skool!
One of the great things about the Internet, is that you can now download some shorts you like, rather than buying the whole collection .( Mind you I have always been partial to a bit of pick and mix ,'Woolworths R.I.P' ) The best collection of shorts outside of Zeke , Ringo and Declan from Neighbours would be I guess the 'Boys Briefs Series' released by 'Picture This' which contains some great shorts . One I really liked and look forward to seeing was BugCrush(2006) in which High School loner Blond Ben is literally crushed by his crush !
The Lovely Blond Ben played by Josh Caras
Bugcrush is a great short , full of atmosphere and shot in such a low key way it kind of reminded me a bit of Gus Van Sants work crossed with Cam Archer. Carter Smith who directed Bugcrush is a Fashion Photographer who has since gone on to make the Ruins (2008) a horror film which is just okay spook viewing ,even with the presence of 'Iceman' - Shawn Ashmore.
Young James struggles with his sexuality and his teacher, Mr. Sutherland, is the only person he feels he can connect with. When James finally puts a voice to his feelings, Mr. Sutherland’s response isn't what James had hoped for. Oh dear poor James , Niall Wright who plays James has a great face , conveying both his disappoint and fear . I didn't really like the ending but on reflection you can see why it happened as James seemed so desperate for the right kind of love ,even if it ended with him getting the wrong kind .
You can download James for free for a short period of time at the USA itunes store , along with nine other shorts . Or you can buy a copy on DVD and follow Connor Clements at Sundance at his site ConnorClementstv .
