(This is Pour 585 short film review, which is a 2019 2D animated film that is directed by Patrick Smith and published on Vimeo)
It’s been quite rare to see a short film that is entirely 2D animated in a handdrawn fashion that is similar to older cartoons in the 90s. But makes no mistake, Pour 585 is a modern short film that tackles one of the current era’s issues as its moral lesson. This short film is released just a day ago in Vimeo and is directed by Patrick Smith, produced by Kaori Ishida and with music by Leon Riskin.
Whay’s pretty impressive is the fact that this is qualified for 2018 entry into the Oscar’s short animation film category! Well, let’s pour on some wines shall we? π
Without further ado, we will delve into the Pour 585 short film below to see what really makes it qualified for the prestigious award. Let’s review!
Premise
There exists a world where wine glasses are alive, and everyday they have to go through a certain wine pouring ritual that determines their place into the society. But one refuses to be the same as the others, and it’s proving to be a big problem for the other wine cups…
Pour 585 Short Film Review
Premise
Alright, the premise is actually a very simple one about conformity. The film doesn’t try to be subtle about it at all. We see our main character who is afraid of being poured with wine (perhaps akin to being spoon-fed in our current educational system). He tries to resist, while the others happily accept the wine to become accepted by the others.
It’s a not-so-subtle note to the big wine glass as the adults forcing thoughts/lessons into the small glasses(kids)
Honestly, I feel that this is a premise with an everlasting moral lesson that will still be true even in the far future. Being conformed is what makes us humans, and this short film makes it relatable to us. Sometimes we are only accepted by the society when we conform, just like the other wine glasses. It’s a not-so-subtle note to the big wine glass as the adults forcing thoughts/lessons into the small glasses(kids).
And the changes from a small glass to a big one is akin to the child growing up to become similar to the adults: conformity. All in all, though the premise is not original, it is still executed firmly. And the ending is kind of a twist too, as now our main character has grown up, and is forcing others to accept his own opinion/lessons. Thus the cycle continues, and it’s quite a gore and dark twist that I didn’t really expect coming from it’s bright and cheerful soundtrack.
Pacing/Animation
Pacing wise, it’s actually perfect, as I thought it will drag the beginning, but things actually move fast! Straight away, we see the main character being poured the wine as he tries to avoid it. And the middle portion turns gory and somewhat dark too. I love the changes in the pace and do not feel that its draggy or too rushed.
As for the animation, it evokes the feeling of those old Disney cartoon in black and white.
As for the animation, it evokes the feeling of those old Disney cartoon in black and white. In fact, the beginning with its dull and grey background would no doubt be inspired by cartoons of the 80s. The thing that makes this look slightly modern is perhaps the artstyle is simpler, and the facial animation is less exaggerated.
The animation is smooth and fits with the overall atmosphere, and some small details with the liquid flowing etc is pretty impressive.
Characters
The wine glasses themselves are pretty unique in designs. For one, they have two legs instead of a single stand. And they have feet. Most importantly, the eyes and facial expressions are to the point. Our main character has a very different expressions that make him stand out from the other glasses. His behaviour etc is understandable and relatable as well.
As for the antagonist, which is the adult glass, it is not very original but does stand out with the red wine liquid. But overall I feel that it’s the main character who undergoes the most changes, from a timid glass into someone who in turn forces others to get the wine poured from him. It’s a dark transformation that makes the ending…really interesting haha.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is quite modern in a sense, with just simple beats unlike the ones in the 80s. It fits the mood and story though, as its simplicity goes well with the simple premise and character designs. One honourable mentions goes to the sound effects too, they are just perfect for the scenes, and help to alleviate them in better ways.
