The film reminds me of avant-garde visual art (either in motion or stills) from another era, maybe the late 1950s and early-60s. I really loved the paneled orientation of the film—reminiscent of a comic.

I think the first few scenes took some adjusting because my eyes aren’t trained to see incomplete lines as an aesthetic, but that’s what I enjoyed most about this unique visual! In the vein of comic book features, the visual re-adjustment I had for “CLOSE(D)” reminded me of my first viewing “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” A bit disorienting, at first, but you get used to it and appreciate the style.

I completed adored the vibrant blue used against the black and white silhouettes, and the yellow to draw in light. The color palette was specific, and it elevated the film’s tone. 🔥🔥

While the animation style appeared to simplify the film’s overall tone, I’m certain it was super complex to get the timing and motions just right on this film. And to that point, I wonder if the sound mixing was off intentionally. Honestly, that made me enjoy it more because it added to the “unfinished” silhouette vibes.

Great short! Given the film’s aim, I get it—I too understand the frustrations and mundanities of wanting something (like my fave food) and it’s no longer available, the mini-depression that comes along when you can’t get it, and then finding an alternative that just doesn’t quite hit the spot.

“CLOSE(D)” translated those emotions seamlessly.