Eating Out

The first rule of short films is simplicity. The second is dialogue. The third is actors.

Eating Out passes all three tests.

1. A young couple sits down at a table in a restaurant and start argueing. Everything she says, he puts down, making her look stupid. Behind them, at another table, two girls are cuddling and kissing. He refuses to believe they are... you know. "Lesbians dress in a certain way,"he pontificates. "You always have to be right!" she spits. He is self-satisfied, smug and opinionated. She can't take it anymore.

2. Simon Teff's script is as sharp as razor wire. Anyone who has been the victim of psychological mind games will feel a cold shiver of recognition. Anyone who hasn't will enjoy (or not) the verbal rallies.

3. John O'Connor and Alex Barker are terrific. There is no reason why acting in short films should not be as accomplished as that in features. When it is, like here, feel blessed.

The fourth rule is a director who understands the limitations of the short film and uses them to his/her advantage.

Nice one, Arun.