That's really what makes the movie Bookie work — director Tran Quoc Bao's ability to elicit those little moments from his actors and then utilize them to propel the story to its conclusion. There's not a wasted moment in the film with every scene communicating a piece of information that is essential to telling the story. Although the consequences of "Bookie's" actions are inevitable, Bao manages to create a nice measure of suspense, and include a couple of surprises along the way. All in all, what he is able to accomplish in eighteen minutes is remarkable.
As befits its film noir atmosphere, Bookie is shot in grainy black and white, and his use of shadow and light adds nicely to the gritty atmosphere of the movie. In fact everything from the sets to the live music being performed by the band in the night club all make contributions to creating the atmosphere that gives the movie the edginess needed to make it work.
Like a well written short story Bookie manages to convey a lot in a little time. Its pacing is perfect, and its timing elegant; you couldn't ask for more from a short movie.
Article comments
1 - Terry Finley
I like the attitude here toward the short story.