Salamander (2005) User Reviews

Fragility of human bonds

[mbarbe · 9/10 · 8 November 2007]

SALAMANDER is a short film about the fragility of human bonds. The theme is about how little love can be worth, and I am sure a lot of other thoughts can be gathered from this short but meaningful film. It is a sort of study of emotional isolation and lack of communication, a "state of mind" or experience film, rather than a conventional plot film.The modern individual is constantly in search of a primal connection. Since sexuality is the only remaining link to the mystery of life, humans turn more and more to it as their world. This seems to explain the obsession with sex in John. The first time John sees the suggestive pictures in the sex manual, they seem to wash over him without affecting him in any way. Later he finds those images creeping into his subconscious and he starts to compare real life postures of Sarah to those seen in her previous lover's book. The images plant subliminal effects upon him. John becomes more and more insecure and obsessed with Sarah's previous relationship. This starts undermining their couple life.Although disgusted and frustrated, Sarah does her best to save their relationship. The open end of the film poses many questions for viewers but allows few answers. Zach Horton is a very talented script writer and film director. He focuses on his characters' emotions (passion, boredom, insecurity, emptiness and emotional detachment)using instruments like slow rhythm, visual metaphors, extreme long shots of the two characters in the desert panorama.The settings are well chosen, and I like the background never going out of focus, no matter how much is going on within the frame. The actors are quite good. Although they do not do a lot, they express a great variety of feelings, including the inability to feel, in certain situations. I especially liked Irena Hoffman's acting(Sarah).She is natural and her character is convincing. So if you fancy a challenge, Salamander is an award winning film, and worth watching.

excellent visual and emotional depiction of relationship complexities

[arhorton · 10/10 · 3 August 2005]

This is visually a very rich and exciting film with interesting settings that contrast thoughtfully with the emotions being depicted. There is also a wonderful interplay of graphics and film, which established a sudden and surprising understanding of the mental process of the actor without the need for words. I found this very unusual and fascinating. The screenplay was very thought provoking and stimulating as to male/female roles and complexities of interaction. The tension between the needs and insecurities of the young couple and the obvious passion that they shared was well developed in such a short film. I felt I had viewed a much longer and detailed film and was surprised that such a journey had taken place in a mere 27 minutes! I loved this movie! Director/writer Zach Horton did an excellent job of capturing the tension and needs of the young couple - I'm waiting to see what he does in upcoming films . . . .