Paradise

This is a strange and fascinating film from Ishu Patel. Instead of the normal Western-style narrative, this animated short is one long piece of art--obviously inspired by Indian paintings of birds, people and the afterlife. All this gorgeous action unfolds slowly and is accompanied by the ethereal music of Gheorghe Zamfir--an internationally known (except in the US) panpipes legend whose music I have loved for years. Combined, it's an absolutely inspiring and breathtaking piece of art.

Because it was such a lovely film, it was nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film--which it lost to CHARADE. I don't know exactly how I feel about this, as I've seen both. CHARADE is funny and very clever but a rather superficial film. PARADISE is more a work of art and less a film for the public at large. Personally, I am happy either way, as they both were delights--too bad they couldn't give the award to both!!