Review of Lollipops

I am not a filmmaker, nor did I view this short film as someone from the industry - as I am. I viewed "Lollipops" with my teenage daughter several times on IFC. It stood out in our minds - as I recall we had heated discussions afterwards.

As a single mother - during the conversations between the Father and daughter - I felt anger for the manipulative Father. Once the Mother showed up in a hurry, late for an appointment, wearing a suit, etc. I immediately felt anger towards her. In both cases, you ultimately feel sympathy for the child - which is a given.

Without lamenting on the cinematic "excerise" of this short it is by far one of the best glimpses of the sad world of divorce, visitation and custody issues around. It tugged at my heartstrings in a big way.

A year after watching the film I had the opportunity to meet and work with Graham Tallman. To my shock and surprise this story did not come out of his own experience. Without knowing first hand the heartache of such a situation, he was able to convey all sides. The way he slowly revealed each element was remarkable to say the least. Great storytelling at a minimum.

He is a thoughtful and sensitive director and I wish him well.