March 1, 2010: Instead of Abracadabra
Instead of Abracadabra is a live-action short film from Sweden, running 22 minutes. It was nominated for an Oscar for 2009, but did not win. After a disorienting opening, during which a man stands in his house looking out the window at a mother and son moving in next door, the man is established as an unemployed son still living with his parents well into his twenties, trying to follow his passion and become a magician. His Dad wants him to get a real job, particularly after the son tests out a magic trick with his mother involving her getting in a box and him sticking swords into it, which results in a hospital trip for her.
Ah, but the cute new neighbour lady works at the hospital, which leads to a chance meeting and a gig at her son’s birthday party, after which she agrees to then attend another show at the magician’s father’s birthday party. Apparent disaster turns out to be part of the trick, and our hapless magician’s world is turning around. When performing his tricks, “Chimay” is the word he uses instead of abracadabra, hence the film’s title.
This is a delightfully goofy little film, with quiet emotional moments as well as completely off-the-wall theatrics. It was my choice for the Oscar for best live-action short film, but did not win.
Give this 22 minutes, if possible.
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