Rubber Heart
From the Archives
•
26-Apr-2018
After a painful dry spell a woman attempts to have a one night stand. Directed by Lizzy Sanford, “Rubber Heart” is an open and honest comedy examining issues of gender roles and expectations of appearance. The man doesn’t know how to react when faced with Anna’s pubic hair. Trying to compensate for what has obviously rattled him: ”I like a woman with ‘the bush.’ That’s cool.” As she stands there exposed, he stammers on as if she needs his permission before entering bed, “I think it’s awesome. I think a woman should do what she wants to do down there.” Losing confidence by the second, she seeks some level of assurance, “I mean you’d still fuck me if I didn’t shave my legs?” By the time the act itself occurs, the intimacy is basically all lost and the film has dove deep into the travails of sex and connection. Sanford is able to accurately capture the awkwardness and vulnerability — the coital fumbling and post sex practicalities (e.g. finding an acceptable cum rag) are handled perfectly, and the whole thing is carried with wonderfully candid performances from Anna Cordell (also a co-writer) and Kevin Phillips. -KA.
Up Next in From the Archives
-
The Trial
A college student wakes up late and must stand trial as he heads to class. Joshua Gleiser directs “The Trial,” an absurdist snapshot coursing with lo-fi manic energy about a young man accused of being spoiled, undisciplined, egotistical and more. Upon waking up, he is reprimanded by an old-timey ...
-
Affirmations
A group of keyed-up Brooklynites try to convince themselves they’re in control of their lives using daily affirmations in this satirical jab at self-help videos and the dubious reliability of positive thinking. Written and directed by Kady Ruth Ashcraft. Starring Tallie Medel, Bailey Belzora, Car...
-
Shower
The third film we’ve featured from Norwegian director Henry K. Norvalls (although this one was actually released first), “Shower” is another riveting short about identity and sexuality. In it, a young man showering in a locker room hears a faint noise and decides whether or not to respond. Viscer...
