urbpan | Mini-review of "From Tugboats to Polar Bears: Short Films by Matt McCormick"

This collection of very short films ranges from grating art projects (full of irritating noise and found footage) to charming mini documentaries. The filmmaker's choice to use his own high-pitched monotonous keyboard music in several of the films is most regrettable. However he has a photographer's eye for the incidental beauty of the urban landscape, and his obsessions (such as tug boats, and the lonely desolate parts of Portland Oregon) are intriguing. The collection spans from the late 90's to 2003, and the earliest films are the most difficult to watch. McCormick may one day be recognized as an important filmmaker, but this collection is not convincing evidence that today is that day.