A Weekly Short Film Review
We are back with our Small Films series this week with Blurred Lines, a short drama about R&B singer Robin Thicke getting sued by the estate of Marvin Gaye over his intellectual property. Directed by Corry Raymond, this film goes back from past to present with a representation of the title song’s music video that would make many filmmakers wish they had done a recreation like that, an interview, and a courtroom scene reminiscent of David Fincher’s The Social Network. It compensates for the runtime and production limitations with fine editing and slick cinematography.
The entire film and the music video sequences are excellent in part of Ryan Bown and Jonathan Taylor as Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, respectively. Both actors are magnetic as real-life celebrities, but they also capture a sensibility that goes with the more serious tone of the court case.
Corry Raymond is an Award-Winning Director of Photography with experience in both TV and films. He’s made a few short films, including the one we’re presenting here. His work is sharp enough to get a big break in a major motion picture.
In conclusion, this is for those who like music biopics and Aaron Sorkin’s courtroom style. This compelling 12-minute drama is better than many full-length biopics released in the last few years. Studio producers should see and take notes when planning their next music biopic.
