In a world where a ridiculous quantity of excessively long and criminally shallow films are released every summer (usually with some involvement by Michael Bay), it’s quite refreshing to see a three-minute short film poignantly and completely deal with childhood nostalgia, loss and tragedy using only paper-craft, an HD camera and no dialogue.
Carol Nguyen’s This House is Not Empty is a minimalist masterpiece that doesn’t provide the viewer with a straightforward plot, instead only suggesting certain events and associations that culminate in a powerful conclusion. Although there are no physical characters presented to us, in the general sense of the word, their presence is suggested not only by the short’s clever title but by subtle clues hidden within the story as well.
The frail paper sets initially suggest a sense of childlike wonder and creativity, but a more detailed observation of the opening scene soon reveals a darker side to the story. There are some more emotional theatrical elements present, like a quite literal manual change of scenes and some family photographs providing context for the paper world most of the story is set in, but they’re not quite as interesting as the main premise.
The soundtrack here, if you can call it that, is comprised of ambient noise and a few other sounds like camera flashes and button clicks. In a way, it’s similar to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s opening ‘theme’, with ordinary sounds given a much more sinister place within the context of the story.
This House is Not Empty is a visual puzzle that presents the viewer with all the right parts to piece together a complete experience on their own. It’s an honest and simple look at human fragility that doesn’t force-feed the viewer with a clichéd moral or lesson. This film certainly isn’t for everyone, but those who are willing to put some effort into watching will not be disappointed.
Screened at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival