Legs (1999)

With this short, the title says it all. Set to a pulsing song but likable by Massive Attack, "legs" is a visual dissertation on the titular limbs. Canadian filmmaker David Ostry begins simply by rifling through images of pairs of legs (the top of the screen ends at the waist) which snap by at the beats of the song, making a sort of detailed podiac music video. But, as the film evolves, the "legs" begin to become more than just static images and movement is injected into the proceedings.

Along the way, the beauty and intricate interest of the diversity of legs begin to capture our attention. When some sets of limbs appear asymmetrical, we really begin to look closely at the variety and difference in each individual shot.

"Legs" isn't anything spectacular. But it's a nice visual essay on movement, grace, and an important part of the human body. It's adequately films, adequately edited and interesting to watch. Still, one feels that Ostry could have done more with the subject matter than simply made what is basically a music video.

Note: The (feet of the) Royal Ballet of Canada appears in the film.

The film was shot over 3 days

Report Card

Script: C

Acting: C

Cinematography\Lighting: C

Special Effects\Make Up: C

Music: C+

Final Grade: C