An extraordinary film adaptation More recently, the film Joseph Gordon-Levitt called "The Passion of Don Juan" (2013), which is called the debut picture of a young actor trying himself in directing, but few people know that really his first debut is a short film "Sparks" / Sparks (2009).
Idea, plot and history of creation. On the set of the film adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s novel Killshot (2008), Joseph Gordon-Levitt met Megan Friels, Elmore’s granddaughter, and Melanie Donkers, who worked for John Madden and Richard N. Gladstein, director and producer of the film adaptation. They offered Joseph to become the director of the film adaptation of another work of the American master of criminal literature – the story “Iskra”. The short film premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2009.
The picture "Iskra" is a completely extraordinary adaptation of the story Elmore Leonard. The storyline leads viewers on the trail of an experienced insurance agent, Joseph Canavan (Eric Stoltz), who tries to shed light on the circumstances and real causes that caused the fire of one house. As a result of the incident, the housing of one attractive young widow, Robin Harris (Carla Gugino), who is suspected of arson for the purpose of obtaining insurance, was burned to the ground.
Actors. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in one interview admitted that he represented Carl Gugino as the main character. As you can see, she played the role of a former rock star. And she was absolutely amazing. In principle, all the actors were able to present their heroes to the viewer in such a short time. Joseph himself can also be seen on the screen (if not blink) during episodes on stage behind the drum set, lit up for a few seconds and Channing Tatum in the role of a policeman.
Shooting and sound. From the beginning of watching the short film, you immediately pay attention to the musical accompaniment and editing, which give the narrative expressiveness and originality. The transitions from a real dialogue between people to events that happened in the past and already bear the character of memories are curiously played out - only the most important moments are highlighted, which are presented on a bright color background without details.
Surprisingly, this short film is very difficult to find in the original even five years after its release, not to mention subtitles and any Russian translation. Maybe it is not very valuable in directing, but, in my opinion, it should be familiar with the fans of American writer Elmore Leonard and actor, director and screenwriter Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
5 out of 10