by Brad Chmielewski

In earlier January 2005 Patrick Smith sent me an e-mail asking if I would write a review for his new film “Handshake.” I was more then happy for two reasons; the mean reason being that I rather enjoyed his short “Delivery” that was featured on Square Footage Film’s “Avoid Eye Contact” and the second reason was because that meant I would get a free copy.

It is amazing to think only seven years ago Patrick Smith made his directorial debut in 1998 on MTV’s “Down Town.” He also directed several seasons of the series “Daria”. Basically I don’t think there is anyone who could ever say that Patrick Smith doesn’t know what he is doing.

With my enjoyment of “Delivery” I had some pretty high hopes built up for his new film, and naturally I wasn’t let down. The film is about an innocent greeting between two people that is quickly transformed into a tangled struggle. I was rather happy to see Patrick not straying from his animation style. Once again this is another short that contains no voices, which again like “Delivery” are not needed due to the high amounts of emotion. What stands out in “Handshake” is that the film was scored and orchestrated live, my compliments go out to Michael Suby and The Trone Orchestra on this one. The score breathes a greater life to the film that could have been lost without. It is strange to think that a handshake could cause this much struggle for two people. As your watching the short you begin to feel the trouble the two people here have gotten themselves into. For many people they may finish “Handshake” with… not a new look on relationships but rather what I thought, that it is strange to think how the little things can change your life. Finally I would like to mention the grand backgrounds in the film, “Delivery” took place in a house so the backgrounds were really mainly plain or rather minimal. With “Handshake,” although the background had little animation they look very believable and help create that summer day mood.

I think with each short, even though some of the same or similar elements are used, they are somehow re-defined, and continue to look better. There is a small part that reminds me a great deal of the short “Drink,” I went back and took another look at “Drink” and it was amazing to see how added detailed is in “Handshake” compared to “Drink,” to think that was onlyfour years ago. I hope to see Patrick continues down this path.

There is a good chance that you might be able to check out “Handshake” in one of the upcoming film festivals. Also, watch out because Patrick Smith is currently writing his first feature, and animating his next independent short. If you are looking for more information on Patrick, his other films, dates to be able to see “Handshake” or just want to see some picks of him sporting his Thrasher tee, you can check out [ Blend Films. ] You can also pick up his new DVD set at the site, which contains four award winning shorts.