The Patterns Trilogy + The Other Short Films by Jamie Travis

Jamie Travis is a 30-something Canadian filmmaker who specializes in surrealistically comic shorts (featuring neon-colored sets and costumes) that offer macabre observations on the horrors of ordinary life. This disc compiles five shorts, including his “Patterns Trilogy” (2005–06)—a linked triptych that begins with a piece about a woman waiting for a phone call (and apathetic when it comes), continues with a sequel about the man who's obsessed with her, and concludes with a finale in which the pair engage in a weird song-and-dance routine while proclaiming their ambiguous feelings for each other. Although beautifully made and boasting moments of gleeful oddity, the trilogy is actually less impressive than the two other selections. “Why the Anderson Children Didn't Come to Dinner” (2003) is a hilariously deadpan piece about three youngsters who dream of escaping from their mother's bizarre meals, and “The Saddest Boy in the World” (2006) offers a droll but poignant portrait of a child for whom nothing seems to go well. Although Travis' style has been compared to that of David Lynch and Todd Solondz, he is a truly original cinematic voice in his own right: these early efforts are both noteworthy and offer promise of things to come. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)