Sillage, by writer/director Anthony Hampton, is an experimental short film about a girl in a box. Or so it seems at first. I’m not a stupid viewer, but I’m usually not dissecting films as I watch them. I like to be entertained, so the first time watching this short film I was confused. As with a many films labelled “experimental”, there’s a lot more going on then you can normally pick up on the first watch.

Realizing that I was gonna have to think about the film I had just watched and watch it again a few times - made me smile. It’s not something I do or get to do very often.  Sure enough, on a second view I began to see the intention behind the film, how its supposed to make you think- put “it” into your own life and take what you can/want from it.  It’s literally about a girl in a box, who through this three act 2 minute 41 second short film “wakes” up and takes action.

Through fast editing, black and white photography and plenty of close-ups (obviously!!!) Anthony has fashioned his film with very deliberate, successful intention. It’s pleasant to watch, simple, inspiring, deep - if you’re the kind of viewer who wants to work for a reward.

The film’s score and music work very well in keeping the viewer where they need to be in the film. It’s almost necessary with a film like this- but just the same very well done. Overall Sillage is a well crafted short film, designed to inspire. Or make you think. And it does just that.

*Sillage is French for wake by the way.

The word metaphor keeps bouncing around in my head. I think you get the idea.