Farce of the Penguins (2006)

I am of two minds about this short film...

My first mind understands that it is a straightforward short film that combines an attempt at feminist commentary and a fantasy revenge twist ending. The film shows a ‘nice guy’ badgering a woman who has decided that she is not interested in his pursuit of her. He quickly escalates after being rejected, text bombing her and trying to convince her that despite her stated desires, she needs to "give him a chance." The film explores the indirect way that "nice guys" demand access to women as award trophies for their "goodness." On this track, the film is a solid effort on this commentary. Likewise, the revenge fantasy ending hits all the beats of the killer Nurse who is justified in killing the scumbag trope. The cinematography is suitably dark and imposing, activating the offscreen space to stoke our anxieties. The evolution from "nice guy" to creep is done well enough for the short run time. We are fully opposed to Martin by the time he reaches the climax of the short film, breaking into Stephanie’s home with sleazy intentions. The film skillfully builds disgust with Martin, so we handwave Stephanie’s kidnapping and psychologically torturing him. The film is a solid effort.

My second mind is confused by the use of the Malcolm X quotes at the beginning of the film (above). The quotes are absolutely true. Misogynoir, the intersection of anti-black racism and sexism, is a devastating social ill that is not given the weight it is due in social discourse primarily because the quotes are true.