Little Death

Paul, a young gay photographer, is compelled to see his estranged father, who is now on his deathbed. His sister Camille accompanies him to the hospital, where Paul is suddenly forced to deal with the psychological effects caused by years of emotional abuse received from his father, who always taunted him for being ugly as a child. Paul realises the role this has played on his professional and personal life and must act before it is too late to exorcise the demons from his past. François Ozon’s short is an assured and insightful film that signals many of the themes to appear in his later work. Indeed, the photographer protagonist brings to mind Melville Poupaud’s moving Romain in A Time to Leave. However, it is Ozon’s continually measured exploration of sexual identity, parental and couple relationships, and the lingering effects of the past which shine the most here and remind us why he is one of the most exciting directors working in France today. A little gem that is a must-see for any fan of the director.