...But a Giant Leap for Mr. Larkin (2006) Online

This is a short film whose plot isn't really what impressed me. Instead, it was all the little details--the lovely music, the gentle direction and utter professionalism of the production that captured my attention.

Charles 'Bud' Tingwell is an actor practically unheard of here in the USA, but apparently he has a huge string of TV and film appearances in Australia. It's nice to see a film that bothers to consider that an almost 90 year-old man is NOT dead and still has some good performances in him! Here, he plays a man living alone but seemingly quite happy keeping company with his pet goldfish. Into this quiet but happy world come some visitors--and Mr. Tingwell's happy life might just be coming to an end.

Lovely throughout--even though the story itself was just okay. It's a wonderful example of what excellent production and acting can do with even a very, very simple story.

To those who did not know, the star of the film 'But a Giant Leap for Mr Larkin' is one of Australia's most beloved (and truly great) actors. Charles Tingwell, or 'Bud', was perfect for the title role of Mr Larkin. I felt he out-acted the guy in the spacesuit. :) In the crew department, it seems that the sound design and photography were standouts. Beautiful and subtle musical pieces gave a really absorbing feel, with light texture and color remaining warm with appreciable consistency. Nice film indeed. The director seemed to be on-song with the efforts of the editor, as this film of lovely images prevailed amongst simple story sequences. Not much room for improvement. 9/10!

I saw this film at a short film festival. It is a little strange, but very endearing. It drags you in to the world of Mr Larkin, and it delivers with such force. But what I really wanted to say was that while the story is great, the lighting quite good, the set design is interesting, it's the first AD that really grabbed my attention. Nobody ever really mentions the 1st AD in films. But in this film I felt that he really outshines all the other departments. I would have given the film 10 just for him. But it is a good story. I thought the old guy was rather convincing. It's good that old people still have a role in films today. I wonder where they found him, he is really quite good. My real praise goes to the spaceman. You just don't find that kind of acting anymore. He is outstanding. Such pathos, such emotion delivered with no more that a glove move. You really need to see this film for the amazing effects as well. It is a real fish! Really! All in all I loved this film. See it when you can.