Isabelle

About This Movie

So, there's this little-known short graduation film called Isabelle directed by Tim Oliehoek, adapted from Tessa de Loo’s novel. It's fascinating how Oliehoek, ten years prior to the feature film by Ben Somboogaart, managed to encapsulate that fairytale essence but with a darker, atmospheric twist. The photography really stands out, it’s moody and captivating, pulling you into this almost surreal world. You definitely get a sense of archetypal storytelling here, and while it’s brief, the pacing feels intentional, allowing the viewer to savor those haunting moments. It’s a distinctive piece that showcases Oliehoek's stylistic choices even in a short format.

Isabelle remains a bit of a hidden gem in the realm of short films, especially for those interested in the evolution of adaptations from literature to screen. The scarcity of prints makes it a bit harder to come by, which likely adds to its allure for collectors. It's an interesting piece that offers insight into Oliehoek's early vision, and while it's overshadowed by the later feature adaptation, it’s worth discussing among film enthusiasts who appreciate the depth of short storytelling.