Short Calf Muscle (2019)

Country: Netherlands, Short movie, Year:2019

Short Calf Muscle (2019): An Absurdist Black Comedy by Victoria Warmerdam

08/12/2024

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Victoria Warmerdam’s short film, Short Calf, uses dark comedy to critique societal stereotypes about gay people. Through the lens of Anders, the film captures the absurdities of how individuals endure microaggressions, prejudices, and casual labeling in society.

This video is available on Vimeo. Watch Here: https://vimeo.com/651735425

Anders is different, but he doesn’t know it. While he’s aware he’s gay, that’s not what sets him apart in this story. As Anders navigates casual conversations and routine interactions, others see something in him that he doesn’t recognize. Through a series of absurd and humorous situations, Anders faces an identity imposed upon him by others, leading to exploration of perception, bias, and self-acceptance.

In Short Calf Muscle, Anders visits a physiotherapist, who comments on his short calf muscle and remarks, “We see that frequently, with your kind.” Confused by the cryptic remark, Anders begins to notice that others treat him differently. From the baker making jokes about his size to his co-workers revealing they’ve always considered him a gnome, Anders grapples with a surreal and dehumanizing identity thrust upon him.

Seeking solace with his partner and parents, Anders discovers that even his loved ones have accepted this label. Through moments of humor, absurdity, and heartache, Anders confronts societal biases and the gap between self-perception and external judgment.

Netherlands Victoria Warmerdam

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