Vincent Lambe, a graduate of the prestigious National Film School of Ireland has written and directed award-winning narrative short films, along with some corporate and promotional pieces.
This one is his most well-reviewed, multi-award winning, short film made in 2002.
The story of Broken Things revolves around a young Irish boy who, tormented by bullies at school and his parents’ disintegrating marriage, finds escape in piano.
Irish newspaper The Irish Times wrote about this spectacular film:
…”A fine understanding of the importance of telling a story more through nuance than explicit declaration”… “a terrific central performance and a mature grasp of pacing”…
This is a simple story of growing up, and getting on with life. A simple tale, beautifully told, it manages to retain an optimistic outlook on the quite depressing scenario it depicts. There is hope, still, even amidst bullies and parents’ divorce, the film is more than assuring in that.
Apart from a very ‘professional’ direction and cinematography (something not easily found in Short/ Student films), what I personally found most amazing in the film was the performance of the protagonist, Joey, played by Diarmuid Noyes. The film is largely told through simple moments; yet, there are surprising moments of humour.
While so many short films fall into the trap of being ‘dark’, and ‘depressing’, this one has a very mature aura about it, especially while depicting the relationship between Joey and his father.
It won Best Short Drama, Best Young Actor, and Most Promising Director at Dublin Film and Music Fleadh in 2003, and the Audience Award for Best Short – Drama at Woods Hole Film Festival in 2003 as well. It has been a frequent at various film fest around Europe and North America since.
Simple in approach, complex in content, happy in essence, this short could easily have been a feature length film.