The Cobblestone Corridor (Short)
Doing something that is blatantly a genre riff, outside of the trappings of that genre, is always a risky proposition. Really gifted filmmakers can do it easily, however, and in a way that engages and entertains, and avoids being too arch and absurd. Rian Johnson did that very well when he translated the language and tone of film noir with his 2006 film, “Brick,” and now, writer-director Erik C. Bloomquist does similar with his short film, “The Cobblestone Corridor.” The film centers on the investigation of a professor’s dismissal from a preparatory school by editor of the school’s paper, Allan Archer (played by Bloomquist himself). Allan’s investigation starts when a female student, Lizzie (Madeleine Dauer), walks into his office with some information that contradicts the official story, setting him off on a labyrinthine chase for the truth that ends up in an unexpected location. “The Big Sleep” and “The Maltese Falcon,” this is not, in terms of complexity, but Bloomquist’s narrative is intelligent and well played by the cast. The noir tone of the dialogue and story is brought to life extremely well, and with just enough subtlety that the film feels authentic rather than silly. There’s something to be said about films or television that riffs on a genre like this for camp value, but when there’s something genuine and believable about what we’re watching, it makes for a special moviewatching experience.
