Auf der Strecke (On the Line)

Reto Caffi

Switzerland

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Synopsis

A department store security guard's decision not to help a romantic rival has devastating consequences.

REVIEW

Paid to look at video screens in a department store all day, a security guard (Roeland Weisnekker) develops eyes for a cashier (Jill Brauning), and since they commute on the same train, a problem develops that can't be left at the office. The plot thickens when she breaks routine one day and boards with a man-friend. Ever the voyeur, the security guard looks on with disapproval. The cashier argues with her companion, rushing off the train at the next stop. Ah, much better. But the show's not over. A crew of teenage wasteland boys can't resist taunting the loser who just lost the girl. As the security guard leaves the train, he spots a crime: they boys are murdering the guy. Giving it a moment's thought, he does nothing. After all, why help a rival? Here's a reason: the dead guy turns out to be the cashier's brother. As if there's not guilt enough in that, the object of his affection asks the guard to see her home each evening, since there is danger and they take the same train. More than a very rough way to get a date, the film has taken home prizes in festivals across Europe and was nominated for a the "best short film" Oscar.

-David Marc