Nick Borenstein | Sweater / 2019

a little kindness

by Douglas Messerli

 

Nick Borenstein (screenwriter and director) Sweater / 2019 [5 minutes]

 

This silly short is basically a dance piece that swings on the kitchen door of a gay breakfast appointment that Corey (Nick Borenstein) evidently has with someone he’s connected with through Grindr or some such site. For the occasion Corey is wearing his quite lovely new puce sweater, but is still a little unsure of it, as he asks the diner at the next table if he likes his sweater.

     The diner, who looks to be quite the slob, removes his ear bud, responding that he likes it as he quickly ducks again under his headphones. A few minutes later the mystery man arrives, asking if the waiting young man is Corey. When Corey shakes his head yes, the mean Grindr bitch takes a second a look, lifts his nose into the air and says, “I’m sorry, no!” quickly spinning around and leaving, putting Corey into a rather deep funk.

      Now walking down the street, his beautiful new sweater tied around his waist, Corey is asked by a young straight couple if he might take their picture. Obviously young lovers, focused on themselves, they drop a pizza box with some slices spilling out as he pulls the camera from them. He takes a picture and moves on to a coffee house, where he’s told that the special coffee he’s ordered is $9.00. Shocked by the price, Corey begins by counting out his change. But in this case the nice waiter, probably having no patience for the slow count, tells Corey it’s on the house.

 

    This simple act of kindness results in the remainder of short film turning into a rather pleasant dance number (Borenstein at the lead) as Corey and a chorus of 12 other dancers perform a rather spirited piece choreographed by Tiana Hester.

      The imaginary dance over, Corey’s handed his coffee and asks if the waiter night ever want to grab a drink sometime. He’s flattered by Corey’s offer but explains he has a girlfriend. But he also comments: “Cool sweater, though” truly making Corey’s day despite its bad start. Having put his sweater by around his neck, Corey struts off into temporary happiness, even without a friend.

 

Los Angeles, September 16, 2023

Reprinted from World Cinema Review (September 2023).