Review for ‘‘Òran na h-Eala’’ by Steve Exeter

Steve Exeter crafts an intense, honest tribute to Moira Shearer, putting Shannon Davidson in her shoes, in more ways than one. An unusual short-form tribute to a great personality of the past century, Òran na h-Eala mixes modern techniques with the period setting to great effect.

A laser-focused form of character study, Òran na h-Eala allows us a speculative look into the mind of Moira Shearer as she is faced with a career and life-changing dilemma, and is put under pressure from the movie industry at the time. The short takes us through her thoughts as she struggles to balance ambition, obligation, the potential of stardom, passion and personal life and health, with her eventually arriving to the true-to-life conclusion of not succumbing to the rat race for glory. The story beats & script, although historically accurate & respectful, are at the same time nothing to write home about.

Exeter's short however shines due to two main aspects, Davidson's excellent acting and holistic homage to Shearer, as well as the great visual experience that elevates this chapter in her life to entertaining media. From the introspective solo sequences, to the hazy, dreamy dance numbers and from the character conflict to the final, interview-like monologue from the protagonist, everything is polished, expertly-crafted and centered right on Shannon/Moira, the barrier between whom becomes ever more transparent as the short goes on. Soundtrack, editing, cinematography are all on point, as well, effective if typical. It bears mentioning that the credits during the intro boast some of the most beautiful art seen even in high budget productions across the last decades.

It is important to keep in mind the short's purpose. As docufiction, it is absolutely to-the-point and informative without neglecting the musical aspect of Shearer's career, so while it might not keep up the tension of a traditional biography, it works wonders within its length and means.