Student film explores bedroom nature

On any random weekend night at any college in the nation, there are students having sex. Some of these encounters are casual and only for one night. They might not involve much emotion and the act isn't considered to be love. "Three Animals, One Stuffed" takes a look at this subject in a realistic manner. It is a glimpse into the dorm room of casual sex.\nThe short film, running 32 minutes, was written and directed by senior Scott Schirmer and produced by senior Dan Dixon. The film takes place in a college dorm room (filmed at Collins Living-Learning Center) and features a guy and a girl who hooked up for the night. \nThe film takes a look at the controversial issues of one-night stands, safe sex, rape, pregnancy and abortion. At times the story seems a little far-fetched, but in actuality it is a very realistic observation about college "dating."\nMost of the narrative takes place inside the room and stars senior Jayson Wickenkamp and junior Lesley Dial. Wickenkamp, who looks and sounds like a young Jerry O'Connell (not the chubby young O'Connell in "Stand By Me," but the young one in "Sliders"), plays the part of the sex-obsessed college boy so well you really feel that he is Max. Dial convinces the audience she is the "moralistic" girl just looking for a good time, but also acts as a conscience for Max. Both actors do a great job.\nThe filming itself is the best aspect of the entire production. The budget was just $500, but the cinematography looks professional. The film is mostly shot in long takes and medium close-ups, and this adds to the realism and can convince an audience that what they are watching really happened.\nMany student films are done cheaply and look like it. Schirmer's film on the other hand does a good job convincing you that what you are watching was done professionally. "Three Animals, One Stuffed" is a pretty impressive short film. The only way this reviewer could tell he was watching a locally produced film was by sitting right behind Max and his friend, who was giggling when Max had his shirt off. If that aspect wasn't there, the film would easily be able to hide itself as a professional picture.