GREED, a New Fragrance by Francesco Vezzoli (2009)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

It's not often a one-minute commercial makes such a strong statement but then again you've never seen one with Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams and being directed by Roman Polanski. Obviously this short was done in good fun but Polanski brings a rather wicked sense of humor to it and this here is what perfectly shows the "greed." The film starts off with Portman sitting at a chair brushing her hair when Williams walks in and notices the fragrance bottle. Williams tries to see what it is and then..... Well, it's best that you just watch it for yourself. Once "that" happens, I'm not going to lie, it really made me laugh out loud simply because of the music being played and it almost seemed like a witty comedy from the silent era. Polanski certainly knows how to frame a shot and milk everything out of it that he can and it's clear that both actresses are having some fun here. Is this the greatest thing the three have done? Not at all but I don't think they were meaning to do anything other than have fun and sell the product.