This short-subject film reflects one of the more interesting fascinations of late-nineties filmmakers: video as memory. A meek voyeur approaches a tired woman trying to close up shop. Under the pretense of using the phone, he talks his way in only to reveal that he’s been following her–this visit is to show off his work. But as the woman’s interest in the stranger grows, things start to get interesting. Cheyenne (Lindsay Beamish) rambles convincingly with the tired charm of a SuicideGirls model. Her counterpart, Jason (Jasen Salvatore), however, falters with his more coherent theories on the art of following. His thoughts–like those of the filmmakers–don’t really add up. This may be part of the film’s charm, though. Elliptical editing adds to the feeling of disconnect as Cheyenne probes herself and Jason with his camcorder, drifting between confession and dissection, boredom and curiosity. We never gets a satisfactory understanding of the relationship between these two creatures, but more importantly, of that between them and the camcorder. Although it almost gets by on moody-industrial atmosphere alone, “Echo,” touches on a subject far too interesting for this unfinished treatment. But it’s a memorable experience, anyway, one that casts the shadow of a more accomplished independent production.
