Welcome to “Your Weekly Short,” a LakeFrontRow.com feature that showcases one short from a Wisconsin filmmaker each week, every week. Brace thy face.
The end credits of “The Magnificent Donut” are nearly two and a half minutes, a fact that wouldn’t be notable were it not for actor Paul Helm stuffing his gob with one of Cranky Al’s fine cake donuts. Helm, who plays the softspoken Milt, raises an eyebrow and exaggerates his chews with a supreme sluggishness that should very well put off any viewers from eating a fried pastry. With director Karen Lindholm-Rynkiewicz however, Helm plays the scene for equal parts comfort and ecstasy, a relief given the humility that precedes it.
“The Magnificent Donut” introduces Milt with a whimper as he teeters on indecision in the frigid cold just outside the town bakery. Milt doesn’t just look like he’s never eaten in public; he may have never set foot outside before in his life. After the impatient customers shove him through the door, Milt orders a plain cake donut with his small coffee — and absolutely enjoys it.
He enjoys it so much in fact, that his humble order turns into a “usual” and turns Milt into a regular. So when Milt decides to switch things up and order the flashy, creamy pastry on display, it draws the attention of the entire establishment. Patrons turn in their seats and Mrs. Java (Rebecca Koscinki) cranes her neck as Milt takes a bite of his gooey extravagance. Only it isn’t a delight, and as the mopey violin emphasizes, this is a real struggle. Thankfully, Cranky Al ( ), not wanting his customer to “walk away disappointed,” offers Milt his usual on the house. It’s a surprisingly heartwarming final minutes — surprising in just how low-key Lindholm-Rynkiewicz keeps her story. Although, I suppose if “The Magnificent Donut” wants us to appreciate anything, it’s the little things in life.