'The Bench' needs no words to capture hearts

A simple yet meaningful piano score carries this short, word-less film by Valley native Jason R. Johnston.

In five minutes, Johnston accomplishes what some filmmakers can’t do in 90 minutes; he makes you feel sad and simultaneously hopeful.

It’s a simple plot: a man sits on a park bench waiting for love. What results is a Pixar-like short film with heart and simplicity.

Johnston has said that he decided to make the film on a whim. Most of the film doesn’t seem like it, the only dead give away being that if it had been planned, perhaps the filmmaker would have chosen a less windy day or cast a more captivating face for the lead. But the core of the film’s meaning isn’t lost in small details.

And like Pixar, perhaps Johnston’s next short will precede a bigger project of equal quality and earnestness.

The Bench
Directed: Jason R. Johnston
Starring: Eric Salazar
Length: 5 minutes
Watch it: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
Where: Cine El Rey, 311 S. 17^th St., McAllen