User Reviews

who is this guy? how did he do this? how can you infuse such a convoluted, seemingly sophomoric narrative with such humor and...i don't know, something like wistful sadness, with basically none of the tools of modern filmmaking? are those tape splices going by every time it cuts? was this shot on reversal? this movie is so well thought-out, clever, and incredibly sweet that its would-be flaws only make it MORE endearing.

A nameless narrator tells the story of a peculiar college roommate. Vladimir is an impeccably dressed student who wants to become a spy. In pursuit of this goal he learns all he can about espionage, learning codes and leaving secret messages for his roommate (the narrator). Vladimir tries his best to become a real spy, but when he has no luck in his attempt to join several spy agencies, he quits his spy hobby. Then one day he vanishes. The narrator relates rumors that he became an international spy, went to Hollywood, or had been killed. Worried, he leaves a note in one of Vladimir's usual hiding places. Months later he finds a reply, a note reading simply "No Vladimir". This would be the last time that he heard from his old roommate. The narrator says that he still keeps his eye open for codes, and that no matter where he goes he always feels that Vladimir is lurking somewhere, waiting to pass on a message. As the short ends we see Vladimir walking along a crowded city street, and he tips his hat to the camera as he passes.