Although Michael Snow's career has been sporadically successful at best, Prelude, is one of his best works. This short, made for the Toronto International Film Festival, stands on its own on many levels: the use of strong colors, mirrors, sound, and character archetypes. The script is especially biting as it includes satirical commentary on TV, society and film itself. It's frenetic activity may confuse many people, but everything considered, every moment of the film is used to it's utmost potential, and all in one long shot. A great short work from one of Canada's masters of experimental film.