Picture Windows

REVIEW
This selection from the ongoing Showtime production of short films features three entries from this uniformly well-executed series. Soir Bleu, directed by Jewison: A traveling central European circus awash in saturated colors and fantastic costumes is the brutal backdrop to this story about a sad clown and his love for a fading trapeze artist trapped in an abusive marriage. Song of Songs, directed by Bogdanovich: Segal is a fussy, judgmental baker experiencing mid-life crisis in this witty morality tale. His outrage at the opening of an intimate apparel shop across the street changes to awe when he meets the shop's spectacularly endowed owner (Kirkland). Language of the Heart, directed by Kaplan: A whimsical, soul-satisfying tale of romance with a talented ballerina, an accomplished violinist who plies his trade in the street, and a lecherous old maestro who, as it turns out, has a heart of gold. An artfully re-created 1920s setting enchances this happy story.