Title: I AM BUTTERFLY (Carlos Florez)
Representation
In this short the mother is a single parent with a daughter although it doesn’t her previous background story. In addition we are confronted by the boyfriend (The antagonist in the child’s POV) who doesn’t take interest in the family activities the mother and daughter were partaking in the memory. However the stereotypes of a single parent are complete different to what we are seeing in this film as we are seeing with the use of a vibrant colour correction a joyful and happy scenario with a contrapuntal sound bridge with the police officer. Comparing to other dramas this one doesn’t have a neo noir/realistic approach to the topic they are addressing here which is the account of the mother of the daughter is missing. Although this is clear in the second part of the film the uses of words by the police officer shows that this is indeed an interview about what happened when she last saw her mother and with the choice of words by the daughter quoting “I will kill him if he took my mummy” also shows a break of stereo types as the daughter is at a young age. The Clothing worn by the boyfriend also matches stereo types bow how most children do take interest of a step-father or new boyfriend and also the quotes likes “he’s mean to mummy” shows this. Also between the mother and daughter to the boyfriend, the clothing styles and colours a way different between each other. For example the vibrant reds and summer clothing whereas on the boyfriend he is wearing a leather jacket and ray bans worn by the boyfriend.
Narrative
The narrative is nonlinear due to the case of events throughout the film as they are matched as memories due to the sound bridges used. Although near the end of the film you see the use of something like a dream where she sees her mum walk away from her almost like it was a re-enactment of the event. Which is where the film ends this gives the impression that this could be her about her thoughts and the way this is filmed is seems to be. The sound bridge illustrates the story as it could be that whilst the policeman is talking they could be in a different location. For this on spectator’s point of view is what ties in with what they are feeling as due to this is being written of the original story which the director based it on it touches the audience with emotional tension. Relating to todorovs theory at the start of the short there is a sense of equilibrium. The disruption starts to become apparent when the voiceover sound bridge is used of the officer asking questions about her mum. Then when we see and hear her talking about her mum’s boyfriend we then get the recognition that this may be the disruption also when you see the mum walk about from the child. However in this short you don’t see any reference to a reinstatement of an equilibrium as it stops when the child is lost behind the glass as if she is stuck inside a bubble
Genre
Butterfly has a lot of conventions which match itself to the genre of Dramas as like most other dramas they are serious, plot-driven presentations which the plot in this short is giving a point of view via a sound bridge of what a child’s mind would react and respond to about the loss of her mother the a police officer. Furthermore, settings of the short gives a sense of realism as the location of the film is placed right in the middle of a shopping centre guessing by the accents in America which gives the spectator a chance to feel like they have been there. This also refers to real life situations, where people have either gone missing or the fear that they have gone missing which directing at the spectator gives a sense of emotional drama. Just like any other drama they are not focused on special-effects. Dramatic films are probably the largest film genre, with many subsets which have a lot of conventions that this film has in common.
Audience
The Producer uses a lot of codes and conventions that you would find in a drama. His previous work shown in his other shorts like for example DAYDREAMING shows the codes and conventions which were used in I AM BUTTERFLY like the colour and use of a younger character. Although the genre for that short film would be a comedy due to the light hearted plot. The target demographic I feel for this film will be the 25+ due to the references to the lose a family member and the levels of maturity throughout the direct a much older demographic.
Carlos also won an EMY award for his visual affects although what film/music video he won it for is uncertain.
Media Language
Cuts are the only type of edit used in this short. They act as non-obstructive which don’t distract the viewer’s attention to the Mum and child on screen and also the references from the soundtrack being played. Although it is a sound bridge being played throughout the first minute we can see that the performance of the mum gives the reference that this is flashback memory of the child or someone close to her. With the use of a shallow depth of field between the two characters and the use of the constant 2-shots throughout the whole short until the last 30 seconds shows the relationship of the Mother and Daughter. The clothing and as well as the vibrant colour pallet used really creates a joyful and happy scene which leads onto it relating to the daughters memory of the mum. This could create a contrapuntal atmosphere as we are introduced with another sound bridge but this times either someone in law enforcement perhaps and policemen. This is shown by the types of questions addressing the mother and being directed at the child. Also the lighting technique being used here is to create a beautiful day and highlighting the bright colours so most lightly only the fill light perhaps would have been used. Also the use of medium close ups on the butterfly(the leaves) and the two characters to put emphasis on the main subject being a moment of joy between the two which is shown in the facial expressions of the characters.
Title: Gone Goodbye (Keith Rivers)
Representation
The man in this film is in his late 30’s or 40’s by the facial expressions and age. We are displayed with a man that has lost sense of where he should be doing in his life due to his lover having completely opposite likes and dislikes. For example “ I should of left you years ago Catherine” shows use also by the tone of his voice that he is deeply depressed by the way he is living at this moment in time. Like any relationship it’s hard and a complicated decision to break up especially if it’s been years. This engages the spectator in particular to whom have been in this situation before giving a detailed narration of hobbies they use to do and his feelings. Also to the shots used like in the beginning where an extreme long shot backed by a long take is used to describe and give a sense of a how hard this is for him. Also with the use of the car driving away this can be interpreted of him seeking escapism for his original life with how he thinks of it.
Narrative
The narrative in Gone Goodbye is a linear narrative as it is clear that there a no drastic changes to the plot through beginning, middle and end although there is a twist which is cleverly done. This film explores relationships and privacy in unusual and surprising ways with the breaking old of a middle aged couple. However the film is again like I AM BUTTERFLY narrated through using a sound bridge between clips however there’s a meeting point at the end of the film which brings us back to the beginning again with the use of a prop, the balloon. There is a note attached to the balloon which the character is interested in however after the first few attempt the balloon seems to dodge the grasp of the man. In addition the not contain the actual letter which the man is narrating which comes to a surprise to him. Comparing this to todorovs theory we can see clearly that there is no equilibrium due to the facial expressions of the man at the start as this is hard time for himself due to the expressions and tones of his voice. The recognition of the disruption is when the character opens the letter attached to the balloon and due the action done by him screwing up the paper he feels distressed. On the other hand the attempt to repair the disruption is shown by when the balloon arrives as he is interested in the balloon attempting multiple times with failing to discover the letter.
Genre
Gone Goodbye has a lot of conventions which match itself to the genre of Dramas as like most other dramas they are serious as due to the tone of the narration we can sense a formal but yet sympathetic sense to the tone of his voice about his relationship. The settings of the short gives a complete different view from the first I analysed, this one gives a sense of lonesome due to it being in the middle of nowhere which related to my point about escapism. This also refers again to real life situations, where people do not match each other’s personality due to changes of relationships. This will direct the spectators attention and create emotional feelings perhaps with a past experiences.
Audience
FIRST PLACE WINNER OF THE FILM RACING GRAND PRIX 2009
Best Direction (Drama) - "Gone Goodbye" by Keith Rivers Films, LLC
Best Writing (Drama) - "Gone Goodbye" by Keith Rivers Films, LLC
Best Cinematography - "Gone Goodbye" by Keith Rivers Films, LLC
I feel that this film was directed at an older demographic of both genders due to the reference and topic of the short being about the relationship and how it has affect the man life with due to time and what he feels should happened via writing a letter.
Media Language
With a large amount of this short being either establishing shots followed by extreme long shots and long takes. This gives for example the opening scene some length to focus on the scene which is vastly different to I AM BUTTERFLY where this is seeking escapism and relationship issue to contrast to the absence of a child’s mother. Also with the 2 shot between and the balloon it gives a sense that its him and his wife standing next to each other which leads onto him ‘shooting the balloon’ with the stick and narrating his own speech. Points of Views were also used constantly in the film, giving references to key props like the letter and the balloon to give a sense of engagement. In addition the use of eyeline matches between the character and the letter give a sense of realism and feel like we are in his mind and also the facial expressions after put emphasises on that.
Title: Black hole (Philip Sansom & Olly Williams)
Representation
This film represents social realism as seen by the first scene that it is set in a typical dull, grey and sucked of life office building and with the only character dressed in a white shirt and trousers which is typical in this type of environment. However, the way the young male character is represented due to his rolled up sleeves, organised tie and shirt un tucked does give him the stereotype of middle class people working in an office place. We can see this as from what he is wearing as it doesn't tell us much about his personality other than the expected dress code to be formal like in any other office based job. The target demographic for this film i think be both genders between from the age of 17 to mid 30's as this is because the message behind the film might not be taken by a younger audience as its about the life inside a job which is evolved around an office which most younger audiences wont understand. On the other hand the actual visuals of the film with good use of green screens which creates a illusion would still be enjoyed by anyone. The film is based around that the male character finds himself confused at the start whether he finds a photocopy of a piece of A4 paper with a black dot on it, which becomes almost like a key to anything which he finds out. this results the character to become greedy and wants more and more from it, beginning with a chocolate bar from a vending machine and then money from a safe which soon back fires.
Narrative
The narrative we see throughout the film is in chronological order which gives the spectator a chance to get to grasp what his intentions as of when he acts. The film opens with an extreme long shot which also give a establishing shot of the whole office, and also a focus pull of the male character behind a photocopier with his mug with a dull look on his face giving no emotions. We get a sense of him being unhappy in his job, perhaps its the environment of his working space or that his pay packet isn't what he wants it to be which gives a direct link to the ending as he tries to get more money out of the businesses safe.
Genre
like many short films they are not only one particular genre they use hybrids of genres or use more than one genre in one film because of the length short films whether its 45 minuets long or 45 seconds it is hard to create a story with only aspects of one genre which has a beginning a middle and a end which coincides with that genre in that time. This meant that trying to apply Altman’s theory of semantic codes was too difficult.
The audience for this film would be middle class people maybe from the age of 17 and above. The message behind the film about greed and which may not be understood by a younger audience. The film can be enjoyed simply for its narrative which is put in a basic chronological with no changes or flash backs which works perfectly with the interesting visual techniques. The film has been released on many different websites which allows media formats such as Vimeo, YouTube also alot of short film contest within websites like virgin media shorts and shortbay.
Themes and ideologies
The film has a simple narrative based around morally important message which is constantly shown within the film with the expressions and actions of the young male but also the consequence of his actions which in this is why differentiates to other feature length films due its cleaver and short narrative.
Audience
The audience for this film would be lower, middle and higher class due to it being casted with late teens at college which they are living independently without any finical backing . The message behind the film is about a teen that feels and was told (pranked) that he had 5 minuets to live which then tries to for fill his wishes within the time which follows with phoning his mum whilst sprinting towards his ex girl friend and also donating all his money to charity although momentary insulting his teacher before entering the flat. Also with the narrative of being reversed chronological order enables that spectators must engage them selves into understanding the event or it will just be a scene where a male teen is running.
Title: Tick Tock (Ien Chi)
Representation
This film represents a social realistic/Drama as we can see with the reverse time order of this short. We see two 'college' students from america having moment where the male character only has 5 minuets to live where he has taken either a life threatening poison. Both characters seen at the start (at the end if this was in chronological order) are both pre adults in the girls flat in college and throughout the short 5 main moral traits are displayed throughout the males 5 minuets to live;cowardice, reputation, greed, indifference and laziness although with the character Emit we are not so certain as a spectator whether he has 'pulled a prank' folling the male leading character that he is going to die as by the end of the short (at the start if not reversed) by the expressions Emit is making.
Narrative
The narrative we see throughout the film is in reverse chronological order which gives the spectator an confusing aspect of watching the short as after he takes the morphine I felt as the spectator that this be a reason as why they had chosen to reverse the whole thing. We automatically released this was happening with the shot of the clock ticking anti-clockwise which followed throughout. Also when it came to dialogue subtitles were introduced due to the reversed speaking and the conversation being back to front which made it that the spectator had to engage to try and puzzle the events in front to back order.
Genre
like again short films are not just one genre but hybrids of genres or use more than one genre. However, this has alot of conventions of a romantic drama and a thriller due to the way the male is fighting time to try and live his life to what he thinks he can achieve in 5 minuets and also the inter mate moments with his ex girl friend.Audience
The audience for this film would be lower, middle and higher class due to it being casted with late teens at college which they are living independently without any finical backing . The message behind the film is about a teen that feels and was told (pranked) that he had 5 minuets to live which then tries to for fill his wishes within the time which follows with phoning his mum whilst sprinting towards his ex girl friend and also donating all his money to charity although momentary insulting his teacher before entering the flat. Also with the narrative of being reversed chronological order enables that spectators must engage them selves into understanding the event or it will just be a scene where a male teen is running.
Themes and ideologies
The film has a complicated narrative structure compared to Black hole where the film was shot all in one take which is 5 minuets long without any editing of cuts and what not which makes the short really precise and interesting how the shots were composed on the spot and spontaneous. In compare to feature length films due its cleaver and short narrative there are only a few like Inception and The Prestige which deliver the same kinda feel to a story although its very unique in the sense that its all one take and reversed.
Few tips Sam
ReplyDeleteToo much as a wall of text. Break up text more into separate points - bullets)
Make clear where each film or sub heading begins - use large font here and colour
Screen grabs are good but they just land on the page - tie them to what you are writing about and as a result use them to illustrate points that you are making.