Slap

 SLAP

Where is the beginning, middle, end? What events segment them, what changes in dramatic terms?

- Beginning: up until Archie is beaten up, End: begins at the party 

- Once Archie accepts Connor there is a sense of relief but the film in fact becomes more dramatic and intense after this 

What is this film about? What are the themes and messages?

- masculinity, duality, acceptance, self-expression 

What are the visual motifs? 

- The use of the mirror/Connor's reflection symbolizes his duality and internal conflict concerning his identity 

The setting is important. Why? Consider: geographically, culturally, aesthetically. 

- There is a working class, Northern setting 

- The buildings are very drab and grey which contrasts with Connor's glamourous outfits and make-up

- Social realism is enhanced by a recognizable setting 

- There is also a large contrast between the setting of Connor's bedroom and the boxing gym as they seem to each represent a side of him 

This film feels quite sparse and impassive. There are only a few moments that slide towards subjective experience - how are these manifested in the micro-elements?

- When Connor is walking to the party the music appears to reflect his new-found confidence

- At the party, the dialogue is muffled and Connor is seen in close-up which conveys his upset at the situation 

- At the end of the film in the boxing gym there are no fight sound effects, only music which mirrors his loss of control 

Technically, describe the cinematography.

- Contrast between static shots and chaotic hand-held shots which reflect his conflicting identity 

Consider the use of colour in the mise en scene and cinematography

- Lots of contrast between red and blue throughout 

- The bathroom at the party is a sickly green/yellow colour which adds to the unpleasant nature of the scen 

Performance is critical in short film. What is effective about the lead performance? What demands does the film put upon his performance, and how does he meet them? Consider how it might have been less effective.

- Extreme outpours of emotion- both aggressive and extremely delicate and sensitive

- Emotion comes from both his vocals and his physicality 

Connor’s confrontation with Lola is well written. Why?

- Both parties act poorly and handle the situation badly meaning the audience feels sympathy for both Connor and Lola but can also question both of their responses to the situation 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Echo

  ECHO How does this compare to the other short films we have studied? - It is relatively long for short film  - There is no clear resolution  - There are no attempts to sway the audience in terms of their relationship with Caroline  What are the themes of this short film? - honesty, acceptance, grief, family  What is your response to the main character? How does this change? - The initial response to Caroline is pity as she appears to have lost a family member - However, this then changes once we learn that she has been making it up - This changes again once it becomes clear that she has in fact experienced a tragedy and is coping with it in an unorthodox way  How is the film structured - what knowledge do we have and when? How does this affect our viewing experience? - Structured around the phone calls with each call revealing a new detail to the audience  Is there a distinct beginning-middle-end? - Distinct segments which are signposted by each phon...
Read more

The Fly

THE FLY When and where is this set - how and when is this established? - the film has a 70s/80s aesthetic that is created by the costume but it is not necessarily  clear what time period the film is set in  - The location of the film is established as East London by the accents and by the surrounding buildings When is the beginning, middle and end? - beginning: up until the fly is introduced, middle: up until the man punches the mirror, end: onwards from the punching of the mirror  Eyeline is particularly important - why? How is it established and maintained? - Many of the shots are POV shots of the driver which situates the viewer with him  - The camera angle also gets progressively higher as the tension rises  We are invited to compare and contrast the drama inside and outside the bank. How? What is the effect? - The viewer is not permitted to see the action in the bank but can hear screams, shouting etc. which provides some information  Identify how soun...
Read more

The Arrival

  The Arrival 'The Arrival' is a short film which centers on a young woman named Anna as she waits in a café for the father of her unborn child. The narrative follows Anna's internal monologue as she agonizes about her future with or without this child. The overall colour palette of the film is muted and de-saturated with the café being mostly red and brown and Anna's cream jumper. Anna's make-up is limited and her hair is in a practical style to create the feeling of her being just an everyday person.  The film opens with an obscured long shot of Anna through the dirty window in the café door. The door is then opened and the camera inches closer and closer in a single shot as the film progresses and her thoughts unravel. The lighting is harsh and bright against the more shadowy areas of the room which creates a contrast which mirrors Anna's internal conflict. The mise-en-scene plays a large role symbolically as the clock on the back wall reminds Anna of her lif...
Read more