Analysis of short film – ‘One Last Chance’ by John Gungon

The plot of this short film revolves around the relationship between Shaun and Ahlysha, who spends the duration of the short film on a picnic date at the park, ending with Ahlysha reading a letter that Shaun had hidden in her handbag. It is not until Shaun’s voiceover happens at the end of the film that we realise that the couple were no longer together, and the date we were witnessing was Shaun’s ‘One Last Chance’ to make things right and apologise for not appreciating her in the time before their breakup.

Aside from the first and last scenes, the duration of the short film was filmed in natural lighting, creating a soft glow on the screen, which complements the warm colours, and helps to create the romantic atmosphere during the picnic date. It also gives a sense of progression of time throughout the short film.

Ahlysha is wearing a monochrome (black and white) flowing dress, and her hair falls along the sides of her face, presenting her friendly and inviting. Shaun is wearing a blue top short-sleeved top with dark blue jeans, which helps to add warmth to his skin tone. The lighting and costume

choices indicate to the audience that the short film is taking place around the summer season and/or in a tropical area.

The red rose prop that is used is introduced in the opening scene as Shaun begins to write his letter for Ahlysha. It appears to be a recurring motif throughout the short film, traditionally connoting love. In this case however, it also connotes a loss of love that Shaun did not cherish prior to the short film. This loss of love could be symbolized by the ending scene, with the red rose lying in the grass, as if it was forgotten.

The use of diegetic dialogue helps the audience to understand the narrative, but also manages to create an enigma surrounding the actual relationship until the end of the short film.

The cinematographer makes use of different shots such as over-the-shoulder and two shots to display the relationship between the two characters. The excessive use of these shots helps to bring the two characters closer together and allows the audience to develop an emotional attachment to them as a couple.