SHORT FILM ANALYSIS 2

Jaspreet Hanspal

iCandy Productions

This production company presents to us a romantic comedy film which features just one character. There is no speech/dialogue, instead, the narrative is told through the actor’s actions and gestures.

The environment again, is a home environment, to create a domestic feel, so that audiences are likely to relate to what is being shown.

It involves a young man waiting and preparing for a date that is due to come in the evening.

A recurring and prominent theme is that of time, the lack/importance of time, and proves to be something that is original to add to a storyline when involving a romance.

First frame- impressions

The title is displayed in a frame which is an extreme close-up of abubbling pot, which gives an indication thattension is brewing. This is quite creative in the sense that we would

normally expect a black screen with the font in the centre of the screen, however this makes the film more interesting from start to end.

This is significant as the first frame does not give us any clues about the main character in terms of who he is, how old he is etc.

The simple short text connotes a snappy feel, highlighting the idea that the film is concise and quick to the point. In other words, a simple linear narrative which is not over complicated at any point.

The scene also sets up a kitchen scene, as we are now made aware that there will be cooking involved in the preparation of this date.

The close-up shots ofthe food that is being pr-epared encompass the Man chopping the food In a rhythmic way in Unison with the background music. The opening

setting being a kitchen shows the character to be mature, as we do not normally associate young males to be experienced in the kitchen.

The warmth of the orange and yellow in the scene give a sense of homeliness as these warm colours create a domestic and comfortable experience as the actor is not in an environment he would feel uncomfortable in.

The repetition of the Chopping is done to createa rhythmic and continuoussense of momentum, mim-icking a clock ticking. Thisis a subtle but effective way of keeping the

audience constantly entertained and drawn into the action of the film, as it can become quite dreary watching a film with no dialogue. This also mirrors the anticipation for the date, and the non-diegetic score music changes as per the character’s mood. Furthermore, it is blended to create a smooth transition from one scene to another.

The cinematography in thissegment is used to draw attentionTo the action, the camera pans down to the chopping of the onionshowing that things are runningsmoothly so far, and that there isharmony in the equilibrium so far.The character’s costume suggestshe is quite young as he is dressedcasually and is sporting an urbant-shirt, suggesting he is a teenageror in his early adult years.

There is mixed use of camera angles to create a dynamic and interestingviewing experience for the audience, and in a waythe director is making up for the lack of

dialogue in the whole production. The swift movement of the sheet being repeatedly set into place signifies the character’s attention to detail;

and his caring attitude to providea good night for him and his date

His caring person-ality is further exploredin this scene as he scatters pettles and candles across the table,these things connote romance, as well as the

wine which is a symbol of elegance and fine dining, as well as intoxication and lust. The well set table is

finished off with a red rose in the centre, and therose is the epitome of theromantic genre as it sym-bolises attraction and love.

The comic element of thefilm is added here, as thereis a typical conventon ofcomedy, suggested nudityand the actor doing a funnydance in the shower, miming singing. This

creates a sense of humour and stability in the equilibrium as everything is running smoothly so far. We can tell

the actor is very concernedwith his appearance and wants to ensure that he islooking his best for his date inorder to impress her.

A mid shot is used in this scene to suggest that there is nudity but not actually show it all, this creates humour as the audience can identify he is naked.

This allows for the audience to have their own interpretation when it comes to watching the film, as everything is not given away directly, the director has allowed the audience to engage with the film in this manner, which heightens the entertainment factor.

The comical elementIs extended in the bath-room scene as the Actor is doing thingsTo make him appear Better on his date. These things are uncomfortableAnd entertaining for theAudience to watch as They provide a light-heaRted insight into people’sInsecurities.The use of a close-up illusTrates the phrase ‘up closeAnd personal’

A longshot is used hereto capture the whole bodyfrom head to toe, which shows the actor as almostnude, which in essence translates as comical.character positioning suggests he wants to be a mas-culine figure and holds hisstance as a superhero,showing what men wouldlike to be, but must acceptthemselves the way they are.effectively representing the ‘real man’ and subverting the expectations of how

men are presented

This is further shown inthe frame above as theactor is tensing his bodyto show his muscles but weas an audience see a leanand regular guy.Now we see the actor inattire that is formal andsophisticated, showingthat he has transformed from silly and immature to mature and suave in order to impress the girl.This is a stereotype that hasbeen followed.

An unusual but effectiveaddition has been made in the frame to draw attention to the importance of time, and a disruption inthe equillibrium as his date is late and has not

shown up regardless of the slow passing of time. Wesee a glum and solemn look on the actors face ashe tries to call her, and to no avail, begins to resortto cleaning and waiting.

The highlighted blue areas

These are all major elements of the climax/attempted resolution of the film. The actor becomes disappointed and eats his own plate of food, then later moves on to eat his date’s dinner also in anger. He then drinks the whole bottle of wine to intoxicate himself and make him fall out of his senses, creating more humour. We feel sympathy for the character as we see through a range of angles he is drinking his sorrows away by finishing the wine. The last frame is upside down to mirror his life now also being upside down.

The symbolism of his handOn his head shows his dismayAnd loneliness, this shot en-Compasses the table with justHim sat on it, highlighting his failed date.

The extreme close-up on the phone delivers to the Audience a shock, asWe see his date has Sent him a messageTo say she is late and Will be over extremelyShortly.

Last scene

The audience lastly seethe shocked and confusedexpression on the actors faceas he is now unaware of what he can do, and is hor-rified at what he has done in anger waiting

for his date. This creates sympathy toward him but also comedy as this is an unfortunate but comic ending which is short and sudden.

Summary

The film cuts to black and we hear a doorbell to identify the fact that his date has arrived and there is no food or drink left. All his efforts have gone to waste. The use of personal space e.g. The bedroom could connote a sense of security when you want to escape from the daily troubles, and this is where the character goes whilst calling and waiting for his date. The loud and bold music used when the actor is convinced his date has stood him up amplifies his anger further.