*PLASTIC- By Sandy Widyanata*
A tracking shot is used to open the sequence as it follows the insect which leads us to the title of the short film, "Plastic". The typography is ineffective in my opinion as it is blurry and looks unprofessional. However, the colour (red) links in with the overall theme of the film- as the clip is somewhat in parody of plastic surgery and body image; it can be argued to be symbolic of blood, danger and also pain. The title disappeared when touched by the central character; I liked this very much and thought this to be very effective- it created a sense of urgency/panic which matched the storyline of getting ready for a date.
There is a close-up of the main characters face which is something that is a common reoccurrence within narrative short films (as I have learnt through my research). It appears that the camera placement is positioned inside the wardrobe which adds a somewhat personal effect. Low-key lighting is used to appear more discreet yet realistic- as if the audience is an outsider witnessing the action in secret.
The mystical backing track hints that the insect has some sort of symbolic meaning; as the sequence continues it appears that the insect directs the audience to the moral of the story. Our gaze follows the insect to a fashion magazine and then later towards a quote about how we must be careful what we wish for, as it might just come true. From this, the message/metaphorical meaning behind the story is made known... All the things that you think are your flaws actually make you who you are; if you were to get rid of those things, or change them in any way, would you still be you? The soundtrack then goes on to sound almost clumsy in tone which matches the action of the main character trying on her jeans as well as adding an element of humour, introducing it as a comedy. Diegetic sound is used to emphasise the ripping of the jeans which is followed by extreme close ups of certain body parts; it can be argued that this emphasises the female's insecurities. The music comes to a sudden halt as the character's stress reaches a peak and her necklace breaks followed by the sudden shattering of the beads; a sound bridge is used as a motorbike passes the window which indicates that time is passing and she is still not ready.
When she discovers that she can deform her face and mould it via her own free will, there is a lack in diction/speech and the clumsy music is reintroduced; this reminded me of Charlie Chaplin films and I found this very humorous and effective whilst watching.
A series of over-the-shoulder shots are used as we see her facing herself in the mirror, almost as if we are seeing her through the eyes of others- only when the camera views her face on (as if we were her reflection) do we see flaws or imperfections; it can be argued that this is symbolic of the fact that others do not see us as negatively as we see ourselves. It appears as if the main female character is breaking the fourth wall when looking directly into the camera, however, it is made clear that the camera is posing as the mirror.
The insect then appears to die after the character realises that she is no longer herself- is the insect representative of the desire to be different? Once this desire is overcome, does the negative view of body image cease to exist- therefore resulting in the death of the insect?
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