Textual Analysis: Film 5

*Connected*

The sequence fades in with multiple establising shots to emphasis the setting and make it a key point of focus; there is a lot of debris in the background and it can be inferred that the genre of this short film is linked with the representation of a dystopian future, therefore appearing as a Sci-Fi. The introducting of the opening title was very effective in my opinion, as the letters appear alongside the tempo/pitch of the backing track- this causes the title to appear fleeting. The typography is well spaced out and is in the format of sans sarif- this appears less feminine/romantic and reinforces the presumed genre; the white of the text also juxtaposes the dark tones used within the background which highlights the importance of the title as it becomes a central point of attention.  The text then becomes larger as the focus zooms in, with some letters become more defined and pointed in shape; the 'C' and the 'D' morph into symbols as the other letters begin to fade out. The frame then flashes in and out of action alongside some diegetic static sound effects.

There is a series of extreme close-ups (gas mask and feet) and the breathing becomes heavier- this soon becomes the main source of sound. This is followed by an extreme long shot/canted angle; this causes the atmosphere to appear uneasy and unpredictable- creating a slightly eerie tone. The sequence makes consistent refereces to technological advances; these advances are emphasised through the lack of diction. An extreme close-up of the actors eye allows the audience to engage/sympathise with them as they are now given human features in contrast to the space suits/gas masks present throughout; this is emotionally arousing and allows the audience to 'connect'.

Another character is introduced mid-clip and the soundtrack increases in tempo; this introduces a sense of tension to the sequence and results in a fight scene- this is a typical convention of films within the 'action' genre, therefore suggesting that this short film is a hybrid. A hand-held camera technique is used at this point as the framing becomes more shaky and increases in rapid movements.
The audio track is also representative of the sense of panic felt as the oxygen levels decrease rapidly. There is a dramatic use of high key lighting which emphasises the extra-terrestrial atmosphere as the intensity of the sun/desert-like setting is highlighted. As the oxygen count continues to decrease within the narrative, tones of red fill the screen in order to symbolise the fear and danger of the situation; these tones flash promptly in order to represent the sense of urgency.

fades out, enters same low toned background, opening credits appear, same symbols as before but now the audience can identify with such symbols as the characters identities.

Textual Analysis: Film 4

*UNWIND- By MainStayPro*

The clip opens with a blank screen consisting of text; this introduces the initial narrative as well as including ambient beeping sounds in the background. As the clip continues, the audience is then made aware that the sequence is set in a hospital (hence the beeping sounds of the machines). There is a consistent use of extreme close-ups as the girls eyes are made a central focus throughout. The sequence goes in and out of surrounding action; this is presented through the use of many point of view shots; the narrative is shown through the young girl's perspective and is also seen through blurred vision- with the supporting characters coming in and out of focus (maybe to appear as if Kelsey is going in and out of consciousness/has distorted image/is drowsy?)

High key lighting is used when introducing the nurse through a close-up of just her face; although this scene appears to break the fourth wall through the use of direct eye contact with the camera, this is in fact used to emphasise that the story is visualised from Kelsey's perspective. The camera is presumably hand-held, creating a more realistic atmosphere; the shaking of the framing supports this idea and reinforces the presumption that the main character (Kelsey) is struggling to maintain consciousness/in focus.

There is a series of flashing lights in the background which alludes to the fact that this particular sequence is within the thriller genre; it appears somewhat dystopian/futuristic and the fast/rapidly paced flashing of the lights build tension and creates suspense throughout; it is also effectively used to emphasise Kelsey's panic.

Towards the end of the short film, the screen goes blank; the auditory narrative still continues, suggesting that the character of Kelsey is no longer awake/conscious. As the closing credits appear, there is some use of intertextuality and self-promotion as the filmmaker gives credit to the inspiration of the book 'Unwind'.

Textual Analysis: Film 3

*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?

Textual Analysis: Film 2

*NIGHT NIGHT NANCY- By Lewis Farinella*

The opening titles for this short film is presented through a text message; not only does this fit into the overall storyline, it is also very effective as towards the end it is revealed that her boyfriend (the person who she is exchanging texts with) is actually the threat towards the main character (Nancy). I found this interesting as what is seemingly a loving goodnight text is soon uncovered to have a double meaning, not only saying goodnight, but also saying goodbye. As my own piece is in relation to a society which is too often consumed by technology, I may choose to do something similar.

Through my AS research of the horror/thriller genre, I found that low-key lighting is very typical of this genre and in this case, I found it to be very influential in setting the tone and mood of the film; as well as this, the darker tones also emphasise the white text which appears in order to divert the audiences attention to reading the storyline.

Due to the representation of technology and the influence it has on the audiences understanding, I presume that this short film was made for a teen/young adult audience due to the modern portrayal of a teenage girl and the social entity to which the story is maintained.

The lack of diction throughout is very effective in this particular genre and it builds tension/suspense, leaving the audience questioning the nature of the film and causing them to keep watching. The backing track is introduced mid-sequence (when the disequilibrium is introduced). This causes the scene to become very intense as the protagonist/victim finds photos of herself sleeping on her phone, alerting her of the intruder inside the house.

The mise-en-scene is well suited to the setting and the time of sequence as the main character appears to be in bed clothing whilst wearing minimal makeup. As well as this, the setting of the room is very plain and understated; this is so that the audiences attention is not diverted from the media appearing on screen.

Numerous tracking shots are used which suits the overall storyline as it alludes to being followed- this arouses a sense of both fear and paranoia from the audience. This is followed by a match-on-action as the main character enters/exits the room; this puts the central focus on the main character, appearing almost as if the clips are appearing as she sees them herself (point of view).

The audio (backing track) halts when a feeling of comfort/relief is introduced, almost to the effect of a cliffhanger as the audience is left on edge. The antagonist/villain is then introduced into the sequence followed by a close up of the female's facial expression in order to emphasise her fear. The pace and tempo then increases with the speed of the clip, the music peaks as the character runs. There is also consistent diegetic sound from this point onwards as we have now been aware that there is an intruder in the house- hearing him approach from the next room.

A point of view shot is used in order to put the audience in a position of fear and vulnerability- almost as if they are the victim themselves- we see what she sees whilst she is hiding in the wardrobe.

The rule of thirds is also used as the antagonist is positioned slightly to the right of the frame, he then continues to walk into the centre once acknowledging her hiding place- this belittles her and puts him in a position of dominance. He is framed into the shot using a medium shot whereas she is featured through the use of close-ups.

The antagonist then re-enters central screen with a close up of the mask- as he disappears again the music pauses for dramatic effect. There is diegetic sound effects as the phone rings; we then see an extreme close-up of he hand as she reaches for the light, therefore emphasising the suspense of her actions- also allowing the audience to sympathise with her fear.

High-key lighting is used when the bloody figure is seen which is then followed by the only piece of diction within the entire piece of media- "Night night Nancy". This interlinks with the title and is therefore effective, engaging with the audience and emphasising the relevance of the title. The lights then turn off and the short film is left on a cliffhanger.

The typography appears almost floating in order to create an eery effect alongside the music; this reinforces the desired genre and may or may not impact the audience's perception of the tone/mood.

Textual Analysis: Film 1

*LOVESICK- By Kevin Lacy- Director at The American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles*

The sequence opens with a close up of a female character in which her facial expressions and body language allow the audience to gain knowledge that she is angry/upset. Due to the background being out of focus, it can be argued that the female is therefore the most dominant within the scene; however through the use of a voice-over, non-diegetic sound takes the central focus of the clip. The use of slow-motion as well as a slow push out zoom leads into the introduction of the main character within the film- the male. An over-the-shoulder shot is then used in which the mise-en-scene remains blurred in the background. 

The sequence then pauses whilst the voice-over continues; as well as this the pause of ambient sound creates a sense of humour within the clip. When the title is introduced, the main character is reinforced as a central focus as he is positioned in the centre of the 'O'. The continued slow motion alongside the contrasting soundtrack of a very happy and peaceful atmosphere creates the effect of foreboding as the audience is then lead to await or expect some sort of event. 

As the character's emotions change to a more positive and hopeful outlook the speed of the background music increases and becomes more joyous. This is then followed by two close-up shots of both the main character and his new love interest; however, when referring to the rule of thirds, the male remains to the right of the frame whereas the female is positioned more centrally- implying that she possesses the upper-hand. A vintage effect is then used to portray a flashback type sequence; this reinforces the females dominance due to her being portrayed as some sort of fantasy. Match-on-action shots are consistent throughout this short film in order to show progression and emphasise the extent of the journey. 

As well as this, the use of high angle tracking shots in use with the increased speed of the soundtrack conveys a sense of desperation in which can be reinforced through the diction of the voice-over. Amateur camera work (hand-held camera, shaky effect) is used when the main character is running towards his destination; this is effective in producing a realistic and engaging sequence in which the audience can match the desired emotions portrayed via the main character. When the location changes to some sort of alleyway or tunnel, back lighting is used to emphasise the main characters silhouette as well as the following use of brief high key lighting to display feelings of hope and excitement; this is later knocked down when the main character encounters a problem (getting knocked down by a car) - disrupting the equilibrium of the plot. 

The pace then quickens once more to match the emotions and facial expressions of both the main character and the little boy referred to as 'Bieber'; both the excitement and the frustration both result in the increase of speed within the soundtrack to reinforce the action seen within the clip. 

The music then decreases in both pace and volume until it comes to an ultimate stop; it then re-enters the same soundtrack used to introduce to clip, implying a that there is/will be a cyclical nature of events. The main character then sees the love interest once more, this provokes the non-diegetic sound of wedding bells; upon entering the long awaited conversation between the two, the audience are left to lip read the sentence 'I'm so in love with you - marry me?'. Through not being able to hear this diction the audience is left to rely on the following action (her response) in order to follow the scene progression. The same speech that was introduced within the beginning of the sequence is then used once more, reinforcing the repetition of the plot. The typography is large, bold and very circular in font; this is a very effective as it can be interpreted as a representation of the short itself- impulsive, child-like and making a statement. 

Upon initially watching this short film I enjoyed it as a whole, however, when watching it a second time I found myself easily distracted as due to the genre of a romantic comedy I found it quite cliche and very predictable. There are certain aspects such as the repetition that I do not wish to repeat within my own product however there were certain technical skills (such as camera work) that I plan to experiment with and portentially apply to my own work.