On the first viewing of this film, I didnt like the camera angles and the camera movement. I thought the pacing of the editing was inconsistent, and that the continuity and sequence of shots didnt flow. However the second time I watched it, I can see why the director made those decisions. It is only in short films and music video, do upcoming film makers truly get to experiment, and develop their own style. I initially felt, that the first scene was rushed. Awkward camera angles, choppy cuts, made it hard to attach or focus on any of the characters. The director slowly gives you hints and information about whats going on. In the first 10 seconds of the short film, we are introduced to shots, of a man having a seizure, located outside of which could be a church or an old government building. Next to the old man, is a girl who is trying to comfort him, while screaming out to the public for help. We hear an ambulance coming, so we know help is on the way. When they arrive, we learn the paramedics are familiar with the old man and that the girl is not related to old man in anyway, she just happened to be around and was aiding the old man,until the paramedics arrived. I think the director had intended this scene to be mysterious not confusing. He used unconventional ways of film making techniques to set up the premise of story, with the use Low camera angles, Side profile shots, camera shake and snappy editing. His contrast of colours is nothing short of brilliant, with the simple with use of red, black and white. Most times when you see upcoming film makers try to be to experimental or creative, it usually turns out to be a disaster, but this was not to be one of them. The red in the paramedics uniform can be associated to the sense of emergency or danger. The girl in white, although cliche gives a sense of pure and innocence. The older man, who appears to be a hobo, dressed in dark clothing, could represent a lot of things, like the mystery of the character, or could imply a dark past, or depression. But the mix and combination of these characters, colours, and composition, is intriguing. When the girl rises from the ground, its like a metaphor for life(White), theres a couple of low camera angle shots to emphasize this. Then when we see the old man, who is laying hopelessly on the ground, its like a metaphor for death(Black), this is also emphasized, from using the camera to hovers over him, from a high angle, as he slowly passes out. The paramedics, which the likely metaphor would relate to blood, and reviving(Red), The camera is almost leveled when on the paramedics, which neutralizes them in this situation. The director also used side profile shots to tell the audience that, the paramedics are not important to story. In film, telling the story through colour, composition and subtext is far more exciting, than explaining everything through dialogue. Thats what you theater for. Sometimes I like to watch good movies with noticeable flaws and pick them apart. Unfortunately it is mostly from upcoming film makers that make the mistakes. Mistakes are good, you learn what works and what doesnt, but sometimes the cost of a mistake can be fatal. If you received some kind of funding or have been backed by investors/studios; and youre expected to make a profit,but fail, it is likely your career would be put on hold or even worst, the end of it. Although You could make a comeback by producing films in the indie market. Anyway back to the noticeable flaws, sometimes they arent flaws, as was the case of this film, I was the one being schooled. I enjoyed the rest of the film, but it was the beginning that I remember. HeHe :D
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 04:16:11 +0000