Short film analysis This is a film about Tom and Maddy by Dylan
Stephen Levers (shortoftheweek.com)No eye contact
In the short film This is a film about Tom and Maddy it uses a
wide range of camera angles to portray the relationship between Tom
and Maddy and their feelings. Firstly, from the start we see the
inside of this failing relationship. This is seen by the lack of
eye contact and intimacy between the couple. By making the couple
appear distant on the screen, it shows how they are feeling in
their minds. In addition, this distance is continued when Tom is
shown on his laptop with headphones in, completely oblivious that
Maddy is there, he has shut himself away from reality (of Maddy)
perhaps showing he doesnt want to be there. Also in this camera
frame Maddy is seen to be in the background and is blurred out
showing perhaps her unimportance to Tom and reflects her feeling
invisible to him. The director may have choose to make the
background a blur to gain the audiences attention on what they want
to be mainly seen. Likewise, the camera angles used are typically
straight-forward and would be considered boring, but it actually
reflects how not-straight-forward this film is, nor their
relationship. Blurred
Moreover, close ups are also used on Maddy at the beginning of
the film when they are in bed. Maddy is awake perhaps showing that
her mind is full of unanswered questions she feels the need to ask
Tom. The close up shot is effective in this scene as it
concentrates on Maddys feelings and emotions, which is that the
director wants the audience to feel and see. This close up shot
focuses on her facial expressions, which takes up the mind of the
character.
Moreover, in this short film sound is also used to show the
emotions of what is happening. mid-way through the clip, Maddy
turns on music (non-diegetic) this is classical music which we
associate with a sad theme and has the connotations of tragedy and
heartache, which may portray the couple going their separate ways.
This music reflects her dull and unsure feelings towards Tom. In
addition, voice overs are also used in this film, I think this is
used so that Maddy can express her feelings that they feels she
cannot say to Tom. It is what she is thinking in her head. Also, a
sound bride is used whereby we hear the couple arguing before we
seem them on the screen, showing their dysfunctional
relationship.
In addition, mise-en-scene is used in this film to portray the
mood. The two characters are both seen in dull clothing of dark
colours, perhaps reflecting their moods. They are seen in blacks
and greys, which we do not link with happiness or love. This also
links with the dull setting, of an un-homely empty house reflecting
the couples dull and empty relationship.
Lastly, the short film also uses a range of transitions and
camera shots. Firstly, slow edits are used to tell the story The
edits switch between the man and woman, this makes is easier to
tell the story, it is very much story-telling based and not
dramatic.She appears worn out and fed up Wonky pictures reflects
the wonky relationship