Research: Genre Specific Analysis of 'The Division of Gravity' - Rob Chiu

This film tells the story of a break down of a relationship and learning to move on with your life. Although this film does not sit directly within the coming of age genre it does follow a very similar concept to our main film idea, so I felt that it would be a good piece to directly draw inspiration from.

Narrative 
The narrative of this film follows the breakdown of a once loving relationship. The use of voiceover from the female protagonist is a vital element in the telling of this story, as she conveys the moral of the narrative of learning to let go and move on. This film falls into the genre of drama, and although the protagonists are both adults, it does conform to many of the conventions of the the coming of age genre. For example, almost always the main character of a coming age film will go on a journey of personal growth. This is something we are able to witness with both characters in this short film. Relationships and falling in love are also prominent themes within this genre.

The resolution and overall message of moving on that is presented to us at the end of the film, ultimately means that this film follows Todorov's theory of equilibrium. Although there are flashes forward to the ultimate end of the relationship, the story begins on a relatively happy note. The relationship then falls apart, yet there is still a resolution as both characters seemingly reach peace by the end of the film.

The overall tone of this film is that of reflection. The use of voiceover conveys this, as the female character adopts a contemplative approach when talking about the relationship. Her words are also rather vague, in that they could be interpreted to be reflecting on life in general, not just the end of a relationship. The reflective tone of this film is also expressed through the frequent references to nature and to a 'bigger picture'. Thus suggesting that this is a reflection on life, not only a breakup.

Character Representation 

There are two characters in this film. Both are between the ages of 24-30 years old. Although this is not the typical age for a protagonist in a coming of age drama, both characters express traits of a typical coming of age protagonist. They are both blindly in love, and because of this, are arguably somewhat naive as to where their relationship could be headed. Once the relationship had ended, they both have to move on, and in this process they inevitably gain wisdom and maturity. This journey of self realisation and personal growth is typical of the genre and is the basis for this narrative, thus making this film conform to aspects of a coming of age film.

The female lead in this film is rather conventional. She is pretty and appears caring and loving. However she is not shown to be working or to have a career, thus she conforms to the female archetype in the drama genre. Her male counterpart appears to be the bread-winner in the relationship as it is ultimately his unrelenting work ethic that causes the breakup. These conventional character types are unsurprising. As short film directors have a limited amount of time, it is common for their characters not to be overly developed, therefore they tend to stick to characters that are familiar and understandable for the audience.

Mis En Scene 
During the first half of the film, short flashes to after the breakup are interspersed throughout scenes of the seemingly happy couple. There are significant shifts in tone between these scenes. The scenes of the couple being happy and in love are brightly lit with warm tones. Whereas, the alternate scenes are cold and grey. The rooms also appear less lived in as items seem disused and abandoned, suggesting that the character is in a depressed state. These changes in mis en scene, highlight the distinct difference in the emotional states of the characters before and after the relationship. This therefore creates sympathy within the audience as they can see the impact of the breakup.

The man's camera is an important prop in this story and is referenced frequently. For example we see both characters gradually covering a wall with photographs. The wall is later reintroduced into the story, however now the man is tearing it down as his relationship is over. As this is a short story, there is little time to build character depth. Therefore Chiu has had to use more innovative ways of presenting the breakdown of this relationship, in a way that will ultimately strike an emotional cord with the audience. The use of the camera and the man's love for photography was a clever move on the part of Chiu as it parallels the relationship. We see it's progression in the form of the wall, and then we witness it's downfall at the hands of the man, who arguably, also ruined the relationship.

Through costuming, we also see a distinct difference in the male character before and after the relationship. At the start he looks well-dressed, tidy and happy, whereas afterwards, he looks untidy and in a state of disarray. He is also shown to be smoking, thus connoting that he is stressed and in fragile state of mind. This therefore creates sympathy for the character and highlights the severity of the breakup. 

Sound
The voiceover narration is a key element in this film as it translates the message of the film across the audience. It also provides a much more profound outlook on the story and therefore brings another element into the film that allows the audience to reflect on their own lives.
Dialogue is also used frequently in this film, and often plays an important role in portraying the story. For example there is a distinct juxtaposition in the way the characters converse in the beginning and at the end of the film. When they are in love they talk about how happy they are and how much they love one another. Whereas when the relationship starts to break down, all of their dialogue is delivered as shouting or in the form of an argument. This therefore shows the complete breakdown of the relationship and the distinct difference in how it was before compared to how it is at the end.
Music is also used in this film to create ambience. For the majority of the film there is gentle instrumental music in the background, suggesting peace and calm. This music later builds in intensity as the arguments begin. During these scenes the music is louder and faster, thus conveying to the audience that something significant is about to happen (the breakup). Then later, as the characters find happiness once again, the music is once again calm and gentle.

Camera
Frequent references are made to nature throughout this film, and a variety of shots are used for this purpose, including long shots, close ups and mid shots.

The voiceover could be interpreted to be talking about bigger things than just the end of a relationship, and the quotes at the beginning of the film appear to reference life as a whole rather than just a breakup. Therefore, the references to nature also relates to this 'bigger picture' and suggest that the characters will eventually move on. This idea is further enforced with one of the final scenes of the man looking out onto the ocean, then smiling as if he has finally found peace of mind. The use of a long shot in this scene, shows the expanse of the ocean and thus contributes to this idea. In this shot, there also appears to be a ray of light in the cloudy sky, which suggests a ray of hope for the man.

Many of the shots, locations and scenarios that are featured in the beginning of the film are recreated later in a negative light. This juxtaposition between the scenes highlights the negative impact that the breakup has had on the characters. For example, the first time we see the two character together, they kiss in a car. We later see them in that same car having an intense argument. 

A similar effect is used, in which shots will be shown of the characters in similar or identical situations. For example the same shot of each of them sat on a train looking out of the window is used. However they are both on opposite sides of the frame, thus suggesting their connection but also their separation.

Editing 
Sound bridges are used a few times in this film, in order to highlight the complete shift between 'then' and 'now'. For example, there is a scene in which the man is putting a picture of the girl up above the mantle piece. He says that it will stop him from 'sitting in the sofa by myself miserable'. The scene cuts to him in the future crying and taking down the picture as this dialogue plays over the top. This creates a lot of sympathy for the character as he becomes exactly what he said he didn't want to be; by himself and miserable.

Slow motion is also used when the couple are at the beach. In this scene there is no diegetic sound, just the background music and the voiceover. The use of slow motion, suggests that this is a treasured moment that will not last. This is the last scene in which we see the two together as a happy couple, therefore by using slow motion it coveys the importance of this moment and the fact that it will not last.

Other than a few sequences, the editing in this film is minimalistic. Simple cuts and techniques are used, yet they provide great impact as they often cut to the future, which juxtapose the happy scenes and cause a sense of foreboding within the audience.

Conclusion 
This film follows a very similar concept to our film idea. We also plan to use a voice over in our film, that will provide a bigger picture to what the audience is seeing. This film also relies heavily on camera to portray particular elements of the story. This is something I would like to incorporate into our film, and therefore I will refer back to this film for inspiration.

Research: Genre Specific Analysis of '9 Meter' - Anders Walter

'9 Meter' follows the story of a young man whose mother is terminally ill in hospital. He believes that whenever he breaks his long jump record his mother's health improves. Therefore he is willing to go to extreme lengths to break each record.

Narrative

This story conforms to many conventions of the coming of age genre. The main protagonist is a teenager, most likely between the age of 15-18 years old. He is also experiencing the illness of a family member, another prominent theme in this genre. The story also features many conventional locations and settings, for example hospitals, city environments and public sports facilities are all common locations in the coming of age genre.

This film tells a story of hope and desperation. Daniel, the main protagonist, is learning to cope with the fact that his mother is terminally ill. His method for surviving this sad time is to hold onto childish superstitions. He believes that every time he breaks his long jump record, his mother gains strength, however this is not true. This is a coming of age drama as it tells a story of a young man having to deal with an adult issue, and having to grow out of childish superstitions to face a horrible truth; however he never does. It is for this reason, the film does not follow Todorov's equilibrium theory. The film begins with disequilibrium, which is never truly solved at the end. We are left with a cliff hanger as, in one last desperate act, Daniel attempts to jump 9 meters, in order to save his mother's life. 

The telling of this narrative is split equally between dialogue, sound, camera and editing. All of these elements are used to split the narrative in half. There are two major plot lines in this film: Daniel's long jumping and his mum's illness. Thus reflecting the problems he faces and also how he intends to deal with them. 

Character Representation
Daniel is presented as a naive, yet caring young man. His lack of maturity is a key feature in this film, as he continues to run away from his problems in favour of childish superstitions. Although there is no real resolution at the end of this film, the theme of 'coming if age' still stands as we follow him in his attempts to deal with such a difficult and emotional situation.  

At 0.32 we are given an insight into Daniel's determined character. In this scene he prepares for his jump. Two close up shots are used in this scene to show the controlled movements of both his feet and hands, suggesting that he is in complete focus.

The music also fades away in the scene, thus further enforcing Daniel's concentration during this moment. Upon his landing, a sound bridge is used to link his jump with his mother's life support machine. Therefore, from the very beginning, the key features of the narrative are introduced to the audience, and the real reasons for Daniel's complete concentration are revealed; he is trying to save his dying mother. Thus, from the start, Daniel's caring nature is conveyed to the audience. 

In the next scene, with Daniel sitting beside his mother's hospital bed, a high angle shot is used to express their vulnerability.  This shot conveys not only his mother's fragile physical state, but also his weak emotional state. Thus, this introduces further layers to his character within the opening scenes of this short film. 

The film is also interspersed with conversations between Daniel and his younger friend. His friend offers him advice and thus acts as his support system. This character type is another common feature of the coming of age genre. It also suggests that Daniel is a lonely character, seeking support from those around him during this difficult time.  

Mis En Scene
For the entirety of this short film, Daniel wears the the same red sports wear. This may suggest that the film is taking place over only a few days and during this time, Daniel has not stopped in his pursuit to jump 9 meters. The colour red also connotes love and passion; love for his mother and an undying passion to make her well again. His friend also wears the same grey jumper in every scene. This may suggest his stability as a character, as he is always there for Daniel to rely on.

The locations in this film are also very conventional of the coming of age genre. The characters live in a city, and often visit locations such as hospitals and family homes, both of which are common within the genre. There is also a distinct difference in tone between the hospital and other locations. In these scenes the room appears dull and dreary, thus conveying the emotions of Daniel when he is with his mother. His mother also wears white during these scenes, thus suggesting her purity and vulnerability. 

Sound
Diegetic sound is used throughout the film. In many scenes there is no background ambience, which in turn allows the diegetic sounds of the scene to remain prominent. For example, the first scenes with his mother in the hospital have an uncomfortable atmosphere. Along with the one sided conversation he is having with his unconscious mother, there is the constant beeping of a life support machine, thus making it clear to the viewer that she is very ill. However in other scenes music is often used to emphasise Daniel's determination to break a new record. For example at 2.15 Daniel's friend gives him new inspiration. Following this conversation, we see a new spark of hope for Daniel, which is further backed up by the up beat music that begins playing in the background. The effect of this is that it translates Daniel's new found ambition onto the audience as they too begin to feel that there could be a happy ending to this story. This type of music is used again when Daniel attempts his second jump in the film (5.20). This provides a similar effect as the audience is willing him to make the jump.

Camera
A variety of shots are used in this film, often for the purpose of conveying the tone of a situation that Daniel is in. Some examples of these shots are:

This is the first shot of the film, following the opening titles (0.08). This long shot establishes the setting of the film; a city. It also provides us with an insight into the character of Daniel. In this shot he appears to be lost in thought as the world passes by below him. This suggests that he feels both isolated and lonely as he appears to have no connection with what is going on around him.

POV shots are also used throughout the film. These shots tend to correspond with Daniel planning his next jump. By using these shots, the audience is provided with an insight into Daniel's mind before he outright explains his plans. This therefore provides a stronger sense of foreboding as we are unsure for a time of how far he will go.

This shot is also used to create a sense of unease within the audience. It is a long shot showing the pit that Daniel intends to jump over. He throws a can into the pit thus reflecting the danger he is putting himself in, as the hole appears to be never ending. This shot further enforces the desperation of Daniel to make his mother well again.

Once again a sense of unease it created within the audience, with the use this shot (7.08). This is an extreme long shot which reflects the extreme situation that Daniel as put himself in, in order to jump further. This not only makes the audience dread the jump, as he has put himself in a very dangerous situation, but also creates sympathy for the character as his desperation to save his mum is evident.

Editing
Water (director), appears to have adopted a minimalistic approach to the editing of this film. Simple cuts have been used in favour of complex sequences. From 9.30 onwards, when Daniel decides to jump 7 meters again, a quick series of cuts are used. This is an interesting sequence as it reflects the intense emotions that the character is feeling in that moment. For example, in a display of anger he kicks a bag off of the roof, the scene then cuts to the bag landing on the floor below and a concerned man looking up to see what is happening.

Before Daniel decides to jump back, there is moment of calm where the same shot is held for 10 seconds. Then there is a sudden change as he turns and runs to jump back to the other building. A series of quick cuts then begin, showing a varying range of shots and angles, thus making the scene more intense for the audience. 

Conclusion
Overall, I believe there are manly elements of this film that I can look towards for inspiration. The use of camera in this film is effective in conveying the story and this is something that I will need to do in my own film. The shifts in tone and mis en scene to reflect the mood of the scene was effective in conveying the storyline and therefore is something that I will look towards when planning the shots for my own short film. I also like the fact that this film stands within the coming of age genre, yet there is no resolution at the end. I therefore feel that there is room within this genre to have an interesting plot line that does not necessarily follow Todorov's theory of equilibrium.

Research: Non-Genre Specific Analysis of 'Vicky' - Manu Antony

'Vicky', follows the story of a dog who, after being caught in a booby trap, finds a new found appreciation for freedom and independence. The newly enlightened character then goes on to set two of her owner's caged birds free in a display of rebellion.

Narrative. 
The protagonist of the film is a dog, therefore providing an interesting point of view for the audience. This character choice also makes it important for the plot not to be too complex, otherwise the story will become difficult to follow. This short belongs to the genre of drama, and thus is true to Todorov's theory of equilibrium. Firstly, there is equilibrium. Vicky happily bounds around her comfortable, rural home seemingly without a care in the world. Her owner then brings home two caged birds, which, through camera, editing and sound, is presented to the viewer as an unusual event. However the overall tone of the film remains happy and up lifting. The disruption in the story comes when Vicky mistakenly falls into a hidden booby trap. Once she is free she appears to have a new-found appreciation for freedom, and thus frees the birds, bringing peace and equilibrium back into the story.

This film features virtually no dialogue. Therefore, camera, editing and sound play vital roles in the telling of this story. We follow Vicky, a dog, in her journey of self realisation. As the main character is an animal, Antony (director) has had to develop innovative methods of conveying Vicky's emotions and reactions to particular events. For example, shortly before Vicky sets the birds free, a close up shot is used to suggest that she is feeling empathy towards the birds. This is further enforced with a back and forth editing sequence between past and present. This was effective as it displayed the similarities between Vicky's brief experience of being trapped, and the bird's current situation. 

Editing 

As I mentioned before, editing plays an important role in this film, as dialogue is almost not included at all. Due to the film's dependancy on editing, Antony has included some complex and interesting sequences and techniques. One example of this comes when Vicky awaits her owner's arrival. This is an important scene in the film as it introduces the two birds. As Vicky waits she imagines what treats he may bring; this is displayed through the use of special effects. A high angle shot shows Vicky sitting expectantly as the screen fills with images of cartoonish bones and food. The scene then cuts to differing shots of the owner carrying items such as chicken or fish. These hopeful expectations come to an end when Vicky first sees the birds. This leap back into reality highlights how unusual this event is, as it is far from the expectations Vicky had. 

Another interesting sequence comes when Vicky falls into the booby trap. This scene features rapid cuts and changes in shots, to correspond with Vicky's panic. This sequence is therefore effective in conveying the tone of the scene. 

This scene is used again later in the film, as a few clips replayed when Vicky decides to free the caged birds. This is an interesting editing sequence as the shots cut from past to present to display the similarities between the two situations. Therefore conveying the sympathy that Vicky now feels towards the caged animals. Post-production also added a sepia tone to the booby trap scenes in order to present them as memories and not events happening in real time. 

Mis En Scene

All of the locations is this film are rural. There is a strong theme of man versus nature within this narrative and therefore nature is a prominent element in the story. Each scene appears naturally lit with a natural jungle background, which provides a raw, untouched feel to the locations, therefore ultimately corresponding with the theme of nature.  

The props used in this film also confirm the simplistic lifestyle that these characters lead. Each item appears make-shift or to have come to be there by chance. For example, there is a scene in which Vicky looks into a mirror. The mirror is merely a shard of reflective glass, that appears to be rough and old. This prop is important to the narrative as the scene conveys Vicky's self awareness as she assesses her reflection. 

Costuming is also used to effect in this film as after Vicky has been saved from the trap, we can see a distinct difference in her appearance. Before, she was well groomed and clean. Whereas, after the incident she appears dirty and disheveled. This shift in physical appearance parallels Vicky's character development, as she is now sympathetic to the situation of the caged birds. 

Sound

Throughout the entirety of this short film there are diegetic sounds of insects and the forrest played in the background. This therefore provides a constant reminder to the audience that this is a rural setting and also reinforces the prominent theme of nature within the narrative. Antony has also made use of diegetic sounds from Vicky. Barking, whining and panting noises are all included to serve the purpose of conveying the dog's emotions. For example when Vicky is trapped in the hole she is distressed and therefore she whines and barks. This in turn creates sympathy within the audience as they understand that she is frightened and alone. 

Music is also used in this short. This music fades in and out and changes in tone depending on the situation. For example, as Vicky realises that she is trapped and she becomes tired, a melancholy instrumental begins to play. Another example of music can be seen when Vicky releases the birds. Up until she opens the cage, the music builds in sound and tempo, thus conveying to the audience that something significant is about to happen. 

Camera

The use of camera to convey emotions and reactions to particular events is important in this film as there is virtually no dialogue. Therefore a range of varying shots and angles are used for this purpose. For example, during the booby trap scene a variety of shots are used, in order to express Vicky's panic. The scene ends with an extreme low angle, looking up out of the hole towards the sky. The shot is completely out of focus and the camera moves in a disorientating fashion. This serves to present Vicky's point of view during the scene as the panic eventually subsides and she passes out. 

Particular shots have also been included by Antony in an attempt to enforce the theme of nature. For example, the first shot of the film is a long, establishing shot that presents the rural setting of the film. 

Also, throughout the film, extreme close ups are used on a variety of insects. These shots not only convey the theme of nature but also freedom. They show a juxtaposition between the life of a pet (Vicky) and the life of free creatures. 

For the shots that feature the only human character in the film, particular care has been taken not to show the man's face. A variety of shots are used to serve this purpose, for example mid shots are used to introduce the character. These shots do not reveal anything above the man's shoulders, therefore maintaining an air of mystery around the character. Again, when Vicky waits for him to come home, we only see his legs and the caged birds in a low-to-the-ground mid shot. These techniques have been used to present the character as a metaphor for mankind, not an individual person. By not revealing the man's face it de-humanises him and takes away his individuality, thus conforming to the prominent theme of man versus nature. 

Conclusion 

I believe that I will refer back to this short film when I am story boarding my own project. The use of camera in this film is interesting as it tells a story without the need of any dialogue. Sound also plays an equally important part in the telling of this story and therefore I will refer back to both f these elements when developing my own short film.