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. 

Research - Non-Genre Specifc Analysis of 'We Were Awesome' - Jesse Coane

'We Were Awesome' follows the story of old two friends who are back in town for thanks giving. They go back to a hilltop that the often visited as children to watch the sun rise. Here they discuss their current lives along with childhood memories.

Narrative
This film follows a simple narrative structure, which is portrayed through the delivery of the dialogue from the actors as opposed to a change in camera angles and shots. The most significant use of camera in this film was during the sunset itself as no dialogue was exchanged. As can be seen in my time line, a limited number of shots were used and they were also rather repetitive. This therefore meant that the dialogue would have to set up the narrative, more so than imagery or location.

The dialogue in the film is very effective in conveying the disconnect between these two friends. The first few topics discussed are very mundane: thanksgiving dinner, the temperature and clothing. There is then a significant change in tone when one of the characters believes his friend wants to leave before the sun rises. This shift in mood then opens they way for the character to discuss their past memories fondly, thus juxtaposing the awkward misunderstanding we witnessed moments ago. Again, after this the tone shifts from the men being childish, joking about one another being 'gay', to why things have changed between them. These frequent shifts from the characters being comfortable with one another, (when they are discussing their past and acting childish), to awkward scenes in which they discuss their present lives, establish the narrative of the film. 'We were awesome' plays on the theme of childhood friends growing apart. However, although now their relationship may be
uneasy, the sunrise and other scenes confirm that the friendship they they once shared will live on in memory, if not in reality.

There is also evidence of this film following Todorov's theory of equilibrium. First we see he two friends talking happily bout their thanksgiving. The disruption occurs when there is a significant shift in tone in the character's conversation. This is then resolved with the sunset, which ultimately confirms their old childhood friendship.

Editing
For the majority of this film, very simplistic editing techniques were used, as none of the scenes called for quirky cuts or transitions. The film is focused on the story of the two characters, therefore the general atmosphere of the film (use of camera, editing and mis en scene), had to be quite simplistic as to not take anything away from the primary focus of the film. The editing also had to be in sync with the changes in tone and what the characters were doing. For example during the sunrise, only two cuts were made in a 45 second time space, thus bringing home the idea that when the sun rises 'time stand still', as referenced by one of the characters earlier on in the film. These long scenic shots, display a moment of serenity for both the characters and the audience.

Mis En Scene
The use of costuming in the film, gives us an insight into the personalities of both of the character in this short. The character on the right of the bench complains significantly more than his companion about the temperature as he sports an unpractical leather jacket. In comparison to this, the character on the left wears a warm, practical coat. This portrays the childish, youthful personality of the man on the right and the sensible manner of the character on the left.The careless, youthful persona of the right hand character is also enforced through him holding a beer can prop, when his friend does not.

The surroundings of the location that the characters are in is minimalistic. I believe that Coane took this approach as to not deter from the main focus of the film, which is the characters. Also, the setting of just a simple picnic bench in a field adds to the idea that this moment is about recreating a moment from their childhood and solidifying a friendship rather than witnessing a phenomenon.

Sound 
For the majority of the film, the only background ambience is the diegetic sound of cars on a far away road and the quiet buzz of a nearby city or town. This minimalist use of sound has been done so that very little deters from the conversation between the two protagonist. Non-diegetic music begins with the sunrise, and builds in intensity along with the rising sun. This puts emphasis on the beauty of the moment and takes away from the issues previously discussed and seemingly solidifies the childhood friendship that these two men once shared. We can see this through the final shot where one of the characters looks on to the horizon, and seems to be reflecting on the old friendship with a sort of fondness.

Camera
I believe that Coane took a minimalistic approach to the camera work on this short film, as to not avert from the story of the two protagonists. As can be seen in my timeline, a limited amount of shots were used in this film and they tended to be very repetitive. This enhanced the simplicity of the situation, and thus further enforced the fact that this moment is unique to these two characters. A sunrise is a daily occurrence that does not need a lot of explanation through the use of complex camera work. Yet in this film, the sunrise takes on further meaning as it solidifies a friendship that is old and damaged. During the sunrise itself only three shots were used, creating the sense that 'time stands still', as one of the character describes it earlier on in the film. A long shot showing the rising sun on the horizon provides the audience with a POV shot, as if we were there experiences this phenomenon with the two men. Another shot that is used is a mid shot, with the backs of the characters in the foreground. This seems to signify the absence of any of the day to day problems that they had been discussing moments before, as there is no longer any dialogue, just the sunset and two old friends watching it.

Conclusion
Although this film does not specifically belong to the coming of age genre, it does reflect on childhood, which a strong element of our own film. It shows a shift from past to present, as we can see a distinct difference in the way the characters talk about their memories and how they are presented in the present. Also the clever use of dialogue in this film is something that I will likely refer to when writing the script for my own film.

Research: Non-Genre Specific Analysis of 'Bottle' - Kirsten Lepore

'Bottle' tells the story of ice and sand falling in love through sending messages and items oversea in a bottle. Ultimately, in the end, their love is fatal as when they try to cross the sea to meet one another, they dissolve into the ocean.

Narrative 

This short film has no dialogue and therefore the narrative is told completely through imagery. The story of 'Bottle' is revealed through a dual narrative, with the perspectives of sand and ice. With the use of camera and mis en scene, the landscape that each character lives in appears desolate and isolated, thus implying that both characters are lonely. This provides context as to the circumstances of both characters; they are lonely and seek companionship. Therefore making the audience root for them in their quest for love but, also, making the ending all the more tragic. Props were also used to develop the narrative as each item that was transferred between the two characters, made up a characteristic of each persona. For example the shells Ice receives are used a bikini, therefore implying that she is female. On the other hand, Sand received grass, which he used to create a hair style that would imply that he is in fact male.

Due to it's brief running time, the plot for this film is relatively simple. However, the film is made unique and interesting by it's strange character choices and distinctive filming style. The plot of this film is metaphor for a typical 'Romeo and Juliet' love story. Two characters that can never be together fall in love. An ocean separates them, but they are willing to face death if it means they can be together, and ultimately the story ends in the tragic death of both characters. Yet, this story is made unique by the fact that the characters in question are Sand and Ice, rather than human beings. 

Editing 

'Bottle' is stop motion film and therefore requires complex editing techniques. However the overall style of the film is very minimalistic and simple. This style was effective in creating a film that follows an undemanding plot line yet is still visually intriguing. The stop motion editing of this film gives the feel of a cartoon animation whilst still remaining a real life motion picture and providing a realistic image.

The story of 'Bottle' follows a dual narrative, thus there are frequent cuts between each location and character perspective. The back and forth editing style between the two locations corresponds with the back and forth communication of the characters via the bottle. In a sense, the audience is travelling along side the bottle as we witness the characters receiving and sending gifts. The audience therefore become the third party, as they witness the love between the two characters bloom.

Around the 2.00 minute mark, a graphic match is used to transition from the winter coast to the beach location. This enforces the fact that these characters are separated both literally and metaphorically by the ocean. They can not see each other as the ocean separates them (literally) yet they may also never meet because of what they are made of. Sand and Ice will never be able to survive alongside one another, thus this shot highlights the tragic nature of this love story.

Mis En Scene 

Both settings in the film appear to be rather lonely, as no other characters, people or living animals can be seen in either environment. This is also re-enforced by the items that are put in the bottle: a dead mouse, a dead crab, an abandoned glove. All of these suggest a place that is vacant and abandoned and thus indicates the lonely lifestyle both of these characters lead. The lighting and atmosphere of both these environments stays largely the same throughout the film.

However there is a significant shift in the lighting and colour in the scene in which both characters enter the water. The lighting of these shots are dim and gloomy, therefore emphasising the danger they are in and foreshadowing the fatal and tragic ending to the story.

There is a sad irony to this shot. They have finally come face to face and are no longer alone, yet, the atmosphere has become glum and dark, and they both begin to melt away.

The use of props in this film also gradually constructs the character identities for both of the inanimate elements of this film. The items they send to one another in the bottle eventually establish a gender and a general identity for each character. 

Sound 

The sound used for this film is purely diegetic. Crashing waves, rustling leaves and under water sound effects are all used to create a realistic setting. It also enforces the prominent theme of nature in this film. As the characters are sand and ice, it is important that nature and the sounds of the environment be present throughout the film, as this emphasises the fact that they are separate from humans. Also, the absence of non-diegetic background music, adds to the minimalistic style of this short film. 

Camera 
Long shots are used at the beginning of this film to establish the lonely, vacant setting in which both of the characters live. Therefore, from the very start of the film, contest is provided to establish the reasons for both characters to seek companionship. Long shots are also used to emphasis the magnitude of the ocean that separates them. Therefore adding to the tragic element of the story.

Long shots and mids shots are used in favour of close ups when either character is in frame as they are not human and therefore do not express human emotion. This eliminates the need for expressions to emphasised through the use of a close up shot.

Conclusion
This film relies heavily on visual aspects. The shots and mis en scene have been carefully chosen in order to portray a story without any dialogue. This is something I will refer back to when creating the storyboard for my film.

Chosen Genre

Coming of Age Genre 

The coming of age genre is a sub-genre of drama, that typically reaches out to a target audience of teenagers. These drama's follow the main protagonist as they grow in maturity and overcome issues. By the end of the film there is usually some form of self-realisation as the protagonist has developed from a teenager into a responsible young adult. Another common feature of a coming of age film is emphasis on dialogue or an inner monologue, that provides context and insight to the characters thoughts during the film. This genre also tends to follow a realistic setting. Science fiction and dystopia do not dominate the coming of age genre as these settings can deter from the central focus of the personal development of the main protagonist. However some films such as The Hunger Games, adopt the conventions of a coming of age genre, whilst still being a dystopian drama at heart.

Characters
The main character of a coming of age film is almost always within the age range of 12-20 years old. Thus making them relatable for the target audience (teenagers of a similar age). The film will follow the main protagonist on journey of personal growth, therefore for the first half of the film, the protagonist will have characteristics of immaturity and childishness. Then, as the film progresses, they will gradually acquire more adult characteristics such as wisdom and maturity. The protagonist may be male or female as both genders experience similar issues in this genre. For example there is usually a breakdown of a relationship, death or illness and/or the inclusion of drugs and alcohol.

Typical character types:

• The Outcast 
• The 'Problem' Kid
• The Homosexual Best Friend 
• The Wallflower
• The Jock 
• The 'New Girl' 

Mis en Scene/ location:

• School
• Housing estate
• Cities
• A family home
• Shopping centres 
• Teenager's bedroom 

Themes:

• Moral ambiguity 
• Virginity/ Sexuality 
• Friendships/ Relationships
• Experimentation 
• Falling in love 
• Self discovery 
• Mental Health
• Death/ illness

Examples of Short Films in the Coming of Age Genre:

• I Feel Stupid - Milena Pastreich 
• Flagpole - Matt Kazman
• I Remember Nothing - Zia Anger
• Division of Gravity - Rob Chiu