Short Film Research: Interpretation/ Thriller

  To begin with this short film of the interpretation of a book of war, held a lot of camera angles movements and shots. Namely tracking shots are the most apparent camera movements inserted into this film. These shots follow the character's movements and allow for a continuous shot which builds suspense in thriller films and the reality of the moment. For example, the two main protagonists in the film were being followed by three men and a tracking shot captured the three men gaining on the two protagonists. Furthermore, many of the shots were at mid-close-up to close-up shots which captured the character's emotions and acting during the film. The characters in this film were tired, in love, scared and defeated. There was an addition of a Dutch shot and all the shots were at eye level to allow for balance and a complete view of things. The Dutch angle added a suspense factor signaling danger in the three men following the two protagonists.

Throughout the short film it was mostly diegetic sound like dialogue and ambient sounds. The ambient sounds immerse the audience while they are watching the film to make it more believable, and the dialogue reveals what the characters are thinking and feeling in the moment of action and before. Dialogue is an essential element in any film, but it can be especially crucial in thriller films, as it helps to build tension, reveal character motivations, and advance the plot. This can be done through ominous or cryptic statements, or nonverbal cues such as pauses, glances, or gestures. For example, a character made a veiled threat or hinted at a sinister plan, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats as they tried to decipher the true meaning behind the words. 

In this film all the characters were in casual dark clothing, the set which took place in a street alleyway and a packed sidewalk near a sort of Chinatown. The acting of the characters employed revealed the unease of the situations they were put in. They acted psychologically disordered, startled and physically tired. All the characters had light to no makeup. The props in this film included a book that three characters use to pick a fight with two characters which they misinterpreted the book therefore the name of the film is called interpretation. They used glasses to hurt the other characters and money to lure the harmers away. 

The editing techniques used in this film were included to capture action scenes. The main one was a shot/reverse shot which captured conversations between 2 or more characters especially in a moment of a site you can see that there was a lot of tension between the two and the people harming the main protagonists were only there to demonstrate violence. Furthermore, the film included cutaways aligning two different scenes into one. For instance, in the film two characters were madly in love right after watching a movie but were having a disagreement while three characters were reading a book about war and going to put into application some of the techniques they read. At the end of this cutaway shot the 5 characters meet in the middle and a conflict begins. Even though the cutaway reveals a part of the action that is not immediately relevant it adds to the suspense of a thriller. 

In all the thriller short films that we have seen so far, the main things are the use of incidental music and dialogue. Dialogue can also be used to reveal character motivations and add depth to the story. In a thriller film, the characters' actions and decisions are often driven by their desires and goals, and the dialogue helps to give the audience insight into what these motivations might be. For example, a character might reveal their true intentions through a conversation with another character. Dialogue can be used to advance the plot and keep the story moving forward. In a thriller film, the plot is often fast-paced and full of twists and turns, and the dialogue can help to build momentum and keep the audience engaged. Music can also be used to create a sense of foreboding or danger. Incidental music can also be used to underscore key moments in the story and highlight the emotions of the characters. Incidental music can be used to establish the mood and atmosphere of the film. In a thriller, the music can help to create a sense of mystery or danger and can also help to set the tone for the rest of the film. 

The editing tactics used in thrillers are what I enjoy about them. The action matches, the shot-reverse shots, and cutaways all provide the audience the adrenaline they desire. Due to the intense endings and unexpected narrative twists, I also find thriller stories to be more captivating and mind-blowing. 

We did not appreciate the use of having a love moment in the thriller because it contradicts the sense, we are trying to convey to more drama instead of thriller. We are going to try to stick with a more overall tension build. The acting is another element. Acting in a thriller can be difficult because it calls for a lot of acting talent to communicate the range of emotions that are frequently present in this genre, in addition fighting is not for everyone. 

Short Film Research: Checkpoint/Thriller

 Regarding the camera angles, movements and shots, this short film has plenty of them. For instance, it includes a three-shot, showing the family members in the car, to make the audience familiar with them and somewhat get attached. Moreover, it also contains a wide shot, showing the family’s environment to show the audience where it takes place, and to enhance the fact that there is no one else besides them and the officers. Additionally, the tracking shot of the dad getting into the car is being used to highlight his emotions. Finally, it includes a low angle of the officer that makes him seem superior and overpowering. 

When it comes to sound, this short film uses dialogue, to build a conflict between the family and the officers, which helps reach the climax. Another type of sound is incidental, which strongly enhances suspense and drama to make the audience feel on the edge of their seats. Additionally, the ambient sounds present play a huge role when it comes to the fighting scenes, by providing grunts, thuds, and more.  

The Mise-en-Scene of this short film has been well thought of. Starting with costume, the family wears casual clothes whereas the officers wear their specific apparel which makes them earn respect and power. Concerning the lighting, this short film has cold tones which makes it a bit uncomfortable and unsettling, which truly reflects the theme of the short film. The soldiers acted arrogant and dangerous, doing most of the work with their facial expressions. However, the family members act scared, defensive but calm, and guilty near the end. About the makeup, it is very minimal, and it is used by the end when it is used to make a fake wound with fake blood. Some props that are present are guns, phone, car keys etc. Finally, the setting shows a rural environment, in the middle of nature, as if they’re lost to show that they are alone and that no one can help them out.  

Some of the most relevant editing techniques that appeared in the short film are for Islande shot-reverse shot, which helped demonstrate the conversation the dad had with the officer that was annoying him, which made it very tense. Another one is action match: for instance, one shot would show the face of the officer and then show his entire appearance in the next one. This helps visualize what the situation in the clip would look like from another perspective. Finally, another one that occurs very often is jump cut. For example, it would show the dad’s face in one shot, followed by another one showing him with the riffle in his hands, right in front of the officer.  

Some examples of thriller films are Sightless by Cooper Karl, the Black Phone by Scott Derrickson, and Boiling Point by Philip Barantini.  

Some elements of thriller that I like are mostly the editing techniques: whether it may be jump cuts, shot-reverse shot, or cutaway, they all provide the thrill an audience is looking for. Moreover, I find thriller stories more entertaining and jaw dropping due to the intense climaxes and plot twists.  

Some elements of thriller that do not appeal to me are mostly some of the needed props such as weapons, as well as gore makeup, to create fake wounds. Another aspect is the acting. In thriller, acting might be a challenge as it requires a lot of acting skills to convey the multitude of emotions that typically appear in this genre, as well as fighting, which is not for everyone.  

Short Film Research: Wanderer/Thriller

   The movie contains a lot of hand-held shots along with two-shots. For instance, there was a scenario where the protagonist was having a realization that something was off with a women's husband.  It documented the manner the man was looking around cautiously and worried.  These specific shots can be used to show the audience what is happening in the action as it is happening and to simply illustrate the movements of the characters. The utilization of cutaway shots was also common. For instance, the protagonist woke up and the shots cut from him to a man making breakfast demonstrating his alertness. Cutaway shots are used to create tension and suspense. These shots are quick glimpses of something that is not immediately relevant to the main action of the scene, but that adds to the overall feeling of unease and uncertainty. By showing brief glimpses of something that is not immediately explained, the director creates a sense of anticipation and uncertainty. This can make the audience feel more invested in the story, as they try to piece together the clues and figure out what is going on. Cutaway shots can also be used to create a sense of foreboding, or to suggest that something bad is about to happen.

Mise-en-Scene was incorporated into the film very uniquely. There costumes alike to conventionally were casual. The protagonist in the film was dressed in relaxed hiking clothing and gear and the other to characters were in laid-back working attire. These casual costumes create an effect of realism which makes character more relatable bringing more attention to the plot rather than the characters. Once again the film was set outside in a rural area and there were scene that were set in low lighting at a dinner table. The characters acted strange and psychologically unstable. Also there was light makeup on most of the actors. Props like guns, bats, ropes, and utensils are used throughout to symbolize peril and risks.

    A common example of sound in the short film was incidental music. Another common type of sound was dialogue. This was used when a protagonists began noticing that there was something strange about the family he choose to stay with. The incidental music accompanies the protagonist shift in mood and reveals to transitions doing a aggressively active shot.

   There are also many examples of editing throughout the movie. A common type of editing was a shot reverse shot. This editing was used when the main character is having a passionate argument with a alleged murder about the truth of happiness. These shots reveal the tension that the two characters had with each other. The continuity of the conversion and the look of the characters face build suspense of what the future holds.

    Eyeline-matches and close-ups are two of the main elements used in thriller films that were seen in this film. These components contribute to the unforeseen suspense found in all genre films and avoid the distraction of the audience. The viewer are able to feel immersed and comprehend what they are watching. It makes the films seem true and predictably unpredictable. Other elements they shared included psychological distorted acting, tiring effect make-up,  and weapons. Ultimately, it had tracking shots and diegetic sound. These elements contributed to the short films sense of danger and risks.

   The close-up shots were a part of the genre that we enjoyed. Throughout the film, closeups were utilized effectively, which aided in comprehending the feelings of each character. Another aspect we enjoyed was the background music. This is due to the anticipation and terror it instilled in the characters regarding what lay ahead.

   The application of fade outs was one thing that did not appeal to me. This use of in the middle of the film is not appropriate, in our opinion. For instance, when utilized mid film it gives the impression that the plot ended and take away from the action. It could have been improved by just having another shot especially an establishing shot but in a different location to symbolize a different set or plot.

Short Film Research: Jet/Thriller

       There are numerous tracking shots in the film. For instance, there was a scene in which the protagonist was attempting to conceal himself in a front yard while observing a house. It captured all of the various techniques he used to stay hidden and move cautiously with a gun, ranging from running to attempting to hide next to a van. Those certain shots can be employed to simply demonstrate characters' movements and serve to show the audience what is occurring in the scene as it takes place. Over-the-shoulder shots were also frequently used. For example, the protagonist witnessed a girl being abducted by a van following an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Such over-the-shoulder shots are employed to reveal to the viewer something hidden the character is doing or it is showing the point of view of the character. Moreover, there were countless shots of close-ups. One of the characters, for instance, was shown, as can be inferred, contemplating whether or not he should do something to save the abducted girl . Close-ups frequently help the audience understand clearly the feelings the character is experiencing. T he close-ups are predominantly shot at eye level for a balanced perspective.

Throughout the film there were many elements of Mise-En-Scene. There costumes were casual. For example the protagonist was dressed in kaki's, polo shirt, and tennis shoes. These casual costumes create an effect of realism which makes character more relatable bringing more attention to the plot rather than the characters. There was lighting but I came from the sun due to the film being set outside.  There was a large amount of aggressive facial expressions shown by the main actor. Also there was light makeup on most of the actors. Props like guns are used throughout to symbolize danger and harm we believe.

    A common example of sound in the short film was ambient sound. Another common type of sound was incidental music. This was used when a character receives a problem and is being taken to the next scene. It helps the person watching, feel how the character feels in moment. Ambient sound is a crucial element in thriller films as it helps to set the mood and build tension. By using a combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, filmmakers are able to create a sense of unease and fear that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

   There are also many examples of editing throughout the movie. A common type of editing was jump cuts. Jump cuts is used when the main character is running to catch a human trafficker and kill them. Jump cuts are abrupt transitions in a film that occur when a shot is removed from the middle of a scene, resulting in a noticeable jump or break in the continuity of the action. In thriller films, jump cuts can be used to create a sense of disorientation and unease, as they break the flow of the story and disrupt the viewer's sense of time and space. This technique can be used to build suspense and keep the audience guessing, as they try to anticipate what might happen next.

    Tracking shots and close-ups are two of the main elements used in thriller films that were seen in this film. These components contribute to the unforeseen suspense found in all genre films. Other elements they shared included psychological distorted acting, tiring effect make-up,  and weapons. Ultimately, it had shot reverse shot and non-diegetic sound. These elements contributed to the short films intense dramatic tension.

  The close-up shots were a part of the genre that we enjoyed. Throughout the film, closeups were utilized effectively, which aided in comprehending the feelings of each character. Another aspect we enjoyed was the background music. This is due to the anticipation and terror it instilled in the characters regarding what lay ahead.

  The utilization of high angles was one thing that did not appeal to me. The usage of high angles may not have always been appropriate, in our opinion. For instance, a high viewpoint was used when the main character's protagonist entered a driveway after spotting a trafficker inside a house. We believed it would have been better if they used a different angle to add the suspense and give the feeling of the fear while the character was opening the door.

Research: How to Make a Short Film

How to Make a Short Film

I found this video very resourceful since he provided a lot of tips based on different sections of a filmmaking process. I am certain this will help me in the future since I felt like I could relate to a lot of his tips. Some useful information I retained from it is important to keep my budget in mind and your resources to be realistic and know what I am working with. Moreover, another relevant tip that he mentioned that I had never thought of before, is that my first instinct is what my audience is expecting, so I should go the other way. On the same topic, he highlighted the importance of letting theme and tone guide my story, as they will shape it and help me build it if I respect them in accordance with movement, angles, mise-en-scene, and props. Another piece of information that really opened my eyes was his insight into sound. According to him, sound is a priority: he insists on getting the right gear if there is dialogue in the film. If sound gear is not available, he recommends using very minimal dialogue, or even not using it at all. Regarding the editing process, he strongly suggests not doing everything at once. In other words, he recommends stepping away from editing for a few days to get clear ideas of the wanted outcome and to see it more clearly. Moreover, another tip of his is to get someone to be with the editor to get constructive feedback.  

Even though all his tips were helpful, there are some that my group and I will need to work on for our short film. As he said, if we are on a budget, it is okay if we hear everything around our resources. For instance, as none of us have professional cameras, we would be using an iPhone. Now, thanks to him, I know that I will have to work on the material related to iPhones such as a tripod, etc. Moreover, another tip of his that will help is that I need my actors to commit all the way, and to work on the shots until one is perfect. I cannot settle for the minimum; I need to seek perfection. On the same note, to get the perfect result, he insisted on preparing, preparing, and preparing even more. That will help my group members and I to avoid any surprises, not waste time, as well as getting as close to our expected outcome.  

Overall, I found this video more than instructive. I am expecting my group members and I to get even better at filmmaking, now that we have more insight into professional techniques.