About a Girl
Below is the embedded short film titled, 'About a Girl', lasting approximately nine minutes. It was directed by Brian Percival, who has worked upon projects such as 'Downton Abby' in the past. Below the embedded article is a micro-essay going into deep analysis of the highlighted film. I discuss the codes and conventions used within which I wish to address within my own production and focus on genre establishment through post-production and production processes.
Within the opening of the product, the genre and tone of the film is presented overtly to the audience. The titling independently sets the tone by using a simplistic editing technique which reflects the genre. This is then reinforced by the very beginning of the live action sequence which immediately suggests a gritty, dark realistic style of cinematography fully embedded within the drama genre. This has highlighted the importance of titling and I plan to do extensive further research into the process due to the fact that I wish to make my film also gritty however in the Sci-fi genre. Furthermore the non-digetic sound of mobile phone keys create a link to the teenage demographic as this particular age group is commonly associated with texting and SMS messaging.
About a Girl explores numerous social issues and identities how some individuals, in our current society, have to deal with such incidents. Within the first scene the theme of ambition is presented. The use of of a mid shot compared to the handheld used in the following shot when she is walking gives the impression that her perfomative hobbies are very isolated from her actual life. This filming technique particularly appeals to me as I wish to generate meaning behind my project and I am attracted to the subtly of this technique.
Despite the fact that I have not previously thought about regional identity the short has triggered the issue to come to mind. Within the product the audience is exposed to the lead protagonists strong accent as soon as she has dialogue. Not only does the accent create a sense of realism but also identifies what kind of background the girl has. Words used such as 'thingys' specifies her geographical location. Notoriously the north of England has previously been economically weaker than the rest of the country and therefore it would be fair judgement to say that she is of a poorer upbringing.
The shift in the soundtrack when the short progresses to a shot of the protagonists mother signifies a mood shift. Contrasted with the beginning of the film, digetic sound has been left in the scene creating a realistic tone and could be argued to be generating a chaotic feel. Like the use of contrasting shots, I have been inspired to include advanced sound use and mechanics within my own piece. As I was not managing the soundtrack during last years project I feel that I will need to do further research and develop my skills on programmes such as 'Garage Band'.
One particular convention used within this short film is the plot-twist which introduces a cliffhanger. I find the ending of the short particularly shocking and impacting with the introduction of teenage pregnancy as an issue. Despite this issue fitting with the social setting the audience is lured into thinking that this girl is preoccupied with her ambitions however it appears at the end of the short that she is involved with other areas of life.
To conclude I feel that this particular short film includes key conventions of the short film genre ranging from technical codes to content. Having a length of just over nine minutes it addresses the requirements of a short film and despite its limited length uses ranged and numerous techniques to engage the audience. Particularity the use of sound and camera work creates a unique product which keeps audiences interested and engaged. When comparing this existing product with my own ideas for my own film I have been inspired to create a homage of the gritty realism put across by 'About a Girl' but, at the same time, keeping my product firmly anchored into the sci-fi genre.
The shift in the soundtrack when the short progresses to a shot of the protagonists mother signifies a mood shift. Contrasted with the beginning of the film, digetic sound has been left in the scene creating a realistic tone and could be argued to be generating a chaotic feel. Like the use of contrasting shots, I have been inspired to include advanced sound use and mechanics within my own piece. As I was not managing the soundtrack during last years project I feel that I will need to do further research and develop my skills on programmes such as 'Garage Band'.
One particular convention used within this short film is the plot-twist which introduces a cliffhanger. I find the ending of the short particularly shocking and impacting with the introduction of teenage pregnancy as an issue. Despite this issue fitting with the social setting the audience is lured into thinking that this girl is preoccupied with her ambitions however it appears at the end of the short that she is involved with other areas of life.
To conclude I feel that this particular short film includes key conventions of the short film genre ranging from technical codes to content. Having a length of just over nine minutes it addresses the requirements of a short film and despite its limited length uses ranged and numerous techniques to engage the audience. Particularity the use of sound and camera work creates a unique product which keeps audiences interested and engaged. When comparing this existing product with my own ideas for my own film I have been inspired to create a homage of the gritty realism put across by 'About a Girl' but, at the same time, keeping my product firmly anchored into the sci-fi genre.
Adam - the content is very strong: excellent analytical skills using media specialist language with good understanding and control. this is a reflective and intelligent read. - I am impressed by your work ethic, progress and consistent effort. I do have real difficulty reading your work though due to the layout - I find it very hard to read the white text over the grey background with the barbed wire showing through all posts - can you please change it so that the content is more readable.
ReplyDeletePlease can you upload analysis of 2 other films and 3 x examples of inspiring posters - apply the same level of approach/analysis:consider looking at a more topical filmtoo - perhaps the 'This is England' series by Shane Meadows - or the animated and hard hitting style of Casino Royale