Short Film- This is the Life

Camera Angles:

• Extreme long shot; when the boy gets into the car with his father
• Close up; dad and son; dad crying showing emotion, relationship bond
• Over the Shoulder; when driving shows the emotion and reaction
• Shot reverse shot; when son and mom talking about dad leaving room. Mom talks to son, he does not say anything, keeps feelings hidden.

Editing:

• Seamless editing

M.E.S:

• Location; run down home, shows normal family. Implicit hint.
• Costume/ props; trolly, casual look, boy; school clothing. Trolly sound is lound, then quiet then loud when music gets quieter.
• Lighting; natural which is dark and miserable. When everything gets happy weather gets better. Dean not interested; mood and atmosphere.

Sound:

• Music; When trolling being pushed and when family bowling; happiness, no care and free.
• Tv Noise; ambient, diegetic; normal family life, homely atmosphere

Characters:

Dean

• Seems to be very quiet when his dad is around
• Does not show his emotions that well
• Distances himself from everyone in the family

Dad

• Tries to make a better relationship with his son
• Very sad, must have been gone from home a long time
• Was in prison; pleads guilty but is innocent, just wants life back

Mum

• Mom and dad argue later on
• She is not in last scene
• Not affectionate to her children

Daughter

• Teenager
• Gets on with brother
• She seems closer to her dad compared to brother
• Mother role

What Happens:

Beginning

• School day
• Dad is coming home
• After school dad is home, son does not give affection maybe because he has not seen him in a long time
• Dad makes effort

Middle

• Argument between mother and father, son and daughter comfort each other
• Issue solved but we don't see
• Go bowling all family there and happy

End

• Talking to police offer
• Pleads guilty because wants life back
• Does not show what happens however it ends with the two children and father playing boxing so hints that he must get freedom.

Overall Critical View and Personal Opinion

The short film was very good in many ways both technical and narrative. A range of camera angles and shots were used to show the characters different expressions

and emotions, the music was appropriate and it was not overused, the location suited both the characters and the storyline. Moreover the characters were of different ages and were all very good at acting, which added quality to the video. However one critical opinion I could give is the music used when bowling could have been a bit more joyful.

Author: Kiran Paul