analysis of feeding time by izzy sinclair.

 Analysis of Feeding time by Isobelle Sinclair

For the brief of making a short film, I created my film ‘feeding time.’ This film is a drama that initially shows a lizard hunting for mealworms, showing the hunt and kill the lizard claimed, whilst cutting between a conversation between a couple, before switching to a darker tone where the man, similarly to the lizard, killed the girl, however this is only implied and not shown on the screen. The theme of this film is prey and predator, with the girl being the prey. The target audience for this short film is young adults, around 13-18 years old, as I feel this would be uninteresting to adults, but the tone would be too serious for people younger than 18.

I used cinematography as a particularly important microelement for my film. I used point of view shots* for the couples speaking scenes to give the conversation a more personal feel, as it was a short film, I wanted the audience to be able to connect with the characters at a personal level. I was inspired by ‘Peep show’ **[directed by  Jeremy Wooding (s. 1); Tristram Shapeero (s. 2–3); Becky Martin (s. 4–9)] as I liked the usage of point of view shots to develop a closer connection to the characters, however these shots can come along as awkward, so to combat this, I edited it down as much as possible so that the film could be fast paced and so that the dialogue and context for the film could be conveyed as quickly as possible, I also used point of view shots so that the audience could understand the narrative easily. However, these shots juxtapose the shots of the lizard and the shots after the turn of the film, as I used a variety of different shots. The shots of the lizard were typically mid shots and high angle shots, in-order to make the lizard’s hunting and eating look more dramatic. I also used mid shots after the turn of the film, when the man is sitting alone in the dark and drinking.

Editing was also crucial to the pacing of the film. I wanted to use editing in-order to juxtapose the arguing of the couple over who would keep the lizard, whilst the lizard is blissfully unaware and just eating the mealworms. Editing, cinematography, and non-diegetic sound was all especially important to my film's storytelling, but I attempted to make the editing faced paced so that I could keep the audience entertained, for example showing shots of the lizard during the couple's conversation and showing shots of the girl whilst the boy is talking. Having the argument sequence be fast paced was important to me as I wanted it to move quickly, editing was crucial for me to portray the argument as I wanted. 

Mis-en-scene was another crucial element for my film as I used mis-en-scene to create realism for the audience. For example, when the boy is sitting on the bean bag, I used empty beer bottles to convey to the audience that has life had fallen apart, implying he had turned to alcohol to cope with this, II also used dark under eye makeup for this shot on the character so he would look like his life has completely fallen apart, the mis-en-scene was key to making the film realistic, all of these small things build up to a bigger picture and help to make the film realistic, however as the lizards cage was in the background I decided to do the shots in order to get the lizards cage in majority of the shots. Filming in a bedroom also felt more personal to me, and I wanted to make it feel like a casual setting, whilst important things are going on, like the lizard being unaware of the couple’s relationship deteriorating. The mis-en-scene used in the last scene was in attempt to further the realism used in the film

I used a mixture of non-diegetic and diegetic sound in ‘Feeding Time’ in-order to further the story but to also dramatize the characters. For example, I used Cleric Beast by Bloodborne during the feeding of the lizard to dramatize the hunt, the atmospheric war-like music by Bloodborne was exactly what I was looking for to further the tension, and I edited the song and clips together in a way that made the viewer feel tense as the lizard devoured the mealworms. I used the non-diegetic sound in the lizards' scenes and diegetic sound during the scenes with the couple as I wanted to use sound as a further way to show the boundaries between the two worlds, to further just how unaware the lizard is despite being just a foot away from the couple arguing over the lizard's fate. I decided to use diegetic sound within the couple’s scenes as paired with the point of view shots, makes the conversation feel much more realistic to the viewer. I also had one scene with digetic (music being played on a record player) music that did not carry onto any other scenes. This was to further the man’s disconnection from the real world, after his girlfriend was gone, the lack of music carrying on an attempt to further show this. 

Performance was important to my film as I wanted to create an accurate representation of unhappy couples and for the performances to deliver what I wanted to say in my film. The usage of performances was an attempt to show the man's depression (particularly after his girlfriend was gone). The usage of point of view shots was also useful for portraying emotions the characters were feeling, as the tone of their voice paired with facial expressions whilst they were speaking helps to show the viewer how they are feeling, both visually and from hearing them speak. The short film "Echo" is a good example of how acting may be used to convey meaning. We can perceive the character’s emotions of shock and sadness, which is a good illustration of how facial expressions can portray emotion. I think that I could have improved a lot on the performance aspect of my film and if I could redo my film, I would mostly focus on improving the performance and having it better represent my story to further move the story along. 

 

Narrative is an essential element in short films because it is the driving force that connects the audience to the story and characters. A well-crafted narrative can captivate and engage the viewer, creating an emotional connection that transcends the short runtime of the film. The narrative structure provides a framework for the filmmaker to communicate their message, and through character development, conflict, and resolution, the audience can be transported into the world of the film. In a short film, where time is limited, a strong narrative can also help the filmmaker to convey their story effectively and efficiently. In my film I have attempted to create a narrative that is understandable to the viewer without being too obvious, such as telling the audience what is happening and why. I did not use the 3-act structure for my film as I felt that I could not make the story I wanted to create into the 3-act structure. I think that Auter theory, created by Andrè Bazin and Alexandre Astruc, was much more applicable to my work as I decided to use my own style and vision over the film rather than a structure created by somebody else. I was inspired to use auter theory because of Citizen Kane (1941) directed by Orson Wells as it is a film commonly associated with Auter theory and following Auter theory gave me more freedom over what I wanted to do with my film. Overall, narrative is crucial in short films as it allows filmmakers to create a compelling story that resonates with the audience and makes an impact, and I wanted to create my own narrative for my film. 

 

Genre theory was also important to consider when making my film, as it was a drama it had to have realistic characters, thought provoking themes, cinematic techniques, and minimal use of special effects. I achieved most of these typical requirements for a drama film as well as possible for a short film. For example, the cinematic techniques, which typically in drama films are used to create a sense of emotional intensity and emotional realism, I achieved quite well through my usage of point of view shots. I achieved realistic characters from this, as the lack of special effects and realistic conversation adds depth to the characters and a sense of connection from the viewer to the character. 

 

In conclusion, I think that my short film did well on cinematography and mis-en-scene. However, in reflection I think that performances could have been improved upon. While this one weak link did not completely detract from the overall quality of my film, it did slightly detract from the emotional impact of certain scenes, such as when the couple argued. If the performances were better, I think my film could have been even more effective in its storytelling and character development. However, this short film was important for me in learning how to create and translate an idea onto screen. 

The Fly(2014).Directed by Jack Doolan UK (6 mins)

  The Fly(2014).Directed by Jack Doolan UK (6 mins)

The Fly, a 2014 short film is an interesting short. The Fly is a short that relies heavily on the physical performance of its lead actor (Jack Doolan). In the film, jokes play out through performance and movement, rather than through dialogue, but despite the lack of dialogue, the film conveys its information easily so that the viewer can easily pick up on the storyline, by using precise shot compositions and camera angles, such as the dolly shot to the banks door, whilst the man waits.

ideas for possible film

Initial ideas for my film:

 Documentary style film of lizard eating crickets, dramatized with music and close up shots to create fear and tension in the viewer. Whilst the lizard is in the background there is a greater story being told in the room that the lizard and meal-worms are completely unaware of as the lizard hunts the meal worms fighting for their life.

A film of people chatting with few shots/movement/no change of scenery, inspired by tight jeans. Maybe friends talking about important issues or chatting about personal things etc.

During creation

I started with the lizard shots, making a dramatic documentary style film that showed a lizard hunting with dramatic music whilst he hunts, but after creating this first draft I decided I wanted to further add to the dramatic story going on, and decided on a dramatic, dark story that seems some-what light in the beginning. I used myself and Joseph Valler as actors during the film, as-well as Josephs lizard.

Final edit of film: Shots of a lizard eating meal worms cut between a conversation with point-of-view shots (inspired by the TV show Peep Show) of a couple arguing over who will take custody of the lizard as they are splitting up. The short film then takes a drastic turn, with the man looking as if he has not slept in a long time, in a dark room surrounded by empty bottles of beer, suggesting he has turned to alcoholism after he killed his girlfriend. There is still shots of the lizard and after the man puts on a record, he sits in bed in his dark room, with bottles behind him and tells the lizard 'You're all mine now' with a sinister smile. The film then abruptly ends.

Arrival (2016). Directed by Daniel Montanarini. UK (5 mins)

 

"Arrival," directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a science fiction film that explores themes of language, time, and the complexities of human communication. Released in 2016, the film has unique storytelling, compelling performances, and visually stunning cinematography. The film has strong elements of narrative structure and thematic depth. It is thought provoking and makes the viewer think about the nature of existence, free will, and the choices we make. It challenges preconceived notions and leaves room for open interpretation, encouraging conversations and contemplation long after the film has ended. The theme of the film being a woman contemplating keeping her child is very interesting and a very real issue that women go through during pregnancy. Despite being directed by a man, the film is very accurate from the woman's perspective and the woman's story makes the viewer feel a close connection to the woman and her struggles. The usage of a mid shot to show the woman sitting, whilst not speaking, makes you feel like you are having a close, personal conversation with the woman and further makes the viewer feel empathy for the woman. Despite being a very short film, the deep thoughts the woman has makes the film feel longer and the short run time does not make it feel any less significant.

Operator (2015). Directed by Caroline Bartleet.UK(6mins)

"Operator," directed by Caroline Bartleet, is a powerful short film that delves into the psychological toll and moral dilemmas faced by emergency call operators. Released in 2015, the six-minute British film explores the emotional challenges and responsibilities of an emergency service worker. The film shows an emergency service call involving a distressed young girl who has been left alone at home. It unfolds in real-time, making the film extremely dramatic and somewhat stressful situation. The usage of a real-time call and the short duration of the film further adds to the tension the viewer and operator feels. The film has themes of compassion, responsibility, and the burden of decision-making. Through the perspective of the call operator, the audience is confronted with the weight of making life-altering choices based on limited information. "Operator" explores the human struggle to balance empathy with professional obligations, shining a light on the emotional toll that emergency responders face in their line of work .Despite its brief runtime, "Operator" effectively captures the audience's attention and leaves a lasting impact. The concise storytelling and well-crafted pacing contribute to the film's ability to build tension and evoke an emotional response. The climax of the film delivers a thought-provoking twist, challenging viewers' perceptions and highlighting the unpredictable nature of emergency situations. "Operator," directed by Caroline Bartleet, is a gripping short film that offers a poignant exploration of the emotional challenges faced by emergency call operators. Through its focused narrative, thematic depth, and impactful storytelling, the film invites viewers to reflect on the weight of responsibility and the delicate balance between professional duties and human compassion. In its concise runtime, "Operator" manages to leave a lasting impression, shedding light on the often-overlooked psychological toll of those who serve in emergency response roles.

Echo (2011). Directed by Lewis Arnold. UK (17 mins)

 

'Echo' is a 17-minute short drama film directed by Lewis Arnold. It revolves around a girl who employs an elaborate technique to deceive people for money in a bustling city center. In this short film, the focus is on the performance and narrative. The film's concept is highly intriguing, and the title aids in the audience's comprehension of the story. The lead character's performance is exceptional, particularly in the opening scene where her acting and crying make the situation feel genuinely real. She pretends her father has been in an accident and urgently needs money for a cab to reach the hospital. This portrayal successfully deceives both the viewers and the people who offer her money, creating a sense of authenticity. However, it is later revealed that her father had actually died in an accident years ago. When she repeats this con twice more, it becomes evident that the scene she reenacts had truly occurred when her father had the accident and strangers had given her money for transportation. Now, she exploits this past event as a means to acquire money. This twist is both impressive and sad, as whilst you initially feel sorry for her, most people would be conflicted about the girl lying and scamming strangers, but you still feel bad for her as it was a past experience. The performances of all the characters involved make the twist extremely shocking as not only did she deceive the people she asked for money, but also the viewer, with her serious demeanor and the fact that she exhibits a sense of guilt when she is not engaged in the con, hinting at her exploitation of a real-life situation. Although the film does not explicitly state this, the title implies that her con performances serve as echoes of a past event. This narrative aspect, along with the performances, makes 'Echo' an amazing, captivating and gripping short film, that leaves the viewer thinking about the impactful film even after it's finished.

Over (2015). Directed by Jörn Threlfall. UK (14 mins)

 

"Over," is a short film directed by Jörn Threlfall, it is a gripping short film that explores themes of perception, tragedy, and the impact of human actions. Released in 2015, this 14-minute British film captivates audiences through its haunting narrative and skillful storytelling. This analysis aims to delve into the various elements of the film, including its narrative structure, visual style, and thematic depth. "Over" has a non-linear narrative structure that gradually unravels the mystery surrounding a tragic incident, but also build a strong intrigue with the viewer, as the non linear timeline builds tension and the viewer cannot take their eyes away, waiting for the key event of the film to be shown. The fragmented storytelling adds layers of suspense and intrigue, engaging the audience's curiosity and encouraging them to piece together the puzzle, whilst not making the viewer wait for so long that they lose interest. The restrained performances by the cast effectively convey the characters' internal struggles, regrets, and vulnerability. The restrained use of dialogue and the reliance on visual storytelling allow the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' experiences, evoking a strong emotional response.