2. INTRODUCTION
“After You” is a very interesting and emotionally touching short film that really is
short. At just 1 minute and 47 seconds, it is a perfect example of how short films
can develop characters, atmosphere, and even a subtle plot in a tiny amount of time.

3. THE DIRECTOR
Adam Linzey, of the UK, is an award winning short film maker who is a professional
member of the Directors’ Guild of Great Britain.
At the age of 8 he accompanied his dad to a TV studio which he really took to, as
he was fascinated as a production developed through the lenses and screens.
In 2004, he graduated from the International Film School of Wales. His graduation
film collecting an award from the Royal Television Society.
As well as films, he also directs music videos, is a screenwriter, and a future
feature director. His works have been recognized all over Europe.

4. INFLUENCIAL TECHNIQUES AND STYLES
ONE SCENE
The use of just one location allows us to draw into the setting immediately, and then it
just remain there in the background. Of course, as the short is under 2 minutes, there
isn’t time to develop more locations, but I would still like to use one location myself.
TWO CHARACTERS
By using just two characters, we are totally drawn into them and what they’re saying. At
the end of the short, we are mysteriously lost and sad.
AMBIENT NOISES
The ambient noises used makes it evident from the start that it’s set somewhere on the
coast. This has an underlying theme about being on the edge of land, and so being on
the edge of life with the suicidal theme.
LENGTH
The reason why it is so effective is because it is so short. We almost feel totally
emotional with the two characters, even though we literally know one thing about them.

5. CONTINUED…
CLOSE UPS
Additionally to the strong audience-character relationship, the shots are purposefully
close to convey their thoughts, and to make sure the audience only focuses on the
characters and what they’re saying.
DIALOGUE
This is an interesting binary opposite, as the characters look and seem quite content
with what they’re saying. It’s almost as if they don’t want to jump.

6. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS
CLIFFS
The cliffs signify the edge of land, the edge of a country, and in a personified term, the
edge of life. It’s quite powerful how the fact they are stood on the cliff-edge
instantaneously conveys the thought of ‘suicide’.
SUIT
The suit that the male character wears makes the audience feel like he is a well-
dressed and successful person, but on the contrary he feels like he wants to end his
life.
WEATHER
The sky is grey and dull, a dominant ideology of depressing moods and a dull life. By
combining this with the theme of death, the audience feels the characters mood by
visually experiencing the colours and atmosphere. The establishing shot helps to
identify the atmosphere.