Short film analysis of the film The Paperman

1. 1 JordonClifton
Short film analysis: Paperman, 2012
Title shownatthe start of the filmandpositionedtothe rightof the
man (George),asif itis standingnexttohim.The title lookslike
handwritingasif it’sbeenwrittenonpaper,linkinginwiththe title.Mid
shotusedto show the man’s body andfacial expression.Which
highlightshissignificance ashe isthe firstcharacter yousee inthe film.
It’san animatedfilmshowninsoftblackandwhite,maybe illustrating
the time periodof potentially1980’s.It’s a Disneyanimatedfilmsothe
audience will believe itisof highqualityanda goodnarrative.Diegetic
soundof the traingoingpast and trainstationnoises.
Long cut usedstill focusingonthe man,howeverapiece of paperhits
himand a woman (Meg) runs past.No cut fromGeorge to Meg so we
can see George’sreactiontothe paperand Meg’s entrance.Italsoadds
light-heartednessandhumour,tothe narrative asit isfastpaced and
has lotsof effective shots.Mise-en-scene of the trainstationshowing
George iswaitingtogo to work andso is Meg.Alsothe suitGeorge is
wearingshowshe mayworkin an office,inanordinaryboringjob.
While Megmay workin an office toodue toher smart clothes.
Mid shotof boththe characterstogether,creatingthe ideathatthey
shouldbe togethertothe audience.Alsowe see the characterslooking
at each otherhintingtowardstheirrelationship,andthattheymaylike
each other.Mise-en-scene of holdingpapersillustratingtheyare going
to office jobs. There isstill nocutfrom George emphasisingthathe is
the maincharacter in the film, andnow the disruptiontohislife isMeg.
The theme of paperis usedas theybothare holdingsome,andboth
gethit witheachother’spaper,andfindithumorous.
Shotreverse shothasbeeneditedin forthe firstcut fromthe start. This
highlightsthe differentfeelingseachcharacterisfeelingandtheir
reactionto the otherpersonsaction.The firstmidshotshowsGeorge
beingshockedatthe paperhittingMeg inthe face.While the nextshot
showsGeorge pullingthe paperoff Megandher reactionto it.Thisadds
humouras she is pullingafunnyface andshe thenlaughswhenlooking
at the paper.The nextshotisof George lookingatMeg and thenthe
paper,realisingshe hasleftalipstickmarkonit andlaughs.The fact that
Meg’slipstickmarkisred and the onlycolourinthe film.Showsthatit’s
significantandmaybe standsoutfromthe restof the film/George’s
paperwork.AdditionallythroughouttheseshotsandwhenMegfirst
appearsinthe scene,asoftharp musicis introducesreplacesthe
ordinarybackgroundnoisesof the trainstation.Illustratingthatthere is
a change inthe narrative andmood whenMegappears,representing
heras a stereotypicallyfeminine character.There isalsothe propsof the
paperand the lipstickmarklinkinginwiththe title of ‘Paperman’.

2. 2 JordonClifton The long shotof George at the trainstationis usedtohighlighthowhe
isnow alone,andmayhave potentiallymissedhistrainashe was
distractedbyMeg. It alsoshowsthe settingof the trainstationand the
citymore clearly,givingthe audience anideaof the area.Synchronous
soundof the trainbell ringing,andthe movementof the trainslowly
movingawayisalso heardinthe shot.A straightcut is thenusedfrom
thisshotto a mid-shotof George atwork lookingbored.Highlighting
the change in scene andmoodnow that he isn’taroundMeg.
Overthe shouldermid-shotof George lookingupathisbossfrom a
low angle isused.Thisisto highlightthe powerandauthorityhisboss
has overhim, as well ascreatingan intimidatingimage of him.The
bossis wearingaverysmart suitand has straightseriousfeatures.
Portrayinghimas the villainandobstacle withinthe narrative.There is
no musiconlyquietoffice workbackground,andthe diegeticsoundof
papersbeingslammedontothe desk.
A low angledmid-shotisthenusedtorepresentthe unhappymood
George isin.AlsomatchingwhatGeorge is lookingat,while
emphasisingthe large amountof paperworkGeorge hastodo. A
selectedshotisalsousedtofocusthe audience’sattentiontoGeorge
as he is the maincharacter, and he isin charge of doingall the
paperwork.The propsof the paperworkalsobrieflyhighlightswhat
George’sjobentails,andcreatesthe impressionthatit’s
stereotypicallyboringanduninteresting.
George thennoticesMegin the opposite buildingashimand an over
the shouldershotisused.Thisisto keepGeorge inthe shotto show
that he is directlylookingather,howeverwe cansee Megand what
she’sdoingtoo. A selectedshotisusedinadditiontothe overthe
shouldershottodirectthe audience’sattentiontoMeginsteadof
George.Thishelpsthe audience tosee itsMegand that George has
seenher,as there isnodialogue toexplainthe narrative.The soft
harmoniousbackgroundmusicisalsoplayedwhenMegisviewed.
The selectedshotisthenreversedasitshowsGeorge tryingtowave to
herfrom hisbuilding.The shotemphasisesthe distance betweenthe
twocharacters and George’sstruggle togetherattentionverbally.The
mise-en-scene of the workbuildingandthe rooms,effectivelyillustrate
theyare bothina work/officeenvironmentrepresentingmiddle class
workingpeople.Happymusicstill beingplayedinthe backgroundto
maybe portrayMeg’s innocence andamiabilitytoGeorge,asshe is
beingdesiredbyGeorge throughoutthe storyline.
Mid shotof the bosslookingatGeorge witha diegeticsoundof him
coughing.Thisshowshisannoyance atGeorge not doinghisworkand
beingdistracting.He canbe representedasthe obstacle George will
have to overcome togetMeg’s attentionthroughoutthe narrative.
Straightcuts are usedfromthe differentmomentsinthe film,showing
a close up of George lookingdisappointed,tohisbosstellinghimoff.
The soft musicisabruptlycut off whenthe bossisshown,to showhis
seriousnessandauthoritytowardsGeorge andhisactions.

3. 3 JordonClifton
A highangled/flyonthe wall shotisshown.Illustratingthe messaround
George’sdesk,andthe restof hisco-workerslookingathimannoyed.A
diegeticsoundof the metal basketfallingtothe groundisheardand the
musicabruptlystops.Emphasising the interruptionhe hascausedwhile
makingplanesandnotdoinghiswork.The audience are thenwondering
if hisboss hasheard,and whatwill happennext.The same energetic
musicisnot playedagainuntil George runsoutof the office,indicatinghe
quitshisjoband isgoingto findMeg. Music picksupthe pace again.
Propof paperbeingturnedintoa paperplane byGeorge usinga close
up of the process.There are variousdifferentshotsof the makingof
the plane,cuttogethercreatingthe effectof a fastpace to show
George’surgencyandhurriedness.The softmusicstartsupagainwhen
George getsthe ideaof turninghispaperworkintoplanes,toshowa
planbeingputintomotion.The musicishoweverfasterandhappier
whichindicatesGeorge’smoodandthe conceptof time passing,ashe
istryingto get herattentionbefore she leavesthe room.
N before she
A selectedshotisusedtofocusthe viewersattentiontowhatGeorge
isaimingat, and Meg whoisstill satthere unaware.Withthiscamera
shotwe can see the shape of the plane andthe directionGeorge is
aimingit,creatinganticipationastoif he can reachher. The camera
angle istiltedasif in the positionof George,allowingthe audience to
see whathisperspective lookslike.Thiscombined withthe smooth
straightcuts createscontinuityediting,andanengagingnarrative.
Low angledshotof George watchingthe plane fall tothe citystreets
fromhis building.Showinghisfailure togetthe plane overtoMeg, and
the sheerhighof where hisoffice is.Maybe indicating hisimportance
inhis company,althoughhe ischoosingnottodo work to getMeg’s
attention.Thiscouldportrayhispersonalityasbeingdedicatedwhen
he wants something,whilebeingdippyandclumsyashe failedtofly
the plane.The settingcouldbe somewhere likeNew YorkCityoran
Americancity,due tothe busystreetsandcars, showingthe setting.
Variousmidandclose up shotsare theneditedtogetherbystraightcuts
for the nextfew seconds.Theyshow differentthingshappeningsuchas
the plane flyingintothe buildingbutnotthe window.Orflyingintothe
room, but straightintothe binbehindMeg.Thiscreateshumouras the
audience see the amountof attemptsGeorge makes,andall the wayshe
has failedinalightheartednessway.The close upshotscloselyfollow
the plane givingthe viewersasense of hope,astheybelieve the plane is
goingto make it,howevertheyare sooncut off.The shotsare alsowell
accompaniedwiththe same fastpace music,whichcreatesthe sense of
anticipation.Effectivelybuildinguptoa final momentwhere the
storyline changes,oracharacter movesfromtheirposition.The mise-en-
scene of the room Meg isin, show it’salsoan office.Howeveritisgiven
the impressionthatshe maybe beinginterviewedforajob.Due to her
sittingonthe opposite side of the deskfromaman in a smart suit.

4. 4 JordonClifton Straightcut editingtechnique isusedonce againtomove frominside
the office tooutside the building.Showingthe change of scene and
creatingcontinuitythroughoutthe film.The cameraangle islow
showingawide range of the locationsuchas the amountof people,
the trafficand the city streets.Alsoallowingthe viewerstosee George
emerge fromthe buildingchasingafterMeg.The fast pacedmusicalso
matchesthe fast movingtrafficandbusylife of the city.Effectively
portrayingwhere the filmisset,anddemonstratingthe stereotypical
representationof Americancitylifeinthattime.
The music suddenlystopsonce George emergesfromthe building.
Quickmovingcameramovementsmovingupanddown,while
followingGeorge ashe dodgesthe cars. Showshisurgencyand
hurriednesstofindMeginthe busycity.Diegeticandsynchronous
soundof cars beeping,andtruckhornswhenGeorge runsout intothe
road. While we canhear hisbreathing/pantingashe isrunning,
conveyingthathe isdeterminedtofindMeg.The same background
music/soundtrackstartsagainwhenhe seesthe plane withlipstickon.
Meaninghe has lostMeg in the cityand has beenremindedbyseeing
the paperplane on the bin.
Long shotof paperplane flyingthroughthe cityonce George has
thrownit.Camera movementtrackingthe paperplane andwhere its
going,meaningwhere itlandswillbe importantorleadtosomething.
Synchronousslowertempoandsaddermusic,toportraythe moodof
George.Mise-en-sceneof the cityshownbybuildings,apartmentsand
alleywayswhere the plane goes.Longshotusedshowingplane flying
for a longdistance,andpowerof George’sfrustratedthrowof plane.
Backgroundmusicgainsa fastertempo,asMeg has noticedthe paper
plane withthe lipstickmarkdirectinghersomewhere.Thisisshown in
the shot below asMeg isrunninginthe streetafterthe plane.While
George isbeingpushedbylotsof the planesseenabove ashe holds
ontothe railings.There are mixturesof differentshotsbutthe most
commonis the mid-shot.Asitshowsthe locationandwhatthe
character isdoing.The fastermusicalsocreatesanticipationasto what
will happennext.Andmatchesthe quickandnumerousamountsof
shotseditedtogetherbystraightcuts.The mise-en-sceneisof the city
and thenthe trainstationand trains.Highlightingwhere the characters
are beingled,therefore the audience will gatheranideaof where the
narrative isheading.The shotsalternate betweenGeorge andMeg
informingviewersof eachcharactersprogresstothe train station.
Birdeye view of the twotrains fromopposite placesmeeting.
Representingthe twocharactersmeetingupagainand findingeach
other.The mise-en-scene of the trainscouldimplythe time the filmis
setin,as thismode of transportis useda lot.Alsoasthe same setting
isusedat the beginningandendof the film.Itsignifiesthe importance
of the trainstation,as it’swhere theyfirstmetandwhere the story
followsonfrom.Meaningitisa keyaspect/theme of the shortfilm.

5. 5 JordonClifton Low angledshotconnotesMeglookingdownatthe plane and
wonderingwhyshe hasit.Alsouseslotsof close upshotsof George
and Meg’sface,as theywalkout of the trainand see eachother.
Lettingthe audience see Meg’sface firstandthenmore importantly
George’sexpressionatseeingher.The musicthenquietensandslows
downslightlyasMegemergesfromthe trainand looksat the plane.
Representingacrescendoorfinal endingfor the charactersand the
storyline,asithasledto thismomentfora large sectionof the film.
Synchronoussoundof paperrustlingtoshow othertrainarriving.
Mid shotof George and Meg finallymeetingaftergettingonthe train.
Showingtheirproximityandactionsafterbeingreunitedwitheach
other,afterrealisingthe paperplanesbroughtthemtogether. Megis
holdingthe propof the lipstickmarkedplane,linkingbacktohow the
same paperwas at the start of the film. The same quietmusicisplayed
witha softslow tempo,creatinga romanticfeel tothe storyline. As
well assignifyingthe endof theirjourneytogettoeach other.Meg
and George bothlookat the ground andback and forthfrom each
other.Highlightinghow they’re shybutalsohappytosee eachother
again. Meg is portrayedassweetandinnocentbyheractionof tucking
herhair behindherear,andher feminineappearance throughout.
Conveyinghow she issomeoneGeorge admires/desiresinthe film.
Genre
The genre of the short film is animation, as the film is not a live-action piece. It shows cartoon drawn characters and
settingsthroughoutthatare animatedbyDisney.The genre isalsoshortdue to the film being short in duration, as it’s
around6 minuteslong which is a typical conventions of short genres. As well as being a comedy, illustrated by shots
and actionsof George and sometimesMeg. While beingaromance as the topicof the filmisthe man chasing after the
woman, and them falling in love. This is a typical convention of the romance genre as the male is seen to be chasing
after the woman, who is attractive and innocent. This short film features elements of other genres as the film has
manydifferentaspectsof genres.Suchas it’sa romance comedy,butisanimatedmeaningthere is ananimatedgenre.
George is different from the norm as he is unconventional and clumsy, but determined to get Megs attention. The
genre isaimedat youngadultsandadults,as theywouldunderstandthe narrative andenjoythe romance. Theywould
also understand and appreciate the animation and the conventions of a Disney film, as they will have probably see
Disney filmsbefore. The soundtrackcreatesthe genre as itslight hearted and easy to listen to, meaning it creates the
impression of romance and fun.
Narrative
The narrative of the orderof the filmscomponentsare thatGeorge isboredandhas a repetitive ordinarylife.He then
meetsMegat the trainstation and likes her. He then realises he works opposite her at his work, and tries to get her
attentionbythrowingpaperplanesintoherworkroom.Thisshowsthe theme of paperandlinksinwell withthe title,
meaning there is a clever logic behind the narrative. The characters are then brought together by the paper planes
and are reunited. Narrative techniques have also been used as there is a change in George’s life once Meg appears,
and thenGeorge startsdoingboldthingsto meetheragain. Charactersare usedas George isseen as the hero as he is
tryingto getthe girl throughout the story. Meg is seen as the princess as she is seen to need to be saved by George.
While beingattractive andapersonof desire due toher appearance throughout.While the villain is George’s boss as
he is seen to stop George from getting to Meg, and is an obstacle in the narrative. Also due to his appearance and
mise-en-scene of the smartsuitandglasses,aswell as his serious facial features/expressions. He is seen to have the
most authority within the work place over his employees, and is intimidating to George as he is in charge.

6. 6 JordonClifton
Representation
A stereotypicalboredoffice workerisrepresentedinthe shortfilmasGeorge,throughthe mise-en-sceneof his work
cloths and setting of going to work by train. Also George’s facial expression of boredom conveys his lifestyle, and
whenhe doesn’tflinch whenthe train whizzes past. This highlights how this is his daily routine and he has become
used to it. This is created to show how George’s life is ordinary and he may be bored with his job/life. Therefore
whenMeg appearsandhe seemstolike her, the audience are instantly interested in how or if, she will change the
storyand George’slife. Megisrepresentedto be the stereotypically feminine and pretty woman, as she is the only
female we see inthe film.Thisshowshersignificance inthe narrative, aswell asher lipstick mark and lips are shown
to be red.Howeverthisisthe onlycolourin the black and white animation. Demonstrating how she stands out, and
the momentthe paperflewontoherface it causeda change in narrative. Due to Meg being less clumsy than George
and beingmore sensible inthe shotsshown.Emphasisesthe dominantideologythatwomenbehavedthisway in the
time periodthe filmissetin.Showingthat females and Meg, are represented as having expectations of them to be
polite, sensible andladylike.Additionally,the office workers are seen to be ordinary, identical looing individuals in
the work office scenes. This is represented by the shots used of having George dominantly in the shot, while the
workers are unfocused or in the background. This highlights the little significance they have, but are there to
representanoffice environment,andthe feelof samenessinGeorge’soffice. These representations of each gender
and characters, are represented by Disney and their choice of scenes and actions of George and Meg. Also by the
narrative as this determines what the characters do and how they are being represented to the viewers. The
purposes of these representations are to create a stereotypical ideology of male and females and romance.
Therefore viewers will expect to see certain conventions like the man gets the woman for instance. Setting up the
expectationsof the film,sowhenitdoesmeetuptotheirexpectationstheywillbe satisfied. It’s also to add humour
as George isseento be smittenbutdeterminedthroughoutthe film. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the
main character and the secondary character at the start. Resulting in the audience creating a relationship with him
and wantinghimtoget Meg’sattention.Meaningforthe restof the filmthere is a growing narrative and build up as
to whether they will meet each other again.
Ideology
The messagesthatare being perpetuated about the genre are George’s determination and perseverance to get the
attentionof andfindMeg. It showsthe ideologythatif aman fallsinlove with a woman just by once glance. Then he
will do whatever it takes to go out with her or win her over. It shows men in a positive way as they are seen to be
caring and try hard to get something they want. However it could see women in a negative light or send negative
messages to the audience. As females could then be seen as an object or prize more than a human, therefore
potentially dehumanising females. Although in this film she is seen to be a desirable but independent woman,
therefore showingherin a positive way. The messages being shown by the genre are comedy, and unique/creative
ways to get someone’s attention. The humorous side of the narrative is the idea that George is trying to get Meg’s
attentionby turning his paperwork into paper aeroplanes, when he is meant to be doing his work. Additionally the
fact that he keeps failing by ridiculous ways is entertaining to watch, as it creates a fun storyline. Furthermore, the
dominant ideology is the romance between the characters and the idea that the man is trying to get the woman’s
attention and ask her out. However there are obstacles George has to face and overcome to get to Meg, similar to
feature films narratives. This is demonstrated by the order of events and film’s narrative.

7. 7 JordonClifton
Theorists/Theories
In termsof narrative theoriesPapermanlinksinwellwithVladimirPropp’s narrative theory.AsGeorge is seen as the
heroas he isthe main character, who has a mission to undertake in return for a reward. With the hero traditionally
beingmale asGeorge is.Meg is the heroine asshe isthe hero’srewardfor succeedinginhismission,andtraditionally
the heroine isthe princessanda female whichMegis.The bossisthe blockerorthe villainwhoseeksto the stop the
herofrom succeedingpresentinghimself as a threat. As well as causing problems for the hero which makes it more
difficultforthemtocomplete his quest. Clearly demonstrating how there are different character types who fulfil a
particular purpose in the narrative. Another theory is Todorov’s narrative theory as Paperman demonstrates this
theory well through its narrative. The Equilibrium is George doing his normal daily routine at the train station,
however Meg is the disruption as George likes her. The Crisis is George trying to get her attention and he keeps
failing,butthenthere isaresolutionasthe paperplanesbringthembothtogether.Finallythere isanew equilibrium
as George and Meg are reunited togetherandthe crisisisresolved. Papermanfollowsthisnarrative theorywith each
differentscene of the film,creatinganinterestingstoryline forthe audience tofollow.Alsohavingthe disruption and
the crisisleadsthe audience towantto watch, to findouthow itwill be resolved. The effectof Papermanfitting with
these narrative theoriesputforwardbydifferenttheorists,highlightshow the filmis well produced and directed. As
well asbeingeasytowatch and creatinga unique narrative,withunconventional characters and a satisfying ending.