What is a Short Film in terms of Form?

1. A2 Short Film
Research (Review)
BY DIVINE LAYOKUN

2. Broken:
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 The initial use of sound was very effective in
creating an uneasy mood. For example, the
establishing shot features non-diegetic sounds
of technological glitching/ shattered glass.
 Editing in this film was very good in terms of
the way that the featured P.O.V shot of the
laptop screen (social media page) is mirrored.
Also, the transitions used such as Dissolves
were timed well- not too long nor too short.
 There was also a great use of ‘Blackout
Editing’/Mise En Scene. Scenes where there
was a black and white effect

3. Networked
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 The initial use of Camera is focused on the
actors in such a way that it reinforces how
social media dominates. The element of being
‘watched’ is reiterated through the dark realms
of social media.
 The use of editing techniques such as an
eyeline match - at the scene where the laptop
screen is mirrored- is a great touch.
 Diegetic sounds such as the clicking of the
keypad maintain the set theme of
tension/eeriness.

4. In Bloom
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 There was a good use of sound concerning the
voice over narration.
 Synchronous sound was executed well,
especially when she typed up figures and the
sound matched.
 Editing concerning the face-paced series of
shots, was effective in conveying her daily
routine.
 There was a great use of framing and
composition which is demonstrated at the
school hallway scene, where we witness the
main actor aligned in the centre of the corridor.
Thus emphasizing how she lacks the
values/identities of her peers.

5. Project: Icarus
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 The opening scene of the film features a low-
angled/close-up of a single white feather
which is symbolic of flight- the overall theme
of the short film.
 The theme of flight is reinforced yet again
during the ending scenes of the film, where
we see the use of a focus pull at the sea/red
target line.
 Although there was a decent attempt with
the voice over narration, I have to say that
the sound was not well executed overall.
 The use of low-key lighting /motivated light
source was effective in conjuring a silhouette;
which contrasts the high-key/ambient
lighting.

6. Wellingtons
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 Framing and composition of the wellies
at the bus stop scene was fairly good in
reinforcing the love aspect of the film.
 Sound editing was not well executed
 There was a great use of Mise En Scene
regarding the use of props. For instance
the introduction of the polka-dot wellie
reiterated a potential threat.
 The camera scenes were not all evenly
stable.
 The repetition of the same scenes could
be referred to as ‘fillers’.
 The use of slow paced editing was
engaging during the scene where
the penny is thrown into the well.
 The storyline could be perceived as
tedious/on the verge of cliché.

7. Horseplay
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
 The use of sound: Instrumental piece
creates a dull/glum atmosphere.
 Personally I did not find the narrative
to be entirely clear.
 Diegetic sounds of giggling and jeering
involves the viewers in the narrative
and compels us to sympathise.
 Lighting as a whole was not the best.
 The plot of the short film revolves
around Literature, so it was quite
creative in that sense.

8. AQUA POSITVE NEGATIVE
 The initial statement/quote given by
DaVinci sets the tone for the whole film.
 The use of diegetic sound to create an
ominous feel.
 Mise En Scene involved the use of
symbolic props such as the
kettle/bottled water.
 The use of Camera techniques was
practically faultless.
 Lighting: Low key lighting/motivated
light source causes a shadow to cast
upon the leading female character
which provides a focus pull.
 I loved the way the opening scene was
reiterated again at the end, through the
match on action.