Assessing other A2 Short Films

Screening 1 - "Love Hurts" by Katie Murdoch

Good Points

• The film has good symbolism. The balloon was a good device to show the audience how the girl was feeling. It also helped to show the changes in emotion.
• Using the combination of the black &white with the piano music gave the film a stylised feel. It helped set the tone and the music was matched up to the story well, adjusting the emotion where needs be.

Bad Points

• Some shots didn't line up correctly. I felt the match-on-action could've been improved.
• The camera was shaky at points, particularly with POV shots.
• When fading to white, the white covered the black box of the screen, making it feel less professional.
• The story, while enjoyable, was predictable.

To Improve

• If the director committed to the genre a bit more, while risky, it may be more exciting to watch. With possibly more grainy film and big text boxes, she could've made it a truer silent film.
• The simple titles were boring. Again, if she stylised them more toward something old, possibly vintage and less simple it would be more enjoyable.
• The actors could've been more expressionate. With the lack of vocals, it's hard to tell what they're feeling sometime. If they were more emotive, the film could benefit.
• More shots, like close ups, should be used to help the audience see emotion and key actions.

Screening 2 - "Hide and Seek" by Hannah Palmer

Good Points

• The concept is original and interesting.
• There is good use of shots and angles, rarely a wasted or pointless shot.
• Plus, the children add that cuteness appeal.
• Good detail to the times set. Especially with costume and props.

Bad Points

• This was let down by the match-on-action and continuity not syncing up.
• Working with children can be difficult. It was easy to tell when they were struggling with lines, however,  they gave a grand performance considering.
• Copyrighted music was used.

To Improve

• The lighting, whether it was intentional or not, at the point before the girl went back to her own time was off key. It looked unnatural, like a grey filter was placed over the footage.
• A better ending may be better suited. For example, an older member of her family could see and recognise the locket.
• Ensure all shots have reasoning behind them.

Screening 3 - "Paradise Found" by Ciara Thorpe & Grace McCabe Barton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pdZVYXX21A

Good Points

• The film had a very authentic 1940's feel, despite the silly moustache. It fits well with the romantic comedy genre.
• Lots of detail, clothing and props.
• Good camera techniques, such as focus/ defocus.
• Good idea and twist,

Bad Points

• Boring titles
• There was one shot where the lead female was applying lipstick, yet it did not touch her lips.

To Improve

• Have exciting titles, perhaps a more 1940's film style as opposed to white text on a black background.
• When the woman reads the letter, I think we could've perhaps seen a shot of the letter she was reading. This could've broken up the parts between that and her getting off the train.

Screening 4 - Unravel by Jake Brownbill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QqqSvDd1c4

Unlike the other films, I can't seem to find any particular bad points with this film. So, why is that? Well, mainly because it's a very good film. The documentary style is used effectively and combined with the shots of the story, is a very intriguing and engaging. It's dramatic and has great subtle comedy.

The director has forged his own world and we accept it. It's totally believable. This is likely because he puts it across in a way that we understand and the strong acting enforces this. Plus, the fantastic video FX and high sound quality don't put us off, like poor FX would.

The titling looks good and is very fitting.

It's got a great narrative, which is pushed forward by the interesting dialogue.

The characters are believable. I can assume that lots of development went into them, as they're well shaped and have back stories which are pushed into the story.

-BW