Short Film Analysis

In our second seminar we covered a variety of short films. Personally I am a big fan of short films, especially British ones, and I am an avid fan of the Social Realism genre.

Highrise, Gabrielle Russell

"A young mother's dilemma as she watches her baby making its way toward the open window of her highrise flat."

I really liked the way suspense was built in this short film. The slowing down of shots and sounds was very effective in showing the main character's thought process. The loud breathing and claustrophobic shots of the hallway also helped the viewer to understand and identify with the character's emotions. One of my favourite aspects was the colouring; the interior of the flat has been given a blue tone, which further helps to portray the mood of the film.

Love Me or Leave Me Alone, Duane Hopkins

I find this film to be a starkly realistic portrayal of a teenage relationship; consequently it is one of my favourite pieces of film I have seen in a while. I find it visually engaging and the audio track works really well. The minimal, well-written script gives scope for excellent use of body language and facial expressions, and keeps the acting realistic. The editing keeps the story flowing smoothly even when the shots jump between locations.