Short film research:Conrad

Canard is a short film that blends surrealism and dark comedy, focusing on the absurd and disorienting. In its genre, common camera techniques include close-ups to capture intense emotions, medium shots to establish context, and tracking shots to follow characters through moments of transition. Wide shots are often used to convey isolation or emptiness, creating a sense of disconnect. The sound in surreal films, like Canard, often relies on non-diegetic music and eerie sound effects to heighten tension, with occasional moments of silence to build unease.

Mis-en-scene (CLAMPS) plays a vital role in this genre. Characters are often dressed in simple, unremarkable clothing to reflect their psychological states. Lighting in surreal films is typically harsh or high-contrast, contributing to an uncanny atmosphere, while props may have symbolic or disorienting roles. Settings are usually ordinary but subtly strange, creating a disjointed sense of reality. Makeup and special effects can be used sparingly but effectively to highlight emotional or psychological shifts in characters.

In terms of editing, surreal films frequently use jump cuts, slow motion, and match cuts to disrupt the narrative flow and suggest altered perceptions of time and space. 

What I enjoy about the genre is the exploration of the subconscious and the deep psychological themes it often tackles. The surreal atmosphere allows for rich visual symbolism, which encourages a more abstract form of storytelling. Additionally, the genre’s engagement with the absurd can be both thought-provoking and unique. However, the genre’s ambiguity can sometimes feel frustrating, especially when a clear narrative or message is absent. The overwhelming atmosphere in some films can detract from character development, and the avant-garde nature of surreal films may make them inaccessible to broader audiences. Overall, Canard effectively uses surrealism to explore complex psychological and emotional states, but it can also challenge traditional viewing expectations.

Short film research: Drago

Drago is a short film that blends fantasy, adventure, and surrealism, focusing on themes like heroism, myth, and emotional growth. In this genre, common camera techniques include wide shots to showcase expansive landscapes or grand creatures, and close-ups to highlight emotional moments in the protagonist’s journey. Tracking shots follow the action, while low-angle shots are used to emphasize the power of dragons or heroic figures. High-angle shots convey vulnerability, often portraying characters as small within a vast world.

The sound in fantasy films like Drago typically includes epic orchestral music to amplify grandeur and diegetic sounds like dragon roars or sword clashes. Non-diegetic sound effects add a layer of magic, and silence is strategically used to heighten tension. Background ambience, like nature sounds, helps immerse the viewer in the fantastical setting. In terms of mis-en-scene, costumes are designed to reflect characters’ roles, with elaborate, adventure-ready attire. Lighting can range from bright, golden hues to darker, more muted tones, reflecting the emotional landscape of the film.

Props like magical objects and fantastical creatures are essential to the narrative. The setting often features expansive natural landscapes or mystical realms that emphasize the genre's otherworldliness. Makeup and special effects are used to bring fantastical creatures like dragons to life. Editing techniques include cross-cutting to show parallel actions, slow-motion to emphasize dramatic moments, and action cuts during fast-paced sequences. Flashbacks and visions are often used to reveal backstory or foreshadow future events.

 What I like about the genre is the rich world-building, epic scope, and the opportunity for deep character development. The use of magical creatures and symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative. However, the genre can sometimes feel predictable, with familiar story arcs and tropes. Excessive exposition can slow the pacing, and certain characters may seem stereotypical. Unrealistic stakes in some films can make it harder to emotionally connect with the story. Overall, Drago embodies the genre’s conventions while offering moments of emotional depth and visual spectacle.

Short film research: Proaopagnosia

 To fulfill my genre of mystery, I need to conduct research of what that truly looks like. This short film is named "Prosopagnosia" created by Hugo Keijzer. A short summary of this film is about a man who suffers from the condition of prosopagnosia. In more simple terms, he does not have the ability to recognize faces. This is a case where his best friend was murdered and all traces point back to him.

The sound is simply  diegetic with dialogue to evoke a suspenseful feeling. 

Common Mis-en-Scene I witnessed were the main characters, the setting of the best friend's house, and the interrogation room. The lighting was low only to create that imagined blurred vision from the main character to mimic his condition.

The editing consisted of the usual shot reverse shot, over the shoulder, eye-line level, and jump cut. 

Along my research, I found other example films such as Death on the nile, Rear window, and Psycho.

Now I want to dive into the genre elements that I like about mystery. I will include foreshadowing to give my audience a hint that something will happen. In my case, this will be negative pertaining to my film.

Next, I need an antagonist. Without a protagonist, the audience cannot predict a 'save the day' narrative. Im sure many will find that interesting. 

To add on, I need a plot.  Every film has a plot, otherwise there is no storyline and purpose to the film. I hope for reflection after intaking my film.

To continue, I need dialogue to establish the ongoing conversations to give that mystery approach to my viewers.

To end, I need hidden evidence to play at the end of the scene to gave that gasps so that audience stays and rewatches to find the clues missed upon first sight.

Not all is perfect, I did look at the other remaining side. I decided to not include a protagonist, detective, and inference gaps.  In this film, I did not like the detective. I believe it did not add much but yet waste time. The inference gaps are for longer films. Lastly the protagonist is expected, I want my audience to actually feel the emotions intended.

Short film research: Sahar

 To fulfill my genre of mystery, I need to conduct research of what that truly looks like. This short film is named "Sahar" that is created by Alexander Farah. I picked up on visuals and notes, so I will analyze the conventions of this short film. To provide a short summary, this short film is about a disappearance of a daughter after being kicked out by her religious family for repeating mistakes.

First I would like to draw attention to the sound. There are a lot of dialogue and diegetic sound placed into the short film as the family is focused on the sister and her recent actions.

The Mis-En-Scene was family simple as it was only four family characters and one detective. The setting was the family house, the outside view, and detective's office. Low lighting as expected for this religious family to pray and the night-like environment. 

Lastly,  the editing in this particular film of mystery had the usual shot reverse shot, action match, and eye-line match.

 I found other example films such as Death on the nile, Rear window, and Psycho.

To switch ideas, my research led me to find  five elements of my genre of mystery. 

I need foreshadowing to give my audience a hint that something will happen. In my case, this will be negative pertaining to my film.

Next, I need an antagonist. With my character going behind both the friend group's back and the partner's back, the viewers can identify their true intentions within the film.

To add on, I need a plot. There needs to be steps to my film that build the story so that my audience truly understands and can reflect after watching my media.

To continue, I need dialogue to establish the ongoing conversations to give that mystery approach to my viewers.

To end, I need hidden evidence to play at the end of the scene to gave that gasps when the audience realizes my pitch.

With all pros, follow along cons and elements that do not appeal to my liking to the film. I selected to opt out of using a protagonist, detective, and inference gaps. Personally, my research and notes on these elements simply goes against the pitch my team decided. I believe it will interfere with the quality of my work and leave the audience bewildered.

Research: How to make a short film

Before I began filming, there is a few things I need to know. Most importantly, how do I even make a short film? With research I can successfully overcome that challenge.  This is not my first time recording a piece of media, but I aim for it to be the best.

First step is casting. I need to find cast members that is willing to act in depths to what I need. Of course, it will not go as far as making them uncomfortable or go against their wishes. A good cast enhances the quality of them film.  I will evaluate their strengths and weakness to best proceed.

Next is the commitment. I need both the cast and I to commit to our work efforts. Other film makers display this with the proud confidence of their work. I believe as a viewer myself, it is evident when the cast is not committed to their part.

Furthermore it is important that I look into sound. Resources advise that I use to right gear depending on my dialogue in the script. 

Now to post production, I have to focus on editing. Directors advise to give it a couple days break to see mistakes and cuts that I may have missed before. 

Last but not least, I need notes and feedback. Research has convinced me to be open to criticism as it helps upgrade my short film. 

Now with this given information, let's take a look on how I can incorporate into my short film. I will find a reliable cast, go over expectations, produce quality sound, and take time with editing. To be more concise, I need to understand that this is my chance to prove that I can be a great director. 

Comparing Le Jetee, the short, and 12 Monkeys, the full-length movie

 From the short film of Le Jetee, it began with a black and white setting displaying a French man directed by Chris Marker. The character reflects on the one woman and scars from the past as machines creep by and select Parisians of the past to aid the future.

For my film, I envision the black and white effect of the past being used to demonstrate past memories with my teammate. This would show that there was once a period in time where trust was unbreakable and we have experience with each other's company. Just how the audience could not predict the next scene in Le Jetee, I aim to create the same effect with the editing. 

Jumping to the 12 monkeys full movie, a shallow yet colorful  setting is present directed by Terry Gilliam. A virus takes over in 1996, to which the underground prisoners are sent on tasks or experiments to find out the cause. James Cole, the main character takes on the experiment.

In my film, I have the goal of adopting that technique of manipulating the plan from the pitch used in previous blogs. The cast member chosen will go onto their own route, differed from the original plan to rob a group to now being left alone as the main character takes the financial gain for themselves.

Le Jetee is a 1962 short film narrated through timed images and limited graphics. The main editing tool used were fade, hard cut, and cross dissolve. The usage of angles to portray the narrator's passions and feelings of his experiment. The plot then switches to the climax of the man witnessing a death right in front of him.

On the other hand, 12 monkeys is a 1995 film produced by a cast with many scenes and angles portraying the main idea of the experiment. Untimely, it consisted of what started the virus that killed 5 billion people. The plot switches to the climax of the child witnessing his own death as an adult. The pair go through obstacles to finally witness the cause of the virus being the assistant of the woman all along.

In comparison, both films have these 'experiments' that are designed by scientists to save the future that is controlled by animals above. They have an underground setting in place to protect the characters from death. Early on in the beginning scenes, death is introduced by the above operations on the planet, seeming warning the main character to act cautiously. The protagonists are uncontrollably attached to the women as their mind foreshadows the past of the women being reflected upon and needed to continue the experiment. In the end, both films attempt to alter the future.

Comparing 9, the short, and 9, the full-length movie

 Based on 9 short film I am left with a bit of confusion mixed with a hint of clarity.  My first impression of the short film version is a 5/10. The plot only showed fear and determination from the characters. At best, the character development was weak as it gave the protagonist more confidence in their rate of survival. With weaknesses come strong points such as the special effects. The machine that both the protagonist and antagonist both  had these effects that left me, the viewer, to wonder what was so special about it. It was not until I witnessed the powerful machine produce prior protagonists who had the same goal of beating the antagonist to collect the tiny machine. On a more important note, the conventions were right on as the setting, theme, and plot all make it identifiable to the genre.

Now that I have watched the full movie, I am now enlightened on the full plot. The protagonist is picked very early on. Voices and speech are included to establish companionship between characters. The plot is chronologically organized as friendship between the main character whose name is 9, an a fellow characters named after numbers. The monster then destroys that by taking the friend. The hero informs others and is warned to rather stay away from the beast. 9 does not accept that and gathers groups from tribes to restore life on the planet of wiped out humans. The directorial style of providing a backstory of the shallow planet gave an understanding to the planet. The director then included one human to give 9 hope on why he created them to restore humanity. 

To compare, both short and full film share many of the same qualities. These can be listed as having a main character with an overall set goal, and the monster that disrupts the process. The deaths between close friends hinder the protagonist to collect the machine which is identified as an orb. To differ, the full film did a better job at the plot with an understand on why the characters were troubled by the beast. On the other hand, the short film gave a great understanding of what the movie intends of the ending. From a selection of the best qualities, I would agree that the full movie is much more enjoyable.  The movie was ahead of its time based on the little views I stumbled upon research. It showed wisdom, deaths, and determination to achieving an end goal.  Not only that the full version was not based on survival but it also included more personal details that shape's 9 morals. I got the chance to be provided a backstory on why the setting went from a territory of characters down to the surviving few.