Analysis of a Relevant Short Film

Analysis of a Relevant Short Film

This is a film called 'One More Time' that I found whilst searching for inspiring short films on YouTube. I instantly liked it so I decided to analyse it and see what aspects and devices of media they have used in this short film.

The first shot in the title sequence is a tracking shot of someone running fast and the mise en scene suggests that this character has had something bad happen to them or has done something bad themselves. The shirt is spotted with blood and what looks like a slipping hand print. At this point in the film this person could either be running from someone or running for someone so it is an ambiguous shot that suggests more than one situation. 

After the previous shot there is a title page with a name on it. Because the before shot is what it is, this title page is an anti climax and it is used to create a suspenseful atmosphere. The name 'Genevieve Howell' is confusing because it isn't clear who she is. Is this person one of the female actors? The director? Screen writer? It isn't clear therefor in my film I shall make sure that the title sequence is clear and easy to understand.

A close up is used to show that this person is carrying a knife. Suggesting that he has done something terrible as it is covered in blood. The close up shows that the mess on the knife is red which can only be assumed is blood.

This close up shows the mans face screwed up like he is trying to repress a memory or a bad thought. His face could also be scrunched because he is in some form of pain that is nearly causing him to scream out. It is clear that his face is cut and seems to be bleeding heavily. The audience, again, will be confused about what purpose this shot is used for and why the character is doing this.

This is the title shot so that the audience know the title of the film. 'One More Time' could suggest that the killer wants one more kill but as it shows. It's his 'girlfriend' who wants to kiss one more time which isn't something the audience would have expected. The black writing is contrasted against the black background which could have negative connotations. There is more black, which symbolise darkness, unhappiness and being scared, in comparison to the small surface area of the colour white which symbolises light and purity. It shows how the bad has control over the goodness in this film.

Using these type of shots suggests that something bad has happened and it gives the audience clues as to what is happening in the film. This particular one suggests that someone, in relation to the main character in this film, is missing. Whether that be a family member, friend or a complete stranger is unknown but it can be assumed that it is a friend or a stranger. There are other shots of missing girls to support this.

This is a medium close up shot to show that this character is panicked and in a room of, what looks like, newspaper and magazine cutting outs. This creates a sinister atmosphere. The female character is off centre which suggests that this situation isn't quite right. The tape over her mouth, to stop her making noise, suggests this. The extremely low ceiling light creates a weird looking room. Her face looks pained and she looks confused, probably because she's in a room that she hasn't seen before.

This is a close up of a knife very nearly entering someone's eye. An arm is clearly holding her head so it can't be pulled away. It seems to be the arm of the shirt previously featured in the film. A close up shot is used to show how close the knife came to her eye/face. 

This medium shot shows the two characters embracing in some form of awkward stance. He is holding her face awkwardly and she seems to be trying to push his hand away with her head. He is lower than her which suggests that he is giving in to whatever is happening. The shot allows the audience to see that both the characters are involved in this situation. 

This pink/red effect that has been out on the film suggests some kind of flashback. The image looks contorted and blurred like the memory has been repressed in some way or that the memory hasn't been thought about enough to be understood. The character has been blacked out so that the focus is on the thing on his arm. The audience need to see that, that is what he is talking about in the voice over.

This last shot shows how the character has gone from being sympathetic towards the female to a high angle shot which gives him the power in the situation. He then does put the knife in her eye but the screen cuts to black.