Narrative structure - The strucuture of this film is not in chronological order as although it follows a conversation between two friends, Nathan and Beefy, multiple flashbacks are used to show the past events being spoken about in the present to the audience. We are aware that these shots are flashbacks as Nathan says 'you know the kid got stabbed last month', as well as the change in lighting and time of day used in the flashbacks showing that these two events don't take place at the same time. Two stories are shown in one, the 3 act structure can be found in both stories shown. The film is left with an open ending as we are left to conclude ourselves whether there is some truth to the story that the boy was telling or not.
Representation - The representation in this film is used to fulfil many stereotypes to easily introduce us to the character in the film. Basic tropes are used to easily make each characters role in the film understandable. Nathan is presented as a joker, streetwise - as he has knowledge of the rumours about the Kid. Beefy is represented similarly to Nathan as they are friends but gullible, helping to lead the narrative as he asks questions about the Kid. The Kid is represented as vulnerable and helpless as throughout most shots he is fighting for his life and escaping danger. The gang is shown to be aggressive and violent but arrogant as they do not understand the danger they are in, in the Kebab shop, as they believe they are more powerful. Finally, the kebab shop workers are also represented as violent, but heroic as they protect the Kid and somewhat get vengeance for the way that their shop is treated.
Cinematography - The beginning shots of the title sequence contain close ups of knives being sharpened and aggressive cutting of meat. This gives immediate insight to the importance of the prop and creates a heightened sense of danger to begin with, due to the aggressive nature of the actions. An establishing shot then shows of the kebab shop looking empty and neglected, placing the audience in that particular area and familiarising them with the bleak situation. Throughout the conversation between Nathan and Beefy, the camera is placed at eye level to involve the audience, with many over the shoulder shots and shot-reverse-shots to immerse and engage the audience in the conversation. This is also done with many MCUs that focus on the facial expressions and reactions of Nathan and Beefy. As the story is shown in flashbacks, the audience is also involved with the story, using a POV shot of the gang member stabbing the Ellington Kid. Later, a medium close up shot of the Kid's feet is shown as he staggers away from the gang, which later cuts up to a MCU of his face, which both shots emphasises the pain and panic he is. Once the Kid is in the kebab shop, low angle shots of him lying helplessly on the floor are used, making him seem vulnerable and helpless. As the gang enter, a wide angle shot is used, showing the opposition between the gang and the kebab shop workers. Following with an entourage of close up and low angle shots of both the gang and the kebab shop workers, showing the intimidating characters of both sides. At the end of the conversation, the camera pans back to the worker sharpening the knife, to finish with a sinister feeling, contrasting to the light-heartedness of the conversation.
Mise-en-scene - the film is shown to be situation in London, with all location used: the kebab shop, the alleyway, the tunnel and where The Kid gets stabbed to be deserted and isolated creating suspense. The clothing is typical 2013 London youth style, with Nathan wearing a leather jacket, Beefy, a matching tracksuit and cap. The gang members are wearing dark clothing and bandana to cover their faces creating an intimidating feeling. The colour of the movie throughout is very bleak and cold, aligning with the story being told and shown.
Sound - Throughout the film, sound is used to create tension, and aligning with the story as the climax of the soundtrack matches with the climax of the story - as the Kebab worker locks the door and we infer what is going to happen to the gang member. Throughout this, an overlay is played of Nathan telling the story to Beefy, while we watch the flashbacks of the story, allowing the audience to understand who each character is and what is happening, this is practical for a short film and allows the audience to easily immerse themselves in the film. The sound track is swiftly cut off after that defining moment creating drop to the tension as we have worked out what is going happen. This sound at the beginning of the film, the sharpening of the knife also ends the film suspending that tension as we finish the film.
Editing - The editing throughout the film is fast-paced and jumpy which add to the tension of the story and keep the film exciting and short. As the film editing in and out of the conversation quickly, it sometimes lingers on certain moment in the flashback creating tension and allows the audience to immerse into the story of the Ellington Kid. The defining editing element in the film for me, is used when a close up shot of the kebab shop worker's knife and then to the gang member's face, creating the Kuleshov effect and allowing us to create an imaginative story of what is going to happen to the gang members.
Performance - The performance in this film is realistic as we are shown a conversation between two friends in an everyday environment, this allows the story to be immersive and convincing. Facial expression of all characters in the film are important as it portrays the certain situations going on as throughout the flashback of the Kid's stabbing, non-diegetic sound is used, so the facial expression depict the feelings and reactions of the characters.
Comments
Post a Comment