Monday, August 29, 2011

Short Film Analysis

MEMORIES

Memories is a short film based on the revival of memories and cherrishing moments long ago for the main character, the old man. Throughout the film, the main character conitinualy finds these strips of film that reveal moments that meant a lot to him. For example, the main character's foot is entangled by the first strip of film that shows either his childhood or possibly his son.
The main character then embarks on this journey to find more of these strips of films that would reveal more of these past memories. Towards the end of the short film, the main character goes through this picture book that relate back to these strips of film and eventually ends with the old man closing his eyes.

Throughout the film, there are many close ups on the main characters face that display many of the emotions he feels. These close ups really set the tone of happiness and also show how the main character changes his character. In the beginning, the main character seems to be grumpy and uncaring, but as he gathers these strips of film. his expressions began to lighten up. There are also many quick pace shots that sort of add on to the intensity of the film. This means that as the main character began to find more of the film strips, the quicker the film's pace went. Also, towards the end of the short film, as the main character finds more and more of these strips of film, there are a few cross dissolves that quicken up the pace of the film too.



 There is also a few pan shots that capture the main characters emotions in finding these strips of film. The camera is mostly on a waist shot level and usually pans from the main character onto the strips of film. This is repeated numerous times throughout the film, but is effective in establishing the happy tone. Sometimes there are traveling shots when the main character walks through the streets in search of the film strips.

The lighting in this film is also pretty unique. Their is an effect throughout the whole film that makes the setting seem somewhat dark and gloomy, such as though it was a rainy day. This establishes the probability of how the main character felt in the beginning of the film, but doesn't contribute to the renewed feeling of joy during the rest of the film. This could refer to low-key lighting.

As far as the editiing, in my opinion, it was well done. There are many continuity shots that somewhat add on to how the main character is feeling after finding the film strips. For example, in the end of the film, there is a perfect example of great continuity editing that supports how excited the main character was to go home and look at the film strips.

The music was also good because it really contributed to the film's tone and how the main character's journey to find the film strips was an accomplishment. It also gives the film a sympathetic tone to how the main character feels throughout the film and it gives us, the audience, the impression that this man is able to be happy once again due to these film strips.





2 comments:

  1. Although this film was rather short, I still thought it was very meaningful and still a great story. I really enjoy the use of close ups after the old man sees the flashback. The close up of his face shows a lot of emotion and how he feels. I also really enjoyed how film strip, after film strip was faded into one another; making his past flow nicer. Your response to the film was accurate and I agreed with most of what you said, but I’d love to hear more about the deeper message of the film. Still, a great job!

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  2. First off I love the premise of the film, and secondly the ending took me by surprise. But it really ties everything together, an old dying man looking through the memories of his life. Even though this is short thees a lot of emotion here. I agree with you on the musical selection, really adds to the tone of the film. I think the pace of the film adds to the idea that hes losing his grip on life so he has to hurry to be happy with his life before he passes away. Overall a great short choice!

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