Contextual Studies - Resubmission (Part 1)

Resubmission tasks 

Post to your blog a 1000 word report and critique about ALL the short films that was shown during the final presentation. Please describe, express and analyze them. The content I will be looking for:

1. Comparative analysis between the ones shown with other films you can think of

2. Analyze the design value and aesthetics. Provide constructive criticism and possible suggestions for improvements

3. How strong was the plot or narrative? How should the movie have ended? and etc

4. Include pictures and screenshots. You may provide examples. Be creative!

Deadline: Tuesday, 11th March 2014

La Bella Mort

 La Bella Mort is an amateur, thriller short film directed by Nick Lee which talks about a professor trying to create a drug so that "true peace" can be achieved in this world which was subsequently sabotaged by his partner .In my opinion, "La Bella Mort "has a comparative analysis with a noir film called "Sin City".

 Sin City was recognized for the film's unique color processing, which rendered most of the film in black and white but reverting to color for selected objects/scene to emphasize a point with great effect. For instance the same technique was used to highlight the demise of the main villain, Professor Dnomsed plan to bring “Joy” to people.

          @31.30 - A smile still remained on his face even after his death. 

Besides that, La Bella Mort has adapted a scene from an Alfred Hitchcock movie called "Psycho ".i.e: the shower scene was replaced by the jacuzzi murder scene

  Shower scene from Psycho (1960)

Jacuzzi scene from La Bella Mort (2014)
Reference : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atjhOhH-V3E

Throughout the film, the design was quite well planned but could have been executed better, in relation to the characters absence of footwear during certain scenes and reappearance in the subsequent scene. Some scenes were also not edited properly in that the viewer was able to see an unintended random hand waving @18.50

 
Besides that I feel that the sudden switch of the camera from a vertical to horizontal frame @  was rather abrupt. i.e @9.40 when Ylvis and Meagan bump into each other at the staircase.

Also if this was intended to be a silent film, why was there audio in certain points of the ‘silent’ i.e. non verbal dialogue movie?  i.e: @21.30 and @28.12.  Overall they did very well in terms of lighting.   For instance the swinging light effect at the first scene whereby Professor Gnos was pondering the sofa. It creates a serious mood and deep feeling to the whole surrounding. 

My other concern was that a couple of scenes were underexposed ( too dark). i.e:

The music track blends in well with the scenes, same goes with the sound effects. Kudos for that! Moreover, the composition/camera angle for each scene was well balanced and the rules of third was applied throughout the film. As for the props, the cult symbol on the card holder/ notebook was well thought of and quite well placed in the meeting between Meagan and the Main Character, Ylvis

Finally, I find the plot interesting as it kept me hooked in finding out what was going to happen next. How the past had affected the present and future was clearly seen here! Though the narrative could have been planned out better as it was rather confusing to figure out. Nevertheless, It was a great attempt on making a silent film which added more suspense to the storyline. Overall I would rate this film 7/10.

Full Movie can be viewed here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8l7Ua7s9CE

Amour Sombre

People are design to love. No matter who we are or where we come from, love is the most important thing in the world. For some people losing something they love will destroy them. “Amour Sombre” is an amateur short film directed by Sean Chew which talks about jealousy and letting go. The main character, Apple, regrets joining the cult which eventually leads her to making wrong decisions in her life. i.e. killing her boyfriend, Tom.
            

In my opinion, “Amour Sombre” has a comparative analysis with Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. In the music video, there was one scene whereby a girl was running in the forest because she was terrified by an unknown figure chasing her.

  The cinematography was generally good however there were parts which were a bit too shakey.Taking running scenes with a handheld camera is rather challenging though I must admit it gave a more realistic and personal feel to the visuals. 

 It reminds me of the film called the Blair Witch Project (1999). Perhaps using a camera stabilizer or tripod would do the trick.

My favourite shot in this film would most probably be the part where Apple throws away the medicine into the rubbish bin. This I thought was rather good camera work. The idea of using low-angle shot was great as it gives a different perspective to the viewers. Kudos to them as it wasn’t an easy shot to film. As for lighting, I think It was fairly alright except for some scenes which could have been slightly brighter.i.e: Apple drags Tom's dead body to the cupboard.

  
The editing was sensible and appropriate cuts were made, which was essential to keep the film flowing, and for ease of viewing. Soundtracks were quite impressive, peaking with the actions and including very good ambient sounds. The acting was excellent and much of the storyline was conveyed by the visuals: both camera work and the actor’s facial expression, and then is coupled nicely with sound effects. Props were very minimal for this film, but I like how the blood effect turned out in Tom's murder scene. It looked really realistic! :)

Overall, I felt the film was a little draggy and boring. The presence of the cult wasn’t strong and I didn't see how it connected with the description. It said 'about jealousy and letting go' but only a bit was revolved around that.  In other words the plot /narrative was rather weak. I would rate this film a 6/10.

Full Movie can be viewed here :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Y7e1hrrwM&feature=youtube