British Short Film Set List

 Short film examples - analysis

1. The Ellington Kid 

Sound 

Instantly, the short film introduces us with the jarring and literally sharp diegetic sound of knives being sharpened, meat being sliced, and chips being fried. The sound is familiar, creating realism that sets the stage for the story's contrast between what is real and what is myth. Authenticity is created through naturalistic dialogue, and diegetic sound in the flashback signals a movement into the myth/story. Whilst the story is being told, the flashback is still given auditory space to heighten the tension after the boy has been stabbed - diegetic sound seems to become slowed and reverberated, encapsulating the stress of the moment, and a low background violin is introduced, almost foreshadowing a horrific moment to come. This violin then breaks the rhythm of editing by becoming an ongoing non-diegetic sound. The boy stumbles into the shop, and we get the diegetic sound of the bell, which almost acts as an alarm and notion of what is seeping into reality and what is myth. The sense of realism in the flashback is also heightened after we hear the argumentative dialogue in the flashback. The low non-diegetic sound of the violin then becomes a higher, more hopeful sound, but then distorts before we get to see any more of the flashback, leaving the spectator with an ambiguous conclusion of events.

Narrative

  

Ultimately, this short film is defined by its frame narrative, where the structure itself is circular - we end up back in the shop, completing the narrative loop. In the real world, we hear naturalistic, diegetic sound which confirms our understanding of reality, as there is a stylized soundscape in the story-world which is unreal. The story is also made subjective and confused by the storyteller's tone - it is confident but exaggerated, and his voice is the only one we truly hear during the story. Sound isolates his voice and removes separate ambient sounds, wrapping us into his version of events. The narrative relies on a final twist - a chilling implication that the unbelievable story could have been true. 

2. Tight Jeans

Performance

Ekaragha captures authentic London street vernacular which is quick and full of sland. The actors deliver their lines with a casual rythm that reinforces realism and humour. Each actor also conveys a different version of masculinity and resemble clearly distinct characters, which is emphasised by their outfits. Silence as well as facial expressions also becomes crucial in creating humour. 

Representation

Language and performance becomes a key technique in signifying culture and belonging, and the everyday realism of the setting provides a grounded depiction of young Black life.

3. The Arrival  

Cinematography

The woman is constantly framed alone in the centre of the shot, surrounding by space, further isolating her in her own world. The shallow focus makes her seem disconnected from the surrounding environment, emphasising themes of isolation and sadness, whilst drawing the spectator into her facial expressions and reactions.  

Spectatorship 

The Arrival was inspired by a documentary that Montanarini was working on called 'All About Mothers', which explored the relationship between mothers and their children as they discovered they were pregnant, which could be why the story feels so authentic. The film explores many emotions and sentiments, allowing spectators, especially female viewers, to see themselves in the woman's situation too.  

4. Over

Cinematography 

This film focuses very much on wide landscape shots - this adds to the realism of the film as we are given true establishing shots that completely inform the audience of the environment. It feels as if we could be looking at a police scene from afar in person or on TV during a news report. The wide shots also create a melancholic, quiet atmosphere along with the sound - fitting with the storyline. The short film is based on a true story - so it is crucial that the tone of the film reflects this - a tragic, upsetting event which the choice of shot helps make. The naturalistic lighting also emphasises the realism, whilst also reflecting the grey, gloomy day of the event - adding to the emotional atosphere. 

Sound

Sound is used subtly in the film but with great effect to build atmosphere and guide the audience's response. The short film heavily relies on quietness and natural diegetic sounds to create a sense of realism and the sadness of the storyline - based on a real event. The diegetic sound also works in parralel with the wide shots - the distant chatter of the police and sound of vehicles passing by builds the realism as it feels as if we are really stood watching the scene. The absence of non-diegetic sound emphasises the tone of loss - leaving the audience in silence during many moments, to reflect on the tragedy. The realism of the sound also creates a documentary-like atmosphere, again very fitting with the narrative. 

5. Slap

Mise-en-scene

The mise-en-scene in Slap is used outwardly to present Connor's inward feelings, whilst also pushing the narrative further along as it provides the plot points through his makeup. Certain aspects, such as his room, give slightly ambiguous indicators to his character and hidden personality, and the repetitive setting of his room depicts a subtle entrapment in this personality.

Narrative

The narrative in Slap is significant because it portrays the complex double life that Connor is living. Part of the film portrays his strength and masculinity as young man who enjoys boxing, but the narrative then reveals that this isn't who he truly enjoys being. However, he is discriminated against for presenting himself in a way he wants to appear, and we sympathise for him due to the aligning nature of the narrative.  

6. Echo

Cinematography 

The cinematography in over consists almost completely of wide shots, accompanied with photographs of a man's belongings that have been taken as evidence. The wide shots make the audience feel like they are obvsering the event from a distance, rather than being involved in the action. This creates a sense of realism and authenticity, ultimately adding to the suspense of the short film. The photographs act as clues, hinting at what has happened. By including these photographs, the man becomes more personalised and the spectator is able to empathise more with his character, despite never being introduced to him alive.

Narrative

Over rejects the typical narrative of a short film, as it is filmed in reverse chronological order, which contributes to the sense of tension and mystery surrounding the film's content. This is because the spectator is unaware of what has happened to result in this police investigation, as they slowly get given more clues before the answer is revealed to the audience. This is a clever and innovative way of arranging the narrative, building great suspense. 

7. Operator 

Sound 

Sound is the most important micro element in this film, as the story is ultimately told by what we hear on the other side of the phone, as we never visually see any of the events that occur. Realism is created through small sounds such as fire crackling, the woman's breath, and things collapsing, and the overlaying of sound is chaotic and emphasises tension.   

Genre

Operator is a drama that borrows from conventions of the thriller genre through its fast-pacing style and suspense. The mixture of the drama themes as well as conventions of a thriller creates this overwhelming film which reflects the emotional chaos of a phone operator, forcing the viewer into empathising with the stress.  

8. Standby

Editing 

Editing is the micro element which tells the story in this film. The camera never moves position, and editing is the signifier of time passing by. Subtle cuts between scenes creates a seamless interweaving of different moments between the two characters that are in the front of the police car.   

Representation

The film looks to represent the officers as normal human beings who deal with everyday emotions. The public perception of police officers is challenged in this film as they are seen doing the things that aren't first thought of from police officers - such as making arrests or car chases etc.  

9. The Fly

Cinematography

Cinematography in the fly is crucial in portraying the themes of entrapment and stress. As the fly irritates the man more and more, the shots of the camera become more and more closed in, reinforcing a sense of claustrophobia. 

Genre

The Fly acts as a thriller/comedy as the themes of crime are clear with the tense music and the diegetic sound coming from the bank robbery. However, the absurdity of the situation looks to create humour for the viewer.