Student Films

 Ivory:

I thought this film had a very clear three act structure which made it very easy to follow. I found that the setup was especially successful as it introduced the characters and the situation without feeling like information was just being piled onto the viewer. The piano montage worked well as it created a very calm feeling and the sound in general helped to convey the main character's feelings and experiences. If there was one thing I would critique, it would maybe be the dialogue with the main character's friends as it felt a bit forced. 

Mon Tournesol:

This film had very intentional cinematography and editing. I liked how the set up came before the title card as it sort of helped to separate it from the other parts of the film and make the time jump clearer. I also liked the change in colour grading which was a nice detail that emphasised the tone of each act of the film. Although there were some issues with sound quality in the scene at the park and at the gallery, overall I thought it was a very well thought out film.

Call:

I found that the lighting and cinematography in this film worked really well to create the sense of panic that the main character felt. The drastic changes in mise-en-scene to isolate the character helped emphasise the main character's emotions. However, I do think that the sequence went on a bit too long and would've benefitted from some sort of conclusion/next step in the plot.

Take Me Back:

This film had a strong nostalgic feel which I really liked. I thought that the colour grading helped to create this feeling, especially contrasting it with the present day sequences. I liked the rearrangement of the three act structure and the labelling of the acts in the film made the timeline of the film clear without it looking like an over-explanation. The only thing I think didn't work was the phone call the main character made, as it wasn't very clear what was happening.

Following:

I enjoyed the distinct look this film had, which I think separated it from the other films. The technical side of it was very detailed, such as the use of different focuses, the ambient noise and the lighting. I also thought the music worked very well to create tension, especially at the end where it rises and cuts off. The film's open ending is successful as it leaves the viewer hanging on an interesting and important plot point.

The Arrival

 

The opening shot starts far away from the woman, pushing in closer as she shares her thoughts and we start to understand her situation. The colour grading is cold and dim, reflecting her feelings about her pregnancy. 

Throughout the film, we see extras come and go in the background, which influences the woman's train of thought. For example, in this shot an old woman stands up to get some coffee which makes the woman think about how much time she has left to have a baby.

As well as the extras, the film also uses sound to connect the woman's thoughts together. In this part, we hear the door open and a child's voice. Upon seeing the child, the woman freezes, which hints to the viewer that the may be going through a change of mind.

At this point in the film, the lights go dim, isolating the woman with her own thoughts. We hear a train pass by, and see its lights through the window, a metaphor suggesting that the woman is going on a journey.

When the lights get brighter again, the colour grading changes to become warmer as she starts to contemplate her future baby, solidifying the idea that she is going to keep it.

At the end of the film, the woman asks for decaf coffee, a callback to the beginning where she ordered caffeinated coffee. This change in opinion reflects the fact that she is deciding to be more careful about what she eats and drinks, as she has decided to keep the baby.

The Fly

The film opens with a voice saying "Alright boys, three minutes, now go, go, go!". Although the opening frame is just a black screen, we can tell that a bank robbery is happening because of the dialogue and the sound effects of someone loading a gun and a car door closing.

Throughout the film, we hear the diegetic of the engine running. Even when it cuts to the exterior of the car, the sound quietens - this adds a level of realism to the film.

We also hear the light tapping of the man's fingers against the steering wheel, which adds to the tension of the scene. The man looks around and we hear the sound effects of a plane above and a dog barking - this, paired with the man's actions allows us to follow his thoughts.

The initial sound of the fly landing on the car is quite loud against the sound of the engine, which draws our attention to it

The sound of the opening title is loud and comes as a shock to the audience, perhaps alluding to the shocking events of the film.

When the man accidentally sets the car horn off, the noise is loud and blaring, almost muffling the sound of the engine. As we cut to a shot of the street, the car horn gets slightly quieter, although it is still loud. This illustrates what other people on the street may be hearing which alerts us to the fact that the man may soon be found out.

In this shot, we hear the man scream out in pain. The viewer cannot see what has happened to him but is able to conclude that he has hurt himself with the toothpick. The toothpick in this film acts as a sort of Chekhov's gun, creating a sense of satisfaction.

The switch between the shot of the man swatting the fly and the doors of the bank with the muffled sounds of the robbers builds up and layers over each other, creating tension.

Here we are able to hear the distant sounds of a siren getting closer and a helicopter flying overhead. Without having to show it, the viewer knows that the man and his gang are about to get arrested, drawing the film to a conclusion.