FM1 Practical Coursework

Part 1:

Aims and Context

‘Within the Smoke’ – a film/video production

• A psychological thriller short film.
• Target audience of 12-year-old and above, knowledgeable about either art or film.
• Apply cinematography techniques developed for thriller/horror: neutral or low-key lighting etc.
• Use of layers to add affect.
• No group; worked as director/camera operator/editor(including sound)

Part 2:

Film Sequence

Part 3:

Reflective Analysis - Within the Smoke:

My aim was to create a short film revolving around the genre of psychological thriller through the idea of a hallucination “gone wrong”. I feel I included the conventions associated with thriller/horror; I included my character screaming, as well as what would be considered the antagonist (the “demon”), whilst others may have been lost as I progressed.

The stylistic techniques I have used results in both positive and negative effects cast upon my final piece. The lack of diegetic sound was due to my hope to convey tension and emotion through non-diegetic music; the song I have used had a beat to it that I have decided to repeat throughout the short film, whilst other sections that help convey emotion and suspense have been isolated and layered carefully on top. Though this is effective, it is my personal preference to have created a rhythm and beat that would have been more suited to the genre and the story.

My shots were varied between handheld and tripod and this is easily discernible by looking at how some of the shots were unsteady. In some shots, the unsteadiness of the camera makes it appear as though something is watching the Girl in the shadows, foreshadowing the danger that she cannot escape from, the reason behind her hallucination. Lighting is also important in the film. Following the convention of thriller/horror, the beginning and the ending are both set indoors, where it’s possible to control the level of lighting, and are filmed in low-key lighting, the candle and match being the main source of light. However, the rest of it was set outdoors where the lighting cannot be controlled, something that would have been preferable.

Most of my plot stayed true to my original ideas. By starting the film in a darkened room with limited light, it immediately sets the scene and mood, particularly when the hallucination is triggered. When the shot fades out to the next setting where the Girl “wakes up”, it lulls the audience into a false sense of security, being that she has the freedom she craved for. However, this quickly changes, particularly when the shot changes to indoors of the Girl screaming briefly. This immediately foreshadows the horror she is about to enter. Following this, the Girl proceeds to investigate her surroundings, before she is alerted to the presence of another being; the “demon” is shown standing still at a distance – the Girl then runs. The shots then begin alternating between the Girl running, screaming, shaking her head and the “demon” which is steadily getting closer, symbolising that it is closing in the Girl. The outdoor shots conclude with the Girl crouching on the ground in an attempt to hide whilst the “demon”, which is hidden behind the camera, creeps up behind her and reaches out to grab her. The screen goes black as the shot fades back into the indoor setting; the Girl blows out the candle, turning the screen black and indicating the end of the film. I would have preferred to have a greater number of shots in which to express my ideas better, and would have also used a larger and drier area for the exterior shots.

The reason why there are two different settings, indoor and outdoor, is because of how they reflect the characters state of mind: the indoor shots are in limited lighting and enclosed, indicating that in reality she is in a place where everything in her life is depressing and has dark thoughts. However, the outdoor setting is light, airy and spacious, indicating the freedom she feels from being in this fantasy. This idea is also reflected in the clothing and the make-up; however, both outfits have red indicating the danger that will occur.  The danger is represented in the form of a “demon”, of which there are four shots in each of which the “demon” is stationed closer and closer to the camera which remains still: this is the indication of the danger getting closer and closer. The “demon” itself is reality that is following her, indicating that she cannot escape it for long in this fantasy.

My target audience is from 12 and above, and is mostly targeted at film or art students for the symbolism of the film. However, I feel that, now it is complete, it may not interest those of that age range and instead be viewed by an older group, depending upon their opinions of it.