Critical Reflection

How do your products reflect social groups or issues?

In our group’s short film, "The Lull," it challenges the role a detective embodies. In narratives where the detective turns out to be the antagonist, it challenges our conventional perception of heroes and authority figures. This departure from expected narrative trajectories challenges our trust in them and the significance of leadership. It reveals that even those we admire can possess flaws and make mistakes. This short film prompts us to question the effectiveness of our power systems and their fairness, reminding us that those in charge aren't always as flawless as we might expect. This can symbolize the abuse of power within institutions and the breach of public trust, reflecting real-world instances of corruption and misconduct within law enforcement.

Moreover, the detective's dual role as investigator and assailant raises questions about identity, societal perceptions, and potential hidden motives. The film highlights the dangers of relying solely on surface appearances and the inherent biases that shape our understanding of others. This exploration of hidden motives and psychological depth adds layers to the narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on broader societal issues such as prejudice, bias, and the consequences of hasty judgments.

Additionally, the detective's actions unveil psychological complexity within the family unit, involving betrayal, manipulation, and past traumas. The narrative delves into suppressed truths and their impact on familial bonds, emphasizing the pervasive nature of domestic violence and the dynamics shaping family relationships. Through this lens, the film becomes not only a commentary on individual morality but also introduces societal discussions on the complexities of familial dysfunction and the quest for reconciliation and healing. This narrative depth adds further dimension to the story.

How do the components of your production collaborate to establish a sense of 'branding'?

To establish a sense of branding for my short film, we created a website and postcard. The genre of this short film is thriller, associated with colors like red, orange, yellow, or black, evoking fear, anxiety, or threat. These colors contrast with others suggesting safety, calm, or innocence, such as blue, green, or white. So, it was crucial to use the right colors, fonts, and design for the website and postcard to maintain a consistent theme throughout our elements.

When designing the website, we aimed to mirror the aesthetics of the short film, reinforcing its branding through typography, color schemes, and imagery. Bold text and a captivating slogan were chosen to grab viewers' attention. The all-caps letters in the slogan add emphasis and intensity, making a statement and leaving a lasting impression. This helps convey the plot of the short film effectively.

For the postcard, we selected a photo from the set depicting a crucial scene. Red was chosen for the text color to entice viewers and fit the aesthetic of the film. The back of the postcard includes essential information like showtimes, location, website link, and social media accounts, enhancing brand recognition and anticipation. Social media platforms help the film's branding reach by allowing direct interaction with potential viewers through posts, trailers, and user-generated content, ensuring the film remains prominent in the audience's online experience. Additionally, physically receiving a postcard adds a personal touch, creating a deeper connection between the audience and the film's brand, enhancing its impact and memorability.

Engagement with the audience

"The Lull" engages its audience through a meticulously crafted cinematic experience that captivates from the outset. The opening sequence serves as a tantalizing introduction, immediately immersing viewers in the narrative world and setting the tone for what follows. Through a careful selection of visuals, soundscapes, and storytelling techniques, we aim to evoke a range of emotions and keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

Central to this engagement is the use of music as a powerful tool for setting mood and enhancing tension. We chose an eerie melody with ominous chords to instill a sense of unease from the very beginning, effectively priming viewers for the suspenseful journey ahead. Complemented by strategic sound effects such as sudden noises and the faint ticking of a grandfather clock, every auditory element is carefully orchestrated to heighten the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

Furthermore, our attention to detail extends to the visual composition of each scene, where camera angles, lighting, and editing are employed to maximum effect. By strategically deploying techniques such as over-the-shoulder shots, low and high angles, and quick cuts, we aim to maintain a sense of momentum and keep audiences guessing at every turn. This manipulation of perspective serves not only to intensify the emotional impact of key moments but also to immerse viewers more fully in the psychological complexities of the narrative.

In addition to these cinematic elements, we recognize the importance of creating opportunities for audience interaction and engagement beyond the confines of the film itself. Through the strategic use of social media platforms, we aim to foster a sense of community around "The Lull," inviting viewers to share their thoughts, theories, and reactions in real-time. By encouraging dialogue and participation, we hope to deepen the connection between audience members and the world of the film, enhancing their overall viewing experience and fostering a lasting sense of investment in its characters and themes.

Research and Conventions

Given my prior experience with thriller films from my final project last year, such as "Saltburn," "Talk to Me," "Don’t Worry Darling," "Old," "The Menu," and the "Scream" franchise, I brought valuable insights to "The Lull." Thriller films hold a special place in my heart, and I appreciate the standard conventions they adhere to. However, transitioning to a short film format required additional research. I delved into various short films available on platforms like YouTube to understand their unique storytelling dynamics.

Analyzing these short films, including "Jumper," "Afraid," "Diaspora," "Intrusion," and "Deja Vu," I focused on the conventions related to camera angles and shots. Thriller films employ these techniques to evoke emotional responses, intensify tension, and disorient the audience. For instance, pans create urgency and chaos, while over-the-shoulder shots focus on characters' faces while incorporating other elements. I incorporated these techniques into "The Lull" to heighten the psychological turmoil, especially after the opening sequence, utilizing over-the-shoulder shots during interrogation scenes and playing with low and high angles to signify power dynamics.

Furthermore, I conducted extensive research on editing conventions in thriller films. Editing serves to amplify suspense and maintain momentum through quick cuts, pacing, and strategic use of techniques like jump cuts and montages. These techniques, including shot reverse shots, action matches, cross-cutting, and inserts, were carefully applied during the editing process of "The Lull" to enhance its overall impact and keep viewers engaged by teasing out clues and revelations.