What is a short film?
A short film does not have to have an abundance of characters and does not necessarily have to tell a story, it is usually more of an event. In most cases the story begins as the film ends, like in Jaws, the beginning of the film is a short film, this then leads onto the feature film. This means that in short films there is less time creating a narrative and developing character, building up to an event.
An example of a short horror film is Lights Out:
Lights Out is a useful representation of what a short film is.
There is only one main character - the woman. It can be argued that there is a second character, the horror character. But primarily the only character is the woman. In Lights Out the character of the woman follows the conventional stereotypes - her character is scared, does what the audience expects, turns the lights out, looks to see if there's anything there. The mise-en-scene is typical of a horror movies like this as well, the basic apartment, pijamas, evening-time.
Lights Out is simply the event of the woman going to bed and turning out the light. This is what makes short films different to feature films, they are simply one event whereas feature films tell a whole story.
The basic horror structure of this short film means that the audience know what will happen all the way through because of the typicalities of the genre. However the nature of 'Lights Out' still keeps them engaged as they still hope for the best, or get a thrill from the scare.
The basic horror structure of this short film means that the audience know what will happen all the way through because of the typicalities of the genre. However the nature of 'Lights Out' still keeps them engaged as they still hope for the best, or get a thrill from the scare.
The film ends when the story begins - when the monster appears the opposite side of her bedside table, leaving the audience wanting more.
Lights Out uses the turning off of the lights to build up tension to the end event. Flickering lights are disorientating and make the audience feel unsettled because you cannot see what is going on properly. It is a disruption of the equilibrium, and there is no resolution of the equilibrium established at the beginning so the audience feel very disconcerted. The actresses facial expressions also show the audience that they should be scared, they feel scared for her.
This abrupt ending makes the audience feel unsatisfied, they know what will inevitably happen to the woman, but want assurance of this, however there is none.
Lights Out uses the turning off of the lights to build up tension to the end event. Flickering lights are disorientating and make the audience feel unsettled because you cannot see what is going on properly. It is a disruption of the equilibrium, and there is no resolution of the equilibrium established at the beginning so the audience feel very disconcerted. The actresses facial expressions also show the audience that they should be scared, they feel scared for her.
This abrupt ending makes the audience feel unsatisfied, they know what will inevitably happen to the woman, but want assurance of this, however there is none.
Some of your analysis here could be more detailed. You could discuss more the effects of the elements you pick up on, what effect does the ending have on the audience? Why does the flickering light have such an impact?
ReplyDeleteMr L