Short Film Analysis

The Black Hole - Short Film Analysis

MISE-EN-SCENE:

Setting

This short film is set in a standard office workplace. The use of this setting allows the audience to relate more to the film whilst also creating a believable environment. The setting will be familiar with most of the audience have either been to an office before or work in one. The office setting creates a sense of normality as the environment is very stereotypical and is what we would imagine an office to be like; very modern and dull. The use of props in the setting tells us that it is set in present day as there is state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Costume

The actor in this scene looks like an average male worker. We can tell that he is probably an employee as he is wearing a white shirt, a tie, black trousers and smart shoes. However we can assume that he does not have a high position as his sleeves are rolled up, his shirt is creased and his collar is not buttoned up properly which makes him look unprofessional. The way he is dressed can be used to convey his attitude towards his work, it suggests that he is lazy and uninterested.

Lighting

The lighting throughout this short film is very dull and dark. This could be used to show that the film is set at night as there is no natural lighting. It can also represent the emotions of the character, the dim lighting creates a lonely and isolated atmosphere and it also suggests that the character is tired and moody. The colour palette of the film is very cold. There are no bright vivid colours; which helps to create an eerie atmosphere which adds to the tension.

EDITING

There are not many editing techniques that are used within the short film. The only editing technique used is a cut. There are sharp cuts between each shot, which helps to show the quick passage of time throughout the film. Shot-reverse-shot is used between the man and some props, this is used to show what he is focusing on and what he is going to use the 'black hole' to get into next.

SOUND

At the start of the film we can hear a diegetic sound of a photocopying machine, by having this sound

effect it creates a believable setting. Although the photocopying machine is not on screen, it is still diegetic sound as it correlates with the scene. Whenever the 'black hole' is shown on screen there is a mysterious eerie sound, this gives connotations that the 'black hole' is strange and has an unnatural force; it could also suggest that it is dangerous as it emits a creepy sound. The constant sound of the photocopier towards the end of the film, makes it very realistic as it shows the stereo-typically 'busy' atmosphere in an office even though he is the only one there.

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

A pan at the start of the film is used to show the setting and to also introduce the main character. The pan transitions into a mid-shot which helps us to see the character clearly. It also allows the audience to see what he is feeling as we can see his facial expressions up close. A medium close-up of his feet is also used to convey his emotions; we can see his frustration when he starts kicking the photocopier. A low angle shot is used when the 'black hole' is introduced to the scene this suggests that the black hole is watching him and is waiting for the man to notice it.