Big Society
Big society is a genuine masterpiece, it has a brilliant mix of comedy with a real life need in the world. The punishment of littering may have been a tad too much, however the importance is still relevant. So the short expresses some quality comical scenes with a mix of a real life importance in the small six minutes and forty eight seconds running time. The acting was superb, the seriousness of his face, talking, body language made the punch lines so much better. The film was very engaging and in terms of mise en scene the setting, props, lighting and camera angles it was all very effective, for example the diary type speaking into the camera works well with the comedy genre giving a sense of slight madness, and to do what he was doing a slight hint of madness is necessary. The way he used his facial expressions was very effective, widening and closing eyes when being serious made you question the seriousness of the situation.The film has just been nominated for the Grand Prix at Encounters Film Festival, which we are all very excited about. It means the film is eligible for a BAFTA. Big society is about an officer in the British army who has developed a controversial new approach to tackle the anti-social behaviour he sees on the streets.
The View: Is a short poetic film that centres around a bench overlooking the British coastline. During the film we witnessed the poignant moments in the lives of the location's fictionalised frequent visitors. Who are each there for different reasons. The film carries the narrative through start to finish. I thought The View was very unique, hence why I picked it to talk about. It is a brilliant combination of poetry and film. The mise en scene was sublime, the soundtrack, camera shots, setting, costumes and props all worked so well together. You get a real feel of the emotional connections with the location and the different people. The music and narrating sound was in perfect harmony, neither too loud or too quiet, it almost gives goosebumps listening to how harmonic the sounds are. The speed is also essential for the overall feel of the short, it sets the scene perfectly with a thought provoking opening shot of the bench. Instantly you question why, where and how is the bench significant. The sound of seagulls and waves crashing in the distance creates a relaxing stimulus suggesting the short is going to be slow and more along the lines of a serious piece. The scene with old man proposing not only signifies love, but it fits in well with the words of the poem "A life time spent alone" suggesting this is the first time he has found real love, and it is never too late to find it. The very vibrant red the old lady is wearing also suggests strong love between the two. Then it goes to a shot of a young couple, the boy holding what seems to be some old fashioned alcohol flask. The disinterest in his face also supports the need for alcohol as maybe times are bad between the two. This is also backed up in the words of the poem "But hope is dashed when I see pain on the face of the young" This again enforcing the feel of the alcohol and the disinterest being linked with the unhappiness in their faces. "But I am aware in my vulnerable self that at times we all must run" As this is said the boy is drinking from what seems to be the alcohol, this is reinforced by the words as traditionally people run to alcohol in times of need. The boy then leaves the girl with her crying, with the words "But as a sunrise soon follows a sunset" This suggesting what they thought was a good thing, soon turned out to be bad. "Hope is always fresh in the face of the young" That is the end line of the poem. This is a very powerful sentence, after all the people, young and old, all the love, hate, disappointment after everything, hope is always fresh in the face of the young. I really enjoyed this movie, not only was it thought provoking, it was simple and very effective! I believe this short will stay in my mind for quite some time, as a reminder to never give up hope, no matter what the situation.. never give up hope.
All the Festivals & Screenings The Views has been in since its release in 2009.
Cannes In A Van, 2009
End of the Pier International Film Festival, 2009
Swansea Bay International Film Festival, 2009
Edinburgh International Film Festival, 2009 (Videoteque only)
Encounters Film Festival, 2009 (Videoteque only)
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