Movie Rating

 Hello! Today in class we had to choose a short film to rate based on this movie analysis rubric. We had to analyze and determine how well the story keeps the audiences' attention, how well the camera work and editing is, the details in dialogue, narration, and music, and how well the actors perform. For my short film I chose "REAPPEAR" by The British Short Film Awards.

 Here is the analysis rubric:

1. Tells a story which holds the audiences' attention: The story is consistently at a slow pace which may result in some of the audience to lose interest quickly. The genre is aimed to be romantic, however the story seems more nostalgic because of constant reminders of the past. The idea of recreating images from a loved one who has passed away holds a strong emotion of grief and sorrow. This hold the audiences attention by having us watch as the main character achieves this goal. Though the woman in the story helps the man capture the images he's been longing for, the chemistry isn't strong enough to be labeled under a romance genre. It would have been the same if any other person took his photos, therefore, the story holds the audiences' attention some of the time. (10)

2. Demonstrates camera work and editing which enhances the story: For the most part, the camera work is good, but it's not excellent. It's noticeable that the film uses many over the shoulder shots to get us to look at the character in front of them. Rather than camera angles and shots, the short film mostly focuses on the mood of the scene by using low saturation to show a gloomy, calm, and simple atmosphere. In other words, the film uses a dark color filter like grey instead of bright colors which may symbolize happiness in the story. (15)

3. Contains dialogue, narration and/or background music which enhances the story: The background sounds are okay to use in the short film because they make sense, however I believe in a film like this, actions speak louder than words. To elaborate on that, the story did not give a strong romantic vibe from the start due to lack of chemistry and feelings. Without the characters using dialogue, the reader would have still understood the context of the story. Though such films are rare, this could have been better off as a film made in silence, only using background music and effects. (5)

4. Has compelling and interesting actors: The actors are great at expressing their emotions, but it's not enough to make the audience feel empathy. The main character does well expressing his emotions, in which the audience can tell he is upset or constantly reminded of the past, but he should have expressed it more. An example: Crying. This would have enhanced the story by adding onto the dullness. (10)

Total: 40/80

Case Study- MISE EN SCENE

Hello! For this case study, we were asked to choose a scene from our favorite film or TV show and conduct an analysis of the mise-en-scene. To do this we are required to answer questions such as identifying the mood or atmosphere created, how the characters are represented, how the audience is supposed to respond to them, and how the mise-en-scene is used to provide narrative information. Additionally, we are asked to consider the location, costumes, or appearance of the characters, the decorations, lighting, and color.  

 Here is the scene I chose from one of my favorite show, Love Game in Eastern Fantasy: 

This scene in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy takes place outside in a vast, ethereal and dreamlike location with a field of flowers, giving a calm, soothing, and romantic atmosphere. The two characters seem to be lovers, especially as the man quietly admires the woman from behind, with her gaze into the distance, seeming to not notice. In the beginning a demon child transforms into a gust of leaves, swirling around them and filling the sky, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Without context, the audience can assume that they are lovers or that it is a one sided love. The setting is an open area with magical vibes , surrounded by trees and water under a soft natural light. The characters attire, being the traditional hanfu, hints the scene takes place in a historical time period in China. Other details that lead to this conclusion is that the mans hair is tied and the woman's style symbolizes Chinese beauty.

Her pink hanfu can resemble her bubbly and charming personality, along with her bright smile. On the other hand, the mans arms are crossed with a stiff stance, in which the audience can assume they have diverse personalities. He stands tall and calm, which can mean more than what is seen. His emotions are hidden on the outside, but he feels love for her on the inside.

The mise en scene elements include the water flowing, the gentle wind, and the pink, blue, and purple flowers surrounding them which can symbolize love, adding on to the romantic atmosphere this scene displays.