CONSTRUCTION : ANALYSES OF OUR SHORT FILM

THE FAMILY 

Throughout our Short we have depicted an average, ordinary family within an middle-class, cosy house. A home connotes safety and consolation however the truth behind the family dynamics is the polar opposite. We have shown the family sitting around the table displaying a united family who cares for one another which is another juxtaposition. The mise-en-scene portrays a complete and a wholesome family however through editing, sound and lighting it creates a different meaning of secrets and a danger. We then try and show moments where cracks start to appear throughout our film. The place where people would usually feel the safest, would be you bed. The most pivotal moment is from Alice's bed where she realises what her dad is doing. We used mise-en-scene to connote and symbolise metaphorical issues that we have expressed throughout our Short film. This can include the house being represented as an uncomfortable and damaging place to live in where as in reality a home should be a place of comfort and a safe heaven. Another example is through symbolism of doors. This has been shown within our Short Film in the end scene by Alice closing door behind her to make her feel safe and comfortable within her home. 

The Father 

Another example of the symbolism we have shown in our Short has reflected through the father presenting his authoritarian personality. This mise-en-scene shows tension and suspense in the house by presenting a family member missing each day. The father, Gary, is keeping secrets which is shown by the photos that scribbled out the picture of the mother which can conveys the hatred and tension within the family dynamics. This shows how the father is plotting and has private plans within his secretive life. He has his own setting e.g his study which is completely private allowing no other family members. This shows his authority and power within the household. 

Shadows 

We created tension through shadows and we believe it engages the audiences by increasing the atmosphere in the scene as well as tension  and suspension of the relationship between Alice and Gary. The shadow also expresses how  Gary have the authoritarian role by looking down upon the children and making him a powerful and impacting visual. 

Doors 

We used the symbolism of doors to allow Alice to escape the reality and escape the emotional abuse. She closes the door of her bedroom and slides down it slowly, showing how the only place she feels safe is her bedroom. She has no where else to go and does not know what to do, as when we leave her, she is crying at the bottom her her bedroom door.