Slap- Short Film (Post 1)

Slap

Mise en scene:

Props- In the first scene the props are the makeup and magazine that are layed out of the boys floor. Due to the fact that this is the first thing we see as an audience, it already tells us a lot about his character. Such as that he is into beauty, hinting at the fact that he may be a cross dresser.

Character expression and movement- When the boys dad gets home his movement is erratic which tells the audience that he doesn't want his dad to find out he is trying on makeup. This creates an idea of part of his identity is being hidden from close relatives and maybe his friends as well. When he hears his dad, the boys face looks worried and guilty as if he has done something wrong and is trying to hide something.

Costume-  The costumes that stand out in this film is his boxing outfit and also the clothes he wears when he is not around anyone he knows- such as dresses, the things that 'typically' women would wear. This provides an idea of conflict within himself. Suggesting he places a veil over his true identity and how he actually wants to express himself due to not wanting other people to know. This tells the audience that he may be questioning his sexuality or gender.

Editing:

The cut from a sense of relief from the boy not being caught to then the boy being hit in the face is very abrupt, highlighting the fact that his life is constantly a show. The boxing is seen as a posterior to hide his actual feelings. Creating an illusion for everyone around him. But in reality he feels like someone else.

When the scene is more tense the cuts are more exaggerated and quicker to create the tension and to suggest the quick movement and no time to think when in a tough situation.

When he is in the boxing match at the end the camera cuts to the door where he previously saw his girlfriend at the beginning. This suggests that she has gone and now he is left on his own. It tells the audience that he is angry and is building up anger as he has lost his mates.

Sound:

The beginning the sound is non-diegetic slow and peaceful, which maybe a metaphor for a bit of self acceptance when he puts his makeup on. But it is also has a feeling of loss and sadness,  suggesting that others around him may not be as accepting or they may not know about him putting the makeup on. But then the music stops, the silence allows the audience to listen to distance noise that comes from downstairs. It shows a disruption.

When the dad comes upstairs the dialogue is loud and emphasised to show panic in the boys voice. His expressions show desperation to get the makeup off as he scrubs his face with his top. To back this up, his face also turns red which shows that he is embarrassed for people to see and he is rushed and therefore over heating.

The audience are able to here the ambience, for example when he boxes. You are able to hear the sounds of the boy being punched and the noises from the clothes that give off a squeak noise.

In this short film, they use dialogue to drive the narrative. There is no monologues therefore, the audience have to go off from Connor's expressions and guess how he is feeling. But, his expressions seem to be obvious when he is alone and towards the end- no longer can hide his identity.

The music at the end is non-diegetic, so only the audience can hear it. The music is sad and emotional, reflecting on how Connor feels. It shows a build up of anger, which is being released when he fights. As if hid emotions have taken control of him and he no longer has control on what he does. The music focuses on the frustration that he feels.

Cinematography:

medium shot of the magazines and makeup, wants the audience to be aware of what the character is doing but not too aware of the surroundings. This may foreshadow the fact that he doesn't expect his dad to come home yet as he is so engaged in the makeup and creating new looks. This allows the audience to know that he is so engrossed in the makeup and magazines however, he is also on edge when he suddenly hears his dad.

Overall, the shots are medium and close shots. This may be because the director wanted to create an idea of the audience also being trapped and enclosed in, like how the boy feels when trying to figure out his identity.

The camera is also constantly moving, suggesting that Connor is never at ease. The camera is slightly still when he is in front of everyone in a dress and full glam of makeup at the party. But the camera is only still for a few seconds until Connor realises everyone is laughing at him and not taking him seriously. The other time is when he is placed in the boxing ring at the end. This highlights the fact that he is focused and that he has no distractions.