The Arrival

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 The visuals of this short film are based on an image the director saw in a magazine. The inspiration behind this film was an ordinary lady challenging her conflicted and fragmented mind about having a child. The coffee shop is dimly lit and she is highlighted by the over exposed lighting shining through the window. The light is bright white suggesting that it is cold outside. This character has been created to fit in with the style and atmosphere of the café, so we assume she is a regular. The waiter who is serving her is dress in a blue shirt giving the film a chilly atmosphere in the colour grading. This is further emphasised by the wind whistling every time the door is opened.  


 







In terms of sound, lighting and cinematography, these microelements work cohesively to create a tense and emotional scene. The use of a sound bridge means that we hear it before we see it, which indicates what is about to come. The audience wait in anticipation to find out more about her story. The cinematography remains simple, as the camera pushes slowly in the tensity of the situation increases. The audience begin to empathise with her and understand her more. The feeling of the monologue is accompanied by these microelements to immerse the audience and enable a reaction. In this case, it is sorrow. The lighting remains cohesive throughout, avoiding any complex changes. However, there is a moment of convolution and dynamic choice of lighting. The over exposed lighting from outside changes into what looks like a passing train. This is a metaphor for the idea that she is going on a journey and has to make a decision.  






 





The clever use of choreography allows for the character to be understood more as a relatable figure. The actions and movements of everything prompt the thoughts of the protagonist. For example, there is a baby making noises, which internally effects her and fragments her thoughts. She then looses focus and spills her caffeinated coffee. Another moment where the technique of the offscreen space prompting the thought is used cleverly is when she is talking about the time that she has left in the biological window for reproduction and she notices an old woman, but behind her is a clock. The attention to detail puts weight onto the idea that she is not confident and is struggling on decisions/life issues. The monologue is touching and has depth to it of real life struggles. Here, a character is being formed, she doesn’t explicitly say what her decisions will be, but it is apparent in her conflicting thoughts and behaviour that she doesn’t have a strong mindset on the matter.  

 








This short film is solely based on real life experiences. The director interviewed people that are struggling with the same situation and writes a screen play based around verbatim dialogue. The truth and reality of it all creates an impactful experience for the audience as we see the toils and issues she is facing.  

 

 




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