Vice: The Ellington Kid

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Vice successfully follows a 3 act structure and explores how this can captivate an audience. When watching, I was hooked with the effective narrative voice over that was chronologically explaining the time line and story. These two friends provided the film with comedic value, which majorly contrasts with the situation at hand but results in giving the film a lighter atmosphere. This made the story of the Ellington kid hook the audiences attention and desire to find out how the film concludes. The set was important in placing the time stamps and location in correlation to present day and the context within the kebab shop. The confrontation was thrilling in terms of the formation of two sides. This was the stabbers and kebab shop owners. This opposition raised the tension of the film and the audience were given the opportunity to use their imagination as to what happened as it doesn’t explicitly show it. This was also encouraged by humorous line said by Nathan 'why do you think I'm only eating the chips'.  

Complex editing sequences of flashbacks and flash forwards fascinated the audience with the development of the story. I was immediately concerned for the victim with the graphic visuals that clearly presented he was wounded. These flashbacks incorporated added depth and emotional impact to the story. They are crucial in the story telling as they peel the layers of the event to the audience. The narrative aspect creates an immersive experience as the audience are finding out the news at the same time as beefy. The seamless transitions between past and present day keep the audience on the edge of their seats as they piece details together. The tense tone is accompanied by the use of slow motion in the flashbacks. The Ellington kid staggered his way into the kebab shop. I felt allured with the use of this technique as it troubled me to an extent of sympathy. E.G The shots of the alley way and the bell on the door of the shop were very effective. 


The score also establishes the emotion and influences how the audience will respond. In moments of panic and tragedy, the tempo is slow and the tone is harsh. There is an eerie atmosphere which immediately confirmed that something was wrong. However, when one of the owners locks the door, the music's tone begins to lower in stress. This sense of relief signifies that the stabbers will get what they deserve whilst empowering the kebab shop owners.  

 

When looking at preproduction of this short film, Dan Sully would've done preparation in the specific locations. He would've had to make sure that the sound from the tunnel was correct, alongside the look of it too. For example, the lighting and the colour. The white lights and walls make the individual stand out in times of distress and desperation. In terms of the kebab shop, the timings of the business and opening hours were important to note. He would've also had to purchase blood capsules acknowledging the fact he would have the clear it up too.  

 

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