Short Film Analysis 5

Title:
"Lovefield"'s title sequence is effective because it sets the tone for the short film. The title is superimposed over an establishing high angle long shot, which instantly brings the audience into the location of the film. The music accompanies this from the start of the film, which instantly sets the mood with the edgy high pitch piano. The serif text is very clean cut and provides a very sombre effect when faded in and out. The binary opposition between the word love and the mood setting is interesting as it draws the audience into the narrative.

Overall:
Mise en scene: The aspects of mise en scene within "Lovefield" creates the basis for the audience which is used to bring them into the initial dark mood, which remains until the penultimate moments of the short film. Images of blood and scattered objects are used to represent the vestiges of a violent scene; the location itself which is a wheat field symbolises isolation due to stereotypically being situated in the countryside. These aspects when used in conjunction bring the audience to think that a lady has been abducted, raped or brutally assaulted. However this meaning is solidified with the musical score and editing which is combines aspects of both location and whats onscreen to create the final grim tone.
The short film uses iconic signifiers to bring forth a desired meaning to its audience; the crow representing evil or dark times, the creaking sign connoting an abandoned area. The dishevelled antagonist is wearing clothes reminiscent of typical American farmers of a lower level of hygiene. A close up tracking shot is used to reveal various aspects of his character to the audience - a tattoo of a skull and his unkempt hair connotes a sense of mental instability or a violent nature.

Sound: Non diagetic musical score is used to great effect to raise and dip (0:35-0:41) suspense. The use of constant eerie and iconic sounds such as the creaking sign (0:49-0:58) and the crowing bird (1:00-1:03), help portray a sinister meaning to the audience swiftly. Moreover a crescendo is used when the knife comes stabbing down (2:16) which consequently jolts the audience into a minor state of shock.
Other diagetic sounds where used which also gave meaning, the phone sounding out of signal (1:30-1:37) denotes that the phone is in an out of use area and furthermore connotes that the victim is helpless and stranded. This was reinforced through the non diagetic moaning and groaning of the victim alongside the succeeding images of obvious distress and blood.
Moreover verisimilatude is enforced through the diagetic rustling of the wheat field, this also enhances the feeling of desolation for the audience.

Camera/editing: The camera angles used where very selective in providing the audience direct information, which led to the audience using stereotypes and what information they did have to bring together the supposed plot. A variety of angles also kept the audience interested on the short film as well as letting them divulge into the plot which enabled them to create their own meanings. Close up shots really help to convey meaning in the "killers" face (3:20-3:23) this shot shows a fear in his eyes. The effect of this is that the audience link his fear to regret of what the audience think he has done. This is closely linked with the mise en scene of the crow which symbolised evil at that point.
The editing of the short film helped carve a tone for the audience, the long held tracking shots (1:29-2:04) bring the audience into the films depths as they follow closely. This helps to build suspense and really arouses the interest and curiosity of the viewers. Furthermore the colour of the picture onscreen which was altered post production also adds to the tone of the film, the dark grey film quality portrays a dismal scene in which a grim murder has occurred. However when the light is increased and the bright sunshine is brought onscreen the mood is instantly lifted, this effect is heightened when accompanied with the joyfull music.

End product: The short film brings the audience through a variety of emotions which leaves them feeling good at the end due to the suspected situation being totally reversed. The short film is a great example of how music and editing can conjure up a totally different mood for the audience.