Final Analysis
Please write constructive comments/reviews of the films you saw. It can be just just those you loved the most or intrigued you the most.
MILK: This was one of my favourites from the rough-cut screening, and it lived up to my expectations. The shot of the spilt milk on the floor with the title looked amazing and the added audio throughout the film came together nicely (particularly the tv newsreader’s voice). I think the ‘time/countdown’ element would have been a bonus, as discussed in the rough-cut feedback. But the audience still seemed to ‘get it’ and enjoyed the humour.
THE HOLE: I was intrigued by this film, particularly since it was mostly in black and white. I thought it had a kind of Parisian silent film look, with the beach location and almost slapstick humour. But then the main male character was very ‘Aussie’ and crude. Moments like offering his sandwich (and then stuffing it in his shorts!) and the awkward date scene worked well for the type of humour. I didn’t quite understand the transition from black and white to colour, but maybe I need to watch it again.
OPERATION ORANGE COUNTY: The use of the visible text messages onscreen was so well done! If there was another way to also build up anticipation of the main character getting caught, or going to a bit more trouble to obtain the dvd’s, I think that the end could have had a stronger reaction.
CARL: I love Carl. The film was very very well cast, and the awkward tension was just right, the actors did an amazing job. My favourite scene was the Monopoly game, it was a simple and short scene, but gave the audience just enough time to share an in-joke with the characters. I really appreciate the camerawork in this film. I’d have to watch it again to know the exact technique used, but it is well-shot and clear, whilst moving slightly to maintain a fun/human gaze-like quality. Excellent work.
PRANKING FRANK: Another one of my favourites (I obviously love comedy). I thought the script and delivery by the actors was brilliant. Loved the story idea and thought it was cast very well.
A LOVE LOST: The use of voice over in A Love Lost worked really well, the audience could empathise with the main character straight away. The mood of the film was very sombre and the contrasting scenes in the restaurant (day/night) worked very well. It was not confusing at all for the audience, and it was a good idea to contrast the memory scenes from reality by using the same table and location. The mobile phone motif was enough to understand what was going on without having to explicitly tell the audience. Also, the lighting was great, loved the candlelight.
Please reflect on how you feel about the course. What surprised you, what excited you, what disappointed you. What we could have done better. What you could have done better.
WEEK 1: My goals for this semester include being more active in the filming and editing process. I tend to lean more towards organising the group I’m in and screen writing. I want to be more confident using equipment and know the set up I need to get the audio and visual results I’m after.
And although I enjoy the writing process, I haven’t yet written for screen, or any type of script, so I look forward to writing something that can be translated onscreen. I think that I will learn a lot this semester.
WEEK 14: I totally forgot what I’d written in week 1! It’s a bit awkward because I didn’t take up a technical role in the group, and was the Producer/Project Manager, so ended up utilising the organising and administrative skills I outlines above.
So although I didn’t take on a technical role in filming or audio, or even write a script, I definitely know a lot more about each element of making a film. The tutorials were great for this, as I got to learn how to use the equipment and have a go. I could have learnt a lot more by attending the lectures. I am not disappointed that I stuck to my strengths when choosing a role within the group, as I learnt a lot more about what is involved in Producing a film. I would still like to be more involved in the actual filming process in the future though.
Film and TV 1 has been one of my favourite subjects of my course so far, and I really enjoyed having a final short film to show for our efforts throughout the semester. It has been hard work and a lot of hours, but has been well worth it, and the screening was a great night. I think that course structure is well-rounded and includes enough about each role in the filmmaking process, as well as time devoted to learning and practising how to use the equipment. The self and peer assessments are also very fair and an accurate way of establishing marks. I’ve had a great semester and look forward to learning more in Film and TV 2.
