Final Reflection

 “He Sucks” employs the Post-Horror genre through its use of slow zooms, long takes and psychological plot. The reviewing of classical films inspired me to explore German Expressionism, an early form of what we now identify as the horror genre, and use it in a modern setting. The film presents  a strong underlying societal message that is symbolically explored throughout the film, the message being the female experience of their early/first relationship with a man, and the toxicity and harm that women endure under the guise of “love”.  Mary’s boyfriend, James, his vampiric characterisation and the effect it has over her health is a symbolic exaggeration that looks into the tortured psyche of young women and the societal expectation to settle and to tolerate. 

The studio is very referential and I wish I had consumed more Post-Horror films and assigned reading  whilst doing the studio to further understand the genre’s tropes and conventions. Having this knowledge would have made me better equipped and more confident to make my own Post-Horror film. Navigating my role within the film production was certainly the biggest challenge, using my leadership role to be firmer in what I expect from the crew and accepting my own limitations.  I was ambitious in certain aspects such as shots and the time frame of shooting and missed out on getting valuable pick-ups and B-roll as I was too focused on the initial vision in my head. I tend to over exert myself in leadership positions and in hindsight, I needed to communicate better with my crew and collaborate more openly. Having another chance to redo the studio, I would’ve liked to have encouraged more opinions and creative choices from the crew, and given the opportunity for them to present their own personal experience with relationships as a way to feel more invested and connected to the film’s story and its message.  I also would’ve changed the setting for the asthma attack scene. The sounds of the building were far too distracting and I wish I had scouted out the location prior to shooting and opted for a much quieter space. I would have liked to have created a more organised lighting plan, taking stronger inspiration from Expressionist films, and even experimented  with more pops of colour in the film to draw focus and break up the constant black and white.  I would definitely redo the dialogue if I had a second chance and organise a run through/rehearsal prior to shooting. Whilst filming, I realised how stiff and cringey it sounded but had no time to rewrite the script of course. I recognise that writing dialogue is not my strong suit, and so I should have reached out to others for feedback, drafting more versions and talking openly with the actors on their personal opinion and interpretation of their character. 

The film’s strength lies in its artistic, Expressionist style, unique plot and the potent societal message within it. “He Sucks” also stands out amongst the other short films in the studio when it comes to aesthetics, with a black and white colour palette, diverse use of stock footage and a general experimental, arthouse approach. Its weakness’ certainly lies in the quality of shots that emphasis’ its amateur quality. There was some poor acting that  needed to be cut around and our use of chocolate sauce as blood was more comical than believable, which I had not  intended. Overall, the film lacks polish, and certain scenes could be seen as unintentionally confusing and comedic, but I am so proud of the crew and myself for what we’ve made as first time filmmakers and I’d love to approach this idea in the future with a more experienced hand.