Position Paper

1 Position Paper Mount Royal University FILM 3701-001: Studies in Film Mario Trono February 5th, 2023 Position Paper 2 1. The short film "The Affected" examines moral issues in a confined airplane setting, challenging both characters and viewers to confront difficult self-examination. The story is set in the restricted environment of an airplane, which heightens the suspense as passengers and crew members struggle with ethical dilemmas. The use of close-ups and intimate framing heightens the emotional weight of the situation, conveying the protagonists' growing discomfort and anxiety. This visual approach successfully communicates the main theme, which deals with the moral complications of assisting in the deportation process. By creating a strong sensation of discomfort and complicity, the short film draws viewers into the passengers' overall distress. It challenges viewers to contemplate their views on human rights and individual responsibilities, particularly in controversial political and ethical situations. The absence of visuals for key characters such as the lady speaking and the man being deported shifts the attention to audience members' emotions, encouraging reflection on human responses in ethically problematic circumstances. This approach allows the audience to creatively fill in the blanks, heightening the emotional effect and emphasizing themes of apathy, discomfort, and social inactivity during crises. Although "The Affected" is a serious investigation of human behaviour under strain, it does not provide simple solutions. However, because it is a short film format, there is the possibility of oversimplification. As a result, the story may be limited in its capacity to properly explore the complexity of deportation and its effects on individuals. Thus, while the film effectively encourages conversation and contemplation, its ability to dive into larger systemic concerns is limited. 2. In the short film "Unrest on a Private Beach" certain aspects of the cinematography, narrative, and character development fall short in effectively conveying the intended meanings of the film. For instance, in important scenes depicting the protagonist's internal conflict, the cinematography does not employ colour, lighting, or composition to convey the character's inner distress or progress. This gap between visual clues and fundamental concepts hinders the audience's capacity to properly comprehend the intended messages. Subtle yet significant alterations in cinematography can be implemented. By re-editing specific sequences to provide sharper visual signals or symbols that correspond to the film's themes, the viewer may better identify with the protagonist's emotional journey. For example, deliberately altering the colour grading to generate various emotions or employing targeted lighting to emphasize vital parts may dramatically enhance the visual storytelling. To address the narrative's lack of clarity in expressing topics effectively, using brief and additional dialogue or voice-over might be a useful strategy. Introspective moments for the characters that directly or indirectly address the film's primary ideas can help to increase the film's cohesiveness without requiring significant rewrites. These changes can assist explain the main themes and provide the audience crucial insights into the characters' motives and difficulties. For example, including an introspective monologue by the protagonist at a pivotal moment might offer insight on their inner issues and bring the narrative closer to its intended meanings. In terms of character development, expanding the characters' backstories and relationships may have a significant influence on their depth and relatability. At crucial times in the film, use short yet demonstrating sequences or dialogues that dive into the characters' roots or motives to make their journeys more fascinating and linked with the broader themes. Adjusting character dynamics by including minor nonverbal clues into 3 important exchanges can also help the viewer grasp the connections and tensions shown onscreen. For example, a significant gesture or a weighted look exchanged between characters might convey unspoken emotions and enhance the narrative effect. 3. In my short film the protagonist is an introspective artist struggling with creative block. He stumbles upon an odd, decorative mirror in an antique shop. The mirror doesn't reflect his image but instead reveals scenes of an alternate reality. He becomes captivated in the mirror's world, which parallels his own but with stark differences. Each reflection shows a twisted portrayal of his unresolved struggles, his lost opportunities, and the aspects of life he's ignored. I was intrigued by the concept of using a magical mirror as an outlet to self-discovery and was inspired by the emotional chaos that often accompanies artistic blockades. I am developing my short film by focusing on visual storytelling and cinematic techniques. Using mise-en-scène and symbolism, the mirror works as a central motif in the protagonist's cluttered art studio, juxtaposing his messy life against the clarity within the alternate reality, therefore, intensifying the themes of self-examination and artistic rejuvenation. Cinematic techniques, including color grading and match cuts, will depict the main characters’ shifting perspectives, creating character development beyond just simple dialogue. A rich sound design will help contrast the silence of the protagonist’s real world with the loud alternate dimension, encouraging his hidden creativity. A confined setting which will be limited to the protagonist’s art studio and the mirror will help intensify the story and allow thematic coherence. Through the principles of Edgar Allan Poe's singular effect, the film will help create a thoughtful emotional journey for both the protagonist and the audience, allowing self-examination, selfdiscovery, and a cathartic relief of many buried truths.