5 minute film analysis

Goodbye to the normals
 (http://www.thesmalls.com/goodbye-normals) 

 

Introduction and title sequence

The film starts with a black screen keeping suspense as to how the film will start. After, writing begins to emerge and appear on the screen. It shows the film company of which the film was made and who made it. By showing this before the film they can start making a reputation for themselves as well as making a brand which could then easily be recognised by a potential audience. The text is also white which contrasts with the black background making it easy for the audience to read and understand which allows the audience to follow the film quicker.

 

Mid shot showing character

Mid shot showing the character association b

In the next shot we see a woman who is represented in a mid shot so we can see what sort of character she may be. By using a mid shot we see part of the background to grab an aspect of where she is and in what time period she is being represented in. We can also see what clothes she is wearing and this can give away what sort of person she is and her age. Also, in the bottom right hand corner of the shot a car begins to emerge which could show relations between the characters where a possible plot could start to develop. In the background there is also non-diagetic sound which adds suspense as there is no reasoning for the sound which is being played at that specific time. From the previous shot with a car the mid shot is continued and we see a man emerge from the car. I assume the man and the woman are married as he greets her with a kiss on the cheek. This makes me think that they are a family together and it seems like a normal day as it appears she is greeting him from work. However, the non-diagetic sound is continued making it seem like there is things out of the ordinary happening or about to happen. However, when editing they are using cuts to make it seem like nothing is wrong as it suggests normality and it is the most common use of editing.

 

Film title in title sequence

 Like the introduction and title sequence previously shown at the start of the film the title sequence appears again cutting away from the main body of the film. The theme is consistent with the black background keeping up with the business representation. Again this looks more professional as it appears to be structured so that the audience can follow the film easily.




Bear close up

After we see a close up of a teddy bear which makes me think that there will be a new character to be introduced. This is because a teddy bear is normally associated with a child. By showing it as a close up as an audience we begin to think it may have importance later on in the film otherwise it wouldn't have been a significant part of a close up.

New character introduced



Magnus develops plot

In the next shot we are introduced to a new character which is a young boy named Magnus. The non diagetic sound has now stopped and there is dialogue between him and the man from the first seen. This makes us wonder what association he has with this man and why he is with him. From looking at the boy and his costume we wonder why he has such a big bag and why he is clinging onto it so tight. This could lead to a potential plot as it seems secretive and makes us question the young boys actions.  As this scene progresses as shown in the shot below the young boy has a suitcase as well as his rucksack. This makes me think he may be running or hiding from something as the man asks him "Are you going on holiday?" which he responds to with "No". He then straight away admits that he is running away which shows his character. As he is being so upfront and honest we see the child like side as we think he doesn't understand the importance of what he is doing. As the man still questions the young boy as he is worried for his welfare it progresses into a two shot which allows us to see the body language between them. The man is leaning in towards Magnus almost over him which shows who has the most power and control within the conversation. The man asks Magnus where he is going which he responds with the answer "America".

Two shot

 As the man is concerned about the boy he asks where about in America Magnus is going to showing that he hasn't thought it through. The conversation continues and the plot develops as Magnus talks about how America has been having bad press giving the film contextual background. In the background we see a normal setting which contrasts the behaviour of Magnus as it is out of the ordinary.



Low angle.

 To keep reinstating that the man has more control and power a low angle is being used repetitively. The conversation context is also showing that he wants order to remain in the conversation as well as he wants to persuade Magnus not to run away forever. He does this by saying he will change his bedroom and replace with a gym which he could use. From this scene I think the short film has a comical background and concept to it as the young boy responds sarcastically. The main engaging feature of the conversation is the questions he asks Magnus as he wants to make sure the boy doesn't leave. He does this by asking if he's sure and does he know what he is doing. I think these questions are used as a delaying mechanism which shows the mans emotion of him not wanting Magnus to leave.

As the man (father) seems to be making no progress with the young boy the woman comes in (Magnus' mother) hoping she may change his mind. Originally they seem to be going along with the young boy thinking he may change his mind if they agree to his concept of running away forever.
 

 

High angle

 There is then a cut to the next scene where the setting has changed to the front door step. Magnus is shown from a high angle showing him powerless and unaware of his actions. His parents are shown above him to show that they should be having power of him.

Long shot

 As children threaten to run away all the time typically in attempt to get what they want we presume that the parents will stop the child from running away. However, this doesn't happen as Magnus is shown in a long shot running away with his suitcase and rucksack. This begins to make Magnus' threats seem more real as the unthinkable action has just taken place. This makes me wonder why the parents have let him run away. By using a long shot it represents the distance the boy is willing to got to run away.

Close up



 There is a shot reverse shot as the parents watch on as Magnus runs away down the street. They are shown in a close up to show the expression on their faces which could give us a clue to how they are feeling which could then add more detail to the story. In this shot the parents are looking worried which I think is due to the fact they didn't think that Magnus would run away. There is non diagetic sound which is the same as the title sequence to add suspense and keep the audience engaged to see what will happen next.  As the young boy begins his journey to America we see him pause and come running back towards his parents with a grin on his face which shows he has changed his mind. The scene cuts back to the parents with the same close up as before but this time they have smiles on their faces to show how they are happy he is coming home to them.

Extreme long shot

 However, as his mum reaches out to him he blanks her and runs straight into the house. He then reappears and proclaims he has forgotten his passport. There is then an extreme long shot of Magnus running away again. We now however know his parents wanted him to realise he should be at home. In the background there is theme music to the film where the song mentions the movie title "Goodbye to the normals".

Fade



End credits

 As the music is playing the screen begins to fade from the outside of the screen inwards showing that the film has ended. However, this could be seen as symbolic as Magnus is getting smaller as the boy disappears when running away. As the screen fades to black the end credits begin to roll with the soundtrack in the background used to connect the shots together. By using a fade to black background in fits in with the title sequence shown at the start of the film. By doing this it adds consistency reinforcing  the film brand making it appear and look more professional and structured. Now at the end of the film we know that the title is linear as the film is all shown in chronological order as to which the events happened. By adding credits at the end of the film it gives everyone involved in the film making process recognised.