BREAKDOWN -
Breakdown offers a unique premise with a solid script, but falls short on both its video and audio quality. I enjoyed it because of its setting and ideas but they were marred by frequent background noise and unimaginative cinematography.
Pros: Unique idea, good soundtrack, intriguing script.
Cons: Poor audio quality, low resolution, cinematography.
A NEW FLAVOR -
Like the previous short film, 'A New Flavor' is unique in its subject matter, but in this case, very well executed in comparison to 'Breakdown'. The quality of both the audio and video is really good, with great use of depth of field and a quirky, fitting soundtrack. I noticed some instances where the shots were somewhat wobbly and some parts of the film were cliché but in terms of presentation, there is a lot to take from this short film.
Pros: Well shot and HD, great audio, good acting, unique premise, good editing, looks like film!
Cons: Cliché, some unstable shots.
VALIDATION -
Three times longer than what our short film will be, but an amazing example of a flawlessly executed short film; full of personality, well shot/directed and even moving!
Validation is made by a small time directer named Kurt Kuenne who has made several short films and documentaries in his time. He also composed the very fitting and appropriate soundtrack to Validation.
The short works so well because of its liveliness in its pace and unique look, shot with 4:3 aspect ratio rather than widescreen, and projected in black and white; it stands out from the crowd!
Pros: looks and sounds professional in every way despite the black and white filter and aged aspect ratio. Great acting and soundtrack, imaginative story.
3x3 -
Very short and very, very sweet. 3x3 revolves around a cocky security guard and an incredibly intelligent cleaner. Perfect in every way, this short film has great cinematography, music, no dialogue but a lot of character. The short film aptly uses depth of field and some subtle but effective tracking shots throughout the film.
During the janitors streak of failure, on his third
attempt to score a basket we see a high angle shot of him depicting his skill in basketball and power in the situation compared to the guard.
We also see a close up of the basketball being held by the janitor just before he attempts the shot; the camera then tilts up toward the janitor.
One scene of the film is in slow motion, with no audio but the basketball bouncing, to build up tension.Due to the cliche's of film, we expect the janitor to score during the slow motion sequence, instead, the film subverts the stereotype and the janitor fails to score once again.
We also see a number of jump cuts in an almost montage-like fashion showing the janitor making his calculations; this gives us the impression that the janitor is acting faster than he actually is.
There are also plenty of match on actions such as the guard redirecting the CCTV camera cutting to a close up of the CCTV camera moving, as well as the guard throwing his rubbish in the bin, to a shot of bin (with rubbish flying toward it).
The various props we see include the basketball, the janitors mop and equipment as well as the guards food and drink. The entire film is set in the basketball court and onlooking office and includes only the two characters (we also straight from the beginning of the film expect the janitor to be poor at sports because of his build and profession). The janitor, in the final scene, changes into a basketball players outfit to signify to the closely watching guard, that he's ready for a game of basketball. The film is driven along only by subtle filmmaking techniques and both the characters specific traits; there is no dialogue in the film but both the characters emotions and actions speak volumes! A comedically paced classical score accompanies the film as non-diegetic music whilst the janitor makes his calculations. The only titles that we see are '3x3' early on to show the title of the film. There are then the standard film credits that roll at the conclusion of the film.