short film analysis

Adjustment Directed by Ian Mackinnon

This short film is about the relationship between a man and woman. One of the narrative Structures used is the linear narrative as all events are chronologically shown, however, there are elements of non-linear narratives as we see clips from the past, however as it is being shown on a video camera in real time. This shot film has a narrator, and is set in the style of a monologue as we are hearing his thoughts. This style would be good for our short film, as the video cameras that we would be using would have low quality microphones, which do not pick up sound well, so with a monologue, we can record the sound inside and there would not be any noises we do not want.

Throughout, there is a low score playing with a narrator speaking on top. The score is useful as it plays along with what happens in the film, and when something bas happens in the film, and when something bad happens, the score becomes more drastic to suit what is happening.

The film starts with a simple plain title on a black background; however it is only shown for less than 2 seconds which is useful for a short film as there are time constraints so titles can’t take up too much time. The end credits are set in the same format as the starting titles, throughout the end credits, as there is a sad ending, the score compliments it.

The themes employed in this film Is ‘separation,’ which can also be linked to British identity as it is though that England can’t hold down relationships.

The purpose of this film was for it to be used in a film festival or a competition, probably made by a film student, however judging by the quality and the time taken to make the film, it may have had a bigger budget.