Scene Deconstruction

This was an entry into the 2011 Ohio University 48-Hour Shootout. Each group had 48 hours to construct a film using a random genre, prop, and line.

The theme of this piece is centered heavily around relationships. Being able to get through the best and worst with a single person can be the most difficult thing to do. This is apparent through the heavy use of flash-backs that provide us a window into this couple's relationship. Another theme seems to be regretting; this is not apparent until the very end (unless you're watching the video a second time through). The end sequence shows the main character staring at what appears to be an engagement ring, and a woman asking if he's ready to go. The camera focuses on the woman in the background who is not the woman from his flashbacks. His expression becomes somber and the clip ends, this makes the title of the piece "My Intended" make a lot more sense. He intended on giving the ring to this other woman he remembers, but something happened and now all that's left are memories.

This short film used a surprisingly small amount of space to convey its message. The flashback scenes were all filmed with the characters being shot from the waist up. This made the scenes feel smaller and gave the illusion that the characters were that much closer together. Because the characters appeared to be closer it added to the tension and emotion they were portraying towards each other in each scene. The characters are also always facing each other in each shot up until the last scene where the main character is facing away from his assumed girlfriend. Interestingly the characters’ colors change to reflect the mood in each scene. For example in the scene where the main character is trying to comfort his upset significant other, he is wearing yellow, a warm and comforting color while she is wearing a pale, white sweatshirt, making her seem flat in the space. This becomes contrasted when he places his arms around her, making him appear larger and more protective in their embrace.

Movement was also very important in this piece. The camera transitions were marked with a slow swipe between each scene and the camera would take a second to adjust. This mimics not only the human eye, but also the human mind when processing and correlating its thoughts. This technique is very similar to Alfred Hitchcock’s style of directing. The camera would focus on important items, but continue to slowly focus around the room, taking in every forefront detail that the human eye would usually capture.