Maybe... I should take up smoking...

 hi. funny title.

I think the best choice for my first genre research post is to analyze the first short film I watched when I started looking for inspiration. I first saw this film months ago, when thinking about making a short film over the summer (that unfortunately never came to fruition). I'm kidding about the title btw, don't smoke please.

This tiny little short film that doesn't even reach four minutes is honestly almost perfect in my eyes. Clearly, because I must have watched it a dozen times since I first viewed it. Lets look at what makes this short film so good:

Cinematography + Visuals

Oh my goodness this film is stunning. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it's filmed on 16mm film, which gives it such a great vibe that I love. It seems to be filmed all during the early golden hour, which gives an almost nostalgic feel. Props to the person who colored these clips, because they all look great, and give it a vintage feel while still feeling technically up to date. 

Just look at dat glare

 

All of the shots also just look great, and they are edited flawlessly together. I think one of the biggest criticisms I have in most amateur films is that the shots almost always are too slow (shots are held too long, and don't have enough going on), or they are too fast (jarring, and not enough time to process), but this film doesn't have either problem. Shots are quick and snappy, but let you take in what is happening, and enjoy how well framed everything is. 

Sound Design

This film has no direct dialogue at all. All dialogue is in the form of being overheard by the two main characters, and it is leveled perfectly so you really do feel you are eavesdropping on the conversation with them. It's just so well done that as the man cries out that he lost his wallet and lighter, one of the main characters lights a cigarette with a very fancy lighter, implying everything you need to know. 

The music also fits the plot so well, and adds exactly what it needs to. I think good music is something really underrated in a lot of student made films I see, but it can really draw you away from the story when it doesn't fit. 

The Story

This is really the main reason I love this short film so much. The story is extremely straight forward: two criminals, one a first-time petty thief, and one a seasoned grand-theft pro, run into each other while hiding. As our thieves eavesdrop on the people chasing them, they share a smoke while appreciating each other's handywork. Of course, after they leave, the rookie gets taught a little lesson about honor amongst thieves. 

What I hate about this is that the plot is so damn simple. It doesn't even need any words to convey it, yet it's satisfying and enjoyable, which is what really matters when making a short film. That's why I think these 236 seconds of footage deserve their own post. What I need to take from this is that although I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself for this project, I need to know that I can write a great short film, without having the viewer question what the meaning of life is. That's a little jab at a short film I plan on dedicating a whole post to, which is coming soon so stick around. 

Whenever I stress myself out trying to add some insane plot twist or crazy moment, I'm just going to remind myself to come back here and remember that simplicity can be exciting, it just needs to be enjoyable to watch.