Blog Post #3 Short Film Character Analysis

I want to create a character and story driven approach to my short film, and I must be able to introduce plot threads and characters within the short 5 minute time frame, that are interesting and engaging to the audience. To prepare myself for this task, I will analyze a short film 1/5th the length of mine which manages to create an interesting character in under a minute. 

The Wait (2020)

While this film is drastically different in terms of theme and genre to what my film will be, it still has universal characteristics that develop it and build audience engagement and interest. As you can see this short film engages the audience quite quickly using a number of tactics on the portrayal of the protagonist. One big tactic I noticed was mystery or a lengthy introduction; the character is introduced in different 'chunks' creating mystery and building interest and audience engagement. First we hear the character talk, then we get glimpses of his interesting and unique outfit; hinting at his profession to be revealed later in the film, and finally we are fully introduced to the character through a mid shot and a close up, which focus on his body language; further hinting at his profession of drumming.

I will be sure to keep these tactics in mind when creating my own film. I plan to replicate the introduction in chucks in an interesting and original way that appeals to my chosen genre; horror, for example the prolonged introduction builds mystery, but in a horror film that mystery can be utilized to create a sense of tension and suspense.