Skin Deep- Directed by Yousaf Ali Khan

The element that stood out to me in this short film was when the camera focused on the main character in the mirror and it revealed to the viewer what the character was was feeling and thinking at that point. This made the visuals more intimate, it felt like I was like an invisible character.

                The films structure relates to its content by showing as the film went on, the emotional torment the character is suffering from being an (half Asian) teenager in a very racist NF (national front) community.

                Alot of techniques where used in this short film but two that were most salient were the flash backs of the character as a child being ridiculed and  abused by a gang of white men and the way close ups were used to indicate tension on to show someone to be intimidating.

                Sound is very important to films in general but in this film subtle sounds were used to show the viewer that the character felt either uncomfortable or the pressure of being Asian became unbearable.

                 The theme of this film is racism in the 1960's of how the Asian community suffered violence and the need to want fit in.

                  The main focus of this film was portraying what it was like for a mixed heritage Asian boy to live around mods who were involved with the national front. We saw the best of both worlds because the main character looked a fairer shade (unlike his little sister), hardly anyone noticed that he did have an Asian background. So in a way he did have a slight advantage than other Asian boys living in Britain because it was easier for him to blend in with the other boys as long as he didn't act 'Asian'.

                 The film was very successful this was partly due to how emotive and shocking the language and scenes. The director put us (the viewers) into the shoes of the character and made us understand how he was feeling.

               

Gasman

The element that stood out to me in this short film was how the relationship between the two girls changed, when one of the girls sat on the fathers lap. The structure relates to the theme because it shows the viewer how disconnected the fathers relationship is with the other children and how things escalate between the characters.
           The film used a small depth of field when it wanted the viewer to focus on a certain character or to heighten facial expressions. Train tracks were used to mount the camera on and used as a dolly to track the movement of the characters smoothly.
             The sound added to the subtle 70's look and it also related to the story when they play the song 'Where's ya Momma gone' which compliments the characters situation.
         
                         The Theme of the short film was the comparison between the two sets of children and how the lack of communication between Father and child can cause confusion and stir up a tense and unpleasant environment. The directors focus is the relationships the the man has with his children and people around him.
            I liked the film because it was very  interesting, but it had a confusing story because I dont actually know what was happening within the family structure. The film was successful with the subject matter  when dealing with the different  relationship, but was unsuccessful with trying to make the film easily apprehended.
         
             

Steel Homes

Steel Homes' gives the viewer an insight to the storage system, revealing secrets. Moving from steel cage to steel cage. we experience tales of heartbreak and stories of liberation, adventure and leaving the past behind.

In this film film the theme is 'Why use a steel cage'. The directors aim in this film is to inform the viewers about why steel cages maybe used and seeing different types of characters from several backgrounds using the steel cages.

The film structure relates to the content by using the voice over of the subject shown visually on the screen. This also stood out to me because  on the screen the subject  is packing and  clearing out of their storage. While the voice over explains why they are using the storage system and what the items mean to them.

The 2 techniques that I really thought profited the film were the cutaways and the way the different voice overs were used to accompany the  visuals. I  liked the  cutaways because the way they used them broke the typical convention of the way the two elements are used.

The sound is appropriate to the film because it sets the lonley atmosphere and it relates to whats being shown e.g( the first shot was of a life moving and the sound of it comes through in the editing).  

Christmas with dad

Directed by talented Connor McCormack this documentary features 23yr old AJ and his 7 offspring. He has given us viewers exclusive insight too AJ's personal battles from defining himself as a young farther with an uncertain future and struggling with his rather terrible past childhood. He lives in a council house and is unemployed with a child on the way. This to me is the worst Benefit claiming scenario ever.

The element that stood out to me in this film was how natural and relaxed AJ, his partner and his children  were around the camera. It made the documentary more realistic and made me (the viewer) feel more involved in the families hectic life.
          The structure of the film related to its content because it was progressive, there were no flash backs or and AWESOME effects. This reflected the realism and the seriousness of AJ's current mental and physical state.
          The techniques that really captured my eye with in the film was keeping the camera at eye level with its subjects. This made it more intimate and created the feel that the camera crew weren't even present. By using handheld instead of opting for a tripod or robotic camera (which is popular in the channel 4 television show 'The Family'). The director made the camera a person and the shots weren't perfect and normally focused on one thing rather than the full picture.
                In the film the only sounds heard were the sounds that were present at the time of the recording. They didn't even need any heart wrenching music when AJ was talking about his troubled childhood. Enjoy the 12min and 8second rollercoaster.

On the Road again

All alone on the road side waiting for his trailer to be fixed, just so he can live alone in the desert. This is just one episode from the award winning David Lynches' project that he created while touring the U.S for (unusual) people to interview. This is Jess looking scruffy and rough, David lynch manages to peel away Jess' outer appearance showing the true light-hearted, gentle personality of a man searching for peace of mind. It takes a lot of skill to get a person so relaxed in front of the camera. So I really do hold David in high esteem for his award winning string of documentaries. I hope you enjoy :)