Saturday, 5 September 2015

Short Film Analysis Conclusion - Conventions


At first glance, it could be considered that the period drama and the short film are at conflict. This is because traditional love stories that period dramas explore seem to demand strong character establishment, a longer plot that allows the viewer to go on a journey that finishes and the promise of being transported back in time. Whilst the short film seems to use less established characters, less conclusive plots in situations that can be deemed as 'relatable'. However, the period drama short films I have studied have showed me that it can be done very well if:

- Establish characters subtly yet firmly. This means your characters should be archetypal, IE a married woman, a dominant male, a maid, a servant, a vicar.

- Settings should be gripping and interestingly shot.

- A good variation of scenes that are of a good length, in order to allow the drama to develop properly.

- Dialogue should be clear and should add to the drama within the piece whilst implying to a larger diegesis.

- Short films should stick to a simple formula, where one dramatic event is solved throughout.

- Instead of connecting to many characters on screen, like during a feature length period drama, you should attempt to have the viewers connect to only one character – your protagonists.

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