LO2.3: Textual Analysis of Rushes

In this report I will be discussing how we created meaning using different production techniques within our rushes. This will include techniques such as mine-en-scene and editing. I will also discuss how this links to the genre of our short film through conventions. 

Our short film is about how Connor, our main character, is going to a therapy session. The genre of this film is Psychological drama. We used the mise-en-scene element, location, to portray this to our audience. This links to Jason Mittell's genre theory which states that genres are exploited by producers so that their projects are financially successful. This is because a lot of psychological films are set in therapy rooms which makes it not only successful but also recognisable to the genre.

In our short film we use shot types such as POV and over the shoulder POV shots. this makes the audience feel included like they are a part of the film. this links to Steve Neale's theory of Repetition and difference which states that genres contain instances of repetition which make films recognisable to the genre but also differences that make them original. These shot types are included in a lot of drama and psychological films but they can also be done in a way that makes it original to the particular film.

Roland Barthes' Narrative codes Theory suggests that narratives can be understood through codes. These are the action code, actions in the narrative that tip iff the viewer, and the enigma code, puzzles or problems for the audience to solve. Our short film links to this theory, specifically the action code when we do a close up shot using a portraiture lens with a low aperture on the therapists clip board, however there are also elements on the enigma code leading up to this.

Our short film shows Pam Cooks cause and effect theory, meaning when something happens it causes an effect for the character. This is shown through the use of synchronous, diegetic sound when the therapist asks Connor questions and as a result, triggers his alters which we hear as non-diegetic asynchronous sound. This helps the audience understand his personality as well as his alters personalities.

In conclusion we created meaning using mise-en-scene and different production techniques within our rushes.