Slap

 Date: 18/6/24

Narrative >  Chronological order - linear narrative. In my opinion, there is no resolution as it finishes in a worse way than it started. The storyline does bring forward rising points which lead to a climax nearer the end. For example, his friend finding out about his dressing up and makeup - which then leads to everyone else finding out after miscommunication and an argument surrounding the main characters sexuality in the film. The film finishes with a quite horrific yet powerful scene, a brutal watch.

Genre > A drama - the conventions are featured thoroughly throughout the film. Moments of rising tension through the use of fighting and violence for example, when he comes to save his friend who is being beaten up. It dramatizes the moment for multiple reasons, not only as a heroic situation but also as a hard decision to come out as he was (dressed up) to save his friend, risking himself and the reaction he may get. This is done again later, during the moment of a emotional scene between him and his girlfriend as she comes to confront him and support him - however, this contrasts later, when she is told something else, as he argues his point and she becomes "disgusted" by him. The bathroom scene, builds tension up to the moment when his friend attempts to kiss him - which is greeted by a more offended and violent approach. This is a firm showcase of gender norms and roles, and masculinity 

Representation > A huge display and form of toxic masculinity and array of femininity - opposing to the gender norms and roles of society. Having a character who from the outside very much sticks into the male gender role (boxing/wrestling, muscles, short hair, sportswear, lad culture etc). Who actually hides a secret of wearing dresses and makeup and enjoying more 'feminine activities' it showcases a big meaning behind gender and how it fits into society. 

Micro Elements:

Cinematography > 

The opening shot creates an opposition. There is a characteristic trait communicated to us straight away. It opens to a guy who is applying makeup, he seems happy and expressive of his feminine side, our first thoughts as a audience may be that this person is potentially apart of the LGBTQ+ community, or he enjoys dressing up etc. However, the objectifying posters of women (half-naked women) on the bedroom walls behind, shows he has an appreciation for the female body but also showing an idealised self and his aspirations of his own physical looks. It showcases a binary opposite in an odd yet appealing way, of course, we shouldn't and cant assume, yet it is interesting as its revealed further on more about the character and his lifestyle. We could interpret these scopophilic posters as a deterrent tp his family, specifically to deceive his father into thinking he has voyeuristic fantasies of women like most boys his age. The ending scene features an array of film shots, they're quite disorientating and harsh on the eyes, it coincides with 

Performance > Joe Cole a rising star, best known for his performance in Peaky Blinders and skins is a good match and great actor for this movie. The vast difference between his historical, violent and strong male-lead in Peaky Blinders compared to that of his exploring, introverted character Connor, who likes to cross-dress and is adventuring into his own sexuality and own-self. Joe Cole may have been chosen for this very reason, 'Slap' came out a year after Joe started playing a well-loved character in PB, having him play someone so different may have influenced the importance of this film and its message. Joe's performance in Slap, is a powerful demonstration and showing of someone who doesn't know themselves, someone who seems lost - and how it can effect them. For example, his switch from being a happy person, who is enjoying his time, putting on makeup, to an instant fit of rage and strong examples of masculinity. For example, the scene where he realises his friend needs help, and he has to face him dressed as he is to be able to save him. An another scene, the broad and harsh switch from his full party outfit and expression to him in a boxing ring, beating the life out of another person. That ending scene is a powerful and important point - he cant cope, he is angry and upset. The constant changing of 'Conner's' feminine and masculine side really adds to the effect once again. And its brilliant acting by Joe.

Mise En Scene (costume/makeup) > Conner's costumes are important to his character. We see him in his true form, which is his dresses and playful makeup, this is when he feels most happy and comfortable. However, we also view his more 'masculine' outfits and looks, his gym style and boxing outfits which push that more male side on show. His colourful makeup also heavily references the props (magazines, etc.) which he is influenced by.

Mise En Scene (props) > The main props are his boxing gloves, wraps, and awards/posters which showcase his passion for the sport - which then, highly contrast with his box full of makeup and teen magazines. These are key traits of Conner as a character, and as an audience we get a true feel for who he is as a person and his interests which make him stand out as a character which the audience can align with. 

Mise En Scene (setting) > The setting/location of this film is rather an important detail in my opinion. The environment and social life of the place Conner lives in doesn't seem to be the sort who would be accepting and happy with his identity and exploration. Such as the violent attack we see committed against his friend in the streets for being a gay man. Further backed up by the pushy 'manly' father who teaches boxing to young lads and enforces on his own son ( Conner). The dull and bleak setting aligned with the personality of Conner, adds a powerful impact and binary opposite. 

Influence > The binary opposites and detail on the switching up between these opposites really influences me. I love how well thought out it is to showcase how different the two things about Connor are. Its like he is leading a double life, like we are watching two different people.