The Ellington Kid

 The Ellington Kid:

Narrative > Cliff hanger, flashbacks, interweaved with the retelling. It’s non-linear, begins and ends in a similar way. It starts with a story and then we see it being played out - even though in the timeline it took place before the conversation. Creates an POV for us to fully comprehend that night of the attack. Three act structure is followed of rising tension, and climax ( stabbing, getting away with a crime, the guys locking the door, grabbing the knives etc.)Editing > fast during the chase scene, cuts to close up shots frequently during the scene inside the kebab shop - a focus on the characters facial expressions and body language which to an extent provides more context for the film to the audience - an understanding towards what may be about to occur. The film also ends to just a blank shot - a cliff-hanger - this may be to get a fun reaction from the audience through the use of our own interpretation as well as the one which the boy telling the story insists on happened.

Genre > crime, thriller, comedy - knife/ one big joke, a lead back to the guy smirking when he listens to their conversation - makes it feel more true- The horror conventions of being stuck (locked in), the rising tension to a horrific scene - but stopped before we see what occurs.

Representation > London gangs very stereotypical of violence, their costumes involve tracksuits, with Gillette coats, caps, and face coverups. Costume of middle eastern, again stereotypical. The very London kebab shop - typical of street gang areas etc - As well as, the kebab shop relating to middle eastern ideas, and stereotypes.

Micro Elements:

Mise En Scene > Costumes and props used to communicate stereotypes and therefore character types. Location - safe/not safe, binary opposites. The alleyway is a common identity of a violence and illegal activities which can occur, specifically less safe in the night. Pushing that stereotypical agenda further.

Sound > First sound is the knife being sharpened, this creates for-shadowing as the short film ends with this sound as well. It also adds to the tone that the movie is attempting to create - a continuation of questions from the audience of 'what's going to happen?' and a tone of danger/ violence... A Sound balance is used - meaning there's no actual audio, we just hear the lock click, this adds to the tension and rising climax of the scene. We know something is going to happen, a chair gripping moment.

lighting > the use of day and night - for example, the shop's bright light against the contrasting natural darkness of the night, creating a haven of safety for the young guy who has been stabbed.

Cinematography > The cut shots although simplistically used, create a consistent and easy guide to follow whilst watching. We understand that a story is being told and we are witnessing a 're-enactment' or perhaps a memory. The use of a tracking shot to follow the victim in the story, gathers more of an ominous setting and fear. Specially contrasted with the use of a alleyway setting - the idea of being followed down an alleyway alone- and also in the middle of the night. A low angle shot is used to focus on the victim as he lies helpless on the restaurant floor, bleeding out - and the camera shot also motions to one of the workers behind where he lays, a hero is introduced, we know someone is there to help him now, he isn't alone. Similarly, this is used again when we see more workers come out to defend and help the man, they slowly are introduced one at a time, this makes it more interesting and planned out - they mean business.

Performance > Tension and emotions are communicated through body language and facial expressions from the actors. Such as their tense stand, some armed with weapons which they have ready to use if needed, the gang are portrayed as trying to be tough, but truly they seem a bit scared. Whereas, the owners of the shop seem ready and prepared, one has his arms crossed, he is standing up tall, he doesn’t seem to e standing all tensed. And without talking to one another, they all understand what they’re going to do just through the use of eye contact and understanding their ‘friends’ body language too They mean business.

Editing > Whilst the camera is focused on the kebab shop workers, the editing is slowed down, it adds depth to their facial expressions and body language in the moment. Its an important feature - they are not happy, they are serious, and not afraid..

Influence > Some of the genre conventions in this film seem like an interesting approach towards film, and I feel as though using conventions of genre in my own movie may impact my ideas further. I also feel influenced by the narrative, a story within a story is a different way to make a film and I like the idea quite a bit.