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Short Film Analysis Sight

Source - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK_cdkpazjI
Sight is a short film posted by The Cgbros, who are an independent institution who post
short films made by independent producers from around the world, usually being futuristic
in their content, in order to get them known. The short film Sight revolves around the idea
of future technology, in which our eyes are adjusted to have many different technological
capabilities, such as applications, but at the same time can be exploited. The film itself is
made by Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo, who are independent film producers who produced
the film for a university project. The short film uses a range of different technical aspects,
like camera shots and sound, to convey different representations, as well as appeal to its
target audience. The target audience is most likely males, who enjoy sci-fi and have an
interest in technology. They have targeted them by using the sci-fi genre, and making
technology the focus of the short film.
Towards the start of the film, the title of the
short film, Sight, appears on the screen. The
title has a light blue glow to it, which gives it
a futuristic feel, which is appropriate to the
sci-fi genre. Also at this point, there is music
which is light and high pitched. As well as
being a convention of the sci-fi genre, it also
represents what is going on in the scene, as
the music gives a sense of weightlessness whilst the character slowly rocks on the floor. In
this medium shot, the camera slowly pans to the right, revealing the male character, Patrick.
Enigma is created at this point, as the audience are unsure as to what the character is doing.
It is then revealed to us that he is using some
sort of simulation, represented through a
cutaway to the characters point of view,
revealing to the audience as to what the
character was doing, but we are still
uncertain as to how he is able to use the
simulation without any visible signs of
technology. The simulation also fits with the
common convention of sci-fi films, being technology or virtual worlds. This scene follows
many of the conventions of the sci-fi, which is most likely due to the institution focusing
mostly on the sci-fi genre and futuristic short films. In this sense, the Cgbros are appealing
to an audience who enjoy sci-fi films by including future technology within the first few
seconds of the film, gripping their target audience.
In the following scene, we see the character carry
out everyday activities in his house, such as cooking
and watching television, but with a technological
twist. With various shots, we can clearly see the
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characters eyes have a strange look to them. This reveals,
along with the title of the film, that the character has
technology within his eyes, allowing him to view the world
in a completely new way. This fits with the institutions
common use of the sci-fi genre, with the common
convention being the use of technology that has not been
invented yet. In the following shot, we get a POV shot from the characters point of view,
with him looking around the fridge. The shot has been edited to have various boxes appear
with information on the item when it is highlighted. This could be the way of the producer
conveying to its audience how different the world would be with this technology, even
when performing everyday activities. During this scene, there is a cutaway to the character
eating food, which the audience recognise as an everyday activity, but then cuts back to his
technological point of view, emphasising how much impact this technology will have on our
everyday lives.
Further on in the clip, there is an extreme close up
of the characters face. This removes any enigma
that was created previously, as the audience can
clearly see the technology within the characters
eyes. This also gives the audience a connection
with the character, as we feel as we have an
insight into his life. This is also done by using POV
shots, also giving us a sense of connection with
the main character.
In the next scene, we see Patrick go on a date with a
woman, Daphne, using his technological sight to
assist him. A two shot of the two characters is used,
which shows the relationship between them. During
the scene, various shot reverse shots between the
characters are used, which further emphasises the
relationship between them. We then get a POV shot
from the Daphnes point of view, and it is revealed that she also has the same technology.
This suggests that this technology has become part of everyday life in society, and has
changed the way in which people can interact with one another. This is a common
convention in sci-fi films, in which technology becomes common amongst everyones daily
lives, which fits with the institutions common use of the sci-fi genre. The relationship
between the characters is further emphasised by the
heart in the top left corner of Patricks point of view,
which shows how much Daphne likes him. Throughout
the clip, we are able to see how their relationship
deteriorates, but eventually improves. This scene
could also represent how relationships can be fake or
ruined, as the male uses an application to help him
appeal to the woman, possibly representing how, although there are positives, the new
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technology has negative effects on peoples everyday lives as well. In terms of mise-en-
scene and sound, this relationship indicator relates to the characters dialogue and body
language, as the female seems uncomfortable and unimpressed at first, but is happy and
comfortable by the end of their date. As well as this, the clothing and locations are
naturalistic, and allow the audience to relate to them. This challenges the common
convention of sci-fi films, in which futuristic and technologically advanced locations are
normally used.
After both characters go back to Patricks home, Daphne notices an app on the wall which
Patrick used to help him on the date. This represents male characters stereotypically, with
him being sly and scheming to get what he wants. Whilst she goes to leave, Patrick takes
control of her system, forcing her to stay. This is a twist in the narrative, which the audience
do not expect, and gives the film an open ending. This also reinforces the stereotype of
males being controlling over women. Afterwards,
slightly dark and sinister music plays during the
credits, fitting with the sinister action that the
male character had previously carried out. The
credits are light blue neon, with a technological
background, which fits with the sci-fi genre. This
also complies with the institutions common
association with sci-fi themed short films.