Ashamae Swyer

Analysis of short film - Crazylove (Sophie Bennett)

The short film is centred on the characters of Michael and Letty, who are both
living at a hospital while being treated for different mental disabilities
(Schizophrenia and OCD, respectively). Michael uses childish antics as he
doesnt feel entirely comfortable with expressing the strong feelings he has for
Letty, and even offers her a plastic ring as a way of telling her how he feels.
While she is at first surprised, she begins to question whether or not she feels
the same, but as the short film is left on a cliff-hanger, the audience are left
wondering what the fate of Michael and Lettys friendship will be.

The title sequence is laid out over a black background, which gives a bold
contrast and makes the titles appear to be a high importance. Also, the
blandness of the background could infer that the short film will have a serious
tone or be dealing with a serious topic.

This establishing shot sets the scene, indicating to the audience that it is set
in a hospital. The location of a hospital helps to reaffirm the serious tone that
was presented at the beginning. However, the bright hues of the greenery
make the scene appear less intimidating.

Ashamae Swyer

In the two shot that follows we see the male character (Michael) positioned at
a distance from the female character (Letty). Despite the fact that Michael is
positioned standing above her, his closed-in body language with his hands in
his pockets suggests that he is nervous, or perhaps these mannerisms are
natural for him. In this shot we can clearly see Michaels costume, which can
be seem as casual and comfortable, which is the first sign that he lives at the
hospital.
These first few shots are filmed with a guitar instrumental playing in the
background, which gives the scene a sense of calm.

In the series of shot-reverse-shots that transpire, we find out that the two
characters are close friends, and from the dialogue the audience can indicate
that the two are patients at the hospital. This can also be assumed from their
naturally calm and content facial expressions in the shots.

Ashamae Swyer

As the conversation progresses, the audience find out that Letty is engaged,
which is clearly shown with the prop of the diamond ring in this close-up shot.
We can also see that the character is wearing purple nail polish, as a sign of
femininity, which is contrasted by the black top that she is wearing, which
could be a visual representation of her mental state.

In this next two-shot, we as the audience can see a conflict as Michael steals
Lettys engagement ring. This arguably could be a representation of LeviStrauss theory of binary opposite in terms of genders, with Michaels
masculine strength overpowering Letty.

Ashamae Swyer

The next series of shot portray the character of Michael as a lot more playful,
much like a child. It also shows the audience the extent of his mental disability
when he shouts should we give her another chance, but it is presented in a
light hearted way that audiences would be able to accept.

This series of two shots and close ups displays more affection between the
two characters, as Michael can be seen gently caressing Lettys cheek in a
close-up shot. The framing has been executed very well and allows the two
characters to share importance in the scene. It is also made clearer in these
shots that Michael harbours strong feelings towards Letty, yet they are
unrequited as she is engaged, although a close-up of her face suggests that
she has feelings for him too.

The last scene involves Letty talking with her friend Ruth about their upcoming
weddings. The Oxford University hoodie that Letty is wearing indicates to the
audience that she is studious, but stereotypically it could also represent her as
being an awkward person who doesnt socialise very often. Throughout the
scene, it is clear that the conversation she had with Michael in the first Scene
has had a profound effect on her, as she asks Ruth have you ever thought
about being with someone other than Jake, which gives the impression that
Letty has been thinking about Michael and perhaps even reciprocates his
feelings.