Research Task 1- Emma Robertson

Joyride (Gillespie) 1995


Genre/Style used
Thriller short film

Thrilling iconography includes:
• Rain
• Low key lighting and use of shadows (especially in the boot scene)
• Cigarette
• Axe and other weapons
• Blood
• Costumes: white and black
• Car radio

Mise en scene
The film used a combination of different locations, which made the short film interesting to watch. I enjoyed the boot scene as tension rose during the drama.

Camera framing
There were many interesting camera framing throughout this film, which appealed to me and I inspired me.

High angle and Low angle frame when the victim looks up and down the electricity pole. Shows the height difference and creates realism.

Tracking shots of the travelling road reinforcing the journey and creates the illusion of reality.

But the main shot, that inspired me the most was the medium close up of the victim’s side profile with the cigarette dangling from his mouth. These shots express the confusion, distress and vulnerability of the character. Also, there were many extreme close ups of the victim’s frantic attempts to release himself from the boot, which created suspense and tension.

Unique/Inspiration

This short film was very unique from others I have watched. These are the aspects that I considered as inspiration towards our coursework:

The difference between the protagonist’s white tank top to the antagonist’s black clothing. Symbolises good versus evil.

Limited use of dialogue. The moments of silence were very symbolic and emphasised the suffering of the victim in the boot. The actions spoke louder than words

Short film format

The narrative involves a chronological sequence:
Man doing his job, man drives home, man gets attacked, man thrown into the boot, man breaks the brake light, and alerts the police, and police get attacked causes more police to chase, finally rescued, but dies from the electricity pole.

Humorous that that he arrives at the same location that was introduced during the set-up stage.

Narrative involves mini dilemmas and traumas throughout to build tension and suspense e.g. the victim in the boots gets covered in petrol and the spark from the brake light. Also, the many extreme close ups of his face and hands when he tries to get his hands free.

Interesting use of sound

Non diegetic soundtrack- piano- creates a mystery and amplifies when there is tension

Great use of sound effects such as the car's radio , rain & thunder, footsteps, suffering and breathing. For realism and emphasises the mise en scene

Creative and interesting use of off-screen diegetic sound of the antagonists' voices whilst victim is in the boot. Creates realism and emphasises his pain. Another scene was the off-screen diegetic sound of the police officers getting attacked outside whilst the frame dwells on the victim's reactions in the boot. Convention of horror/thriller as it's the fear of the unknown!

Themes/issues and representation

The film seems to centre around the traumatic experience of being attacked, but to never take your work position for granted.

Objective audience positioning when the victim is getting attacked.

Throughout the short film, you feel quite sympathic towards the victim as you wonder what the experience feels like, but the conclusion destroys the sympathy created due to the victim's irrational actions of approaching the electricity pole whilst covered in petrol.
Posted by Emma at 04:58