Slap

SLAP - BAFTA Nominated Short Film from Nick Rowland on Vimeo.

'Slap' tackles contemporary controversial subject matter, confronting the audience and there prejudicial views on masculinity within the 21st century. The film is set in the north of England, stereo-typically known for it deeply rooted views on traditional masculinity. Men are expected to act in a certain way - manly. Some of these traditional traits include: being straight; providing for the family; partaking in sporting activities;  chasing girls and suppressing emotions and feelings in order to appear strong. 

The main protagonist 'Connor', played by 'Peaky Blinders' star Joe Cole, is a vulnerable character who struggles in finding his true identity. Trapped within a community that look down upon LGBTQ+ members, Connor escapes to his room where he alters his appearance to seem more female - an adopted apparel which he clearly feels more comfortable adopting.

Through the majority of the film, the pallet is heavily grey pale. When there is colour it is often of a darker shade - the pallet represents the dismal lifestyle Connor lives. Whether it be living day to day in a monotonous estate, or suppressing his identity or possible alternative sexual orientation, it is clear he is not happy.

My favourite part of this  film, certainly most influential, comes as the climatic ending of the film. Connor appears to lose control, like an animal, he lashes out and viciously attacks his sparring partner. There is only non-diegetic grunge rock playing - forcing us to only be able imagine what sort of sounds are being created throughout the fracas.

Moving forward this film may encourage me to present social themes withing my short-film, whilst putting care and attention into the colours that I use within the mise-en-scene.   

Over

This is an intriguing film, because of the polarising effect that it has on its audience. Personally I Love the use of the Long take, because it allows the audience to get a much greater immersive connection with whatever is happening on screen. These shots have the potential to create some of the most memorable scenes within cinema, however within this film, it is over exerted beyond the realms of tolerability . 

On the other hand, It made the film long winded and somewhat boring, this impression is the shattered by the climax of the film, however it is somewhat of a struggle to get to the end of the film. Perhaps this is just my ignorance, perhaps it is meant to be a challenging watch - mimicking the struggle of the man who succumbs to am untimely death - derived from an act of desperation. After all, it is undeniable that the body crashing down to the earth came as a surprise - however with my short film, I shall increase the pacing,  through the application of long takes with dynamic camera movement and tension delivered through dialogue.