Short Film Analysis- Kids Might Fly

Kids Might Fly - Film Analysis

The opening shot is a close up of the ground. The close up shot of the field creates a starting point for the film’s journey – as the camera slowly travels up from this. This is an effective method it allows the audience to slowly  get into the film and understand the narrative rather than it starting within the middle of things, where the audience would be confused. This method is extremely simplistic, which makes for a good beginning to a film, as it does not require the audience to understand anything, it simply requires them to watch as the story unfolds. This shot is quite subtly symbolic as well, as the grass suggests the saying, 'the grass is always greener' on the other side, in this case, East London. This gets the audience wondering why East London is so good and gets them interested in the story and encourages them to keep watching. This would be effective in our short film as we want to be able to entice our audience straight from the beginning and slowly bring them into the narrative.  

The film frequently uses unsteady zoom motions with the camera. For example in this Long Shot, where the main character is writing in her book, this creates an uncertainty about the characters, which is needed as we know very little about them, which therefore encourages a particular interpretation from the audience. In addition, the unbalanced camera flow could represents the stereotypical view of London - busy, hectic and crowded, as the camera looks to be fighting its way to the shot. This helps to establish the setting for the audience, something crucial to most films, as it establishes what the city is like. This would be extremely beneficial in our short film if we wanted to create mystery around our characters' personalities and pasts, in particular if we intend to make them unpredictable. 

The film involves several voice overs and is heavily narrated. This is extremely effective in aiding the audience to understand the characters and the storyline, providing them with an insight into what’s happened or will happen. For example; if someone is describing themselves, such as hobbies, traits and friends. Voice overs and sound bridges would also be useful in our short film as it cuts out time and makes for an interesting viewing. Using techniques like this will allow us to fill our film with detail and drive the narrative forward in a condensed nature. Moreover, it will provide us with the opportunity to develop particular characters effectively, and allow the audience to understand things that may be unclear in our film, without slowing down the narrative.

This Long Shot is used to establish the scene and how it relates to the character. This LS demonstrates the kind of environment she likes – which develops the character. For example she is seen at a farm, emphasising that she enjoys more natural surroundings. This shot further provides the audience with information about the character by the clothes she wears. She appears to be in casual and comfy clothing, quite plain. The props around her demonstrate that she is more of a crafter - rather than a girly-girly, which is commonly associated with people her age – challenging the stereotype. This is effective as it allows the audience to associate themselves with the characters. In our short film we want to stick to certain stereotypes if and when necessary,  however, we also want to challenge ideals where possible, in terms of locations, characters. 

 This low angle shot creates the impression that this character is superior, in comparison to the person who he is talking to. Despite his age, this angled shot suggests he is largely knowledgeable in what he is discussing, making him more important than the audience. This very clearly defies the stereotype of young children been less intelligent then those who are older. This shot lets us know that he is a strong and powerful character and that the audience should listen to what he has to say.

The use of a medium long shot further establishes the kind of location these characters live in. The area appears dirty, run-down and worn – which shows what areas in East London are like. This shot continues with the stereotype shown of this area so far by  all five men smoking or drinking, despite the fact they are still teenagers. This further creates a stereotype associated with East London. The spray paint/tagging in the background also further consolidates the idea of rebellion within London. These actions are usually not condoned, creating the idea that these characters like to rebel. This is successful as it encourages the audience to view them in a particular way (rebellious). Actions like this are familiar in the paradigm of the Drama genre which informs the audience.

The unsteady crane shot/helicopter shot continues to follow their story and the narrative. The lack of balance in the shot suggests the lack of control they have over their lives, and how events, such as the wind in relation to the camera, can affect their lives. This continues the idea of the balloon demonstrating their journey, from the rise to the fall. The movement of the camera throughout this short film is extremely effective as a means of conveying a particular image, it encourages the audience to interpret the story in a particular way and reflects the narrative accordingly. This method is something we would need to consider in our film, as a means of effectively conveying the narratives direction and movement. 

This low medium long shot creates the impression that this area is out of bounds. The close gate suggests that intruders should keep out; however she enters which entices the audience into finding out where she’s going- thus continuing to watch the film. This shot is extremely effective as the closed gate can be extremely symbolic. The idea that her path is blocked, however by opening the gate she has overcome these difficulties and because of this she can progress. The opening of the gate shows her starting again and making a change.
Such simplistic symbols can affect a film so greatly and influence a particular interpretation, which is crucial to developing the story. 

This extreme long shot gives the impression that the character is stepping onto the right path. The point of view shot lets us see things from her eyes and lets us follow her on her experience and how she is aware of her choices. This would be extremely effective in our film if we wanted to let the audience into the minds of one of our characters and show them what their thinking and feeling.

Once again a low angle shot is used. This time it creates the idea of a goal/destination, and how she wants to reach the top of the bridge in order to achieve success. Combined with the blue sky behind, it gives the impression of positivity, calmness and hope, something she may want to obtain and achieve. This also sets the mood for the audience and encourages the audience to think positively about the film and is also an effective method in influencing particular opinion. 

The narrative then changes to a high angle shot, showing her accomplishments. This almost contrasts with the shots previously used, as this is the first time we – as the audience – are looking down on something, along with the character, creating the idea that the character is finally in charge and in control. I feel this would be a good technique to use in our film, in order to establish the characters’ accomplishments and achievements, in particular if the character has been unsuccessful throughout. This would also allows us to play on the superiority/inferiority of the characters. 

This medium shot gives the impression that some parts of East London are unattractive.The piled up rubbish shows that the area lacks likeability and fails to create ambitious. This conveys a very dull and negative view of East London, which could be considered extremely biased as a means of influencing a particular interpretation by the audience. However, the girl narrating tells us through the metaphor of the pig, that she will become ambitious and achieve, and her success will encourage others to change their lives as well. Her positive outlook over shines the dump that we see, and creates a positive mood for the audience. Her voice over and the shot heavily contrast with one another and create this idea of polarisation. It almost gives the impression that there are two sides to everything, and that whilst it may look negative there will always be a positive. This is effective as despite seeing something unappealing, we are envisioning something much better, due to the choice of narrative it lightens the mood.

The medium shot of the car further conveys the negativity of the area by a portraying a run down building behind.  However, the diegetic music of the boy singing creates inspiration for change within the city. This is then carried on by non-diegetic sound of the group of girls singing. This idea of positive thinking enlightens the scene and makes the audience feel like change is possible no matter the situation. This shot shows how the girl’s positivity has spread to others. It conveys to the audience that the girl is moving away from this negativity and is finally progressing and succeeding. Using non-diegetic, diegetic music and voice overs would be extremely beneficial in our short film as it will allow us to develop the story further within the short time we have, making a clear, detailed story. 

This low angle shot creates the idea that she is the superior character. It creates the idea that she has conquered and achieved what she wanted and now she is free to move on and achieve even more. She is no longer been controlled by something else, she is in charge of her life. Her non-diegetic narrative continues as she explains how she achieved the positivity in East London and how everyone is much happier. I think having a narrator in our short film would make it more complex and interesting as it will allow us to develop our characters and let the audience in on their thoughts and opinions, something we hope to take inspiration from.

The film closes with this medium close up shot of the main character. This is quite a common ending to films that are heavily narrated, showing signs of Prop’s theory of instances of repetition and difference within films. The idea of ending with the main character looking to the camera almost creates the idea that her work is done, that her story has been told and therefore finished. I think this would be a good ending to our film if we use narration as throughout she has been talking to the audience, so ending it with her addressing the audience provides closure. 

The title and credit font used is very simplistic and plain. The white, bold and capitalised font makes it stand out strongly against the background, but does not distract the audience’s attention, which is extremely effective. The simplistic nature of the font can be linked to the young characters involved, suggesting that children are not complex and complicated, they know what they want. Fonts offer a variety of interpretations which makes them more interesting to use. They are often linked to theme of the film, the characters, the aim of the film, hidden messages and so on. It would be interesting to match our fonts to one of these elements within our film in order to stick with the themes, and maybe establish the film's story within the title sequence before it begins so the audience can get a feel for the theme and mood of our film and whether it's their taste. This would mean we would need to make ours interesting and different so people know what their about to watch, but even if it's not their ideal, they are drawn into watching it. 

The film ends with an extreme close up of the grass, a similar way in which the story began. This shot descended to the floor in the same way it arose from the ground at the start, showing how the story has grown and how it has come to a natural conclusion, as most things come to an end. It is almost polarised from the beginning but still reflects that an individual's story/life opens and closes similarly but uniquely.
 Alongside the camera falling to the ground, the non-diegetic sound of the children singing also quietens which further confirms the end of the film, and the end of the story. This is extremely effective as it creates the idea that the story came to a calm and soft landing/finish. I think using something similar would also be great in our film, as it leaves the audience feeling content with the way the film ended, and doesn't leave them guessing, which is more commonly chosen.

Throughout the film continuity editing is used, as the story has a starting point, middle and an end point. However, it also uses parallel editing as the story has more than one event happening at once, as the main story follows the girl but we also see the children and the teen boys alongside, cutting between all stories. Certain stories have little relevance whereas others such as the boy singing are significant as it begins the positivity and change throughout the film.