Short Film Research: (Election Day) (5)

Non-diegetic sound in the beginning, when the music in the background plays as the film starts. Quick VoiceOver occurs by the guy main character before he and the other main character (the girl) make their on-screen appearance. Mainly diegetic sounds throughout the film, sound of the voices of the actors speaking with each other, the voices of other students speaking with each other, the PA inside of the school that announces that the main character is pregnant. When the 1st plot twists occurs, suspenseful music begins to play and the pace and the tension of it starts to increase as the plot twist continues. The costume of the main characters are more formal attire. Due to 4 of the characters running for school president and vice-president, the day of the election they dress up more properly in an effort to secure more votes. The rest of the students who are not main characters dress decently, with many wearing button up shirts, regular shits, jeans and pants, and common shoes and sneakers. Though the film takes place during the day, it seems in the beginning that the lighting that's used comes from external sources as the lighting doesn't seem natural. In the first dialogue between the guy and girl main characters, the lighting that's hitting them and the wall, is very vivid and likely that of an external source such as professional lights. However, throughout the rest of the film the lighting seems natural, especially as the day "progresses" in the film, and often times one can see the sunlight shinning through the windows of an office or classroom. The 4 characters who are running for president and vice president, seem to carry out professional behaviors during Election Day with others. With the exception of the scene where the two president candidates confront each other and act otherwise. The main character who's running for president can be seen interacting with people in a very professional manner, shaking their hands, handing them out his campaign flyers, looking in their eyes while speaking and thoroughly speaking on the matter of why they should vote him president. The same likely goes for the other presidential candidates though it's not necessarily shown on camera. A variety of shots and angles are incorporated in this film. We see a few medium-long and long shots in the very beginning and the very end. Tracking shots are also used on the two main characters as they walk the halls discussing important matters. While in the classroom while the two main characters are conversing, medium shots are used so that the viewer can get a feeling that they two are in the classroom while the two are whispering to each other about unexpected events and possibly how to deal with those events. These sort of medium shots are frequently used in the scenes where it's just the president and vice president speaking with each other. It's done so purposefully to capture a genuine moment between the two, but also so that the audience doesn't feel to far nor too close to them during the moment. The only time that an extreme close-up shot is used is towards the end right as the climax scene unravels when the president and vice-president kiss each other. Which is one of the few times throughout the film that the fact that they are intimate with each other to some extent is established. Example of thriller films are Silence of the Lambs, Get Out, Jaws, and Fight Club. As a genre, thrillers excel at eliciting strong emotional responses through various techniques. Frequent shock and surprise scenes trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, resulting in physiological reactions like elevated heart rate and adrenaline surges. These elements contribute to the heightened sense of engagement viewers experience. Additionally, the inclusion of powerful antagonists often presents insurmountable challenges to the protagonist, creating a dynamic of uncertainty and suspense. This ongoing battle for control keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, anticipating the antagonist's next move and the protagonist's potential demise. Ultimately, the success of thrillers lies in their ability to expertly manipulate audience emotions, creating a roller coaster experience of tension, fear, and anticipation.Thrillers, for all their heart-pounding moments, can occasionally leave me feeling unsatisfied. Predictable twists and recycled climaxes are like stale popcorn – filling, but lacking in surprise. It's the same with characters. Just as I connect with their resilience, they're whisked away, sacrificed to the pacing or vanished off to Mars. I'm left wanting to see them evolve, unlock their full potential, not become plot fodder. Thrillers, while undoubtedly engaging, often trade depth for thrills. It's like riding a fast carousel, dizzying but ultimately hollow. Sometimes, I'd rather delve into a character's journey, even if the fireworks are quieter. That's when thrillers truly captivate me.