Short film review : by Chris Olson.

http://www.ukfilmreview.co.uk/single-

post/2016/10/30/Couch-Surfer-short-film

Image: The main image within the review is the film poster. A long shot is used to heighten the

plain setting this draws the eye to the sofa and the main character. The use of the title couch

surfer can imply a change in life this can imply an instability generating the idea of her sleeping

on other peoples couches. However this idea juxtaposes with the colours and surroundings used.

The use of the character positioning shows a confidence and by using light colours it can highlight

a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Behind the woman a man is presented behind her the use of

the characters facial expression can imply that he could be the trouble. Juxtaposition is used

within the two characters as the man behind is slouched and relaxed .The use of the teddy can

heighten a juxtaposition as it contrasts with the mans age. The image can imply that the film is

going to be based in the genre of drama/comedy.

Mise -en- scene of the image: Cool tone colours have been used this can imply a negative or

neutral feeling between the characters and situation aced this can create an idea that they do not

have a connection with each other. This can further link to the word ‘couch surfer’ as this creates

an image that something is not permanent .

The start of the review is formed by a quote ,This introduces the characters

straight away. The use of the introduction can heighten to the audience that

their relationship has not began yet. This heightens the title as the idea of

couch surfer implies that there is an instability. This has a sarcastic tone which

can relate to the comedy genre. This is shown at the beginning to heighten to

the audience the humour. This is the first focus

within the opening paragraph, from the use of

the word ‘fewer funnier lines’ highlights to the

audience that this a favourable comedy film.

Layout and page design: The film review is laid out in an easy way for it to be read. The format is structured nicely , there is

no headline used, however the use of the excerpt from the film highlights the comedy within the film. The review is then

structured with the plot synopsis in order to give the audience an outline of what this is going to be about. This informs

the audience the reason why the title couch surfer has been used. The use of the plot synopsis lets the audience know the

actresses / actors who are going to be involved this could be reassuring to the audience as they know who is going to be

starring in the film. The review is structured into paragraphs which is easy to read.

During the review the development of the key character is shown, portraying the characters as being slightly annoying.

This shows the film is going to be from her view heightening the fact that she

is the main character within the poster. Anaphoric features are used

referencing back to the fact she is ‘renting’ out her house. This highlights to

the audience the unhappiness she has towards this. From the word

emanates it implies that she somehow enjoys there company this is further

heightened by the word loveable charm. Cataphoric references are used to

show how the film has performed this is shown by the line ‘the best ones

tend to be at the seemingly most innocuous lines’ This shows to the audience

the level of comedy used, showing that the characters do not take each

other seriously creating a light hearted feel for the audience.

One semantic feature used is an implied meaning, The use of the word solid

gold lines helps to show the audience that the film gives nothing but the

best showing it to be flawless this will make the audience want to watch the

film.

Lexical features are used within the

short film an example of this is from

the word a genre shift, this is

technical language that has been used

to suit the target audience. Overall the review uses minor language features however it suits

the audience and portrays the film in a good manner. The layout

is easy to read and the use of the main quote from the film draws

the audience into the review and gives them an insight straight

away which will make them want to learn more.