SHORT F

ILM R

ESEARCH

“ AF T

ER

YO

U” -

AD

AM

LI N

ZE

Y

INTRODUCTION

“After You” is a very interesting and emotionally touching short film that really is short. At just 1 minute and 47 seconds, it is a perfect example of how short films can develop characters, atmosphere, and even a subtle plot in a tiny amount of

time.

THE DIRECTORAdam Linzey, of the UK, is an award winning short film maker who is a professional member of the Directors’ Guild of Great Britain.

At the age of 8 he accompanied his dad to a TV studio which he really took to, as he was fascinated as a production developed through the lenses and screens.In 2004, he graduated from the International Film School of Wales. His graduation film collecting an award from the Royal Television Society.

As well as films, he also directs music videos, is a screenwriter, and a future feature director. His works have been recognized all over Europe.

INFLUENCIAL TECHNIQUES AND STYLES

ONE SCENEThe use of just one location allows us to draw into the setting immediately, and then it just remain there in the background. Of course, as the short is under 2 minutes, there isn’t time to develop more locations, but I would still like to use one location myself.TWO CHARACTERSBy using just two characters, we are totally drawn into them and what they’re saying. At the end of the short, we are mysteriously lost and sad.AMBIENT NOISESThe ambient noises used makes it evident from the start that it’s set somewhere on the coast. This has an underlying theme about being on the edge of land, and so being on the edge of life with the suicidal theme.LENGTHThe reason why it is so effective is because it is so short. We almost feel totally emotional with the two characters, even though we literally know one thing about them.

CONTINUED…

CLOSE UPSAdditionally to the strong audience-character relationship, the shots are purposefully close to convey their thoughts, and to make sure the audience only focuses on the characters and what they’re saying.DIALOGUEThis is an interesting binary opposite, as the characters look and seem quite content with what they’re saying. It’s almost as if they don’t want to jump.

TEXTUAL ANALYSIS

CLIFFSThe cliffs signify the edge of land, the edge of a country, and in a personified term, the edge of life. It’s quite powerful how the fact they are stood on the cliff-edge instantaneously conveys the thought of ‘suicide’.SUITThe suit that the male character wears makes the audience feel like he is a well-dressed and successful person, but on the contrary he feels like he wants to end his life.WEATHERThe sky is grey and dull, a dominant ideology of depressing moods and a dull life. By combining this with the theme of death, the audience feels the characters mood by visually experiencing the colours and atmosphere. The establishing shot helps to identify the atmosphere.