Short Film Analysis

Cobb is walking back into his hotel and notices the place has been wrecked. He
notices things around smashed. He notices the balcony door has been left open as
he draws close he notices Mal is on the ledge preparing to jump. Cobb concerned by
his wifes safety he attempts to talk her down. She adamant that shes gonna
survive, is consumed by her madness decided to jump with Cobb unable to do
anything.
Mise en scene
Low key lighting is used, to create an intense and suspenseful atmosphere which
sets the tone of the film. The low key lighting is used the hotel where the disruption
takes place, connotes to the audience that the situation that is about to take place is
mysterious and the situation will slowly unfold. Which keep the audience on edge
making them feel more involved. The use of props is used to identify the situation to
the audience for example a key prop used in the scene was the broken wine glasses
that Cobb finds as he enters the room. This signifies a disruption in the film creating
an enigma. Another prop used was the shoe before Mal confrontation and jump; this
creates an atmosphere of anticipation as it lets the audience know her intentions and
also is similar to a warning shot. This is used to make the audiences empathise with
the main character and question Mals intention in jumping. The setting was set in a
hotel room and on the balcony this creates a representation of life brokenness and
its ability to travel with the Protagonist. For costume, Cobb was wearing a black suit,
and Mal was in a black dress, the colours represent death linking in to the situation
that unfolds.

Editing
Editing plays a major part in the film, it is one of reasons the deep tone is created at
the beginning. In the film the pace if the film builds gradually, which takes the
audience on a journey as they are able to watch the situation unfold and see the key
moments. As the situation is dramatic it allows the audience to focus on the scene to
what may be happening. The only transition used is cut; the pace of cuts increases
as the situation hits its peak in the story which helps set tone. Also, shot reverse shot
is used throughout the whole sequence, we are able to see the conversation
between Cobb and Mal, and it also cuts to Mals shoe when she drops it emphasising
on the height of the building and the affects the fall will have on her. The quick cuts
also show the chaos going through Mals mind and how frustrated Cobbs feels in not
being able to get through to her. This keeps the audience intrigued in the situation.
Match on action is also used to when Cobbs steps on the broken wine amplifying
chaos in hotel room and that is going on in Mals head.

Sound
Sound is used to great effect in Short Film, for example through the use of diegetic
dialogue between Cobb and Mal.
-Cobb Sweetheart what are you doing? this highlights Cobbs concern for Mal even
before her finds out her intentions, we see from the start of the film as we see a
protagonist trait from the use of dialogue. This also tell the audience that he is key
film and in restoring the equilibrium of the narrative. Non diegetic score music is
used to create an atmosphere of tension and suspense. This is used to make the
audience feel uneasy and unexpectant of the twists and turns throughout the film
which brings out there emotions as the film goes on. The diegetic sound of the wine
glasses being stepped on emphasises the situation brokenness in before any of the
story unfolds scene. This emphasises the lack of power he has in the scene making
the audience fear for Mals safety. The use of diegetic dialogue where we hear Cobb
screaming as Mal starts to revel all before jumping makes the audience feel
frightened and worried about Cobb and also emphasise how powerless Cobb is in
the scene as he is unable to prevent her actions. For example James and Philipa
are waiting for us.... there waiting for us these two are there kids, he uses other
important element in Mals life however she is not tuned to change and keeps to her
decision and ignores Cobb. We then have the sudden increase in non diegetic score
when Mals Jumps gasping in shock of the situation which expresses Cobbs emotion
and loss in the scene.
Cinematography
Cinematography is used to set the tone of the film. For example the first shot we see
Cobb enter the hotel and we see the room torn apart it cuts straight to Cobbs face
emphasising the confused and concerned state hes in after seeing this. This
capture the audience creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense which keeps
them questioning the possibilities of what could have happened. Camera shake is
also used to amplify the lack of control that is and will unfold in the scene.
An extreme close up of the broken red wine glasses is, the red symbolises death,
pain and blood which tells the audience the dangers Cobb may come up against in
the scene. The use of cinematography shows the speed at which he is walking in
portraying the cautious approach he has taken while entering the room creating an
uneasy feeling towards the audience. The use of an extreme long of Mal sitting on
the balcony is used to express the emptiness of the area and how unaware people
are to the events unfolding this represents how Mal feels and how much must be
done to prevent her from jumping. This builds the climax of the situation as the
audience are unaware of how the story will pan out. This builds to the point where
we have an extreme close up with a sudden use of a mid shot and pan of the shoe
being dropped purposely. This shows the pace and height at which she will be falling
making the audience feel as terrified of Mals safety and also Cobb. This also keeps
the audience on the edge, while also emphasising for Cobb with the frustration he
feels. We then have a jump cut to Cobb face when Mal jumps, we see him watch his
wife jump to her death with him being helpless in the situation. It also portrays the
traumatic experience that he has just gone through. The audience become a witness
in the situation too meaning they experience the same pain as Cobb does.