Not Afraid - ID# 491
New Trier
Comedic Narrative
Entry Description
Truman Syndrome or not?
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/23 4:52 pm - Pretty funny concept. The main actor did great at making a big deal out of everything in a funny way. The "breaking the 4th wall" gimmick seemed to be inconsistent. Go all in or don't with this - it seemed to go away by the end. The supporting actors did OK, but it would have made the point better if the adults were played by adults who were clearly done with this kid's rants. Camera was OK, but some compositions could have been a little stronger. Editing was jumpy at times. Fun to watch, but needed a stronger structure overall.
- 4/23 10:24 am - I thought this one was HILARIOUS! The comedic timing is so well done! This story is written well and was well executed. There's a few times where it looks like you break the 180 degree rule. The camera at 1:00 is on the right side of the Advisor and then when it cuts back to the OTS shot at 1:10, the camera is on the left. This can be very disorienting to your audience. Another small thing, and this doesn't take away from the film rather a learning tool. I can tell the white balance is off in a few scenes. Always remember to adjust when moving to different lighting environments.
- 4/21 1:18 pm - Good establishing shot at the beginning of the video to catch the viewer's attention. Good use of the close-up camera shot. Good variety of different camera angles throughout the video. Keep producing more videos.
Judge 1
Positives: Do I detect a bit of Ferris Bueller in the main character? Great idea going against the system and playing the victim with security and the administration. Speaking to the camera and getting the audience involved is a fun device. Having the administrator call him out for speaking to no one was a nice twist.
Improvements: The plot seemed a bit contrived and thin. Some more close-ups and reaction shots from participants would have heightened the visual interest. A few more extras in the final rallying speech would have helped build more comedy/drama for the finale. What was the "hero's" journey. What got resolved?
Judge 2
Positives: The idea of a person imagining he is being watched is interesting. Especially when it's revealed early on that it's all in his head. The asides to the camera keep the viewer guessing how it's all going to play out.
Improvements: There was very little in this video that made any sense. The story was confusing, we never get an explanation for any of it and then it's over way too abruptly. The acting was weak and the general tone of every single character was mean spirited.
Judge 3
Positives: This film features a well-defined and funny main character. Love the reverse "Captain, my Captain" he pulls off at the end.
Improvements: While it is consistently funny, the narrative could use a little more substance. Is it possible that the character could achieve some sort of change in perspective, circumstances or disposition by the end? Overall, very fun film. Keep it up!
Judge 4
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Judge 5
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