Closing Time - ID# 258

Maine South

Division: AA

Dramatic Narrative

Entry Description

Closing Time, a love letter to the after-work nightlife of second-shift movie theater employees, follows coworkers Sam and Alex on their way out of work one evening as they contemplate where the night will take them.

Recent Teacher Comments

• 4/2 11:27 am - Closing Time Nice opening sequence - good use of silhouettes Nicely photographed Good lighting, color Good variety of locations Lacks a plot Wrong category - not dramatic, would fit into Comedic Narrative Use of copyrighted music “Gangsters Paradise” at 2:14, “Just Take the Skinheads Bowling” at 4:20
• 3/10 12:02 pm - Story: As much as I like this, I’m not sure the story is the strong suit. I think having them end up doing nothing and going home could certainly work, but the way it’s executed here feels a bit like a let down. I think for it to work, it should be a sharper end. As you have it here, it kind of just peters out and you roll credits. I like a lot of your work here, I just wish it had more of a payoff. Camera: Lots of good creative work here. I love your opening wide establishing shots. Lots of cool, unique compositions, angles, shot locations, etc. In the IHOP scene, you cross the line pretty badly, but whatever. I basically love the creativity with which you shot this. Lighting: Might be the weakest element in my opinion. It’s not always easy to bring in lights (especially if you don’t have any), but there are quite a few shots that would really benefit from at least some fill. The shot of them arriving at WalMart, for example, we can barely see them, the bowling alley shots are almost all really dark, etc. So that’s too bad. Sound: Very strong work here, in my opinion. One pointer: as much as I like your opening music track, I think you set the wrong tone for the film. To me, this is basically like seeing Napoleon and Pedro hang out together, if they worked at a movie theater in an urban setting. I think some sort of quirky, alternative track would fit this better. With the music you have, I was waiting to go see these two murder someone. Editing: Solid work here. I especially like your credits. They fit the tone of your project really well. Final Thoughts: I really like this. With a little attention to detail, you could make the next Napoleon Dynamite.

Judge 1

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Judge 2

Positives: The first minute had some great visuals and pacing. The general idea of two bored coworkers hypothetically going through evening plans is a fun story concept.

Improvements: The tone shifts pretty early on from drama to comedy. The pot joke didn’t land for me, and I’d like to see more of a story payoff at the end.

Judge 3

Positives: Overall, I love the creativity of your camera work. Your establishing shots in the opening sequence are great. Love the overhead shot at IHOP. Some great shots and editing at the bowling alley. Them singing along (badly) to Gangsta's Paradise is classic.

Improvements: From a story perspective, I felt let down at the end. Wish it ended with more of a punch.

Judge 4

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