The Dark - ID# 258
Lockport Township
Dramatic Narrative
Entry Description
A young boy faces his fears of the dark after he hears a weird sound coming from downstairs.
Copyright Info
Recent Teacher Comments
- 4/15 12:11 pm - J and L cuts would make a big difference in cleaning up the audio. Can see the shotgun mic's shadow at 1:03. Music compliments the story very well. The story is compelling and universal - who isn't afraid of the dark? The camerawork is dynamic and creative, but the shakiness doesn't always work in its favor and there are some focus issues at times. One weak part in the story is that it's hard to understand why a character who is so afraid to turn off the lights wouldn't turn them on when investigating what is happening and would also keep looking, rather than hide. A simple solution to that problem would be that he hears someone yelling for help. Then it becomes a question of bravery, and not just fear or curiosity. It would also be worth showing a moment where he tries to turn on the lights, but the power fails. All that aside, a dynamic and compelling shortfilm. Nice work!
- 3/13 2:57 pm - Good use of sound to create mood. The sound effects you chose really help build up that suspense. The sound is the strongest part about this film – it sets the tone and it tells the story. The emotional beats towards the beginning are very clear, but it loses some of that momentum as it continues. What makes him overcome his fears? There needs to be some sort of catalyst for that change to make it more believable. Cinematography - Shooting handheld works in a lot of your shots (e.g. at 3:01), but not all of them. Save the handheld technique for the times when the story will REALLY benefit from it. I think that could make those moments more powerful.
- 2/27 8:51 am - There is great potential in the story, but it needs some help. Clearly, your character is afraid of the dark - but then he ventures downstairs with a fleshlight - not very believable. Also, try to establish the conflict (fear of the dark) clearly from the beginning. You would have plenty of film if the entire story was about him gathering his courage to turn off the lights in the closet at the end - very nice touch, by the way. Keep working out your stories - less is more.
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