In this analysis, I will be writing about the short film, The Elevator.
- Story Elements:
In this film, the main character is the first person we are introduced to. We do not know his name, but we know the story will be about him based on the detailed shot of him pressing the button, showing significance to his destination, as well as the medium shot bringing us closer to the character. The crisis that sets him on his journey is when the first people start to come on the elevator. This introduces the problem of the elevator starting to become overcrowded.
When confronting the crisis, he faces the struggle of trying to get off the elevator, thinking it has reached its total weight capacity. This struggle is resolved when he exits the elevator, but is faced with another struggle when he gets on the next elevator that is filled with sick people. This develops the story because after one conflict is resolved, another conflict forms.
The protagonists situation has changed from just wanting to get to the 9th floor to now having to worry about having the swine flu. His situation went from bad to worse after switching elevators.
- Manipulating Light:
In The Elevator, there is a deep depth of field, just enough to see everyone’s faces in the elevator. This makes the film feel less cinematic, but more real and relatable. The film uses brightness and darkness in the images to help set the tone. It is darker inside the elevator than it is outside in the different halls. This makes the elevator feel uncomfortable and uninviting. When the last large man walks into the elevator, he is wearing a bright orange shirt, this places significance on the character, making him stand out. This was filming digitally probably on a camcorder or dslr of some kind.
- Framing:
The camera is on a tripod for all the shots, this adds a steady consistency to the style of the film. The change of pace happens with the editing. Throughout the film, we know who the main character is because we can always see his face. The composition of the shots consistently aligns him in the middle to right third of the frame.
- Visual Style:
The overall effect of visual style in the film is a comedy. We know this because of the bland characters facial expressions and the dark clothes he is wearing he does not belong physically in the elevator. This contrast creates humor between the two different types of people in the elevator. The cinematography is steady and consistent, emphasizing details such as what floor the characters are on as well as the total weight capacity the elevator can hold.
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