I will be reviewing the short film The Elevator.

Story:

The first thing we see is who we assume to be the main character. This is because there is a bit of an introduction in terms of meeting him, with the first shots we see being him going to the elevator. We know the short film is going to be about his ride up. Side note: he looks a bit like David Bowie if David Bowie was “normal.” He looks like Bill Hader and David Bowie. The main character is wearing all black to make him Stand out, just like how the big man in the bright orange shirt is wearing a vibrant color so he stands out as well, and is of significance to the main character’s story.

Light:

The lighting is that which would be in an elevator. Fairly normal, unnatural light that is somewhat warm, but warm in an unnatural kind of light. I believe there is deep depth of field for the camera because you can see everyone’s faces quite clearly. Obviously this isn’t a high-budget film, so it was probably recorded on a camera phone or just a cheap digital camera, with probably a phone to record the audio.

Framing:

The camera was on some sort of stabilizing device, probably a tripod, for the whole film. This makes the film feel consistent. In addition, there are mixtures of close up shots whenever we need to feel what the main character is feeling, such as worry, concern, or disgust. The long shots establish what he is concerned about or disgusted with. We always see the people in the elevator, but the main character is always in the middle, and all of his face is always seen.

Visual style:
It’s supposed to be a comedy. The lighting is like that that is in the Office, but all of the shots are static.

• Saved: A4