Story Telling Unit-Short Film Review 3

Title: Joy
Director: Bart Frank
Narrator: Jude Lovick Nee Frank
Length: 6:11

In my research I decided to watch a short film called joy, based on the dementia story of a Joy Frank narrated, by her daughter. Although this short film was produced in a different style to mine, with its documentary -like style, it was still an inspiration to my piece. This is actually a true story, so is biographical whereas mine is fictional but based around what I know on dementia. As soon as the film is introduced we are given this narration which carries on throughout the piece. We are shown picturesand told these stories about joy and her husband, and its so well told, the audience can picture in their minds what i happening. The lengths of detail create this like with 'The Three Bells' pub. Even the name is mentioned rather than just being a 'pub'. The film footage of the pup adds to this to again, make us really picture the scene. 
What was really striking about the introduction to this short film was the sound frequency that accompanied the narration, which gave the feel that she was talking through a recording microphone. I also found it metaphoric of an oscilloscope, which is symbolic of the fact that Joy is living, but inside she s dead. There is not quality of life for her anymore. This metaphor wasn't as apparent to begin with but soon became more so as the piece progressed and we learned about the characters.  This sound frequency was also repeated again at the end of the film in the credits which was also effective, something different to the standard title we usually see. This has inspired me to make the credits of my film more interesting to, rather than having everything in a plain white text on a black background. It would look more aesthetically appeasing to have something different. 
The touching story that goes with this plot is something to be admired. It is a truly heartfelt story and it feels genuine with the use of narration. Given that this is a biographic film, it makes sense to have a documentary style, rather than to hire actors. It could’ve been done was a recreation, but I didn't feel it would've been necessary or would've enhanced the content quality in any way; the cinematic footage of the drone and family photos were enough. This in fact inspired my own piece; I found these photos really interesting to look at; they were visually appealing, and enabled me to see what the people actually looked like. These photos looked enhanced to me, given their quality for the age and the way the people popped out, looking almost 3D. Another significant par of these photos was the way the husband disappeared from one of the photos when we find out he died. He is sat beside Joy and fades away which was really moving. The use of Mise en Scene here had connotations of loss and heartbreak. 




As a result I tested adding similar photos in my piece to allow the audience to picture Williams past; it now depends how they will look with the final edit. I could combine the two ideas of having photos and interesting credits by having photos in the credits. Although these are just a few ideas this piece has given me, its inspiration to my short film is clear. 
I also lied the way this piece was written. It flowed so naturally and I feel it came from the heart of joy’s daughter rather than being scripted. Having a close relation narrate Joys life story was really effective because it didn't feel artificial; the story came from the people who knew her the best.

The use of repetition in the piece was something iI also found to be very effective. The first photo shown was also shown at the end of the film, but it gave the audience a different perspective on the photo. At first its just an old photo of this couple, but there was no meaning behind it. However, by the end you know those two people more intimately so there is actual meaning behind the photo. 
In conclusion I would say this short film was very effective. Its use of imagery with photographs and narration made it very visually appealing. The story itself is touching and leaves a well thought out legacy. It's engaging and relatable for families and friends who have shared similar experiences. Its inspired my film on more ways than one, especially when it comes to the editing. I would too like to fade characters, include old photographs, and is a story with a similar message to mine. With dementia, you spend your life building memories only to lose them all at the end. 

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