'one shot' #2

Synopsis

-An interesting short one minute piece focusing on one single male character. We follow the man in a heavily restless state as time slowly counts down. Anxiety and apprehension form the predominant tone of the piece. The male joins a formed line of hooded figures, producing shock and discomfort in the audience, especially when a rifle appears, targeting him. Reality hits: this man is a prisoner, seconds away from execution, and we have just experienced his last few moments of life.

Reasoning

The execution idea is something quite shocking and so means our piece wouldn’t just be a run of the mill student film. It is more challenging as well, being quite a contentious issue. However, without directly telling the audience the nature of the man, there is no reason as to why he couldn’t be presumed a hostage, subject to the mercy of terrorists, or a prisoner on death row. (Mise en scene would have to leave hints of his true nature.)

The way we open the scene with the man praying would maybe subject the viewer to think that this is a religious man, synonymous with being moral and decent. The ticking clock would draw our attention to time passing, perhaps counting down; exactly what the main character is having to experience. Tapping his fingers and a restless state should raise questions in the viewer’s mind, making them wonder why the man is nervous and what has happened? The next action of placing a balaclava on his head would cause confusion, again questioning the character we have been introduced to. When he walks across and joins the line of other hooded victims standing against the wall, we realise what is happening and his anxiety becomes understandable: he is a prisoner and about to be executed. This juxtaposed against the prayers we first witness the man carrying out creates quite a strong contrast. The man who at first could have been moral, decent, is about to be slaughtered. Questions would be asked as to what has he done? In general, the audience would question the type of man they’ve been watching and maybe change their opinions of the character, some the more sympathetic, others perhaps, non-trusting.

The final blacking out of the scene leaves the ending open to the viewer’s imagination. The audience would presume the execution will be followed through and this is indeed confirmed a few seconds later by a loud gunshot, something very definite, but also quite horrifying. This dramatic ending should have a more resounding impact, being much more striking.


- I am happy with the way we set out the scene and that it does have meaning behind it. The idea of execution is quite real in terrorism nowadays, so this isn't just an idea plucked out of nowhere. Furthermore, with it being unexpected, I think it proves all the more worthwhile. I really like the fact that it should shock people, and get a reaction. Art is meant to stir people up and get them thinking, or evoking a response. Hopefully this will too! And from students of all people!