Semiotics

Above is a slide about the technical codes of the film-making. Understanding this and being able to discuss it will not only help with my exam later on in the year, but it will also help me create a better short film.

Mise En Scene
Location
My short film features three main locations, each which represent a different part of Nathan's acceptance of his death. The first scene is set in Nathan's house, where the kitchen is a mess and it's poorly lit. This is meant to show that Nathan hasn't really got the best life, and that he's in no position to be ready to change.

The next location is in the forest, which is the middle of the film. This is Nathan in the open, while he is used to the confines of his house. However the forest is still secluded and represents how Nathan isn't quite ready to come out into the open and accept his death.

The final area is on the hill, which is where Nathan finally accepts that he's dead. The location is open and it's going to be bright, which represents Nathan's acceptance of what is to come next.

Dressing Props
As mentioned above there are several things that I want in scene one to have to set the scene. I want to have all the surfaces be covered in crumbs and stains, the washing up to be piled up and for the blinds to be drawn.

Costumes
I have two costumes which both represent different things that I have thought through quite a bit. The first is the more obvious, which is the Grim Reaper's costume. It's a costume that is so easily recognised, everyone knows the Grim Reaper. His costume is very clear, however Nathan, even with this clear evidence, cannot first accept the situation.

Nathan throughout the short film is wearing his dressing gown. This is meant to represent how Nathan is just so unprepared for his death. He isn't even ready for the occasion. Walking around in his dressing gown is meant to make him look slightly pathetic, while still making the audience feel bad for him.

Reflective Comment
My short film is full of symbolism, mainly due to the clear theme of death and acceptance. I'm hoping to fill my film with different pieces of symbolism and to encourage several different rewatches of my short film.