Short Film Ideas: "Down"

The short film that I watched is called "Down". What I like about it is that it is abstract. It keeps acting and dialogue to a minimum. It also has minimal details so that the main idea is simple. These were the problems of my my last short film: too much acting, dialogue, details. I have to remember that this is only a 5 minute film and simple is better. The genre of this short film is film noir, thriller, scary, etc. I want my film to fit somewhere in those genres. The film "Down" right away begins with long takes, creating slow pacing and suspense. It has simple score, yet it is used effectively to emphasize the thriller type genre. I like how it is in black and white. Also, the shots are similar to film noir in that the shots through the elevator and like the venetian blinds.















The boy is seeing all horrible versions of himself as he travels down the elevator past each floor. The set design is simple, and only one actor is used with variations at each floor. As the boy sees himself, there are eye line matches that show his feeling and build suspense. It also contributes to the slow pacing.














The film also isn't a reflection of reality ad this boy is seeing possible roads of his life. It is a cool way to show possibly his thoughts and inner conflicts. When he reaches his destination, it is like he is back to reality. I like how in the end there isn't quite a resolution. It leaves the viewer hanging and left to think about the film. I like how the ending doesn't have to be quite a climax but rather and simple ending. I think this short film has taught me that simplicity is better for just a 5 minute film.This is the ending shot of the film.