short film research: Scruples/ mystery

 After looking into a few short films in which applied to our genre, I found that that that “Scruples” by Adrian Powers was a great fit. This film is based on two ‘cleaners’ for a criminal gang who have been sent to tie up a loose end. However, one of them is an undercover cop who finds himself in a tricky spot. A slightly insincere account of how policeman would actually have to act Is the approach that overall surrounds this film.

 

This short film has great similarities when it comes to appealing to audience, including sounds. Commonly sound sounds in this genre include dramatic sounds that interpret exhaustion, or sudden surprise. Like found in the short film, background noise is intriguing and allows the audience to feel a sense of suspense. This also applies in terms of CLAMPS, in which the mystery genre often uses costumes that may make a character look often overlooked, like in the short film where they were basic-colored coats. Lighting is often dimmed down during these genres, with cooler/ more unwelcoming tones. Also applying to props, in which fake weapons are often used. In this short film, a fake weapon is used as threatening material. Another commonly found prop includes fake blood, often put in to confuse reader. 

 

In the mystery genre, most editing styles are found repetitive. With cut scenes, that often appear to be longer. Aswell as clips put and keep them wondering, also presented in ‘Scruples.’ to apply to flashbacks, that may be found as foreshadowing for the reader. In Scruples, we see scenes that are cut off before we can what happens next, in order to connect with readers and have them have a sense of confusion. Many shots are used to emphasize the current feeling of each character. For example, in the car, both over the shoulder shots are used to allow readers to view what the character is viewing. This also applies when close up shots are used during the more hostile and violent scenes. Giving audience the ability to reflect on the current emotion and feelings surrounding that particular scene. 

 

In total, many Mystery Genre films can be found similar by audience appeals, such as “Jet” or “Seraphim.” After watching many Mysteries films/ short films, I have found great interest in this genre. Such as its ability to keep audience watching, as well as its ability to connect with audience in making them feel as if they have a role in figuring out the mystery themselves. However, this does come with disadvantages that does not appeal to me, such as one element which includes the ability to create an overall plot. Most times, I feel as if makers of films do not properly create a plot that is not only interesting, but also asking a main based question, “what is going to happen next?”