Short film research

I am analysing a short film that has the drama genre characteristics in order to gather ideas on how to construct my short film via camera angles and learning how to build up tension. The short film I am analysing is 'omnibus' by Sam Karmann. Omnibus is a black comedy about a man on a non-stop train desparately trying to convince first the conductor and then the driver to let him off at an intermediate station so as his life does not unravel. It is a 1992 short film so I am referring to historical context aswell as contemporary in my research. 

The opening scene is very clever as just by showing writing on the floor it is all mise en scene therefore REAL, not just digital title, this in my opinion makes the film look like it has high production value and looks very well made and crafted. The fact it is on the street via the iconic cobbles and the luxurious French style writing sets the theme of the film as real life.

The canted camera angle allows more cobbles to appear in the scene this further shows the setting as the uneven sides of the cobbles are captured enhancing the reality. 

The camera then pans to a man walking on the cobbles to show a train station accompanied by train noises in a low angle position, this one scene sets the setting just by a moving angle and diagetic sound. 

The camera executes the zoom technique excellently as a way of building tension. The train stations clock is zoomed in on, making time of importance to the audience and the character. 

The varied amount of shot sizes continues as a extreme long shot is used which captures the weather which in turn reflects the mood and tone of this film.

The dis-equilibrium comes when the train stops are changed on the same day and no one informed the main character, this portrayed through close up of facial expressions and dialogue.

The transitions are very quick and smooth this in my opinion could be changed to further increase tension as soap operas create tension by having multiple storyline that they can switch to, to keep the audience hooked and the storyline lasting longer for further tension. 

All of the dis-equilibrium happens on the train and is portrayed through close ups of the faces of the characters involved getting reactions and expression filed faces to pull at the heart strings of the audience. 

Tension is built by the fact that the audience know that the main character needs to get off the train but they don't know how, the driver and the main character seem to know whats going on but the audience do not. 

The threat of death is a threat that could happen as the main character will do anything to get off the moving train. 

A countdown is an obvious way to create tension as the audience know when something big is going to happen but they don't know what, this keeps them gripped and addicted to watching. The music at this point is very quick and high pitched, building up the tension.

There is a twist in this short film as the main character gets off the train safely to the audiences relief and shares an emotion thank you to the driver who helped him, the audience connect with this lovely moment as they feel sympathy for the main character after pouring out his heart on the train so the audience know his problems, however, the twist is that someone pulls him back on the train, shocking the audience. 

Sound

The sound in this film is one of the main tension builders alongside of the eerie camera shots. The fast rhythm and dark undertones create huge tension whilst the scene is quite still, putting the audience on edge. 

The music reflects the time frame in which a major event will happen as the beats increase in frequency until the event.