Pitch Black Heist
Narrative Structure
This film opens in a warehouse type of building where there are boxes laid out on the floor, of which is later revealed to be a layout for the thieves to follow when the actually begin the “mission’. Then there close shots of the boxes which are labelled what they are for example, ‘wall’, ‘desk’ and ‘safe’. After the setting has been established the audience are introduced to our first character of the film, who is in this warehouse leaning against the wall all dressed in black with his hood up from first impressions he is seemingly suspicious. Then another man joins him and they have a brief introduction, introducing themselves to one another. The younger man, Micheal seems unimpressed in comparison to Liam. Then, the operator of the heist joins the pair of them and gives instructions on the layout of the room and how the alarm system works, it is light activated meaning the Liam and Micheal have to do all of the heist in the pitch black, even a flame from lighting a cigarette will set the alarms off. As the man is reciting the instructions to the pair, Liam continuously interrupts him with questions as to how he likes is tea while he makes one. Meanwhile, Micheal appears to be devising a plan.
After this there a cut to Liam and Micheal practicing how they will carry out the heist, both wearing blindfolds to give it the real affect they count there steps forward an backwards seeing what it will take until they bump into the box’s which would be objects or walls within the room. After Liams attempt at leading, Micheal insists that he leads and Liam follows. Once they have made it to the ‘safe’ (cardboard box at this point) they test out how they will get out the tools from there kit and how they will go about cracking open the safe. Then there’s multiple shots showing the streets as to which we return back inside but in the pub that the operator had previously mentioned. They are sat at a table where they are drinking a hot drink but then discuss with one another about having a beer and that is what they do. While Liam is getting the drinks from the bar, Micheal is sat at the table reviewing there plan using his fingers as legs, and chalk for a pool stock as the result, the safe.
The tow of them sit and wait for a phone-call from the operator to say go, while they wait they have more pints and, play pool as well as having a smoke break. After this they have an arm resale when mid way through Micheal receives the call from the operator, but instead of ‘giving up’ he continues to arm resale while answering the phone-call. Micheal wins and stagger there way to the building in which the safe is located. When they get there they set up and they carry out the mission in the dark, we can just hear there convosation. Micheal guided them towards the safe from the pattern that he had memorised. However, as Liam is asking Micheal questions he gets to a question in which Micheal responds to, about the reasoning for his father leaving. Micheal reply’s with, “did you?”. Then, Micheal shines the flashlight in Liams face, with triggers the alarm and Micheal runs away before the police get there.
Cinematic Influences
Initial release: November 2011, Director: John Maclean, Screenplay: John Maclean, Cinematography: Robbie Ryan
Awards: BAFTA Award for best British short film
Key Elements of Film Form
Cinematography
This short film, was shot in monochrome as well as widescreen anamorphic format, which has a wide focal length and adds to the effect of the film. As well as this, this film is in black and white, this creates almost a cinematic effect. At the beginning of the film there is a zoom in on the boxes, specifically the one which says safe on it, this shows the significance of safes in this film and hints to the audience what the film may be about before we have even met the first character.
Editing
There are multiple long shots hovering over the ‘safe’, this is significant because it shows importance of safes and shows their role in the film as something to be aware of. Also, in terms of editing at the beginning of the film, the editing is sharp and quick but as we see there relationship grow throughout there becomes much longer shots, this is reversed at the end when the truth is revealed.
Sound
At the beginning of this short film, there is an arpeggio which keeps ascending and descending in the background and this is paired with non-diegetic score which helps to establish and create the mood of the film.
When the protagonists enter the offices the screen becomes pitch black and the only sound that can be hear is the diegetic dialogue from Liam and Micheal, until the truth is revealed and there is the striking sound of the alarm as Micheal switched on his light and runs away leaving Liam to fend for himself against the police. Finally, the pleas for help that are made by Liam becomes more distance and the non-diegetic music gradually rises in the mix, this is to signify Micheal’s achievement.
Mise-en-scène
When we ae introduced to the setting of the film it is apparent tat the boxes are a plan to what they will be entering, the layout of the boxes creates this sense of difficulties that the characters are going to have to face when. This creates this feeling of tensions because despite unknowing of their surroundings they still take on the heist.
Ultimately throughout the film there is little to say in terms of the characters surroundings, this has been done specifically to keep the audiences attention focused on the two protagonists and their relationship between one another. This is significant as the audience are revealed information that changes the perspective of their relationship.
Performance
What makes the performances within the film entertaining is the comically juxtaposing attitudes of our main characters. Michael appears sensible and quite solemn whilst Liam is loud and often crass
Creating Meaning and Effect
Within this short film, there is a representation of the working class group, it is subtly touched on throughout the film which ultimately provokes certain implications to the audience about these two characters, most specifically Micheal.
The twist at the end of the film was very significant and created meaning to the first part of the film, almost like bringing the film together. The effect of the plot twist was ultimately very effective as it was unexpected and created an ending which made this film different from other short film about a heist. Something different that this film also did which creates meaning and effect was how when the two protagonists were actually in the room, the screen was pitch black, to create the full effect. Again this is unlike any other film I have seen before and as very impactful on the audiences perspective.
Personal Opinion
I personally enjoyed this film, especially the plot twist at the end as it unexpected and definitely not what I would have thought the ending would be. It was a very different short film which at first glance, normally I wouldn’t have watched it but I actually enjoyed the film and thought the concept and storyline was well put together, I would rate this film: