Short FIlm

“Black Button” is a short film that is about an individual who has to make a serious decision. It begins with 2 quotes from the bible and to a degree shows the seriousness of the situation, backed up by the bleak music in the background to add to the tenseness and distress of the situation. The individual behind the desk is seen to be in control of the situation directly from the beginning with camera directly pointed at him, leaning forward to show his power. The music is also repeated for the same effect and to show the situation isn’t changing and that the man who has the choice is being pressured into a situation he doesn’t want to be in.
The camera work within the film is very simple often using medium shots whilst the editing is simple shot/reverse shots, which does make sense due to there low budget of just $200. These shots remain until about half way through when it starts to get “heated up” and the man behind the desk begins to demand an answer. When this happens the camera begins to get closer to the man and his facial expression are very serious. In addition to this the man who has the choices is being pressured into pushing the “Black Button” and the man behind the desk remains calm at all times and is very smartly dressed so he is seen to be a believable individual.
When he stands up just before he is about to push the button there are quick reverse shots between the man behind the desk and the button. As he pushes it the viewers the music gets louder and the tension within the room is built, and straight after he pushes it there is a period of time were everyone is left too wonder what has happened. However then the twist happens and we found out he is already dead. The camera shots become quick again, the music sharpens and the blood begins to drip down his face to give the first impression of how he died.
Once the flashback occurs there is the crash noise, which is seen to be cheaply done, however is understandable due to their low budget and this tells the audience the context of the situation and why this is occurring, and as the blood keeps dripping down his face and as the music gets quicker too symbolize the mans insecurity, the story to who the man is and what he’s doing becomes more apparent.
Overall i think that “Black Button” is a good film and it shows that within a short period of time you are able to convey important messages and impact viewers, and because it may not be the most action film or the most lively it still remains interesting due to the constant enigma of the situation as the viewers are always left wondering what is happening.