Short film research: WASP

 

WASP BY ANDREA ARNOLD 

a. Sound:

Raw Sounds: Urban hums, crying kids, protagonist’s movements dominate.

Sparse Music: Minimal or diegetic music adds to the realism.

Dialogue: Gritty, casual talk shows financial and emotional struggles.

b. Mise-en-Scène (CLAMPS):

Costume: Cheap, mismatched clothes = financial hardship.

Lighting: Harsh, natural light reflects tough realities.

Actors: Raw, emotional performances show desperation.

Makeup: Barely any—shows exhaustion and strain.

Props: Baby bottles, food scraps, and clutter hint at struggle.

Setting: Cramped urban spaces highlight poverty.

c. Editing:

Handheld Camera: Feels personal and chaotic, like the protagonist’s life.

Quick Cuts: Build tension during chaotic moments.

Slow Beats: Focus on emotions during heavy scenes.

d. Example Films:

Brotherhood: Family loyalty and betrayal in a rural tragedy.

The Silent Child: A deaf girl neglected by her family.

e. What’s Good About It:

Authenticity: Feels raw and real.

Focus on Marginalized Voices: Stories that don’t often get told.

Emotional Intensity: Hits hard emotionally.

f. What’s Not Great:

Bleakness: Can feel too dark or overwhelming.

Frustrating Choices: Realistic, but bad decisions can annoy viewers.