Analysis of a short film: Identity

ANALYSIS OF SHORT FILM - Emily Penaluna

“IDENTITY” (2012): Award-winning short film (5 minutes)

Narrative

This short film opens in a High School bathroom and follows a girl who appears as the main character, wearing an exquisitely decorated mask which differs from the rest of the people in the school. All the others appear to be wearing plain masks, which contrasts with the main character and highlights her as an outcast. Showing the main character with a decorated mask and not following the conventional plain mask suggests the film is trying to give across a message to the viewer that it appears much more beautiful to be yourself and create/build yourself rather than following the social expectations. This way, the main character breaks conventions as she is being herself. Additionally, her teacher does not appear to be wearing a mask – this connotes that teenager/young adults create expectations which are apparently “beautiful” and we must follow to appeal to others and fit in, as the shot with the poster demonstrates the idea of.

Mise-en-scene

The setting of this film is a school – most likely a High School. Setting in a High School, the viewer can establish the ages of the characters (who are pupils of the school) as teenagers. The focal prop gathered from the mise-en-scene is the mask used by the main character, and then the plain yellow and red masks are secondary props.

Sound, title sequence and credits

The title sequence is simple but effective, it opens with a blank black screen and follows with broadcasting sound which creates mystery. During the sound broadcast, the title “Identity” appears seconds before the moving image occurs.

Sound is used throughout the entirety of the film and two songs are used (instrumentally, no lyrics) are used which are credited at the end. The use of sound adds to the mystery and completes the codes of enigma created for the viewer to question what is going on, and why, in order to reinforce the moral of identity, hence the title. Finishing credits are also basic with blank screen and white text, crediting all those involved in the making and filming of “Identity.”