Textual Analysis of Short Film's

Alice in wonder land by Cecil Hepworth 1903.

This film was the first of many British shorts. it was the longest of its time and is one of the most famous films in history. This short is in black and white and is a silence film sue to technical restrictions although this didn't stop Hepworth creating a interesting piece of film able for every one to follow. through out the film the narrative is told by writing on the screen which as as the narrator of the film and story. location used all seem to be easily accessed which is good of a director to do, especially if the budget is a huge restriction to your work. Hepworth has cleverly devised a piece out doing the boundaries given by the equipment. All emotion and tone is delivered by over exaggerated body language and movement which helps push the story along. When Alice is tip toeing across the garden you she is hiding on trying to secretive and sneaky. when the queen is dragging pushing and shoving Alice you know she is not happy with her at all. Costumes used help indicate who's who although there is advantage of so many people knowing the story so well they can understand it a lot better. The costumes are over the top and are quiet comical which makes the film playful and fun and enjoyable for both adults and children. Children enjoy the story and adults enjoy the movement in technology. The props around are simple and basic this is probably due to budget restrictions and Hepworth has cleverly used what he has. This piece is all done so cleverly and had a lot of imagination put towards it. The only thing i feel could have been improved is the use of shots, although I'm guessing again that's because of technology restrictions. through out the 8 minute piece there is only a wide establishing shot which is probably the best to used as it gives the director the ability to have as much as he wants within the picture and must just heavily control whats going on.

About a Girl

Director: Brian Percival
Writer: Julie Rutterford

http://www.gboyle.co.uk/aag%20qt.HTM

The first thing you see is a black screen with the title presented through a text method as like on a mobile phone. This is a thoughtful method as its a very popular way of communicating and shows and represents youth. The title name is a play on the film of About A Boy, a feature length film where everything ends up OK for the young boy. Although their is a contrast in About A Girl. Everything is represented much more gritty and grainy where as in About A Boy everything is innocent and diluted. At the beginning you sort of laugh and smirk at the young girl dancing and singing as its sweet and comical and teenage girls watching this remember doing the same thing. its an establishing shot but it isn't well lit the girls body is near enough a silhouette as the sun shines from behind. the scene is dreamy and surreal and seems as is its an escapism place for her. is dream like and airy. the song she is singing is representing youth culture. Britney Spears which can also represent her image, Britney was first introduced as the good girl but soon her image was frowned upon.