Short film research: meantime
Short Film Analysis: Meantime by Alicia Mai
Genre: coming of age
Conventions in the coming of age Genre
a. Common Cinematography (CAMs) in coming of age Films:
• Close-ups and extreme close-ups to emphasize emotion
• Handheld shots for a raw, intimate feel
• Slow, lingering shots to build tension and emotional weight
• Shallow depth of field to focus on characters’ internal struggles
b. Common Sound in coming of age Films:
• Soft, melancholic instrumental scores
• Naturalistic dialogue with emotional intensity
• Use of silence to emphasize tension or reflection
• Diegetic sounds (e.g., footsteps, breathing) to create realism
c. Common Mis-En-Scene (CLAMPS) in coming of age Films:
• Costume: Casual, realistic clothing to reflect everyday life
• Lighting: Natural or dim lighting to enhance realism and mood
• Actors: Expressive performances that convey deep emotions
• Makeup: Subtle and natural to maintain authenticity
• Props: Everyday objects with symbolic significance (e.g., journals, photographs)
• Setting: Intimate locations like homes, schools, or workplaces
d. Common Editing in coming of age Films:
• Slow pacing with longer cuts to emphasize emotions
• Jump cuts or match cuts to highlight mental states
• Subtle transitions like fades or dissolves to indicate time passage
• Flashbacks or dream sequences to add depth to the narrative
e. Example Films in the coming of age Genre:
• Moonlight (2016)
• Lady Bird (2017)
• Aftersun (2022)
• Short Term 12 (2013)
f. Elements of the coming of age Genre I Like:
• Deep character development and emotional storytelling
• Realistic and thought-provoking themes
• Strong performances that feel raw and authentic
g. Elements of the coming of age Genre That Do Not Appeal to Me:
• Sometimes slow pacing can feel drawn out
• Can be emotionally heavy, making it difficult to watch multiple films in one sitting
• Some stories can feel repetitive if they rely on overused tropes