Reflection: Small Deaths by Lynne Ramsey

This is a short film that deeply intrigued me, not just for the brilliant sound design and how it was so visually appealing, but also for how the story was told. Some of the scenes were rather dark and incredibly confronting, and as I progressed deeper into the film, it got to the point where I actually felt uncomfortable.

What am I researching? Why am I researching it?
That knot I felt in the pit of my stomach while watching Small Deaths (1996) is something I’d like to think about and research on. I’m quite interested in story and character development, and I believe that this short film excelled at just that. I want to know how I might create a story that would be powerful enough to touch viewers.

What have I learned?
More than having a short film with great audiovisuals, it is also important to have a story that is both solid and fluid. What I mean by this is that although there is a strong storyline behind it, it also leaves room for interpretation.

Where is this leading me?
Hopefully, this will lead me to creating stories that will make people feel. Discomfort and a sense of conviction is something that’s not easily achievable, but I feel that that is what makes a great film.

Possible future research directions:
“Writers find inspiration wherever they turn … Even the craft itself may inspire.”
As I read this excerpt by McKee, it got me thinking that more than the inspiration behind a story, is the way you film and edit, for even that can change a viewer’s perception of things. What I’d possibly like to explore is how to craft an entire piece in the best way possible.

Reference list:
Small Deaths by Lynne Ramsey, video, Cannes Films 2013, 26 December, viewed 2 March 2016, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFCoLbEKoQ0>.
McKee, R 1999, ‘Structure and meaning’ in Story: Substance, structure, style, and the principles of screenwriting, Methuen Publishing, London, p. 112.

Questions/Topics/Ideas to follow on:
– Story and character development
– Cutting and editing

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