Open Subject Short Film
Deadline: Apr 16, 2010
Views: 2,657
Ratings: 50
Overall Rating
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gmiller
I think that this is absolutely fantastic, and your only 18 years old. Your very talented. People who graduate from film school after four years don't produce movies of this caliber. There are so many hidden metaphors, so much symbolism, and the cinematography is breathtaking. I really like the fact that you did not clearly reveal what the girl saw in the forest. The fact that you left it ambiguous really left me on edge. O, and I freaked out with the cracking sound of her neck. What did you do to create that sound?!! This really is pure genius, and your just 18!!! I just cannot get over itI hope to see more of your work. BRAVO! BRILLIANT!
katie
I have to completely agree with gmiller. This is bloody amazing. In parts it looked like you shot it in actual film. Did you?
katie
Just out of curiosity, where was this shot?
smitthew
the script is a bit iffy in places, but nicely done overall
divyacowasji
i think this is utter genius!! i am a post grad film student and even at this level, rarely does one see such sophisticated camera work and maturity of thought. bravo!
juliet
very slick editing - beautiful use of light and sound. overall, a simple yet engaging narrative. well done!
D.S. Ullery
I loved the cinematography and the use of black and white was brilliant. The central performance was also spot on.
My criticisms: I would suggest that for your next film you employ establishing shots more often-during the scene where she has her encounter while walking in the woods, I wasn't entirely sure if she was seeing one or two people..a wide shot establishing what she was looking at in perspective to her location in the scene would have clarified this.
Also, the music -while overall quite impressive- was overwhelming at times. You definitely made the right musical choices, but I think the score could have been a little lower key at certain points, embellishing the scenes rather than dominating them. Then again, that's only my preference as a viewer. There are quite number of people who enjoy more intense scoring, so take that with a grain of salt.
In all other regards, this was creepy and extraordinarily well executed. This was really excellent work. I particularly enjoyed some of the more artistic imagery, such as the broken pencil lying on the ground or the wonderful shot of the bee landing on the flower. You did a fantastic job establishing and maintaining the mood here . Good work!
My criticisms: I would suggest that for your next film you employ establishing shots more often-during the scene where she has her encounter while walking in the woods, I wasn't entirely sure if she was seeing one or two people..a wide shot establishing what she was looking at in perspective to her location in the scene would have clarified this.
Also, the music -while overall quite impressive- was overwhelming at times. You definitely made the right musical choices, but I think the score could have been a little lower key at certain points, embellishing the scenes rather than dominating them. Then again, that's only my preference as a viewer. There are quite number of people who enjoy more intense scoring, so take that with a grain of salt.
In all other regards, this was creepy and extraordinarily well executed. This was really excellent work. I particularly enjoyed some of the more artistic imagery, such as the broken pencil lying on the ground or the wonderful shot of the bee landing on the flower. You did a fantastic job establishing and maintaining the mood here . Good work!
jallc
Thank you so much for the constructive criticism DS! I really really appreciate it. But, there's just one thing i wanted to point out about my forest scene. I too was initially going to use a wide shot to establish the setting, but when i consulted my film teacher about it (back in high school), he told me that it would be better to not clearly reveal everything to the audience. It's a technique that is used to heighten suspense.
Still, I really do appreciate your point of view, and completely agree with you regarding the music. Thanks again
Still, I really do appreciate your point of view, and completely agree with you regarding the music. Thanks again
D.S. Ullery
That's interesting about the wide shot and your teacher's comments. I have to say, not only do you have a keen grasp on film composition ,but you have refreshingly positive approach on how to take constructive criticism..I've been there myself. The movie "TRAP" I have on here is actually my third. My first short film-shot in 2007- was a very , very dry comedy which split audiences right down the center..for every person who told me they found it painfully funny, there was another who just didn't get it and found it boring. So we definitely have to learn how to roll with the punches as indie film makers. You have a terrific attitude about your work is received...and combined with your obvious talent, that's going to take you far.
onespartan
Seriously, some incredible shots. Great cinematography. Great editing as well. I'd love to see more from you.
sgibbons
awesome!
Ghita
First this is best so far out of the current top rated films.
Now rest of this comment is meant for pretty much all rest of the top rated films.
What is up with all the B&W filming. I personally just hate B&W but I can see its use if used as an effect. But talk about being over used...lol. watch like 6 films and 5 were mostly B&W.
Now rest of this comment is meant for pretty much all rest of the top rated films.
What is up with all the B&W filming. I personally just hate B&W but I can see its use if used as an effect. But talk about being over used...lol. watch like 6 films and 5 were mostly B&W.
martha.mckinney21
wow! this has to be one of the best shorts I've seen. It's got so many layers that it makes me want to watch it again and again. The sad thing is that I can see that most people probably wouldn't get it. Trust me, I get it!
lumey
I found it painful to watch! sorry but I thought it was terrible
smitthew.brady
loved it. lumey why do you find THIS painful?!!!
PAPA BEAR
I watched this before...enjoyed watching again. Impressive work!!!
s24
i just noticed something...the guy in the forest has a tattoo on his back...n it looks like a religious symbol that ive seen before but i cant place it...do u know what it is cause now im fixated with it!!! o...n love ur film...really hope you win...
Josh Perez
great film
jallc
O MY GODDD!!!! Thank you so so much bigstar!!! I just can't believe this...am so grateful to all the people that rated & commented on my film, and to the panel of judges that chose my film.
Xavs
hey congrats on winning...this is a great achievement not only because you're getting $1,000 cash but also because the competition was really tough this time. There were over 180 entries so it's really something to be proud of. I hope that you make a film for our BOFF (BIGSTAR Online Film Festival) where the cash prize is $50,000. Congrats again and job well done! Look forward to seeing more of your work. Have a great weekend...
jallc
Thank you Xavs! I am proud, believe me!!! The money is a nice perk, but it's the honor of winning that means everything to me.
NappiFilms
Congrads on winning this competition. I feel you, winning money is nice. But winning for the sake of art is even better. Great job.
