Short Film Research: Unleaded Thriller

 Hey! For my second short film research I will be reviewing the thriller unleaded. This film is directed by Luke Davies. Unleaded is about three thugs attempting to rob a petrol station whom are then suddenly interrupted by the unlikeliest of heroes, a group of stoners. Common conventions is the dreary dismal lighting of the gas station. This lighting creates an environment of suspense and mysterious essence to the viewers. The lighting alongside with the robbery fit perfectly in the tense feeling of this film. Actors in this short film are also wearing dull colors, hoodies and a biker jacket for the robber. Similar to the lighting, clothing also played a sense of intense activity throughout this movie, establishing each characters role. The “stoners” wore hoodies as he walked into the gas station in which his vision and hearing, due to headphones, is impaired. He unknowingly prevents a robbery from occurring. Throughout these scenes camera shots and angles varied, establishing the setting. For instance, panning, tracking, extreme close-up, over the shoulder, and far shots are utilized throughout this short film. Many of these shots enhance the intense appeal to the film. There are no special editing techniques that was used. Simple jump cuts, and smooth transitions with music over certain scenes, or the bell ringing for the entrance carried this film a long way. Smooth transitioning made this short film almost feel as if everything was taken in one shot. This makes it easier on the viewers eyes and follow along with this short movie easier. I appreciate the art of the editing styles and camera movements, making the audience at the edge of their seat. Although, some may argue that it was not action packed all the way through and bored throughout the introduction of the film. Hence, I will consider these editing styles in my own film and glad to have viewed this short movie.