“Where have I been all your life” analysis of micro and macro elements.

“Where have I been all your life” analysis of micro and macro elements.

‘WHIBAYL’ follows a classical Hollywood three act structure, from the outset of the short film the protagonist Liam is stressed and tense, eagerly anticipating news that is yet to be disclosed to the reader, as the narrative progresses the dramatic ‘false’ truth of the film is revealed regarding Liam’s parentage and has the film culminates the genuine truth on who his real father is becomes apparent. Furthermore, Todorov’s theory of the equilibrium of narrative can be applied. The equilibrium is Liam not knowing who his father is, the disruption comes when he reveals himself to the man, he believes to be his father (John). Disruption follows as John’s wife (Angela) realises his newfound child is a result of adultery. Attempts to resolve involve Liam and his girlfriend sitting with the seemingly shattered couple and trying to make the best of the situation through comedic small talk. Finally, the new equilibrium is established where Angela and John’s marriage has crumbled, and Liam has realised John is not his biological father.  

Regarding the micro elements of film form, sound is undoubtedly the most important aspect, more specifically use of dialogue. Dialogue is used to drive the narrative as all key turning points within the short film such as Liam’s anticipation of seeing his “father” and Angela’s realisation of John’s affair. Tone of voice is also an important aspect within the success of the short film, at times we do not need to see the faces of the characters to understand their emotions, for example after Angela is made aware of her husband’s numerous affairs she has her back turned to the camera and we as an audience do not need to see her face in order to understand that she is distraught and miserable, her somewhat whimpering tone makes this apparent.

Cinematography plays a large part within this short film. The film begins with an opening sequence of Liam and his girlfriend driving through a housing estate. In between the wide shots of the car passing through the streets low angles shots are utilised, this ‘low angle’ is intrinsically associated with vulnerability and Liam is undoubtedly ‘vulnerable’ entering the home of a new family awaiting to see how they would react to his confession. Moreover, a variety of editing techniques are used, mostly for continuity, such as eye line matching to allow the audience to fully engage in the dialogue as they know who is talking to who.