Analysis of Short Film: Pitch Black Heist

IMAGES BROKEN. PLEASE SEE - 

http://imgur.com/a/lpUzI#0

Pitch black heist is a short film on Film 4 directed by John Maclean, staring Michael Fassbender and Liam Cunningham. The short film is somewhat similar to our short film because it is based around a heist, it contains 2 main characters and both films contain a twist at the end.

The film is shot in black and white, creating a  gritty atmosphere. I also think that its clever because it links to the film's title. 

http://www.film4.com/film4-productions/shorts/pitch-black-heist

The first shot is an establishing shot of the inside of a warehouse. The film's title appears on screen, in black, bold text.

The camera then tilts down into a birds eye shot, revealing a makeshift floor plan of a building made out of cardboard boxes. 

The camera then dollys through the floorplan, to show a box saying 'safe'. This helps to establish the 'end goal' of the film

The audience is first introduced to the main character via a medium shot. This character is portrayed  with his hood up and hands in his pockets. The body language from this suggests that the character is reluctant in expressing himself and being open.

We are then introduced to the second character in the film, also shown in a mid shot.  His personality is portrayed as being  the opposite to Fassbender's character. Cunningham's character is extremely open, offering a handshake to Fassbender, although Fassbender rejects this. 

The third, minor character is then introduced, entering from a doorway. I think this longshot of the character helps to establish that Fassbender and Cunningham's relationship is somewhat distanced from Alex MacQueen's character. 

MacQueen then briefs the characters on the plans of the heist. In addition to this, Cunningham offers a cup of tea to both characters, reflecting his good-natured personality. Fassbender again rejects Cunningham, also reflecting his personality. 

In this scene, the characters are preparing for the heist whilst being blindfolded. This is because the place where the heist takes place has light sensors. The first glimpse of Cunningham's incompetence as a criminal is displayed as he frequently walks into the 'model' walls and furniture. Another important aspect of this shot, in my opinion, is the 'no smoking' sign in the background of the shot. I think this could be perceived as foreshadowing, although the audience do not know this at this stage. 

Whilst working on the 'safe' the Cunningham is trying to converse with Fassbender. Cunningham is romancing with the 'glory days', suggesting that he could be perceived as being 'washed up' or a 'has been'.  Fassbender is more concerned with the task at hand. Also, This shot could symbolise that the 'safe' or goal is getting in the way of the two characters' relationships.

A couple of establishing shots are then used to show where the heist takes place. It also shows a passage of time.

The next scene takes place at a pub. This is a two-shot. Cunningham is laid back, whilst Fassbender is sat forward, suggesting apprehension. 

In this scene, we finally see Fassbender open up to his colleague about his life and past as they share a smoke.

Proceeding this is a series of events where the characters bond. The characters sing together whilst playing a snooker. I felt that this scene brings some comic-relief after a previously dark and deep scene where Fassbender opens up about his past.

In this scene, the characters are having an arm wrestle. An important aspect of this scene is that Fassbenders sly character is displayed. When agreeing on a countdown to start the arm wrestle, Fasbender tricks Cunningham and starts early. Midway through the arm wrestle, they get a call saying that the job is on. Fassbender eventually overpowers Cunnningham.

A longshot shows the characters making their way to the place where the heist takes place. The characters are portrayed as being extremely jolly. 

My favourite shot in the movie is during the actual heist. Because the characters cannot reveal any light, the entire heist is shown in pitch black, with just sound being heard. This helps to create tension as the characters navigate their way to the safe. 

This is where the plot twist takes place. A cigarette is lit, revealing Fassbender's face in a close up shot and ultimately triggering the alarm. Fassbender's cold personality returns as he sets up Cunningham. 

In addition to this, a torch is shined upon Cunningham, showing his helpless figure. I also think the lighting shows Cunningham in white, contrasting with Fassbender who was show in the dark.  Overall, I think Cunningham's character helps to make the audience feel sympathetic towards him. 

The closing shot is a long shot which reveals Fassbender entering the light from the darkness and escaping from the scene, leaving his partner behind.