Short Film Review: "Signs"

Watch the short film "Signs."

Director: Patrick Hughes
Producer: Victoria Connors-Bell
Head of Production: Jen Beitler
Executive Producer: Rob Galluzzo
Written by: Patrick Hughes, Karl Fleet, Nick Worthington
Duration: 12 minutes and 12 seconds
Date Shown: 2009

Background of Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes is a Director, Writer, Producer, and Editor based in Australia. In 2000, he was nominated in the Australian Film Institute, Best Editing in a Non-Feature Film for "The Director." In 2001, he won 1st place Topfest award for "The Lighter."

Review

This short film amused me so much. There was no dialogue but communication was done creatively so that the audience will understand and feel the emotions in the short film.

The flashing of paper with words to communicate to the other person made the romantic film so endearing. In addition to that, the soundtrack made the film more special since it goes with the story development. When the man was alone and seem to be searching for something, the music was slow. When the characters were perky, the soundtrack goes with it with an upbeat music. The actors expressive faces also contributed much in communication.

Your comments are welcome.

Advertisement Review: "Funeral"

Watch the advertisement "Funeral."

Filmmaker: Yasmin Ahmad
Launched by: Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry to promote family unity and celebrate one's life partners "for their imperfections."
Duration: 3 minutes and 2 seconds
Date Shown: 2009

Background of the Filmmaker

Yasmin Ahmad is a film director and writter. She was born in Malaysia and is presently the Creative Director at Leo Burnett. She has made several TV commercials which gained popularity in Malaysia. She also has made films and gained the respect of the public because of the international awards she has received. Her works include: "Rabun (My Falling Eyesight)," "Sepet (Chinese Eye)," "Gubra (Anxiety)," "Mukhsin," "Muallaf (The Convert)," and "Talemtime."

Background of Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is a ministry of Singapore Government which is aimed to promote a over-all well being of individuals and strong family ties.

Review

In this advertisement review, I can honestly say that I watched the advertisement, "Funeral" repeatedly because of the impact it made on me. Most people find funeral scenes disturbing, but this advertisement is not. In fact, the advertisement was moving.

I also enjoyed watching the development of the advertisement. In the beginning of the advertisement, there was no music and was only played when the widower was about to point the highlight of the speech. Good timing of music plus choice of music created great audience impact. I was close to tears after the speech when the widower went to her crying daughter (with a smiling but sad face).

Meanwhile, I could not help but notice the multicultural people in the funeral. One would not be able to guess the nationality of the advertisement. This is good since this commercial can also be shown in other countries (if they decide to do so) and people from all over the world can relate to the commercial.

The gloomy lighting also helped set the mood. Over-all, good actors, lighting, and great words.

I welcome your comments.