Textual Analysis for your Main Text

Textual analysis

From my research, I found that popular short films often use plot twists. This makes the film more interesting as they're so short. They also quite often are based around everyday situations then the plot twist makes it more intriguing for the audience. Short films usually have minimal characters, around 2 or 3 as there isn't a lot of time for a lot of characters to be on screen.

First, I have chose to analyse a Pixar short film, monsters inc, 'Mikes new car'. I chose this because it is an animation short film and I wanted to consider all types of films. This short film contains a variety of conventions of a short film which I am going to analyse. 



The editing in 'Mikes new car' is quite a slow pace and the shots do not change very regularly. I think this was intended as when there is a plot twist and the car begins to play up and break the shots speed up. This will emphasise the twist to the audience.

The sound in 'Mikes new car' begins at the opening with piano sounding music, this is quite an upbeat start to the film. This continues to play in the background. The next sound the audience hears is dialogue. Mikes voice reflects his size and character he has a higher pitched voice in comparison to Sulleys voice which also reflects his size and character as its very deep sounding. There are many sound effects throughout the film. For example, the sound of the car doors shutting, the adjustable seat, the car engine, etc. Once the car begins to go wrong such as the sound of the bonnet lifting, there are a lot of unrealistic, humorous sound effects.



I have also chosen to analyse the short film 'Doodlebug' by Christopher Nolan. I chose to analyse this film as well because it has a more psychological and sinister tone in comparison to my first chosen short film. This example used very different features of a short film to 'Mikes new car' which I will analyse.

In the short film 'Doodlebug', the editing pace is very fast and the shots change quickly. The use of this fast pace builds up great tension and gives a crazed effect which reflects the character. I think that this is carried out through the short film.

The sound in 'Doodlebug' begins with non-diegetic, minor key music which creates an eerie effect. This tells the audience from the start it's an eerie film. Whilst the music is still playing, we next hear the sound of the 'bug' scurrying around the room, this sound effect matches what is happening in the film. Every so often in the music, there is a high pitched, piano sound which is used to keep the audience hooked. We also hear the clock ticking repetitively. Suddenly, a loud phone begins to ring. This dramatic sound breaks the eerie effect and may cause the audience to jump. The credits come up with just the eerie music playing.


From this task I have learnt that you don't have to use many characters. From these examples, two is the most characters that have been used. I also found that they both use relatable situations or common settings and props you would use and come across in everyday life. However, 'Mikes new car' does not use very fast editing and not a big variety of shorts but 'Doodlebug' does use a wide variety of shots and has a fast editing pace which builds up suspense. I think they have this difference because they're different genres. This shows me that depending on which genre I choose I will have to use editing and shots to create the intended tone and effects.