[Video Essay] Future

In the allegory, the protagonist gave a lot of thought on how the future will be like, trying to predict it with tarot cards. The tarot cards are a representation of looking and thinking about the future. The fast-paced scenes show the use of tarot cards excessively and got really involved in them. However, there is no true answer to what it will be like in the future. We can only decide for now what we can do with routines and habits. By implementing ideal habits to everyday life, one can truly influence the future. This approach also has the future in mind, yet thinking it in a more practical way. The video illustrates the need of a shift in mindset. We have to cherish our everyday life.

We used to like to make plans for the future whether it is in the short term or in the long term. But this year, our plans are interrupted by the outbreak. The coronavirus makes us realise that there is always something unexpected in life. It would be great if we could look into the future so that we can make better plans. However, instead of looking into the future, our future goals should come down to everyday habits. If we spend too much time thinking about the future, time would slip away and not much would be done. It is probably more important to focus on the present. We should focus on what we can do now and live every day to the fullest.

 

 

 

screen text:

FUTURE

a new month: time for some scheduling

the virus is spreading

all my plans are being cancelled due to the virus

I need to get a way out

what’s this?

introducing the world of tarot cards: the way to predict the future

by knowing how the future will be like,

I will be master of my days

meaning no more cancelled plans

seven of cups

lost in choice (in deciding my future)

two of swords

inner conflict (of my plans and the reality)

I was asking the same question. Why are the answers so different every single time?

You don’t decide your future. You decide your habits and your habits determine your future.

I shall develop good habits for the sake of my future then it will be a bright one.

(End screen credits)

 

 

By Hui Yui Gi Catherine

3035698014

 

By Hui Yui Gi Catherine

3035698014

 

3 thoughts on “[Video Essay] Future

  1. Gao Ningling says:

    Comments:
    To Hui Yui Gi Catherine ?
    Strength:
    a) All contents revolve around a well-identified topic: future.
    b) This topic is subtle and innovative.
    c) The contents are organized and analyzed critically: different mindsets in the video.
    d) Excellent control of film techniques: zoom, first-person… Flexible and innovative.
    Weakness:
    a) “i” should be “I” in some sentences of subtitle
    b) The interpretation to this topic still needs a well-articulated analysis. More clear and more coherent.
    Overall: Well done! It is a good video for me to learn from. I really appreciate film techniques you used. They are amazing!

    by Gao Ningling 3035638894

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  2. Lau Cin Man Anais says:

    I appreciate the spiritual take on coping with the uncertainty of living in quarantine under the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a neatly organized video with a clear development of the protagonist’s struggle with control and letting go of outcome. Close-up views bring the viewer into the protagonist’s shoes that strengthen the message of the video. Though it is intimately filmed, perhaps showing more of the protagonist herself may add to the message, and allowing pauses in between scenes might let the plot sink in more (I understand that the pace of the video is due to the time limit). Overall, an interesting perspective on coping with the uncertainty of living under the pandemic.

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  3. Annie Lye says:

    As an allegorical piece about the uncertain future brought by the pandemic, tarot cards are, in your narrative, a metaphor into finding meaning and sense of the unknown. Appreciate this introspective piece that delves into your personal psyche and displays the range of emotional highs and lows through the creative camera and editing work. Worth noting are the two shots of (1) when the tv screen was reflected in your glasses and (2) an overlay clip of the calendar date being scratched out in red while you ruffled up your hair in exasperation. The overall transition and composition of the video are well done; the thoughtful pairing of sound to visual; however, the overlaying of text and captions on the moving clips could be made clearer.

    In terms of content and theme, your video has the potential to develop into a stronger narrative with the same thesis – that examines the relationship of the self in a larger context with the interior space, the city, and the world at large. Also, could you explain to us what your two references have anything to do with Hong Kong and or the course? It is not a problem that you read into other fields of study (e.g. psychology, medicine etc) and we encourage students to form cross-disciplinary knowledge. However, in this case, it is difficult to understand the correlation between your references and how they have influenced or informed your video work. The problem is that the references have no relationship nor contextualization value to the locale. The only contextualizing factor we have in this work is of the coronavirus related news report.

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