We often find ourselves being placed in scenarios where we need to make very different decisions. In this tug of war, different decisions may represent contradicting paths in life; it is one or the other. Of course, in our society, there are many factors that interfere with our choices; self-doubting and second-guessing are bound to happen. We want to choose a direction in life that includes no regrets. That is very difficult, to begin with; even if we somehow managed to pick one direction, can we stick to it throughout our life course?
When we cannot decide on the pathway, we would just circle around and make no progress in life. No matter one way or the other, as long as we keep moving forward, we are on our way. I hope to convey this message in the film created and tie this theme to the spatial qualities of stairwells.
Stairwells are spaces where people travel upwards or downwards; there are only 2 directions available in the journey. The spiraling feature contradicts the typical idea of progressing forward. The film adapts the spiraling journey of a user in a stairwell to create a sense of uncertainty and stagnant. The stairwell in the film can represent both a physical pathway for users to take, as well as a mental struggle where two directions are offered. The protagonist is under two forces that attract him in the opposite direction; he keeps changing the direction chosen and in the end, finally sticks to one direction and leaves the stairwell.
Audio is a large part of the narrative of the entire story. During the entire duration of the protagonist’s struggle, only the sound of rain is audible to represent the chaos and uncertainty mentally. During the moment of clarity and realization, the rain is muted, despite the environment still raining to emphasize his determination. In the last shot, although the audience could not see which direction he finally chose, constant sound footsteps can be heard to prove that he has set his path; and finally, the sound of a door opening and closing indicates that he leaves the stairwell, thus escapes the struggle.
Cinematography regarding stairwells is by no means simple architecture, to translate this space into the film properly while conveying the intended message, research through different means is conducted.
For starters, I researched through readings and online essays about how camera movements give different meanings and effects. I learned that the motion of the camera must be meaningfully directed and given a purpose in terms of rationale (Sobchack, 1982). For example, the use of tilt shots can be used to give a grandeur sense of a character’s development, which is essential for the story of this film (Mercado, 2022). Furthermore, I wanted to establish a sense of location for the story setting, thus I chose to adopt panning shots (Dyksterhouse, 2021).
Moreover, I conducted a field study on the setting of the film, Knowles Building to precisely plan the cinematography related to its stairwell; it is essential for a design to be site-specific. The stairwell I chose has a large window throughout all the floors; as a result, this gives a great opportunity to observe the weather and environment outside the building. What physical elements of the stairwell I can integrate into the cinematography are also planned ahead. For example, there is a shot where the camera pans along the railings, following the protagonist’s movement. Coordinating with the spiral nature, the narrow and tight spacings between the railings create an atrium that penetrates through the entire volume. To that end, I created a device that hangs the camera upside down to film the spatial sequence within.
I aimed to understand the spatial quality of stairwells as well as related cinematography from readings and digital essays. The research methodology, combined with the film emphasizes on no matter which direction one chooses, we need to keep carrying on so that we do not stay in a stagnant situation in life.
Li Ching Ho Leo 3035933517
Bibliography
- Dyksterhouse, L, By, -, Landon Why the pan shot is so valuable. Videomaker. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.videomaker.co- m/how-to/shooting/why-the-pan-shot-is-so-valuable/
- Mercado, G. (2022). The filmmaker’s Eye: Learning (and breaking) the rules of cinematic composition. Focal Press.
- SOBCHACK, V. (1982). Toward inhabited space: The semiotic structure of camera movement in the cinema. , 41(1-4), 317-335. https://doi.org/10.1515/semi.1982.41.1-4.317
Li Ching Ho Leo 3035933517
It’s a fascinating film. The film is focused on the action of the main character： moving up and down the stairwell. Throughout the whole film, the main character constantly changed direction. This reflects the situation in that people encounter different choices in their lives. It is also a metaphor for choosing a forwarding direction in life. I appreciate the filming techniques you used in the film, such as the use of many panning shots, and the overhead rotating shots， I appreciate the filming techniques you used in the film, such as the use of many panning shots, and the overhead rotating shots, harmonising with the spiral nature of the staircase and creating a sense of uncertainty. Additionally, the only sound in this film is rain, it shows the anxiety and confusion of the main character when deciding the final way to go.
It is no doubt that effort has been shown in the planning of the film. The angles and scenes presented are fascinating. It is interesting and creative to link your idea with ‘mobile city’ and ‘stairwells’. Yet, I would have to say that the message of ‘struggle’ and ‘decision making can be more specifically related to the topic of ‘mobile’. Such as the mobility of the protagonist indeed is representing a certain part of pre-assumption on how a person should act, while the stairwells are the inevitable borders to trap people from choosing the life they wanted to be? Also, you may also focus on maintaining the balance of the scenes like the stairwells parts and tilt part of the picture. However, I still think your film is relatively high-quality and fruitful to watch! 😀
You have very poetic visuals and analysis. I wonder if there are more ways to utilize and discuss the stairwell apart from going up and down? Do people stop in the stairwell? What do people do in stairwells but not elsewhere? What could be found in the stairwell but not elsewhere? I wish the observation of the space could be stronger as many details are helpful to discuss your theme. Moreover, the theme of mobility seems not very well elaborated in the text.