10 Minutes Critique

1) Provide a brief description of the film.

The film was about, at first, a man looking to get his photographs made, however, it then cuts to a young boy, named Memo, in Bosnia, who is the middle of a war.  It starts out with him going to retrieve water, and walking through the compound he lives in.  We see that the area is war torn and run down, with tired soldiers and people struggling for food.  When the boy finally gets to the truck for water and bread, where people are scrambling, their compound comes under fire and people rush for safety.  The boy, Memo, makes his way back to his own apartment where is family was staying to find them slain by gunfire.

2) What is the overall tone or mood of the film?

The tone of it was sad, but it also was critical of life in the western world, where safety is taken for granted.  The way of presenting how it takes 10 minutes to produce some photos and in a place like Bosnia, 10 minutes could change your life.

3) How does the dialog influence the film?

The dialogue was not very influential as I thought it would be.  But the film did not need it at all as the cinematography, and the idea of putting two completely different events in the same time frame was powerful enough.  In fact, even if a little more dialogue was put in the film, it would have ruined it.

4) In what ways does the cinematography affect the film?

The best I have ever seen.  The camera basically follows the boy the whole duration of the film and is one complete shot.  It flowed perfectly and added to the already great idea of comparing western world to places where life and death is a daily struggle.  The transitions were great as well, going from clock to clock.

5) What scene or part of a scene do you like the best? Why?

My favorite was just Memo, the boy, walking to get water.  The flowing and panning of the camera was great.  It felt like the audience was strolling along with Memo, on the trip to get water.

6) What is your opinion of the film?

My new second favorite short film.  Right alongside, "Chief", this film brings to light something that has been put in the back, poorly lit area of society's mind.  I would watch it again just to see the camera angle and watch how the shots flow in harmony with the boy.  Great film, everyone should see it.