Andrea Arnold Short Film 'Wasp'

WASP on Vimeo or click play for you-Tube

A starting point for A2 coursework is to research existing media texts to look for ideas and inspiration.

Andrea Arnold is a British director who won an OSCAR for her short film, 'Wasp'.

We watched and analysed the film in terms of;

Cinematography
Movement of the camera is constant giving the image a shaky feel. The effect is to provide a realist feel as if this is a fly on the wall documentary or cinema verite.  The lighting and set pieces in locations such as the pub and the estate provide a sense of realism which allows us to place ourselves in the action. Although a short film, it took us to this place due to its kinetic energy and the ability to bring the narrative to life.  There were a number of point of view shots from the child's perspective.

Acting styles
We discussed the ethics of using child actors and how a script would have been relevant but not of absolute importance. Legendary British directors such as Mike Leigh and Ken Loach have developed a very different style of film-making and acting to the conventional Hollywood film led by a script where the actor learns kines and steps up to the mark when necessary.  These British directors ask more from the actors in a collaborative approach where there is much improvisation. On a film like Vera Drake the family would not know that the mother is an abortionist until the police ring on the bell and when they find out their shock is real and their responses improvised. This is a risky method of film-making but can arguably lead to more raw and authentic performances.

Metaphor
Some critics would say that film cannot do metaphor but there are a number of symbolic signifiers in this short film. The vulnerability of the children is highlighted by signifiers of danger passing into shot as part of the mise-en-scene.  A bull terrier passes behind them, they walk across the motorway and play in a car park with the sound of traffic highlighted. Shots of a dolly in a pram are quick and sinister and lead us to think about the baby being wheeled around the car park like a plaything.  Then the threat of the Wasp itself continues this theme.

The Wasp
We discussed what the Wasp stands for and came up with differing ideas. It may be that the lead character is like a Wasp.  Wasps are good for nothing and their worth is questionable, when challenged and provoked they lash out and sting unconcerned about the consequences.  IN some ways we felt the character of the mother, Zoe, was waspish and selfish.  When Zoe lets the Wasp out of the window we felt this connection being made.

Messages
What does this film tell us about Child poverty? British society? Representation  of gender or class ?  Childhood ? Responsibility?  Parenting?

Narrative
We looked at two theorists and tried to apply their ideas.
Todorov's theory of equilibrium and Levi-Strauss' theory of binary oppositions


Wider reading about how the BBC partly funded the films of Andrea Arnold

Use Sight and Sound magazine to find out more about the filmography of Arnold.  She has recently released a new film set in America.

Look out for her amazing film 'Fish Tank' which is one of my top ten favourites of all time.