HANGMAN

Hangman is set in an ominous location and unset time period to highlight the game of hangman which acts as a metaphor for the main character to face the consequences of disharmony within one’s self.

Story & Concept:

I wanted this short to evoke a sense of self-reflection within the viewer. It fades in to reveal the player, a man and a whiteboard. The pace is relatively slow in the beginning as the player is confident and can take their time guessing letters. However, the pace picks up and the shots get tighter as she begins to guess the wrong letters and looses lives.

With the story being set in an unknown location, the metaphor behind self-peace is highlighted, as it doesn’t take place anywhere but within the person. The game of hangman is simple; however life is not. When the player fails to see that the final word spells out ”INNOCENT” it evokes a sense of self-perception. She can not see herself as an innocent person and ends up being the reason for her own demise.

Mise-en-scène Applications:

Instead of setting a dark tone, the room and all other associated items are white (such the curtain and the board). The reasoning behind this is to insinuate that you must first establish inner peace. Since white symbolizes purity and innocence, everything the players encounters is an aid that they can not accept because they haven't established it within their own subconscious, even when the word is spelt out in front of them.

Props were used to highlight the concept of the story, focusing the attention of the audience towards the meaning and message rather than the decorations and what paints the scene. The reasoning behind the choice of white for the props is not only to demonstrate purity but the lack of it in the player's mind. As the concept of the story is much more metaphorical, the dialogue acts as a semi red-herring because it is not an obvious physical game of hangman but rather a mental reflection of life. Costumes and makeup were also kept very simple. The two characters will be dressed ordinarily and can have slight makeup for lighting purposes. Ordinary clothing for the man and similarly for the player. This is to further evoke that superficial aspects are not the hindrance towards self- perception. There is a need for awareness from within, not through clothing, makeup or elements that affect appearance.