Microanalysis of short film 'Slap'

 Slap by Nick Rowland 

This short is of narrative and drama genres as it focuses on issues surrounding sexuality and self-expression. The film’s message as a whole is to portray the frustration of a man trying to express his sexuality despite the prejudice and stigma that he receives. The ending of the film encapsulates the frustration and anger that the main character Connor feels after being persecuted for wearing makeup and dressing in ‘women’s’ clothing. 

The film has colour grading as the appearance of the scenes are slightly grainy and there is a change in colour/saturation. This ‘filter’ adds a dated and indie feel to the film, reflecting the independent, low budget production whilst creating an intimate, warm mood from the saturation and tones. 

There is extended screen time on the first character shown, a man applying makeup in the mirror. In the first shot, posters of semi-naked women are shown on the wall behind him. This establishes the contrast of his private and public expressions of himself from the beginning. This could also imply the theme of sexuality in the short as he is applying makeup, showing his femininity whilst having photos of models on his walls. 

The scene of his applying makeup has very slow pans and has calming music in the background, representing this self-expression as relaxing/comforting for him. However, when his Dad starts shouting for him and comes upstairs, the music stops, and Connor starts to frantically pack his makeup up and throws a t shirt over his head to hide the makeup. During this part of the scene, there is more short cuts to present the chaos and panic that Connor feels. 

The performance from Joe Cole as Connor is emotional, convincing and presents the strong emotions of the character of Connor especially in the climactic final scene.