The Crush is an Irish live action short film. The film's runtime is approximately 15 minutes. It was written and directed by first-timer Michael Creagh, and produced by Damon Quinn. Creagh cast his eight-year-old son Oran in the lead role of the story. The story sees an eight-year-old schoolboy fall in love with his teacher, Miss Purdy. One day he gives her a toy ring to show his affection. But when he bumps into Miss Purdy and her boyfriend having just bought a very real engagement ring he becomes heartbroken and angry. Devastated, Ardal challenges Miss Purdy’s fiancé to a duel to the death.
The film was awarded Best Irish Short at the 23rd Foyle Film Festival. On 25 January 2011, it was nominated for the Academy award live action short film at the 83rd academy awards.
The film has several codes and conventions, that are good to take inspiration from. For example, some codes and conventions that can be linked to a western film, could include the shot reverse shot, displaying young Ardal challenging Miss Purdy's boyfriend in a stand off. Also the soundtrack played over the sense is associated to that of a western film, thus making the audience make a connection between this scene and a wild west cowboy stand off.
Whilst young Ardal is staring at his teacher in awe, the use of slow motion, enhanced colour and a soft, angelic soundtrack, signify to the audience the codes and conventions of a romance theme. Therefore suggesting to the audience that the young boy is in love with his teacher.
As well the film includes all the main ingredients for any short film, such as enigma, suspense, plot twist and action. By having all of these the film instantly entices its audience and holds them throughout the film without them losing interest.
You make a perceptive point to illustrate how narrative functions but you could have illustrated enigma, suspense and the twist, rather than merely assert that they are features. At this level. work needs to show 'articulate reflection' rather than mere reporting.
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