Transaction, directed by HARISA CARJAM is a short film dedicated to uncertainty. Harrison Blake appears in his second short film in the role of a furtive character, who establishes the initial plot. James Ely bags his role, in his debut, as the secretive focus of our attention who we follow throughout.
As
the film opens with gripping music, the audience is instantaneously aware that suspense
is key to the plot. The film uses a number of techniques which mask the
development of the story. Cunningly crafted with a simple yet effective plot,
restricted narrative in the form of red-herrings leads the audience astray and
creates enigma. Spanning only a day, this short film is not lacking action and
the intelligent use of the GoPro Hero 2 gives the audience an alternative
perspective.
No
surname, backstory, or real identification of who these characters are, leaves
the audience feeling perplexed but wanting to know more. The films assertion
that the package is on a dubious journey right up until the end, leaves the
audience feeling confident that they know how it will turn out. Some may have a
hunch the plot might twist, and rightfully so. The perfectly co-ordinated
meet-up, the suspenseful journey up to the secluded downs, the non-committal verbal
exchange and one character’s haste to leave with the package suggest it might
be an illegal object. As Mr X hastily exits on his motorbike, it carries
forward this idea. It becomes obvious there is a plot twist when a girl, identified
as his sister greets him happily at the door.
This anticipation is worth waiting for.
Cinematography
throughout this piece are high-quality and extremely imaginative. Shots on the
isolated Downs are beautifully crafted and give a sense of the lonely
environment in which this mysterious transaction takes place. A variety of
different angles gives us a sense of the power balance between the characters. The
colour correction used throughout gives the film an alternative aesthetic which
reinforces the feeling of ambiguity. Furthermore, the non-diegetic sound plays
a vital role in transfixing the viewer in to a state of suspense. The surging
crescendo in the emotive music contributes to the tension during Mr X’s
motorbike journey up to assignation point.
Blake
and Ely are both robust actors that help give the short film a more
professional feel, yet given it’s Ely’s first film it is a shame that we don’t
see more of his talent . The lack of dialogue throughout emphasises the
indefinite ending, but at parts is not enough. The archetypal costumes worn by
Mr X and Mr Y, suggest villainous character traits, and further develop the
theme of uncertainty. The black leathers Mr X wears give the illusion he is
secretive and poses the question that there may be trouble ahead. However by
the time we reach the end we feel slightly frustrated that there isn’t more of
a progression within the story.
The
film does a great job of deceiving the audience yet we never even get the
satisfaction of finding out what’s inside the package. Perhaps this film could have
thrown in some more thrilling elements and developed the ending into a more
conclusive result. Some may be disappointed with the anti-climaxed ending, but
the anticipation through-out keeps us on the edge on our seats.
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