Thumb-Nailed Ideas

Howdy everyone!

So after a long work weekend I finally had some time to thumbnail out my ideas for the dialog clip I chose last week. They are still pretty rough and are more there to show what I had planned for composition/staging than the actual acting of the characters.

I wasn't quite sure how best to present the ideas in this format, so I have selected three ideas to explore, noting the emotion change I am going for and the subtext behind the lines of dialog for each idea. I hope this comes across clearly.

The link below will allow you to download the clip in case you need a refresher on the delivery.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9IKBUTzMksMcXAwRVdtWjRIbXc/edit?usp=sharing

Idea 1: Psyche Patient

Emotion Change: Bitter/Hopeless -> Scared

This idea was developed based on the discussion we had in class. It was suggested that having the character constrained or confined, or potentially trapped in a bad situation, would be compelling enough to make the last "me" of the dialog really sell. 

Originally we talked about her starting from a defeated emotional level and ending on a defiant one, but for this scenario I wanted to try something a little different. I wanted this character to have been recently admitted into a psyche ward because she was a danger to herself and those around her. She would start the scene off bitter and defeated, potentially frustrated that no one is listening to her or able to help her. As she delivers the line she transitions into a panicked fear of what she is capable of doing and is trying to warn the doctor that is with her.

The subtext of the shot would be something like:

Line: "In this whole wide wicked world..."

Subtext: There is no hope for me anymore, I am part of what makes this world a bad place.  

Line: "The only thing you have to be afraid of..."

Subtext: You shouldn't be in here.  

Line: "Is me!"

Subtext: I'm dangerous! I can't control it!

For the Malcolm mod, I wanted to create a disheveled appearance. She would be in hospital scrubs, shackled to the table with handcuffs, and have runny mascara and wild hair. 

Here is a rough representation of what the layout might look like. I could probably zoom in on her a bit. (My drawing skills are not the best).

Idea 2: House Wife

Emotion Change: Resigned/Defeated -> Happy/Relieved

This idea was actually inspired by Victor's "housewife doing dishes" idea. The moment I am trying to capture is an abused housewife finally taking matters into her own hands, and the relief and/or hope that coming to that decision brings.

The start of the shot would have her looking off screen and scrubbing an unseen dish. As she delivers the last "me" she removes the knife from the washcloth and smiles knowingly.

The subtext of the shot would be something like:

Line: "In this whole wide wicked world..."

Subtext: I've tried everything else and only one option is left. No one is going to help me. 

Line: "The only thing you have to be afraid of..."

Subtext: You've pushed me to far. You deserve this. 

Line: "Is me!"

Subtext: I'll be free of you soon. 

For the Malcolm mod, I wanted to create a typical housewife look. The only thing that would take away from that would be a healing black eye that will hopefully queue the audience into the context. 

Here is a rough representation of what the layout might look like.

Idea 3: Politician

Emotion Change: Fake/Disgusted -> Predatory Glee

This could be a really difficult shot to pull off, but I think it could work really well. I wanted to capture the transition a politician would make when the gloves came off and the facade falls away. I wanted to play with a fake smile transitioning into a viscous one. This character would have been constantly second guessed and underestimated, and this would be the grand reveal that she was in control the entire time. It would be a threat, but one she could completely back up. 

The subtext of the shot would be something like:

Line: "In this whole wide wicked world..."

Subtext: I am tired of dealing with these clowns.

Line: "The only thing you have to be afraid of..."

Subtext: You have no idea who you are messing with. You've made a grave mistake.  

Line: "Is me!"

Subtext: Your over. I win.  

For the Malcolm mod, I wanted to create a very refined politician. She will have big hair and a bit too much makeup, with a few flag pins for good measure. I am thinking of making her either president or some sort of high official so I wanted her to be sitting in a place of power (her desk), and the American flag behind her as a sign of her authority. Should be fun!

Here is a rough representation of what the layout might look like.

I know this is a ton of writing, but I hope my ideas are coming across. If you guys have any suggestions about where I should take this, I am all ears because I could see myself doing any of them haha.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Brandon