Slap (2014)

Slap (2014) is a short film exploring the world and dynamics of teen boxer Connor who has the dual identity, exploring his femininity in private whilst being portrayed in hyper-masculine manner in public. The distinction between these identities are amplified by his environment, the separation between them soon dissolving. The film explores the themes of truth, acceptance, courage and the conflict between one's inner identity and external presentation. 

Cinematography 

In terms of the cinematography, the director's use of close ups delicately portray the micro expression and inner conflict experienced by the main character of Connor. This, combined with the long take, allows the spectator to fully empathise with his situation, attempting to fully grasp the difficulty of having to hide one's identity due to the lack of acceptance and understanding in his own community and family. In contrast, the use of a wide shot as Connor leaves his home, having dressed in his feminine attire, towards the party appears in a different light, one of courage and boldness, a sense of power almost encapsulated in the shot. This contrasts with the shots of him boxing as the mid shots capture him in a  more aggressive light, allowing the spectator to observe his face and behaviour as he trains or fights other boxers. The cinematography and movement of the camera at times appears reactive, almost in a handheld manner with loose framing. 

Mise en scene 

Props are utilised in the film to present societal archetypes, emphasising the perception of masculinity and objects which appear associated with masculinity. Through the use of props in the film, Connor is presented as a heteronormative even hyper masculine man as there’s the presence of condoms in the bathroom, magazines and posters of porn in his room and even the household calendar is of firefighters, a typically heroic masculine symbol. 

Conversely, in terms of the costume, especially when on his own, Connor is presented in feminine clothing, often a dress, consequently expressing his inner femininity and how the props may be used, by him as well, to combat and suppress this. Within this, the distinction present within Connors outfits while alone versus when surrounded by members of his community further emphasise this masculine ideal that he has to abide by, and how once he almost joins the lines between these two worlds and forms of presentation (at the party), his world and sense of control over his life and acceptance begins to unravel and transform.  

The set is also highly relevant to the themes addressed in the film, acting as a backdrop or somewhat symbol of the conservative attitudes adopted by certain communities in the UK and globally. Geographically, he appears to come from a northern industrial suburb in the UK, who traditionally have conservative attitudes to men and masculinity and are more small minded, therefore posing a greater risk associated with Connor’s situation. As a result, this demonstrates how in their small community, representation and expression may not be accepted or valued, which is reinforced by the guys chasing his friends and his friend's reaction to him having been ‘dressed up’. Aesthetically, this creates a tone of entrapment and containment, making it appear as if there is truly no other place, other than within himself, for Connor to experience himself as he wishes.

Performance 

In terms of the performance, a critical moment in the short film which fully explores the sensitive themes and fears present is Connors confrontation with Lola. The use of physicality and expression in this scene perfectly captures the immense vulnerability and conflict that Connor is experiencing, the range of emotions depicted as well as the moment of realisation where Lola accuses him of having taken her makeup creates a raw divide between them, a contrasts from their previously united presentation. Connor's softer tone contrasted with Lola's more powerful and dominating voice in this moment further amplifies intensity of this situation, how Connor, in his heart, wants to express himself in a more feminine way. The ambient sound also halts in these moments, the spectator fully focused into the unravelling of the plot. 

Lighting and colour 

The use of colour highlights the separation and distinction of Connors' two identities and experiences within the film. The general colour palette in the film which appears more dull and muted contrasts with Connor’s presentation and look when, for example, he’s done makeup. This therefore could be coded as him trying to escape from this greyness, and how he does not belong in that grey area, he himself inclined to be more vibrant. Colour is also sued to underscore the tone of the scenes, with the use of colour during the fighting/confrontation sequences appearing in red, connoting the danger of the moment and sense of threat, and the lighting in the bathroom at the party appearing green, connotation at how sick the characters feel in the moment. 

Use of visual motifs 

The use of the motifs of Connor's hands are used to demonstrate his current state and identity. When presenting as his inner more feminine identity, his hands appear fluid and movement flowy, there's almost a gentle vulnerability to his motions. In contrast to this when adapting to his ‘boxing’ persona, his moments appear solid and aggressive, his hands guarded and clenched. This further reflects his internal landscape whilst experiencing these identities, his fluidity in his inner identity reflecting the peace he feels when expressing himself as such, highly conflicting with the conflict he appears to be under as he feels forced to depict himself in a certain way for the acceptance of his friends, family and community. 

Similarly, the visual motifs of mirrors and reflections are also utilised throughout the short film to depict his dual identity. Once the mirror in his room cracks, this portrays the reveal of his identity, a situation which could pose as harmful towards him as although he himself is comfortable in his identity, this comfort does not extend to his surroundings, consequently making it uncomfortable and an uncontrollable environment once his identity is revealed to his surroundings. Consequently the cracked mirror reflects the situation, how his friends have found out and he feels a lack of control over his identities bleeding into each other. Overall, i found the film very effective and significant as it’s exploring a topic which is the reality of many individuals daily.