Connected Film Review
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL7xIaYYS7I

Figure 1

Connected is a short film set in a futuristic barren wasteland of Earth, as seen in Figure 1. In the beginning, it introduces two characters (possibly the main characters), whose only identifiers are the letters V and O on their otherwise identical suits of protective gear, that are attempting to trek through this desolate wasteland, linked to each other by a mouth piece and a tube. The concern of the film becomes clear when the camera pans to look at one of the characters who has fallen;  Earth is uninhabitable, and the race against time for the battle of oxygen becomes increasing difficult since humans have to generate their own oxygen. As V and O attempt to regain balance and order after one fell, a 3rd character, numbered 43, jumps on his chance to claim the better oxygen generator that V and O possess.

Figure 2

Figure 3

After Figure 1 establishes the setting of this post apocalyptic Earth, Figure 2 introduces the two main characters, V and O, who are almost nomadic in a sense, wandering throughout the area. Figure 2 frames the shot so that V and O are in the foreground, staring off toward the city. Putting the city in foreground highlights that V and O's unattainable desire to reach the city. As the film progresses, a third character identified as 43 is introduced as a man sporting the same suits of protective gear that V and O are wearing. Through the ECU of 43's eyes (Refer to Figure 3), the cinematographer captures the envy 43 has for V and O's more advanced oxygen generator. This in turn portrays the greed that thrives in the human mind.

Figure 4

43, envious of V and O, chooses to strike them at their point of vulnerability, when one of them falls down from fatigue. 43 then runs over to V and O, and puts the decision on the still standing main character on whether or not to leave his fallen partner to suffer and die. The instinct of self preservation is called upon and the standing main character detaches from his fallen partner, so he could fight 43 (Refer to Figure 4). Putting the two battling to the death in the foreground highlights the intense moment that is occurring between the two of life or death. While they are fighting in the foreground, the fallen partner is rolling in agony in the background. Leaving him in shot serves as a reminder to the audience of what happens when self preservation overwhelms the human mind, leaving the baggage of other life to die.

Figure 5

As the battle continues, the standing main character becomes the victor. However, instead of going back to his own better oxygen generator, he takes 43's oxygen generator, not knowing that it was worse than his. As this standing main character leaves the area of his fallen comrade and enemy, the timer on the oxygen generator goes off. The CU shot of this timer (Refer to Figure 5) portrays the instant loss of security. The suddenness of the timer symbolizes the sudden loss of security in having a steady supply of oxygen. Ironically, the main character ends up dying like the rest of them, despite giving up on his partner for self preservation.

Overall, Connected was relatively well done. The cinematography was especially meticulous. Definitely on my list for short films.