Creating Tension and Ambiguity

After watching various short films containing both dialogue and no dialogue, we have decided the films with the more poignant tension were the ones without. Therefore our short film will contain no dialogue. It is very important that the choice of non-diegetic sound is suitable and relevant to the narrative, creating the desired tension.

The envelope is at the centre of our short film, the audience never know what is written on the envelope, leaving it open to interpretation, leaving the audience in a position where they create their own version of events. The ambiguity is further emphasised in the clip as the protaganist is nameless, leaving him in a position of mystery, this is also used to emphasise his past, secret life.

The Envelope - Narrative

The story consists of a man, leading an ordinary life, who then unexpectadly receives an envelope slid under his front door. This provokes memories of the past, dangereous life he used to live. When looking back on his past life he is driven to the edge as he feels once again threatened by what is written within the letter. Flashbacks are then seen of the life he lived previously. The man, frightened, then escapes as fast as possible, making his exit by train.