Short film research: (nightcrawler/urban thriller)

  For our short film, we're diving into the urban thriller genre, and after watching Nightcrawler, I’ve found a lot of valuable insights that can shape our project. The film uses intense close-up shots and quick camera movements, often following the protagonist with a sense of urgency and disorientation. This technique creates a feeling of unease, which is heightened by the ambient city sounds blending with a minimalistic, eerie soundtrack that amplifies the tension. The mise-en-scène is filled with dark urban environments, such as neon-lit streets and empty buildings, giving the sense that the city itself is both a character and a dangerous place. The lighting contrasts sharply, with bright neon against dark shadows, which adds to the ominous feel. Editing in Nightcrawler is crisp, with rapid cuts during tense moments and the occasional slow-motion shot to highlight critical, morally ambiguous decisions. What I enjoy about the genre, as shown in Nightcrawler, is the psychological depth of the characters and the complex relationship they have with their environment, which really pulls me in. However, the morally grey nature of the protagonist can sometimes make it difficult to emotionally connect, which is something I hope to approach carefully in our film. Watching Nightcrawler has given me a clear idea of how we can use the city setting and camera work to create suspense, while focusing on character development to build a rich, engaging narrative.