Discussion: Taika Waititi's "Heinous Crime" / "A Perfect Love" / "Slade in Full" / "Falling Leaves" (48Hours Filmmaking Competition)
Taylor:
Which techniques in the shorts do you think Waititi used as a direct result of the competition’s time constraint?
How would you describe the comedic elements of these short films? Do you notice any similarities between the types of characters in these films and those of his other work?
Which short is your favorite? Why?
Sarah:
I think the most frequent techniques used by Waititi for this time constraint is the small casts--extremely small, anywhere from one to three people depending on the short (and quadruple, quintuple, or greater casting)--the plethora of really awful wigs and false teeth, and questionable level of video quality (though that could have been due to seeing these shorts through youtube). They were also very similar in their generall bizarre nature, which might be a product of having to write and produce a film in such a short time.
The comedic style could best be summed up with the question “What the hell is happening?!” While not quite taking refuge in audacity, the films certainly deal with somewhat serious concepts in an extremely non-serious way (e.g. AIDS, the legal system,...whatever was happening in “Falling Leaves”, etc.). They were undeniably funny, but also very strange. As far as similarities to other works, I noticed quite a few familiar actors, particularly Waititi himself.
Umm….it’s difficult to say which was my favorite. They were all incredibly amusing, as well as a little disturbing, particularly “A Perfect Love”, which took a Narcissus complex to new levels. The one-man action film of “Slade in Full” complete with orange-tipped toy guns was a particular joy, but so was the absolutely bonkers court room of “Heinous Crime.” I had trouble breathing at points during some of them, I was laughing so hard, though I was not always certain why.
Emma:
Clearly the production value of these films were not at the same level as his more developed shorts or feature films, but despite that I think in a couple of the films (A Perfect Love and Heinous Crime) Waititi used close ups on characters to enhance dramatic effect. As a result of time constraints, I think he also had to make multiple cuts rather than taking longer, continuous shots. The quality overall reminded me of a high school skit or something. I think the subject matter was also really strange, in general, as a result of the time constraints. It is kind of fun to see the range of Waititi’s films, from these crazy shorts to his developed feature films.
I think the main source of comedy in these shorts is their absurdity and costuming. The plots themselves are pretty confusing to follow, except for A Perfect Love. I think the complete unexpectedness of the films is the main source of comedy. The intentionally unappealing wigs and false teeth I think were intended for comedic effect - it was like the same character being reiterated over and over again in different roles. I think the short films had more similarities between each other rather than to his other films. However, in Slade in Full the plot also deals with wartime (in a much less serious way, of course) as in his short Tama Tu.
A Perfect Love I thought had the most accessible plot, which is probably why it was my favorite. I also found his segments talking to himself in the mirror really amusing. He was sort of like a modern day Narcissus. I also really liked the shots where he was touching his hands to the mirror and it did kind of look like he was holding hands with someone. I felt the concept for this short was a little more well thought out. I also really liked in A Heinous Crime where they all just start shouting out court buzzwords. It was like a “Law and Order” episode from another dimension!