Living in a world where you feel like you are not seen or heard can be mind blowing and depressing. A young high school boy named Brandon in the short film, The Most Beautiful Thing by Cameron Covell, is a social outcast and has an isolated mindset. He feels as if he is never seen nor heard. Knowing that, he realizes that prom is just around the corner and he has to build up the courage to not only find a girl but also to ask her to go to prom with him. He has his eyes on one girl in particular and attempts to speak to her every time he sees her. The first time he speaks to her in the hallway she keeps walking. He later sees this girl outside sitting beside him and he speaks again. She did not respond. He persists and yells, “You can’t hear me?” She realizes he is trying to get her attention so she looks over at him. She writes him a note informing him that she is deaf and refuses to speak and that her name is Emily. They start writing notes, and then transition into hanging out, texting and even liking each other. Then he realizes he just might have a date for prom. First he has to figure out how he will ask her. But one day just might change everything for the worst. An unexpected obstacle occurs and he has to figure out a resolution. The acting of the main characters, the setting where the short film takes place, and the music that is playing in the background all has a positive impact on my thought of this film. The acting in this film was highly significant. Due to the disabilities of Emily, it is critical for the acting to be dramatic. The acting from Brandon is very emotional. It is obvious what emotions he is feeling, and he expresses these emotions through his actions. When he is happy he shows it though his facial expressions. When he is angry he hits the paper towel dispenser and pushes the door. When he is stressed he washes his face, and when he is sad he cries. And as for Emily she too expressed herself though her actions. Because she cannot speak or hear, the young girl acted out less than Brandon, but she always told him her feelings. When she misses him she let him know. When she realized she likes him she hugs him tight, and she texts him because she is concerned with his whereabouts. These are all good references of the two displaying their emotions. I believe the acting is flawless because by watching the two I really understand how they felt and what was going on at the time. Understanding and connecting to a story just by the good acting that is displayed can determine a great film. The short film is taken place in a high school. I felt as though when I am watching this short film that I can relate to the story better because I have been through the high school setting. The high school has social groups like any other school and that is what makes the main character stick out because Brandon is an outcast. When the story is going good and the emotions are happy it is daylight and bright outside. Symbolizing a brighter mindset and joy. When the story takes a turn for the worse the setting is dark outside. The short film is taken place during the springtime to let the audience know that even though the story contains conflict, the conflict is not great enough to destroy a brighter mindset. The music in the background has a major impact on my view of this short film. Throughout the story different types of music is constantly being played. Through happy moments they play uplifting music. Through sad moments they play slower, deeper music. For example when the young boy and the young girl become friends he was happy because he was not so alone anymore. While all these positive things are happening to him lighter, more uplifting music is being played. When some of the negative obstacles occur you will see that darker, and deeper music is playing. Music is a gift that controls the tempo of what is going on, and the music in this story persuades the audience on how they should feel.
I think that this short film is very effective and has very great morals to the story. No matter what go for what you want. Brandon realizes the challenge, went through obstacles, and later resolves the conflict. The acting, the setting and even the music all tie in together to make the story more effective because these elements make a great story. Because feelings go beyond words in this film it is critical for the acting, the setting, and the music to all work together in the right way. Trapped in a minor state of depression failure becomes expected and accepted but never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.