'Slap' (2015)

 Coursework 5

‘Slap’ explores the complexity of identity in youth and truly finding oneself away from the constraints of a repressive and judgemental society. ‘Slap’ inherits a linear narrative structure which appears to unfold over one day. Conner, the protagonist, navigates the duality of identity, conflicted on whether to suppress his true identity out of fear of rejection or finally embrace his truth. The intimacy created between Conner and the spectator through the narrative timeline results in use investing in Conner’s journey emotionally, positioning us in a way to be an omniscient friend that wants to protect Conner from a conformist society. 

 

Similarly, to ‘Echo’ the discourse of identity is explored. In ‘Echo’ Caroline tries to re-find herself in a reality without her father, whilst in ‘Slap’ Conner tries to construct his own identity free of boxes and labels. Both in the end get framed as outsiders to those around Caroline falls into a vicious cycle of grief and Conner is labelled as an outsider by his friends resulting in him confronting his identity and deciding whether to oppress or liberate himself. We are invited to truly empathise with Conner on a different level than previous short film ‘protagonists’. ‘Echo’ at times invites us to empathise with Caroline but this is ultimately overpowered by the spectator’s moral compass. 

 

The narrative is arguably left open ended as we are unsure where that leaves Conner. This could be reflecting Conner’s own feelings of confusion about the future, his identity and the impact the party will leave on his relationships. This could illustrate the constant battle he has been facing in regard to his identity and the feeling of never truly being accepted for who he is. 

 

The editing nicely contrasts Conner’s internal conflicts and his external conflicts which comments on the complexities of relationships in adolescence. Cutting dramatically between his two conflicting identities reflecting Conner’s duality. The rhythm and pace of the editing matches the escalating tension in the film reflecting the growing tension in both Conner and the spectator. Quick cuts during moments of confrontation emphasise feelings of chaos and urgency, inviting the spectator into a more intimate perspective of Conner’s emotional conflicts. The film balances long takes and quick cuts to show that Conner is more comfortable in is makeup and dress than he is in the boxing gym. Perhaps showing that one was a choice and the other is a reality that is forced onto him. This could be reflecting pressures for boys by their dad’s to be truly masculine and continue their legacy. This could be commenting also on the toxicity of the standard of masculinity in sports and how it can negatively impact individuals especially the youth who are still trying to find their identity in a conformist society that favours traditional values. 

 

As Conner shows his friend how he does his makeup a warm light treacles in perhaps showing a glimmer of hope that he can now truly express his identity which provides him with a sense of freedom. The mix of the shadows and warm lights in this moment could be symbolising the mask he has been wearing to hide his identity is slowly breaking to reveal cracks of his true identity. The truth is finally shining through his façade of masculinity. The shadows still consuming his face could foreshadow attitudes around him which encourage him to supress his true identity to conform to societal standards and traditions. While it could also reflect his apprehensiveness to tell his family and girlfriend about what he so desperately tries to hide. It seems Conner is often positioned parallel to light sources which creates chiaroscuro on his face further emphasising his split and conflicting personality of the façade and the freedom. The cinematography gives the spectator a greater understanding of his internal conflicts and overwhelming emotions. As his friend reveals his personality to the entire party the lights flash red perhaps reflecting his inner panic and feelings of danger that he will not be accepted. The darkness that consumes him after the part could be symbolic of his personality trying to return to the shadows so that his relationships are not ruined. It could also reflect his isolation, aloneness and his world being flipped upside down, unsure where his place in the world is and the uncertainty of the future. Wide and long shots are used on Conner framed to include lots of negative space which could be emphasising Conner’s feelings of exposure and discomfort. The camera cuts to him charging at the camera now in his gym attire, the camera is frantic and handheld which could perhaps be reflecting his overwhelming emotions of anger, betrayal and sadness. As Conner let’s out his frustrations, the camera is positioned at a low angle. This could be symbolic of his masculine self-overpowering his free self although it could also be that he is attacking the spectator due to the position which could be to encouraging us to think about how we act in society and whether we promote a free or conformist society. 

 The sound in the film helps enhance the atmosphere. The ambient diegetic sounds of laughter, shouting and quiet music helps establish a realistic backdrop while also maximising tension during important scenes. The sound in the film also further portrays Conner as an outsider, isolating him as he is bullied and made fun of by those around him. 

The idea of reflecting on identity is heavily explored through the mise-en-scene. This is similar to ‘Echo’ which also uses reflections to position Caroline as cut off from the world around her. Reflections in ‘Slap’ are used to illustrate Conner’s conflicting duality and his uncertainty in himself. The cracked mirror in particular is a powerful metaphor for his broken identity as he becomes increasingly unsure of which identity is his. The many reflections could be a motif of confusion surrounding identity in the youth while also illustrating Conner’s internal battle of deciding to keep the façade or finally have the freedom he practices in private. The mise-en-scene also shows the discourse of gender stereotypes. Conner’s room is painted blue forcing typical traditions of masculinity onto him. The posters of women (male gaze) and boxing as well as the gym setting create a stereotypically masculine setting. This makes Conner’s makeup standout in the setting further framing him as an outsider in his own house. The setting is mundane which adds to the realism of the film demonstrating that these are issues that are present in our society. Like ‘Over’, ‘Slap’ utilises a very typical British estate to make the film more real and raw. The film is consumed with muted colours until Conner reveals his true self. Perhaps emphasising the feeling of being an outsider and the pressure of being masculine. 

 

Conner is positioned as the hero but a hero who is unable to save himself. He is not afraid to defend his friend and is more afraid of being caught with his makeup on rather than getting into a fight where he is outnumbered. This emphasises the bravery to accept his own identity and the bravery to reveal himself to others which surpasses any physical threats. This calls out the toxicity of masculinity in a judgemental and conformist society. 

 

‘Slap’ explores complex societal issues and tries to articulate the impact they have on individuals in society. Although being a long short film it shows how simple settings around us can enhance the message of the film and add to its realism. It establishes a deep connection between the protagonist and spectator adding another layer of emotional depth to the film. It also shows that a minimalist approach in film form can enhance a rich narrative emphasising the importance of a strong narrative. It is thought provoking and comments on how films can convey profound messages through simple actions and decisions made in the narrative.