2. Short Film Anaylsis: Lifeline

The establishing shot of space opens this short film and gives a sense of scientific discovery. However, as space is unknown, we feel this short film may not reach a satisfying answer. Nevertheless, we are then introduced to the protagonist: a man we believe to be an astronaut. The mid shot reveals him more closely, and as we see behind the shoulder, we are included in his intentions. He seems to be searching for something- but we don't know what yet. Furthermore, the sound gives off a sense of isolation which is reinforced through the emptiness of space.

Moreover, the three shots of the rope pulling him back symbolically signifies that he is unfortunately coming back to reality, whether or not he likes it. His sadness is then portrayed through the long shot, as the mise-en-scene conveys his body language as lifeless. After this, the shot fades to the protagonist sitting alone at a table. This portrays his isolation even further, as he is holding a picture of himself with a woman. We then begin to realize that he is missing this person and that he may be trying to search for her. The fact the camera zooms on the picture further portrays his attachment towards the women, and with the use of sound, it reinforces his lost love. Additionally, the long shot conveys his empty life as the plant pot is shown to be bigger than him by perspective. Thereby, reinforcing his isolation. The mise-en-scene shows this too, as the dark gloomy atmosphere symbolically represents his grief. 

A low angle is then used to heighten his importance in the field of science. His work behind calculations has obviously shown to be a life long study to reunite himself with his wife. The significance his her in his life is evidently shown by the locket he carries, symbolically representing his love for her. The use of sound also portrays this, as the lifeline connotes this mission is life or death. Indeed, he travels beyond physics, time and space which highlights the dedication towards finding her. However, we then begin to question whether this is real or not. The protagonist may just be hallucinating over the grief of his dead wife, which was answered by the black car driving towards the women. After this death is evidently shown as he 'swims with the fishes' and swims towards 'the bright light' indicating that death as negative.

Religious aspects are then brought into this short film through the use of music. The choir behind the text reveals that the text may be coming to a close, therefore, he has found his wife. The shock the protagonist reveals when they meet is only evident on him, the wife shows no emotion. This brings up questions to whether this narrative is based on a dream. Nevertheless, they hug assuming they will be together. However, the noise used in the background increases adding a tone of annoyance. The protagonist is stuck and cannot continue to be with his wife. This sense of trying to move but not succeeding all reflects similar aspects of a dream. The strain on his face reveals his is trying everything he can to break the rope, but unfortunately, he dies because he has no oxygen.