An Open Letter to the CEO

To: 

Vinod,

CEO,

The Earth.

From:

A Movie lover,
On Earth.

Sub: Analysis of the Short film : The God Must Be Crazy.

Respected CEO,

I saw your film, The God Must Be Crazy and this  blog is about the analysis of your film based on my understanding of Films. Most of the lines will be about the film making style which you may want to share with the film director. I will be glad if it happens so. Since the content attracted me to the minimum, I concentrated more on the framing and acting part along with other crafts of the film.

To begin with, I liked the intro titles, song and the below wordings:

ప్రజ్ఞానం బ్రహ్మ – చైతన్యమే బ్రహ్మం (ఋగ్వేదము)
ఆహం బ్రహ్మస్మి – నేనే బ్రహ్మం (యజుర్వేదము)
తత్త్వమసి – బ్రహ్మమే నీవు (సామవేదము)
అయమాత్మా బ్రహ్మ – ఆత్మయే బ్రహ్మం (అధర్మనవేదాము)….

Moving on to the opening scene, I was praying to the crazy God that it should not be a ‘indoor shot’ film because of my expectations on the Banners and knowing that there are producers for this film. However it turned out to be what I scared of, but there is no point in pointing out, because its the decision of story writer and director to pick the story that they want to film.

In the first scene, when Govind and You, the CEO of Earth were introduced, I understood this is mostly likely a 1-1 conversation, at least the first scene. Just would like to point out two things, the 180 degree rule was well followed (of course, there are no so called rules in film-making). I liked the framing - when you are shown, you are near to the right corner of the screen and when govind was talking, he was almost to the left of the  screen. I will tell you later, why I liked it.

Moving on, I found out there was a continuity break when Govind is narrating his story and the focus is on your reactions, after your dialogue “ Govind, personal question. Neeku lover unda ?” and Govind starts telling about a girl named Prerana.    

I see the difference here, folded hands vs free hands - in very successive shots with shots depicting that there is no time gap between the two but the posture of yours was different in one shot to the other.

I, could be because of my high expectations, just felt if this was ignored or purposefully shot in that way for someone in the audience to catch it. If your aim was the second one then I am happy but if it was ignored then I am bit disappointed as this is clearly visible. As a professional filmmakers we should not miss such bugs.

Moving on, just like Govind, I didn’t get what director was trying to say with this shot: 

I am curious to know if there is anything hidden in this shot, other just the possible fact that the director is also a great admirer of Tarantino , Bob Marley (that’s what I think about second pic) and few others. For me, it didn’t add any value to the story but just caused a bit confusion of how its related to the CEO of Earth. I will be glad to know the answer.

Please don’t get into a wrong impression that I am only talking on the negative side of the film. There are definitely few positives that I liked and learned from the film.

1. Govind & CEO of Earth - Shashank Mouli & Vinod Varma

- With all due respect to you, I am really impressed with Shashank’s acting. It could be because of his character or could be because your character was very contrast with calm and composed posture and gestures which you really handled well, but I really liked how Shashank played his part. I am unaware of his experience in acting, but knowing that you are experienced actor, I felt he competed neck to neck with you and that could become the main reason for people to watch the film till the end. Good duo on screen.

2. BGM - Pvr Raja

- Started good, liked it in the middle and especially during the climax phase. At times, bgm was not related to the mood in the scene but It was overall a good sounding for the ears.

3. Framing - Jayashankar and his assistants.

- As I mentioned earlier, the first few min, the framing was good. Then when Govind comes back again, opening the door and sits again, feels shocked, drinks water and the CEO talking to him. I observed these are shot from the other side of 180 degree axis, the axis being the straight line between the two people conversing. I actually liked it.

  

I really don’t know why director chose to shoot it from the other side, could be because he wanted some variety or he intentionally did for the reason which I felt and I am explaining it below:

I felt, In the first half, (considering Govind going out and coming back as mid point), it was shot from one side of the axis, giving it as one side of the coin (of the story). When he comes back and sits, drinks water, from there on most of the shots are taken from other side, saying that there is other side of the story. That is when the CEO reveals his actual designation, what happened to Govind earlier and what this entire interview discussion is about. I felt this is like, watching the other side of the coin - I only felt this because it was shot from the other side. “Brilliant” taking for me.

- But again even as it goes further, there were shots taken on both sides of the axis, breaking the 180 degree rule. In one way, its breaking the rules but I would like to leave it as ‘style’ of the director. Frankly, I even won’t believe on rules in film-making.  For me, as long as there is a reason for the director to shoot a  shot in a particular way, then it just adds on as a new rule, that’s how creativity takes new shape unless it ends up as just my assumption on the director.

4. Dialogues - Jayashankar

- Over all the dialogues are well written, what I liked most is “ ఒక్క సారి పక్క గ్రహాలను అడిగి చూడండయ్యా భూమి అసలు అభివృద్దిలోకే రాలేదంటున్నారు”. And defining earth as hell. I felt those explanations are logical and interesting and more importantly ‘new’.

5. Cinematography & Editing - Shiva Shankara Vara Prasad & Dayakar Annam

- Its really good. I liked it. No remarks. I liked the lighting, considering the limitations of a short film. Cinematography looked professional. Have to appreciate Shiva Shankara Vara Prasad.

6. Titles 

- I just felt to share a suggestion, I see titles in the beginning of the film and at the end. I guess, if we can avoid at one place, then we can shorten the length of the film. Actually titles take first two minutes of the film time, so honestly I don’t think there is a need for end titles. Anyways, its just a suggestions.

This is my overall feeling about the film. Hope I didn’t cause any hurt with my words. Looking forward for much more professional films setting standards for others to follow!

All the Best!!!

- Sai Kiran