Family Portrait

Brief synopsis

A dysfunctional couple undergo an emotional onslaught of

feelings and physical abuse before they undertake a family

portrait.

Background:

The film is about the power play between two people and their constant efforts to cover

it up. The film will be surreal, aiming to exaggerate the minor conflict that occurs within a

relationship on a day-to-day basis. It will highlight how different issues within a

relationship can lead to a major clash of feelings. In the film the scenes will depict

different scenarios that relate to the needs and wants of each individual in a relationship.

For instance, washing the wife's mouth with soap would signify the husband’s want to

control what the wife says, unhappy with her freedom to say what she wants. The family

portrait is also meant to touch on the strange enigma that is a family. Often we never get

to see what happens behind closed doors and really understand what the family is like.

The Story

DarkEvocativeConfronting Theatrical Surreal (nightmare qualities)

INITIAL PROMPT:Within a flower lies both poison and medicine. Lovers are alike in so many ways.

-Narcissist-Drugs (poison and medicine)-Family life, wanting to escape the family, but recognising the strength that family brings-Dysfunctional family-Relationships within a family

Influences

Cinematographic style Low keyHard lightBold blacks and blues High contrast

Light and Composition

The use of a haze/fog machine not only creates a visually striking effect, but suggests that the living room is ‘empty’, ‘abandoned’ and rarely used.

The wide angle lens makes the table appear larger.A larger table exaggerates the visual and emotional distance between the two characters at opposing ends of the table. The unconventional framing evokes a sense of unease, oddity and tension.

Shooting a ‘frame within a frame’ complements theme; contrived misrepresentations of toxic domestic life.

Costume

No set decade, but fashion reminiscent of the 50s

A “perfect” nuclear suburban family

With the normality of the costume design being reminiscent of typical suburban culture, the contrast is more interesting between how the family should be, and their actual dynamics.

At first glance you view the family as a normal, average family, but quickly learn otherwise.

Potential locationsSuburban house with old style furniture

Neo-gothic family home