Old Days

I will be working on the project 'Old Days' (working title) as cinematographer. The film is about Harry, an ageing and retired career criminal who is put in the uncomfortable position of having the police find evidence of an old crime against him and are pressuring him to tell of the rest of the illegal operation he was involved in, in exchange for a lighter sentence. Harry just wants to live the rest of his days out with his family in peace. He visits Michael, the head of the operation for help, however, Michael might see other ways of stopping Harry's problem, perhaps at the expense of Harry himself. It is this scene, between Harry and Michael that will be the film's 'setting' as it were. Set in a cafe/bar type establishment, the audience will learn of Harry's hopes and problems and Michael's motives, and tension shall be grown from this situation. 

We, as a group, working on the film also have ambitions to lay onto the project certain themes which will come out through the story and the film's formal elements. The contrast between old and new, specifically that of tradition and 'old values' compared with modern day norms and values will be the overriding theme of the film. 

Through discussion with Ben (Wilson), the director of the film, we have decided we want to create a cold and noir-esque setting for the scene in order to reflect a modern world that is cynical and is more obsessed with business and money than that of connections between people and loyalty. Michael's 'hangout', where the film takes place, will be a place that reflects this. Through lighting and angle I want to make the 'hangout' a place where nobody would feel safe, no matter their history or connections. It is through this almost hostile nature of the world Harry finds himself in will we be able to create tension, to keep the audience guessing about what is going to happen to Harry.