Assignment #1

I usually do longer films, but this time I chose the NY lottery's advert from Christmas with the bodega cat, because it never fails to both touch my hear and cause me to tear up a little.

The story begins with the shopkeeper closing up for the night. He's seen in mostly low key lighting with a bit of high key closer to his body, as we are watching exit his shop. We are viewing him from a low angle,long shot. The overall colour theme is drab, as it's intended to make you feel like the shopkeeper is just going about his every day, maybe lacking in excitement or true pleasures. The shopkeeper appears to be of middle class status, hard working - his job seems to take up most of his time.

The sweet little cotton, whose name is Cyrus, sits on the floor, waiting behind. He is shown at normal angle, long shot, low key lighting. There is a small amount of high key lighting in the back showing the sodas in the coolers. He is reflected in that light as it shines across the floor. He has a sweet look on his face, appears very well cared for. Colour motif is still drab to set an emotional tone.

We see little Cyrus bound out of the store with a bag in his paws. He is still seen at normal angle, long shot, in the snow. Lighting is low key with high key highlights coming from the snow and lighting in the background. He looks determined to take that bag somewhere. Colour motif is still drab, continuing to impart an emotional tone, as we follow Cyrus.

Our sweet friend is now on a bus. We can tell that it's late at night, as lighting is kept low key. We see him in a long shot as he sits with his envelope on the seat by himself, with other passengers behind him, minding their own businesses. He looks lost in thought.

We now see our little sweetheart running past Santa Clause, who appears to be enjoying the gorgeous city view. The shot is again low key, long shot of Cyrus, and medium -long shot of Santa. The color scheme starts to brighten a little, thanks to Santa's suit and the lights from buildings in the distance. This seems to represent a change in mood as Cyrus is making progress on his journey.

We now see Cyrus outside the window to an apartment building in a long shot. The outside is low key lighting. Inside is high key. We see a stark contrast in this picture. The outside is cold, dark, lonely. Inside is warm and inviting. There are even some holiday decorations for us to enjoy.

We now have a closeup of Cyrus, still in low key lighting, as he is about to creep up on what turns out to be his shopkeeper friend. He will deliver a gift of lottery tickets to the man. The colour has changed now to a warm hue. This tells us that we have exited the cold, harsh world, and are now in a loving home which is about to have a bit more joy, thanks to Cyruus. We can see the sincerity in Cyrus's big eyes. He has a very soulful look, almost smiling.

This is an example of the expressionist film style, as hints at real events, but takes them to a fantasy level.