The Ellington kid

Directed by Dan Sully 

The opening shot foreshadows the main plot twist of the film, and introduces the theme of danger with the repetition of the knife scraping even when the title is playing. However because we also see that he is in a restaurant/kebab shop, we are slightly thrown off the hint of danger because we can assume that the restaurant scene is setting the theme of food instead.  

The Ellington kid is positioned in the centre of this shot, with the lights in the tunnel pointing towards him to bring all focus of attention on him. He is holding his side and looking ahead, which along with his facial expressions, displays his pain and distress. He also has his gaze ahead of the camera, with his hood up, suggesting that he is looking for a safe place to hide from his stabbers. 

The grey of his jacket and the white of the tiles vividly contrasts to the blood from his mouth and stab wound, which draws the spectator's attention to the severity of his injuries and makes us concerned for his safety. The pace of the film has also dramatically slowed down, as if it slowing down the final minutes of his life. The fact that he is also on the floor and unable to speak displays his weakness and vulnerability to the spectator. The non-diegetic music being played in the background adds to the suspense of the plot and creates uncertainty as to whether he will live or die. 

The first interaction with the owners and the stabbers provides the first plot twist of the film, as the owners posture and positioning such as the folded arms and tall posture, portray his lack of fear of the criminals, and so sets up the spectator for an interesting unpredictable interaction between the two groups. Furthermore, the camera is positioned behind the counter, suggesting that we are on the side of the owners. The contrast in the colours of their outfits portray them as two separate sides, with both the black and red signalling danger and action. 

The imagery of the knives is reintroduced, however it provokes a much more dangerous and wary feeling, as we know that they will be used on each other rather than food. The stabber also removes his mask, revealing not only his identity, but also his fear and emotion as he is aware he has lost his previous threat and power. In almost all of the shots with the stabbers, there is the red of one of the shop owners, creating the effect that they are surrounded and outnumbered. 

The immediate drop of suspenseful music with the cut to the present time diverts the spectator's expectations of a big fight and allows the setup for the next plot twist, as well as creating a comedic effect.

As the camera places itself from behind the counter into a wide shot we are removed from the friends perspective and are now watching them from the kebab owner's perspective. The camera then pans from the friends to the kebab shop owner who is sharpening his knifes and watching them. This action links back to the beginning and also creates a comedic plot twist for the spectator.