The Fly

 The Fly

Directed by Olly Williams

The Fly is a dark comedy, about a getaway driver in a bank robbery being distracted after an encounter with a fly. Sound is key within this short film and is used immediately to set the scene when the screen is just blank, as we hear guns being loaded and a voice saying that they have, "three minutes", which also makes the spectator aware of how time seems to be slowed for the driver as it feels like he is stuck with the fly forever. 

The driver's agitation and nerves are shown from the very first shot, as he is tapping his fingers on the wheel and looks outside the car intently as if he is checking when his team members will come out. He is also taking up the whole frame, with the car being everywhere in the background, leaving little room for space. This gives a claustrophobic effect to the spectator and the feeling of him being trapped within the car. 

The shots cut between the inside of the car and the outside, which forms a contrast between his claustrophobic and stressful setting and the peaceful, calming setting outside, creating a comedic effect for the spectator. 

The sudden increased aggression from the quiet adds to the comedic effect for the spectator, while also providing us with an insight into his emotions. 

The fly is rarely shown within the whole of the film, however the buzzing sound is almost always there, displaying its constant presence around him despite being so small. The diegetic sound around him is also used to add to the tension, as the rumble of the cars engine is always prominent, and creates a sense of agitation. The lack of sound that he makes when he punches the mirror also adds the comedic effect as we know that he wants to be screaming in pain and yet represses himself because of the situation he is in. 

Here the rapid movements of his arms and body signify his frustration and intensely adds to the comedic effect, as well as causing surprise for the spectator as we were not predicting him to do this. Furthermore, the camera continuously cuts between the car and the the door of the bank, to create a contrast between the two different types of chaos being presented. The fact that the door is shut and we can only hear what is happening inside also adds to the tension as we are being limited to our imagination with only one sense. 

The slo-mo of the airbag releasing onto him contrasts with the quick cuts and rapid movements of him punching the steering wheel, and so slows down the action of the film. The previous sound of the horn also disappears with this change in tempo and so heightens the attention of the spectator on the action. 

The ending of the film ties up in a very comedic way, as the driver has exited the car, suggesting that he has given up and admitted defeat. We also hear the sound of sirens coming closer and a helicopter, making us feel surrounded by a constant threat. The limited dialogue further creates comedy as we are limited to just his facial expressions, as the others are wearing masks, and we see his bloody face, accepting his loss. Overall, this film was very well done, as it twists the classic heist getaway driver story into something very different, while also representing the tension of the robbery.