Introduction
The crush, directed by Michael Creagh, is an Oscar winning ‘short film’ (15 mins max.) in 2010 consisting of the genres: romance, drama, and dark comedy. The movie is based on an 8 year old boy who’s object of affection is his second class teacher, Ms Purdy. He becomes heartbroken after coming across his teacher engaged with another man (Pierce), leading him to challenge her fiance to a duel to the death. Michael Creagh brilliantly used filming techniques including foreshadowing, body language, colour, lighting, and low angle shots.
Foreshadowing
There were many key aspects in The Crush that were used effectively. For instance, foreshadowing. When Ardal got home after seeing his teacher (Ms Purdy) engaged with someone else while wearing their wedding ring instead of his, then seeing him spy on his dad hiding what looks to be a real gun instantly gave us the idea of him seeking revenge. This helped us understand that the boy was extremely upset and showing that harbouring feelings of revenge can lead to death. The director did this to show that people are capable of making bad decisions when they’re not in the right headspace - hurt, heartbroken, angry, etc. Coinciding with the foreshadowing in this short film was suspenseful music, this definitely created tension in the audience, emphasising the scene more.
Body Language
Another effective film technique was the body language. This is demonstrated when Ardal has Pierce (Ms Purdy’s fiance) at gunpoint, the way he holds the gun makes it seem much more real than fake. He holds it with two hands due to the size and as if it's as heavy as a real one which creates a dramatic effect. This makes the audience believe that Ardal could consequently shoot Pierce, having an outcome of his death. The purpose of this was to build up connection/concern towards every character. Ms Purdy - her fiance could die in front of her by one of her dearest students that she cares about. Ardal - he could go to jail. Pierce - he could die. This worked well with the close up of Ardal holding the gun up right up to his eyes, showing he is concentrating on his aim, making the scene much more scarier and intense.
Colour and lighting
The colour and lightning was used constructively to darken the mood. For example, the gunpoint scene was surrounded by faded, grey, enclosed, walls. The colour makes the scene seem more depressed, whereas if it were to be a bright green wall, it wouldn’t be as effective. The director did this to show the thoughts and feelings behind the characters through colours and lighting. This can be juxtaposed to the scene where Ardal is spying on his dad hiding the gun. The bathroom is a dark faded colour, instantly making the scene suspenseful.
Low Angle
Another particular aspect that was efficacious was the low angle shots that were produced in the film. For example, Michael Creagh used a low angle shot during the gunpoint scene between Ardal and Pierce. This helps us see that Pierce was vulnerable and armless, while Ardal was much more powerful and in control. The purpose of this was to show the power of the 8 year old and how cautiously Pierce had to act and respond. This coincides well with the facial expressions and body language, from an exaggerated voice, to being frightened and worried. Dropping to his knees and begging for his life, making the scene far more intense. This aspect can be contrasted to where Ardal is staring at the gun on the top shelf of the closet. It demonstrates how powerful it is compared to him.
Conclusion
Michael Creagh successfully utilised foreshadowing, body language, colour, lighting, and low angles in The Crush. The most effective film technique I believe was foreshadowing. He excellently displayed a scene that made the audience bound to know what happens next and pulled us in to continue watching. He made this work well with the cinematography and lighting to create a sense of despair, making it much more powerful. This film helps us understand what children are capable of if they have some sort of influence or motivation and how intelligent and creative they can be.
