'Pitch Black Heist': Short Film Analysis

13 Minutes | Directed by John Maclean | Crime Drama/Film Noir/Heist Movie | 2012

'Pitch Black Heist'

This short film was directed by John Maclean in the year 2012 which focuses upon the fragmented and tense relationship between father and son - although this is only revealed at the conclusive part of the movie, when the son, as played by Michael Fassbender, frames his father Liam, as played by Liam Cunningham, as the criminal behind a heist. Working closely together throughout the narrative, several hints are filtered through to the audience in regards to the nature of the main characters' relationship, and, upon watching the film a second time, it becomes obvious to the spectators what was concealed all along.

At the very start of the movie, both Michael and Liam meet for what is supposedly 'the first time', with their performance working to present the character dynamics between them as reserved and secretive - particularly Michael, who, with the knowledge that Liam is actually the father that abandoned him and his mother as a child, resulting in her psychological breakdown and his absence of father figure growing up, is clearly intensely driven by getting his revenge. When the two men first interact, Liam is surprised to find Michael's willingness to use his real name - something that we are unaware of whether or not is actually true. This suggestion of false identities and meeting for the first time as stranger's is a point of irony within the narrative - going to show just how absent Liam was in his own child's life, leaving his son alone to deal with the breakdown of his mother and the unsettled home life that must have been bred as a result, so much so that he is unable to recognise Michael as his own.

'Pitch Black Heist'

The lack of leadership and security that Michael must have experienced growing up is quite clearly symbolised during their training, when Liam attempts to lead Michael blindfolded and fails miserably, leading them to switch roles. This careful performance goes to highlight how Liam has failed in leading his son and acting as a positive role model, resulting in Michael bring completely independent and s young man who does not rely on his father for either physical or metaphorical guidance. This fragmented relationship is also seen through the representation of each of the characters. The way that Michael begins the short film wearing all black and Liam is seen to wear lighter shades, with this switching as the movie progresses, goes to enforce the idea of the audience's first assumptions being wrong; with the character of Liam who was found to act as a source of comedic relief and the protagonist the spectators felt more aligned to, turning out to be the 'bad guy' of the narrative. As the film reaches it's conclusion, we as an audience come to finally understand why Michael did what he did, although the ethical implications of his revenge are never forgotten or disregarded. 

'Pitch black Heist'

This transition in terms of alignment is most notable when looking at the camera angles and movements that work to present the characters to us. The medium long shots of Michael in a black hoodie during the film's opening reinforces the idea that he poses a threat to Liam, making it somewhat impossible for the spectators to be able to sympathise with him. The lighting additionally gets progressively darker as the narrative continues on, with the crisp film-noir conventions that have been utilised being made to not only reflect the idea of a pitch black heist, but also to draw attention to the increasing amount of shadow and the ominous atmosphere that hangs about the characters interactions. The setting also adds to the general conventions of the heist-movie genre, with it starting in an isolated and open warehouse during the planning stages, and it ending with Liam being trapped within a claustrophobic and intense environment that he is unable to escape from. The theme of betrayal is also used within the narrative, particularly when we find out that Liam neglected his son, and when Michael frames his father for the heist.

'Pitch Black Heist'

The lack of colour works to dramatise the enigmas being put forth to the audience snd make it feel for the audience as though they are watching a traditional heist film. The use of soundtrack and music adds to this idea, although the exciting and relatively upbeat musical score does not match the content of the movie itself. It is important to note that music is only used within the opening scene of the film, working to show the aim of the main characters heist - little do the audience know that for Michael, the heist has a much more personal meaning. The typography seen within the opening sequence makes the title of the short film appear quite official and imposing, with the screen dramatically fading to black at the end of each act to heighten the intensity and foreboding elements of the narrative and engage the spectators in the action that unfolds.