PTSD Put Simply

Before jumping into techniques used in drama films, I wanted to educate myself more on what post traumatic stress disorder is. Knowing how the illness affects a person's behavior and personality is also extremely important when it comes to character development. 

    

In the simplest terms, a person can obtain PTSD by experiencing a frightening event. Flashbacks and nightmares about the occurrence (some examples include war, rape, kidnapping, and neglect) indicate that he/she may have the disorder. Some effects include irritability, social isolation, immobility, and mistrust.

http://traumadissociation.com/awareness

For my film opening, I will focus on introducing the main character and establishing her background. Because PTSD causes the feeling of loneliness, I can express that isolated emotion through lighting and composition of shots. Low-key lighting will create suspense and viewers will feel uneasy. In addition, by placing the subject in an empty room with one chair, and framing her on either the left third or right third, the empty space will further enhance that feeling of solitude.