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. 

The Presumed Idea

     In my last post, I shared that I had an idea in mind. So here are the basics...

     I've decided that PTSD would be an interesting disorder to choose because it provides a plethora of opportunity regarding why the protagonist has this illness. Rather than taking what feels like the cliché route, my character will not be a war veteran. Google "PTSD movies" and the picture below shows the first six films that pop up. Only one of those (Reign Over Me) is fixated around a character who suffers from the disorder for a reason besides war. Actually, the five other movies are all about Vietnam War veterans... not very original if you ask me.

     A quick google search was able to prove my point that war veterans are a bit overused when it comes to representing PTSD. Therefore, a quick synopsis of my film is a woman who was kidnapped and tortured as a young girl. She now suffers from PTSD. I can open the film by introducing the character. To do this, I can show the woman in a distressed state, then provide a flashback to her traumatic experience. 

     

 More in depth research and storyboarding coming soon!

(n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

The Verdict

     The first step to creating my film opening would be choosing a genre that I want to depict. While talking with other students for peer reflection, I noticed that many of my classmates believe horror is the "easy route to go", so I spent an hour of my life providing feedback on an abundance of horror stories. While some of my peers seem to be interested in the genre, others saw it as an open opportunity to utilize many of the skills we have learned, such as stings, low-key lighting, and close-ups -- all of which seem to be vital techniques in horror films. 

     While I too want to showcase the various tools I've learned throughout this course, I also want to make sure I'm completely invested in my project. To be frank, horror has never interested me. Mostly because I'm admittedly a scaredy-cat, and I'll probably end up terrified if I even go too deep in researching the genre. Though I may sound a bit hypocritical, mental illnesses (although it can be a disturbing and touchy subject) have always fascinated me. Whether it's a common disorder such as depression, or a more intense issue like bipolar disorder, I've always jumped at the opportunity to research these illnesses more in depth. For example, in 9th grade, I did a book report on I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Joanne Greenberg (an intense but excellently written autobiography; I give it a 10/10), and I am currently working on a film in which the protagonist has schizophrenia. Therefore, it only seems fitting that I take advantage of yet another chance in which I can choose the topic of my project. 

     That being said, the genre of my choice is drama (in which mental illness will be portrayed). While watching this YouTube video, I began brainstorming, and at the 1:36 mark I already had my idea. Stay tuned! 










Common Disorders in Young Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.dualdiagnosis.org/mental-health-and-addiction/common-young-adults/

What is serious mental illness? (n.d.). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from http://www.mentalhealthwales.net/what-is-serious-mental-illness/

W. (2016, August 08). Retrieved March 12, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJnHbXV8_9U

Where to Begin...

     As an extremely involved student in the television production program at my high school, taking a class about media studies didn't come off as difficult. During the first couple of lessons, I would sit back, learning about terminology I have been previously exposed to. However, as the year continued, I found myself to be sucked deeper into this world of analysis and understanding. 

   

     Days spent sitting at my desk in the front of the room, eyes plastered to the words and videos presented on PowerPoints, and my ears aching to hear more of my teacher's explanations have filled my brain with more knowledge, and ultimately brought me to this very moment: my first blog post. 

    

     In October, I decided that later in the school year I would be making a two minute film opening by myself. In reference to the TV production program I mentioned above, I have spent my high school career thus far creating a variety of videos independently. Therefore, I didn't see this project to be a burden. In fact, I've been looking forward to this day since my graduated friends were creating their own portfolios. As of now I'm not quite sure which path I will take, but I am optimistic about my future project and I hope my teacher, Cambridge, and any other eyes that cross my blog come to enjoy it as well.