Film Studies - Design Brief

For my own production, I intend to show influence from Lacan's theory of lack and the Freudian concept of the structure of the human psyche. I find that both theories would prove beneficial when composing a film based upon desires and the conflict that one suffers when trying to repress needs that are deemed unconventional or irrational in social terms. Hence, showing conflict between the id and the superego, as the subject attempts to refrain from attaining desires.

My initial plan is to portray this internal opposition by following a subject with a series of tracking shots, through a desolate location which reflects the unstable nature of their mind. They will be exposed to various temptations along the way, such as: alcohol, cigarettes, sexual attraction and violence. Whilst showing elements of their 'neutral self' (aka the ego) witnessing these allurements, I plan to intersect with sequences that reflect them indulging in these desires; consuming alcohol, smoking, committing violent acts etc. To enhance the perplexity, I will use jump cuts in these sections.

I also intend to manipulate sound, overlaying dialogue to reflect the mental struggle of the subject will also project a sense of disorientation. Both visually and conceptually, this will represent conflict between the id and superego, whist also presenting aspects of Lacan's theory of lack, showing how the subject is striving to fill empty voids in their life, with materialistic objects and irrational desires.

In order to make the concept clear visually, I plan to show a direct contrast between the two oppositions, by utilising colour and lighting. For the mundane routine segment, I intend to use predominantly natural lighting and conventional colour, whereas the instinctive desires will be illustrated in a dark manner, using low key lighting and various colour filters, to show some sort of abnormality. Almost creating a delusion and making it clear to the audience that such events are only occurring within the mind of the subject and not in reality.

In addition to this, I would also like to make use of handheld camera techniques, in order to further enhance the disorientation that is manifested during sequences which reflect the activity of the mind. This will create an unsettling ambience that clearly distinguishes between the two sections of the film.