Evaluation of Maltese Falcon reconstruction

Evaluation for ‘The Maltese Falcon’ reconstruction.

During the reconstruction of this sequence our group came across difficulties that complicated the production. Although the final product was a success, the post production became very important to get the correct position of the camera for the shot.

The main obstacle our group had trouble with was the continuity throughout the sequence, because we had a limited time to complete each stage of production, we were pressured to complete shots in hour slots in our college timetables. A result of this was having to rearrange our mis-en-scene in the exact position as the previous shots, this became a problem when we were editing. Georgia’s scarf (Mrs Wonderly) is visible in the shot 1:11, but then isn’t in shot 1:31. Unfortunately because we were pushed for time we couldn’t re-take this shot to correct the continuity, which was a good learning point in the fact that a lot of planning is needed to avoid these little mistakes.

Another continuity obstacle we didn’t take into consideration was that because we had to film on different days, the weather would change the lighting that was coming through the window and would in turn change the lighting within the room. We attempted to counteract this problem by using blinds and a portable LED light, which worked in our benefit in the final outcome by helping to create a film noir effect, which we were aiming for.  Although we were pressured for time, I feel the final outcome of our reconstruction and the continuity for a rushed amateur film was of a high standard. This obstacle has proven that a high amount of time and planning is needed to organise shots and camera angles for my own creative project.

Our budget was very limited, and we were required to use our own clothing and possessions to create the mis-en-scene inside the room. Despite the fact we had to improvise with some objects, I feel that what we did use was very effective at replicating the original clip.

All actors throughout our reconstruction were amateur, and although the acting wasn’t of a professional standard I feel that it was effective and the actors created a believable character for the audience to be interested in. We printed off the script from The Maltese Falcon, so that the speech and stage directions were precisely the same in our film.

Cinematography was the most frustrating obstacle that our group came across. Our project was very low budget so a classroom was our only option for the setting; this gave us the challenge to try match our setting with the setting of the original film. A result of this was that we had to change the position of the camera in a particular shot when Archer enters the office (2:00), and frame him entering the shot from the right side of the room not the left. Our group also had no access to a lapel microphone, so we only had the microphone that was built into the camera. This will be become a challenge for when I begin to film my own project, and figuring out how to use them effectively.

Our group ended up with a few extra hours before the deadline, so we decided to create a gag reel of all the wasted or humorous clips that we had left. The gag reel is evidence of the obstacles you have to overcome when working with amateur actors that are nervous in front of the camera, and the pressure they are under to learn the script.

In conclusion, I feel my groups’ reconstruction of the Maltese Falcon was well organised and we were able to work together effectively and create a convincing sequence that allowed us to practice our filming, editing, and team working skills.