Tick Where It Hurts is a short film written, directed and produced by Bertie Gilbert, that explores the story of a boy dealing with the loss of his brother after he commits suicide. The main themes of the film include, family, loss and betrayal. However, some secondary themes include music and friendship.
Within the opening scene, the protagonist is shown lying on a kitchen floor alone. The mise en scene within this scene, where he is entirely alone, serves to set the lonely mood of the rest of the film. A close-up of his bandaged hand is also shown, creating an enigma that leaves the audience to wonder what happened to his hand, how and more importantly, why.
Likewise, mise en scene plays an important role throughout the film. For example, the next scene depicts a room full of musical instruments and equipment, shown through close ups of guitars and sound desks which reflects the theme of music within the film and the importance it plays in the relationship between the two brothers, and how they are seen by the wider society.
In addition to the mise en scene within the film, cinematography is also a key microfeature in the exposition of the film’s main themes. For example, the low key lighting throughout the parts of the film where the protagonists brother is absent, suggests his depressed and hopeless mood. Furthermore, the red lighting connotes the protagonist’s anger, upset and frustration at his situation, all of which reflect the protagonist’s loneliness during this dark point in his life.
The narrative of the film begins with only minimal information being revealed to the audience which is then gradually revealed throughout the film. This withheld information helps to create a sense of suspense and mystery for the audience. The narrative is told from the protagonist's perspective, with a voiceover in parts to narrate his brother’s message which was left behind.
The high speed editing used throughout the majority of the film, suggests the hecticness of the protagonists emotions and the events of the plot. This is supported by the recurring band name mentioned within the film ‘:Hectic synth’.
The choice of lighting, in particular after the protagonist’s brother’s suicide, causes a shadow to cast over his face which suggests an introverted character, perhaps one who is ‘hiding within the shadows’.
:There is also a clear contrast between red and blue lighting used within the film, however, both of which still portray a negative mood and atmosphere within the film.
The parts in which the lighting is yellower however, for example, when he is back to his familiar surroundings, connote equilibrium, but then, the blue lighting which returns when he switches on his computer shortly afterwards, returns to the disequilibrium of the film.
