'Slap'

Slap is a coming-of-age short film which can also be categorised as social realism for its focus on the topic of masculinity and homophobia. It's about a young man whose secret hobby of doing makeup is discovered by his friend.

Narrative -

The narrative is linear but its clear to understand whilst vague in aspects to make the viewer assume and question things the film effectively teaches them not to. Throughout the entire film there is a sense of discomfort in the risks the main character takes.

Representation -

Slap deals with conflicting messages of masculinity, femininity and homophobia. The main character is presented as a mainly masculine boy who spends his free time doing makeup, not because he is gay or transsexual but because he enjoys it. However, the reaction given by the supporting cast brings in the issue of discrimination, homophobia and transphobia.

Overall Thoughts -

I really enjoyed this film the most out of the ones we saw. The topic and its execution are really well done. It's depressing but it spreads awareness to an ongoing issue. However, it is also one of the more complex and professionally produced films out of what we saw meaning I likely won't be able to meet this level of quality. However, something to take from this is the heavy topic and how I could possibly focus on a controversy or social issue for my screenplay. Another element to take is the character development and how the characters become easy to connect, understand and learn of in such a short span of time.