The Dinner Guest

This is my second project for my Introduction to Video Production class this semester.

The assignment was to create another scene without any dialogue, only this time, we were allowed more than five shots.
This is the second and final edit of "The Dinner Guest." A few months ago, I posted an earlier version of the scene, but since then have added a few more shots in order to increase the feeling of dramatic tension and anticipation.

This scene is set in 1936 Southern Britain.
The song is a Welsh lullaby called "Suo Gan," and is performed by Bryn Terfel.

Thanks to all the actors who participated in this scene, and a special thanks to Bev Bradley, who let me raid her home and take whatever 1930's accessories I pleased.

Hope you enjoy this!

Translation of "Suo Gan" lyrics:

To my Lullaby surrender,
Warm and tender is my breast;
Mother's arms with love caressing
Lay their blessing on your rest;
Nothing shall tonight alarm you,
None shall harm you, have no fear;
Lie contented, calmly slumber
On your mother's breast, my dear.
Here tonight I tightly hold you
And enfold you while you sleep;
Why, I wonder, are you smiling,
Smiling in your slumber deep?
Are the angels on you smiling
And beguiling you with charm,
While you also smile, my blossom,
In my bosom soft and warm?

Have no fear now, leaves are knocking,
Gently knocking at our door;
Have no fear, waves are beating,
Gently beating on the shore.
Sleep my darling, none shall harm you
Nor alarm you, never cry,
In my bosom sweetly smiling
And beguiling those on high.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• dinner
• guest
• joe
• gleason
• 1930's
• period
• piece
• suo
• gan
• bryn
• terfel
• british
• family
• typewriter
• anticipation
• yearning
• anchoress
• first
• things

[costernocht]

I can't believe this is 'just' a student film. There's nothing I don't love about it.

[50srefugee]

This makes me want to smoke a cigarette, simply because that would be a nice thing to do, like setting out flowers, or listening to music.

Or making a very good film short. Lovely, lovely work.

[kaiserakazakas]

Mmmm...I love all of the small preparations--the setting of the table, the brushing of the hair--that add to the expectation.

[Beerman]

operatic soundtracks are my weakpoint, but besides that, you certainly know how to craft an unnerving scenario. bravo, monsieur. i thorougly enjoyed it.

[mhunckler]

This is awesome, Joe. Looking forward to seeing more of your films. Keep up the spectacular work!

[PMiddy001]

Wonderful work. Truly outstanding. 5/5

[dexlives]

Lovely, simply lovely. I hope you continue in film.

[jbjumpback]

I viewed your film at least a dozen times .

What a nice story, what a warm & loving faimly

I'm sure Dad is missed very much.

[alphafive5]

Wow! Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! The outdoor shots are gorgeous and add so much more interest to the story. Fabulous work, Joe, and all!

[beccafeeks]

Wow, you couldn't ask for a better place to film. Beautiful exterior shots!!! I was wary of the fact that showing shots of the guest might rob the film of its tension, but it enriched the film so much more. Brilliant editing, Joe.