The Baby Shower Analysis

"The Baby Shower" - Short film analysis 

The film begins with the two protagonists, Mae and Christian, getting out of their taxi and instantly we can sense a very tense atmosphere. The lighting in this scene is very much cool toned, reinforcing the sadness and theme of grief that we soon learn plays a big part in this short film. Mae walks ahead of Christian, whilst he follows behind in the background, this is perhaps suggesting she is the one in control in the relationship. This is reinforced when Christian is looking for his keys and Mae rolls her eyes and unlocks the door herself. This makes us think that while Christian is trying his best in the relationship, Mae does not feel he is putting in enough effort, and this is something she argues with him about later in the film.

We are also led to believe the couple are struggling with money, as Mae asks Christians about tipping the taxi driver as well as asking how much they would get if they refunded the paint. When Mae asks this, the viewer begins to wonder whether or not there has been a death or something simialr, this is later confirmed. A 180 degree shot is used to show both characters and their facial expressions as the door is opened. There is clearly a serious strain on their relationship, this becomes apparent through their facial expressions, lack of physical contact and the silence that hangs in the air. 

The cool tones and dark lighting inside their home mirror the cold harshness from before, this is unusual as usually peoples homes are cosy and warm; a happy place. The lighting and shots from inside their home suggest they do not have a very happy home life.

The next shot is filmed through a mirror, here we see Christian showing affection towards his partner, however this affection is rejected by Mae. The fact this is shot through a mirror could suggest that this is a reflection of their relationship. 

The technical code all throughout this short film suggest a lot of tension and distance between the couple. They rarely speak, and when they do they are snappy or arguing. Christian seems to be putting in more effort but appears almost defeated, whilst Mae seems very cold, matching with the cool tones of the shots.  

The big SURPRISE scene comes next. The warm tones, happy smiles and bright colours contrast to the scenes we have been seeing so far. This is something that most people would see as a kind, loving act however Mae and Christian do not seem to appreciate the surprise. This makes the viewer question what is going on behind the scenes. Here, we see the use of narrative conflict, Mae and Christian are unhappy while their guests seem very happy and excited. 

We can tell by Mae and Christian's facial expressions that they are shocked, and not necessarily pleased by this surprised. However, they soon mask their unhappy and tense personas that we had been seeing moments before, and put on a happy face in front of their family and friends. This

 theme of masking emotions is very common throughout the entire narrative.  

Mae describes the surprise as 'amazing', although her words are not matching up with her actions as she does not seem impressed. Mae also seems shocked when she found out Christian knew the whole time, his failure to warn Mae may suggest bad communication within their relationship, or perhaps hinting that Christian had a lot on his mind.

Symbolic code is also used a lot in this film, and in this particular scene there is a lot of irony. When a friend asks to feel Mae's stomach, she claims to of felt a kick, however by the end we see that this would of been impossible. The glance exchanged between Mae and Christian when this is said seems to suggest something, and this makes the audience wonder further. Christian also refuses to feel his friends bump, and appears to be very uncomfortable in this situation. His actions do not mirror an excited father to be, this again makes the audience wonder what is going on behind his 'mask'.

Mae can be seen sipping on what appears to be champagne, something that a pregnant woman should not be doing, this is again through the use of symbolic code. This is reinforced moments later, when she appears to be holding a cigarette.

The tense atmosphere is continued throughout the entire short film, and the strain on their relationship becomes more and more apparent.

The cake that they brought out has a baby with wings on its back, as if it were an angel, this is iconic in this context. Christian then tells shares the news of the death with his friends and family. He breaks down while telling the news, while Mae also seems affected. This is the first time we have seen sadness from her, which is unusual during such a hard time.

However, her emotions soon change as she begins smiling to herself. All sound stops, and we hear a high pitched noise, almost as if it was the sound from a heart rate monitor, which relates to what Christian had just been saying about not being able to find the baby's heartbeat. The film ends with Mae grinning to herself, which is very eerie and leaves the viewers confused, with many questions.