"Lou-Lou Lives Here" Hazel Grian 2003

This short film (roughly 3.40 long) is a thriller created in 2003. Its conventions are of a traditional thriller including tense music, close ups and fast shots at times.



The film is set in the day time and in a woods which would imply that no one would be around, so creating tension. There is minimal props, merley a scarecrow, van and a dog toy which contributes to the sense of realism. The lighting is most probably all natural as well due to the outdoor setting.


The film causes contraversy, it is implied that the character of the little girl is infact a dog, which is also shown in the film. This idea is backed up by the black and white theme that is used throughout, dogs see in black and white so this could mean that we are seeing it through the dogs eyes. I find it most interesting that the film has a hidden meaning which is inspiring for me as i may want to consider using this technique in my own film.


It is unique because although it is short, it still possesses typical conventions of a thriller and builds suspense in the short amount of time. The advantages of having such a short narrative are that people can engage fully throughout the whole film, they are not likely to miss any important shots that may be relevent to the plot. The narration is restricted, the characters know more than us.



The film uses a variety of different shots and editing transitions such as dissovle, circle effect and point of view shots. It also uses a shaky effect and blurry focus to increase the intensity and realism.



The film opens with the little girl alone and portraying qualities of a dog which immiedetly hints to the reader of the hidden meaning. It ends with the dog running home which also gives it away and leaves the reader with unanswered questions.



The sound is interesting in this film, there is a sublte soundtrack which is used at the build up towards the action which is tense and mennacing, it builds suspense. However a lot of the sound used is diegetic such as the helicopter sound, dog barking and the wind howling. All these build up the scene and add to the theme.



The stereotype of the male character would be that he is a peodophile as he has a white van and is following the little girl. However it is clear by the end that he is not which suprises the viewer. We sympathise with the character of the girl as she appears vulnrable and lost and we assume that the male character is a villian, however we never find out the true nature of the characters.