The Ellington Kid: what makes a short film?
The 2012 VICE short titled "The Ellington Kid," was directed by Dan Sully. its a british short film that makes use of the narrative structure that is typical of short films to create a convincing story in a short amount of time (about five minutes). The main story focuses on a conversation in a kebab shop about the events that happened in the shop the month before.
as the two friends get their food. Riz starts telling Nathan about an incident involving a stabbing that happened there. He relays to nathan that the boy who got stabbed, referred to as the "Ellington Kid," was attacked by a gang but managed to find refuge in the kebab shop. According to the him, the owners of the kabab shop prevented the boy from getting further injured by defending him with their kitchen knives when the gang entered the shop: shouting at him to get out of the way. There is a sinister shot of the shop worker facing the group of boys with a knife in his hand. and them staring back: shocked
This piece serves as ann example of the concise storytelling thats essential in short films. In just a few minutes, it establishes characters, builds tension, and delivers an enigma-provoking ending. The film employs several key elements typical of short film narratives:
1) A concise story- "The Ellington Kid" uses short and brief dialogue and quick pacing to ensure every word is significant. There is no unnecessary information; everything advances the plot.
2) hooking start: The film immediately captures the audience's interest with the promise of a shocking story. Riz’s story within the film creates instant intrigue and suspense.
3) Characterization: Despite limited screen time, the characters are well-developed. The light hearted and playful relationship between the two add a sense of depth to their personalities and their friendship.
4) Visual and Tonal Consistency: The kebab shop setting is authentic and relatable to a london/ european audience, grounding the story in a familiar environment. The gritty urban aesthetic enhances the film’s tone, making the story more believable.
"The Ellington Kid" highlights how short films can deliver complex, engaging stories in a brief timeframe. It effectively uses the short film format to explorei themes of violence, community, and the power of storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. Through its efficient narrative structure, the film shows the effectiveness of short films in conveying powerful and thought-provoking narratives.
