benito bridgerton - d1 { fin. cb.

FACETS OF A PEARL

DIRECTOR’S TREATMENT BY BENNY

Logline: A naturalistic (?) approach that carries itself poignantly throughout the film, depicting the story of a young man who is wondering about the facets that a pearl and himself have in common. (Note: too narcissistic?)

• Synopsis: Begins with a tonal montage of the symbols of district one, from jewels in high-end boutiques to silver filigreed found in the markets. The shots are focused on the way these precious metals gleam and capture the light, and it is established quickly that this is a story about wealth and the people enveloped by it.

And then, a dialogue overlay crackles in between the background noises: “What do I have it common with all these things? Do I shine as much as they do? Do I look as good as they are? Am I as hollow as a gemstone, a thing that inherited its value from society?”

The dialogue continues as such, but the scenery bounces from the streets of district one at night, the lights in every building, to a home video footage of me smoking a blunt as I look out the windowsill at a full moon. The light is on my face and, for a second, I shine, too.

• Director's Statement: “Facets of a Pearl” will serve as an exploration of vanity and conceit that most people in district one, including myself, often carry around. Is it a learnt behavior? Is it nature or nurture? When did the folks of district one start to get enamored by precious metals and dazzling things, and can we ever distance ourselves from it?

• Musical Inspirations: Sister’s song. (Note: check with her again)

• Props: None.

• Costume: Normal attire.

• Locations: 1. Diamond street. The film will open here, moving around from one jewelry shop to another in a languid pace. it will have both day and night scenes to create a sense of timelessness. jewels are forever.

2. My room. Ideal time is midnight and on a full moon day. the desired image is of me by the windowsill, bathed in moonlight.

3. Sal's Jewelries. The film’s middle includes footage from Sal’s Jewelries—it will be filmed during the time of the day when customers come into the shop in order to show how the jewelry market is still blooming in district one.

• Color Palette: Muted pastels, with an emphasis on pinks, whites, and reds. Akin to a dollhouse. (Note: perhaps some color-grading can be used?)

• Cinematography - Lighting: Soft, delicate lighting that almost appears dream-like in nature. Pair this with close-up shots of the insides of diamonds to create a dizzying, kaleidoscopic look and render the entire film as almost a pretty daydream with an underbelly of darkness.

• Cinematography - Movement: Slow-tracking through the film; it has the languor of an idle day, or a day spent chatting with your friend in a café. Heavy close-up shots of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires is key because these will be displayed in a series of fast-moving images. Hand-held camera, but with a 50 mm lens attachment – which is the equivalent of the human eye.

• Cinematography - Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 to evoke a sense of fake intimacy that betrays the shallowness underneath.

• Sounds: Garbled cacophony of non-diegetic noises whenever any jewel is on screen to create an ominous feeling. Otherwise, diegetic sounds such as the bustle of diamond street, the chirping of cicadas near the house, and other natural sounds, will be used. (Note: Consort with sister again to see if her song is finished so it can be included in the ending credits.)

ripred_bot

cb from not getting reaped in the 87th!