Tight Jeans - Analysis

Them jeans are tight

Tight Jeans is a short film directed and written by Destiny Ekaragha, featuring three black youths sitting on a wall outside an estate waiting for their friend to take them to a party. An offhand comment about a passer-by prompts a comedic but poignant discussion on race. 

This short film is very different to the Ellington Kid (and others) as it is incredibly dialogue and script heavy. It is simply a conversation, with no complex cinematography, editing or sound design.

Mise-En-Scene

MES plays a role in distinguishing the characters. They wear similar outfits, with large hoodies and baggy jeans, but one has a orange hoodie, one has a striped orange hoodie and one has a blue one. This represents the gradient of character. Orange hoodie is presented as stupid, while blue as intelligent ever-sceptic. The striped off course, is the medium between the two. It is he who gives the monologue when the camera moves to a close up.

Performance

The performances attempt to be realistic, using culturally appropriate vernacular and mannerisms. As with every attempt to replicate a specific way of speaking and acting, it is slightly off. However, since Ekaragha uses age appropriate and location accurate actors, it is a very convincing attempt.

Editing

The editing is incredibly simple. There are long takes, allowing the conversation to flow. Ekaragha relies on the actors rather than the editing, letting the scenes run long and breathe.

Cinematography

The camera pans around our characters, meaning the audience focuses purely on performance. The camera is definitely not static though, and sways from each side of the characters to the other, as if orbiting them in an oscillating motion. This is indicative of the swaying conversation, and as the camera moves, the conversation shifts from topic to another and different characters dominate the repartee. Ekaragha uses a few close ups when a character makes a particularly poignant point.

Sound

Sound is very utilitarian in Tight Jeans. Crisp, clear dialogue allows us to focus on the script.