Reading sonnet 8 it is clear that the poet is challenging the subject as to why, with so much clarity that unity and relationships are important (marriage in particular), why he insists on being single since all evidence suggests that being single will lead to nothing. I assumed that the short film would play on that and that maybe it would be filled with rather obvious shots of couples while the speaker looks on at either themselves or at someone who is alone. Fortunately I am not one of the makers of these shorts, or I would have done something very literal like that, but rather this short film plays the sonnet itself pretty straight – delivering it to camera from the stage-like Naumburg band shell in Central Park. However, while it does this it also cuts between other footage of this delivery being filmed.
To focus on the main camera first, it is very good. The image is very clear and rich and actress Beck has a very good chemistry with it. Indeed her delivery is one of the things that makes the film work so well; she is clear, well paced and easy to understand. She also appears to be enjoying herself in the delivery and this helps with the delivery of the more positive images and lines in the sonnet. Even if I had not already read the sonnet I think I could have followed and understood it from her delivery. I am not sure what the additional camera brings to the film apart from breaking the 4th wall and providing something unusual for the delivery, because I guess otherwise it is simply a filmed performance. It doesn't add much to the delivery but, as I said, I though Beck was strong enough that she didn't need the film to do things to support her, while I guess breaking out to the sides shows the spirit and situation I which it was shot – okay it doesn't add to the sonnet, but that doesn't mean it takes anything away.
As a straight delivery of the sonnet it works well thanks to the clarity both of voice and image; the other stuff doesn't add to that but at least gives the film a nice feel of vibrancy and fun as we see around the filming.
To focus on the main camera first, it is very good. The image is very clear and rich and actress Beck has a very good chemistry with it. Indeed her delivery is one of the things that makes the film work so well; she is clear, well paced and easy to understand. She also appears to be enjoying herself in the delivery and this helps with the delivery of the more positive images and lines in the sonnet. Even if I had not already read the sonnet I think I could have followed and understood it from her delivery. I am not sure what the additional camera brings to the film apart from breaking the 4th wall and providing something unusual for the delivery, because I guess otherwise it is simply a filmed performance. It doesn't add much to the delivery but, as I said, I though Beck was strong enough that she didn't need the film to do things to support her, while I guess breaking out to the sides shows the spirit and situation I which it was shot – okay it doesn't add to the sonnet, but that doesn't mean it takes anything away.
As a straight delivery of the sonnet it works well thanks to the clarity both of voice and image; the other stuff doesn't add to that but at least gives the film a nice feel of vibrancy and fun as we see around the filming.