Mr. S. & the jazz singer : a short film inspired by jazz

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the use of jazz in film production, and the result, is a 10-minute fictional film: Mr.S & The Jazz Singer. This film intends to explore the range of possibilities jazz has to convey an emotional response in an audiovisual context. Mr.S & The Jazz Singer follows the main protagonist, Annie, as she struggles against the expectations ‘Mr. Sandman’ represents for the female identity. The narrative is driven by the personification of Mr. Sandman, as a dancer, who appears and disappears in Annie’s consciousness. Jazz music supports the narrative as it flows in and out of reality until Annie breaks free from the expectations ‘Mr.Sandman’ represents. Mr.S & The Jazz Singer is my first attempt as a writer/director, producer and editor, in which jazz influenced every decision taken. It lacks dialogue and and due to the emphasis upon music, it resembles a music video, as the visuals are based upon music, rather than having music supporting the visuals. Ultimately, this dissertation aims to support the importance of audio in an audiovisual context.