Analysis

Here are the elements which will help you with your analysis of the short film “The English Teacher” by Blake Ridder. 

The structure is chronological, starting when Robert meets Jin and ending the night Jin confesses to being responsible for the death of Robert’s wife in a car accident. We also see a few flashbacks to the accident itself. 

The main character is Robert, who is grieving the loss of his wife. Another character is Jin, the man who has killed her and drove away from the scene of the accident. Jin feels guilty and tries to make amends to Robert. 

The relationship between Robert and Jin develops over two weeks. While the two seem to have a good time together, their relationship changes when Jin confesses that he is the one to blame for Robert’s wife’s death. 

The physical setting is London. Robert’s house is important to the setting, as it reflects his loneliness and sadness with his wife gone. Jin’s apartment is also important to the setting, as it is the place where he and Robert start developing a relationship. 

When it comes to cinematic techniques, framing plays an important role, as close-ups help give a stronger impression of the characters’ feelings in dramatic scenes. As for the sound, the melancholic music mirrors Robert’s sadness and loneliness, while the diegetic sounds help render the city atmosphere. 

You can find a full analysis of the short film on the following pages.