Setting

Time setting

Law Chen’s short film “I Don’t Make the Rules” is set in the year 2015. The date inscribed on the medical bill reads “10/21/2015” (06:27), placing the action in late October.

The story of the short film takes place over the span of several days. Nathan places the incident at the nightclub on a Friday night (09:10). Therefore, Stephen’s job interview probably takes place on a day during the following week.

Physical setting

The short film is set in the United States of America. The address written on the medical bill shows that the story takes place in New York City (06:32). Stephen also waits for the metro at Atlantic Avenue station (05:03), which is in New York. The broader setting is significant because the film deals with issues in American society, particular in terms of the healthcare system in the US.

The action takes place in several locations. The short film begins on a crowded street, next to a junction. The large crowd who walk past, ignoring Stephen and his flyers, suggest Stephen’s feeling of isolation and his feeling that society d...