Analysis

Here are the elements which will help you with your analysis of the short film “Owen” by Kelly Pike.

The structure is chronological, as the film follows Hellen from morning to the evening of the same day. The film’s point of no return comes when Hellen realizes she must get rid of Owen in order to get a much-needed place to stay.

The short film focuses on Hellen, the main character. Hellen is a middle-aged homeless woman who lives on the streets with Owen, her dog. When she is offered housing, she is confronted with a difficult decision. 

The physical setting is Los Angeles, US. While some scenes take place indoors, most of the scenes are shot outdoors, which mirrors Hellen’s homelessness. However, the indoor scenes also reflect her homelessness since they show how she is treated as nothing but a number in the system. 

When it comes to the cinematic techniques used in the short film, framing plays an important role. The director mainly relies on close-ups and medium shots to highlight the relationship between Hellen and Owen, while the long shots portray Hellen’s life on the streets. When it comes to sound, the absence of music makes the film appear raw and realistic. 

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