Snowy the Turtle

 

 

    This week in class we watched the film "Snowy: A Short Film About One Pet Turtle's Pursuit of Happiness." I'll be honest. When I saw it was a short film about a turtle's life, I was not interested. How could a documentary about a turtle's life be so interesting? After all, it is a turtle. However, as I kept watching, I noticed the film wasn't shown due to solely the story of the turtle, but the effects the film used. The music, angles, and sound made the film what it is. If it was just a short film that cut from one angle of the turtle to another, that would be pretty boring. However, this film was actually kind of emotional due to the effects used. 

    Basically, this film is about a turtle, Snowy, who has been locked in a cage for about 25 years. No one pays any attention to Snowy besides the dad in the family. He just feeds it and sits in the basement with it sometimes. For the film, Snowy was taken to the vet. The vet then tells the owner that Snowy needs more time outside and a bigger cage. This was the emotional part of the film because 25 years living like Snowy did, could not have been pleasant. Then, of course the music turns more upbeat and shows Snowy's owner taking him outside and there's some slow motion scenes that adds to the dramatic effect. 

    Like I said before, at first I wasn't interested in this film. However, I looked deeper into the film than just the storyline. Then, I began noticing the effects that made the film more than it is. The film ended with the owner moving Snowy to a bigger cage and the music and talking behind the scenes showed just how much Snowy appreciates his new home. After watching this film, I am more aware of effects that are used in films, especially sound effects and music. I think it is intriguing that someone once thought to put music in a film, but make it only heard by the viewers. This film makes me eager to learn more about effects and when the right time is to use a sound effect.