Eye Dilation Effects

 For my film opening, I'll be creating a scene of an eye dilating to show the moment the drug the character is under the influence of takes effect. I started looking at ways to create this effect, and the first option I came across was through editing. There were plenty of tutorials and techniques available, but the more I looked into them, the more I realized how precise the work would need to be. Any slight mismatch in timing or shape could break the illusion and make the moment feel artificial. Because the scene relies so heavily on realism, I didn’t want the audience to be distracted by an effect that looked even slightly off.

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Dilated pupils (mydriasis): What is it, causes & what it looks like. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22238-dilated-pupils

Then I started researching practical alternatives and found a much simpler, more convincing approach. By gradually dimming the light or adjusting its angle so the eye receives less brightness, the pupil naturally expands on its own. Filming this in a close up not only ensures the effect looks authentic but also makes the moment feel immediate and the audience gets a clear sign that something inside the character is shifting.

Getty Images. (n.d.). Doctor shining light in eyes [Video]. https://www.gettyimages.com/videos/doctor-shining-light-in-eyes

Auditory Elements

 Audio plays a huge role in showing the character’s emotional state. I planned the sound design to follow their mental chaos. The rattle of pills, uneven breathing, and subtle background noises are going to be amplified to create tension. Music glitches and distorts when they put on headphones, signaling instability, and jumping back in once the character consumes the pill.  These changes in sound make the audience feel what the character is feeling.

Naples, J., & Duque, V. (2020, July 22). Healthy headphone use: How loud and how long? Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-headphone-use-how-loud-and-how-long-2020072220565

I also thought about how audio interacts with visuals. The chaotic, fast-paced sounds at the beginning match the frantic camera cuts and close-ups, while the music becomes smoother and more powerful as the character’s movements become confident. Silence, distorted sound, and rhythmic breathing all help tell the story without dialogue. Planning these audio elements early ensures the audience experiences the emotional journey through sound as much as through visuals.

ITC Pro Sound. (n.d.). Professional audio design – Studio room solution. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.itcprosound.com/solution/3322.html

 The bedroom is a key element in telling this story. It’s cluttered and dimly lit, with objects scattered around to create a sense of chaos and tension while giving a view into the characters mind. Props like the pill bottle, the backpack, and even headphones are carefully chosen, each one reflects the character’s inner state. The pill bottle rattling emphasizes urgency, while the backpack shows their need to escape quickly. Even small details, like a desk lamp or scattered papers, add to the feeling of confinement and pressure.

Stockcake. (n.d.). Messy‑room interior [Image]. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://stockcake.com/i/messy-room-interior_1428239_598469

Lighting and placement of objects were also planned carefully. Low, moody lighting and shadows make the room feel tight and suffocating, while the camera moves frantically between close-ups of hands, eyes, and objects. The set interacts with the character’s movement, making every action feel intentional. Planning the set and props this way helps the audience feel the character’s tension and makes the story feel engaging.

cker, M. (2019, October 21). How to take close ups without using a macro lens. New York Institute of Photography. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://www.nyip.edu/photo-articles/photography-tutorials/how-to-take-close-ups-without-using-a-macro-lens

 Costumes in this film are subtle but very important. The teenager wears simple, slightly worn clothing, loose shirts, sweatpants, and sneakers. These choices reflect their vulnerability and normalcy, keeping the focus on their emotional state rather than flashy clothing. I also thought about how the clothing moves with the character. For example, the loose sleeves and hoodie can slip or get in the way during frantic packing, emphasizing their nervous energy and tension.

STEP Training. (n.d.). Home | STEP Training. Retrieved February 16, 2026, from https://step-training.com/

I also considered how the costume works with lighting and camera angles. Darker fabrics blend into the dim bedroom, letting the shadows and low light create a moody feeling. At the same time, small details like slightly rolled sleeves or the way the hoodie folds help the audience notice the character’s movements during close-ups. Costume planning this carefully makes the character feel real and helps their emotional journey read clearly on screen.

De la Torre, F. (n.d.). Photography lighting tutorial: Tips for better light in photos. iPhotography. https://www.iphotography.com/blog/photography-lighting-tutorial/

Character Development

 In this film, the main character is a teenager caught in a moment of intense emotional struggle. I spent a lot of time thinking about their backstory and habits such as small details like how they fidget, tap their foot, or react under pressure. Even the way they put on their headphones reflects their state of mind. Planning these details helps me show the character’s emotions through action rather than words, making them feel real to the audience.

Kakigori. (n.d.). Nervous anxious girl biting nails. Young anxious worried woman shows stressed and nervous face expression with hands on mouth biting nails [Illustration]. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/nervous-anxious-girl-biting-nails-young-worried-woman-shows-stressed-face-expression-hands-mouth-image229701577

I also planned how the character changes during the scene. At first, their movements are chaotic and anxious, and the audience sees flashes of past painful memories in quick glimpses, which reflects their mental state. After taking the pill, their movements become more confident. I included this change intentionally, so the audience can visually track their transformation. By thinking through these small habits, reactions, and emotional shifts ahead of time, I can make the character’s journey clear, intense, and relatable without relying on dialogue. 

Braman, L. (n.d.). What flashbacks and emotional flashbacks often feel like [Illustration]. Lindsay Braman. https://lindsaybraman.com/emotional-flashbacks/

Project Idea and Major Inspirations.

 For my film opening, I’m introducing a teenager who is struggling with personal challenges and trying to find control and purpose in their life. The film follows this character as they navigate difficult emotions, feelings of isolation, and the pressures of growing up while searching for a sense of freedom and self-confidence.

Middle Earth Teen Center. (2015, October 19). Does your teen sneak out? Middle Earth Teen Center. https://middleearthnj.org/2015/10/19/does-your-teen-sneak-out/

For my film opening, the scene takes place late at night in the character’s bedroom as they attempt to sneak out, using dim lighting, chaotic camera movements, and rapid editing to show anxiety and inner turmoil. Distorted sound and quick flashes of past experiences, like conflicts with friends or family and moments of heartbreak, give the audience insight into the character’s emotional state. When the character takes a pill, the visuals and sound shift, showing a change in confidence and determination. The scene ends with them moving purposefully into the night, leaving viewers curious about their journey. The story will center around their struggle with addiction as an escape from their familial issues.

I’m inspired by films like Requiem for a Dream, which use intense editing, close-ups, and sound to convey strong emotions and mental states. I want the audience to feel the character’s tension and inner struggle while also sensing the uncertainty and intensity of their situation. My goal is to create an opening that draws viewers into the character’s world, makes them emotionally invested, and sets the tone for the rest of the story.

Kronos Quartet. (n.d.). Requiem for a dream soundtrack by Clint Mansell. Kronos Quartet. https://kronosquartet.org/recordings/detail/requiem-for-a-dream-soundtrack-by-clint-mansell/

Media Theory

I plan to use Identity Theory for my film project. This theory focuses on how people understand themselves and relate to others through media. It suggests that audiences connect with characters or stories that reflect parts of their own identity, feelings, or life experiences. People often watch films to see experiences similar to their own, to understand emotions they might be struggling with, or to explore ideas about who they are and who they want to become. Media can shape how viewers think about themselves and their relationships with others, making it a powerful tool for connection and reflection.

Structural Learning. (n.d.). Social identity theories. Structural Learning. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/social-identity-theories

By applying Identity Theory, the film encourages audiences to engage with characters on a personal and emotional level. When viewers recognize emotions, struggles, or choices in the characters that resonate with their own lives, they feel more connected to the story. This connection can make the film more meaningful and thought provoking, allowing audiences to reflect on their own identities and experiences. Using this theory helps make the film not just a story to watch, but an experience that invites viewers to think about themselves and the people around them.

Blosser, R. (n.d.). The importance of self-reflection: A key habit for personal growth. Richard Blosser. https://richardblosser.com/the-importance-of-self-reflection-a-key-habit-for-personal-growth/