My short film is a study of an individual in a military organisation showing the variety of clothes worn across various activities. I have consciously hidden the identity of the individual to emphasise the clothing aspect of the film.
Although only a 2 minute film I have constructed a beginning, middle and end signified by three musical parts. To add more interest in this short film I have used a concept of ‘two sides of a story’ by using visual and audio to convey an initial meaning moving on to reveal a true meaning.
Clothes, and in particular military uniforms, are a means of identifying people as members of a specific group. Fashion on the other hand allows people to show off their personal identity. The uniformed individual does not stand out and takes on the uniformed image. My aim with the film is to have an individual as the sole character, never showing their face, but having the opportunity to express their individuality in the final scenes.
The film begins with a military band playing ‘British Grenadiers‘ alongside male voices performing military training. I have filmed a camouflage smock panning upwards to represent soldiers negotiating mountainous terrain. I continue a pan downwards, transitioning to boots and green camouflage trousers, suggesting that this the army. The next shot reveals a blue RAF Air Cadet beret coming in to focus as jet planes fly overhead. An overhead shot of the main character playing the bell lyre begins to give clues that the character is female.
The middle section is dominated by the respectful piece of music ‘I Vow to Thee’. The slow pan of an air force belt allows the viewer to reflect on the nature of military service and the paradox of loss of life and saving life.
The ending presents the Officer Commanding inviting the squadron to the Wing Annual Mess. Military dress code applies, and on this occasion males are restricted in their choices whereas females have far more scope to express their individuality. The initial shot confirms the main character as female by showing their hair in a bun. I follow this with a summary shot of the clothes previously worn in earlier scenes hanging alongside a party dress and shoes. The dress is taken from the rail and we see the character descend the stairs and off out to party. The piece of music I have chosen for the finale is Pat Benetar’s Love is a Battlefield.
Alongside the main theme of military uniform I have also incorporated the theme of women in the military. In 1949, women were officially recognized as a permanent part of British Armed forces, although full combat roles were still restricted to men. In 2017 the Royal Air Force’s ground-fighting force became open to women for the first time, making the RAF the first branch of the British military to open every role to female service personnel.
Making this film, and having my daughter play herself, has provided me an opportunity to reflect on her participation in a military organisation. My feelings are conflicted in the fact that military action should be used as a last resort and not for financial profiteering. However, it was my daughter’s free choice and it has given her structure and respect plus the opportunity to learn music and participate in community and charitable events.
All video was taken by me including the jet fighters annual fly-past over our home as part of the Queen,s birthday. The military band music and segment of Pat Benetar were recorded off of You Tube using Audacity and included in the film on a fair use basis. I recorded the remaining audio myself including the bell lyre section, the officer speech, the jet aircraft and belt buckle click.
Martyn Rainbird 
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