'The Volatility of Skin' Student Short Film

‘The Volatility of Skin’ is a short drama following the obsessive relationship between an artist and his muse. 
After a struggling photographer is invited to show his work in a gallery, his lack of inspiration leads him to turn to his former lover. Taking a suggestive photo of the muse without her consent, she must make a difficult choice to either expose the artist and ruin her career as an art buyer, or stay silent.

 

WHO ARE WE?

 

We are a group of third-year student filmmakers from the University of the West of England who are passionate about narrative based short form films. This project was conceptualised and written by Oriah Miller, Clarenz Gutierrez Badlis and Thérèse Bowman. We are all incredibly excited about the prospect of this script and production. We believe the issues and messages the script carries through its writing needs to be shown on screen as the discussion surrounding feminism is important now more than ever.

 

We really hope you can spare any amount to support the production of this film as we realise times are still difficult for everyone, so any contribution no matter how small is immeasurably appreciated.

 

THEME

 

Told in two halves, this film explores how it feels to be subjected to unwanted attention and objectification, something which is extremely relevant with discussions around how unsafe women feel being prominent on the internet. The insidious relationship between our two characters is by no means unique to the art world, with many examples of obsession being found in every creative industry. We’ve all loved people before, but where is the line between love and obsession?

 

 

 

OUR CHARACTERS

 

The Artist

 

Age: 24-29

Gender: Male

Appearance: Strong gaze, and slim physique.

Career: Semi-Professional Photographer & Film Developing Shop Assistant

 

Description: He is shy, quiet and controlling. Looking to break into the photography industry, he is a charming workaholic who feels the world owes him something. Looking for validation, he finds this through his photographs.

 

His Goal: To be seen as a serious photographer, and to win back the muse just to help launch his career.

His Need: His obsessive personality within his work has made it so that he is constantly looking for validation. A feeling that left with his former lover and muse.

 

Similar Characters: Nightcrawler – Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), Psycho – Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), Whiplash – Andrew (Miles Teller), Vertigo – John Ferguson (James Stewart).

 

 

 

 

The Muse

 

Age: 24-29

Gender: Female

Appearance: A striking, unconventional look.

Career: Art Buyer, former model.

 

Description: The muse enjoys spending time alone, working on her illustrations and art. Similar to The Artist, she is very focused on her career and is determined to climb the ladder in the art world. Her relationship with The Artist has damaged her confidence, but she is still a friendly and outgoing person. She struggles with her self-image and separating her true self from the warped image The Artist projected onto her. Nevertheless, she is trying to move on from this failed relationship.

 

Her Goal: She wants to climb the ladder in the art industry, and so she has to impress those she works for.

Her Need: After being a model for her previous partner, she feels that her body is owned by him. She wants to own her own body and overcome the feeling of always being watched.

 

Similar Characters: Neon Demon – Jesse (Elle Fanning), Phantom Thread – Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps), Persona – Elisabet Vilger (Live Ullmann).

 

 

 

We really hope you can spare any amount to support the production of this film as we realise times are still difficult for everyone, so any contribution no matter how small is immeasurably appreciated.