Inspirations/Influences

Although we feel that our idea is unique, we have been influenced by many short films and feature length films that we have seen in the past in many aspects of planning our film. In particular, 500 Days of Summer has influenced many of the decisions and ideas we have made.

Relationship –

As the film is focused on the relationship between two people, we decided to look at other films that explore deep relationships. We wanted our couple to demonstrate unique qualities that would distinguish them from the traditional every day romantic couple seen on a number of films. We liked very much the chemistry and attraction of the couple in 500 Days of Summer. The film explores a relationship that is awkward and unique, and ultimately ends in failure, a convention that breaks somewhat the norm for romantic comedy films.
The character of Summer Finn played by Zooey Deschanel is seen as an ‘immature woman, who is a complex character and the consequence is heartbreak for the male character. Summer is perfection, but perfection has no depth. Summer is not a girl, she is a phase’. It is these attributes that we want to our female protagonist to demonstrate to show that she is a complex and interesting character, and someone the audience would find entertaining to watch. Similarly, our male protagonist should demonstrate similar attributes to the character of Tom in 500 days of summer played by Joseph Gordon Levitt. In that film, Tom is obsessed with summer, and additionally shows that he is a humorous, witty and a intelligent and unique guy. Together, the characters relationship will go through stages in the film, at first showing their initial attraction, followed by the relationship developing and becoming concrete, before finally ending with the female protagonist’s death. With the attributes and relationship that the characters will have, the film will have an emotional impact upon the audience.

Settings/Location –

Somewhat influenced by the relationship and demeanour of our characters, we wanted some of our locations to feel isolated and secluded.
Initially, the couple meet in a bustling coffee shop, and can be compared with in 500 days of Summer when the characters meet in a busy office. The next significant setting is an isolated beach, reflecting the characters relationship as one that shows the couple to be isolated, yet happy together. Similarly, this isolation is repeated when they are seen at South Weald Park. In 500 days of Summer, the couple have a ‘favourite spot’, frequented by the characters because of the appeal of the location.
We were inspired to use a similar idea, with South Weald being our couples ‘favourite spot’.

Laurence Ruthven