EJURA Group (1) Film Review – Nursery
Rhymes by Tom Noakes
Course Code: Introduction to
Visual Storytelling
Film Review: Nursery
Rhymes (2018)
Directed by: Tom Noakes
Written by: Will Goodfellow
Produced by: Scoundrel Films
Duration: 5 mins 10 sec.
Introduction
Nursery Rhymes is a short film directed by Tom Noakes and produced by
Scoundrel Films. Written by Will Goodfellow, the film runs for just under five
minutes and is shot entirely in one continuous take. Though brief, it delivers
a strong emotional experience through its use of visuals, sound, and silence.
At first glance, the film might seem strange or confusing, but by the end, it
leaves a deep emotional impact that stays with the viewer.
Plot
Summary
The film opens with a curious scene:
a shirtless young man stands by a country road singing the children’s song “Old
MacDonald Had a Farm,” while cows graze in the background. At first, the
scene feels odd and even humorous. But as the camera slowly moves and reveals
more—a quiet woman holding a baby, a damaged car in the distance—the mood
shifts. We come to understand that a car accident has occurred, and the man is
using the nursery rhyme to soothe the baby, and perhaps also to calm himself.
The singing becomes a way to cope with the trauma of what has just happened.
Themes
and Meaning
Nursery Rhymes explores serious themes such as trauma, grief, emotional
expression, and the contrast between childhood innocence and real-life tragedy.
The use of a well-known children’s song in such a serious moment makes the
scene more disturbing but also more powerful. The film does not give the
audience a clear explanation—it relies on small actions, facial expressions,
and silence to communicate emotion. This subtle storytelling helps make the
experience feel real and relatable. The main message is that people deal with
pain in different ways, and sometimes those ways seem strange from the outside.
Performance
and Characters
There is very little dialogue in the
film, but the performances are strong. Toby Wallace, who plays the young man,
delivers a powerful emotional performance through his facial expressions,
voice, and body language. His trembling voice as he sings tells us everything
we need to know about his state of mind. The mother and baby do not speak
either, but their quiet presence adds to the emotional weight of the scene. The
stillness and silence between the characters say more than words could.
Cinematography
The entire film is captured in a
single continuous shot, which makes it feel like we are witnessing the event in
real time. This technique adds realism and keeps the tension high throughout.
The natural lighting and muted colors help reflect the somber mood. A memorable
moment is when the camera slowly rotates around the young man, making it feel
as if time is moving forward while he remains frozen in shock and sadness. This
visual choice was especially effective and was appreciated by many group
members.
Sound
and Music
There is no background music or
traditional soundtrack. Instead, the nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald” is
used as the main sound element. At first, the song feels light-hearted and
familiar, but as the scene unfolds, it becomes haunting and emotional. The film
also uses silence and natural sounds—like the wind and insects—to create a
realistic atmosphere. These quiet moments help build emotional tension and draw
the viewer deeper into the story.
Conclusion
In just under five minutes, Nursery
Rhymes manages to tell a powerful and emotional story about trauma, loss,
and human connection. The film stands out because of its simplicity, strong
acting, and creative use of camera work and sound. While some viewers may find
the beginning unclear or want more information, the mystery and subtlety are
part of what makes the film so memorable. We would highly recommend this short
film to anyone interested in emotional storytelling, visual art, or films that
explore how people cope with difficult situations. Nursery Rhymes is a
short but unforgettable experience.
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