Assessment Type 1: Responding to Texts (Short Film)Validation directed by Kurt KuenneWeighting: 10%Word Count: 800 wordsIntroductionThe short film Validation was released in 2007 and directed by Kurt Kuenne. The short film follows the main character and parking attendant, Hugh Newman, and his desire to make the word a better place. Throughout the film, Kuenne highlights to the social role of spoken language and body language, with an emphasis on how compliments and smiles positively or negatively influences self-esteem.Spoken LanguageKuenne places an emphasis on the social role of spoken language through the giving of compliments. In the beginning of the short film protagonist, and parking attendant Hugh Newman, compliments his parking customer saying, “You…you are awesome” (Kuenne, 00:35). Through Hugh’s compliment to the customer, Hugh encourages them, aiding in the development of newfound confidence. Through the giving of compliments, Hugh creates a ‘ripple effect’ as the parking customers begin complimenting each other. Through this, Kuenne demonstrates the social role of spoken language, and how the use of complimentary language works to create a better society. Throughout the short film, Kuenne highlights how the value of the compliment can increase through complimenting the recipient on their appearance, as well as their inner qualities, demonstrating the sincerity of complimentary language. Through Hugh, Kuenne demonstrates the effective and meaningful role of spoken language.Body LanguageThroughout the short film, Kuenne highlights the social role of body language through the giving of expressing annoyance. Secondary protagonist, Victoria expresses her annoyance through the Vitoria, frowning, pursing her lips, placing her hands on her hips, clearing throat, and then angrily pointing to sign in the DMV. The to accompany Victoria’s spoken langauge, she uses her body language toward Hugh Newman to express her irritation, “No one smiles in their drivers’ license photo, sir. It’s not allowed” (Kuenne, 4:22). At this point, the meaning of the body language is expressing her emotion. Victoria want to express her emotion that she is annoyance Hugh Newman, and she want him to stop laughing. Kuenne uses this scene in the movie to highlight to the audience that smiling is express smile is not normal in society especially smiling to strangers. Kuenne demonstrates that society considers the expression of happiness, amongst joyful interactions with strangers are not normal occurrences throughout society, not natural human behaviour.Positive Influence on Self-esteemKuenne explores how feedback can positively influence an individual’s self-esteem. During the short film, parking attendant, Hugh Newman, is complimenting his parking customers as he validates their tickets, “You, you are great ma’am, you have amazing cheekbones,” (Kuenne, 1:15). In this scene, it is clear to the audience that the customers confidence grows, where she begins to think and feel positive about herself. This is evident through her body language, that depicts a glow of confidence through her straightened posture and smile. Through characters such as Hugh, Kuenne emphasizes to the audience that encouraging comments, positively influence another person’s self-esteem and confidence, and can improve society by making it a friendlier, happier, more sociable place.Negative Influence on Self-esteemThroughout the short film, Kuenne also explores how self-esteem can be negatively influenced dependent on the feedback an individual receives. Hugh’s self-esteem, unfortunately, is negative influenced when he is unable to make Victoria smile. As a result of this, Hugh finds it difficult to compliment others, stating, man “Yeah, you’re fine, what’s the point” (Kuenne, 7:09). The lack of interest the man receives from Hugh, sees the man’s shoulder and face turn negative, as he begins to look upset. From this, the audience can see through the change in his body language that his self-esteem has been negatively influenced from the lack of positive feedback, resulting in the customer feeling and thinking bad about himself. The lack of validation and respect therefore sees all customers leaving feeling worthless, and no longer important. Kuenne places this scene within the film to show the audience how negative comments and body language influence another person’s self-worth.ConclusionThroughout the short film Validation, Kunne highlights the social role of spoken language and body language. Kuenne specifically highlights the power of positive messages and how the sharing of uplifting, complimentary messages can make a happier and friendlier society. Kuenne emphasizes the connection between spoken language and body language, and how these can positively or negatively influence an individual’s self-esteem, feelings, and sense of value; creating an influential domino effect throughout society.
