Two Cars, One Night (11 mins)

Overview of Narrative:

The short film begins with two brothers Ed and Romeo, who sit in a car waiting outside the Te Kaha bar. A car pulls up parallel a few spaces across, and to adults get out leaving a young girl who climbs over into the passenger seat. Romeo teases her calling her “ugly girl” but they continue talking and eventually he gets out the car and talks to her through the window. The argue over how many gay people they know, and Romeo tries to brag about his age and achievements with little support from his brother. Eventually he gets in the car and she offers him her plastic ring as a parting gift.

Key Elements:

The film is shot in black and white, and uses sped up footage of cars passing to create a long exposure shot of the headlights that accentuates time passing.

The acting is very natural but at times clearly scripted and slightly uncomfortable- maybe to add to the whimsical/childlike nature.

Context:

This short was directed by New Zealand Writer and Director Taika Waititi, who won an Oscar for his 2019 black comedy Jojo Rabbit. Two Cars, One Night was nominated for best live action short film Academy Award in 2005.

Representation:

The film represents children’s ability to make friends no matter the situation, and is just all round a pretty wholesome film.