Hotel scene reference

Robbery scene reference

Throughout the film, we paid close attention to light and shadow as storytelling tools. Many interior scenes are shot in low light, often with a single directional source like a desk lamp or passing streetlight. This intentional dimness evokes a sense of urban loneliness and economic instability—paralleling the themes of the film. Shadows cast across the characters’ faces create moments of concealment and ambiguity, reinforcing the idea that they are constantly negotiating between deception and self-deception. In one particularly effective shot, the protagonist’s face is half-lit, suggesting a tension between moral uncertainty and psychological vulnerability.

Framing and composition were also central to the visual language of the film. We often positioned the camera at oblique angles or from slightly distanced perspectives, intentionally avoiding overly polished or symmetrical shots. This gave the film a raw, observational quality that mirrors the unglamorous reality of the characters’ lives. In contrast, dream-like moments—such as the ring-search sequence—featured slower camera movements and a more centralized framing, creating a slightly surreal atmosphere. This shift in visual tone subtly cues the audience into the dream-state without using obvious visual effects.

We also made deliberate use of negative space in our shots. Empty areas in the frame, such as blank walls or out-of-focus backgrounds, serve to emphasise the characters’ emotional isolation. This was especially effective in scenes where dialogue was sparse; the emptiness around the actors echoed the silence in their internal world. The urban setting, while minimally shown, is always felt—through confined interiors, cramped environments, and the suggestion of a city just outside the frame.

Overall, the visual design of the film worked in harmony with the sound to create a coherent emotional and thematic experience. Rather than relying on overt dramatic visuals, we chose to suggest emotion through subtle framing, lighting, and reflective surfaces. These choices helped immerse the viewer in the uncertain, anxious world the characters inhabit—where every action, whether real or imagined, is driven by hope, survival, and illusion.