The Ray

The Ray is a short film directed by eight artists at French school ArtFX about an alpinist who tests his endurance limits and is saved from death by a supernatural event.

Two main characters (one of them a panther representing nature), a conflict with the environment, an emphasis on describing an alpinist’s experience through snow-covered mountains and the staging of a supernatural event are the main elements of the short.

A lot of effort has been dedicated to character and environment design, with impressive aesthetic work done on the mountains and vast landscapes. Careful attention has been dedicated to lighting, as well as composition of elements within the frame, use of color and grading. The short is a real pleasure to watch. The great FX work done on the avalanche and interaction between the characters and snow are also worth noting.

The Ray uses shot sizes that vary significantly, with a higher number of long shots and extreme long shots than the average short due to the landscapes it portrays. Screen directions are given special attention due to this, to build spatial continuity. Vertical screen directions play an important role for a number of shots (something unusual in other films). Tighter shots (close-ups, medium shots, etc.) are employed to transmit the conflict the main character goes through and his actions. Two-shots are used to capture the interaction between Jake (the alpinist) and the panther. The short is narrated from the point of view of Jake, and the cinematography has been conceived with this in mind.

Visual Rhythm is average and increases along with conflict’s intensity. It’s handled through editing, abundant camera moves (aerial shots, pans, tilts, dollies, rolls, etc.), plenty of camera shakes, motion within the frame and changes in lighting. Camera work is effectively used to raise subjectivity in narration and transmit the feelings of the alpinist, such as the rolling camera shot at 2.09. Sound design is also used for this purpose as well as frequent use of sensory images (breathing, his feet sliding on the snow, the effect of the ray of light on his hand, etc.).

What makes The Ray work so well? Intense conflicts, outstanding aesthetic work, effective use of surprises, supernatural elements and directing that successfully transmits the emotions of the main character. The script focuses on how much a human being can endure hardship and delivers a strong message of hope. One of the directors cites the popular quote: “even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise”. A concept that will resonate with a wide audience.