A film’s themes never stand alone because a film’s style and form constantly sustains and expresses its narrative whether it is short or long. Expression and content always go hand in hand. Here we will look at, among other things, how editing and sound (or the lack of it) in 'Edge of Seventeen' markedly participates in communicating the sinister atmosphere and story of a protagonist in conflict with her surroundings (outer conflict) and herself (inner conflict).

It’s therefore important when working with film analytically, that the students consider both what they see and hear and what the film makes them feel and experience. The style of the film springs from a systematic use of camera, editing, light, color, props, etc. For example, a film camera can move in a variety of ways and influence our experience of a scene. Light and color create a mood that may draw the story in a dark and sinister, or light and breezy, direction.

But in all film narratives there are aesthetic and dramaturgical elements that stick out in particular, each inviting one to make a deeper analysis. In the psychological thriller 'Edge of Seventeen' it makes sense to look closer at the use of editing and sound. We also look at how the film works with inner and outer conflicts, and fits into the narrative model despite its extremely short format.