Short Film review | 'Mind The Gap' by Luke Flanagan (2014)

'Mind The Gap' by Luke Flanagan is a short film depicting the true story of Margaret Lawrence, the widow of voice actor Oswald Laurence; whom was responsible for the 'Mind The Gap' announcement on the Northern line service for over 40 years.

In the opening of the production an establishing shot is used to introduce the audience to the setting of the story which is a London tube station. The protagonist is then introduced to us through this low angle shot, within the shot Margarets' (the protagonist) appears glum, this low mood is further conveyed through the dim lighting and gloomy backdrop of the tube station.

We then follow Margaret as she appears to visit the station regularly, despite this she is never  shown boarding a train. The setting of the station, with trains passing by is symbolic of changes and the passage of time. The repetition of the 'Mind The Gap' instils to the audience that this announcement may have some meaning to our main character. 

The scene following the tube station shows Margaret arriving home and listening to the radio, a brief shot of a framed photo is shown, this is the first clue to the audience that links the tube station announcements to Margaret. It is clear to the audience that this voice is a loved one of Margarets', thus first introducing us as the audience to our protagonists desire; she wishes to have this person back. 

The next station scene catapults us into the plot twist of the story, Margaret visits the station to find that the announcement has been changed to a newer, updated version. Her discontentment is conveyed again through a close up of her expression. From this scene it becomes clear that the conflict/ purpose of our story is modernisation and how it can have a knock on effect to individuals. 

Going into the descending action of the story, the narrative of the short film is solidified through an over the shoulder shot, which shows our protagonist, Margaret, watching a news broadcast where we see the same image as we saw in the framed picture scene. Alongside this shot we hear the news broadcast voice-over of Margarets story, in which they confirm that Oswald's announcement will be re instated on the Enbankment line, as Margarets appeal touched the London Underground team. 

The closing shot of the production is again a close up of our protagonist, but contrary to the opening shot, she appears overcome with emotion. Additionally the warm lighting conveys a more uplifting mood. The ending to the story is bittersweet; although our protagonist cannot obtain her true desire, she is relieved to have access to even a piece of her husband via the tube announcement.   

Bibliography 

Flanagan, L (2014) [Online] Available at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hysDoq6BH8U

Accessed October 2023