Stereotypes In The Lunch Date

Short films are an opportunity for creative expression, with the exploration of genres usually not shown in feature films. They are created with the intention of brokering and catalysing change in society’s behaviour and thinking. The centralised focus on specific ideas makes short films an effective medium for social commentary, where awareness pertaining to prominent issues in society is raised. Adam Davidson’s The Lunch Date, a 1990’s short film, and Michelle’s Lehman’s 2008 short film Marry Me both provide insight into a composer’s point of view to a significant extent, despite the different aspects of society being addressed. While The Lunch Date condemns the entrenched racial prejudices which arise from ignorance of individuals, Marry Me serves to critique the way society imposes stereotypes about gender, and the divisions

Through the Lunch Date, Adam Davidson expresses his concerns about the discrimination and preconceived opinions regarding African Americans in New York. The film opens with a classical jazz composition, and elegant, old fashioned writing, making the film reminiscent of a time that had passed. The black and white mise-en-scene makes the separation of races more evident and acts as a gateway into the protagonist’s mind of how she sees people only in terms of their skin colour. The protagonist is introduced through a mid shot. Ethereal backlighting accompanied by rays of light shining upon her lead the audience to believe she is a good, almost god-like figure, which contradicts her actions later on in the film. With the possession of multiple bags, and an expensive looking coat and hat, her socioeconomic status is clearly defined. The long shot