Analysis of Gasman

Gasman, a social realism drama, documents a coming of age film from the perspective of a child. With a theme of jealously the short film showcases juxtaposition in the narrative regarding the ideal family life and the one presented on screen.

With in the film a metaphor of two paths crossing (on train lines) presents two broken families. The idea that these two families are broken is created through the dark and dull settings throughout the film which creates a negative tone, and the family environments the children have grown up in. The mise en scene of the council flat reflects a working class, 70's family who go through life with the bare minimum.

The casting of the film is extremely significant because both sets of children look almost identical, with only a headband colour on the girls, and a hooded jumper on the boys to distinguish them apart. This connotes the collision of these two families similarities, and the reflection of the young girl understanding that her dad has another life. This narrative is displayed on screen with such warmth and detail that it could suggest it is a reflection of the director's life.