How to Decipher Themes in Short Films

Understanding the theme of a film is an incredibly important aspect of film study, and it’s equally important for any screenwriter to master. The theme represents the central topic or message within a narrative, and it’s important to any film. While figuring out the theme to a feature film is typically a matter of simply stating the subject and key message, there’s an art and some science to figure out how to decipher themes in short films where there’s certainly less character building and background involved. 

Typically, finding the theme of a short film is all about the main character’s journey and what they learn. You might think of the theme as the underlying message that is delivered which could apply either to the main character of the film, or to the audience viewing the film.

But, what’s the process in learning how to decipher themes in short films?

Questions in Deciphering Themes in Short Films

Think of the process of finding the theme of a short film similar to that which would be used in finding the theme of any short story or narrative.

Ask yourself the following questions to help you decipher the underlying message, or theme, of a short film:

• Who is the main character and what is their conflict?
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• How is the character dealing with the conflict?
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• What does the character learn from the conflict?
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• How does the character deal with what they learn from the conflict?
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• Are there life lessons for the character resulting from the conflict?
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• How could these lessons be applied in real life?

After answering each of the above questions, in order, deciphering the underlying theme of a short film becomes quite simple. Common themes include things like empathy, kindness, good vs. evil, courage and perseverance, revenge, beauty of simplicity, coming of age, and many others. 

Finding Elements of Theme in Short Films

Learning how to decipher themes in short films is certainly a bit more challenging. Versus how it would be to decipher themes in a full feature movie.

There are less character elements, and fewer details included in a short film. So you’ve really got to be paying close attention to everything that happens throughout the story.

Finding essential aspects or elements of the theme throughout the film. It becomes increasingly more important for a short film versus a longer film. 

After you have asked yourself the questions above, re-watch the short film and search throughout for elements of theme in the film.

Film Elements

For example, if the theme is courage and perseverance. What other film elements might be included to support the theme? 

You might see elements of grit. The character might be passionate and will almost certainly face more hurdles than a typical character would. Maybe they face their fears?

The point is, as you’re learning how to decipher themes in short films, you’re going to notice that the theme is actually carried out in many different elements beyond just the basics of character development and plot.

You will probably notice individual elements related to themes in the environment, in other characters, and being used elsewhere in the story. 

The Theme

The reality is, learning how to decipher themes in short films is all about understanding that the theme is present in every element of the story.

Theme plays a role in characters and character development. It plays a role in plot and plot development, and theme plays a role in the dialogue and actual narration of the story. Deciphering the theme is all about your understanding of the core message, and what it means.