This week, I established the core theme of my FMP — self-reconciliation—and began collecting visual and conceptual references. My inspiration primarily comes from classic cyberpunk works such as Blade Runner and the sci-fi series Westworld, through which I explore the relationship between body modification, consciousness, and free will.
In the initial layout stage, I attempted to create a cyberpunk action chase animation, depicting the protagonist pursuing the police through the city after obtaining the gene sphere.
Dynamic storyboard:
version 1:
version 2:
I gathered relevant reference materials, including cyberpunk cityscapes, body modification concept designs, and emotionally expressive imagery, to explore the visual impact of dynamic sequences.
However, after conducting literature research and conceptual analysis, I began to reconsider the core value of the short film. Many cyberpunk works depict dystopian societies under high-tech environments: ordinary people are forced to numb themselves to survive, while the upper class controls most resources.
My reading notes:
This made me realize that while the visual thrill of action sequences is compelling, the underlying core—individual psychological states and emotional experiences is more worthy of exploration. I began to reflect that even if the body is modified, inner consciousness, emotion, and free will remain the essence of individual existence. Rather than focusing solely on chase scenes, conveying the protagonist’s psychological state, inner monologue, and emotional development through visual and narrative means can provide greater depth.
Therefore, I decided to adjust the direction of my short film toward a gentler, more healing narrative. The story is set in outer space, using the isolation of the environment to allow the protagonist to engage in self-dialogue, embarking on a journey of inner exploration.