Reflective Encounters

“Danech San’s Sunrise in My Mind explores themes of intimacy, loneliness and social expectations. Particularly interesting here is how the filmmaker successfully explores these themes through framing and scene composition. The setting is established with a slow pan of a streetside Phnom Penh hair salon that eventually settles on the film’s main character, Pich, as she absentmindedly goes through the motions of her job. The chatter of the salon revolves around romance, love and marriage.

When Pich’s admirer comes in for his nightly shampoo, the camera lingers on him before once again panning over to Pich, exposing their proximity to one another. The growing sensuality between the two is showcased on screen through changes in both aspect ratio and framing styles. San utilizes extreme close-ups to build tension between the would-be lovers, and during the climax, the aspect ratio shifts to 1:1 before finally returning to 16:9 for the final scene. But, even then San employs a frame within a frame to highlight the growing intimacy of the characters. While Sunrise on My Mind employs common themes, what sets it apart is San’s ability as a visual storyteller.”

— Vithiya Murugadas