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The concept of my anthology psychological/thriller film explores the psychological dimensions of the human mind alluding to Rorschach inkblots. This is depicted through the medium of black and white body paint on my three sets of ‘canvases’ or characters. The viewer is engaged by the rich visual quality of the black and white contrast as well as ‘pulled in’ by the audio experience. 

The use of irrational images, distorted sound and disruptive pacing creates the film to be very abstract rejecting traditional narrative. However the repetition of the characters body behaviour being  foetal in the opening scene and closing scene pulls it all together to give both a logical and satisfactory feeling to the viewer amongst the illogical behaviours of the scenes. It also communicates the idea of the experience being a cycle; a repeat of the sequence.

 I divided the structure of my film into three ‘acts’ each segment concentrating on the actors experience positioning the viewer to essentially see three ‘narratives’. 

In the second act the colour code of the character shifts which signifies either a transformation in persona or even a hallucination.

raw and uncontrolled of the white paint created the very organic and free form mirror images that reflect the nature of the mind and Rorschach. 

The surreal performances of the characters in each act creates a certain ambiguity to the meaning of each piece placing the viewer in a potential disorientated state. I wanted the visual imagery to compel the viewer and engage with the carefully compositioning of each scene to maintain aesthetic quality with the light, position of the characters and especially movement within the space.  The dull colour palette shows the dull experience of what could be percieved as the unsettling almost lifeless environment of the mentally ill. The segments of hyper colour colours conveys that alternate idea of human dysphoria and hallucinations of the Rorschach inkblots. 

The title of the film ‘InkBlot Test’ indicates the film is in itself a psychological test to the viewer in which it evokes and prompts certain reaction of shock.

This video was used as a projection for a Performance in the exhibition, "BlackOut" (2016) by Sava Events. 

Credit:

"Inkblot Test" Projection by Ellie Eshraghian 

Photographer: Ravinder Virk

Models: Gemma Sharpe , Neha Singh, Zarq Mozelle
Fashion Designer: Aster M Denisenko , Demetra Kakopieros
MUAH: Tiffany Rowell
Projection in Background: Ellie Eshraghian 

Event: Blackout Exhibition