FILM ANALYSIS
Shutter Island (Scorsese, 2010)
- Use of music to anchor the on-screen image
- Neo-noir style is interesting and makes the opening more authentic
- We could use both of these in our film opening
What Lies Beneath (Zemicks, 2000)
- Use of slow cutting rate creates and heightens tension
- Selective sound such as breathing sustains the tension
- We could use slow cutting rate in our film opening, however fast cutting rates also build tension
I Am Legend (Lawrence, 2007)
- Creating realistic characters from a realistic cause or purpose, for example infected people instead of zombies to add to the verisimilitude
- We think we will use infected people to make the opening more realistic than using zombies. Also the audience are more likely to feel sympathetic towards infected people rather than zombies (which aren't real)
Dawn of the Dead (Snyder, 2004)
- Fast cutting rate & rhythmic sound heighten tension
- The abscence of sound (silence) connotes fear and hints that something is wrong
- Sound is an important factor to consider for our opening sequence, effective techniques such as silence or music or non-diagetic sound effects will create and build tension
Zombieland (Fleischer, 2009)
- Slow motion shots are effective
- The use of an unconventional hero or heroine is controversial
- The use of voiceover is effective because it sets the scene and introduces the audience to the protagonist, antagonist and characters
- We should consider all three of these points to use in our opening, especially the use of slow motion shots. We could use the program 'Twixtor' to emphasise slow motion and make our opening look semi-professional by raising the production values
28 Days Later (Boyle, 2002)
- Negative representation of zombies as antagonists
- High production values make the opening look professional and cinematic
- We think we will try to make our opening look less like a 'media project' and more like an actual film opening by making it look cinematic
Misfits (Crowe, 2010)
- Industrial look due to buildings, sharp edged architecture and grey, bleak colours
- Desaturated filter which compliments the urban area
- We are going to apply a filter or colour correction to our opening to make it look more authentic, and we are thinking about using an industrial, urban location
The Dark Knight (Nolan, 2008)
- Clowns (antagonists) given prevalence
- Neo-noire style similar to Shutter Island (Scorsese, 2010)
- We will consider who is given prevalence and whether it will be the protagonists, antagonists or both
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Inception (Nolan, 2010)
- Fast cutting rate creates tension and makes the opening look much more cinematic
- There is movement in almost every shot which also makes the opening look more cinematic but has also showed me that static shots may look amateur and boring
What Lies Beneath (Zemicks, 2000)
- Extremely slow cutting rate (first shot is 1:44) and there are only 4 shots in 2 minutes
- The long duration of shot heightens the tension and entices the audience and is different to most films which have shots of roughly 6 seconds long
28 Days Later (Boyle, 2002)
- The positioning of the camera affects the mood of shot and the audience's perception of the characters
- Low or high angle connotes power or hierarchy
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Monday, 30 January 2012
Feedback 2
Well done - your research so far is of L4 standard, demonstrating excellent application of key concepts. To secure a L4, you need to ensure all posts are illustrated with embedded clips where possible or still shots.
I now want to see how your concept is developing and how this research is "inspiring you" - what have you learnt from it that will influence your work? Make explicit links between films analysed and how your idea is developing
Keep up the good work!
I now want to see how your concept is developing and how this research is "inspiring you" - what have you learnt from it that will influence your work? Make explicit links between films analysed and how your idea is developing
Keep up the good work!
MC: Film Analysis 3: The Dark Night (Nolan, 2008)
Dark Knight (Nolan, 2008) - Opening sequence
REPRESENTATION & IDEOLOGY
In this opening sequence, American citizens and criminals are represented. A variety of readings are obtained solely from the bank scene. Some are hysterical and fearful; however the bank attourney is portrayed as a heroic character and fearless in the face of danger, approaching the criminals with a shotgun and a 'gung-ho', vigilante attitude.
Ideologies in this extract are American stereotypes, and we understand the reaction of citizens in the face of danger.
MEDIA AUDIENCES
REPRESENTATION & IDEOLOGY
In this opening sequence, American citizens and criminals are represented. A variety of readings are obtained solely from the bank scene. Some are hysterical and fearful; however the bank attourney is portrayed as a heroic character and fearless in the face of danger, approaching the criminals with a shotgun and a 'gung-ho', vigilante attitude.
Ideologies in this extract are American stereotypes, and we understand the reaction of citizens in the face of danger.
MEDIA AUDIENCES
The target audience for this film is the typical cinema
goer, of ages 12-29 as the certificate is 12A. Those that are a fan of action,
crime and drama. The film was released as a blockbuster, distributed by Warner
Bros. Pictures, but analysed by independent film fans and greatly appreciated for
its neo-noir characteristics.
Possible audience readings of the text may be on the favourable side of crime, as the clowns committing the robbery are given prevalence and pull off moves stylistically and hold up the bank with ease. Other audience readings may be a negative stereotyping for American culture, of violence and criminality.
As a British teenager, I understand this text as a modern remake of the Marvel comic cartoon classic of Batman. Through the mise-en-scene of the masked characters, I gain interest in the production values of this film. Being at the age where Batman films have been released throughout my life, I am able to enjoy this film as a sequel. I also gain an insight into American extravagant buildings being a UK citizen.
JC: Film (T.V. Drama) analysis 3 - Misfits (Crowe, 2010)
Misfits - Series 2 Episode 1 (Crowe, 2010)
Although this opening is from a T.V. series, it possesses several qualities which film openings also have such as:
- Character exposition
- Representation of social groups
- Builds foundation for storyline
Analysing this clip is useful as this series is very cinematic and inspiring. Also, we want to create an opening with more sentimental value than most zombie/post-apocalyptic thrillers, so by analysing a British drama, we can take inspiration and use the techniques we learn similarly.
FILM LANGUAGE
- The mise-en-scene in this clip is used to create enigma and inform the audience that the characters are in mourning.
- The enigma is created by montage editing of an anonymous character getting ready to go out, however, the fact that he is wearing all black clothing and body armour has connotations to super-hero fantasy.
- The enigmatic code is further reinforced by the short shots of pictures of the characters on his wall, and makes the audience ask the question: 'Who is this masked person?'
-Parallel editing is then used to show how the other characters are mourning and the anonymous character is performing acrobatic manouvres on rooftops.
- By using ECUs of the anonymous character getting ready, a mysterious effect is created, as the audience are only able to see small parts of the character and the set. Fast rhythm of cutting is also used to create suspense during the opening scene and the camera movement is rarely static also building up the storyline and anticipation.
- The music in this clip is whispering, electronic music, which reinforces the enigmatic code and the urban setting of the series. Then, progressive, mid-paced music accompanies the free-running scene, which greatly promotes the sense of danger and risk which the anonymous character is putting himself in.
- Intercutting fast-paced, action-packed scenes with slow, sentimental ones, creates a strong contrast in the two sides of the parallel editing, and also suggests that the anonymous character is heading towards the unaware characters (which he eventually does).
- A low-contrast filter is applied to the sequence (and the entire series) which compliments the bleak, grey colours of urban, industrial areas.
INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
- Low-key professional actors were used in this opening however they are effective in the meaning of the sequence as they reinforce stereotypes realistically.
- Clerkenwell Films produced this episode and series. They are a British film and T.V. producing company who have produced films for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
- The series was aimed at British teenagers as it represented stereotypes of adolescents and gave them prevalence and narrative dominance. Its main theme is also superpowers, which is presented in an interesting and original way.
- This opening is clear evidence that the production values of this episode were fairly high, as a range of special effects are used and a professional soundtrack is featured.
Although this opening is from a T.V. series, it possesses several qualities which film openings also have such as:
- Character exposition
- Representation of social groups
- Builds foundation for storyline
Analysing this clip is useful as this series is very cinematic and inspiring. Also, we want to create an opening with more sentimental value than most zombie/post-apocalyptic thrillers, so by analysing a British drama, we can take inspiration and use the techniques we learn similarly.
FILM LANGUAGE
- The mise-en-scene in this clip is used to create enigma and inform the audience that the characters are in mourning.
- The enigma is created by montage editing of an anonymous character getting ready to go out, however, the fact that he is wearing all black clothing and body armour has connotations to super-hero fantasy.
- The enigmatic code is further reinforced by the short shots of pictures of the characters on his wall, and makes the audience ask the question: 'Who is this masked person?'
-Parallel editing is then used to show how the other characters are mourning and the anonymous character is performing acrobatic manouvres on rooftops.
- By using ECUs of the anonymous character getting ready, a mysterious effect is created, as the audience are only able to see small parts of the character and the set. Fast rhythm of cutting is also used to create suspense during the opening scene and the camera movement is rarely static also building up the storyline and anticipation.
- The music in this clip is whispering, electronic music, which reinforces the enigmatic code and the urban setting of the series. Then, progressive, mid-paced music accompanies the free-running scene, which greatly promotes the sense of danger and risk which the anonymous character is putting himself in.
- Intercutting fast-paced, action-packed scenes with slow, sentimental ones, creates a strong contrast in the two sides of the parallel editing, and also suggests that the anonymous character is heading towards the unaware characters (which he eventually does).
- A low-contrast filter is applied to the sequence (and the entire series) which compliments the bleak, grey colours of urban, industrial areas.
INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
- Low-key professional actors were used in this opening however they are effective in the meaning of the sequence as they reinforce stereotypes realistically.
- Clerkenwell Films produced this episode and series. They are a British film and T.V. producing company who have produced films for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
- The series was aimed at British teenagers as it represented stereotypes of adolescents and gave them prevalence and narrative dominance. Its main theme is also superpowers, which is presented in an interesting and original way.
- This opening is clear evidence that the production values of this episode were fairly high, as a range of special effects are used and a professional soundtrack is featured.
JP: Technical Analysis - Inception (Nolan, 2010)
Inception (Nolan, 2010)
Link disabled due to copyright reasons.
JP: Film Analysis 3 - 28 Days Later (Boyle, 2002)
28 Days Later (Boyle, 2002)
Link disabled due to copyright reasons.
MEDIA AUDIENCES
The target audience for this film is the zombie horror audience, between 18 and 29 years old, as the film certificate is an 18.
The dominant reading of the text is that zombies or infected people are represented negatively as if they are antagonistic, hunting out the protagonists. A negotiated reading would be that the zombies could be progressively or regressively represented, and an aberrant reading would be that the zombies are the protagonists.
As a British teenager I read the text to roughly the same extent as a normal audience member would. My age and gender would affect the reading as more younger men tend to enjoy zombie horror or thriller films than women or older men.
INSTITUTIONAL CONTENT
The three main stars in this film are Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston. It is important to have stars in a film because if they are famous, good actors that people like, it will attract a wider, larger audience to view the film, increasing box office revenue.
DNA Films & British Film Council produced the film and 20th Century Fox distributed it. It is an industrial film.
One of the strategies used to market the film was placing TV spots mostly in masculine programming such as football games and TV premieres of films like 'The Matrix' and 'A Clockwork Orange'. These spots featured audience reaction footage taken by night vision cameras of an invited preview audience to entice audiences in. This clearly proved well due to the $82,719,885 box office total.
The institutional context is evident in the opening sequence because of the high quality camera work, mise-en-scene and the use of sound adds to the high production values - the diagetic dialogue is crisp and non-diagetic music sounds professional.
Link disabled due to copyright reasons.
MEDIA AUDIENCES
The target audience for this film is the zombie horror audience, between 18 and 29 years old, as the film certificate is an 18.
The dominant reading of the text is that zombies or infected people are represented negatively as if they are antagonistic, hunting out the protagonists. A negotiated reading would be that the zombies could be progressively or regressively represented, and an aberrant reading would be that the zombies are the protagonists.
As a British teenager I read the text to roughly the same extent as a normal audience member would. My age and gender would affect the reading as more younger men tend to enjoy zombie horror or thriller films than women or older men.
The three main stars in this film are Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston. It is important to have stars in a film because if they are famous, good actors that people like, it will attract a wider, larger audience to view the film, increasing box office revenue.
DNA Films & British Film Council produced the film and 20th Century Fox distributed it. It is an industrial film.
One of the strategies used to market the film was placing TV spots mostly in masculine programming such as football games and TV premieres of films like 'The Matrix' and 'A Clockwork Orange'. These spots featured audience reaction footage taken by night vision cameras of an invited preview audience to entice audiences in. This clearly proved well due to the $82,719,885 box office total.
The institutional context is evident in the opening sequence because of the high quality camera work, mise-en-scene and the use of sound adds to the high production values - the diagetic dialogue is crisp and non-diagetic music sounds professional.
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