Friday 31 January 2014
Thursday 30 January 2014
Research - Film Opening 5 - Codes and Conventions
The Lion King
(0.0-2.0 minutes)
Introduction to the film/Brief background
The fifth film I am analysing is The Lion King (1994). Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, staring Matthew Broderick and Jeremy Irons, made by Walt Disney Pictures.The film is about a young cub, who is tricked into thinking he killed his father, he flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future King.The film was budgeted $45,000,000 and received $1,586,753 in the UK for opening weekend.As for critical acclaim the movie recieved a 90% approval/positive reviews on Fast Tomatoes.The Lion King also received several awards, such as three oscars in 1995 and a Golden Globe in the same year.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
The scene shows a selection of different animals surrounding a reservoir gathering together to join as celebration of the lions birth.
The scene shows several characters, showing Mis En scene of a animated film , with a target audience of young children.
Representation
Incidential music is used to help engage the audience and to immediately establish the auidence and genre of the film.Fitting well with the visual and effective to entice the target audience.
The main subject used are the lions, which are presented in a positive way, as perhaps more dominant as the others and are some kind of authority figure for the other character.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
The scene shows a selection of different animals surrounding a reservoir gathering together to join as celebration of the lions birth.
The scene shows several characters, showing Mis En scene of a animated film , with a target audience of young children.
Representation
Incidential music is used to help engage the audience and to immediately establish the auidence and genre of the film.Fitting well with the visual and effective to entice the target audience.
The main subject used are the lions, which are presented in a positive way, as perhaps more dominant as the others and are some kind of authority figure for the other character.
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- numerous animated characters are shown heading towards one another.By using stereotypical animals in Africa this also helps the film relate to the audience and genre of the film.
Props- There are several props throughout the scene which both suggests the movie's genre and audience, with generalized settings and locations of Africa and how we would assume the animals would be portrayed, such as the lion as a high authority figures, 'King of the jungle'.
Costumes-As the characters are animals, costumes are not used, however the appearance of the animals are stereotypical, following the main conventions of a animal kingdom.
Accent-Again the accent is not established, due the opening being based on the setting, continuing several establishing shots.However the audience can infer that the accent of the characters are both calming and content.
Makeup- No makeup is used in this scene and i'm assuming that none is used throughout the movie, as it is animated and they are animals.
Sound-The sound in this scene helps to portray the characters emotions.The incidental music is used throughout and the tone increases at the end, which emphases the events and visuals in the scene, adding to the excitement and climax.
Location
The location is very stereotypical, with the majority of the scene having shots of the setting, showing the audience the location.The setting is based in a African reservoir, surrounded by trees, mountains and cliff tops.A stereotypical location for animals, all living in harmony/together.
Sound
The sound used helps illustrate the emotions and thoughts of the subjects in the scene, with the whole scene having the same sound, yet the tone increases, making the audience more engaged in the content and links to the personalities of the character, due to the light, elegant music which is enforced on them.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood is very positive, uplifting and emotional, with the music setting the tone throughout.I personally believe that the use of music helps engage the audience into the visuals and helps create this atmosphere, of both a positive and inspiring feeling towards the characters and movie.
Titles/Typography
The titles are very basic, with institutional information shown, such as the producers and the actors in the animation.These appear in the scene quickly and have stereotypical typography of a title aimed for the younger generation/audience.
Camera shots/Movements
Several establishing shots are used throughout the scene , this gives the audience an insight into the setting and location of the film.Mid-shots are used , which illustrate and show the characters to the audience.
Fade in and out are used in the beginning and the end of the scene, which allows the audience to infer a change in scene, breaking the movie up.
Extreme -long shots are used, for example Simba being raised to the sky, which shows the importance of that character and highlights the main focus.This shot also has low-angle shot, showing again, Simba's importance over the other characters, with his body position being raised above the rest.Showing his higher level of authority, being positioned on the cliff top.
Makeup- No makeup is used in this scene and i'm assuming that none is used throughout the movie, as it is animated and they are animals.
Sound-The sound in this scene helps to portray the characters emotions.The incidental music is used throughout and the tone increases at the end, which emphases the events and visuals in the scene, adding to the excitement and climax.
Location
The location is very stereotypical, with the majority of the scene having shots of the setting, showing the audience the location.The setting is based in a African reservoir, surrounded by trees, mountains and cliff tops.A stereotypical location for animals, all living in harmony/together.
Sound
The sound used helps illustrate the emotions and thoughts of the subjects in the scene, with the whole scene having the same sound, yet the tone increases, making the audience more engaged in the content and links to the personalities of the character, due to the light, elegant music which is enforced on them.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood is very positive, uplifting and emotional, with the music setting the tone throughout.I personally believe that the use of music helps engage the audience into the visuals and helps create this atmosphere, of both a positive and inspiring feeling towards the characters and movie.
Titles/Typography
The titles are very basic, with institutional information shown, such as the producers and the actors in the animation.These appear in the scene quickly and have stereotypical typography of a title aimed for the younger generation/audience.
Camera shots/Movements
Several establishing shots are used throughout the scene , this gives the audience an insight into the setting and location of the film.Mid-shots are used , which illustrate and show the characters to the audience.
Fade in and out are used in the beginning and the end of the scene, which allows the audience to infer a change in scene, breaking the movie up.
Extreme -long shots are used, for example Simba being raised to the sky, which shows the importance of that character and highlights the main focus.This shot also has low-angle shot, showing again, Simba's importance over the other characters, with his body position being raised above the rest.Showing his higher level of authority, being positioned on the cliff top.
Wednesday 29 January 2014
Research - Film Openings 4 - Codes and Conventions
Miss Potter
(0.00-2.22 minutes)
Introduction to the film/Brief background
The fourth film I have chosen to analyse is a Drama movie, Miss Potter (2006).Directed by Chris Nooman, staring Emily Watson and Ewan McGrego, made by Phoenix Pictures. The film is a remodel of The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness and success.The film was budgeted $30,000,000 and £1,400,943 for the opening weekend.The film was highly successful, achieving a Golden Globe in 2007, as well as a Capri Hollywood award in the same year.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
The scene's narrative shows denotations of a female character painting.I received this representation from the femininity of the characters hands, being clean and well maintained.
Representation
Incidental music is used throughout the scene, this helps engage the audience from the beginning to the end.The tone increases in volume from beginning to end, which again helps to engage the audience and adds interest to the scene.
The sound used is a soft piano bass, with a harmony over the top, which comes in half way through the scene, when the establishing shot is shown, this, in my opinion, brings interest to the shot.Making it seem undisturbed and elegant.
Without this effect the scene would have a whole different emotion, I feel as if it summaries the characters mood and affections towards the location and her lifestyle.
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- A female subject is shown painting a landscape in watercolours. Stereotypically if the audience were to look at the activity the subject is doing , we would assume she is a more civilised and at a higher class.
Props- several props are used throughout the scene, such as paint brushes and palettes.These alone link and relate to the audience, with the majority/ first target audience being at a younger age, using paints and art engages them in, stereotypically linking arts and craft with younger children.
Yet because of the characters sification, this comment contradicts itself, because the art she is doing only looks possible to achieve by an older, more experienced painter.These props also help show the era in which the movie is based around, from the old-fashioned equipment, such as a knife , instead of a pencil sharper, I get the impression that it's based around the 1990's era, which is appropriate, as the the book is also in this era.
Costumes-The costumes of the characters/character are not yet identifiable to the audience.Yet from the opening we can infer that perhaps it would follow the conventional stereotype of a a higher class lady.With smart formal clothing, at a high quality, such as blouses in light/neutral colours.
Accent- Again, the accent is uncertain, yet I can infer the female's accent would be well-spoken and precise.With several establish shots of the location, I can also infer that due to being in the countryside of England, stereotypically the character would be English.
Makeup- The makeup palette is not shown, yet if I were to stereotype the character,I would assume her makeup is very clean and natural, by watching her actions she comes across very elegant and graceful.
Sound
Props- several props are used throughout the scene, such as paint brushes and palettes.These alone link and relate to the audience, with the majority/ first target audience being at a younger age, using paints and art engages them in, stereotypically linking arts and craft with younger children.
Yet because of the characters sification, this comment contradicts itself, because the art she is doing only looks possible to achieve by an older, more experienced painter.These props also help show the era in which the movie is based around, from the old-fashioned equipment, such as a knife , instead of a pencil sharper, I get the impression that it's based around the 1990's era, which is appropriate, as the the book is also in this era.
Costumes-The costumes of the characters/character are not yet identifiable to the audience.Yet from the opening we can infer that perhaps it would follow the conventional stereotype of a a higher class lady.With smart formal clothing, at a high quality, such as blouses in light/neutral colours.
Accent- Again, the accent is uncertain, yet I can infer the female's accent would be well-spoken and precise.With several establish shots of the location, I can also infer that due to being in the countryside of England, stereotypically the character would be English.
Makeup- The makeup palette is not shown, yet if I were to stereotype the character,I would assume her makeup is very clean and natural, by watching her actions she comes across very elegant and graceful.
Sound
The sound delivers Mis en scene of the target audience and movie genre almost immediately.With a light low bass, the incidental music creates a light at ease mood, connotates ideas peace and pleasant well-being.
Location
Location
The location shown through an establishing shot, showing an extreme long of the countryside, making the setting appear very isolated and rural.Yet with the harmony played over the top of this visual, it enforces the audience to gain the perspective that this scenery/setting is peaceful and disturbed.
The hills and woodlands, seem inhabited by moderation, a which gives me the impression that she is alone, however he body language suggests that she is content which this prospect, as she appears confident and relaxed.
The hills and woodlands, seem inhabited by moderation, a which gives me the impression that she is alone, however he body language suggests that she is content which this prospect, as she appears confident and relaxed.
Sound
The incidental music fades out at the end of the scene, which adds to the mystery of the film, enticing the audience to continue watching.
Mood/Atmosphere
The atmosphere of the scene is very moving, with the music and scenery putting the audience at ease and peace.The silence of the character, also portrays her natural well being, allowing a positive and happy mood to be created.
Titles/Typography
The only titles in this scene is the institutional information, such as the the director and studio details.However the typography fits well with the overall scene, as the font it basic, yet elegant and is neutral in white and yellow.
Camera shots/Movements
An establishing shot is used, which helps set the scene and engages the audience, providing them with knowledge and understanding of the film location and genre.
Extreme-closeups are also used throughout the scene, showing clear visuals of the props used.This helps the scene become more intriguing and interesting.
Close-ups are also used to illustrate and show the props again, this is effective because it helps the audience gain some perspective on what the character is like and the actions/activities the subject is doing.
Tuesday 28 January 2014
Research - Film Opening 3 - Codes and Conventions
The Shining
(0.0-2.48 minutes)
Introduction to the film/Brief background
The third film I have chosen to analyse is a Thriller movie, The Shining (1980).Directed by Stanley Kubrick, staring Jack Nicholson and Danny Lloyd, made in Peregrine Productions and Producers Circle.The film is about a family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where an evil and spiritual presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future.The film was budgeted $19,000,000 and $622,337 for the opening weekend in USA. Critical acclaim was mostly positive, yet the film did get nominated for worst actor and director, yet the film also got nominated for the Saturn award of best actor and director.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
The scene's narrative is unusual, yet contains several conventional elements throughout, such as the location of the Thriller.
Personally, this scene doesn't provide the audience with much knowledge on the plot or purpose of the film.Yet contains conventions expected in this genre movie, as well as establishing the scene ( setting the scene).
Showing numerous shots of the setting and location of the film, in a isolated woodlands, with the main focus being the car, with the camera tracking this subject.
Representation
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- The scene consists of scenery shots of the setting and location.The tension builds as the car approaches the destination.
Props- A car was used to allow the camera to focus on a subject, this helps engage the audience, giving them a prop to follow.
Costumes- There are no shots of the costumes in this scene, however the audience are able to infer them.The prop of the vehicle, helps the audience do this, with it being a van, we can stereo typically assume the character/characters carry some masculine traits.Perhaps more practical and adventurous, with lower class costumes. Again if we were to look at it stereo typically, I would assume that the costumes would also have little detail and appear quite generalized, linking back to the idea that the subject/subjects are driving a van, which is stereo typically a vehicle considered for employment, like a Builder, Plumier, electrician.
Accent- The audience are unaware of this, again if we were to look at the vehicle,stereotypical we can assume that the accents of the character/characters are at a lower class, with poor communication skill, under educated.
Makeup-Again, the audience are unable to determine what the characters appearance are, due to the scene not showing any, yet from the prop we can assume it is masculine and neutral. Stereo typically, from the van, I would assume the character/characters would be male, therefore have little to no makeup on.
Sound- The sound is non-diegitic eerie and dark music, this helps add to the tense of the scene.Making the atmosphere mysterious and uncertain.
The tone of the incidental music increases as the scene ends, which again reinforces the tensions, engaging and enticing the audience to watch on.The music fits the visual, with the tone of the sound increasing as the scenery location is changed from shot to shot.This is effective because it helps set the scene.The music used also helps create suspense, making the audience wait for the climax, encouraging them to track the subject as the bass tone increases.
Location
The location of the scene is immediately made clear in the scene, with an establishing shot to show the scenery.The location is isolated and remote, which fits into the conventional thriller setting.
Throughout the scene several shots of the location were shown, from woodlands to mountains.Suggesting that this movie is perhaps in a nature reservoir, such as Yellow Fields or Alaska, again giving the impression of isolation, linking to the movie's genre and it's conventions.
Sound
Like mentioned beforehand, incidental music is used to illustrate the tension and to build up the atmosphere.Without this is would not entice the audience and would create a different feel for the film.Personally, the music helps the audience immediately establish the type of film and the mood.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood is very eerie and negative, with dramatic, tense ,incidental music used throughout the scene, it makes the scene seem dark and gloomy.Although the scenery show in the shots are beautiful, you are unfocused from this due to the tense tone and tracking of the camera.
Titles/Typography
Titles are used to show the audience institutional information, such as the producers and directors, this is done quickly.Using simplistic and basic typography.This quickly fades out, ensuring it does not detract the audience from the contents, making the background the main focus.
Camera shots/Movements
several low and high angle shots are used to em phase their important and power.For example a low shot is used on a mountain, this makes the setting seem large , as if it's towering above the subject, which is enforced by the music increasing in volume as this shot occurs.
Tracking is used repetitively to help make the subject/vehicle the main focus
zoom is also used in several shots.This helps show the setting to the audience, showing it's size and over emphases it's proportions.
An Establishing shot is used at the beginning of the piece to set the scene.
Extreme long shots to again set the scene, it also helps put into perspective the size of the van in comparison to it's surroundings, making the vehicle seem vulnerable and insufficient to the setting.
Monday 27 January 2014
Research - Film Opening 2 - Codes and Conventions
Love Actually
(0.0-1.12 minutes)
Introduction to the film/Brief background
The second movie opening I have chosen is a Rom-Com,Love Actually (2003).Directed by Richard Curtis, staring Hugh Grant and Liam Neeson, made in Studio Canal and Working Title Films studios.Based on eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.The film was budgeted $30,000,000 and an estimated $200,000,000 worldwide as the opening weekend.If looking at the critical acclaim Rotten Tomatoes rated the movie 63% and 55/100 overall.The film received numerous awards, such as a BAFTA and the Empire awards, as well as being nominated for a Golden Globe in 2004 and the Critics Choice awards.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
The film begins with a voice over from David (Hugh Grant) commenting that whenever he gets gloomy with the state of the world he thinks about the arrivals terminal at Heathrow Airport, and the pure uncomplicated love felt as friends and families welcome their arriving loved ones.
The narrative in the first scene is immediately made clear and links to the title of the movie 'Love', which representation of this being shown throughout the clip.
Representation
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- There are several characters shown in the first scene, with the majority dressed in casual, middle-class-lower-class costumes.Referring to the idea of them just arriving off a plane or journey, the setting/location also suggests this with clear signs of a airport environment.All the characters body language seems positive and all seem happy, joyful and alive.This is shown through denotations;smiles and the affection given to one another.
The characters in this scene are also varied in age, as well as origin, with old and young subjects, which again helps appeal to a wider audience on a global scale.
Props- Sunglasses are placed on one of the characters, which show a representation of someone returning or going to a hot climate designation, i.e- on holiday, as well as luggage giving connotations of an arrival from a holiday/trip.
Costumes-The majority of the costume portray the idea of casual, convenient clothes, which illustrate traveling, and links to the setting ( an airport).
They all appear to have generalized costumes, with little femininity, which draws the audience more towards the voice over of Hugh Grant.The costumes don't necessary link to the era or the mood of the film, yet as mentioned before hand, the characters costumes aren't the most important element of the scene, you are attracted to the use of sound more.
Accent-Immediately the audience has knowledge of the film's accent, with the voice over of Hugh Grant, it's pretty clear that the accent is British.
Accent-Immediately the audience has knowledge of the film's accent, with the voice over of Hugh Grant, it's pretty clear that the accent is British.
Makeup- the makeup palette is neutral for all characters with the main focus on the voice over.
Sound-A voice over is used by Hugh Grant.Which draws and entices the audience in, helping them establish the key important and topic of the movie. There is also non-diegetic music of a incidental track under the voice over, which increases in volume from beginning to end.
Sound-A voice over is used by Hugh Grant.Which draws and entices the audience in, helping them establish the key important and topic of the movie. There is also non-diegetic music of a incidental track under the voice over, which increases in volume from beginning to end.
Location
The scene was filmed in Heathrow Airport, which is immediately made clear in both the title and the props used.Such as billboards and flight screens.The setting is made to achieve the idea that the characters are arriving/returning to there home, with family and friends greeting them , this makes me infer that it is the department lounge.Using characters from different countries also links to the idea of the location being in a airport.
Sound
Incidental music is used at the beginning, alongside the voice over of Hugh Grant.This makes the audience engage into the visuals, and entices them to continue watching the movie.I personally believe with this effect the audience become involved in the scene and it encourages them to listen.
Without the voice over the audience would not feel as connected to the character and to the film itself, because the mis scene of the characters and props are so generalized and stereotypical it also helps the audience relate to them.This voice over also shows off the genre of the film, with Hugh Grant expressing his emotions and thoughts on 'Love', which coincidentally is the title of the film and helps it link to a genre, Rom-Com, because love is stereo typically thought off with this type of movie.
Mood/Atmosphere
The atmosphere is very different to the first movie opening I analysed, with it being positive and happy.This is created through the characters body language and gestures to one another.With most smiling or greeting others by hugs or kisses.This again shows connotations of a stereotypical Rom-Com.
Sound
Incidental music is used at the beginning, alongside the voice over of Hugh Grant.This makes the audience engage into the visuals, and entices them to continue watching the movie.I personally believe with this effect the audience become involved in the scene and it encourages them to listen.
Without the voice over the audience would not feel as connected to the character and to the film itself, because the mis scene of the characters and props are so generalized and stereotypical it also helps the audience relate to them.This voice over also shows off the genre of the film, with Hugh Grant expressing his emotions and thoughts on 'Love', which coincidentally is the title of the film and helps it link to a genre, Rom-Com, because love is stereo typically thought off with this type of movie.
Mood/Atmosphere
The atmosphere is very different to the first movie opening I analysed, with it being positive and happy.This is created through the characters body language and gestures to one another.With most smiling or greeting others by hugs or kisses.This again shows connotations of a stereotypical Rom-Com.
The mood is similar, being joyous and cheerful in all aspects.
Titles/Typography
There are several titles throughout this scene, the first advertising the studio in which the film was by, in this case Universal Pictures and Studio Canal, produced by Working Title.
The typography used is simple, yet effective, with Century Gothic font in white.
Camera shots/Movements Extreme-closeup are used to help show the characters emotions and expressions.
Tracking is also used half way through the scene which shows the character/subject from a different perspective, behind the character.
Low and High angle shots are used which again show different perspectives on the character/subject.For example one low angle shot is used to show the perspective of a child character, looking up at the subject focus, which we can only assume is the mother.
There is also a fade in and out shot which features in the beginning and end of the scene.
Titles/Typography
There are several titles throughout this scene, the first advertising the studio in which the film was by, in this case Universal Pictures and Studio Canal, produced by Working Title.
The typography used is simple, yet effective, with Century Gothic font in white.
Camera shots/Movements Extreme-closeup are used to help show the characters emotions and expressions.
Tracking is also used half way through the scene which shows the character/subject from a different perspective, behind the character.
Low and High angle shots are used which again show different perspectives on the character/subject.For example one low angle shot is used to show the perspective of a child character, looking up at the subject focus, which we can only assume is the mother.
There is also a fade in and out shot which features in the beginning and end of the scene.
Research - Film Opening 1 - Codes and Conventions
Woman in black
(0.10 -1.44 minutes)
Introduction to the film/Brief background
The first movie opening I have chosen is a Horror,Woman in Black (2012).Directed by James Walkins, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Janet McTeer, made in Hammer films and Creek pictures studios.Based on a young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals. The film was budgeted $17,000,000 and gaining an estimated $20,000,000 for the opening weekend, the biggest amount earned in USA for a Hammer film.As for the critical reception the film received 65% approval by Rotten Tomatoes, based on 171 page reviews, with an overall rating of 6/10.The film was also won the 'Top Box Office Film' in 2013 and was nominated for both the 'Satan Award' and the 'Empire Award' also in 2013.
Film's Narrative for the Opening scene
In an Edwardian era English village, Three young girls sitting, laughing, playing with dolls, until a sound disturbs them (antagonist/villain),, walk trance-like to a window and jump to their death.
The narrative is not clear in the opening with little evidence of protagonists, yet allows the audience to have some kind of insight into the antagonist , showing clear representation on the movies genre, 'Horror'.This is done by the use of non-diegtic sound of a harmony by a child which increases in volume by the end of the scene.
Representation
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- There are three young girls, dressed formal, all appear civilized and from the higher/upper class.All these connotations are delivered by both there mannerism and costumes.
They also seem well disciplined and preserved, showing there standard and class.
Props-This shot of the china prop also gives clear representation of the era it is set in, as well as the denotation of the gold rim around the crockery, which again adds to the idea of wealth and class, with gold being associated with only the wealthy.
Costumes-The Mis en Scene also helps audience can also infer the era and class of the characters through the costumes used.All three girls appear to have long elegant flocks in light pastel colours , commonly associated with the Edwardian times, around 1930 to the early 40's.
Accent- there is no knowledge of their accent's in the opening scene, as no narrative is expressed, apart from laughter.Yet their costumes and body language gives connotations of formality and stratification, therefore we can infer their accent, stereo typically, would be well-spoken English.
Makeup- The characters all have a very neutral makeup palette, with little to no makeup.
Sound- Non-diegietic sound is used to help create tension and to add to the eerie atmosphere.Such as the bells, which give off a negative vibe, suggesting an alert or danger.This immediately draws the audience in, showing drama and tension, encouraging them to watch on.
The silence when the girls were detracted which also helps add to the tension and atmosphere, giving connotations of the movies genre, Horror, due to the sense of unknown and danger.This in turn helps engage the audience , providing them with little knowledge on the danger ahead of them, encouraging them to continue watching.
Location- The opening scene was located in a Edwardian room, which was easy to identify, due to the features and props used, such as wooden floor boards, beams and old windows.This helps the audience infer that this movie is set in the 1930's , but we are unable to see denotations of the area, whether it's urban or rural.Yet I can infer that the film might be set in a rural settlement, as stereo typically horrors are, yet due to the opening scene having only shown one room, the current whereabouts of the location is unknown to the audience.
The weather is, again, unclear from the opening, because the windows do not deliver any signs of the climate, but the lighting suggests that the day either at dawn or dusk, as the it appeals to be partly dark, with a grey gloomy filter.
Sound
Non-diegetic sound is used at the beginning of the opening scene to help engage the audience and to add tension and build up the atmosphere, this alone encourages the audience to continue watching.
The use of Incidental music of a piano and chimes throughout the scene adds tension, making the audience more involved and entices them to watch the events and actions unfold.
This incidental music changes half way through the scene (0.46 seconds) to a more intense chime, of what could be recognize as a church organ, as this sound is heard the characters become distracted and freeze in thought, appearing fearful, making the overall tension increase and gives the audience a representative of danger and fear, as the volume increases.
Incidental music is also used to show the sound of the china breaking, which adds to the idea of the destraction being dominate and in control, perhaps a representation of a ghost or paranormal creature, either way it is presented as a negative and forceful subject, and with it not being shown draws in the audience. Making them want to watch more to gain further knowledge of the dominant subject.
The opening of the windows are also emphasized, with loud creaks to show and enforce on to the audience the danger and abnormality of the characters actions.
(0.35+ seconds) A non-diegetic sound of screaming and depression is used, by a female.I can infer from this that the sounds added were referring to the Mother of the young girls, the line 'My babies!', was also used after the screaming, reinforcing the my thought of a mother figure grieving.This adds emotion to the clip, engaging the audience, making them want to seek the killer of the deaths and wanting to know the reasons behind the characters actions.
The the non-diegietic sound of screaming also helps to deliver the opening, with a Horror genre film stereo-typically having a crisis/event from the past at the beginning of the movie.This therefore follows a conventional horror movie, with the idea of danger and fear from the start.Providing the audience with knowledge of the genre in the first few minutes.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood throughout the scene is very much eerie and tense, as both the sound and movement of the characters increases.Due to a dark filter the atmosphere seems gloomy and dead, which again follows a conventional codes of a horror movie.It also gives the audience ideas on the location, with a dark filter, it makes the location/setting seem isolated and alone, adding to the tension.The music, of course, plays a huge part in the atmosphere of the scene, with the volume increasing as the danger build,making the audience more aware of the danger approaching the characters. Along side this, the props also impact the mood of the scene, with props such as, anticeic, often linked to horror, with connotations of paranormal creatures and witchcraft.
Titles/Typography
There are no titles or typography used in this opening scene.
Camera shots/Movements
Close-up's are used on several props such as the teapot and doll, which help show the eerie of the film and also gives representation of the characters wealth and class.With many in that time frame, being unable to afford toys or extra comforts, which helps the audience immediately establish the characters wealth.
Mid-shots are used, which show the characters costumes, and provides a overlook of their body language towards the subject.
An extreme long shot is used at the end of the scene, showing the window from the other side of the room, this helps the audience take in recent events and shows a perspective away from the trauma and screaming.
Panning was also used to show the setting/room the characters were in and the environment the scene was set in.
The narrative is not clear in the opening with little evidence of protagonists, yet allows the audience to have some kind of insight into the antagonist , showing clear representation on the movies genre, 'Horror'.This is done by the use of non-diegtic sound of a harmony by a child which increases in volume by the end of the scene.
Representation
Characters/Social groups and Mis en scene- There are three young girls, dressed formal, all appear civilized and from the higher/upper class.All these connotations are delivered by both there mannerism and costumes.
They also seem well disciplined and preserved, showing there standard and class.
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Costumes-The Mis en Scene also helps audience can also infer the era and class of the characters through the costumes used.All three girls appear to have long elegant flocks in light pastel colours , commonly associated with the Edwardian times, around 1930 to the early 40's.
Accent- there is no knowledge of their accent's in the opening scene, as no narrative is expressed, apart from laughter.Yet their costumes and body language gives connotations of formality and stratification, therefore we can infer their accent, stereo typically, would be well-spoken English.
Makeup- The characters all have a very neutral makeup palette, with little to no makeup.
Sound- Non-diegietic sound is used to help create tension and to add to the eerie atmosphere.Such as the bells, which give off a negative vibe, suggesting an alert or danger.This immediately draws the audience in, showing drama and tension, encouraging them to watch on.
The silence when the girls were detracted which also helps add to the tension and atmosphere, giving connotations of the movies genre, Horror, due to the sense of unknown and danger.This in turn helps engage the audience , providing them with little knowledge on the danger ahead of them, encouraging them to continue watching.
Location- The opening scene was located in a Edwardian room, which was easy to identify, due to the features and props used, such as wooden floor boards, beams and old windows.This helps the audience infer that this movie is set in the 1930's , but we are unable to see denotations of the area, whether it's urban or rural.Yet I can infer that the film might be set in a rural settlement, as stereo typically horrors are, yet due to the opening scene having only shown one room, the current whereabouts of the location is unknown to the audience.
The weather is, again, unclear from the opening, because the windows do not deliver any signs of the climate, but the lighting suggests that the day either at dawn or dusk, as the it appeals to be partly dark, with a grey gloomy filter.
Sound
Non-diegetic sound is used at the beginning of the opening scene to help engage the audience and to add tension and build up the atmosphere, this alone encourages the audience to continue watching.
The use of Incidental music of a piano and chimes throughout the scene adds tension, making the audience more involved and entices them to watch the events and actions unfold.
This incidental music changes half way through the scene (0.46 seconds) to a more intense chime, of what could be recognize as a church organ, as this sound is heard the characters become distracted and freeze in thought, appearing fearful, making the overall tension increase and gives the audience a representative of danger and fear, as the volume increases.
Incidental music is also used to show the sound of the china breaking, which adds to the idea of the destraction being dominate and in control, perhaps a representation of a ghost or paranormal creature, either way it is presented as a negative and forceful subject, and with it not being shown draws in the audience. Making them want to watch more to gain further knowledge of the dominant subject.
The opening of the windows are also emphasized, with loud creaks to show and enforce on to the audience the danger and abnormality of the characters actions.
(0.35+ seconds) A non-diegetic sound of screaming and depression is used, by a female.I can infer from this that the sounds added were referring to the Mother of the young girls, the line 'My babies!', was also used after the screaming, reinforcing the my thought of a mother figure grieving.This adds emotion to the clip, engaging the audience, making them want to seek the killer of the deaths and wanting to know the reasons behind the characters actions.
The the non-diegietic sound of screaming also helps to deliver the opening, with a Horror genre film stereo-typically having a crisis/event from the past at the beginning of the movie.This therefore follows a conventional horror movie, with the idea of danger and fear from the start.Providing the audience with knowledge of the genre in the first few minutes.
Mood/Atmosphere
The mood throughout the scene is very much eerie and tense, as both the sound and movement of the characters increases.Due to a dark filter the atmosphere seems gloomy and dead, which again follows a conventional codes of a horror movie.It also gives the audience ideas on the location, with a dark filter, it makes the location/setting seem isolated and alone, adding to the tension.The music, of course, plays a huge part in the atmosphere of the scene, with the volume increasing as the danger build,making the audience more aware of the danger approaching the characters. Along side this, the props also impact the mood of the scene, with props such as, anticeic, often linked to horror, with connotations of paranormal creatures and witchcraft.
Titles/Typography
There are no titles or typography used in this opening scene.
Camera shots/Movements
Close-up's are used on several props such as the teapot and doll, which help show the eerie of the film and also gives representation of the characters wealth and class.With many in that time frame, being unable to afford toys or extra comforts, which helps the audience immediately establish the characters wealth.
Mid-shots are used, which show the characters costumes, and provides a overlook of their body language towards the subject.
An extreme long shot is used at the end of the scene, showing the window from the other side of the room, this helps the audience take in recent events and shows a perspective away from the trauma and screaming.
Panning was also used to show the setting/room the characters were in and the environment the scene was set in.
Thursday 23 January 2014
Monday 20 January 2014
Introduction to camera angles
I have done some research into the different camera shots, angles and effects that are included when filming a clip/film.
To show a my understanding and to demonstrate my knowledge of camera angles, I look several images of an object, including a range of angles shown below-
Worm’s eye camera shot is taken from a very low angle where the camera is pointing upwards towards the object making the object look bigger than it is.
Eye Level is a camera shot where the shot is taken from the person’s eye level of what they are looking at.
Canted angle is the position of the camera, being slightly tilted when taking a shot and then rearranging the picture for it to look like the object is on a tilt.
Medium Shot is a camera shot of the waist upwards showing the frame of an object.
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