Sound
Sound is a very important convetion within films as it enchances how the audience see different events or different meanings within the scene. The music that is chosen to be in an opening can have an impact on the audiences mood or feelings towards the film.
High Pitch Sound:
This means it is high in pitch of frequency. It is used in thrillers to make an eerie feel to the film and builds tension throughout. This can be seen as a sudden screeching sound which builds the adrenaline. It also may be seen in death or danger scenes.
Diegetic Sound:
Diegetic sound is a sound that belongs in the frame. It is a sound of a person or object that is visible or who is implied to be present in that scene. This would include; voices by the characters, sounds made by objects in the film or music representing the narrative.
Non-Diegetic Sound:
Non-Diegetic sound is a sound that has been edited into the scene after it has been created. This is a sound where nobody as been seen or is implied to be in the scene. This could be a narrarator or sound effects to build a dramatic effect.
Silence:
This is when a scene has been edited to have no sound play as it creates a feel of tension and suspense throughout this scene.
Sound Bridge:
Sound Bridge is when it uses sound to link two scenes. This is by having the picture and the diegetic sound change at different points. It is usually seen when the sound from the second scene is heard before the picture is shown.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Taken Poster Analysis
Taken Poster Analysis
This poster seems quite plain and simple which might not appeal to many viewers. It has the main character places in the centre of the poster who is played by Liam Neeson, a famous actor. By doing this and having his name and and picture right in the centre may attract his fans to watch the film. The colours that are used are very dull and would seem to appeal more towards boys as they have used black, greys and silver. They have also used a prop which is a gun that is also more aimed at towards boy and gives the impression of an action thriller genre. Also the lighting hitting his face forms a shadow so one half is dark and the other light. This could show is secret identity that he may have to lives or is maybe hiding something.
The title is placed in the centre with big bold writting with very basic font to try and attract the viewers attetion. In the top left hand side of the poster its got written 'They have taken his daughter, he will hunt them, he will find them, and he will kill them' The key words in this has been made to stand out in bold writting such as 'kill' whilst the other words are simple. This is to show the aspect within the thriller. Behind in the background centre are actions shots within some scenes to show the audience of what is happening and grab there attention so they question what is going on and want them to see more.
This poster seems quite plain and simple which might not appeal to many viewers. It has the main character places in the centre of the poster who is played by Liam Neeson, a famous actor. By doing this and having his name and and picture right in the centre may attract his fans to watch the film. The colours that are used are very dull and would seem to appeal more towards boys as they have used black, greys and silver. They have also used a prop which is a gun that is also more aimed at towards boy and gives the impression of an action thriller genre. Also the lighting hitting his face forms a shadow so one half is dark and the other light. This could show is secret identity that he may have to lives or is maybe hiding something.
The title is placed in the centre with big bold writting with very basic font to try and attract the viewers attetion. In the top left hand side of the poster its got written 'They have taken his daughter, he will hunt them, he will find them, and he will kill them' The key words in this has been made to stand out in bold writting such as 'kill' whilst the other words are simple. This is to show the aspect within the thriller. Behind in the background centre are actions shots within some scenes to show the audience of what is happening and grab there attention so they question what is going on and want them to see more.
Mise En Scene of Prom Night
Mise En Scene in Prom Night
Mise en scene means everything inside the frame. It is there to create atmosphere and structure to the film.This is settings and iconography, costumes, hair and makeup, facial expressions, lighting and colour and positioning.
Setting:
In the film Prom Night, the scene I am focusing on is set in a ball room for the schools prom in a hotel. This is relevant to the story line as most american proms are help at a hotel. This gives the impression to the audience that it is a fun, enjoyable enviroment to be in as they are celebrating. Seeing this makes the audience think nothings going to happen which in this case is the complete opposite. They have challenged the conventions to give the audience a false impression.
Iconography:
In this scene one type of icongraphy that was used was a knife. This was used by the antagonist threatening the victim in the hotel room. Seeing this knife causes fear and instantly builds the tension for the viewer. Instantly this makes the audience see the man as a threat and a dangerous character towards other characters. This shows he over powers them and is one of the main characters in this scene. This also prepares the audience for something bad to happen.
Costumes, hair and makeup:
As this scene is feature around prom all the characters are wearing very formal clothes. Prom suits and dressed were worn which doesn't make the audience think something bad is going to happen. Wearing these clothes does not relate to action or crime so shocks the viewers when the victim ends up fighting to survive. Before the stalker finds Donna (the victim) her hair and makeup is seen to be perfect. As the stalker finds her she's terrified and starts crying which ruins her makeup and has mascara running down her face. This shows the audience how the prom has been ruined and her appearance isn't on her mind as her life is at risk. The antagonist is dress in all dark colours which associate with death and mystery. This shows the audience that he is a cliche antagonist and is someone to be aware of.
Lighting and colour:
Lighting in this scene is very low key. Although when the alarms begin to go off in the hotel at the begining flashing lights are going off which is quite bright. This is to alarm the audience that something bad could happen and it also creates fear and builds the tension. However when Donna is in the hotel room with the antagonist the lighting is low key and shadows are formed which creates the feeling of mystery and feels very dull. Having this tells the audience that something unexpected could happen within this scene.
Facial Expressions:
At the begining of the scene facial expressions on everyones faces show shock and confused as prom has been cancelled and everyone has been evacuated out the hotel, but also some of the characters friends have gone missing. This makes the audience start to wonder whats going to happen as the friends have been missing for a while and the hotel is being evacuated without them being found. Relating back to makeup when Donna is crying and mascara runs down her face, this shows the viewers how terrified she is in that moment.
Most teenagers can relate to the plot as they have or are going to have there prom. With this, it will grab there attention and want them to watch and see what happens next. Although the film is very jumpy and gives the audience a thrill its not overly horrific or too scary which means it can vary to a wide range audience. Some characters may feel connected with the victim Donna as they feel sympathy towards her and want her to be safe.
Mise en scene means everything inside the frame. It is there to create atmosphere and structure to the film.This is settings and iconography, costumes, hair and makeup, facial expressions, lighting and colour and positioning.
Setting:
In the film Prom Night, the scene I am focusing on is set in a ball room for the schools prom in a hotel. This is relevant to the story line as most american proms are help at a hotel. This gives the impression to the audience that it is a fun, enjoyable enviroment to be in as they are celebrating. Seeing this makes the audience think nothings going to happen which in this case is the complete opposite. They have challenged the conventions to give the audience a false impression.
Iconography:
In this scene one type of icongraphy that was used was a knife. This was used by the antagonist threatening the victim in the hotel room. Seeing this knife causes fear and instantly builds the tension for the viewer. Instantly this makes the audience see the man as a threat and a dangerous character towards other characters. This shows he over powers them and is one of the main characters in this scene. This also prepares the audience for something bad to happen.
Costumes, hair and makeup:
As this scene is feature around prom all the characters are wearing very formal clothes. Prom suits and dressed were worn which doesn't make the audience think something bad is going to happen. Wearing these clothes does not relate to action or crime so shocks the viewers when the victim ends up fighting to survive. Before the stalker finds Donna (the victim) her hair and makeup is seen to be perfect. As the stalker finds her she's terrified and starts crying which ruins her makeup and has mascara running down her face. This shows the audience how the prom has been ruined and her appearance isn't on her mind as her life is at risk. The antagonist is dress in all dark colours which associate with death and mystery. This shows the audience that he is a cliche antagonist and is someone to be aware of.
Lighting and colour:
Lighting in this scene is very low key. Although when the alarms begin to go off in the hotel at the begining flashing lights are going off which is quite bright. This is to alarm the audience that something bad could happen and it also creates fear and builds the tension. However when Donna is in the hotel room with the antagonist the lighting is low key and shadows are formed which creates the feeling of mystery and feels very dull. Having this tells the audience that something unexpected could happen within this scene.
Facial Expressions:
At the begining of the scene facial expressions on everyones faces show shock and confused as prom has been cancelled and everyone has been evacuated out the hotel, but also some of the characters friends have gone missing. This makes the audience start to wonder whats going to happen as the friends have been missing for a while and the hotel is being evacuated without them being found. Relating back to makeup when Donna is crying and mascara runs down her face, this shows the viewers how terrified she is in that moment.
Most teenagers can relate to the plot as they have or are going to have there prom. With this, it will grab there attention and want them to watch and see what happens next. Although the film is very jumpy and gives the audience a thrill its not overly horrific or too scary which means it can vary to a wide range audience. Some characters may feel connected with the victim Donna as they feel sympathy towards her and want her to be safe.
Friday 4 January 2013
No Country For Old Men
No Country For Old Men Analysis
Setting: The film is set in Texas in an isolated area to which whoever goes there will not be able to survive as they will he helpless and abandoned. This can relate to the title of the film as the secluded desert is no place for old men only tough, young charatcers. The setting being as deserted as it is, is usually seen as a covnention in most thriller films as it shows the audience that the character is powerless in the situation they may be in. The effect of this in most thriller films, is that it shows that the victim is feeling trapped and alone which they would be in the setting for 'no country for old men'
Camera Work: For the camera angles they used a close up for when the character was being arrested. By using close ups is allows the audience to see the characters facial expressions and build a relationship with them. Although in the opening scene they have used a close up the identity to the character is an unknown stranger. Doing this builds the suspences for the audience which is a commonly used convention for thrillers.
Editing: At the begining there is a voice over that tells us a bit about the character which is rarely seen in thriller films as it is not seen as conventional. As this is being said each frame is just cut and moves to the next frame. This then moves to a panning shot where we see the camera track the chacratcers feet towards the car where we can hear footsteps. This is conventional as it creates tention for the audience and keeps them waiting on the edge of their seats.
Characters and Costumes: The character that is seen being arrested is dressed all in black which can be seen as mysterious. Black also connotates death and murder which will immedietly give the audience an idea of what he is like. Seeing this will show the viewers of what he is going to be like for the rest of the film and that his actions will carry on as they are. The officer which is dressed in uniform shows his power and authority towards the one getting arrested.
Setting: The film is set in Texas in an isolated area to which whoever goes there will not be able to survive as they will he helpless and abandoned. This can relate to the title of the film as the secluded desert is no place for old men only tough, young charatcers. The setting being as deserted as it is, is usually seen as a covnention in most thriller films as it shows the audience that the character is powerless in the situation they may be in. The effect of this in most thriller films, is that it shows that the victim is feeling trapped and alone which they would be in the setting for 'no country for old men'
Camera Work: For the camera angles they used a close up for when the character was being arrested. By using close ups is allows the audience to see the characters facial expressions and build a relationship with them. Although in the opening scene they have used a close up the identity to the character is an unknown stranger. Doing this builds the suspences for the audience which is a commonly used convention for thrillers.
Editing: At the begining there is a voice over that tells us a bit about the character which is rarely seen in thriller films as it is not seen as conventional. As this is being said each frame is just cut and moves to the next frame. This then moves to a panning shot where we see the camera track the chacratcers feet towards the car where we can hear footsteps. This is conventional as it creates tention for the audience and keeps them waiting on the edge of their seats.
Characters and Costumes: The character that is seen being arrested is dressed all in black which can be seen as mysterious. Black also connotates death and murder which will immedietly give the audience an idea of what he is like. Seeing this will show the viewers of what he is going to be like for the rest of the film and that his actions will carry on as they are. The officer which is dressed in uniform shows his power and authority towards the one getting arrested.
Planning Editing Styles(AG)
Planning Editing Styles
Why is editing important?
Editing is one of the main aspects in the process of film production. It is part of the post production of film making. Editing has grown throughout the years, the first example of films used to be one shot compared to what it is now containing between 1000 and 2000 shots. All of these shots are linked and edited together in some way. This could be by using fades, wipes, dissolves or just the standard cut. The editing guides the pace of the narrative. It can be used to create the feel of danger by fast paced editing and emphasising certain points that may not have been noticed.
Editing Styles
Fade - This is when a scene fades into a black background or a black background fades into a scene.
Straight Cut - When an unexpected cut from one edit to another which may have to signifiance to the narrative.
Dissolve - When a clip is mixed with another and dissapears as the other one appears.
Cross-Cutting - This is when the camera will cut from one action to another action that could show the simultaneity.
Fast Cutting - Refers to several continuous shots for a duration which usually lasts for about 3 seconds or less.
Jump Cut - This is a cut which two sequential shots of the same matter from camera positions that alter very slightly.
Kuleshov Effect - This editing effect can be used to hint at emotions without actually showing them.
Montage - This is the reverse to slow editing that shots are quickly joined together which cretes fast paced motions which feels the scene with excitement.
How will your editing styles help to make your thriller conventional?
As our thriller opening is only limited to 2 minutes we can't overload it with effects. Although we need to use various effects which will satisfy the conventions of a thriller. Fast editing will make my thriller conventional as it is at a fast pace which will buildd the tension of the scene for the audience. Another edit we could use to stick to the conventions is fade, this could relate to the character as to how she is feeling when it dissolves out, showing her disturbed and confused.
Why is editing important?
Editing is one of the main aspects in the process of film production. It is part of the post production of film making. Editing has grown throughout the years, the first example of films used to be one shot compared to what it is now containing between 1000 and 2000 shots. All of these shots are linked and edited together in some way. This could be by using fades, wipes, dissolves or just the standard cut. The editing guides the pace of the narrative. It can be used to create the feel of danger by fast paced editing and emphasising certain points that may not have been noticed.
Editing Styles
Fade - This is when a scene fades into a black background or a black background fades into a scene.
Straight Cut - When an unexpected cut from one edit to another which may have to signifiance to the narrative.
Dissolve - When a clip is mixed with another and dissapears as the other one appears.
Cross-Cutting - This is when the camera will cut from one action to another action that could show the simultaneity.
Fast Cutting - Refers to several continuous shots for a duration which usually lasts for about 3 seconds or less.
Jump Cut - This is a cut which two sequential shots of the same matter from camera positions that alter very slightly.
Kuleshov Effect - This editing effect can be used to hint at emotions without actually showing them.
Montage - This is the reverse to slow editing that shots are quickly joined together which cretes fast paced motions which feels the scene with excitement.
How will your editing styles help to make your thriller conventional?
As our thriller opening is only limited to 2 minutes we can't overload it with effects. Although we need to use various effects which will satisfy the conventions of a thriller. Fast editing will make my thriller conventional as it is at a fast pace which will buildd the tension of the scene for the audience. Another edit we could use to stick to the conventions is fade, this could relate to the character as to how she is feeling when it dissolves out, showing her disturbed and confused.
Thursday 3 January 2013
Character Representation(Hartt)
Character Representation
Representaion: How someone is presented or judged by the audience from their clothing, background, attitudes etc.
The victim:
Representaion: How someone is presented or judged by the audience from their clothing, background, attitudes etc.
The victim:
The name of our victim is Grace Davies which is played by Daisy Morecroft. She is a seventeen year old girl of an English ethnicity. She will come across as a young vulnerable girl which will be shown by her white clothing, blonde hair and blue eyes which will assosiate with innocence. As her parents are divorced she comes across as a very emotional character but manages to hide the thoughts from the past. The character is someone that the audience can relate to and understand the emotion she is going through which will create an impact on the audience throughout the opening sequence. Grace is seen to be alone throughout the scene but there appears to be strange events and noises happening around her which she then becomes frightened and helpless.
The Antagonist:
The anotagonist in our scene is Andrew Davies, who is the father of Grace Davies (victim) is a mentally twistsed character who seeks revenge. He is a lonely and troubled man in his mid 40's after suffering from a divorce with his wife. The jealousy of his ex wife turns into revenge towards the daughter. This is infact unknown to the audience until the end which questions the viewers as to why he is doing this throughout the thriller. This makes him a less relatable character but is however conventional as he is a suspenseful character that puts uneasiness upon the victim. In the opening sequence his identity in unknown and unseen. Although he isnt revealed instantly within the scene his presence is clearly suggested.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Opening Scene Narration(AG)
Opening Scene Narration
In the opening of our thriller it will start of by showing a teenage girl in her bedroom on her laptop whilst on the phone to her boyfriend holding the phone against her shoulder with her ear. This shot is going to be a mid-shot as we want it to look like the camera is from the laptop screen. The girl will be dressed in white as this shows innocence and purity which fits with the conventions of a thriller, as instantly the viewer will be able to assume she is the victim. The bedroom is going to be dark which will be low key lighting, with a lamp in the corner and the light from the laptop projecting onto her face. This shot will go on for a few seconds of her speaking, this is when the credits will cut in. They will be against a black screen with white type writer writing as it will appear as if she is typing them out. While she's on the phone she mentions to her boyfriend that her mum has gone out on a date, shortly after she hears a door close in the hallway and assumes it is her mum coming home. She calls out mum a few times with no response and tells herself she is being paranoid. After this she carries on with her conversation but is interrupted by a sudden disconnection with her phone, laptop and lights but finds the hallway lights still appear to be on.This is still going to be mid-shot but with different angles. As this happens she starts to get shooken her up, which she then decides to go out in the hallway and check if anybody is there. For this shot we are going to use a tracking shot from behind then move to the front and film as she walks towards the camera.
Finding no body there she makes her way into the bathroom. Using a bathroom is conventional because they have the use of mirrors and the sense of isolation which the character is feeling in that moment. She splashes water from the sink in her face and wipes it with a towel. This makes her eye make up smudge which will be effective as it emphasises the fact she's scared. Reassuring herself she mumbles 'your just being stupid, no ones here, i'll call mum and it'll all be fine'. As she trys ringing her mum it fails as it appears to be the wrong number when she knows its not. Starting to panic the door behind her slams on its own. Just as this happens we will use an extreme close up of the top half of her face as she gasps and looks towards the door. This is where we are going to build up the fast pace editing to build the tension. Rushing out the bathroom door out into the hallway she starts to walk slowly towards her bedroom door. We are going to follow her from behind walking towards the bedroom. When she gets to the door we will use a close up shot of her hand pushing the door open. All the lights in the bedroom are still not working, so as she steps foot into the bedroom she is facing a wall in which she see's a shadow of a hand appear grabbing her shoulder. This is where we are using an over the shoulder shot to we can see a part of her and the shadow on the wall. Jumping around towards the camera her face will look terrified, with wide eyes, make up smudges and scream whilst looking in the camera. Obsessed will appear on screen just after which is the title to our thriller. We have decided as a group to end it this way as it sets an enigma to the audience, which is conventional to a thriller film and builds the suspence leaving them to wonder what or who it is.
In the opening of our thriller it will start of by showing a teenage girl in her bedroom on her laptop whilst on the phone to her boyfriend holding the phone against her shoulder with her ear. This shot is going to be a mid-shot as we want it to look like the camera is from the laptop screen. The girl will be dressed in white as this shows innocence and purity which fits with the conventions of a thriller, as instantly the viewer will be able to assume she is the victim. The bedroom is going to be dark which will be low key lighting, with a lamp in the corner and the light from the laptop projecting onto her face. This shot will go on for a few seconds of her speaking, this is when the credits will cut in. They will be against a black screen with white type writer writing as it will appear as if she is typing them out. While she's on the phone she mentions to her boyfriend that her mum has gone out on a date, shortly after she hears a door close in the hallway and assumes it is her mum coming home. She calls out mum a few times with no response and tells herself she is being paranoid. After this she carries on with her conversation but is interrupted by a sudden disconnection with her phone, laptop and lights but finds the hallway lights still appear to be on.This is still going to be mid-shot but with different angles. As this happens she starts to get shooken her up, which she then decides to go out in the hallway and check if anybody is there. For this shot we are going to use a tracking shot from behind then move to the front and film as she walks towards the camera.
Finding no body there she makes her way into the bathroom. Using a bathroom is conventional because they have the use of mirrors and the sense of isolation which the character is feeling in that moment. She splashes water from the sink in her face and wipes it with a towel. This makes her eye make up smudge which will be effective as it emphasises the fact she's scared. Reassuring herself she mumbles 'your just being stupid, no ones here, i'll call mum and it'll all be fine'. As she trys ringing her mum it fails as it appears to be the wrong number when she knows its not. Starting to panic the door behind her slams on its own. Just as this happens we will use an extreme close up of the top half of her face as she gasps and looks towards the door. This is where we are going to build up the fast pace editing to build the tension. Rushing out the bathroom door out into the hallway she starts to walk slowly towards her bedroom door. We are going to follow her from behind walking towards the bedroom. When she gets to the door we will use a close up shot of her hand pushing the door open. All the lights in the bedroom are still not working, so as she steps foot into the bedroom she is facing a wall in which she see's a shadow of a hand appear grabbing her shoulder. This is where we are using an over the shoulder shot to we can see a part of her and the shadow on the wall. Jumping around towards the camera her face will look terrified, with wide eyes, make up smudges and scream whilst looking in the camera. Obsessed will appear on screen just after which is the title to our thriller. We have decided as a group to end it this way as it sets an enigma to the audience, which is conventional to a thriller film and builds the suspence leaving them to wonder what or who it is.
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