Strengths:
The strengths of our film was that we were able to shoot three camera angles, effectively. As they cut in the right place, for example at the end of the first footage of the over the shoulder/long shot into a high angle shot of the character (Hannah Burgess). The last shot was a medium shot of the start of the conversation. We were also had to crop a little bit of the footage so that the rest of the footage cut well with the rest of the short film. We also crop parts of the beginning to get the right angle. The theme of the film was 'What are you doing here?' So we decided to include another character which would say that particular phase, which has been shown at the end. Weakness/improvements: The weakness of our film and the improvements which could be made is that camera was held quite unsteadily, and to improve we could use a tripod, which will allow the camera to be in a stable position, which could improve the quality as well. The
character could also be walking at different paces as this would have
become more effective to build tension. we could also we following
the character as she walked down the stairs, so that the audience
could more involved with what the character is doing. Another thing
we could improve on his having some non-diegetic sound to compliment
characters actions, this allows to set the mood and atmosphere of
this scene.
Using Adobe:
When using adobe to edit this short film, we had to create a folder/project and save it to our own area on the computer before starting to edit. After we has to select the quality that we wanted which was 720p 25.We then had to upload the footage that we had filmed on to the computer from the camera, then on to the adobe software. We then put each of the footage in a timeline order, since there was only three clips/footage's to use. After we were testing different transitions, in between each shot, and see which one would work the best. We ended up using the black out transition, after playing around with the other transition and thought as a group this would be a good transition to use, as it works quite effectively with cuts between each shot. We also crop a small section at the beginning and the end, using the crop tool, so sliding the bar back or forwards, to either cut a section that we didn't like we would use the crop that section so that the film could have a better quality and the meaning/emotions of the film, which could also improve on the where we started to take the camera angles. We also looked at different types of ways to end it for example credits, and some of the format of them, however we decide not to use them, as we thought it would suit the short film.
In all 3 analysis they all include people fighting in war.
lot of use of nuclear weapons
Protagonist typically is a male
Modern cities
Familiar locations
both the dark knight and iron man, show that that some characters have hidden identities.
Antagonist is usually present during the opening.
Non diegetic sound is very tension building
Diegetic sound tends to include explosions
Openings begin with groups of people, mainly men - Solider
Stunts
suicidal missions
The dark knight rises shows a distinct hidden view i.e. clown mask makes it memorable for the audience.
The iron man started with a bit of comedy, instead going straight into the fight scene, cause a build of tension within the audience.
The location of which iron man relates backs a familiar location, i.e. Afghanistan, which helps to set the scene for the audience, to recognize that its a place where where is taking place currently or has been.
Dark knight, at the end of the opening leaves an enigma to the audience thinking why this fight/robbery has happened
Will have a mysterious background story, which will be an
enigma for the opening, teases the audience makes them more
intrigues to watch on.
Tension building non-Diegetic sound.
Dark/abandoned locations, so set the scene. i.e. house
Spiritual events occur i.e. ghosts, witches
Shadows
Suspicious Atmosphere which creates tension with the
audience.
Fright
Death
Threats
Thriller
Unpredictable events
Teenagers/children characters
Good, usually really innocent and evil present
low key lighting
a lot of closeup shots
Foreign language or characters in the Drag me to hell
opening scene
In the conjuring we see the doll which could be the main
prop of the film, costume makes it look dominant
Drag me to hell shows us that there is women who wants to
meet the spiritual characters- links may occur to the protagonist
as they may come to see them later in the film
The Conjuring is based on a true story.
At the beginning of the opening to drag me to hell we see
a typical teenager at home alone, and things start to act up,
unlike the drag me to hell goes straight into the story about how
the boy stole a necklace from gypsies and then shows that he
cursed for that reason
We begin the opening by the titles which support the film and we are shown the institution or the production of the film. Sound is very important within a romance film to
help set the tone mood and atmosphere. Non-diegetic sound is been used to reflect the narrative events, such as at the beginning we a hear a mellow, low droned sound introducing the titles. After the titles, we start to hear a voice over, which introduced the film, it also suggest that it could also be the protagonist talking, however we are not shown a direct image of what the protagonist looks like, which leaves an enigma for the audience wondering what this protagonist looks like, so this would make them more intrigued to find out so at this point they would have to continue to find out. Also we hear quiet shooting sound indicting that theirs is some sort of war, or the protagonist is showing some sort of flashback to the past, connoting that the protagonist may have had a bad experience, during his last carer. The voice over explains the scene where it looks like he was fighting like may be he was part of the army. The voice over is useful for the audience, as it allow them to find out more about the protagonist life story and his personality. We then hear a lot of coin droppings, and changing the shot and continuing with the voice over showing another scene, where we see another past event which may connote another important time in the protagonists life. We see something that interested the protagonist from a childhood which brought him up to where he is. The audience get to find out that the protagonist is talking about his past, and how he ended up in the American coin army. We hear a high pitch violin and guitar playing to introduce the story that the protagonist is telling, this connotes that it may show a happy times in his life and showing more freedom, and choice, as the music is very light and refreshing which fits the mise-en-scene. The voice over seems as if he's talking to the audience directly, referring to them as 'you'. This would make the audience feel more involve and be apart of the story that he is about to tell, it also makes the audience seem important as he talks to them directly. However it could be that he's may be referring to a female or a love interest that stopped his mind, may connote that he may be heart broken, by leaves a an enigma for the audience to find out. Diegetic sound is used in the
dialogue between the characters and it
reveals the female protagonist, with her family as they look like they are have a good time together on the beach, as we hear talking and laughing connoting joy and excitement. This shows that the genre is romance as we see both protagonist meeting or seeing a sight of each other, which links to a typical convention that a girl and boy will meet.
High angles have been used at the beginning of this opening showing us what could be the protagonist getting shot, this shows the audience a higher view of him showing that this may have been is last time being alive, and we are shown this shot so that the audience can immediately feel sympathy for him, as the mise en scene shows that he has been in war, or what looks like a trench, also looks like he has been fight in war, so relates to fighting for his country. The camera slowly zooms in on the protagonist, and the camera creates a quick close up and the camera fades out into another scene showing the audience a childhood event of the protagonist. This is effective because the audience are shown a past event, which connotes that he has began telling his story, which started in when he was a child. close ups have been used to show the characters expressions, and an example of this is when the flashback happened back to his past as the coins were falling in front of his face. His expressions shows interest, and joy, suggesting that he may have been influence to find out about the production of money, which may have lead to his carer path or his hopes for something similar for his carer. A close up has been used on one of the coins which is being examined, which then from the voice over tells the audience more information about the protagonist's carer. The camera cuts a lot from scene to scene showing close-ups of the coins being processed and made, then cuts back to show the protagonist lying on the ground, thinking that its his last time, that he us about to die. his expressions show no emotions or pain, as he has straight face as the camera zooms in. This makes the audience feel sympathetic about him as he looking directly at the audience, seeking comfort. The camera comes to an extreme close up of the protagonist and then blacks out, to another scene showing us that it could be the protagonist on the beach surfing, which could be another important scene that may have effected the protagonist. A lot of close up shots have been shown of the protagonist i.e. prevalence shots of the protagonist, connotes that he is the main protagonist who the audience will be following, Also the close ups show the protagonist expression, as he comes across as a relaxed, and looks like he has no stress on his mind. Establishing shot has been used
of the
setting showing us that there is a beach, and we are introduced to more characters such as a group of friends and the possibly the protagonist's love interest. This establishes where the narrative is going to take place. Two shots have been used to show two characters together or them having a conversation. we see when the protagonist jumps into the sea and saves the girls bag, and the girl praises him for getting it for her. Long shots have been used at the end of the opening as we are shown that protagonist walks with the girl and her friend.
The
opening scene features certain narrative events such as the boy meet
girl, so the protagonist meets the girl, and the protagonist and the
girl look attractive, which will appeal to audience, we also hear the
soft non diegetic sound which introduces the protagonist, and also
reflects his personality. As the audience being aimed at females
typically, the two main protagonists tend to be attractive looking,
which would make them more intrigued to watch the film. Also the
location should be very familiar to the audience, as they can relate
as they may have experienced these types of events before, for
example going to the beach with some friend is very typical in
society. These conform to the genre as other openings as these are
what is expected from a typical romance film.
Sound is important within a romance film, and it helps to create mood and atmosphere. Non diegetic sound is used to reflect the narrative events such as at the beginning we hear the titles being introduced and we hear a bustling, stringing music, which connotes a relaxed atmosphere, so there's no distractions. Another thing that the opening is that it includes a voice over, which could be the protagonist, but doesn't show the image of the protagonist, Although the voice over gives information about his personality of the, and a little bit of information of his background. The voice over seems as if hes talking to the audience, making them more involved, so using word like 'you' relating it to the audience experience. At 1 minute 5 seconds, we start to hear a low pitched piano music and it starts to create a soothing atmosphere, which then continuous. After we hear a guitar playing which starts to create tension, this connotes depression feeling inside him, reflecting his past. Also as we see different events happening, and the non-diegetic sound reflects that the protagonist is trying to make his life better by doing things that are more active and that will take his mind off his past, its also a way for him to correct his problem that have been created, as he was talking about in the first 15-20 seconds. As we see him doing a work out, and a new character enters, the non-diegetic slowly fades, so that the diegetic sound can be introduced and hear more of the dialogue. Diegetic sound has been used in the
dialogue between the characters between the protagonist and who he talks to, during the opening he doesn't really talk to many people unless he really has to, which has been seen near to the end as he talks to his mother more than anyone else during these first 2 and half minutes to this opening scene. It
reveals more of his personality, as he has been represented as a layed back guy, show that hes not really interested in what is going on around him. The protagonist has been introduced through the voice over and then changes into diegetic sound so we hear his voice, and a shot of him talking to someone, or as if hes talking to himself, about how he says that he has changed and wants to make things right, which connotes that he may be referring to a female interest, which may link to something that may have happened in the past, so may refer to something that may have happened in the past that has had an impact on his relationship. Also when hes talking inside a room on his own also shows that from the public that hes in a prison cell or room. So when a man interrupts the protagonist saying that the doctor is here to see him, he seems very layed back and didn't really care that much. This connotes that he may be seeking medical help, but doesn't really take it seriously.
The camera at the beginning starts to introduce by showing the titles of the film, and then the camera fades into black ground, which makes seem more dark, and makes the audience more curious about there could be an enigma or something for the audience to solve and discover something about the protagonist. A medium shot has been shown of the man's back, connoting that he is he is talking to someone or something, which may be a secret as he has his back to the audience. Tracking shots have been used on the track down the action and allows the audience to follow what is going on in in that scene. We see an example of this when the note on the wall saying 'EXCELSIOR'. The definition of this mean ever upwards, which connotes that there may be way to solve his problem by moving on and doing something about it, or maybe choosing to move on in life, as things may have not been right in the past. Close up shots have been used to show the characters expressions, and example of this is when the man turns around and looks directly at the camera, making it look as if hes looking directly at the audience, making them more involved with his actions and emotions, which look like hes trying to create an attachment with audience, and seeks support from them. The camera quickly comes comes out of the scene and we are shown the man running down some stairs, and this connotes that he may have been distracted from a deep though as he rushes down the stairs. The medium shot of his pill, shows that he is under medical provision, as someone is taking care of him,and show that there may be something wrong with him either mentally or may have some sort of illness. The close up the man spiting out the pill, connotes that he has hidden ignorance, or him refusing to take his medication, as he thinks that he may not need it, and he may be absolutely fine, as his current attitude may be a way of separating himself from the public, as if hes on his own. Another tracking shot has been shown as we see a group of people talking about there problems. This suggests that the audience may feel more intrigued to know more about the protagonist and how is life is, so will give an insight to what his life is like and his attitude towards it. The camera focuses on different people, suggesting that its allowing the audience to get comfortable with everyone else and shows that the characters shown are able to talk about anything to the group. Medium shots have used quite a lot to to shown when the protagonist is doing a work out being active, connoting that hes trying to make his life better, and by taking fresh start to his life, so being able to do positive things to make his life better. So working is a way of taking his mind of things and becoming more physical active, which have and impact on his health, which would improve his health and mind. Low angle shot has been when the women comes and looks down on him. This could connote that women may have more control over him and may be someone that he has to see, which shows his attitude changing from feeling better about himself and then going back to his normal attitude shown at the beginning.
Enigma
codes are used to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they
carry on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening such as
puzzles about what brought him to this place, where different people are taking care of him, also at the beginning wee that the voice over is most likely to be the protagonist, but doesn't immediately show his face, leaving the audience think who this person could be. These questions have been left unanswered because it allow to create tension within the audience, so it would make the audience watch it more, and to find out the reasoning behind what has happened to protagonist that it has lead him to the place he is in now.
In the
opening the audience would identify symbols such as the characters costumes, which that they are casual clothing, connoting that the atmosphere meant to be more relaxed for what it looks like a prison place or room, which could show a modern version what prison place look like nowadays, and its a way of showing the audience of how these types of place try and improve peoples lives, and make it a better life for them.
In the opening scene to the holiday, we have the titles which are associated with film, so we are shown that the institution of the film is Columbia, and also tells the audience where the film was produced. We see a couple which could also look like a married couple on there honeymoon. this straightaway fits to a convention of a romance film as there is typical couple shown as being intimate, and affectionate towards each other. we also ear a voice over which introduces the film and is one of the main features of conventions of a romance film which will able the audience to identify what the film is about. So the protagonist is the voice-over, and she is talking about different types of love, and they are complimented with different shots shown that type of love being applied. So as she talks on about the types of love, and the camera slowly reveals the protagonist and talks bout the type of love that she is currently in. We are then shown business party and shows from her perspective who she likes and she tells the audience, so it looks like the protagonist is having a conversation with audience. This all links to the conventions of a romance film because it talks about the protagonist having unrequited love, which makes the audience feel more sympathetic for her and makes her seem more innocent, which will then draw attention towards her which will show how she faces it on an everyday basis.
Sound is important within a romance film as it helps to create mood and an atmosphere within this genre. Non diegetic sound has been used at the beginning when we hear a slow paced violin and piano playing at the same time at a steady pace. So as the opening scene begins with married couple dancing and being affectionate towards each other, so as we enter the non-diegetic so the violin and piano starts to build as the couple get more intimate and so as it comes to where the non-diegetic sound is coming from which shown by a man playing it on a piano, and what looks like that he is composing a piece to fit that scene. So the non diegetic sound changes to diegetic sound, making it more realistic for the audience and allows them to be involved. As the non-diegetic sound is still playing it quieten down and the audience start to hear a voice-over which may also sounds like protagonist be introduced. The voice over is talking about the different types of love, and alongside the non-diegetic sound becomes louder so the violin becomes more high pitched, which then the voice over has a small pause to introduce the title of the film in the opening scene. So as the voice over returns and as she is talking, the audiences are shown a variety of clips which compliments what she is trying to say, so representing the types of love. As the non-diegetic sound is still playing and the voice over then introduce the protagonist, as she starts to refer to herself as she explains the types of love she is in, which is unrequited love. The voice-over also seems as if its directly talking to the audience about her problems, which makes them more involved. Diegetic sound begins to come in as we hear the sound of the taxi/car driving through the streets, which also shows the location of a Christmas setting. We also start to crowds of people during a office party which the protagonist leads the audience into. The voice over starts to introduce another character which could also be a protagonist, and also introduce her lover. The voice over which has been identified as the protagonist emphasizes her love and how much she has gone through for the past three years, which makes the audience seem sorry for her, it also shows the protagonist innocence through her word, symbolising that she is seeking for help from the audience.
The opening begins with camera blurred or out focus of the setting of trees, this is effective because it creates a more relaxed with the colours being represented which compliment the shot, so the trees; leaves being green, represents neutral and calming atmosphere. Close ups have been used show the characters expressions, in this case we are shown a couple kissing, and the close ups shows there intimacy. The camera slowly starts to zooms out to show the audience that this piece is being composed by someone and we are shown another possible character. Close ups have been used to show the characters facial expressions, so we are shown the man behind the desk, shows his facial expression as he is looking at someone, the camera starts to move to show the women, and this is shown from the man perspective, and as the women walks towards the desk, and we are shown a medium shot of her walking towards the desk, showing a flirty approach, as the man kisses the women's hand, but the women doesn't seem as eager back and pulls her hand slowly and walks away. we also see close ups of the man in car as it looks like he has lost interest in her, as we are shown through his body language as hes more layed back and more of straight face. Establishing shots is used of the setting, so we are shown a establishing shot of a city with Christmas lights we also see the introduction to the protagonist which is shown through a shot of a office, and we are shown an office party or gathering showing a crowd of people, this establishes where the
narrative is going to take place. A tracking shot
follows the action of the protagonist moving around very quickly to try and get attention from the man he loves to reveal to the audience her desperation to get attention form the person she loves, and so a number of medium shots are shown of bother her and the man, and show that the man could also be a protagonist of this film as well. This
engages them because it allow the audience to follow her and what she does to try and get his attention.
The main characters
are introduced in the opening scene when the voice over is the protagonist talking about the different types of love and the scenes which compliment, also the way the protagonist is introduced through the voice and the camera angles reveals her from behind. We see the introduction of the protagonist as the camera uses tracking shots to follow her movements and the reason behind it, showing her desperation and voice over also determins that she is the protagonist. It as well the audience
recognises that they are the main characters through the use of the
dialogue/camera shots/events that they are involved in.
Enigma codes are used
to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry
on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening
such as puzzles about the reasons behind what she she does to grab attention from the man and the audience would want to know his reaction towards all this. Also the voice over also seems as if its the protagonist talking, but leaves an enigma for the audience to find out who is actually talking as the audience isn't shown an image of the protagonist or the voice-over.
Showing different types of class (high class and middle/working class)
Heart broken scenes
Social misfits
Suportive friend
Bride and groom ditched atthe alter
Social anxiety disorders
Dance to save a relationship
Lovebird cooking together
Cuddling/intimate moments
Finding that one special person
Codes and Convention
Audience aimed at females or teenagers
Modern and urban setting, school, office
12-15 certificate ratings to broaden the youth audience
Relationships
Sexulaity
Status
Narrative- falling in love, dating and kissing
Voiceover to introduce the love genre
Protagonist- attractive male and female
Slot of of use of establishing shots and wide shots, showing the characters as much as possible
Sound set the tone and atmosphere
Instruments used such as violin, to show the sad parts of the film
Opening usually start with a instrument ie, piano guitar
Familar locations
Target audience
The typial target audience, who would go and watch this type of genre would be for females and teenagers. This is because these films would want to see as it could give them advise on there own relationships, Also some of these convention link to everyday life, so the audience would experience some of these typical conventions, through a relationship. The age range for this types of genre is for 15-30, towards females, mostly, because they can relate to, and it may also have an impact on there own relationship. Another thing is that the locations are more familar to the audience, and so it could reasure them, in there own life. Also the target audience would go and these types of films, as they might find the protagonist or one of the characters who stars in it, as attractive, which links to a convention of having an attractive male or female.
Sound is very important within a
action genre to help set the tone mood and atmosphere. Non diegetic sound is used to reflect the narrative events such as a trumpet noises and fast paced violin as the cars were traveling through a sandy desert. The effect of using non-diegetic sound is that it gives the audience information that there could be some sort of conflict between someone or a group, which is shown through the pace of the music, shows that some sort of tension is building within the audience that a fight may begin. As the opening continuous the violin, becomes more quick and up tempo, as the explosions and gunshots take place, which makes it more tense and dramatic and makes the audience more eager to know the reason behind why this has happened. Diegetic sound is
used a lot throughout the opening and we see a change in gear of the cars, as they move through the sandy dunes, another thing we see is that as the people enter into a small town, along with the people inside town were shouting and they seemed scared as they were running as these people enter in with guns and weapons. We also see guns being shot and explosions which are all codes and conventions of a typical action film. We also hear some of the characters talking, and some where shouting symbolizing that they are trying to get there point across. Some of the speech was spoken in a foreign language, suggesting there may be conflict between a different country. This all effective because it allows the audience to part of the experience so it make it more realistic for them. During the opening scene we also hear small dialogue ie swearing, which suggest that they are showing anger want to finish this village as soon as possible, as they are going at a fast pace.
Long shots have been used at the beginning, to show the setting of the film, which showed the audience that its a sandy dune place, and the effect of using long shots is that it creates an extended view of the scene which surrounds the characters or props. We also see a long shot of the town/village, showing the depth of the mise-en-scene. Medium shots have been used when the camera focuses on one of the men inside the car, and this is effective as it shows the characters expressions, and shows there emotion at this stage of the scene, which shows anger and this is complimented by the guns and explosion, which will be the main cause of this event. Over the shoulder shots have been used to show the audience a viewpoint from one of the characters perspective, we see a view from one of the men watch the people running out of town. High angles shots have also been used as well to show the view point of the characters in the film. This implies power, and strength as it shows that he is more relaxed unlike other people are having to run, to get away from this fight or war. Tracking shots follows the action of the characters, and we see a lot of the characters running shooting and shows a lot of driving inside the car, and shows the action and dialogue to reveal to the audience more enigmas for the audience to find out why this has happened. This
engages them because it allows the audience to stay involved with action, so it allows the audience to engage into the film which will allow them to escape form everyday life and be focused on something else. Establishing shots have been used to show the setting of the opening, shows us that setting is in a town or a village which has been started off as being bombed and destroyed, which establishes where the
narrative is going to take place.
The opening scene
features certain narrative events such as the use of guns and weapons and with explosion taking place, we are also shown that there is conflict or war being shown between two countries, which shows some sort of revenge. These conform
to the genre conventions as these link to the enigma codes and symbolic codes. Enigma codes are used
to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry
on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening
such as puzzles about why there's conflict between these groups, and what could have caused or which could have caused it. These questions are left unanswered
about which will make the audience more intrigued to watch on more of the film to find out why these codes have been shown. In the opening the
audience would identify symbols such as the costumes they wear so wearing full protected clothing symbolizing to not get hurt or not be noticed. Body language is another symbolic code referring to the characters gestures which compliments there facial expressions.
Sound is an important aspect with a horror genre as it helps set the mood and the atmosphere. Non diegetic sound is used to reflect the narrative to the events such as, at the beginning of the opening, we hear a very low pitched sound, with a loud trumpet noise with it as well, which starts to set the scene and links to a convention of a horror film as they will have very low pitched music, and tension starts to build with the audience. We also hear a piano playing at 2 minutes on wards, and building tension within the audience has the camera shows a variety of images/photos on the wall, showing the past. Diegetic sound reveals the dialogue between the characters personality and starts to give the audience information to a hint of what the film could be about. We start by hearing a women/ family talking about an experience she has had with the doll, and what looks like they were talking to investigator, and it looks like he was asking them question and taking a statement about what they saw. As the opening scene starts off as a blank shot but with the characters are talking. This is effective because it focuses on the dialogue which is an example of diegetic sound, which helps to set the scene of a horror film, it allows the audience to get involved and to know what is going on, so it gets straight to the point of which it tells us that a family have heard something strange and unexpected.
During the opening scene to the conjuring we see a variety of camera shots. Close ups have been used at the beginning as the family are talking about there experience with the doll and shows the characters expressions. We see this as there extreme close up of the dolls eye, and the camera slowly zooming out, and showing us the characters. Extreme close ups are effective because it allows the facial features and expressions to be clear and show the detail of the mise-en-scene i.e the dolls, with all the marks on its face, which would add to the effect of the audience, making it more of the scare factor, as the doll is also signifying that its going to quite dominant throughout the film, so it creates a dramatic effect for the audience, as it known as intimate shot, including the audience making them feel uncomfortable and scared. Also close up shots shows the characters innocence's so we are shown this through at the end of the opening as the women asks for help to try and solve there problem, this would make the audience feel sympathy for that character, and make them feel sorry for the character. Annabell is a complimenting film which comes with past story, which the audience would know about, which would make them more eager to watch it, and so there has been a continuation. Medium shots have been used in the beginning showing the 3 people talking, this is effective because it allows the audience to see the characters body language, showing that this event is something that is worrying them. We also see a medium shot of the doll as well as it has been placed on the sofa, so the camera slowly zooms into doll. This is effective because during this scene it looks like the doll is part of the conversation, as it is sat on the sofa, making it look as if it listening in to whats going on around them. We are then shown flashback to an important part, which shows how the people have experience this event, showing how they have experienced this. Low angle shots have been shown, through as the camera shows the persons facial expression at a different angle. This is effective because the height of this angles makes the audience feel fear and insecurity as a viewer, also low angles shows the characters confusion, so we see this as the women hears a noise from somewhere.
The main characters have been introduced near to the end of the opening scene when the girls asks for there help. These main characters are investigators who appear at the end and agree to help that family with there problem. The audience could recognize this by what they say, as they look like they are more experienced in these spiritual problems, and could also show that they have helped other people, so it might show there journey of solving these types of problems.
The
opening scene features certain narrative events such as a abandoned house which a new family decide to live in these
conform to the genre to the opening scene and it shows a typical way of opening a horror film as it allow to set the mood and atmosphere of the film, so the audience would expect a house which is haunted. we are also shown the doll, which shows the dominance and the importance through different camera shots, to show its importance in the film. We also see that the people living in the house start to search when they hear something unexpected, which is another typical thing to expect as it makes the audience curious along with the characters to find out what is going on.
Enigma codes are used
to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry
on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening
such as puzzles about what may be bothering the doll that it has made a second appearance in this film also the props and costume may add to the puzzle has it may have had a large impact, bring this doll back for its own reason. Questions are left unanswered
about why these things are occurring, which makes the audience more eager to watch the film, as they want to know the reason why these events are occurring.
Symbolic codes have been used for the audience to identify some of the codes and with what the audience expect in this type of genre, it also encoded meaning, which the audience can connote from, a lot of these are from the mise-en-scene. Lighting is one aspect or a code, because during the opening scene we see a lot of dark lighting and so this is effective because it shows creates a moody atmosphere, and builds tension within the audience. The dark lighting continuous through the opening which then builds fear and insecurity within the audience, making them fell uncomfortable. The investigators also signify that they know a lot about spiritual events, which makes the audience sense that they will also be the main character which will unlock the enigma codes.
I think that your work is a level 3 grade because you have recognised a range of genres and analysis is good.
You need to make comparisions between different films within the genre to gain the higher grade.
Hayley Knight
In the opening to the dark knight, we begin to see the titles which supports the film, so showing us the institution the film has been produced by the Warner Brothers along with a dark blue background, this colour represents darkness, and shows some sort of challenge, which could be slowly revealed, along with cloud which compliments it as well. In the first 53 seconds it shows the varies titles associated with the film.
During 0:54 to the 1 minutes 12 seconds, we see camera showing us the location and the camera is zooming to a block of buildings, so the camera continuous to zoom, until we get a medium shot of the building and suddenly we get a someone which shoots at the window and breaks through the glass. This links to a convention of a action genre because we see the use of weapons being used, and destroying buildings, which connotes that there may be conflict or revenge between two people or a groups, which then involves them making an mark, which in this case is starting to rob from a bank. We then see a close up of the shooter, wearing a clown mask, telling us that he is trying to hid his identity, and will create an enigma for the audience to show who is hiding behind the mask and the reason behind it. During this time at the start we hear non digetic sound of the camera zooming into the buildings, which creates tension, about what could happen during in this first few seconds, the non diegetic sound builds up until the window smashes and completely stops, introducing the diegetic sound of the shooting and window smash.
1 minute 14 seconds and 1 minute 49, we see that there is another person with a clown mask, this connotes that there may be a group which associated with group which is shows a dominant piece of prop, which is the mask, and shows an hidden identity of these people, which implies that it will be important throughout the film and it looks like they are preparing for them to come out of the building. so creating a zip wire to come out of. we then see a man waiting on the street, with the mask in his hand along with a bag. Then the camera zooms in on the mask showing its dominance, and we get a close up of the features of the masks, and a car turns up and he goes into the car. At the same time the other two come down form the zip wire. The camera shows this from a bird eye view, showing the distance from the building to building. we get low angle shot of the two other clowns coming down from the zip wire into the next building. Inside the car we see another 3 clown driving towards the same building. The non-diegetic sound creates a tension and an enigma on where they may be travelling to, so its up to the audience to watch and to find out.
1 minute 49 on wards we see bank robbery take place as these clowns hack into the security system, and as they go in start to shoot people inside the bank, and we are shown through a long shot and the camera going at a faster pace. Then we see two other clowns trying to get in another way to get access of the money. The diegetic sound shows us that the clown were setting a plan in which they would rob the bank, this gives the audience more information about what is going on, and why they are doing this. We then see one of the clowns shooting another clown, which show portrayal, showing fake trust and friendship, which could be all part of the plan. We then see that clown running into the building and toward the safe which includes the money, slowly zooms into the drilling of the metal door. As the other clown continue to kill everyone in the bank, one man tries of come out with a gun and start shooting, but fails and gets killed, at the same time it shows the process of breaking through the door, showing a close up. We hear a lot of the types of sounds playing at the same time, the non-diegetic and diegetic sound, showing the conversation between the clowns and the shooting, which gives more information for the audience to know and makes them more intrigued into finding out who is behind this plan, and why they have done it.
Enigma codes are used
to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry
on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening
such as puzzles about why there has been a bank robbery , and the reason behind why some of these people have covered there identity and have masks, in order complete tasks, these ideas and thoughts of these questions, are left unanswered
about so that the audience could watch on and find out why this is happening. In the opening the
audience would identify symbolic codes such as the colours on the clown mask represent a scare/fear towards the audience making them feel scared and also identify that the joker is also the antagonist of the film.
The audience can see
that the character is wearing are wearing suits or casual wear, however the joker masks shows a prominent piece of prop, which will make it memorable for the audience to think about the antagonist, so its easier to identify them throughout the film. Also some of the codes and conventions of an action film fit this film and can be identified for example there is a typical bank robbery to start the film off with as an enigma for the film, also there is a lot of use of weapons, and fights, which all have been seen throughout the opening scene.
In the opening scene to the Iron man we are shown a long shot of the setting of the location of which it looks like where the soldiers may be heading, which connotes that they may be going somewhere to go fight, so may be some of conflict between another group or organisation. In the long shot we are shown a large deserted, spacious place with a road along with a car traveling to a certain place which has not been shown. The camera then moves to show more of the location, allowing the audience to have an idea of where they might be going. we are also shown some of the titles referring to the institutions or groups involved with the film. we are also told where the location is, with the title saying 'Kunar province, Afghanistan'.
We are shown a birds eye view of a tank or jeep, this connotes that there might be some sort of fight which might happen, which could be the reasons why they need these types of transport, as they are more bigger and hold more people for example soldiers who can take part in war or fight. As they are travelling they are traveling on a sandy dune, which may present that the location is very warm and shown that there may be limited supplies of basic need i.e water and food, which the would need to prepare their self. We see then come to see a close up shot of a radio player, which then the camera zooms out to show the inside of the car. We are shown a close up of the glass of alcohol with ice, in the mans hand, which shows a way of showing the mans relaxation. along with a medium shot of one of soldier faces looking very innocence as if he has not seen these things before. We are then shown a man who in a suit wearing classes, representing wealth, and class. however this would lead the audience to be unsure on why he is in the car, and not part of the other soldiers, which would create an enigma on why he's in the car, but does not fit with anyone else.
The non-diegetic sound at the beginning of the opening, makes the audience familiar with as the music; part of the song from AC/DC back in black plays at the beginning of the opening. The impression that these soldiers are represented as strong and independent and masculinity and the start of the song reflects that, which then links to the conventions of action film a how us that the males are like in these types of films, as they will be shown as more dominant, and more powerful. Then the non-diegetic sound starts to slow down and the volume go down and the diegetic sound comes in with the man in the black suit talking about why the soldiers have brought him here, and started the conversation with them about where they are and he was having small conversations with each of soldiers, who were with him. during there conversations the audience get to find out more information on what the man does, and when one of the soldiers asks the man to take a photo with him, it shows us that he is famous and is well known for something. During the time in which the photo was being taking, all of a sudden an explosion happens, in front of the car, which another convention of action films is that its very typically expected for explosion to occur, but in this context we see that its a place where war is being taken place.
As the explosion takes place, the soldiers get out of the car, and start to shoot back of seems to be there enemies, which they are meant be fighting, as they rush out of the car, the man in the suit got scared and so one of the soldiers told him to stay in the car, but the gun shooting came into the car so shows the man comes out of the car and starts running and come behind some large rocks, as the shooting continuous. This scene is a very typical convention in which the audience would expect to see in an action film, as we see an explosion take place, and show a lot of weapon in use. We then see the man in the black suit calling someone on his phone, The camera focuses a lot on him at this part, showing a variety of camera shot including low angle, medium shot, long shot, over the shoulder shot, which may suggest that he is an important part of the film or could be the main protagonist. we then see a bomb has been thrown next to him and suddenly explodes and throws the man away on the ground but is still alive. He wakes up in the sandy grounds, and opens his shirt to see that he has a protective barrier on his body, which starts to give the audience and idea of the concept of the film and where its starting off from. Then the camera slowly fades out into a long shot, which creates and enigma because it leaves the audience on thinking why this has happened, and the camera fades into what looks like someone waking up from a dream or just waking up.
The protagonist is introduced as we are shown a man, which doesn't fit with the rest of solider, which shows that the audience which expect something from him. We see this as the explosion takes place and the man in the black suit gets out of the car and runs to protect himself, and as he lays on the ground and opens his shirt to a metal shield or protective body shield, shows the audience his importance in the film as he was one of the people who survived that explosion. The audience can recognize the protagonist through the camera shot (explained above), showing different angles reflecting different moods and emotions shown though the opening.
Enigma codes are used
to tease the audience and engage them in the narrative so they carry
on watching the film. Certain enigmas are included in the opening
such as puzzles about why the man with black suit in the car with the soldiers, which could signify his importance and shows his status through his clothes/costume, which will questions are left unanswered
about the end of the opening on why he has this protective body shield under his clothing, connoting that he may be on a mission, so coming with the soldiers with him showing an impression of him being well know, but could be a hidden identity behind it all, which will make the audience wanting to know more about that, this also links to symbolic codes, from the costume the protagonist was wearing and the effect which showed status and wealth of his well being, however these codes also signify a deeper meaning so he could be on a mission so joining the air-force to find out information about something which create a mystery and puzzle, which the audience would have to continue to watch to find out.
Usually the Antagonist is not recognizable at the beginning
Explosions
Fight scene
Stunts
Usually fiction
Usually a love interest- midpoint of film
Enigma- puzzle to solve
High productions values so expensive to produce including CGI
Usually the characters start off with clean, smart clothing and soon after the fight scene it becomes all scruffy to show what there situation.
Camera angles include of close ups, medium shots, long shots, bird eye view, over the shoulder shot
Clinche in Action movies
Untrustworthy hunchbacks
Suicidal missions
Women don't really have a dominant role, seen as objects of the film
Ninjas running up the wall
Emergency Surgery which goes wrong
Some character shave horns on there heads
Nuclear weapons involved
Men wearing weird head wear
Reasonable amount of torture
Small group of men usually apart of the mission will portray there leader
Women will get punched in the face
Protagonist usually gets back stabbed
Deadly machinery fire
leap away of explosions
Target audience The typical target audience for an Action film would be for teenagers and males, aged between 12-25. This is because the film has a certificate of a 12-15, maximizing the youth audience. A lot of action film which appeal to that types of audience because they can either relate to the familiar locations which are more modern, as they can relate as they have been there before. Also another convention is that there is a lot of weapons and explosion which would appeal to that more of the male audience, as these have been filmed and edited at a fast pace, which then creates more tension with the non diegetic sound, so that the target audience can create tension inside them which will make them more engaged in to the film, which would allows them to escape out of there everyday situation. Also there is a lot of violence and fight scene which would appeal to a male audience, as they are more interested in these types of elements of this genre. From the pearl and dean website under the film fast and furious,we see that the target audience for this film is between the age range of 15-45 mostly, with more male audience watching this film than females, this shows a typical convention as men would be more interested in action, as there is a lot of action and fight scenes, and the use of weapons, which could intrigue the male audience for them to go and watch it. Another thing from this is that more of the middle class/student types of people went to see fast furious, this shows it probably one of the most popular films. This is because some of the setting in this film may be more appealing to them as they maybe more familiar with it.
In the opening scene of the film scream, we are shown the title of the scene, the colour of the title is white and has been shown in an outdated font connoting that this is an old film and with the lower case letters shows a bit of childhood and innocence mixing together, with the black background connoting that it sense of danger, so it may be tricking innocent people. Also the this film starts off with the typically person at home on there own, at night. They have been used to make sure the audience identify what type of genre this film is. We also see at the start of the opening we see a women/teenager at home, whilst the telephone is ring and she comes to pick it up. The women/teenager has been represent as an innocent and gullible and in this film also flirtatious as seen later in the opening. So she picks it up and the camera shows us a medium shot of her expressions, as she was unsure on who the person was, so then women looked unsure at first and then cuts the conversation and puts the phone down, we could see that from her facial expressions, changing from being unsure to flirty as she starts to smile, and her body slightly tilts when talking and then then tells him that he got the wrong number. Afterwards the mysterious unknown man continuous to call, unknowingly just to make conversation with the women. At first the women was keeping the conversation small and hung up the phone, then as the he kept on calling, then the women started to have a more normal conversation with the man, and the women was more friendly afterward. The women starts to get more flirty and starts to ask answer the man's questions. The camera continuous with medium shots with the conversations with the man. Another convention of horror movies we see that there is something going on around the location weather its something moving, which could be spiritual eg. ghost maybe very near the location of opening, along with the camera angles, changing from inside the house to the outside so the camera slowly moves out of the outside and show the audience that there may be something going on, and the audience might be able to see this by the swings moving, which might show that there may be someone on the swings. This creates an enigma for the audience to find out who is this person over the phone is and who could be on swings, as they are the same person. The audience know this because later on into the opening scene the man over the phone says that he could see the women, which then slowly creates tension with the audience as the women/teenager gets scared as she doesn't know who this person is, who is talking to her as well as watching her. so then she starts to walk around as the camera follows her with a long shot showing her pace, as she checks outside for the man.
In the first 2 minutes 22 seconds of the opening scene there was only diegetic sound, so for example the popcorn being made, the phone ringing. This makes more realistic for the audience to because it makes the audience more involved. So women/teenager gets scared the phone rings became more frequent and then she is checking outside, and then she puts down the phone and the man get angry because of her putting down the phone, and starts to get aggressive and starts to threaten her of she tries to do it again.
In the opening scene to Drag me
to hell, the opening follows the codes and conventions of a horror film because
we are shown that the setting of the scene is place in a house, which looks
like a like it belongs to someone who is wealthy, and we have seen this through
multiply old fashioned cars. This connotes that this is some sort of flashback
to the past and we can see this through the title which goes through it as
well, which says 'Pasadena, California 1969'. The font is in capital letters,
this shows the class of the setting and show that its quite formal to begin
with. the colour of the font is white, showing that its quite suttle, and
claiming as it’s a flashback to show where a certain event may have started. At
the end of the opening scene we see that women is shown a close up to show her
expressions, and also the opening ends with her leaving a statement, or a phase
saying 'we will meet again ' showing that she will appear again in the film to
help someone else, which could possible refer to the protagonist.
During the first 18 seconds we see that the film begins as with a
family rushing to the house. we also see that it starts off as a foreign
language, so we are also given the subtitle so that we can follow along on why
they have rush in and so that it can include a range of audiences to understand
what is going on in the beginning. So the women knock on the door to the women
who seems to believe in a spiritual events, such as ghosts, comes to the door,
which is another convention that the audience would expect to see, and asks
what’s wrong. At 2 minute 12 seconds we see a huge crack, with what looks
like a fire through the floor boards as the child get up, we are shown a high
angle of him trying to move out of the way, but then ends ups being taking into
the cracks, so then the non-diegetic sound and the diegetic sound starts to
become equal as we hear the non-diegetic sound getting more louder, and the diegetic
sound of the boy screaming for help showing some sort of revenge, along with
shadow of his figure being dragged in.
The non-diegetic sound in the opening scene we hear a gloomy continuous music
introducing the scene. This connotes that this setting or house could be
haunted, and something unexpected will happen, which will have an impact on the
audience because this will start to create tension, and will also create an
enigma on what might happen, so they will be more eager to watch it more to
find out what is going on, and might explain the hints. There is also diegetic
sound shown during the opening scene, because we hear the family, rushing and
calling for help and we also hear the car which drives in, the slam of the car
door. This makes it more realistic for the audience and might make them more
involved and would also lead to the audience to escape out of their everyday
life. We also hear squeaking noises, suggesting that something is haunting the
house and it close to the boy. we the hear a rush of a ghost which comes in
whilst the women is talking to the boy and the diegetic sound get more high
pitched as they enter, and it starts to pace up the scene, as the ghost or a
sound of some sort of monster enters into the room. The was also diegetic sound
of the child's mother being slapped, this effect of using this is to make it
more realist for the audience and to seem as if they are involved in the scene,
as the mother tries to protect his son, and this is shown by her standing in
front her child with a long shot as well. This connotes that the child’s mother
is trying to be protective, and shows that she will do anything to keep him
save. As the non-diegetic sound get quieter but yet it still playing we hear
more of characters talking and screaming, which shows there fear and
anxiousness.
During the opening scene we see the family rush in with their child, to the
spiritual women, and comes we are shown a medium shot of everyone and a over
the shoulder shot, the effect of using these shots it’s to allow the audience
to see there facial expressions, showing there worry and tension in which there
child had stolen the necklace, and now it has an effect on the child, as the
child now hears voices, which also scares him as well. We also see a medium
shot of the spiritual women, which indicates that something bad is going to
happen and invites them in, to show that she will try and help them but from
her facial expressions we see that she is unsure that is unable to help them.
We then shown a close up of the necklace, to indicate that it’s the most
important part of this scene and someone is after the necklace. Another close
of the boy wrapped up in a blanket, but is still sweating, indicating that he
is scared that something bad is going to happened to him especially him, as he
stole the necklace. We also shown that the ceiling of the house, shown from the
boys point of view. We see the hands hovering over it, showing that they are
here for the boy, and the movements are just building tension to the audience and
making them feel the tension and so the audience also go through what the boy
is going though at the same time. We then see the women saying some sort or
spell to try and get rid of the child fear and whatever that is trying to haunt
him. We also see a long shot of the boy when he runs and the unknown ghost
throws him off from the top of the stairs and down and we are shown a long shot
of his body.
Low key lightening,
to set the haunted affect, and make it look dark and mysterious
Broken/abandonedhomes
Creepy girl who comes back from the dead.
3 act narrative structure
Dominant representation: male villain, female victim
Binary opposition e.g. Good and evil.
A lot of use of close up shots and low angles, to show there facial expressions
Usually based on a true story, to scare the audience and to make them believe in spiritual things
Usually a women in the bathroom/a shower scene
Creepy non-diegetic music
Zombies turn up at unusual times
Getting mysterious phone calls
Young innocent teen’s characters used, to haunt the protagonist
Being home alone
Target audience
The target audience for a horror film, is for the age range from 16-30. I have chosen this age range because the convention in which are included in a horror film include dark, mysterious locations, which is very stereotypical start for a horror film, and automatically gives the audience the sense of the horror genre as these are typical found in those film, so the audience will be familiar. Sometimes another convention could be based on a true story, which will grab the audience attention thinking that is a story that has already happened and it something to relate to as the audience as it has happened in real life. Also another convention is that there is usually a child involved usually apart of the horror genre, as they are a part of scaring the audience, as in horror films children are either shown as innocent characters being haunted or compelled by a ghost or something which is spiritual. which lead onto another convention is that most horror films have a lot of spiritual things like ghosts, witches, vampires in the film to grab the audiences interest as they may believe in spiritual events or they just want a bit of a scare. From the pearl and Dean website we see that from the figures of horror films, we are shown that the audience that went to see this particular genre of film which range from 15-45 as with the most popular age group of 15-24, with 57%. This tells us that these types of films would appeal to more younger audience as they may feel more interested in it as they want a bit of a scare, are it may have been suggested as one of the popular film during the time. Also from this it shows us that more males went to watch the drag me to hell film than women. Which shows a typical convention of horror film as men are usually targeted for this type of genre. Another feature which is included from this is that class wise, mostly lower class went to watch this film.
In the opening 2-3 minutes of the film 'The host', we see that most of the
titles which appear are all at the beginning of the film. We see the inter
titles, and the institution of the film which is 'UNIVERSAL' as this what we in
the first scene, which then shows more titles in the next few shots, for
example 'open road' this allow the audience to know where the film was
produced.
As the first scene we see a galaxy background, with the non dietetic sound
of the voice over telling us a brief story or background to set the scene for
the beginning. The voice over also talks about some about how sounds as if the
world is perfect as he sounds very calm and makes it seem like he is being
manipulated into saying that, which is given by the tone of his voice This
allow the audience to find out a little about what would be happening, so the
voice over gives a little bit of information background to introduce the film. Then
the camera moves around to show the title of the film. So as watch on, the
camera gives an extreme close up of different people, and the one thing that
the camera is trying to focus on is the eyes, the eyes look very unnatural, and
surreal, as it shows that it has a blue glow which is formed as a ring around
there pupil. This shows us that they like they have been compelled by someone
or something, which makes them look and act the same, in each shot it shows an
extreme close of these people and slowly comes out into a medium shot and fades
into the next person, continuing with voice over, starting to talk about
aliens, which give the audience an insight of thinking it could have something
to do with something, supernatural aspects.
Suddenly the camera quickly comes out of the scene and moves into the next
showing us what could be the protagonist of the film. It also looks like a
flashback to a certain part of the film. This connotes that this may be an
important scene in which they have used as the flashback for the audience to
understand the concept of the voice over was trying to say at the beginning, We
also see a change in music as we get tension upbeat music whilst the
protagonist is trying to get away and continuous as we see her jump out of the
window and so the non diegetic sound changes and slows down as the group of
people after her come down to see her. the music creates the mood of the film
and creates tension within the audience and creates an enigma for the them to
find out why this situation has happened. During this flashback we see
what looks like the protagonist surrounded by group of people in white suits,
showing there sophistication as suits are presented as being smart and show
class. The protagonist looked scared of the group of people surrounding her, it
also looks like she plays a dominant role as get away from the group of people
who look like were manipulated by someone. So she runs away from them with the
camera showing us a long shot of the location and her trying along with camera
moving towards a low angle. She then runs until she runs out of a window and
fall at the bottom of the building.
