We are choosing an idea based around men preying on suicidal girls, killing them and making it look like suicide.
Synopsis- A murder organisation called "The Aunties" (possible title?) who victimise vulnerable, suicidal women/girls by setting up a help website where they are "agony aunts". they are really men. then they target certain women, get to know them, then find out where they live and kill them, making it look like suicide. The posts on the worry website are evidence of suicide.
This is our Final Idea
Friday, November 28, 2008
Final Idea!!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Stage 1
So we're getting started on our group project in my group with Laura and Holly. We've already planned our group idea and agreed on it but had already made a treatment for another idea so i thought i would put it down so you could see the contrast
2. The theme(s): what should it make the audience think about or feel, what ‘issues’ will it raise (revenge, sexuality, voyeurism, stalking, obsession, greed etc)
Themes of death, drugs, London style and social scene, revenge, will make the audience feel angry and confused as they do not know who will be poisoned.
3. The narrative: how is it structured - classic narrative pattern or break with convention, real time or different time zones, flashbacks/forwards, dreams etc. Will there be dialogue? What about diegetic/ non-diegetic sound?
The narrative pattern will break the conventions, as it will use both real time and flash backs to try and piece together the story bit by bit. The aim is to be quite confusing to the audience, to make them think. . There will be dialogue between the two dealers about the drugs and about poisoning them. Any music that we have in the scene will be digetic as i feel non-digetic sound may make it feel quite Hollywood, and i think it should be quite gritty.
4. The character(s): who are they, identify their roles, what are their characteristics, including gender, appearance etc?
The only characters seen in the opening sequence are two drug dealers, in their mid/late-thirties. Both white males wearing plain darkish clothes in greys blues and khakis
5. The setting and choice of location: where is it set?
A London flat/house, showing the dealers must be pretty good and lead a averagely comfortable life. The flat would be nearer the centre of London. Nice looking from the outside but dingier from the inside.
6. The mise-en-scene: identify colours, lighting, dress codes, the overall visual look
High key lighting as it is in the middle of the day, I see bright-ish colours like reds and blues mixed in with whites and browns. Dress codes are pretty standard and casual. Needs to connote British street style.
7. The camera work: the style you are aiming for
Lots of movement shots: tracking, pans etc to create a better visual feeling. Jaunty angles to create a weird sense of something happening and confusion.
8. The editing: edited as a continuous sequence, use of cross cutting, use of montage, or combination?
Very choppy, and fast paced to reflect the British edgy-cool style of the piece. Use of montage when showing the making and separating of the cocaine.
9. Has your idea been ‘tested’ against the key criteria (the 8 questions)?
Yes, i feel it will work well
10. Group responses?
We all like the idea and think it can work well, as we would have the right location to shoot it, and we could use our dads as actors...
PLANNING YOUR OPENING SEQUENCE
Please describe or explain the following:
1. The action: identify the event your idea is based around; what actually happens (discovery of a body, an illicit meeting, a witness seeing a crime being committed, a criminal act taking place, a telephone call, a chase, a short journey etc)?
My idea was based around two drug dealers in London who deal and take cocaine. The action in the opening sequence would be the dealers wrapping up packages of cocaine, and then you see/hear the dealers spiking one package with a poison of some sort to kill someone. They wrap three packages ready to post but you do not see which package is the poisoned one.
Please describe or explain the following:
1. The action: identify the event your idea is based around; what actually happens (discovery of a body, an illicit meeting, a witness seeing a crime being committed, a criminal act taking place, a telephone call, a chase, a short journey etc)?
My idea was based around two drug dealers in London who deal and take cocaine. The action in the opening sequence would be the dealers wrapping up packages of cocaine, and then you see/hear the dealers spiking one package with a poison of some sort to kill someone. They wrap three packages ready to post but you do not see which package is the poisoned one.
2. The theme(s): what should it make the audience think about or feel, what ‘issues’ will it raise (revenge, sexuality, voyeurism, stalking, obsession, greed etc)
Themes of death, drugs, London style and social scene, revenge, will make the audience feel angry and confused as they do not know who will be poisoned.
3. The narrative: how is it structured - classic narrative pattern or break with convention, real time or different time zones, flashbacks/forwards, dreams etc. Will there be dialogue? What about diegetic/ non-diegetic sound?
The narrative pattern will break the conventions, as it will use both real time and flash backs to try and piece together the story bit by bit. The aim is to be quite confusing to the audience, to make them think. . There will be dialogue between the two dealers about the drugs and about poisoning them. Any music that we have in the scene will be digetic as i feel non-digetic sound may make it feel quite Hollywood, and i think it should be quite gritty.
4. The character(s): who are they, identify their roles, what are their characteristics, including gender, appearance etc?
The only characters seen in the opening sequence are two drug dealers, in their mid/late-thirties. Both white males wearing plain darkish clothes in greys blues and khakis
5. The setting and choice of location: where is it set?
A London flat/house, showing the dealers must be pretty good and lead a averagely comfortable life. The flat would be nearer the centre of London. Nice looking from the outside but dingier from the inside.
6. The mise-en-scene: identify colours, lighting, dress codes, the overall visual look
High key lighting as it is in the middle of the day, I see bright-ish colours like reds and blues mixed in with whites and browns. Dress codes are pretty standard and casual. Needs to connote British street style.
7. The camera work: the style you are aiming for
Lots of movement shots: tracking, pans etc to create a better visual feeling. Jaunty angles to create a weird sense of something happening and confusion.
8. The editing: edited as a continuous sequence, use of cross cutting, use of montage, or combination?
Very choppy, and fast paced to reflect the British edgy-cool style of the piece. Use of montage when showing the making and separating of the cocaine.
9. Has your idea been ‘tested’ against the key criteria (the 8 questions)?
Yes, i feel it will work well
10. Group responses?
We all like the idea and think it can work well, as we would have the right location to shoot it, and we could use our dads as actors...
Monday, November 24, 2008
BLK feedback
Please keep up with your Stage 1 posting Amelia - you need to show how the project is developing from your own perspective.
No evidence for this so far on this blog. Try to avoid long-ish gaps between posts.Please see the main blog posts for advice on how to proceed with your individual blog if you're not sure what you should be doing.
Your evaluation and continuity sequence link? What's going on?
No evidence for this so far on this blog. Try to avoid long-ish gaps between posts.Please see the main blog posts for advice on how to proceed with your individual blog if you're not sure what you should be doing.
Your evaluation and continuity sequence link? What's going on?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Preliminary Exercise: Continuity Sequences
Who Did You Work With and How Did You Manage the Task Between You?
I worked in a Group with Shaun, Mia and Loren. During the planning stage of the piece we split the work up equally so that we could all be busy doing things rather than waiting for one thing to be down, and then another. I worked closely on the 'shooting script', on the Script and Shaun did the drawing for the storyboard, whilst Mia helped and over looked both me and Loren. Obviously we all double checked with each other before going ahead with anything, so that the whole group was in agreement. This was very effective as we were able to get the job in hand done quickly, so that we could get started on the shooting and editing as quickly as possible. When shooting, as Loren and I were in most of the shots we did less camera work than Mia and Shaun, although we made sure we had done at least one shot. It worked well this way as there was no added fuss of switching the cameraman and sound technician each time which would have caused excess time and hassle. With the editing we would each do 15 minutes and a time and then change round. This worked very well.
Overall our group worked really well together, there were no arguments, no disagreements and we all really enjoyed our time. Everyone was really willing and happy to do whatever job they were given, and this meant that none of us were unhappy with decisions made.
How Did You Plan Your Sequence? What Processes Did You Use?
During the planning stage of our sequence we as a group decided which things we would be 'in charge of' as such and did them individually with group feedback. I worked on the shooting script and so had to reply on all the other members of my group as without a Storyboard or a script i couldn't have completed the shooting script.
The Script- Loren and Mia put together a quick script of our sequence ( which was going to be about 2 girls gossiping). We made sure the lines were short and snappy, to get a feel of a fast paced girly conversation.
Storyboard- We elected Shaun to draw up a rough storyboard so that we could get a feel for how our piece would run, and see it visually.
After doing both these things i was able to get on with the Shooting Script. The shooting script allowed us to come up with an appropriate shooting order for filming, not just filming in order of the sequence. We decided to shoot them (as we had discussed in class) by grouping them by locations and actors- i.e. all ones in the lobby at the start, then all the ones with me in them, then all the ones with Loren in. This made the best use of our time.
We did a run through of our sequence to check that everything was working right and then we were off.
What Technology Did You Use To Complete The Task, and How Did You Use It?
We used various technology and equipment throughout the task. The most vital part of our equipment would've been our Mini DV Canon Camera. We used the same one camera throughout which worked well.
Another vital part of our recording equipment was our microphone/headset sound gear. We used a mic plugged into the camera, which could be detachable to make it closer to the action. This made the conversation much clearer and therefore more understandable. Other equipment that we used during the shooting process was our tripod to keep the camera level and steady, and increase continuity of our shots. We used a clipboard to separate up different shots and takes between, to make it easier when it comes to the editing process.
As for the editing process we used an editing software called Premiere Pro. This allowed us to chop and edit our sequences quickly and easily, which made sure that we stuck to our schedule. The editing style we used is called non-linear editing which allows you to move clips around in different orders allowing you to be more flexible and versatile. We used 2 video tracks which made things a lot easier and clearer, especially when editing the conversation and all parts with girl one where one the first video track, and all parts with girl 2 were on the second. As the only sound we were using was dialogue we only needed one audio track.
I enjoyed using all the equipment. I found it particularly easy to use which surprised me, and it will be good as all the equipment we used we will be using for our real thing.
What Factors Did You Have To Take Into Account When Planning, Shooting and Editing?
Planning- When planning our shoot we had to take many factors into account. For example location. We had to shoot within the school premises as the brief had to include opening a door and walking across a room, and because it was during lesson times it made sense to film in the media block. This created a problem as all the other groups had the same idea. Luckily when filming it wasn't too much of a problem. Another thing to take into account when shooting was budget. Obviously our budget is ZERO and we we had to improvise with what we could make do with. Mia brought in an 'ugly' jumper which worked with our storyline, and since the scene was based around teenagers, me and Loren didn't need to do anything. Also when planning we had to consider whether our piece would be logical and make sense, for example if we had done a conversation about working on a farm but shot it in an office. Luckily ours was about gossiping teen girl, and we filmed it in a school so it all worked.
Shooting- With shooting factors we needed to take into account were similar to that of planning such as weather conditions if we were shooting outside. However most complications which could have arisen were because of continuity. Because we we're trying to make a sequence with continuity we had to be careful of various things. For example the framing in each shot had to be perfect. If you were filming a conversation (180 degree) then the shot of one person talking could not differ to the shot of the next time they talked. We did this by filming all the lines for one person, and then for the other. We also had to make sure our reactions were accurate to how you should react and so ran through the whole conversation. We often had to shoot many takes because of there not having the correct reactions, or because my head (in the shot) kept moving out of frame. Other stuff we had to be aware of was lighting, to keep it continuous throughout the piece. This was simple as we had no additional lighting apart from the room light. Another large problem which arose was everybody wanting to use the lobby at the same time, luckily we shot all our shots in the lobby first, whilst everyone else had left them until last. Also outside noise from the other classrooms meant we would have to wait between takes before filming so that we did have sound issues when editing.
Editing- The main factor to consider when editing was the continuity. Cutting the shots just right so that the sequence flowed smoothly and looked seamless.
How Successful Was Your Sequence? Please Identify What Worked Well and With Hindsight, What Would You Improve/Do Differently?
Brief:-Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.
I think our sequence works well and is very successful, and we use all that is asked of us. We used a girl, opening a door, crossing a room and then having conversation and so fulfilled the brief entirely whilst adding our own little twist to int at the end by added the 3rd person. The conversation scene works well as we stick to the 180 degree rule, and it runs really smoothly without any skips or jumps. However next time when filming we would need to take larger pauses between sentences, because some this were hard to cut as we spoke almost on top of one another because we knew what each other was going to say. This made it extremely hard when editing and you had to be extremely careful when using the razor tool. We showed match-on-action when the girl goes to open the door and then there is a shot of her hand one the door, however there is a slight glitch with continuity as the hands are higher in the close shot, then they are in the long shot, but after getting feedback this wasn't too noticeable. The establishing shot at the beginning was only thought up once we were in the edit suite because we realised the shot we wanted to have wouldn't have worked as it would've meant that the girl went through the room twice. Instead we cut the shot down, so that it only showed Loren at the computer to establish that she was there, and the other girl was coming to see her and almost int erupting what she was doing, therefor our mistake was not all bad. The shot where girl 1 says "Oh my god Loren" works well because it create suspense by her dragging the chair across the room. However although it does create suspense, on the other and it takes slightly too long and changed the pace of the piece in that one bit. The bit at the end in which the girl comes through the door, and the other two girls are interrupted was quite spontaneous and we were not entirely sure if we were going to put this in, but we had time so we did. It was very awkward though because we needed to have the sound of the door for use to react to however we did not. So we had to cut the sound of a door from another shot and move it. It caused lots of excess problem but i think in the end worked really effectively.
Overall our piece looks seamless and professional. You do not notice the editing, which is the point after all.
What Have You Learnt From From Completing This Task? Looking Ahead, How Will This Learning Be Significant When Completing The Rest Of Your Foundation Coursework, Do You Think?
I have learnt that I am a lot more competent with all the technical stuff than I thought i was. I thought I would have forgotten everything about editing and Premiere Pro but it all came back to me and I really enjoyed it. I also learnt how HARD it is to get continuity editing right, and make it look plausible. It is really difficult and it is one of the things we're going to have to look very closely at when filming our group piece. It allowed us to make mistakes that we will now be able to correct in our real thing. It taught me to not rely on things such as locations and sound etc, as thing might always go wrong. I think in that respect it has taught me to be more wary about everything in a shoot, lighting sound and continuity.
I feel it also stregthened my ability to work in a group and has taught me not to be so bossy. This waas achieved by sharing work out easily
It also showed the importance of planning and a storyboard, because a few times shots that we wanted didn't work (such as the establishing shot).
I would make sure that in converstaion in a our piece we took longer pauses between each thing to make sure that we could get cutr off points right as this proved a problem for us.
I really onjoyed working on this project and cannot wait to get started on the real thing :)
Here is the Sequence
"Ugliest Jumper Ever"-By Loren, Shaun, Mia, Amelia
I worked in a Group with Shaun, Mia and Loren. During the planning stage of the piece we split the work up equally so that we could all be busy doing things rather than waiting for one thing to be down, and then another. I worked closely on the 'shooting script', on the Script and Shaun did the drawing for the storyboard, whilst Mia helped and over looked both me and Loren. Obviously we all double checked with each other before going ahead with anything, so that the whole group was in agreement. This was very effective as we were able to get the job in hand done quickly, so that we could get started on the shooting and editing as quickly as possible. When shooting, as Loren and I were in most of the shots we did less camera work than Mia and Shaun, although we made sure we had done at least one shot. It worked well this way as there was no added fuss of switching the cameraman and sound technician each time which would have caused excess time and hassle. With the editing we would each do 15 minutes and a time and then change round. This worked very well.
Overall our group worked really well together, there were no arguments, no disagreements and we all really enjoyed our time. Everyone was really willing and happy to do whatever job they were given, and this meant that none of us were unhappy with decisions made.
How Did You Plan Your Sequence? What Processes Did You Use?
During the planning stage of our sequence we as a group decided which things we would be 'in charge of' as such and did them individually with group feedback. I worked on the shooting script and so had to reply on all the other members of my group as without a Storyboard or a script i couldn't have completed the shooting script.
The Script- Loren and Mia put together a quick script of our sequence ( which was going to be about 2 girls gossiping). We made sure the lines were short and snappy, to get a feel of a fast paced girly conversation.
Storyboard- We elected Shaun to draw up a rough storyboard so that we could get a feel for how our piece would run, and see it visually.
After doing both these things i was able to get on with the Shooting Script. The shooting script allowed us to come up with an appropriate shooting order for filming, not just filming in order of the sequence. We decided to shoot them (as we had discussed in class) by grouping them by locations and actors- i.e. all ones in the lobby at the start, then all the ones with me in them, then all the ones with Loren in. This made the best use of our time.
We did a run through of our sequence to check that everything was working right and then we were off.
What Technology Did You Use To Complete The Task, and How Did You Use It?
We used various technology and equipment throughout the task. The most vital part of our equipment would've been our Mini DV Canon Camera. We used the same one camera throughout which worked well.
Another vital part of our recording equipment was our microphone/headset sound gear. We used a mic plugged into the camera, which could be detachable to make it closer to the action. This made the conversation much clearer and therefore more understandable. Other equipment that we used during the shooting process was our tripod to keep the camera level and steady, and increase continuity of our shots. We used a clipboard to separate up different shots and takes between, to make it easier when it comes to the editing process.
As for the editing process we used an editing software called Premiere Pro. This allowed us to chop and edit our sequences quickly and easily, which made sure that we stuck to our schedule. The editing style we used is called non-linear editing which allows you to move clips around in different orders allowing you to be more flexible and versatile. We used 2 video tracks which made things a lot easier and clearer, especially when editing the conversation and all parts with girl one where one the first video track, and all parts with girl 2 were on the second. As the only sound we were using was dialogue we only needed one audio track.
I enjoyed using all the equipment. I found it particularly easy to use which surprised me, and it will be good as all the equipment we used we will be using for our real thing.
What Factors Did You Have To Take Into Account When Planning, Shooting and Editing?
Planning- When planning our shoot we had to take many factors into account. For example location. We had to shoot within the school premises as the brief had to include opening a door and walking across a room, and because it was during lesson times it made sense to film in the media block. This created a problem as all the other groups had the same idea. Luckily when filming it wasn't too much of a problem. Another thing to take into account when shooting was budget. Obviously our budget is ZERO and we we had to improvise with what we could make do with. Mia brought in an 'ugly' jumper which worked with our storyline, and since the scene was based around teenagers, me and Loren didn't need to do anything. Also when planning we had to consider whether our piece would be logical and make sense, for example if we had done a conversation about working on a farm but shot it in an office. Luckily ours was about gossiping teen girl, and we filmed it in a school so it all worked.
Shooting- With shooting factors we needed to take into account were similar to that of planning such as weather conditions if we were shooting outside. However most complications which could have arisen were because of continuity. Because we we're trying to make a sequence with continuity we had to be careful of various things. For example the framing in each shot had to be perfect. If you were filming a conversation (180 degree) then the shot of one person talking could not differ to the shot of the next time they talked. We did this by filming all the lines for one person, and then for the other. We also had to make sure our reactions were accurate to how you should react and so ran through the whole conversation. We often had to shoot many takes because of there not having the correct reactions, or because my head (in the shot) kept moving out of frame. Other stuff we had to be aware of was lighting, to keep it continuous throughout the piece. This was simple as we had no additional lighting apart from the room light. Another large problem which arose was everybody wanting to use the lobby at the same time, luckily we shot all our shots in the lobby first, whilst everyone else had left them until last. Also outside noise from the other classrooms meant we would have to wait between takes before filming so that we did have sound issues when editing.
Editing- The main factor to consider when editing was the continuity. Cutting the shots just right so that the sequence flowed smoothly and looked seamless.
How Successful Was Your Sequence? Please Identify What Worked Well and With Hindsight, What Would You Improve/Do Differently?
Brief:-Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180 degree rule.
I think our sequence works well and is very successful, and we use all that is asked of us. We used a girl, opening a door, crossing a room and then having conversation and so fulfilled the brief entirely whilst adding our own little twist to int at the end by added the 3rd person. The conversation scene works well as we stick to the 180 degree rule, and it runs really smoothly without any skips or jumps. However next time when filming we would need to take larger pauses between sentences, because some this were hard to cut as we spoke almost on top of one another because we knew what each other was going to say. This made it extremely hard when editing and you had to be extremely careful when using the razor tool. We showed match-on-action when the girl goes to open the door and then there is a shot of her hand one the door, however there is a slight glitch with continuity as the hands are higher in the close shot, then they are in the long shot, but after getting feedback this wasn't too noticeable. The establishing shot at the beginning was only thought up once we were in the edit suite because we realised the shot we wanted to have wouldn't have worked as it would've meant that the girl went through the room twice. Instead we cut the shot down, so that it only showed Loren at the computer to establish that she was there, and the other girl was coming to see her and almost int erupting what she was doing, therefor our mistake was not all bad. The shot where girl 1 says "Oh my god Loren" works well because it create suspense by her dragging the chair across the room. However although it does create suspense, on the other and it takes slightly too long and changed the pace of the piece in that one bit. The bit at the end in which the girl comes through the door, and the other two girls are interrupted was quite spontaneous and we were not entirely sure if we were going to put this in, but we had time so we did. It was very awkward though because we needed to have the sound of the door for use to react to however we did not. So we had to cut the sound of a door from another shot and move it. It caused lots of excess problem but i think in the end worked really effectively.
Overall our piece looks seamless and professional. You do not notice the editing, which is the point after all.
What Have You Learnt From From Completing This Task? Looking Ahead, How Will This Learning Be Significant When Completing The Rest Of Your Foundation Coursework, Do You Think?
I have learnt that I am a lot more competent with all the technical stuff than I thought i was. I thought I would have forgotten everything about editing and Premiere Pro but it all came back to me and I really enjoyed it. I also learnt how HARD it is to get continuity editing right, and make it look plausible. It is really difficult and it is one of the things we're going to have to look very closely at when filming our group piece. It allowed us to make mistakes that we will now be able to correct in our real thing. It taught me to not rely on things such as locations and sound etc, as thing might always go wrong. I think in that respect it has taught me to be more wary about everything in a shoot, lighting sound and continuity.
I feel it also stregthened my ability to work in a group and has taught me not to be so bossy. This waas achieved by sharing work out easily
It also showed the importance of planning and a storyboard, because a few times shots that we wanted didn't work (such as the establishing shot).
I would make sure that in converstaion in a our piece we took longer pauses between each thing to make sure that we could get cutr off points right as this proved a problem for us.
I really onjoyed working on this project and cannot wait to get started on the real thing :)
Here is the Sequence
"Ugliest Jumper Ever"-By Loren, Shaun, Mia, Amelia
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
GROUPS!!!!
OK so we've been put in our groups and I'm with Holly and Laura-VERY EXCITED
Both of them will gel with me nicely as they are both very hard working and keen about film
Holly- My mole chum (private joke)
She is the most film obsessed person I know-she'll really help when it comes to research and comparisons for the film. She LOVES blogging which is another bonus (watch her preliminary task..I don't think she even needed to act :] )
Laura- Very close friend and very ginger. She is so hard working and determind to get 100% on this project. She, like me, tends to do too much work and way extra than you actually need-> not always a bad thing though
I am very excited to be working with two of my best friends and now just cant wait to get going!!!!!!!
xx
Both of them will gel with me nicely as they are both very hard working and keen about film
Holly- My mole chum (private joke)
She is the most film obsessed person I know-she'll really help when it comes to research and comparisons for the film. She LOVES blogging which is another bonus (watch her preliminary task..I don't think she even needed to act :] )
Laura- Very close friend and very ginger. She is so hard working and determind to get 100% on this project. She, like me, tends to do too much work and way extra than you actually need-> not always a bad thing though
I am very excited to be working with two of my best friends and now just cant wait to get going!!!!!!!
xx
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Martin Scorsese
On of the most influential directors of our time, Martin Scorsese (or 'Marty' to his friends) has produced some of the finest films in cinema history. Scorsese stands out as he not only is an Academy award winning directer, but he is President of the Film Foundation and a truly world class film historian. After attending the NYU Film school he began to produce and direct short films including his most famous 'The Big Shave' (1967). even in it earliest form the 'Scorsese style' was emerging and gave a feel for Italian-American life, fast paced editing and a troubled male protagonist. During the 70s he became friends with other directors such as Spielberg, and was introduced to Robert De Niro, who would star in 8 of his films, most famously 'Taxi Driver' in which he gave an 'intense' lead performance. However in his later career he has started working closely with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in 'The Departed' (2007) for which Scorsese won best director.
Directorial Trademarks:
- Begins his films with segments taken from the middle or end of the story. Examples include Raging Bull (1980) Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995),and The Last Waltz
- Frequent use of slow motion, e.g. Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980).
- Use of freeze frames e.g. Goodfellas, The Departed
- His lead characters are often sociopathic and/or want to be accepted in society
- Use of sequences set to popular music or voice over, often involving aggressive camera movement and/or rapid editing.
- Often uses long tracking shots e.g. Goodfellas. He is sometimes referred to as the 'King of the Tracking Shot'
- Music wise, it tends to be diegetic, but uses lots of sound bridges
- Usually set in New York, and often Italian Americans.
Overall he is a fantastic and very influential director, writer and producer, and most certainly one of the best
MOVIE NIGHT
During the half term my friends and I decided that we should broaden our knowledge of different films, and film genres. Hannah, and Laura (who both also do media) came to my house to watch the films. All is all we managed to watch an impressive 8 films over 24 hours of many different genres including: Action thriller, Biographical drama, psycho-sexual thriller, drama, rom-com drama, horror as well as psychological dramas which could be considered as a hybrid that fits into many categories. I really enjoyed this weekend because it enabled me to watch some films that i otherwise wouldn't want to .
Films we watched:
Walk the Line (James Mangold 2005) -Biographical picture (BIOPIC)
Mulholland Dr. (David Lynch 2001) - Psycho-sexual thriller
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michael Gondry 2004) -hybrid with psychological and drama themes
Magdalene Sisters (Peter Mullan 2002) - Drama (based on a true story)
The Shining (Stanley Kubrick 1980) -Horror/thriller
The Object of My Affection (Nicholas Hunter 1998) - Rom-com drama
Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 (Quentin Tarentino 2003, 2004) - Action/thriller
I really loved all 8 films for different reasons. However I definitely had favourites.
Magdalene Sisters was about 3 girls in the Magdalene Laundries an institution for 'fallen' women, where they have to atone for their sins through work and prayer. Rose, Bernadette and Margaret are all in their for different reasons, however Margaret was wrongly put in their because of being raped. This makes you empathise with her and feel anger towards her parents who send her away, and the nuns in the institution that treat her badly. The film was based on a true story and so when the horrible things happen to the girls you feel even worse because you know this was happening in real life. Because it was based on a true story, the visuals were very realistic and gritty, with dull colours and lighting. I found this film very moving and it really affected me (for instance when the nuns were being particularly cruel I felt like screaming at the TV screen). This is one of the best film I have seen in a while and I would definitely recommend it.
Films we watched:
Walk the Line (James Mangold 2005) -Biographical picture (BIOPIC)
Mulholland Dr. (David Lynch 2001) - Psycho-sexual thriller
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michael Gondry 2004) -hybrid with psychological and drama themes
Magdalene Sisters (Peter Mullan 2002) - Drama (based on a true story)
The Shining (Stanley Kubrick 1980) -Horror/thriller
The Object of My Affection (Nicholas Hunter 1998) - Rom-com drama
Kill Bill Volumes 1 and 2 (Quentin Tarentino 2003, 2004) - Action/thriller
I really loved all 8 films for different reasons. However I definitely had favourites.
Magdalene Sisters was about 3 girls in the Magdalene Laundries an institution for 'fallen' women, where they have to atone for their sins through work and prayer. Rose, Bernadette and Margaret are all in their for different reasons, however Margaret was wrongly put in their because of being raped. This makes you empathise with her and feel anger towards her parents who send her away, and the nuns in the institution that treat her badly. The film was based on a true story and so when the horrible things happen to the girls you feel even worse because you know this was happening in real life. Because it was based on a true story, the visuals were very realistic and gritty, with dull colours and lighting. I found this film very moving and it really affected me (for instance when the nuns were being particularly cruel I felt like screaming at the TV screen). This is one of the best film I have seen in a while and I would definitely recommend it.
Brief Summary of the rest:
Walk the Line-I've watched it many times before and I already consider it one of my favourites because of the way both Witherspoon and Phoenix portray their characters so accurately
Mulholland Dr.-Personally I didn't like it. I found it far too confusing-i had to look up its meaning on the Internet!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind-An extremely interesting movie and i loved the way that it worked backwards; I really enjoyed it
The Shining-A classic. And it lived up to all its hype. Suspense, tension and some extremely frightening scenes
The Object of my Affection- A sweet, yet rather gripping romantic drama which after watching 'The Shining' was a much needed break from all the confusing films and provided 2 hours in which no thought was needed and you could just watch the film
Kill Bill 1+2- Great action, almost humorous violence. I really didn't think I would like this sort of film but I did.
Script/Screen Writing
A script is a crucial part of the film, providing all the action, dialogue and location ideas for the film. I started to look at some websites and assess the elements that a script need to make is successful.
LEARN THE LINGO:
EXT-outside
INT-inside
SLUGLINE/SCENE HEADING-this comes at the top of the script and tells the reader where the scene takes place. Firstly you state whether you are indoors or outdoors, then the location and then maybe the time of day
e.g. EXT-BEACH-SUNSET
INT-BEDROOM-MORNING
it can also include information such as 'ESTABLISHING SHOT'
ACTION-this is what we actually see on the screen, and what the directions are.
EXTENSION- this is a technical code placed to the right of the characters names which dictates how the characters voice will be heard.
e.g. V.O.-voice over
O.S.- off screen
TRANSITION- the transition that will be used to change the scene
e.g.
CUT TO:
DISSOLVE TO:
QUICK CUT:
FADE TO:
FADE OUT
TIP
The only time you should use a Transition in a specific script is if it's integral to telling the story. For example using a dissolve to show time passed.
A script need to also include DIALOGUE and CHARACTER NAMES, occasionally SHOT TYPES
LEARN THE LINGO:
EXT-outside
INT-inside
SLUGLINE/SCENE HEADING-this comes at the top of the script and tells the reader where the scene takes place. Firstly you state whether you are indoors or outdoors, then the location and then maybe the time of day
e.g. EXT-BEACH-SUNSET
INT-BEDROOM-MORNING
it can also include information such as 'ESTABLISHING SHOT'
ACTION-this is what we actually see on the screen, and what the directions are.
EXTENSION- this is a technical code placed to the right of the characters names which dictates how the characters voice will be heard.
e.g. V.O.-voice over
O.S.- off screen
TRANSITION- the transition that will be used to change the scene
e.g.
CUT TO:
DISSOLVE TO:
QUICK CUT:
FADE TO:
FADE OUT
TIP
The only time you should use a Transition in a specific script is if it's integral to telling the story. For example using a dissolve to show time passed.
A script need to also include DIALOGUE and CHARACTER NAMES, occasionally SHOT TYPES
The Shining Script
I found a website which provides the entire script from 'The Shining' (1980). I decided to do this script because we will probably be making the opening to a horror film and i felt it would be appropriate.
-Script-
INT. BEDROOM - M.C.S.
(JACK at Bathroom door. )
JACK
Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in!
CUT TO:INT. BATHROOM - M.S.
(WENDY by open window. She moves L-R to basin.
CAMERA PANSwith her. She picks up knife and moves R-L to side of door..132.
CAMERA PANS with her. )
CUT TO:INT. BEDROOM - M.C.S.
(JACK at Bathroom door. )
JACK
Not by the hair on your chiny, chin, chin.
Then I'll huff, and I'll puff
CUT TO:M.S.
(JACK holding axe back to camera at Bathroom door. )
JACK (CONT'D)
and I'll blow your house in.
(He swings axe back.)
That part of the script i find particularly frightening and wil be good reseach for our own film opening.
INTERESTING FACT-Jack Nicholson's famous line "Here's Johnny" was ad lib and was not in the original script.
Keeping it in the Family
A Family Affair - Janet Leigh and Jamie Lee Curtis
Both these brilliant actresses starred in two of the most famous horror movies of their time 'Psycho' (Hitchcock 1960) and 'Halloween' (John Carpenter 1978); and funnily enough they're mother and daughter!
Psycho
Janet Leigh-Marion Crane
Janet Leigh played the curious, beautiful and morally ambiguous Marion Crane in Hitchcock's classic horror film. Often described as the first horror film, Psycho changed the face of horror. It used unconventional techniques such as the use of silence in replace for harrowing music. It made history by being the first film to kill of the lead girl in the first half of the film. Although Leigh was only in the film for a short amount of time her famous 'shower scene' become international, and gave her world fame. She gave an outstanding performance and won a Golden Globe for her role. However due to her role becoming one of the most famous characters in Hollywood history, Leigh became typecast and as a result her film career rapidly decreased.
Halloween
Jamie Lee Curtis-Laurie Strode.
A 17 yeah old in high school is reserved and considered a bookworm, who is the only teenage character in the film who is not killed. Halloween provided inspiration for many other horror films, by providing frightening sound motifs and good characters. Her role has been reprised many times by her and others. Jamie Lee stepped into her mothers shoes and shot to fame in the film 'Halloween'. This film was her big break and provided many other opportunities and films. However after this she became know as the 'scream queen' because of her numerous horror roles. Unlike her mother, however, she managed to overcome this to work with many different genres. Her role in films such as 'trading Places' established her a sex symbol, and leaving her horror queen image behind. She has proved herself to be a truly commited actress and won a Golden Globe for her role in 'True Lies'
QUEENS OF THE SCREAMS
Both these brilliant actresses starred in two of the most famous horror movies of their time 'Psycho' (Hitchcock 1960) and 'Halloween' (John Carpenter 1978); and funnily enough they're mother and daughter!
Psycho
Janet Leigh-Marion Crane
Janet Leigh played the curious, beautiful and morally ambiguous Marion Crane in Hitchcock's classic horror film. Often described as the first horror film, Psycho changed the face of horror. It used unconventional techniques such as the use of silence in replace for harrowing music. It made history by being the first film to kill of the lead girl in the first half of the film. Although Leigh was only in the film for a short amount of time her famous 'shower scene' become international, and gave her world fame. She gave an outstanding performance and won a Golden Globe for her role. However due to her role becoming one of the most famous characters in Hollywood history, Leigh became typecast and as a result her film career rapidly decreased.
Halloween
Jamie Lee Curtis-Laurie Strode.
A 17 yeah old in high school is reserved and considered a bookworm, who is the only teenage character in the film who is not killed. Halloween provided inspiration for many other horror films, by providing frightening sound motifs and good characters. Her role has been reprised many times by her and others. Jamie Lee stepped into her mothers shoes and shot to fame in the film 'Halloween'. This film was her big break and provided many other opportunities and films. However after this she became know as the 'scream queen' because of her numerous horror roles. Unlike her mother, however, she managed to overcome this to work with many different genres. Her role in films such as 'trading Places' established her a sex symbol, and leaving her horror queen image behind. She has proved herself to be a truly commited actress and won a Golden Globe for her role in 'True Lies'
QUEENS OF THE SCREAMS
Monday, November 3, 2008
Horror Conventions
Genre: Horror Convention List
Sounds-creaking floorboards and doors, whistling winds, evil laughs, rustling leaves, hailstones, thunder, banging on doors, hacking (axes) , echoes, crackling tvsignals, cries and screams, heavy breathing, silence. Music- eerie and quite to build up tension- a change in tempo, very high pitch
Motifs- e.g. Shower scene ‘Psycho’, Very low pitch squeaking e.g. ‘The Shining’, Halloween-all recognisable tunes and used in other horror, sudden changes in tempo and dynamics, often orchestral instruments, violins ( squeaking and daunting), organs etc.
Characters-psychopaths, killers, monsters, beautiful girl (dansel in distress often blond), hero, stupid one who also does the wrong thing, ghosts, detectives, possessed people, cute children (often kidnapped), cowardly witness, bully, police, the best friend
Iconography- blood, gore, knives, axes, guns, night, dark, full moon, halloween mask, creepy low key lighting, silhouettes, dark, shadowy, shakey camera movements, bad weather, night time, moon, stormy,Camera would vary from CU to LS to establish surrounding and she scared , photographs, candles, long dark corridors, low angles, head lights of a car.
Setting- forest, haunted/isolated buildings-very remote, old houses, hotels, basements, attics, alleys, dark places, countryside, long empty roads, night time, castles, mountains, the ordinary-school, home.
Themes-fear, trapped, pursuit, gore, premonitions, jealousy, betrayal, mystery, lust, revenge, anger, death, secrets, lies, love, passion, obsession, torture, mind games, wilderness, obsession, grief, suprise
Props-dagger, masks, blood, candles, cloaks, bikes.
Narrative-chase sequence, being trapped, most die;only a few survive or escape, high body count, murder, stalking, powerless law, serial killers, enigma, supernatural, torture, fear of the unknown, no form of contact
Sounds-creaking floorboards and doors, whistling winds, evil laughs, rustling leaves, hailstones, thunder, banging on doors, hacking (axes) , echoes, crackling tvsignals, cries and screams, heavy breathing, silence. Music- eerie and quite to build up tension- a change in tempo, very high pitch
Motifs- e.g. Shower scene ‘Psycho’, Very low pitch squeaking e.g. ‘The Shining’, Halloween-all recognisable tunes and used in other horror, sudden changes in tempo and dynamics, often orchestral instruments, violins ( squeaking and daunting), organs etc.
Characters-psychopaths, killers, monsters, beautiful girl (dansel in distress often blond), hero, stupid one who also does the wrong thing, ghosts, detectives, possessed people, cute children (often kidnapped), cowardly witness, bully, police, the best friend
Iconography- blood, gore, knives, axes, guns, night, dark, full moon, halloween mask, creepy low key lighting, silhouettes, dark, shadowy, shakey camera movements, bad weather, night time, moon, stormy,Camera would vary from CU to LS to establish surrounding and she scared , photographs, candles, long dark corridors, low angles, head lights of a car.
Setting- forest, haunted/isolated buildings-very remote, old houses, hotels, basements, attics, alleys, dark places, countryside, long empty roads, night time, castles, mountains, the ordinary-school, home.
Themes-fear, trapped, pursuit, gore, premonitions, jealousy, betrayal, mystery, lust, revenge, anger, death, secrets, lies, love, passion, obsession, torture, mind games, wilderness, obsession, grief, suprise
Props-dagger, masks, blood, candles, cloaks, bikes.
Narrative-chase sequence, being trapped, most die;only a few survive or escape, high body count, murder, stalking, powerless law, serial killers, enigma, supernatural, torture, fear of the unknown, no form of contact
BUDGET
Budget is a serious thing you need to consider when making a movie
During the script development stage a rough budget will be drawn up and shown to producers and studios to see if the film can go ahead or not, then if all is agreed and it starts up, a final budget will be drawn up later during the pre-production stages. Usually lots of drafts are made to cut down costs as much as possible.
A budget is divided into 4 sections;
above-the-line (creative talent)
below-the-line (production costs)
post-production (editing, visual effects etc)
and other (insurance etc)
You need to take into account all the elements that comes together and all the different people that need to be paid
There are many different elements that need to be accounted for and people that need to be paid;
During the script development stage a rough budget will be drawn up and shown to producers and studios to see if the film can go ahead or not, then if all is agreed and it starts up, a final budget will be drawn up later during the pre-production stages. Usually lots of drafts are made to cut down costs as much as possible.
A budget is divided into 4 sections;
above-the-line (creative talent)
below-the-line (production costs)
post-production (editing, visual effects etc)
and other (insurance etc)
You need to take into account all the elements that comes together and all the different people that need to be paid
There are many different elements that need to be accounted for and people that need to be paid;
- Cast-often Hollywood stars, and they will want the big bucks (millions)
- Directors- will usually take around 7% of the final budget.
- Writer
- Production Costs
- Visual and Audio effects
- Screen play writer
- Story Rights-if the story is taking from a novel etc.
Example- Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Story rights and screenplay: $4 million
Producers: $4 million
Director (Jan de Bont): $5 million
Cast: $17.25 million
Angelina Jolie: $12 million
Extras: $250,000
Other (inc. Angelina's perks): $5 million
Production costs: $67 million
Set design and construction: $17.8 million
Visual Effects: $13 million
Music: $3.3 million
Editing: $3 million
Post Production costs: $1.5 million
Total: $118 million-WOAH
Low Budget filming
Low Budget Filming (such as we will be doing later on) is used by young or unknown directors to get there films out there on a limited budget. We will need to take this into account when we make out films.
We will not have money to by extensive amounts of props or rent locations to shoot on, so will we will have to improvise with creepy hallways in school, gardens at night times, and going to the local party shop for props (for example). Our finished look will not be perfect and polished with thousands of special effects so we will have to look into ways in which we can do Horror films on a low budget, which little effects.
One way of doing this would be like 'Blair Witch Project', one of the most notable low budget films in history. Costing a mere $22,000 to make and grossing over $248 million worldwide.
Memorable Characters
Eliza Doolittle A wonderful character who worked on the streets on , and based on the sotry of Pygmalion, Eliza Doolittle blossomed to be one of the most memorable characters of all time. From the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan, from flower girl to lady, nobody can not love this character. Portrayed so beautifully by Audrey Hepburn, she comes out with many snappy one liners, which in her common London accent are often extrememyl comical. Her famous quotes such as 'The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain' will stick in peoples heads forever. Her key iconography is her dirtiness at the beginning 'I ain't dirty! I washed my face and hands before I come, I did', then for the Ascot when she comes in wearing a beautiful dress and bonnet, but she must be herself which is shown when during the race, when everyone else is very demure she yells 'COME DOVER, MOVE YOUR BLOOMIN' ARSE'. Her beautiful songs about overcoming her problems and not being treated by dirt lift peoples spirits and instantly make them feel better. I think a portion of the audiences feel they can relate to her, often being in a word you don't really fit into and so they empathise with her character. In some respects she like many female prtagonists, wanting a better life and osomeone to love her, but there is something special about this one that has made her recognisable through many generations. She is a beautiful and timeless character and i think she won't ever be forgotten.
Memorable Characters
"Bond, James Bond"
Possibly the most famous and recognisable character in British film history spanning over 5 decades with numerous incredible British actors stepping into those famous shoes. Created in 1953 by Ian Fleming, he is well known for his suave charm and handsomeness. His way with the ladies, and his love of anything thrilling and full of action is also instantly recognisable. His key iconography codes are: his slick black tuxedo suit, his impressive weaponary, and of course that maritini (shaken, not stirred). This continiuty of the basic inconography have helped generations adapt to 6 differnt actors playing Bond, as well as updating him slightly each time to let younger audiences relate with Bond films too. Bond is a classic British icon, and by far one of the best characters of all time.
Possibly the most famous and recognisable character in British film history spanning over 5 decades with numerous incredible British actors stepping into those famous shoes. Created in 1953 by Ian Fleming, he is well known for his suave charm and handsomeness. His way with the ladies, and his love of anything thrilling and full of action is also instantly recognisable. His key iconography codes are: his slick black tuxedo suit, his impressive weaponary, and of course that maritini (shaken, not stirred). This continiuty of the basic inconography have helped generations adapt to 6 differnt actors playing Bond, as well as updating him slightly each time to let younger audiences relate with Bond films too. Bond is a classic British icon, and by far one of the best characters of all time.
SOUND
Originally movies didn't have any sounds. They relied on a piano in the cinema screen to create to moods needed. The first feature film to be released with a soundtrack was 'The Jazz Singer' (1927). To have sound in a film was a massive revolution as it had never been done before. However this was because of the huge costs for cinemas and film companies to buy equipment. In spite of this audiences were so impressed with sound in films that it stimulated others to follow suit.
Diegetic sound- Sound within the films world belonging to the films diegesis. Creates a real world atmosphere. Sounds can be added on additionally, but is we can hear that they are withing the film world, and that is you were in that world those are the sounds you would hear then they are diegetic.
Non Diegetic- Additional sounds added that would not be present in the films world such as a narrator and additional music.
On Screen- you can see it and hear it at the same time
Off screen- you can't see it but you can hear it and you know it is off screen.
Foley track- Sounds effects made additionally and added on to sound diegetic for parallel effect. Foley artist are used to enhance and intensify a certain noise, for example in Jurassic park, when the dinosaur was hatching ice cream cones were broken up to sound like cracking, or in Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock tested out various different melons before finding the one that made the most realistic stabbing noise to use for the infamous shower scene.
Sound Bridges- This is when the sound from one scene will continue over into another scene-the images change but the sound remains the same. This helps the film to flow better and it becomes more coherent.
Parallel Sound -Also know as synchronous sound, this is when the sound, and what you see on screen match. For example a romantic song during a loving kiss, or the classic music from Psycho (again) in the shower scene.
Contrapuntal Sound- Also known as asynchronous sound, this is where the music or sound on screen does not match with the action, such as in trinspotting, or in the new Bond film 'Quantom of Solace' in which there is a fighting scene, however opera is being played.
Diegetic sound- Sound within the films world belonging to the films diegesis. Creates a real world atmosphere. Sounds can be added on additionally, but is we can hear that they are withing the film world, and that is you were in that world those are the sounds you would hear then they are diegetic.
Non Diegetic- Additional sounds added that would not be present in the films world such as a narrator and additional music.
On Screen- you can see it and hear it at the same time
Off screen- you can't see it but you can hear it and you know it is off screen.
Foley track- Sounds effects made additionally and added on to sound diegetic for parallel effect. Foley artist are used to enhance and intensify a certain noise, for example in Jurassic park, when the dinosaur was hatching ice cream cones were broken up to sound like cracking, or in Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock tested out various different melons before finding the one that made the most realistic stabbing noise to use for the infamous shower scene.
Sound Bridges- This is when the sound from one scene will continue over into another scene-the images change but the sound remains the same. This helps the film to flow better and it becomes more coherent.
Parallel Sound -Also know as synchronous sound, this is when the sound, and what you see on screen match. For example a romantic song during a loving kiss, or the classic music from Psycho (again) in the shower scene.
Contrapuntal Sound- Also known as asynchronous sound, this is where the music or sound on screen does not match with the action, such as in trinspotting, or in the new Bond film 'Quantom of Solace' in which there is a fighting scene, however opera is being played.
OPENING SEQUENCE: One Fine Day
One Fine Day (Michael Hoffman, 1996) (from begininning to 3:05)
A classic rom-com staring George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer. This film is about two single parents who have possibly one of the most hectic days of their lives looking after their children whilst taking take of their fast paced careers. On top of this a blossoming romance starts to form, beneath all the bitterness. The opening sequence to this film is very calm and simple to contrast to the day to come.
The music starts very softly as non-diegetic sound (not that in the film world). The font is very long and thin on a plain black backdrop so that the screen is not clutter and is very soft and simple, which is reflected in the song. You can hear faint sounds of street noises like police cars and rain which are diegetic sound as you would expect to hear them if you were in the film.
The actors names appear on screen slightly bigger than the other names as they are 'the stars'. Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney, both very well known actors and so there are expectations that the film will be good. Suddenly a city skyline scrolls up into the black backdrop and we can see that wherever it is set is a large city, and on further inspection we can see it is New York as you can see the Empire State Building (if you didn't know this it wouldn't matter). This introduces the location. The camera tilts down and pans across an apartment building, while still showing credits. We see people in their homes relaxing, one playing a piano, and old couple playing cards. The music is very calm and slow which agrees with the actions of the other people in the buildings. However those people were not entirely in focus and so you know they will not be important in the story. The camera starts to zoom in on a particular window, and focuses in to show it is important. On a second look we see this is Michelle Pfeiffer. We instantly recognise her, and have seen her name in the credits before and can assume the camera will stop on her. Although she isn't doing much action she appears quite frantic and stressed. A cut to a shot actually inside her apartment rather than from her window draws you straight in to what she is doing. You can see she is very tired, and you can pressume it is late as it is dark outside. The rain reflects her mood well as it is very dreary. You then see a young boy through the window and she goes and kisses him on the head. We now know she is his mother
The song-"One Fine Day"
Originally by The Chiffons it was a very upbeat and happy song. This version is very slow and mellow because it is late at night, people are winding down, and Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) is tired. It also goes with the weather which is slow and dreary.
Lyrics like "one fine day, your gonna want me for you girl" show that there is going to be some romance involved, and we can determine that this will be between George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer.
This use of the song contrasts with the use of it at the end, in which it is up tempo and fun, because the hectic day is over and everthing is happy and the girl and the guy are together.
Here is the clip:
Opening Sequences
Top 10 things an Opening sequence should do...
- Should introduce character
- Introduce location/setting/time
- Engage audiences attention
- Should show the theme and genre of the film
- Introduce a narrative structure
- Should use convention of that genre
- Credits
- Estblish the iconography or sound motifs that will continue throughout
- Establish the mood with a soundtrack (or a lack of)
- Should show the overall pace of the film
- SHould give clues that relate to future stories
Key word: SHOULD-> because it might not..
POSTER ANALYSIS: The Other Boleyn Girl
'The Other Boleyn Girl' 2008
This film is about rivalry in the family, and the bond between sisters, whilst over looking on a beautiful 16Th century England. Both Anne and Mary fighting for the love of King Henry VIII rips them apart, due to Mary's naivety, and Anne's jealousy and determination. Both driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King.
Poster Analysis:First things first: we recognise the three famous actors; (from left to right) Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Erice Bana. There names are written downwards, but still in the order they appear on the poster.
Johansson's character is in the middle-as the title suggests, and from some knowledge that the audience for this film would know, she is not Anne Boleyn, because from history pictures that we have seen Anne Boleyn was dark haired. Therefore we believe Johansson to be the OTHER Boleyn Girl. However when watching the film you find out that Portman's character is in fact the other Boleyn girl, and so is pushed to the side. The positioing of the titles and the characters on the poster is very crucial as it shows how Mary stand between Anne and the crown
"Two sisters divided
For the love of a King"
This is a very good tagline as it give enough away about the film without giving too much. From that you can assume, without knowing the story that the two sisters are Portman and Johansson, and Bana is the King. It shows there will be some kind of conflict ('divide') and will have romance in it ('love'). Very self explanatory and very clear.
Technical Stuff...
- MS.
- Slight low angle to make them seem more powerful.
- Low key lighting- we can only see what the film makers want us to see. This creates an enigma and lays the grounds for all the deceit in the film.
- Catch light each of their eyes.
- Font continues with the theme and genre as it is quite old fashioned.
Natalie Portman-Anne Boleyn.
In this poster she is wearing the 'Boleyn Necklace' which could mean she is more important in the family, and is the oldest. She has dark hair which has many connotations, including being evil and cunning. Usually in most films (with death) their are two girls, and the one with the dark hair dies, but the blond haired, more virginal girl survives, which is again true to this film. Very defiant glare shows that she will get what she wants. Her almost smirk shows she is more in control that her sister.
Scarlett Johansson-Mary Boleyn
She portrays all the common elements of 'traditional beauty'. Her blond hair signifies her virginal qualities, and her full lips show her youth. Her buxom cleavage and open decolletage shows her young skin and is a sign of beauty; she is the more attractive one of the sisters can be taken from this. Johansson has her head tilted up and has a thoughtful look on her face- she looks more naïve and younger and less in control than her sister.
Eric Bana- Henry VIII
Dark hair and eyes-would appear to match with better Anne Boleyn, rather than Mary. A pensive expression on his face shows he has many problems, and we can agree that this would be true as he was king and would have to run the England one of the most powerful at that time, on top of finding a wife (or six), a legitimate heir to the throne and ultimately love. His pensive stare could also be interpreted as a powerful stare, because he is in control but i believe that the girl are in fact the ones with the control in this story and so therefore his stare is not powerful. His head is tilted slightly away from the girl. This could show he is turning his head on his problems. Bana is closest to Johansson to show he loves her more than her sister, but his head is turned away to show he cannot have her.
Costume and colours are very important in this poster as they are used to represent the time and the status of the characters. The King has lots of rings and a fur around his neck which shows his power and status, and wealth. The vibrancy of the colours, especially in Anne's dress, draw out the richness of that era, and the life that these people led. Intricate detailing on Mary's corset, with materials such as velvet and silk. All in all very luxurious, with no expense spared. A rich and plush fabric behind the characters emphasises and anchors a sense of wealth.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Adaptations of Stephen King Novels
Stephen King famous for his brilliant horrow fiction novels (amongst other genres), has written many books that have notably been adapted for different puposed such as film and television.
Some famous examples are:
1976 Carrie
1980 The Shining
1983 Christine
1986 Maximum Overdrive (based on "Trucks" from Night Shift; directed by King)
1986 Stand By Me (based on his book "The Body", novella from Different Seasons)
1987 The Running Man (novel written as Richard Bachman Stephen Kings pseudonym)
1990 Misery
1994 The Shawshank Redemption
1999 The Green Mile
2004 Secret Window
...amongst numerous others
Some famous examples are:
1976 Carrie
1980 The Shining
1983 Christine
1986 Maximum Overdrive (based on "Trucks" from Night Shift; directed by King)
1986 Stand By Me (based on his book "The Body", novella from Different Seasons)
1987 The Running Man (novel written as Richard Bachman Stephen Kings pseudonym)
1990 Misery
1994 The Shawshank Redemption
1999 The Green Mile
2004 Secret Window
...amongst numerous others
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