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:

1. 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
2. Frequent use of slow motion, e.g. Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980).
3. Use of freeze frames e.g. Goodfellas, The Departed
4. His lead characters are often sociopathic and/or want to be accepted in society
5. Use of sequences set to popular music or voice over, often involving aggressive camera movement and/or rapid editing.
6. Often uses long tracking shots e.g. Goodfellas. He is sometimes referred to as the 'King of the Tracking Shot'
7. Music wise, it tends to be diegetic, but uses lots of sound bridges
8. 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.

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

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

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

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;

• 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.

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.

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.

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

THR Homework: Casting

Plot 2

The Rectifier
Plot: Sci-fi thriller set in New York following a middle aged man suffereing from amnesia trying to get his life back, with only a government badge to tell him who he is. He finds out he was part of a top secret government organisation, however when trying to uncover why and who he is he is unrecognised and told he has fforged his badge, as the name on the badge is aparenty not him. After a long interrogation it is found out that the man/employee who owns the badge called Ed and the man with amnesia are genetically the same person.
It is discovered that he is a future version of this man Ed and has been sent forward two years in the future to deliver a message to save mankind.

Casting: I believe Denzel Washington would play this role brilliantly as he is known for his serious roles such as Philidelphia (1993), Malcolm X (1992) and the role which won him his Oscar in 2001 in Training Day.

THR Homework: Casting

To think about casting, and the stars role in a film we were told to each think up a film plot of any genre.

Plot 8
The Ferry
This was my plot. I chose a thriller set in America, New Jersey and Manhattan. A girl called Hannah Paterson works at a detectives unit in New Jersey specialising in homicide. A new case comes in or a serial killer from Manhattan who meets his victims on the ferry, lures them back to his flat and kills them. This news is spread all over both cities and everyone is very panicked. Meanwhile Hannah is dating a guy called Dan, very suave and very kind. Hannah starts too find more and more clues about the 'ferry killer' and starts to get very attached to the case when a girl about her age who looked like her dies. She becomes more and more involved with the case and her boss Doug warns her to calm down about it as it s affecting her judgement. Also her boyfriend Dan is telling her to calm down because the case is starting to affect her home life. She has found out how he kills his victims and decides to go under cover on the ferry to try and catch him. However when she's on the ferry she realises it is her boyfriend Dan who is the killer. He kidnaps her to the basement of the ferry where there are loads of pipes and the scene is dark with steam around. Just as he is about to slit her throat Doug comes and shoots him in the back and kills Dan.
I think Angelina Jolie would be perfect in the role of Hannah Paterson as she is known for playing serious roles such as Girl Interrupted (1999) and Changeling (coming soon) and strong women roles such as Tomb Raider(2001, 2003), Wanted (2008), as well as police women roles such as Bone Collector (1999). She is a fantastic actress as shown by her Oscar win in 2000 for Girl Interrupted, and I believe she would play this part very well. I believe the role of 'Dan' should go to someone good looking and suave such as Leonardo DiCaprio. His role in Catch Me if You Can (2002) has made an impression on me and I believe his is perfect in this part.

Oceans 11: Continuity Editing

Oceans 11- Stephen Soderbergh, 2001



This scene, although not using an extremely varied amount of shot, uses techniques of continuity very well.
A LS of Rusty and Linus establishes they are in the lobby in the hotel. As the whole way through the film, Rusty is constantly eating, and now is no different, hence they have made him eat a prawn cocktail. A matched-cut to a MS allows us to focus on just those two characters rather than their surroundings. Rusty is looking around to check for people coming, and is trying to look cool and collected (whilst still eating of course), where as Linus is very shaky and nervous which is shown by him moving around within the shot more. At 0:31 we see Rusty is still eating prawns which helps with the continuity. Another matched-cut at 0:41, followed by a eye-line match to what he is looking at allows the audience to focus with him, and Ben drawn in from his POV. It is apparent Linus is looking at something as his eyes appear quite fixed. A tilt up shows an attractive woman walking down the stairs, which is emphasised by the dramatic music. A dissolve into the next shot is used to show the time passing as she walks down the stairs, rather than watching her actually walk down the stairs. A pan across of her walking reverts the audience back to the master shot of Linus and Rusty, and an eye-line match shows Rusty to be looking at the woman now known as 'Tess'.
This shot uses good continuity as it uses good editing techniques, and the producers were very careful to makes sure nothing looked weird (like Rusty's food) so that it created a seamless effect.
When Rusty recognises Tess (not appearing particularly happy about the fact she is there) , the audience want to know more. An ellipsis at 1:23is used. This is to cut out the time when Rusty would go to see Danny, because the audience are aware that he is going to see him.

My Best Friends Wedding: Continuity Editing

My Best Friends Wedding- P.J. Hogan, 1997

This scene uses a variety of shot types and angles, whilst using camera work to reflect the mood of the scene. It also follows all the techniques of good continuety.


This scene starts with a CU of Jules' face looking forwards, but not at the camera. From watching the film we know she is at the wedding of someone she is in love with and so we can determine that she is looking at the couple. By using a lot of CUs and MCUs it made you focus on the telephone converstation, and Jules' facial expressions, rather than the busy party going on behind her. The camera zooms out to reveal a lavish wedding with many guests, this is shown further by the fancy glasses and arrangements of flowers. Jules answers her phone and from the voice, as well as the look on her face we know that it is George, her best friend. By using a MS of Jules' it gives you enough background information whilst still providing facial expressions as well as movement. Jules' looks to her left and then the camera cuts to the direction of which it appears she was looking, which works very well. A cut to a MCU of her face shows a closer and more personal facial expression allowing the audience to interact closer to her and feel sorry for her . An MCU allows the audience to recognise each of the things George is saying to her one by one; the laveder gown, hair swept up. When he says "haven't touced you cake" the camera cuts back to the left of her again, and sees that her cake is infact untouched and she is drumming her fingers on the table. This time this shot appears as if someone is watching her because there is not a clear shot, the camera is seeing Jules through the people dancing, as someone who was sitting there would. A cut back to the master shot of Jules' face shows her facial expression , which works well as it shows her shock and confusion. Jules loks over to the band and wich cuts to a cutaway shot, of the band which emphasises that this is what she was looking at. A cut back to Jules' shows her about to stand, which the quickly cuts back to the shot on the left of her, where we believe someone is watching her. The camera move fluidly like her movement, and is very smooth. The camera cuts to a different view of her searching (MLS) which just enhances her behaviour of not knowing where to look, and almost makes the audience confused with her. As she walks she passes a couple dancing and then camera cuts to a MCU of her, which shows the same couple in the background which shows continuety. After frantically searching her eyes fix on something, and the camera cuts to a LS of George sitting and also talking on the telephone. Another MCU of Jules shows relief on her face, which makes the audience very happy. From 1:33 onwards the caerma work is a twist on a shot reverse shot, as the characters are far away, but are still in converstaion (Albeit on the phone) and the shots alternate between a MCU of Jules and a LS of George. The camera tilts as George stands up which makes it more realistic. Two OTS shots show perfect use of shot-reverse-shot during conversation. These 30 or so seconds stick perfectly to the 180 degree rule. The camera tracks out after he says "dancing" to fit the whole dancing sequence in(spin and all!) As she is dancing the camera moves in an out to create the impression she is more important in the shot. A cut to a CU of her face, and then a CU of his face show them both happen and enjoying themselves. Cut to a zoom out to get a feel of the room, and everyone dancing and having a good time. Which then leads in nicely to a MS of the singer in the band. Amall montage of different couples dacing (including George and Jules) show that weddings are a happy place,a dn make the audience feel happier (which rom-coms are meant to do.) We are shown character that had parts in the film so they are familiar to us. At 3:16 the camera arcs around the two of them showing them both smiling and laughing, and ends with a fade to black. This scene is very effective is generatnig emotion in the audience by its camera work and framing.

Sliding Doors: Parallel Editing

Sliding Doors- Peter Howitt, 1998

Sliding Doors is a film all about how one moment can change your life completely and make your life go off in completly different tangents. This happens to Helen when she misses the train. She begins to lead two parallel lives, one where she got on the train to catch her boyfriend cheating on her, leaves him and becomes an independant career woman. The other wher she misss then train and never catches him at all. Throughtout the film the two Helens' lives gradually drift further apart, but still connected by things you see in the background such as places and people.

The camera work for this film is very clever as it uses parallel shots to show that the two lives are happenning at the same time, but often they'll have the two Helens' being in the same place, at the same time, and so the audience will see two completely different and seperate shots, set in the same location, with the same things happenening in the background. It lets the audience become more aware of Helens situation, and makes them feel mor in the know

Here is one clip of which they use parallel editing very effectively

Sliding Doors: Continuity techniques

Sliding Doors-Peter Howitt, 1998

Continuity is extremely important in a film, as it is what makes the film real and believable. by create a seamless effect in the editing department, you shouldn't even be able to notice the editing, as so being more focussed on the story of the film

The shot starts with a clip of the band playing. The music continues to play throughout which keeps it believable. You see a MLS of Helen sitting at the bar looking sad and you can still see the band playing in the background. It then cuts to a two shot of James and his friend which shows they are going to be important in this scene. The shot pans across so that you can see Helen at the bar. James is talking and sees Helen and calls out her name. It then cuts to a MCU of Helen and her eye line matches that of James so we know she is looking at him. A cut to James introducing himself to her and looking in her direction. The camera stays within the 180 degree rule as it stays the side of the bar the whole time. The camera then track along the bar as James walk towards Helen. Helen is still smoking and drinking a beer which give the impression that this scene is happening in real time, rather than having taken hundreds of takes to make it perfect. Shot-reverse-shots of Helen and James atay within the 180 degree rule. You notice that in one shot behind helen a waiter is waiting with his tray for some drinks to be collected, and then the next shot of Helen you see the drinks get put onto the tray and be taken away, which helps create a seamless effect. During and OTS shot of Helen James truns around and points to the other end of the bar. A cutaway shot is used of James' friend to show what he was pointing to. This is also called a reaction shot. A couple more shot-reverse-shots for conversation between Helen and James cut to a MLS of the two of them Talking and laughing which gives more atmosphere to the surroundings. This sequence works well as it uses conversation techniques (with the camera work) well whilst not sticking rigidly to the rules (James turns around from the OTS shot).