Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Targetting an Audience: Scream
How does this film target particular social groups
Scream aims at an age group between 18 and 25. This is because of its teen horror sub genre, containing mainly teenage protagonists. This can be made for both genders as there is a strong female protagonist that women can relate to. For males, there is action, gore and attractive women This is a film with a predominantly white cast, aimed at middle aged white people.
How are these social groups attracted to the product?
These social groups are attracted to the product through things like adverts etc, which are broadcast on television, the internet, magazines and billboards. Other methods of attraction are;
- Junklets
- Billboards
- Reviews/ word of mouth
Scream aims at an age group between 18 and 25. This is because of its teen horror sub genre, containing mainly teenage protagonists. This can be made for both genders as there is a strong female protagonist that women can relate to. For males, there is action, gore and attractive women This is a film with a predominantly white cast, aimed at middle aged white people.
How are these social groups attracted to the product?
These social groups are attracted to the product through things like adverts etc, which are broadcast on television, the internet, magazines and billboards. Other methods of attraction are;
- Junklets
- Billboards
- Reviews/ word of mouth
Summary of effective horror movie features
From my research, i have found the following methods are used best to create an effective horror opening;
Camera Work
- Camera angles are mainly handheld to give a sense of realism
- Medium shots are used mainly for conversations/ build up etc
- Close ups are used of iconography and of the monster fodder, to give the antagonist a sense of closeness.
Editing
- Minimal editing used to show calmness, editing speeds up with presence of the antagonist to show fear and panic.
- Motivated shots used to hint at the antics of the antagonist.
- Matched cuts (Shot/reverse shot) are used to show conversation.
Lighting
- High use of filter lights to create shadows and a chairoscuro effect.
- Protagonists lit more than antagonist, this has been done to represent morality etc.
Sound
- Eerie, non diegetic sounds fade in and out to create tension when danger approaches.
- Diegetic screams and shouts used as iconography of the genre.
- Crescendo used to build tention.
Camera Work
- Camera angles are mainly handheld to give a sense of realism
- Medium shots are used mainly for conversations/ build up etc
- Close ups are used of iconography and of the monster fodder, to give the antagonist a sense of closeness.
Editing
- Minimal editing used to show calmness, editing speeds up with presence of the antagonist to show fear and panic.
- Motivated shots used to hint at the antics of the antagonist.
- Matched cuts (Shot/reverse shot) are used to show conversation.
Lighting
- High use of filter lights to create shadows and a chairoscuro effect.
- Protagonists lit more than antagonist, this has been done to represent morality etc.
Sound
- Eerie, non diegetic sounds fade in and out to create tension when danger approaches.
- Diegetic screams and shouts used as iconography of the genre.
- Crescendo used to build tention.
Setting
- Isolated house, an ordinary environment provokes a sense of horror through realism. Any isolated, inescapable setting can be used.
Characters
- Monster fodder constantly used, no development of caracter or back story given, antagonist is myserious.
Narrative
- Linear, stating a very clear beginning, middle and end. Flashbacks can also be incorporated into this.
- Three act structure, includes set up, confrontation and resolution.
Music Research
Batman 1989
This film is not of the horror genre, but its gothic aspects create a very interesting soundtrack. The soundtrack consists, mainly, of orchestral elements. However it uses more individual and spookier instruments such as a celeste - a piano-like instrument which creates a high pitched chiming sound.
Composed by Danny Elfman, who features minimalistic aspects in his compositions, the piece gives a dark feel which suits the directing style of Tim Burton. The gothic yet heroic feel of the piece suits Batman's character perfectly through a minor tone.
This would fit perfectly into my piece as a 'dark' element within the soundtrack is essential to a horror movie. r
This film is not of the horror genre, but its gothic aspects create a very interesting soundtrack. The soundtrack consists, mainly, of orchestral elements. However it uses more individual and spookier instruments such as a celeste - a piano-like instrument which creates a high pitched chiming sound.
Composed by Danny Elfman, who features minimalistic aspects in his compositions, the piece gives a dark feel which suits the directing style of Tim Burton. The gothic yet heroic feel of the piece suits Batman's character perfectly through a minor tone.
This would fit perfectly into my piece as a 'dark' element within the soundtrack is essential to a horror movie. r
Case Study 2: Saw II
Saw II begins with production titles. The first scene commences with a close up of a light bulb through a green filter, depicting the scene as isolated and gloomy, and also being representative of the light of thew protagonist being engulfed by the evil of the antagonist. A panning shot is then taken, across a dark space, to create a wipe effect which immediately leads to a close up of a vent, giving the feeling the character is being watched and thus provoking fear.
The camera then pans across the room in order to focus on a small, green filtered light on the wall - implying more feelings of isolation and claustrophobia. A motivated cut is then used to show the audience a telivision and a half open box. This hinting nature keeps the audience attracted by making them more involved with the movie, making them look for answers.
Iconography is then revealed through a close up of a mirror depicting the characters mutilated eye. The use of a mirror and a television creates noteable distance between the antagonist and monster fodder, which leads us to view the antagonist as 'unbeatable' or omnipotent, though this view, generally, changes and the antagonist is defeated at the end of the piece - equilibrium restored. The shot revealing the device around the neck of the character completes this establishing sequence of shots, stereotypical iconography of the genre (blood, darkness etc) are used throughout.
The majority of shots are handheld, a common trait of the horror genre which evokes a sense of closeness and places the audience into the film. Frantic quick edits are used to build tension and panic, reflective of the character, in the viewer. Filter lights are favoured over key and back lights to create lots of shady dark corners - almost a chairoscuro effect,
The camera then pans across the room in order to focus on a small, green filtered light on the wall - implying more feelings of isolation and claustrophobia. A motivated cut is then used to show the audience a telivision and a half open box. This hinting nature keeps the audience attracted by making them more involved with the movie, making them look for answers.
Iconography is then revealed through a close up of a mirror depicting the characters mutilated eye. The use of a mirror and a television creates noteable distance between the antagonist and monster fodder, which leads us to view the antagonist as 'unbeatable' or omnipotent, though this view, generally, changes and the antagonist is defeated at the end of the piece - equilibrium restored. The shot revealing the device around the neck of the character completes this establishing sequence of shots, stereotypical iconography of the genre (blood, darkness etc) are used throughout.
The majority of shots are handheld, a common trait of the horror genre which evokes a sense of closeness and places the audience into the film. Frantic quick edits are used to build tension and panic, reflective of the character, in the viewer. Filter lights are favoured over key and back lights to create lots of shady dark corners - almost a chairoscuro effect,
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Case Study 1: Scream
Camera angles/shots
- Handheld shots give the movie a sense of realism and lack of stability. It is this loss of control, combined with the realistic mise en scene, that provokes horror in the audience.
- Shots are mainly medium with little use of long shots. This gives a sense of isolation, emphasising the lack of suppport the monster fodder character has (a trait common within the teen horror genre). When close ups are used, they are taken from the antagonist's perspective in order to give a sense of closeness and dominance.
Editing
- Slow paced editing is used at the beginning to give a sense of calmness, making the initial scare more effective.
- Jump cuts are used to link antagonists location with dangerous objects. For example, a shot of outside the house cuts to an ovens naked flame. This could have been done to foreshadow danger.
- Cuts to shots away from the main character are very brief, her despair is highlighted.
Lighting
- Predominantly, filter lights are used. This creates dark corners and partly lit areas, suggesting to the viewer that there is more than meets the eye in this situation.
- Upon the antagonists presence, only natural lighting is used. This signifies the true dominance of the antagonist over the monster fodder.
Sound
- A parallel crescendo of orchestral music has been used to build tension as the antics of the antagonist become more violent.
- The telephone call becomes somewhat of a trademark of this franchise and, along with constant diegetic screams, is used to provoke horror in the viewer.
Mise en Scene
- An abundance of objects and ornaments in the house almost adds to the sense of shock then the antagonist enters and causes destruction.
- The mise en scene gives a sense of normality which makes the sense of horror more identifiable with the majority of the audience.
- Handheld shots give the movie a sense of realism and lack of stability. It is this loss of control, combined with the realistic mise en scene, that provokes horror in the audience.
- Shots are mainly medium with little use of long shots. This gives a sense of isolation, emphasising the lack of suppport the monster fodder character has (a trait common within the teen horror genre). When close ups are used, they are taken from the antagonist's perspective in order to give a sense of closeness and dominance.
Editing
- Slow paced editing is used at the beginning to give a sense of calmness, making the initial scare more effective.
- Jump cuts are used to link antagonists location with dangerous objects. For example, a shot of outside the house cuts to an ovens naked flame. This could have been done to foreshadow danger.
- Cuts to shots away from the main character are very brief, her despair is highlighted.
Lighting
- Predominantly, filter lights are used. This creates dark corners and partly lit areas, suggesting to the viewer that there is more than meets the eye in this situation.
- Upon the antagonists presence, only natural lighting is used. This signifies the true dominance of the antagonist over the monster fodder.
Sound
- A parallel crescendo of orchestral music has been used to build tension as the antics of the antagonist become more violent.
- The telephone call becomes somewhat of a trademark of this franchise and, along with constant diegetic screams, is used to provoke horror in the viewer.
Mise en Scene
- An abundance of objects and ornaments in the house almost adds to the sense of shock then the antagonist enters and causes destruction.
- The mise en scene gives a sense of normality which makes the sense of horror more identifiable with the majority of the audience.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sub Genres
The horror genre has many sub-genres. These are, ultimately, genres within genres that help define horror movies further. I have conducted a short research into both psychological and teen horror.
Psychological Horror
This sub genre involves the antagonist being a relatively normal character in physical terms, but is normally mentally abnormal, e.g psycho or sociopathical. He/she will torment the protagonist by means of threats, psychological torture and kills of monster fodder before commiting to a physical attack. These movies are generally fairly simplistic, low budgeted and use little gore/special effects, an example of psychological horror is The Sixth Sense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yisJGI0Lg&feature=related
Teen Horror
This involves young, defenceless teens and an antagonist. Normally, the teens are in a vulnerable situation (i.e a party) as is depicted in the film Shrooms. In this movie the teens are taking drugs in the wilderness when the antagonist attacks, leaving the teens unable to call for adult help (a common trait of teen horror movies). The Antagonist is also portrayed to be an older, more powerful being - as is the case in nightmare on elm street. This sub genre uses more special effects in the form of gore, making it harder to film on my budget.
Psychological Horror
This sub genre involves the antagonist being a relatively normal character in physical terms, but is normally mentally abnormal, e.g psycho or sociopathical. He/she will torment the protagonist by means of threats, psychological torture and kills of monster fodder before commiting to a physical attack. These movies are generally fairly simplistic, low budgeted and use little gore/special effects, an example of psychological horror is The Sixth Sense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yisJGI0Lg&feature=related
Teen Horror
This involves young, defenceless teens and an antagonist. Normally, the teens are in a vulnerable situation (i.e a party) as is depicted in the film Shrooms. In this movie the teens are taking drugs in the wilderness when the antagonist attacks, leaving the teens unable to call for adult help (a common trait of teen horror movies). The Antagonist is also portrayed to be an older, more powerful being - as is the case in nightmare on elm street. This sub genre uses more special effects in the form of gore, making it harder to film on my budget.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Characteristics of the horror genre
Iconography
Iconography is a prolific feature in both modern day and classical horror movies. These are images of objects which intentify with a symbolic representation, assiciating the icon with a certain subject (for example, we associate a blooded knife with a stereotypical slasher movie). Many horror films have iconography specific to the film rather than the genre, which could be said to make the film a classic. In this i refer to horror movies such as Scream and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, who's iconography, a mask and chainsaw respectively, allow the audience to indify the films as part of a franchise or as cult/ classic horror movies. Creating an iconic antagonist, situation or weapon could boost awareness and popularity of the horror film, paving the way for a franchise.
Stock Characters
There are certain types of character which feature frequently in films of the horror genre, these are;
The 'Final Girl' character & theory
This type of character is, essentially, a female protagonist with noteable masculine characteristics. The 'final girl' almost always shows a higher intellegence of the antagonist whilst others appear naive and more vulnerable. Carol. J. Clover, the theorist behind 'Final Girl', states that this character is typically sexually unavailable or virginal, is more rational and avoids situations, such as narcotic use, as they effectively lead to the demise of each victim via the antagonist. These characters are often branded with a unisex name, such as Sidney (Scream), which immediately takes them away from the stereotypical 'monster fodder' type girl who is; sexually objectified, relatively unintelligent and constantly screaming/ in fear. The film Saw II adds an element to this theory as the antagonist has a previous experience with the 'final girl' leaving them to join together in the end. Though Carol J. Clover acknowledges this, it is rare.
Clover also states, in her book Men Women and Chan Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, that the 'final girl is often made masculine via a phallic appropriation in the final antagonist-final girl confrontation. A weapon is usually the tool the character picks up, identifying herself as masculine with this phallic object. This can be seen in films such as Alien vs Predator, in which the final girl takes a spear (phallic object) and thrusts it through the chest (representitive of heart, love, emotions and sexuality) of the antagonist.
Sexuality is the basis on which the final girl theory is formed. It states that there is a crisis in the identification of the sexuality of both final girl and the antagonist, which is settled in a final battle situation. The final girl is rarely introduced in the opening scene, with a monster fodder/ stock character being the likely replacement, as in scream;
This shows monster fodder being introduced in the opening scene.
Monster Fodder
These are characters which, to an extent, never develop any characteristics or traits. They exit the film after only a brief appearence and little character development, after being killed by the antagonist. Monster fodder can be seen in movies such as Scream,
Saw II and Creep. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r91EJ2pDlF4
Iconography is a prolific feature in both modern day and classical horror movies. These are images of objects which intentify with a symbolic representation, assiciating the icon with a certain subject (for example, we associate a blooded knife with a stereotypical slasher movie). Many horror films have iconography specific to the film rather than the genre, which could be said to make the film a classic. In this i refer to horror movies such as Scream and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, who's iconography, a mask and chainsaw respectively, allow the audience to indify the films as part of a franchise or as cult/ classic horror movies. Creating an iconic antagonist, situation or weapon could boost awareness and popularity of the horror film, paving the way for a franchise.
Stock Characters
There are certain types of character which feature frequently in films of the horror genre, these are;
The 'Final Girl' character & theory
This type of character is, essentially, a female protagonist with noteable masculine characteristics. The 'final girl' almost always shows a higher intellegence of the antagonist whilst others appear naive and more vulnerable. Carol. J. Clover, the theorist behind 'Final Girl', states that this character is typically sexually unavailable or virginal, is more rational and avoids situations, such as narcotic use, as they effectively lead to the demise of each victim via the antagonist. These characters are often branded with a unisex name, such as Sidney (Scream), which immediately takes them away from the stereotypical 'monster fodder' type girl who is; sexually objectified, relatively unintelligent and constantly screaming/ in fear. The film Saw II adds an element to this theory as the antagonist has a previous experience with the 'final girl' leaving them to join together in the end. Though Carol J. Clover acknowledges this, it is rare.
Clover also states, in her book Men Women and Chan Saws: Gender in the Modern Horror Film, that the 'final girl is often made masculine via a phallic appropriation in the final antagonist-final girl confrontation. A weapon is usually the tool the character picks up, identifying herself as masculine with this phallic object. This can be seen in films such as Alien vs Predator, in which the final girl takes a spear (phallic object) and thrusts it through the chest (representitive of heart, love, emotions and sexuality) of the antagonist.
Sexuality is the basis on which the final girl theory is formed. It states that there is a crisis in the identification of the sexuality of both final girl and the antagonist, which is settled in a final battle situation. The final girl is rarely introduced in the opening scene, with a monster fodder/ stock character being the likely replacement, as in scream;
This shows monster fodder being introduced in the opening scene.
Monster Fodder
These are characters which, to an extent, never develop any characteristics or traits. They exit the film after only a brief appearence and little character development, after being killed by the antagonist. Monster fodder can be seen in movies such as Scream,
Saw II and Creep. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r91EJ2pDlF4
Monday, October 4, 2010
My Chosen Genre
Horror
I have chosen to create the opening two minutes of a film of the horror ge
nre.
This will be highly applicable to the extensively low budget and lack of special effects technology I have. I can make a film that is easily identifiable as a part of the horror genre, as the icronography of this genre is extremely emphasised in setting and mise en scene. Features such as monster fodder are both easy to identify and recreate, emphasising the horror genre, which helps create a specific target audience. Teen horror movies are extremely popular in modern times, which is ideal as a specific audience is made available, along with free actors/actresses from the drama department at my sixth form college.
I have chosen to create the opening two minutes of a film of the horror ge
nre.This will be highly applicable to the extensively low budget and lack of special effects technology I have. I can make a film that is easily identifiable as a part of the horror genre, as the icronography of this genre is extremely emphasised in setting and mise en scene. Features such as monster fodder are both easy to identify and recreate, emphasising the horror genre, which helps create a specific target audience. Teen horror movies are extremely popular in modern times, which is ideal as a specific audience is made available, along with free actors/actresses from the drama department at my sixth form college.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Effective Film Opening: Example 3
Transporter
Micro Features
Camera & Editing - The first shot is from a security camera view at a high angle, the shot is in night vision and the titles overlapping the opening scene is also in a night vision green font. The scene begins with a wide, establishing long shot of a car park. Slow panning is used around the car park leading up to a slow medium shot of a black car. Close-up shot is used to view the car panning from the back, to the side, to the drivers seat at an eye-line match so it looks as though the audience is sitting in the passenger seat. The pace of the continuity cuts begin to speed at the part where the driver begins to get ready to set off in his car. Close-ups of his gloves, watch and hands setting up his car and turning the radio on gives the feel of a visual instruction and beginning ritual of what he must do before he drives. Close up of the driver in the car park when he starts his car reveals to the audience what the driver (main character) looks like. Tracking and panning used as the car is driving along the city, movement of the camera is smooth and match-on-action cuts are also used. Over-the-shoulder-shot is used when the driver is at a stop at the traffic lights, over the shoulder view shows two policemen watching the driver. When the driver has pulled up outside a large building, the camera views a low angle looking up towards the clock on top of the building. Then the angle of the shot changes fast and dramatically and views at a high crane angle looking down at the robbers running out of the building doors. This gives a strong contrast and quick change of action that has suddenly happened.
Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sounds are used in this opening scene. Slow intense music is played in the beginning at the car park, Also camera/tv static malfunctioning noices are played over as the titles appear over the scene. The music grows slightly louder and the pace gets a little quicker as the camera moves towards the car, this is to build suspense into revealing who is in the car. Music stops suddenly as the title of the movie appears over the camera finally reaching the driver. The driver then turns on his radio playing classical music but then non-diagetic music plays when he starts driving. The music the audience hears at this point changes from classical to action type music. The dynamics of the music varies, it goes loud then quiet but the beat of the drums keeps the music sounding intense - this music may be used to play on the audiences emotions. The music is not parallel to the action, when the robbers come charging out of the bank with guns and money, the music stays calm and at a normal pace. The music may not be parallel to action but it may reflect upon how the main character feels and gives the audience an idea of the main character's attitude.
Lighting - Begins with night vision lighting then flashes to the actually lighting in the scene. The main key-lighting looks as though it is coming from the car park lights. In some areas of the car park, it is brightly lit and in others there is strong shadow. The car is black therefore it is very visable to see the car park lights reflecting off of it, this gives the car a more slick appeal to it. The driver's identity is hidden by dark shadows, only his face is lit slightly, this gives the character a sense of mystery.
Macro Features
Mise en Scene - Night vision from a security camera view represents survalliance which is in relation with the law, this shows that what is going to happen in the scene may or may not be illegal in the film. The leather gloves indicates that the main character does not want to leave fingerprints anywhere he touches. The main character is dressed in a smart suit. black and white. This may show that the character is presentable, smart, masculine and shows that he may be of a profession. A large bank which is filled with money could end up being robbed. The car with many gadgets such as the changing of liscence plate has a 'James Bond' appeal to it.
Iconography - Guns, the weapons iconographies the genre of action. The main character casted in the shadow in the car gives the character an identity of being mysterious. The location and city is usually where an action film takes place as the everyday things such as parked cars, people, police, city roads etc are seen or used as obsticles which trap someone from getting away. The use of intense music also rienforces the genre of action.
Micro Features
Camera & Editing - The first shot is from a security camera view at a high angle, the shot is in night vision and the titles overlapping the opening scene is also in a night vision green font. The scene begins with a wide, establishing long shot of a car park. Slow panning is used around the car park leading up to a slow medium shot of a black car. Close-up shot is used to view the car panning from the back, to the side, to the drivers seat at an eye-line match so it looks as though the audience is sitting in the passenger seat. The pace of the continuity cuts begin to speed at the part where the driver begins to get ready to set off in his car. Close-ups of his gloves, watch and hands setting up his car and turning the radio on gives the feel of a visual instruction and beginning ritual of what he must do before he drives. Close up of the driver in the car park when he starts his car reveals to the audience what the driver (main character) looks like. Tracking and panning used as the car is driving along the city, movement of the camera is smooth and match-on-action cuts are also used. Over-the-shoulder-shot is used when the driver is at a stop at the traffic lights, over the shoulder view shows two policemen watching the driver. When the driver has pulled up outside a large building, the camera views a low angle looking up towards the clock on top of the building. Then the angle of the shot changes fast and dramatically and views at a high crane angle looking down at the robbers running out of the building doors. This gives a strong contrast and quick change of action that has suddenly happened.
Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sounds are used in this opening scene. Slow intense music is played in the beginning at the car park, Also camera/tv static malfunctioning noices are played over as the titles appear over the scene. The music grows slightly louder and the pace gets a little quicker as the camera moves towards the car, this is to build suspense into revealing who is in the car. Music stops suddenly as the title of the movie appears over the camera finally reaching the driver. The driver then turns on his radio playing classical music but then non-diagetic music plays when he starts driving. The music the audience hears at this point changes from classical to action type music. The dynamics of the music varies, it goes loud then quiet but the beat of the drums keeps the music sounding intense - this music may be used to play on the audiences emotions. The music is not parallel to the action, when the robbers come charging out of the bank with guns and money, the music stays calm and at a normal pace. The music may not be parallel to action but it may reflect upon how the main character feels and gives the audience an idea of the main character's attitude.
Lighting - Begins with night vision lighting then flashes to the actually lighting in the scene. The main key-lighting looks as though it is coming from the car park lights. In some areas of the car park, it is brightly lit and in others there is strong shadow. The car is black therefore it is very visable to see the car park lights reflecting off of it, this gives the car a more slick appeal to it. The driver's identity is hidden by dark shadows, only his face is lit slightly, this gives the character a sense of mystery.
Macro Features
Mise en Scene - Night vision from a security camera view represents survalliance which is in relation with the law, this shows that what is going to happen in the scene may or may not be illegal in the film. The leather gloves indicates that the main character does not want to leave fingerprints anywhere he touches. The main character is dressed in a smart suit. black and white. This may show that the character is presentable, smart, masculine and shows that he may be of a profession. A large bank which is filled with money could end up being robbed. The car with many gadgets such as the changing of liscence plate has a 'James Bond' appeal to it.
Iconography - Guns, the weapons iconographies the genre of action. The main character casted in the shadow in the car gives the character an identity of being mysterious. The location and city is usually where an action film takes place as the everyday things such as parked cars, people, police, city roads etc are seen or used as obsticles which trap someone from getting away. The use of intense music also rienforces the genre of action.
Effective Film Opening: Example 2
Kick-Ass
Micro Features
Camera & Editing - Titles are used firstly in the opening scene across a first person view shot flying through the sky. A high crane, establishing shot is used to show the location of the opening scene. Slow panning and tracking is used to follow what is happening in the scene. Matched cuts are used to keep the flow of the shots seem smooth. High angle shots are used from the lower crowd of people looking above at the superhero, this angle is used to represent that the superhero on top of the building seem to have a superior higher power than the people in the city streets. Slow zooms are used on the superhero to create a dramatic effect of the characters introduction. Close-ups are used on the super-hero in the opening scene to introduce him. When the scene location changes from the city to a high school, the shots changes to hand-held but still quite steady. Over shoulder shots and medium shots are used with the hand-held. This is used to make the audience feel more involved in the scene as it tracks and follows the main character as he enters the school. Camera pans onto the film title, gives the title introduction a comical effect like it swipes slowly onto the screen.
Sound - Non-diagetic sound is used to begin with as the titles appear on the screen. The music begins slow and calm, it sounds adventurious and hero like, a slow kind of fanfare to build up excitement to the characters introduction. Voice over narrative talking about old traditional superheroes play over the music, the voice sounds like a speech through an old microphone - gives an old fashioned feeling. The voice over narrative then changes to a teenage voice, the main character. Diagetic sound is used when the characters and locationm is established. The background music's pace is parallel to the action of the superhero, it grows louder and faster as he falls from the building. The music cuts off instantly when the superhero dies, this is done to create a sudden dramatic end to the superhero's life. When the location changes from city to high school, the non-diagetic music is playful, exciting music - It is a band music to represent high school.
Lighting - It appears to be natural lighting from the sun that shines down on the superhero and the other characters in the opening scene. The lighting is from high above, this gives the lighting a spotlight appeal to it. The bright light shines down on the people on the streets and it looks as though the source of light comes from the superhero on top of the building. When the location changes, the lighting is still bright. The light shines on the main character, this same use of lighting could show a relationship between the two characters, the teenage male main character and the superhero.
Macro Features
Mise en Scene - The clouds indicate that the camera view is in the sky flying. A large city landscape is usually where a superhero is based deep within, this shows the tradittional setting for a superhero comic. Also the everyday career oriented people in the city comes across something different to their routined lifestyle is usually the basic plot for a superhero film. The superhero costume signifies that this film is about superheroes and the genre would be action as there would be many action in a superhero film. The main character wears big glasses, the glasses on the character gives the appeal that he is intelligent or shows the stereotype of him being a 'geek.'
Iconography - In one shot, the camera pans onto the license plate of the taxi with the title 'Kick-Ass,' the tail lights on the car are in shape of wings. This makes the title look almost like a superhero logo or symbol as many other traditional superheroes have an iconic symbol or logo e.g. Batman's logo is in the shape of a bat. This also rienforces the genre of superhero/action.
Micro Features
Camera & Editing - Titles are used firstly in the opening scene across a first person view shot flying through the sky. A high crane, establishing shot is used to show the location of the opening scene. Slow panning and tracking is used to follow what is happening in the scene. Matched cuts are used to keep the flow of the shots seem smooth. High angle shots are used from the lower crowd of people looking above at the superhero, this angle is used to represent that the superhero on top of the building seem to have a superior higher power than the people in the city streets. Slow zooms are used on the superhero to create a dramatic effect of the characters introduction. Close-ups are used on the super-hero in the opening scene to introduce him. When the scene location changes from the city to a high school, the shots changes to hand-held but still quite steady. Over shoulder shots and medium shots are used with the hand-held. This is used to make the audience feel more involved in the scene as it tracks and follows the main character as he enters the school. Camera pans onto the film title, gives the title introduction a comical effect like it swipes slowly onto the screen.
Sound - Non-diagetic sound is used to begin with as the titles appear on the screen. The music begins slow and calm, it sounds adventurious and hero like, a slow kind of fanfare to build up excitement to the characters introduction. Voice over narrative talking about old traditional superheroes play over the music, the voice sounds like a speech through an old microphone - gives an old fashioned feeling. The voice over narrative then changes to a teenage voice, the main character. Diagetic sound is used when the characters and locationm is established. The background music's pace is parallel to the action of the superhero, it grows louder and faster as he falls from the building. The music cuts off instantly when the superhero dies, this is done to create a sudden dramatic end to the superhero's life. When the location changes from city to high school, the non-diagetic music is playful, exciting music - It is a band music to represent high school.
Lighting - It appears to be natural lighting from the sun that shines down on the superhero and the other characters in the opening scene. The lighting is from high above, this gives the lighting a spotlight appeal to it. The bright light shines down on the people on the streets and it looks as though the source of light comes from the superhero on top of the building. When the location changes, the lighting is still bright. The light shines on the main character, this same use of lighting could show a relationship between the two characters, the teenage male main character and the superhero.
Macro Features
Mise en Scene - The clouds indicate that the camera view is in the sky flying. A large city landscape is usually where a superhero is based deep within, this shows the tradittional setting for a superhero comic. Also the everyday career oriented people in the city comes across something different to their routined lifestyle is usually the basic plot for a superhero film. The superhero costume signifies that this film is about superheroes and the genre would be action as there would be many action in a superhero film. The main character wears big glasses, the glasses on the character gives the appeal that he is intelligent or shows the stereotype of him being a 'geek.'
Iconography - In one shot, the camera pans onto the license plate of the taxi with the title 'Kick-Ass,' the tail lights on the car are in shape of wings. This makes the title look almost like a superhero logo or symbol as many other traditional superheroes have an iconic symbol or logo e.g. Batman's logo is in the shape of a bat. This also rienforces the genre of superhero/action.
Effective Film Opening: Example 1
Blood Diamond
Micro Features
Camera & Editing - Begins with titles and facts fading slowly in and out in front of a map outline of Africa, this establishes where the location of the film is shot. Also it provides some facts that gives the audience a clue to what the plot is to the film. Extreme close-ups are used in some shots, e.g. when the main character is fishing on his boat, this shot is used to show the importance of what he is doing, it draws the audience attention to really focus and figure what exactly he is doing. Medium shots when the characters are indoors in their home, this shows the audience how little space they have to live in. Many location/establishing shots are used in the beginning to establish the location and show the scenery, displays that the country is exotic and hot. Fast zooms are used when the action begins, the camera zooms fast into the killing of the innocent villagers. Fast pace cuts when the action occurs, this creates a dramatic and thrilling feeling.
Sound - Non-diagetic and diagetic sound is used throughout this opening scene. Music plays over the titles in the beginning, the music with the drums grow louder and faster as it gets to the end of the titles then cuts off when the scene begins - this gives the beginning of the scene a dramatic opening. The characters narratives varies from English to African with subtitles. This symbolise that there is a theme of contrast between English and African or Ethnicity throughout the film. The non-diagetic sounds are parallel to the action that occurs in the opening scene.
Lighting - The lighting used in this opening scene seem all come from a natural source, e.g. the lamp. A lamp is lit in the beginning shot and in the other shots the only source of light comes from the sun.
Macro Features
Mise en Scene - The props used symbolise many things in this opening scene. The lamp, tells us that the country or area which the characters live in is poor as they do not have access to electricity. Poor housing, the families houses are made from branches - all natural materials not man-made. This shows the audience that again, the area is poor or that the country is in poverty. The clothing also tells the audience about the poverty in which they live in as they can not afford better quality clothes. The main character is seen with his shirt unbuttoned, this may symbolise masculinity as the main male character is muscular and shows bare skin. He saves his family first before himself which shows heroism, he may be the hero in this film. The location of the film is exotic, calm and peaceful. But the sun shines bright and intense, this could symbolise that the peacefully scenery can be broken with intense conflict.
Iconography - Guns and weapons are used in this scene, this iconographies that this film maybe in the genre of action. Conflict between innocent villagers and 'rebels' iconographies that this film may also be in the genre of drama.
What makes a good film opening?
To make a good opening to a film, the opening scene must grab an audience's attention and keep them intrigued in order for them to carry on watching the film:
- There needs to be a hook, finding an interesting storyline that will keep a viewer watching the film.
- Characters, to keep the audiences interested in the characters. Possibly a character that anyone can relate to or a character that is very like-able.
- A cliff-hanger at the end of the opening scene would be good, especially for a horror openning scene as it keeps the audiences on the edge of their seats wanting to watch more to find out what happens next.
- Good Macro and Micro features.
- Macro - introduction of the characters, genre and narrative parts.
- Micro- good technical features to create a more professional appeal to the film, the quality of micro features effects everything in film making.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Brief
My task is to create the opening of a movie, of any genre, lasting a maximum of approximately two minutes. All work must be original, either created by myself or other members of the group, with an exception made for all work obtained from a copyright-free source.
Following the creation of the piece, each candidate must evaluate and reflect upon it. Through this I will evaluate and analyse the success, good, and bad points of the piece. Each candidate is given some working flexibility, allowing me to work in a group with three other candidates, to create one film but individual research, planning and evaluation sections.
Following the creation of the piece, each candidate must evaluate and reflect upon it. Through this I will evaluate and analyse the success, good, and bad points of the piece. Each candidate is given some working flexibility, allowing me to work in a group with three other candidates, to create one film but individual research, planning and evaluation sections.
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