Monday, 10 November 2014
Editing Schedule
Filming schedule
This is the filming schedule we will be following over the next two weeks, if the filming runs over this time period, we have time to film before we edit. |
Conventions of a thriller -Annabelle
In a thriller film you would expect to see a struggle between the protagonist and the antagonist when a disruption occurs in the equilibrium. The story then follows a series of events creating suspense for the ending. The protagonist is there to restore justice and the antagonist is present to destroy it.
The typical conventions you would expect to in a thriller are: high and low angle shots, black and white shots, low key lighting, quick cuts, shadows, tense music and protagonist in the mercy of the antagonist, photographs characters playing on each others minds, mirrors. The mirrors are used t show a reflection of the soul and the darkness within them. Flashbacks are used to show disorientated time which confuses the audience.
The typical conventions you would expect to in a thriller are: high and low angle shots, black and white shots, low key lighting, quick cuts, shadows, tense music and protagonist in the mercy of the antagonist, photographs characters playing on each others minds, mirrors. The mirrors are used t show a reflection of the soul and the darkness within them. Flashbacks are used to show disorientated time which confuses the audience.
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Evidence of filming
In the top two photos we are filming the kitchen scenes where the protagonist gets some food and checks his phone when he gets a reminder
In the bottom two photos we are filming the government shots at school. As we film one of the characters walking down a corridor, we placed the camera on a wheel board so the camera did not jolt around
In the bottom two photos we are filming the government shots at school. As we film one of the characters walking down a corridor, we placed the camera on a wheel board so the camera did not jolt around
Friday, 7 November 2014
Barthes and Todorov
Barthes Theory
To set up the enigma code in our opening we have tried to give an insight of the film to the audience by making it faced paced as the main character is running away. This is because he has broken the rules set out by the government who are now after him. He also receives a barcode check reminding him he has to check in so he does not miss the curfew. This appeals to the audience so they carry on watching as they do not know what crime the protagonist has committed, why the government are so powerful and controlling, and why everyone has a barcode they have to check in with.
To set up the enigma code in our opening we have tried to give an insight of the film to the audience by making it faced paced as the main character is running away. This is because he has broken the rules set out by the government who are now after him. He also receives a barcode check reminding him he has to check in so he does not miss the curfew. This appeals to the audience so they carry on watching as they do not know what crime the protagonist has committed, why the government are so powerful and controlling, and why everyone has a barcode they have to check in with.
Todorov
State of equilibrium -Tony (the main character) is unhappy with the system but keeps his opinions to himself
State of equilibrium -Tony (the main character) is unhappy with the system but keeps his opinions to himself
An event disrupting the equilibrium -He then accidentally kills someone because of this
Main protagonist recognises that the equilibrium has been disrupted -He becomes aware of what he has done and realises he has to do something fast
Protagonist attempts to rectify this in order to restore equilibrium -Tony misses his curfews and so decides running away is his best option
Equilibrium is restored -while on the run he finds a new friend to help hims start a new life
Locations
Certificate Ratings -Annabelle
Certificate Ratings
Different films have different certificate ratings depending on its contents
U - Universal, suitable for four and over to see the film, nothing is unsuitable for the children as there is no bad language or sexual references and only mild use of violence
PG - Parental guidance, particular scenes may be inappropriate for children, there could be use of mild bad language, unlikely sexual references and mild use of violence
12A - Suitable for children over the age of 12, if children under the age of 12 want to watch the film they have to be accompanied by and adult, most likely to contain strong language, sexual references and moderate violence
12 - Suitable for children aged 12 and over, most likely to contain strong language, sexual behavior briefly displayed, moderate violence and some horror films can be passed as a 12
15 - Suitable for those aged 15 and over, contains adult themes, use of drugs, discriminatory language, foul language, strong references, sexual activity and use of strong violence
18 - Suitable for those aged 18 and over, contains adult themes, hard drugs,discriminatory terms, no limitation on foul language, explicit sexual references, detailed sexual activity and strong gory violence
Different films have different certificate ratings depending on its contents
U - Universal, suitable for four and over to see the film, nothing is unsuitable for the children as there is no bad language or sexual references and only mild use of violence
PG - Parental guidance, particular scenes may be inappropriate for children, there could be use of mild bad language, unlikely sexual references and mild use of violence
12A - Suitable for children over the age of 12, if children under the age of 12 want to watch the film they have to be accompanied by and adult, most likely to contain strong language, sexual references and moderate violence
12 - Suitable for children aged 12 and over, most likely to contain strong language, sexual behavior briefly displayed, moderate violence and some horror films can be passed as a 12
15 - Suitable for those aged 15 and over, contains adult themes, use of drugs, discriminatory language, foul language, strong references, sexual activity and use of strong violence
18 - Suitable for those aged 18 and over, contains adult themes, hard drugs,discriminatory terms, no limitation on foul language, explicit sexual references, detailed sexual activity and strong gory violence
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Final script- Antonia
Scripting:
Flashback 1: Tony is arguing with a friend about the barcode system. This dialogue will not be heard. It will create the illusion to the audience that they have just had an argument. The content of the argument will be later revealed.
Friend: urgh we have to go check in.
Tony: Why do we have to check in all the time?
Friend: What do you mean?
Tony: Well what is with this barcode system? Why do the government want to know what we’re doing?
Friend: Dude I hardly think the government wants to know what we get up to!
Tony: But its annoying isn’t it? Having to check in all the time?
Friend: Tony seriously, relax! If the government wanted us for something, they would have done it by now.
Tony: They do though! Those guys want something from us…it’s just what?
Friend: Tony are you ok? You’re acting really weird mate.
Tony: (getting progressively angry) Alex I don’t understand why you’re so calm about this. The government are using us for something. I know they are! And I’m gonna find out what!
Friend: Yeah alright then mate, you go do that! Don’t say I told you so when you find out there’s nothing going on!
Tony: So you know what’s going on then?
Friend: what do you mean? Tony: well you’re so convinced that nothing is going on. So maybe you already know…are you working for them?
Friend: mate you’re obsessed! Just calm down ok. I’m not working for the government and I’m not convinced that nothing’s going on….I just don’t care ok? I’m not interested…unlike you?
Tony: (completely psycho) I’m obsessed am I? You just don’t know when to stop do you? Tony grabs his friend. They are now fighting. Tony shoves his friend against the wall. Tony is now completely psycho!
Friend: Seriously tony stop in now! I get it…you just wanted to know!
Tony: It’s too late for that now Alex….you asked for it!
Man working for the government walks into his boss’s office
Man 1: he’s done it again
Man 2: ok, send in unit four.
Flashback 1: Tony is arguing with a friend about the barcode system. This dialogue will not be heard. It will create the illusion to the audience that they have just had an argument. The content of the argument will be later revealed.
Friend: urgh we have to go check in.
Tony: Why do we have to check in all the time?
Friend: What do you mean?
Tony: Well what is with this barcode system? Why do the government want to know what we’re doing?
Friend: Dude I hardly think the government wants to know what we get up to!
Tony: But its annoying isn’t it? Having to check in all the time?
Friend: Tony seriously, relax! If the government wanted us for something, they would have done it by now.
Tony: They do though! Those guys want something from us…it’s just what?
Friend: Tony are you ok? You’re acting really weird mate.
Tony: (getting progressively angry) Alex I don’t understand why you’re so calm about this. The government are using us for something. I know they are! And I’m gonna find out what!
Friend: Yeah alright then mate, you go do that! Don’t say I told you so when you find out there’s nothing going on!
Tony: So you know what’s going on then?
Friend: what do you mean? Tony: well you’re so convinced that nothing is going on. So maybe you already know…are you working for them?
Friend: mate you’re obsessed! Just calm down ok. I’m not working for the government and I’m not convinced that nothing’s going on….I just don’t care ok? I’m not interested…unlike you?
Tony: (completely psycho) I’m obsessed am I? You just don’t know when to stop do you? Tony grabs his friend. They are now fighting. Tony shoves his friend against the wall. Tony is now completely psycho!
Friend: Seriously tony stop in now! I get it…you just wanted to know!
Tony: It’s too late for that now Alex….you asked for it!
Man working for the government walks into his boss’s office
Man 1: he’s done it again
Man 2: ok, send in unit four.
Monday, 3 November 2014
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Shot list
These are our shot lists for the scenes we will be shooting in the next few weeks. It includes the type of shot, what happens in the shot, where the shot will take place, costumes props and setting
Friday, 31 October 2014
Friday, 24 October 2014
Iron Man Three Credit Analysis -Annabelle
Gone Girl Film Poster -Annabelle
Timeline and analysis of Green Lantern-Antonia
Tile analysis of Green Lantern:
The titles for green lantern are animated and are set in space. Tis creates the effect that the film is going to be in the sci-fi genre.
The colour scheme for the titles relates to the name of the film. The main colour is green along with white and black elements in the background. As the titles are set in space they have used black as the background and white as small stars, everything else like planets and rocks are different shades of green.
The order of the titles start with the company making the film. It then moves to the top billed actors, until it reaches the title of the film at 0:27 seconds. After this it describes the film is based on the marvel books and who the crew were and along with casting directors, producers, who it's written by and who produced it.
The font style is a green bold, block font. It has the more important information in a bigger size font and the less important information in a smaller size font.
The titles move on and off the screen, slanted and at an angle. This along with the animation creates the effect as though the audience is moving through space. The titles also appear and disappear as though they are lasers being shot. This makes the audience aware the film is in the sci-fi genre, before the film begins.
Gone Girl trailer analysis- Antonia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym3LB0lOJ0o
The film 'Gone Girl' is in the Thriller, crime genre. The trailer introduces the the plot of the film when the dialogue says '...You killed your wife.' The main character is an adult male and he his wife has gone missing, the film consists of the police trying to find her.
The trailer has lots of jump cuts to different scenes. This builds tension and creates suspense and sets the theme for the film.The locations are at the main characters house, the police station, in open fields, conferences with dark alleyways and abandoned houses. The mise-en-scene is appropriate for the trailer as the actions of the characters reflects the setting they are in. A lot of the lighting in the trailer is dark/ dimmed and this creates mystery and suspense.
The film 'Gone Girl' is in the Thriller, crime genre. The trailer introduces the the plot of the film when the dialogue says '...You killed your wife.' The main character is an adult male and he his wife has gone missing, the film consists of the police trying to find her.
The trailer has lots of jump cuts to different scenes. This builds tension and creates suspense and sets the theme for the film.The locations are at the main characters house, the police station, in open fields, conferences with dark alleyways and abandoned houses. The mise-en-scene is appropriate for the trailer as the actions of the characters reflects the setting they are in. A lot of the lighting in the trailer is dark/ dimmed and this creates mystery and suspense.
Se7en titles analysis
Numbers and orders of credit roles:
The credits started at 0:04 introducing the company. The credits then moved to the the production and the names of the two main actors. After the title of the film the credits listed all the other main actors, with bigger roles. Costume and music designers along with editors and directors of photography were listed. Finally it listed who it was written by, the title and who it was produced and edited by.
Monday, 13 October 2014
Film Showings
Friday, 10 October 2014
Evaluation of Preliminary Task -Annabelle
Preliminary task explained
In this task I was asked to film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. The task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and 180 degree rule. To prepare for this we drew out a storyboard. This included a drawing of each shot, the type of shot/angle, the location and the dialogue.
The first shot was a very long shot of a school girl who is played by me walking down the middle of a corridor towards the camera. This shot was used so you could the surroundings could be seen setting the scene for the audience. The second shot is a medium long shot of the girl walking down the corridor towards a door on her right away from the camera. She then knocks on the door. The third shot is filmed in a class room. It is a medium close up of the teacher from the front who is marking books and tells the student to come in. The teacher is slightly to the right of the frame. This shot is used so you concentrate mostly on the teacher but some setting is seen so the audience can see where the next scene will take place. The fourth shot displays match on action. The student opens the door and steps through. The shot then switches to the student coming through the door into the classroom. The fifth shot is an over the shoulder shot of the student taking a seat opposite the teacher. Shots 6 to 11 are over the shoulder shots of the teacher and student exchanging dialogue as the student is being told off. When the student is in view the characters are to the left of the frame, and when the teacher is seen the characters are to the right of the screen. This is because is it keeping to the 180 degree rule and also using shot/reverse shot.
Yes I was happy with the end result as the task went to plan. The group did exactly what we wanted as we stuck to the storyboard for all shots resulting in a successful outcome. We did the correct number of shots containing what was needed and completed it on time. I think the shot types were appropriate for each clip as we filmed what was necessary. The match on action worked effectively creating the ‘imaginary bridge’. I think we worked well as group as we all listened to each other and put forward our own ideas so we could all agree on the end product. However next to improve if we did it again we would need to manage our time by filming in a specific order so we would not need to rush at the end.
I feel more confident with the camera now as I have used it quite a few times. I have worked things out for myself enabling me to remember it. But I do not feel that confident using final cut express as I have not used this programme before. Once I have used it multiple times for different tasks I will become more confident as I will know what the different functions are and what they do.
In this task I was asked to film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. The task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and 180 degree rule. To prepare for this we drew out a storyboard. This included a drawing of each shot, the type of shot/angle, the location and the dialogue.
The first shot was a very long shot of a school girl who is played by me walking down the middle of a corridor towards the camera. This shot was used so you could the surroundings could be seen setting the scene for the audience. The second shot is a medium long shot of the girl walking down the corridor towards a door on her right away from the camera. She then knocks on the door. The third shot is filmed in a class room. It is a medium close up of the teacher from the front who is marking books and tells the student to come in. The teacher is slightly to the right of the frame. This shot is used so you concentrate mostly on the teacher but some setting is seen so the audience can see where the next scene will take place. The fourth shot displays match on action. The student opens the door and steps through. The shot then switches to the student coming through the door into the classroom. The fifth shot is an over the shoulder shot of the student taking a seat opposite the teacher. Shots 6 to 11 are over the shoulder shots of the teacher and student exchanging dialogue as the student is being told off. When the student is in view the characters are to the left of the frame, and when the teacher is seen the characters are to the right of the screen. This is because is it keeping to the 180 degree rule and also using shot/reverse shot.
Yes I was happy with the end result as the task went to plan. The group did exactly what we wanted as we stuck to the storyboard for all shots resulting in a successful outcome. We did the correct number of shots containing what was needed and completed it on time. I think the shot types were appropriate for each clip as we filmed what was necessary. The match on action worked effectively creating the ‘imaginary bridge’. I think we worked well as group as we all listened to each other and put forward our own ideas so we could all agree on the end product. However next to improve if we did it again we would need to manage our time by filming in a specific order so we would not need to rush at the end.
I feel more confident with the camera now as I have used it quite a few times. I have worked things out for myself enabling me to remember it. But I do not feel that confident using final cut express as I have not used this programme before. Once I have used it multiple times for different tasks I will become more confident as I will know what the different functions are and what they do.
Evaluating the preliminary task - Antonia
Evaluating the Preliminary task:
My group and I were asked to film an example of shot-reverse-shot, a common camera style that is typically used to film a conversation between two characters. Other camera techniques include match on action and the 180 degree rule. We prepared for this task by storyboarding our idea, giving drawings of every shot and examples of all the dialogue spoken between the two characters.
We started filming in one of the school corridors, having the actor walking towards the camera and then past it to walk into the classroom. My role in the group was to make sure the camera was at the right height and angle before we started filming. The main continuity principle I used was shot-reverse-shot and to show this I used an over the shoulder shot as I felt this was the most effective way to show this principle. To show match on action I used a long shot that was positioned slightly to the left. This was effective as we showed the actor walking down the corridor, in front and behind her, showing two different views and the actor was walking on the same side, walking the same way which showed the match on action. As for showing the 180 degree rule I used an over the shoulder shot, but stayed on the same side of the of the actors, not to confuse the audience of what side each actor was on. I kept my framing simple when shooting in the corridor as the background represented the environment the character was in and the audiences attention should be on the actor. When filming in the classroom I kept the tables and the chairs in the shot to show the classroom atmosphere and when filming the conversation between the two actors I kept the shelves of books in the background to add to the framing and setting.
I was happy with my final result as I think my group and I edited it accurately and each shot flowed well into the next. I also think that my end result was good as every shot was in chronological order and everything made sense to the audience watching. The match on action flowed and the shot-reverse-shot was effective. I think my group could have improved getting the shots to equally match up; not to move the camera between shots as the camera is placed in a different position and the audience may see more or less of what is in the framing. I think using a over the shoulder shot was appropriate for showing the shot-reverse-shot as it showed the actors expressions, while keeping within the 180 degree rule.
I think my group and I worked really well as we discussed in detail the shots and shot types so everyone knew what they were doing while filming. While filming we watched back our work and discussed if we needed to edit, and if we wanted to make any changes to the camera angle or the position of the actors. When editing our sequence we all worked together well as we were all able to identify where the filming needing editing and we all took into consideration what everyone was saying.
I feel quite comfortable when using the camera to film. I understand how the camera works and how to use the lenses to zoom in/out and make the framing blurred or sharpen features. I'm not as confident using final cut express. I know how to edit and partially how to use it, but because there is so many features to use I get a bit stuck on what to do. Having said that I still feel able to use this as software...Its just a case of getting used to it and what it can do. I think for me the hardest struggle was to plan what we wanted to film as I found it hard to understand what my group wanted to achieve from the storyboard. I also find planning how I wanted to film hard because I'd usually just film it and see what happens, but to actually plan it was hard because I didn't really know what I wanted to do, but with my groups help I think our filming was very successful.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Film review of Casino Royale opening -Annabelle
Casino Royale
Casino Royale –one of the James Bond films- is an action
Thriller. It’s about how 007 defeats a weapon dealer in a game of poker facing
many challenges on the way. Certain style conventions are used to carry out the
thriller genre in this film.
Narrative: The
film is based around crime which you can tell from the dialogue and props at
the beginning of the film. When Bond is talking to a man he asks how he dies
and a clip shown to display this. He then kills the man with a gun giving the
audience the idea that the story is based around crime. You can tell the story
revolves around money as the title graphics show pictures of casinos including
gambling. The viewers also know it will be a spy story as James Bond himself is
a spy but also the beginning is filmed in black and white which is style
convention in spy themes. One of the first thing that happens is Bond
eliminates the bad guy which it makes it more interesting as to what could lead
one from that.
Title
graphics/sequence: The graphics had symbols of clubs, hearts, spades and
diamonds from playing cards throughout the titles linking to the gambling theme
at the casino. Emphasising how money has a big part to play in the film. The
words are small white and bold which stand out from the darker background
colours. It implies the films will be serious as they are in a sharp font. They
are also modern representing that the film will be modern as James Bond has all
the latest gadgets and flash cars. The main colours in the title sequences are
black and red –which are also found on the symbols on playing cards- which
represent blood, evil and darkness. This then relates to the thriller genre of
the film as guns produce blood and show the dark side to a person.
Sound and lighting:
The music is used before intense scenes to key in dramatic moments getting the
viewer interested and hinting at what is about to come next. Quite a few gun
shots are heard standing out above the background noise suggesting they play a
very important role in film. Heavy breathing is also heard suggesting fear or
nervousness about past or future action relating to the thriller genre. Silence
is the background is noticed making it more mysterious as the viewer is waiting
for the actor’s reaction on the unfolding events. Low key lighting is used
frequently so less colours is used focusing more attention on the action and
dialogue as this moves the story along. The bathroom scene where Bond kills a
spy is bleached out to show it is a flashback.
Characterisation:
James Bond is physically fit as he has to do a lot of running, moving and
fighting, he has to keep up with his enemies as the storylines is always
unfolding. He has a clear voice with a slight edge to it showing he has
authority and is in control which is a running theme for 007 characters. Suits
are used a lot continually to show importance and how the person has power over
other people as you look smart. He carries around a gun to show he has a higher
status and it represents being serious by having important duties to carry out.
The top button is undone on the suit to show he is always busy and on the move.
The main theme throughout the film is action consisting of fighting and killing
which is an aspect of the thriller genre. A leather hat and gloves are worn
suggesting the man is a villain.
Cinematography:
Close up shots are used on the Villain in the lift to show the emotion in his
eyes. Point of view shots are used in the opening sequence so you can a fell
from the character and how they view things influencing their actions. When the
villain looks in the mirror a whip pan is used to move round to James Bond
behind, making the image burry. This reflects what he is thinking as his mind
working out why he is there and what he has to say. Low angle shots are used to
show the villain walking giving him authority of the other characters. Medium
close ups are used so the audience can see the costumes and props setting the
scene which is important in thrillers as there could be little hints at what is
about to happen or what has happened, being a significant part of the story.
Jump cuts are often used to edit parts of scenes together to show how fast the
action is moving.
Themes: Crime
fighter is a genre displayed in the opening scene. This is included in the
thriller genre as the plots usually revolve around crime and James Bond is no
exception. Villain is another theme as every thriller needs one otherwise there
would be no one for the good guy to fight against. Law is also another film as
killing someone and hiding the evidence is breaking the law.
Friday, 3 October 2014
Preliminary Task Storyboard -Annabelle
Monday, 29 September 2014
Introduction
Welcome to Enigma Productions. We are an as media group that is currently producing the first couple of minutes to the opening of a thriller/sci-fi genre. We have created this blog to upload all of our coursework form research to planning and final edits. The group consists of Antonia, Annie and Cat and we are regularly recording our media work onto this blog.
Enjoy! :)
Enjoy! :)
Friday, 12 September 2014
Review on director Christopher Nolan has -Annabelle
Director and Film Reviews
Christopher Nolan is best known for his non-linear story telling. He directs produces and writes films. He has been working in the film industry for 15 years and started with low budget films and has now progressed to big blockbusters. In 2005 he was given the chance to create the batman films.
Influenced by Graham Swifts novel ‘Waterland’ Nolan has a pattern of employing non-linear storylines. He said he felt the novel “did incredible things with parallel timelines and told a story indifferent dimensions that was extremely coherent.
Included in his pattern of non-linear storylines is his film ‘Inception’. This is about dream-sharing technology when a thief steals corporate secrets and is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a CEO. Nolan has certain styles that are recognised in films and Inception is no different. One of his styles he uses is men in suits. The suits are used from the beginning to the end with all characters. Cobb is found on the beach in a washed out colour suit and the people who find him are in smart ironed black and white suits. This is to show how they have authority over him as they found him, he has become their property. He needs to know whose boss from the start so that he doesn’t mess them around and smart suits are the way to do that. Another one of his styles is muted colours. This is used throughout the film such as browns, blacks, greys and whites. White and slightly brighter colours are used more to show when they are in the real world and not dreaming. The washed out colours are used so that all the dreams appear to be similar to confuse the audience as the scenes are in non-linear sequence. One other style he uses is that the dialogue scenes are filmed in close ups. This is particularly effective in this films because you can see the characters facial expression which is how they mentally respond –their initial reaction to the situation and sometimes a signal to their colleague, compared with their dialogue which is the opposite to what they are thinking. Medium shots, medium close ups and close ups are used continually for this style. He also uses specific methods in his films such as applying multi cameras for stunts and single cameras for dramatic action. When the fights take place different cameras are used to receive different angles. So when the actors are pushed towards the camera it quickly switches to another shot further away so you can see their whole bodies. Or when a chase is being filmed the camera follows the characters from behind so you see them all and where they are heading to. Another method of his used in this film is minimizing the amount of computer generated imagery for special effects. The majority of this film is filmed inside in buildings. This creates a more realistic effect as natural surroundings are used making it more relatable for people. If green screens are used they are only used for a minimal amount of time so it gives it less focus.
His styles are also shown clearly in his film ‘Batman Begins’ which he wrote and directed. It is about how batman sets out to free Gotham City from corruption and crime after training with his mentor. His style of using urban settings and modern locations is shown throughout the film. Established shots are used to show where the next scene will be taking place. They are also used in this film after a long scene so it grabs the viewers’ attention ready for the next scene. The shots are usually taken in the evening so there is a dark sky with the buildings lit up creating the atmosphere for the following scene. Urban settings are used for the majority of the film as a lot of it is filmed inside and in the city. Offices, big houses, and a court are frequently used which are found in urban locations. Another one of his known styles are men in suits. Ducard is first introduced at the beginning of the film in a suit while Bruce is wearing ripped and dirty clothes. This is to show who has the higher authority in the scene as Ducard knows who Bruce is and offers him help, and Bruce doesn’t know who he is putting Bruce in the lower position. Later on in the film we saw Bruce wearing a suit when he is in court watching the case involving the man who killed his parents. This is to show he has power over the man as he is free and does not carry a guilty conscious round with him. At the end of the film both Bruce and Ducard are in a scene together wearing suits. However Ducard is wearing an all-black suit suggesting he has a dark side and is evil compared to Bruce who is wearing a black suit with a white shirt suggesting he has good within him. Another one of his styles used in this film are the muted colours. At the very beginning of the film we see a sea of bats flying with a muted orange sky implying it will be a thriller. Bruce then wakes up on bed in a cell like room which is represented with greys and blacks’ reflecting the atmosphere as everyone is gloomy. The majority of the film is filmed in the evening/night which is why muted colours are used throughout the film. It also represents Batman’s emotions as he is mourning for the loss of his parents. Dim lighting is used to represent that he does have light in his world found amongst his dark thoughts. A lot of beige colours are used for a great part of the film as it was filmed in 2005.
The dark night rises uses less of his style conventions as it is recent and Nolan is developing new styles. One style that is still recognised in the film is his use of urban settings and modern locations. There are a couple of different established shots showing the city in the evening with the buildings lit up which sets the scene and the surroundings. We then see the city the next day but from a different angle, in a different light showing the buildings in a browny colour with an amber sky signifying new beginnings. The men in suits trend still appears in the film when a meeting is held in a bar. The man wears it so he appears more superior than the women so he feels like he is in control of the situation. Whenever you see Batman’s suit the main surrounding colour is black emphasising it more. Black is used for his suit because it is a nigh time colour so he blends in with the night. It also represents his sadness for the loss of his parents which he feels guilty for which is why it is a strong colour thought the film.
Christopher Nolan is best known for his non-linear story telling. He directs produces and writes films. He has been working in the film industry for 15 years and started with low budget films and has now progressed to big blockbusters. In 2005 he was given the chance to create the batman films.
Influenced by Graham Swifts novel ‘Waterland’ Nolan has a pattern of employing non-linear storylines. He said he felt the novel “did incredible things with parallel timelines and told a story indifferent dimensions that was extremely coherent.
Included in his pattern of non-linear storylines is his film ‘Inception’. This is about dream-sharing technology when a thief steals corporate secrets and is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a CEO. Nolan has certain styles that are recognised in films and Inception is no different. One of his styles he uses is men in suits. The suits are used from the beginning to the end with all characters. Cobb is found on the beach in a washed out colour suit and the people who find him are in smart ironed black and white suits. This is to show how they have authority over him as they found him, he has become their property. He needs to know whose boss from the start so that he doesn’t mess them around and smart suits are the way to do that. Another one of his styles is muted colours. This is used throughout the film such as browns, blacks, greys and whites. White and slightly brighter colours are used more to show when they are in the real world and not dreaming. The washed out colours are used so that all the dreams appear to be similar to confuse the audience as the scenes are in non-linear sequence. One other style he uses is that the dialogue scenes are filmed in close ups. This is particularly effective in this films because you can see the characters facial expression which is how they mentally respond –their initial reaction to the situation and sometimes a signal to their colleague, compared with their dialogue which is the opposite to what they are thinking. Medium shots, medium close ups and close ups are used continually for this style. He also uses specific methods in his films such as applying multi cameras for stunts and single cameras for dramatic action. When the fights take place different cameras are used to receive different angles. So when the actors are pushed towards the camera it quickly switches to another shot further away so you can see their whole bodies. Or when a chase is being filmed the camera follows the characters from behind so you see them all and where they are heading to. Another method of his used in this film is minimizing the amount of computer generated imagery for special effects. The majority of this film is filmed inside in buildings. This creates a more realistic effect as natural surroundings are used making it more relatable for people. If green screens are used they are only used for a minimal amount of time so it gives it less focus.
His styles are also shown clearly in his film ‘Batman Begins’ which he wrote and directed. It is about how batman sets out to free Gotham City from corruption and crime after training with his mentor. His style of using urban settings and modern locations is shown throughout the film. Established shots are used to show where the next scene will be taking place. They are also used in this film after a long scene so it grabs the viewers’ attention ready for the next scene. The shots are usually taken in the evening so there is a dark sky with the buildings lit up creating the atmosphere for the following scene. Urban settings are used for the majority of the film as a lot of it is filmed inside and in the city. Offices, big houses, and a court are frequently used which are found in urban locations. Another one of his known styles are men in suits. Ducard is first introduced at the beginning of the film in a suit while Bruce is wearing ripped and dirty clothes. This is to show who has the higher authority in the scene as Ducard knows who Bruce is and offers him help, and Bruce doesn’t know who he is putting Bruce in the lower position. Later on in the film we saw Bruce wearing a suit when he is in court watching the case involving the man who killed his parents. This is to show he has power over the man as he is free and does not carry a guilty conscious round with him. At the end of the film both Bruce and Ducard are in a scene together wearing suits. However Ducard is wearing an all-black suit suggesting he has a dark side and is evil compared to Bruce who is wearing a black suit with a white shirt suggesting he has good within him. Another one of his styles used in this film are the muted colours. At the very beginning of the film we see a sea of bats flying with a muted orange sky implying it will be a thriller. Bruce then wakes up on bed in a cell like room which is represented with greys and blacks’ reflecting the atmosphere as everyone is gloomy. The majority of the film is filmed in the evening/night which is why muted colours are used throughout the film. It also represents Batman’s emotions as he is mourning for the loss of his parents. Dim lighting is used to represent that he does have light in his world found amongst his dark thoughts. A lot of beige colours are used for a great part of the film as it was filmed in 2005.
The dark night rises uses less of his style conventions as it is recent and Nolan is developing new styles. One style that is still recognised in the film is his use of urban settings and modern locations. There are a couple of different established shots showing the city in the evening with the buildings lit up which sets the scene and the surroundings. We then see the city the next day but from a different angle, in a different light showing the buildings in a browny colour with an amber sky signifying new beginnings. The men in suits trend still appears in the film when a meeting is held in a bar. The man wears it so he appears more superior than the women so he feels like he is in control of the situation. Whenever you see Batman’s suit the main surrounding colour is black emphasising it more. Black is used for his suit because it is a nigh time colour so he blends in with the night. It also represents his sadness for the loss of his parents which he feels guilty for which is why it is a strong colour thought the film.
summer assignment - Antonia
Summer assignment:
I decided to research the director martin Scorsese as he is a very well known director and a enjoy a lot of his work. The three films I chose to reference are the wolf of wall street, Hugo and Shutter island, which is in the thriller genre.
I fist watched the film Hugo. It is about a young boy who is fixing a metal robot. As he is finding the parts to fix it he makes friends with a young girl and together they travel across Paris on many adventures until he comes across the girls uncle , who used to be a film maker. After meeting the uncle he realises that he has all the secrets to the robots design/make. The film Hugo is a family film, but is also an adventure/mystery. Martin Scorsese had a lot of success with this film as it won many awards of which 5 were Oscars. The budget for this film was $170,000,000 but in less than a year of its release it made $73,820,094. I liked this film as even though it was a family film it used jump cuts to create suspense within the mystery of the film. In the opening of the film Scorsese has used an establishing shot to show the audience where the film is set. This shot slowly zooms out to show a view of Paris. Scorsese has also used a low angled shot. This is when the main character Hugo is hanging form the clock tower. This shows how small he is, compared to the building and how high up he is. This shot suddenly jumps to a close up of the clock arm moving. This leaves the audience in suspense as we are left on edge to see if the actor falls.
The second film I watched was the wolf of wall street. It is set in the 1990's and follows the life of a mans rise to a wealthy stockbroker. This film stars Leonardo DiCaprio which is a frequent recurrence
within Martin Scorsese films. This film uses many quick changing shots, not for suspense, but to add to the excitement and fun that's happening on screen. Scorsese has used bright, colourful lighting to contrast with the dull, boring you would associate with stock brokers. Scorsese uses very long shots so you see the chaos behind the main actors.
The final film I watched was in the thriller genre and was called shutter island. This film was set in 1954 and is about a marshal investigating the disappearance of a murderess, who has escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane. This film is again starred by Leonardo DiCaprio. I liked this film because it used a lot of jump cuts to create suspense and left the audience on the edge of their seats. It uses close up shots to show the madness of each character and the lighting to add to the dark, tense mood. This won 5 awards since its release in 2010.
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