Thursday 1 December 2011
G321- Re-Sit- History of Romantic Comedies
The genre Romantic Comedy developed from Shakespeare's comedies in the sixteenth century. It combines elements from two previous forms of Romantic Comedies including Ancient Greece and Mediaeval. The Ancient Greece Comedies involved the story of a young man longing for a woman but who meets certain obstacles along the way. The play ends with a turn of events that enables the couple to be together. The comedy seen in these plays is the union of society. The other form, mediaeval romance appeared in both narrative and lyrical poems. Here, Romance was given a new sense of love, the passionate experience of the individual, which was different to ‘social solidarity’ that love use to mean. Romantic Comedies ever since have told their audiences that dreams of finding true love can come true. There are four romantic comedy subgenres:
Romantic comedy proper, farce, screwball comedy and the relationship story. The subgenres are determined by how love, romance and marriage are portrayed in the film and how they are related.
Thursday 17 November 2011
G321- Re-Sit - Evaluation Question 5
How did we attract our audience?
We attracted our audience by creating a very recognisable domestic setting which has created verisimilitude. We have included everyday items on the office desk including magazines, stationary, photos etc. The reality we have created, has allowed the audience to connect with the character and the obstacles she may come across. The character can be viewed to be similar to that of an everyday person and represent a large portion of the population and this can make the character very inviting towards the audience.
The face of the main character has not been revealed to the audience in the opening of the film. This is another element we have used to attract the audinece. By not showing her face we have created a sense of mystery and curiosity for the audience and have left them wanting to know more and find out who she is. We have used the voiceover, props and costumes as the only glimpse of the characters identity. The female voiceover is very sweet and calming and this is another element that we added to attract our audience. It can make the audience feel at ease and in the right mood to watch the film. The voiceover is talking about love and this is a popular topic which all audiences can relate to. By choosing a broad topic it allowed us to attract a wider audience.
We attracted our audience by creating a very recognisable domestic setting which has created verisimilitude. We have included everyday items on the office desk including magazines, stationary, photos etc. The reality we have created, has allowed the audience to connect with the character and the obstacles she may come across. The character can be viewed to be similar to that of an everyday person and represent a large portion of the population and this can make the character very inviting towards the audience.
The face of the main character has not been revealed to the audience in the opening of the film. This is another element we have used to attract the audinece. By not showing her face we have created a sense of mystery and curiosity for the audience and have left them wanting to know more and find out who she is. We have used the voiceover, props and costumes as the only glimpse of the characters identity. The female voiceover is very sweet and calming and this is another element that we added to attract our audience. It can make the audience feel at ease and in the right mood to watch the film. The voiceover is talking about love and this is a popular topic which all audiences can relate to. By choosing a broad topic it allowed us to attract a wider audience.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Film opening analysis and Title timeline
10 Things I Hate About You
- The opening begins with a mixture of aerial and high angled shots of the setting of the film. It appears to be a high school so, this can indicate that the romance could be between two young teenagers.
- There is a car scene and this allows us to see some of the characters that may be included in the film. Conflict can be seen between the group of girls and the single girl in the other car and this can reflect potential relationships within the movie and the scene can be viewed as quite comical.
- There is non-digetic background music throughout the opening which is up-beat and happy, this changes when we see the single girl in the car. This can indicate that she is one of the main characters in the film. The music contrasts with the earlier music and this can reflect the main characters slightly moody, teenage personality.
- The characters car is red and this can have connotations of both love and danger which could reflect a possible storyline of the character finding love and then becoming heartbroken.
- The name of the Guidance Counselor who we are presented with in the opening is 'Ms. Perky' and this can have comical connotations around it.
Titles Timeline
0.09- Company Logo
0.19-Secondary production company logo
0.29- Film Title0.34- Main Actor
0.38- Main Actor
0.42- Sub Actor
0.45- Sub Actor
0.49- Actor
0.52- Actor
0.56- Actor
1.26- Actor
1.30- Actor
1.34- Actor
1.40- 2X Actors
1.43- Casting
2.37- Executive Music Producer
2.41- Costume Designer
2.58- Associate Producer
3.15- Co-Producers
3.19- Editor
3.32- Production Designer
3.36- Photography Director
3.47- Executive Producer
4.01- Producer
4.06- Writers
4.22- Director
50 First Dates
- The film opens with a long shot of a beach sunset and this can set the romantic mood for the film. However, the non-digetic Hawaiian background music contrasts with this and adds to the comical aspect of the film.
- We are presented with lots of snippets of different female characters talking about a romantic holiday where they met a guy. All the stories appear to correlate together and this can imply that they have all been seeing the same man.
- In one of the scenes the character is talking about her romantic date while she is working in a mourg and the juxtaposition of these two things can have a comical effect on the film.
- At the end of the opening the characters all reveal the name of the man they were with and they all say the same one. We have been shown the personality of this character from the start as a player and cheater and this can reflect the possible storyline of the film. The male character can be viewed as the main character and he is wearing a Hawaiian print shirt and shades which give him a comical/non-serious look.
0.33- Associate Logo
0.47- Title
Legally Blonde
- Straight away from just seeing the titles we can see that this is going to be a girly girl/chick flick film. they are coloured pink and sparkling against a characters blonde hair and this can reflect the stereotypical girly girl.
- Close-ups are used to show the characters manicured nails and elegant jewellery which can portray the characters feminine personality.
- The main characters face is not revealed to the audience but they can see her personality through the props shown as she gets ready for the day including pink hairbrush, nails, jewellery and pink sparkling shoes. They are mainly pink and sparkling which we can associate with a girly girl character. The colour pink can also connote love and happiness.
- Happy non-digetic background music is played throughout the opening and this can add to the comedy aspect of the film.
Titles Timeline
0.06- Production Company Logo
0.15- Title
0.22- Main Actor
0.32- Main Actor
0.38- Sub Actor
0.48- Sub Actor
0.54- Sub Actor
1.01- Sub Actor
1.17- Sub Actor
1.22- Sub Actor
1.27- 2X Sub Actor
1.32- 2X Sub Actor
1.39- 2X Sub Actor
1.44- Special Appearance
1.48- Casting
1.53- Co producers
2.01- Music
2.09- Music Supervisor
2.13- Costume Designer
2.19- Editor
2.26- Production Designer
2.31- Photography Director
2.36- Based on the book
2.46- Screenplay
3.06- Director
Monday 7 November 2011
G321 Re-sit- Top Grossing Romance and Comedy films of 2011
Top US Grossing Comedies of 2011
The Change Up- Certificate 15
- A comedy in which a married father accidentally switches bodies with his best friend, leading to a series of wildly complex difficulties.
- Budget $52,000,000 est
- Took $13,531,115 on the first weekend in the USA over 2913 screens
Crazy, Stupid, love- Certificate 12A
- A father's life unravels while he deals with a marital crisis and tries to manage his relationship with his children.
- Budget $50,000,000 est
- Took $19,104,303 on the first weekend in the USA over 3020 screens
Midnight in Paris- Certificate 12A
- A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.
- Budget $30,000,000
- Took $599,003 on the first weekend in the USA over 6 screens
Top US Grossing Romance films of 2011
Three Musketeers- Certificate 12A
- The hot-headed young D'Artagnan along with three former legendary but now down on their luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war.
- Budget $75,000,000 est
- Took $8,674,452 over the opening weekend over 3017 screens
- Competition between the maid of honor and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride's best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.
- Budget $32,500,000
- Took $26,247,410 over the opening weekend over 2918 screens
As the genre of our film is a hybrid of both Romance and Comedy I have looked at the highest grossing films from the two genres. By looking at these it has let me understand what type of story lines sell well and are popular amongst the public. This will help progress our initial ideas into final ideas as we can see from this information what makes a good Rom-Com and will allow us to include the right situations to make it a success.
Information sourced from the IMDB website
G321 Re-Sit- Question 4- Certification 15
The content included within the opening of our film would not have been rated a 15 however, the film in its entirety would have been rated as this. We were able to come to this conclusion after comparing the film contents to the BBFC certificate permits. The film is a romantic comedy so, other scenes within the film may have included nudity/sexual activity which would not have been allowed to have been shown in a certificate 12 film. Later on in the film break up scenes would also have been included and slightly strong language may have been involved to show frustration and anger between the characters. The target audience four our film is aged 15+ and this is another reason why our film would have been a certificate 15 in order to correspond with this.
Thursday 27 October 2011
G321 Re-Sit- Target Audience Member Moodboard
Here, I have created a mood board of what the potential viewer of our film may look like. I have included activities which they might be interested in, including, shopping, socialising and keeping fit. Also, I have included a number of different people from different backgrounds and demographic groups. On the right side of the mood board I have included a range of clothing and accessories which the viewer may wear. These ideas correspond with the Target Audience Profile.
Target Audience Mooodboard
Target Audience Mooodboard
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Sunday 10 April 2011
Saturday 9 April 2011
Thursday 17 February 2011
Comparing film ideas to other films from our chosen genre
The genre we have chose for our film is a Romantic-Comedy. We have come up with the idea of having a character who is a journalist that writes their own articles about relationships and love and helps people with relationship advice. In the opening of our film we would like to include a voice over of the thoughts of our character, Penelope Fox, while she is writing her article about love and relationships. It will be set in an office location where Penelope works. It will show the thought processes she makes to create the article and show a brief snippet of what her career involves. The female character believes that she is the best girlfriend you can have and lives by her rules to achieve this. However, the rules become too much for the character and she becomes slightly obsessive by obeying them leading to the breakup of the character and her boyfriend.
One of the films we can compare our film to is Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), the film includes voice overs from the characters point of view on different things in her life including love and relationships. The character appears to be very obsessive about her love life and works as a journalist. The character of Bridget has a similarity to our character Penelope Fox; she is a journalist and has a slight obsession with her love life. The setting of parts of the film are also in an office and the film includes a voice over of the characters thoughts.
Below are some snippets of Bridget Jones's Diary including sections when she is in the office and typing on the screen which we would also like to include in our film. These are some of the scenes we would like to adapt and use in our film and is similar to how we would like our product to look at the end.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Friday 11 February 2011
Film Titles- Timeline
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Titles Timeline
0.03s- Company Logo
0.12s- Institution Logo
0.18s- Production Logo
0.28s- Film Title
0.33s- Main Actors Name (female)
0.37s- Main Actors Name (male)
0.40s- Sub Actors Name (male)
0.45s- Sub Actors Name (female)
0.49s- Sub Actors Name (male)
0.53s- Actors Name (minor role)
0.56s- Actors Name (minor role)
1.26s- Actors Name (minor role)
1.30s- Actors Name (minor role)
1.34s- Actors Name (minor role)
1.38s- 2 Actors Names (minor roles)
1.45s- Casting Director
2.31s- Music Director
2.36s- Executive Music Producer
2.42s- Costume Designer
2.57s- Associate Producer
3.14s- Co-Producer
3.18s- Editor
3.30s- Production Designer
3.35s- Director of Photography
3.43s- Executive producers (2 names)
4.00s- Producer
4.06s- Writer
4.21s- Director
The Holiday (2006)
0.01s-Company Names
0.15s-Institution Name
0.35s-Directors Name
0.41s-Actress Name
0.45s-Actress Name
0.51s- Actors Name
1.03s-Actors name
1.25s-Film Title
1.44s-Actress Name
1.50s-Actors Name
1.56s-Actors Name
2.00s-Casting Directors
2.14s-Music Producer
2.20s-Costume Designer
2.45s-Editor
2.50s-Production Designer
2.54s-Photography Director
3.05s-Excecutive Producer
3.11s-Producers
By looking at these film openings from the genre Romantic Comedy and creating a title timeline it has enabled me to see when titles are introduced and in what order. It has shown me how many names can be included in the opening and not just those of the main actors. Also, it has made me think about the timings of the titles and how long the time intervals can be between them. From doing this it has given me a wider knowledge that will help when my group and I come to create our own titles timeline.
Monday 31 January 2011
G321- Analysing student film
In our media lesson we watched three student film openings and analysed them in order to avoid making errors in our own film openings and to look at different strengths that we could adapt to use in our own openings.
Opening 1
Some strengths that can be identified from this opening are that they have created some interesting ideas for the narrative, which has been illustrated in this opening that are quite differentt to the stereotypical horror. It is clear for the audience to understand what genre the film is. The long panning shot at the beginning sets the scene and shows isolation and loneliness which creates a scary atmosphere. The non-diegetic background music used throughout the opening is eerie and complements the genre of horror.The titles follow the same theme which makes the opening look more organised and professional. The institution logo is very creative and looks very professional.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that a character dies at the very beginning and it can be interpreted that the film can't continue further and develop. This can lead it to be considered as a closed narrative. The name of the film is the same as the name of the institution which can be confusing for the audience. The editing of the opening is similar to how a trailer would be edited with quick transitions between scenes.It shows a lot of the narrative and could be more linear and not give away as much of the plot.
Opening 2
Some strengths identified from this opening are that the non diegetic background music fits with the genre of horror as it is eerie and scary. The narrative idea is very creative and it can come across as a very professional opening. The sepia effect that they have used on a character at the beginning adds a real sense of mystery and spookiness. The camerawork is very good and the camera has been held steady throughout.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that nearing the end of the opening a lot of the narrative was given away and the audience could tell that the the female character was going to be killed by the stalking male character. The editing starts off well but then ends up being similar to a trailer as they have used fast transitions and show people dead. Also, the fonts did not follow the same theme and can make the opening not look as professional as it could.
Opening 3
Some strengths identified from this opening are that the non diegetic background music fitted with the genre of horror. The camerawork was good and it was held steady which helped give the opening a professional finish. The ending of the opening can leave the audience in suspense as to whats going to happen next.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that the One bad apple productions institution logo doesn't really fit with the horror genre and made it seem comical taking away the scary atmosphere. The character was smiling even though they were meant to be dead which takes away from the horror genre of the opening. The narrative was rather confusing and as two characters had already died it makes the audience wonder if anything else can actually happen in the narrative. Also, there was a few continuity issues like the windscreen wipers change position and the persons arm moves.
It is good that we have watched these openings as we have gained extra knowledge about film openings that we can apply to our own openings. The openings tended to be more like trailers than openings so, we have learnt what we need to include in order to make our openings more effective. We need to ensure that the opening we create is an open narrative that could become a storyline.
Opening 1
Some strengths that can be identified from this opening are that they have created some interesting ideas for the narrative, which has been illustrated in this opening that are quite differentt to the stereotypical horror. It is clear for the audience to understand what genre the film is. The long panning shot at the beginning sets the scene and shows isolation and loneliness which creates a scary atmosphere. The non-diegetic background music used throughout the opening is eerie and complements the genre of horror.The titles follow the same theme which makes the opening look more organised and professional. The institution logo is very creative and looks very professional.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that a character dies at the very beginning and it can be interpreted that the film can't continue further and develop. This can lead it to be considered as a closed narrative. The name of the film is the same as the name of the institution which can be confusing for the audience. The editing of the opening is similar to how a trailer would be edited with quick transitions between scenes.It shows a lot of the narrative and could be more linear and not give away as much of the plot.
Opening 2
Some strengths identified from this opening are that the non diegetic background music fits with the genre of horror as it is eerie and scary. The narrative idea is very creative and it can come across as a very professional opening. The sepia effect that they have used on a character at the beginning adds a real sense of mystery and spookiness. The camerawork is very good and the camera has been held steady throughout.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that nearing the end of the opening a lot of the narrative was given away and the audience could tell that the the female character was going to be killed by the stalking male character. The editing starts off well but then ends up being similar to a trailer as they have used fast transitions and show people dead. Also, the fonts did not follow the same theme and can make the opening not look as professional as it could.
Opening 3
Some strengths identified from this opening are that the non diegetic background music fitted with the genre of horror. The camerawork was good and it was held steady which helped give the opening a professional finish. The ending of the opening can leave the audience in suspense as to whats going to happen next.
Some weaknesses identified from the opening are that the One bad apple productions institution logo doesn't really fit with the horror genre and made it seem comical taking away the scary atmosphere. The character was smiling even though they were meant to be dead which takes away from the horror genre of the opening. The narrative was rather confusing and as two characters had already died it makes the audience wonder if anything else can actually happen in the narrative. Also, there was a few continuity issues like the windscreen wipers change position and the persons arm moves.
It is good that we have watched these openings as we have gained extra knowledge about film openings that we can apply to our own openings. The openings tended to be more like trailers than openings so, we have learnt what we need to include in order to make our openings more effective. We need to ensure that the opening we create is an open narrative that could become a storyline.
Sunday 30 January 2011
Romantic Comedy- Film analysis
The film genre we have chosen for our opening is a Romantic Comedy I have decided to analyse some films from this genre in order to gain a wider knowledge for our opening.
Love Actually
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3GWzLpkVdg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D0zfB1l1x0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3pvtAKCi_E
These three openings have shown different ways of producing Romantic-Comedy with the idea of starting with a break up, opening with a romantic meeting of loved ones and by not revealing what the romance is going to be at first. By watching and analysing these openings it has enabled me to think about different, original kind of openings to produce for a Romantic-Comedy.
Love Actually
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3GWzLpkVdg
- Many of the characters are hugging in the opening and this is showing their emotions of love towards each other and illustrates to the audience some of the relationships which may be included in the film narrative.
- The non-diegetic background music which plays throughout the opening is calm and warming showing that the film is going to be light hearted, easy watch film.
- The voice over given is heartwarming and meaningful and adds to the romance aspect of the film also, it is giving an indication of whom the main character might be. The voice over is male so the film could be through a males eyes and his point of view, which is different to typical love stories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D0zfB1l1x0
- This opens with a character who can be perceived to have been unlucky in love. This is a very imaginative way of opening a Romantic film however, it adds to the Comedy side of the genre. The rest of the narrative can be illustrated to show how the character finds love again.
- The non-diegetic background music 'All by myself' is a comical way to show the emotions of the character instead of dialogue.
- The character is drinking and could be said to be drowning her sorrows and is comically dancing to the music all adding to the genre.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3pvtAKCi_E
- This opens with a voice over of the main character expressing her love for shopping, the way in which the character does this gives a comical element to the film.
- Panning and tracking shots are used to reveal to the audience all the items that the character is expressing her love for.
- The character calls credit cards 'magic cards' which also adds to the comical side of the genre.
- The music changes when the main character is shown as a mature lady and not a child.
- The setting is shown as a city implying that the main character may be a business woman who loves designer fashion.
These three openings have shown different ways of producing Romantic-Comedy with the idea of starting with a break up, opening with a romantic meeting of loved ones and by not revealing what the romance is going to be at first. By watching and analysing these openings it has enabled me to think about different, original kind of openings to produce for a Romantic-Comedy.
Saturday 29 January 2011
Film openings- Genre
28 weeks later genre- Horror
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHf6Th-E3kE&playnext=1&list=PLCEC57DD841E012D9
The film 28 weeks later is a horror and this is reflected in thre opening by:
Star Wars genre-sci-fi/action
The film Star wars is a sci-fi this can be identified from the opening of the film:
Superbad genre-comedy
The film Superbad is a comedy and this genre can be portrayed from the film's opening:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHf6Th-E3kE&playnext=1&list=PLCEC57DD841E012D9
The film 28 weeks later is a horror and this is reflected in thre opening by:
- They use low key lighting to create a eerie, scary and mysterious atmosphere.
- Candles are used in the opening and they add to the dreary atmosphere.
- The characters are scared reinforcing the horror genre.
- The screaming from the characters shows they are frightened and generally in a horror the charcters are shown to be scared/frighetend of something haunting.
- Zombies are creatures generally used in horror movies and increase the impact of the sense or horror.
Star Wars genre-sci-fi/action
The film Star wars is a sci-fi this can be identified from the opening of the film:
- The opening starts with the showing of the setting of the film in space and this is an obvious setting for a sci-fi film.
- Spaceships are used in the opening and thses are objects associated with space tehrefore reinforcing the sci-fi genre.
- Lasers and space like gadgets are pictured in the opening which are big indicators of a sci-fi movie.
- Robot type charcters are illustrated in the opening and thse are obvious charcters used in sci fi films.
Superbad genre-comedy
The film Superbad is a comedy and this genre can be portrayed from the film's opening:
- The dancing charcters add a comical editing to the opening as they are not exactly professional but act as if they are having fun.
- The non diegetic happy/comical music is used indictaing that the film is going to be relaxed and funny.
- Bright happy colours are used as the backdrop for the dancers giving a happy, fun, comical vibe
- The characters can be interpreted by the audience as a comedy duo.
Thursday 27 January 2011
Opening scene creations with jelly babies
In class we were given a task of using jelly babies to create the openings of films from a vary of genres. This enabled us to explore what story lines and narratives could be used for the different genres. From creating these openings it let us evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the different genres and helped us decide what genre we would like to choose for our opening. The task let us think about timings, dialogues, credits and camera angles which will let us create a better storyboard and opening. It also let us think about what we actually needed to include in an opening to not make it a short film and not a closed narrative. We created a Western, Horror and Comedy which are pictured below:
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Hitch- Opening analysis
Opening- Hitch
From the opening of this film we can gather that the genre is a romantic comedy. We can mainly tell this from the voice over by Will Smith who is saying about what guys need to do to get the woman of their dreams. The comedy element from this opening is from the first showing of how the character goes about setting up the males and the females. The clever yet funny way of how he sets up the male and female character and how it works adds to the light hearted comedic factor.
The non diegetic happy background music used throughout the opening sets a happy, romantic and light hearted funny atmosphere. It makes the audience feel relaxed and intrigued about what the rest of the film will involve. The voice over by Will Smith shows that his character will be the main character in the film and helps set up the narrative of the film. From the opening we can perceive that the narrative will be about a matchmaker character setting up other male characters with their dream women. It shows that Will Smith's character uses his matchmaking skills for his job and the narrative will evolve around this. The fact that the matchmaker character is wearing a suit illustrates that he views his matchmaking as a business. The setting is in a city and public areas depicting that these settings will follow throughout the film and adds to the business view of the matchmaker.
The titles used in the opening of this film are quite sophisticated and can be associated with business. This is adding to the perception of the main character using his matchmaking skills as a business. As the titles have a sophisticated feel it can show that the relationships created throughout this film will be sophisticated and romantic. The themes that can be depicted from the opening are love, relationships and light hearted humour.
From the opening of this film we can gather that the genre is a romantic comedy. We can mainly tell this from the voice over by Will Smith who is saying about what guys need to do to get the woman of their dreams. The comedy element from this opening is from the first showing of how the character goes about setting up the males and the females. The clever yet funny way of how he sets up the male and female character and how it works adds to the light hearted comedic factor.
The non diegetic happy background music used throughout the opening sets a happy, romantic and light hearted funny atmosphere. It makes the audience feel relaxed and intrigued about what the rest of the film will involve. The voice over by Will Smith shows that his character will be the main character in the film and helps set up the narrative of the film. From the opening we can perceive that the narrative will be about a matchmaker character setting up other male characters with their dream women. It shows that Will Smith's character uses his matchmaking skills for his job and the narrative will evolve around this. The fact that the matchmaker character is wearing a suit illustrates that he views his matchmaking as a business. The setting is in a city and public areas depicting that these settings will follow throughout the film and adds to the business view of the matchmaker.
The titles used in the opening of this film are quite sophisticated and can be associated with business. This is adding to the perception of the main character using his matchmaking skills as a business. As the titles have a sophisticated feel it can show that the relationships created throughout this film will be sophisticated and romantic. The themes that can be depicted from the opening are love, relationships and light hearted humour.
Reservoir Dogs- Opening analysis
Reservoir Dogs-Opening
From the opening sequence from the film Reservoir Dogs, we can gather that the genre of the film is gangster. We can see this as there are 8 characters shown in the opening who are depicted as being a group. They are dressed in black suits and dark glasses that connote importance and power. Also, they are smoking cigars and wearing gold chains which act as signifiers adding to the characters gangster status'. The gangsters illustrated in this opening are a vast difference compared to the stereotypical modern gangster. However, the film is associated with the time period of the 70's and depicts how they were represented at that time.
The narrative that can be hinted from the opening is that the gangsters are coming together to go somewhere and maybe create trouble. They are walking with a sense of direction and look like they are up to mischief. There is one character in the group who is not wearing a suit and doesn't really fit with the gangster look. So, this can suggest that the narrative may have to do something with this character gaining his gangster status. Also, as the charcters have been represented as gangsters the film could also include crime and weapons.
The opening is set in a city street and can signify that this is going to be the setting for the rest of the film. This adds to the gang culture of the film. There is a rundown blue truck shown in the opening which adds to the urban gangster theme distinguished from the opening. The atmosphere that can be perceived from the opening is serious but fun. The seriousness coming from the suits the characters are wearing and the fun coming from the incongrous upbeat, happy backing music. The themes from this film opening are gang culture, smoking, cool and swarve. The titles in the opening are a smart, golden colour which adds to the gang culture and seriousness of the film. The actors names correspond to their individual camera shots, the actor/charcter who is revealed last can be portrayed as the gang leader as he is at the front and takes the spotlight at the end.
From the opening sequence from the film Reservoir Dogs, we can gather that the genre of the film is gangster. We can see this as there are 8 characters shown in the opening who are depicted as being a group. They are dressed in black suits and dark glasses that connote importance and power. Also, they are smoking cigars and wearing gold chains which act as signifiers adding to the characters gangster status'. The gangsters illustrated in this opening are a vast difference compared to the stereotypical modern gangster. However, the film is associated with the time period of the 70's and depicts how they were represented at that time.
The narrative that can be hinted from the opening is that the gangsters are coming together to go somewhere and maybe create trouble. They are walking with a sense of direction and look like they are up to mischief. There is one character in the group who is not wearing a suit and doesn't really fit with the gangster look. So, this can suggest that the narrative may have to do something with this character gaining his gangster status. Also, as the charcters have been represented as gangsters the film could also include crime and weapons.
The opening is set in a city street and can signify that this is going to be the setting for the rest of the film. This adds to the gang culture of the film. There is a rundown blue truck shown in the opening which adds to the urban gangster theme distinguished from the opening. The atmosphere that can be perceived from the opening is serious but fun. The seriousness coming from the suits the characters are wearing and the fun coming from the incongrous upbeat, happy backing music. The themes from this film opening are gang culture, smoking, cool and swarve. The titles in the opening are a smart, golden colour which adds to the gang culture and seriousness of the film. The actors names correspond to their individual camera shots, the actor/charcter who is revealed last can be portrayed as the gang leader as he is at the front and takes the spotlight at the end.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
The Dark Knight- Opening analysis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OYBEquZ_j0
From the opening of this film we can see that the genre is action/crime. This is shown by using guns, masks, weapons and a bankraid to reinforce the genre. The fact that two of the characters high wire across the city shows the adrenaline rush normally given by a sterotypical action genre. The bankraid gives the crime aspect of the film. The narrative shown from the opening is a bankraid and doesn't really give away as to what is to happen in the rest of the film. However, it could show that this is the beginning of the antagonists bad behaviour and what the protagonist is going to have to deal with throughout the rest of the film. In the opening of the film we are only exposed to one main character which is the antagonist and some sub characters who appear to be apart of his alliance. We can tell who the antagonist is because he is the only one who survives the raid showing he is the leader.
The atmosphere is intense and can be quite worrying for the audience as the alliance appears to be against eachother. The opening contains quite a few charcaters death which is unusual to have at the start of the opening adding to the intesity of what is going to happen throughout the rest of the film. Some themes which can come across to the audience from the opening are crime, death, weapons and violence. these all reinforce the films genre and are sterotypical themes of an action film. The setting of the film appears to be in a big city, this is shown through the use of long shots to show big sky scraper type buildings and a city bank. This could hint that the city the film is set in is going to tbe the target for the antagonists actions. Throughout the opening there is some background music which uses staccato and big drum chords to build tension. It begins quiet and builds up as the opening gets more intense.
From the opening of this film we can see that the genre is action/crime. This is shown by using guns, masks, weapons and a bankraid to reinforce the genre. The fact that two of the characters high wire across the city shows the adrenaline rush normally given by a sterotypical action genre. The bankraid gives the crime aspect of the film. The narrative shown from the opening is a bankraid and doesn't really give away as to what is to happen in the rest of the film. However, it could show that this is the beginning of the antagonists bad behaviour and what the protagonist is going to have to deal with throughout the rest of the film. In the opening of the film we are only exposed to one main character which is the antagonist and some sub characters who appear to be apart of his alliance. We can tell who the antagonist is because he is the only one who survives the raid showing he is the leader.
The atmosphere is intense and can be quite worrying for the audience as the alliance appears to be against eachother. The opening contains quite a few charcaters death which is unusual to have at the start of the opening adding to the intesity of what is going to happen throughout the rest of the film. Some themes which can come across to the audience from the opening are crime, death, weapons and violence. these all reinforce the films genre and are sterotypical themes of an action film. The setting of the film appears to be in a big city, this is shown through the use of long shots to show big sky scraper type buildings and a city bank. This could hint that the city the film is set in is going to tbe the target for the antagonists actions. Throughout the opening there is some background music which uses staccato and big drum chords to build tension. It begins quiet and builds up as the opening gets more intense.
Tuesday 18 January 2011
Casino Royale- Trailer vs Opening
Casino Royale-trailer
Genre- The genre which can be maintained from the trailer is a high impact action film, this is mainly because of the car chases and weapons which are stereotypical of a action film.
Narrative- The plot line which can be gathered from the trailer is a spy on a mission which is associated with a casino and how the protagonist comes to defeat the villain.
Character- There are three main characters that can be determined from the trailer which are a Spy, a Villain and a Female assistant. These are stereotypical characters of an action film reinforcing the genre.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere which can be felt from the trailer is quite serious as the protagonists life appears to be at risk at all times and it can leave the audience on edge for what is to come in the film.
Themes- There are a few themes which can be selected from the trailer are Chasing, Fighting, Poker, Death, Guns and Romance these are all typical of a action film and really reinforce the action genre.
Setting- From the trailer many settings are seen for the film including a casino, trains, planes and a foreign country. This is implying that the narrative and action does not happen all in one place and makes the film grab the audience.
Sound- The sound in the trailer is the traditional James Bond soundtrack so, even if the viewer wasn't watching the trailer they would know straight away what film it was advertising for.
Titles- The title comes at the end of the trailer which is its position in most trailers and the letters create a gun shape.
Casino Royale-opening
Genre- From the opening we can see that genre of the film will be action, the animated characters are shown in lots of fight scenes and are illustrated with guns and other weapons. These are indicating violence and reinforcing the action genre.
Narrative- The narrative that can be perceived from the opening is a spy involved in a mission associated with gambling and a casino. This can be seen from the iconography used in the opening which includes cards, poker chips and a poker table. Many hearts are shown in the opening implying that there could be a hint of romance within the film.
Character- There are three characters that can be seen in the opening they are a protagonist, a villain and a love interest. The protagonist can be viewed as a spy/secret agent and the one that has a female assistant that could also become his love interest.
Atmosphere- Adrenaline is the main atmosphere which can be viewed from the opening with the numerous fights and mysterious opening narrative. It leaves the audience on edge with what is going to happen in the film.
Themes- Themes which can be seen in the opening are gambling, fighting, violence, guns and romance, these can be viewed once again from the iconography used of casino objects and also the use of love hearts which are used throughout the opening.
Setting- From the opening the only location shown for the film is a Casino which has been illustrated by using casino iconography.
Sound- There is a Fast paced/Rock soundtrack which plays throughout the opening adding to the action genre.
Titles- The titles used are serious/mysterious and this depicts to the audience that the film is serious as the main charcater is going to be in dangerous situations.
The trailer for Casino Royale shows short snippets of the main parts of the film and gives away to the audience most of the films narrative. The trailer is fast paced and builds up adrenaline for the audience. It shows who the main characters are in the film and what actors/actresses play them. The title of the film is shown at the end which is where it traditionally comes in a stereotypical trailer. Lots of transitions are used including fade to blacks between each scene to separate them and this adds to the fragmented affect of a traditional trailer. The trailer is used as a form of advertisement for the film and entices the audience to watch it. This is compared to the films opening which is computer animated and doesn't give away to the audience exactly what is going to happen in the film but leaves them wanting to view more. The title is shown near the beginning reinforcing that it is an opening and not a trailer. The fast paced Rock soundtrack sets the mood for the film and adds to the action genre. The iconography of the cards and casino objects gives hints of the setting of the film and shows the theme of gambling. A main character is used in the opening and is illustrated in a suit showing connotations of him being a spy and is the main character of the film.
Genre- The genre which can be maintained from the trailer is a high impact action film, this is mainly because of the car chases and weapons which are stereotypical of a action film.
Narrative- The plot line which can be gathered from the trailer is a spy on a mission which is associated with a casino and how the protagonist comes to defeat the villain.
Character- There are three main characters that can be determined from the trailer which are a Spy, a Villain and a Female assistant. These are stereotypical characters of an action film reinforcing the genre.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere which can be felt from the trailer is quite serious as the protagonists life appears to be at risk at all times and it can leave the audience on edge for what is to come in the film.
Themes- There are a few themes which can be selected from the trailer are Chasing, Fighting, Poker, Death, Guns and Romance these are all typical of a action film and really reinforce the action genre.
Setting- From the trailer many settings are seen for the film including a casino, trains, planes and a foreign country. This is implying that the narrative and action does not happen all in one place and makes the film grab the audience.
Sound- The sound in the trailer is the traditional James Bond soundtrack so, even if the viewer wasn't watching the trailer they would know straight away what film it was advertising for.
Titles- The title comes at the end of the trailer which is its position in most trailers and the letters create a gun shape.
Casino Royale-opening
Genre- From the opening we can see that genre of the film will be action, the animated characters are shown in lots of fight scenes and are illustrated with guns and other weapons. These are indicating violence and reinforcing the action genre.
Narrative- The narrative that can be perceived from the opening is a spy involved in a mission associated with gambling and a casino. This can be seen from the iconography used in the opening which includes cards, poker chips and a poker table. Many hearts are shown in the opening implying that there could be a hint of romance within the film.
Character- There are three characters that can be seen in the opening they are a protagonist, a villain and a love interest. The protagonist can be viewed as a spy/secret agent and the one that has a female assistant that could also become his love interest.
Atmosphere- Adrenaline is the main atmosphere which can be viewed from the opening with the numerous fights and mysterious opening narrative. It leaves the audience on edge with what is going to happen in the film.
Themes- Themes which can be seen in the opening are gambling, fighting, violence, guns and romance, these can be viewed once again from the iconography used of casino objects and also the use of love hearts which are used throughout the opening.
Setting- From the opening the only location shown for the film is a Casino which has been illustrated by using casino iconography.
Sound- There is a Fast paced/Rock soundtrack which plays throughout the opening adding to the action genre.
Titles- The titles used are serious/mysterious and this depicts to the audience that the film is serious as the main charcater is going to be in dangerous situations.
The trailer for Casino Royale shows short snippets of the main parts of the film and gives away to the audience most of the films narrative. The trailer is fast paced and builds up adrenaline for the audience. It shows who the main characters are in the film and what actors/actresses play them. The title of the film is shown at the end which is where it traditionally comes in a stereotypical trailer. Lots of transitions are used including fade to blacks between each scene to separate them and this adds to the fragmented affect of a traditional trailer. The trailer is used as a form of advertisement for the film and entices the audience to watch it. This is compared to the films opening which is computer animated and doesn't give away to the audience exactly what is going to happen in the film but leaves them wanting to view more. The title is shown near the beginning reinforcing that it is an opening and not a trailer. The fast paced Rock soundtrack sets the mood for the film and adds to the action genre. The iconography of the cards and casino objects gives hints of the setting of the film and shows the theme of gambling. A main character is used in the opening and is illustrated in a suit showing connotations of him being a spy and is the main character of the film.
Monday 17 January 2011
G321- Film openings
Film opening sequence
Details of cast and crew and institution producing the film
The films title
An introduction to character or character type
Indication of historical period
Indication of place
Information regarding mood and tone
Signature theme tunes
Genre
Questions
Editing patterns
Mise en scene and cinematography
Sets the Film up
Catch Me If You Can- Opening
Genre- From the opening of this film we can gather that the genre of this film is a mystery, action, drama, you can tell this because the characters that can be seen in the opening look like the sterotypical secret agents who appear to be having a chase which is a traditional mystery, action storyline.
Narrative- We can see from the opening that the narrative will be a form of chase between a protagonist and an antagonist. This chase may not stay in the same country as it is set in an airport suggesting travel within this film.
Character- The characters that may be included in this film are a protagonist and an antagonist. They may be special/secret agents or on two rival teams of a gang/group.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere which can be felt from the opening is suspense and excitement, this is created by the chase which is happening and how the characters have not been revealed. It leaves the audience wanting more form the film.
Themes- Themes of this film can be sneaky, imitation, wealth, brains, identity, disguise, these can be conjured up from the narrative of the opening which includes the two special agents hiding from each other and coming up with clever plans to get away from one another.
Setting- From the opening we can see that some of the locations in the film could be a hospital, an airport and it could be situated in the USA. This can be viewed because iconography is used to show that the setting is an airport and a hospital by using signs and iconic figures. A yellow cab is seen in the opening showing that it could be set in the USA.
Sound- The non diegetic background music is an instrumental with an old school feel which is also retro and upbeat. This could suggest that the film could be set in the past.
My Best Friends Wedding-opening
Genre- The genre of this film is a romantic/comedy, we can see this because a wedding is shown covering the romance side and the joyful song in the background and characters give it a hint of comedy.
Narrative- For this film the lyrics of the song hint that someone will be getting married and it is going to go wrong.
Character- Two main characters are revealed in the opening along with some sub characters they are a bride, bridesmaids and a groom. The opening can suggest that the bridesmaids will be the type of characters who will be there for the bride when things start to go wrong.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere of this film can be viewed as love, light, happy and feminine. These can be seen from the wedding scene which is happening which has these stereotypical connotations.
Themes- The themes of wedding, love, friendship and happiness can be seen from this opening especially from the iconic wedding scene which, carry these connotations.
Setting- The setting of the opening is in a studio, suggesting that the rest of the film may be filmed in a studio which will re create the settings needed. It is rather reminiscent of the 1950's and is like a musical stage performance.
Sound- The soundtrack in the background has the lyrics which tell the audience how to treat a man indicating that the males in this film may have higher power and authority in this film.
Titles- The titles in this film are near the beginning and the writing is like a wedding invite making the audience feel involved and like they are actually invited to the wedding.
Details of cast and crew and institution producing the film
The films title
An introduction to character or character type
Indication of historical period
Indication of place
Information regarding mood and tone
Signature theme tunes
Genre
Questions
Editing patterns
Mise en scene and cinematography
Sets the Film up
Catch Me If You Can- Opening
Genre- From the opening of this film we can gather that the genre of this film is a mystery, action, drama, you can tell this because the characters that can be seen in the opening look like the sterotypical secret agents who appear to be having a chase which is a traditional mystery, action storyline.
Narrative- We can see from the opening that the narrative will be a form of chase between a protagonist and an antagonist. This chase may not stay in the same country as it is set in an airport suggesting travel within this film.
Character- The characters that may be included in this film are a protagonist and an antagonist. They may be special/secret agents or on two rival teams of a gang/group.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere which can be felt from the opening is suspense and excitement, this is created by the chase which is happening and how the characters have not been revealed. It leaves the audience wanting more form the film.
Themes- Themes of this film can be sneaky, imitation, wealth, brains, identity, disguise, these can be conjured up from the narrative of the opening which includes the two special agents hiding from each other and coming up with clever plans to get away from one another.
Setting- From the opening we can see that some of the locations in the film could be a hospital, an airport and it could be situated in the USA. This can be viewed because iconography is used to show that the setting is an airport and a hospital by using signs and iconic figures. A yellow cab is seen in the opening showing that it could be set in the USA.
Sound- The non diegetic background music is an instrumental with an old school feel which is also retro and upbeat. This could suggest that the film could be set in the past.
My Best Friends Wedding-opening
Genre- The genre of this film is a romantic/comedy, we can see this because a wedding is shown covering the romance side and the joyful song in the background and characters give it a hint of comedy.
Narrative- For this film the lyrics of the song hint that someone will be getting married and it is going to go wrong.
Character- Two main characters are revealed in the opening along with some sub characters they are a bride, bridesmaids and a groom. The opening can suggest that the bridesmaids will be the type of characters who will be there for the bride when things start to go wrong.
Atmosphere- The atmosphere of this film can be viewed as love, light, happy and feminine. These can be seen from the wedding scene which is happening which has these stereotypical connotations.
Themes- The themes of wedding, love, friendship and happiness can be seen from this opening especially from the iconic wedding scene which, carry these connotations.
Setting- The setting of the opening is in a studio, suggesting that the rest of the film may be filmed in a studio which will re create the settings needed. It is rather reminiscent of the 1950's and is like a musical stage performance.
Sound- The soundtrack in the background has the lyrics which tell the audience how to treat a man indicating that the males in this film may have higher power and authority in this film.
Titles- The titles in this film are near the beginning and the writing is like a wedding invite making the audience feel involved and like they are actually invited to the wedding.
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