Monday 27 January 2014

Beauty and the Beast



The beginning of this film starts with an establishing pan of a woodland area with a subtle change in lighting, showing connotations of innocence and beauty. (Approx:0:05) As the shot continues we can plainly see a grand castle in the back ground, which could show connotations of mystery as we have no idea why a castle is in the middle of the woods.

The voice over used within this opening very much fits the stereotypical 'story teller' voice which allows audience members to understand that they are watching a fairy tale film and not, for example a horror. The voice over also narrates the story playing through the glass windows, which again allows the audience to establish what is going on within the film and also who the characters are, i.g. the protagonist and the antagonist.

The use of transitions within this opening are cross-fades which shows connotations of time progressing and also quite a whimsical style, which fits the mise-en-scene and also the genre of fairy tale.  The camera work as well uses zooms onto the 'glass paintings' to show connotations of their importance, which also can then establish to the audience members that, whatever is being zoomed in on, e.g. the rose (Approx:0:54) holds importance for the narrative later on within the film.

(Apporx:1:10) there is a change in camera, and instead of a zoom into the glass painting, there is a reveal as the protagonist changes into a beautiful creature, therefore implying that it has been revealed to the characters, e.g. the protagonist and also the audience,, therefore also showing connotations of importance and change within character.

at (Approx: 1:22) when the antagonist changes, we see a change in mise-en-scene. Instead of using such bright and cheerful colours, such as green, orange and yellow, the glass painting changes to use colours of red, black and purple, which all show connotations of a darker purpose e.g. red can be seen as passion, black can be seen to have connotations of death, and purple, I believe was used because the audience can then still establish that the now changed antagonist, is still the same prince they saw before because purple can be seen to have connotations of royalty.






(Approx: 1:30) we see the antagonist claw away at a picture of himself, which shows connotations of self hatred and also loathing, which can be established to the audience though mise-en-scene and also the voice over, who uses such lines as, 'ashamed of his monstrous form.'     The voice over also sets up the rest of the film for the audience members, for example with the line 'if he could learn to love another and earn her love in return...' which establishes to audience members that the narrative will now consist of having a love twist, and not, for example an action twist.


I believe  that the film would be rated either a 'U' or 'PG' because the overall tone of the opening sets down to be a fairy tale and for the light hearted, with subtle life lessons implanted for the younger audiences to learn. On the other hand, there were times when the atmosphere and tone changed, for example when the portrait is being clawed at, which could show connotations of that tone/atmosphere to carry on throughout the film, meaning that possibly it wouldn't be suitable for young ages without a parent/guardian present.

Beginning my coursework task






Yesterday during one of our course lessons, our coursework details were given to the class, which included our coursework brief and what that should contain e.g. use of titles and taking into account mise-en-scene as well as location and use of non-copyrighted effects and soundtrack.

We were also given the chance to choose our groups for the growth of the product, and have a rather brief look at different genres that we could possibly have, as well as a production name.

My group consists of one other, and we have chosen the name of 'Phoenix productions', we are still working towards our chosen genre, and we are narrowing down our ideas and thoughts by taking to one another, as well as watching film beginning clips such as '28 days later' as seen on the top of the screen.

Thursday 23 January 2014

Lady and the Tramp analysis and Timeline

I have chosen to analyse Disney's 'Lady and the Tramp' because it uses a still image opening which is a unique way to begin a film, and could possibly be taken into consideration when creating our own opening title sequence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiJjp0Ki_g - Reference to the opening of 'Lady and the Tramp'

The non-diegetic soundtrack sets the tone and atmosphere to be of a family friendly nature, and uses the lyrics of 'This is the night, it's a beautiful night' which shows conations to audience members that the film is suitable for all ages, and has no apparent threat within the storyline. The tempo also sets the atmosphere to be relaxed and to contain no 'jump scares' which from a cinematic point of view allows audience members to relax and enjoy the film without the thoughts of tension.

The use of still image background allows the audience to pick up on important storyline points e.g. on the shot (Approx. 0:14) shows the picture of 'The Lady and The Tramp' which already establishes to audience that the film and atmosphere is to be evolved around love, therefore implying that the film is suitable for the light hearted. As the titles progress we are shown different characters on screens e.g. (Approx. 0:47) we are met with just 'The Tramp' which from a cinematic point of view, audience members can then relate the characters when the film progresses.

The Mise-En-Scene consists of scenes, later to be seen within the film, in the pattern of Yellow then Blue, which connotes that the film's atmosphere is light hearted and peaceful, as they use earthly tones to tint the images. The images themselves are of a high level of verisimilitude which makes it easier for audience members to react and relate to, therefore from a cinematic point of view allows the audience to relax as they are familiar of the setting of the film.


The typography used in this opening is elegant and bold, therefore drawing the audiences attention to the important titles e.g. 'Walt Disney Presents (Approx. 0:04) from a cinematic point of view this engages the audience as the title itself take up most of the screen, which establishes to the audience to the makes of the film there are about to watch.

Considering the company being 'Disney' the reputation associated is of 'Family friendly' films, therefore audience members expect the film to be of a happy ending with the tone to be uplifting. Therefore I believe that the classification of this film to be a 'U' stands correct because the opening shows no sign in a darker meaning to the storyline, nor suggests an underlying atmosphere that audience members could find disturbing. The film crosses overs in the genres of 'Romantic comedy' and 'Family' which is what Disney is mostly known for, along with their use of animation/cartoon films, therefore implying that the reputation  Disney holds have been kept with the opening of the film.


This is the title opening timeline I created in order to see and understand why titles are in the order that they Are, and how it could come to benefit my groups decision on how we make our titles in the end. 










Wednesday 22 January 2014

Coraline Film Analysis and Timeline


I have chosen to analyse this film opening as it consists of animation which is a popular choice for production companies e.g. Disney's 'The Nightmare before Christmas' and 'Monster's Inc.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haW0vKj99tk - Reference to the 'Coraline' film opening.

 
From the very beginning, themes are established to the audience as the production companies 'Focus features' and 'Laika' are presented in a style of typography which makes them look as though they have been stitched into the fabric. The title of the film (Approx. 0:19 seconds) also has the same typography although seems more jagged than the other titles, therefore showing connotations of danger or threat within the film, therefore establishing to the audience that although sewing is highlighted as a theme, other themes such as danger can be assured to be within the rest of the feature film.

 

The first form of animation we are greeted with is the doll flying through the open window (Approx. 0:47 seconds), which already considering that the doll itself is distorted, establishes to the audience that the film could possibly contain fantasy and mystery, due to the fact the doll is floating through the open window. The idea of the doll floating through the window suggests a sinister tone, and once grabbed by the metallic hands, establishes to the audience that their thoughts on the film to be of a sinister, fantasy tale are true.

 
The low key lighting establishes to audience members that the film is not for the light hearted and the use of the mise-en-scene in the shot (Approx.. 0:52 seconds) shows a contrast between the innocence of the doll and the metallic hands which placed in onto the board with instruments which normally play with iconography usually associated with genres of 'Thrillers' or 'Horrors', which establishes to the audience that the film is darker, and possibly could been seen as a 'Children's Horror'.

The reason why I chose to call this film opening a 'Children's Horror' is due to the darken tone and atmosphere the film opening portrays e.g. the shot (Approx. 1:09 minutes) shows the innocence doll being de-faced quite literally, which could be found disturbing to some younger viewers. Again later on in the opening (Approx. 1:22)
Minutes) we are shown the dolls body being turned inside out by the fearsome hands made of needles, which establishes a sinister tone and again some views may find this disturbing.


The use of non-diegetic soundtrack uses the lyrics of 'Dreaming' which establishes to audiences that the film itself could be seen as a dream, and from a cinematic point of view, the use of dynamics in volume can engage the audience as they would wonder why the music suddenly got louder, and the same with the non-diegetic soundtrack quieting down. Non-diegetic sound effects are also uses e.g. The sand being poured into the doll shaped sack, from a cinematic point of view, can engage the audience and gives a high level of verisimilitude that audience members can relate to.


Referring back to the visual effects, the doll in question, is shown mostly in close ups and long shots, therefore taking more screen time than the hands of needles or that of the darker instruments. This then shows connotations of the doll to be of high importance and establishes to the audience that the film itself will be on focus on the doll.

With 'Focus Features' being an independent film distributor, and producer, audience members are less than what a mainstream company would have within the box office. None the less the reputation of for filling audience demands carries on and within this film opening, the audience seems to be aimed at those who are seeking mystical/sinister horrors.


Therefore I believe this films classification of a 'PG' is rightly so, because judging by the opening title sequence, although there seems to be no outlining threat, the atmosphere comes across as a sinister fantasy which some younger viewers may find disturbing.
 


Along with analysis I also created the title sequence timeline, also fitted with use of non-diegetic sounds.


Sunday 19 January 2014

Children of Men analysis and Timeline.





The use of muted trademark of 'Universal' and 'Strike' already sets up the atmosphere of the film, which shows connotations of the film to be of a darker nature compared to genres of comedy. Using non-diegetic dialogue from local news reporters, by ways of accents, audience members can relate and understand the establishment to be in Britain. The use of high frequency sound waves at the ending establishes panic and fear within the storyline, actors and the audience members watching, from a cinematic point of view, using the high pitching of frequency engages audience members, and also give them a narrative hook to understand why the local building was blown up, and who blew it up.
When considering editing, the use of a black screen engages audience members fully with the sound, which again establishes the atmosphere of this product. Although no establishing shots are used, the first shot containing actors, from a cinematic point of view, reflects what the audience are doing, e.g. watching a screen. This helps the audience understand the characters to be of the average human, and therefore automatically being able to relate to the film. The man who pushes through the crowd (Aprox:1:33 minuets) is flowed out by the camera, which establishes that the man is of importance, and can also be interpreted as the  film narrator, who has come to take the audience member to the next stage of the film, this technique is used in many films, as it engages audience members and makes them feel part of the narrative. The use of hand held camera angles (Aprox:2:17 minuets) establishes panic and fear within actors and audience members, and again engages them within the action, by using a hand held angle it makes the film have a higher level of verisimilitude compared to other films such as 'Skyfall'.
The opening scene to the film appears to have been fitted with a green tint, which sets a serious atmosphere, and establishes the genre to be along the lines of ‘gritty drama’ or ‘thriller’, therefore giving awareness to audiences straight away of the film they would be viewing. The use of a green tint allows the text used within the clip to be more visible and more vibrant than that of the background surroundings, e.g.  when the protagonist walks out of the coffee shop we are greeted with the background of ‘Future London’ with the vibrant titles giving that information out, (Aprox: 1:03 minuets) to double check that audience members are fully aware of their surroundings. Coming from a cinematic view, the use of titles, if the surroundings of the film are perhaps difficult to understand, they use of titles become an asset from production, and also from an audience’s point of view, because if they can understand, or have the information to understand, the theory of two step flow can play a major part of if the film will succeed or fail. The use of mise-en-scene has a high level of verisimilitude, meaning that the audience can establish almost instantly the setting of the film and atmosphere e.g. the opening scene shows a crowd of people gathered in a coffee shop, dressed in dull, dark colours, which shows connotations of the films genre and that automatically a tragedy or serious event has occurred or is occurring.
 With the clip that we have been given, I think  establishing a hero or villain is impossible, and they only inclination that we have of a possibly pro/antagonist is the fact that the man who battled the crowd had more screen time than other, meaning that, within prediction, I would believe him to be the protagonist. From a cinematic point of view, the idea of the pro/antagonist not being revealed within the first two minutes establishes an idea of mystery which engages audience members and makes them want to watch the film to find out the missing information. The same is for any character shown in the clip above, as so little time has been spent of them, the only representation that could possibly been made is that they are all of the same area, and are deeply affected by the by the news report that they are engrossed in. However the surroundings are represented to  be of a bust nature, not so far off London in the present time, which again, allows audience members to make a connection to the film, which engages them automatically. The fact the future is set within this clip to be darker and somewhat more polluted, can be taken to have symbolic imagery that if London, or possibly the world keep abusing and taking the world for granted, the risk of pollution and global warming can be seen as less of a threat and more of a grantee.
I believe that the audience members of this film would depend on what genre of film the individual prefers, personally I believe the film would be aimed at less of a mainstream audience and more of a niche, because the film can be split into ‘thriller’ and ‘gritty drama’ meaning that the film could be targeted at just an audience perhaps of, B to C2 meaning that the film, if it is just aimed at a small, yet promising audience, who will establish perhaps subtle things within the film e.g. the walking dog on the bus billboard advertisement (Aprox: 1:09), meaning that the film could, or would be a success. Of course the film was mainstream and appealed to many audience members, due to demographics and what the public demand from films these days, e.g. personally I believe the film opening shows most elements that the public look for in a film e.g. the use of silence for dramatic tension, a futuristic setting, action with the blowing up of the building and gore/horror with the woman screaming holding her blown off arm.   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
As the film was made by ‘Universal’ the standards are set high due to their success rate e.g. ‘The Harry Potter films’ meaning that pressure from  cast and crew would have more meaning compared to an independent film. Due to ‘Universals’ status, audience members are more likely to want to see the film, just because of the name branded onto the film, this means that audience members can establish that the film would have had a bigger budget than others, therefore playing on the psychographics of ever increasing mainstreamer audience.  


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCTgUq6hzUk - reference, the opening of 'Children of Men'




To help us during our coursework, I have created a timeline to represent each title being shown and the use of sound effects or soundtrack.





Saturday 18 January 2014

My Best Friend's Wedding


‘My best friend’s wedding’

 

 

The pink wall behind the four female characters shows connotations of stereotypical feminist charm and also allows the audience to understand that the film itself is based around a female subject, i.e., a wedding. Talking about costume, the females are dressed in bridesmaid’s dresses and a wedding dress, which shows connotations of the film being based around a wedding, and also sets the atmosphere to be light hearted with no apparent threat shown to audience members.  (Approx.: 1:29)

The lighting is very high key which can connote innocence, and also happiness, the text is also shown in a golden yellow, which shows connotations of importance and happiness, which allows audiences to understand the overall tone to be happy.


 

 From the opening, when considering  certificate’s, I would estimate this film to be either a ‘PG’ or ‘12’ as throughout the opening, the overall tone shows connotations of it being a  ‘feel good’ film for audience members. My reasoning behind estimating at the certificate of a ‘12’ is because some traces of sexuality are shown, e.g. the woman in the wedding dress is shown briefly showing her leg and placing a garter onto her thigh.   (Approx.: 1:37)

 

 


 

The non-diegetic sound has an up-beat tempo and overall light heart tone, highlighting to audiences that the film itself matches that tone of the non-diegetic soundtrack. The lyrics ‘You will be his’ shows connotations of a stereotypical view that all women dream of is marriage and that there are certain rules to follow to ensure this e.g. ‘All you gotta’ do is hold him and kiss him and love him and show him that you care.’  

 



Friday 17 January 2014

Story board of the Preliminary Task



This is the final storyboard of our task. ( three of three)














(One of Three)















(Two of Three)

Wednesday 15 January 2014

Catch me if you can




The genre of this film is to be seen as a comedy thriller drama directed by Steven Spielberg and contains the narrative of Frank Abagnale who has seen his family torn apart by a child abductor. this film opening uses animation in the form of stick figures and block animation, the stick figures also run from scene to scene to show connotations of changing scenes and their importance that would mostly then be seen within the rest of the film. Throughout this opening there are different camera shots used, for example, there is an establishing shot of the airport to set the scene for the audience so the can identify the setting.

The themes pointed out within this could suggest 'broken homes' due to the constant changing in setting, that shows connotations of the main character we are following, doesn't like to stay in the same place to long. Also referring back to the beginning of the clip, we see that the stick figure (that represents one of the main characters) take interest when the female airplane hostess, therefore suggesting connotations of possibly romance in the film as it would continue.(Approx:0:21) Action is also a theme that can be picked out within the clip due to the car leaving skid marks on the road, being chased by a police car (Approx:0:50,) and later on in the clip when the stick figure begins to run from his 'chaser' and the mise-en-scene turns red and black, showing connotations of danger and possibly death, due to the black showing connotations of death and/or power, and red to show connotations of blood/passion.

 Moving on to the atmosphere, I believe the atmosphere begins and ends differently. When we are introduced to this opening, due to sound, as audience members we can establish that there is going to be an underlying mystery to who the stick figure really is, and also what the journey will entail for them. The atmosphere changes towards the end as it becomes darker and possibly a little more sinister than to what we were used to, therefore showing connotations to audience members that the atmosphere has changed and that within the film, a twist or a revilement referring to the main character, will take place.

There is only non-diegetic soundtrack playing which, as the sound builds with dynamics and tempo, compliments the piece as it begins to be soft and also energetic, and by the time the mise-en-scene has changed to be somewhat more darker, the soundtrack's dynamics had completely changed to show connotations of the films progression. The use of the composer (John Willows) making this non-diegetic sound to be under the genre of 'Jazz' brings a sense of class to the piece, which is different to most 'comedy dramas', therefore giving the film an instant difference, therefore implying that audience members will find it easier to 'spot it out of the crowd', therefore suggesting that the company will be receiving a higher intake of money, as it would have the audiences attention.





Monday 13 January 2014

The Difference between a Film Opening and a Trailer


The difference between the two is that a 'Trailer' is a series of clips and music that the marketing campaign have deemed worthy and also to be the best parts within the film which would then be shown to the public, therefore meaning to get their attention for the overall view of having a block buster break when the film would be released. It also allows companies to promote their film as titles are used within the trailer to draw attention to star casts, and also applies information to when the film itself will be able to be viewed.

 

A Film opening should set an atmosphere for the film and also Give messages for audiences to understand the setting and why characters are there, E.G. the use of adding text at the beginning of the Film gives audience members the information they require to then understand the film, e.g. In the opening that I have chosen, audience members are given a section of text (Approx. 00:04)

 

 A Film opening also begins to set the storyline and characters associated within the film, e.g. you are greeting with men pulling at a boat, compared to that of a single man looking down at the others (Approx. 00:54 and 1:10) The film opening, or any film opening, doesn’t give away the full storyline away in the first few minutes of screen time.

 

The major difference between a film opening and a trailer is that a trailer will give most of the storyline to the audience in the minute or minute and a half that the trailer is on screen. Trailers also are there is market the film itself; therefore they contain titles with information to attract the audience’s attention.  (Approx. 0:50)

 

 

Trailers also show the best ‘feel good’ parts of the film in order to sell their film to be better than the other competition. (Approx. 1:01)

 























 

 

Their titles are obvious so audience members are aware of what the film is, and when the film will be released, mostly with trailers, a specific date will not be given so audience members are left with information, but not enough for them to seek another film to watch, meaning that they are left hanging, and in suspense for when the film will be available, e.g. Approx. 1:33 and 1:38