Craig V's Media AS blog

Evaluation of "46 Horns Lane"

2010-04-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

The completed final cut of the thriller film opening "46 Horns Lane"...

1) In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products.

Our thriller film “46 Horns Lane” uses many of the conventions associated with thriller films and the sub-genres of thriller films. Our media piece is that of a psychological, Noir thriller. The main conventions that relate to this sub-genre are characters and lighting. The location in which we had set our film is that of ‘Horns Lane’ in ‘Norwich’. The setting is a fairly rough council estate, which over time is becoming a furthermore run down area. The stills image below shows the area in which we had shot the majority of the footage, (at dusk/night). The inspiration for such a location was taken from the film “This Is England”. Details such as the chipped paintwork on the handlebar of the steps shows the state in which this location fits into society (middle-class/fairly poor). The characters is used in the film would fit into this sort of setting. The stereotypical view of hoodies/chav-like characters would be associated to a more deprived area, this is seen through the character costume of “Jerry Tanner”. Often it is perceived that people wearing tracksuit bottoms and hoodies are lower in status and in a way they are linked more often to crime within gritty, urban locations. The character “Jerry Tanner” is a character that suffers from a limp. The significance of this is that the usual convention shows disabled or crippled characters as weak and vulnerable however in our thriller film this convention is challenged, when the roles are reversed, the crippled character is more dominant. This is shown from the sequence of filming involving the murder scene where the camera shot is at a higher position showing “Tanner’s” dominance over “Clarke”, as he holds the knife. The idea of the disabled/ crippled character was inspired by the film "The usual suspects", where character "kint" double-crosses his friends and murders to achieve his goal. Of course the main effect needed for a noir thriller is that of the aspect of lighting. The shooting was done at dusk/night. The use of dull lighting from street lights where used to create shadow effects and also represents the dark ego of the characters with their murderous intents. In order to create a noir thriller, poor/dim lighting is needed which i believe is captured well in our thriller film, from the bleak and shadowy shots which are used to connote sinister going-ons. The names of the characters “Jerry Tanner” and “Curtis Clarke” were chosen from a possible selection. However we believed that these names were suitable to the character profiles. The names “Curtis” and “Jerry” sound somewhat Americanised yet rough sounding which ties in with the characters motives and personality. The soundtracks that we used in our thriller film were found on an unsigned band and artist website. On this site there were many different genres of music and a variety of artists. The two we had liked were equally fitting to a thriller film soundtrack therefore we had decided to merge them into one another create a distorted sound effect, thus creating further suspense. The first track is heard used to create tension and suspense from the unique sounds; however when the action begins the tempo increases as the transition from the first to the second track is made. The fast tempo of the drums connotes anticipation and suspense.

2) How do your media product represent social groups

In our thriller film opening social class is shown is shown. Both characters are shown to fit into a lower-class from their costume and shooting location. The run-down shooting location of "Horns Lane, Norwich, is a typical council estate with blocks of flats, all of which with a run down look. The staircases are made from poor materials and the steps are damaged and cracked, this is a feature of British socialist and realist films like "This is England", a film which explores a young working class boy's isolation and need to herity.
Within our piece we have used an all white cast, showing them to be deviant and difficult. However one of the characters suffers from a limp, this character is classified under disabled. Usually it is seen that the disabled personnel are more weak and vulnerable and somewhat unable to defend for themselves, however this convention is challenged in our media piece as the disable character is made to be more dominant. This is shown through the low angle shots and the sequence of filming showing this character holding a knife.

3) What kind of media institutions might distribute your media product
If we wanted to distribute our film online, sites like "Youtube". "Youtube" is an online video streaming site which enables users to stream, upload and view videos of any genre. If we uploaded our video onto "Youtube" then it would enable users to leave anonymous comments and opinions are our media product. Hyperlinks to the film could be sent over social networking sites such as "Facebook" and "Bebo" which like on "Youtube" users can then comment on the media piece. Handheld devices such as MP4's and Ipods could also further progress the distribution as the file can easily be downloaded on to these platforms and shown to different audiences.
Online film competitions would be a great way of distribution as the film could be accessed easily. It's also easy to transfer the file onto the site. With sites like these the film industry furthermore grows, opening opportunities to new film-makers. These sites can also be judged on footage by film critics, judges and anonymous site users.

4) Who would be the audience for your media product

We had aimed to produce the media product for aspirers aged between 15 (lowest certificate possibly for thriller film) and a maximum age of 30. Those who like either Noir or Psychological sub-genres of thriller films ("The Third Man") would also like our production piece "46 Horns Lane". The use of a disabled character would attract disabled audiences to view the film as they could possibly associate with the character because the disabled character is represented as a helpless, saintly victim however they may possess cruel intentions. Males may like the film for the suspense and action that occurs in the film surrounding the idea of murder and mystery. If Females were to view the film they would enjoy it for the young, all male cast.

5) How did you attract/address the audience

We addressed the film audience for our film through many different concepts. In the media product we were able to put forward issues affect today's streets on Britain. For instance Knife crime which has been on the increase within large cities. The idea of youth and gang crime are also put in perspective from the use of the young actors playing the roles. all of these modern day issues are contempory and many may debate this featuring in a film, for possible political reasoning. The eerie feel to the limping character is also that of being suspicious and unnerving therefore drawing in the audience wanting to know of his actions and motives. The soundtracks used may influence the audience as they may possibly like the unsigned artist and promote the artists. With that in mind the soundtracks are edited to create effects such as suspense and an eerie feel to the location. The film would also promote the location of filming and also promote issues in the city of Norwich.

6) What have you learnt about the technologies from the process of constructing your media piece

Since our work on the preliminary task we have developed our skills in media terminology and furthermore in camerawork which in turn helped our filming as we were able to incorporate new angles into the media production. Conventional shots such as the tilt-shot for instance were used to give certain effects in the film. The often use of close-ups were used to involve the audience with the action.
We used the same equipment as before with the preliminary task. A camera for shooting the footage, tri-pod which enabled us to create different shots such as the tilt shot by angling the tri-pod. When editing we used the computer software “Adobe Premiere Elements” using this software enabled us to do many things. We were able to re-order the raw footage in the narrative order using the timeline at the bottom of the screen. We could also the lengths of timeframes by stretching them as well as adding effects such as slow-motion and transitions to cut to different scenes in the film. The transitions also helped with creating disappearing effects using cross-fades, which over-lap on to different parts of the footage.

To the left it shows the titles which were edited and overlayed onto the media footage. These were chosen from the site "DaFont" and then edited in photoplus before being put onto the production piece. Like with the fotage we could edit the length they would appear on and off screen for.

We were able to post stills images and our completed film onto our blog, it was also possible to get video clips from the site “Youtube” and embed them into our blogs to then analyse for our thriller research. Also to help with our research the website “IMDB” was used to collect information on the films we had researched. The hyperlinks on the site proved useful as they also linked to information which carried further information based on the films and demographic reports based on films.

7) Looking back at your prelim task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product

Since the preliminary task I’ve learnt a fair amount. The main being the use of the editing software “Adobe Premiere Elements”. The many effects that can be added to the footage is mind-boggling, however since the preliminary, we have been able to use more difficult effects for instances the time-stretches and transitions. With the transitions the length of them had to be precise otherwise the footage would then be of poor quality However prior to our other task we had to add titles which needed to edited before being applied to the footage as they were taken from the site “DaFont”.
When filming we had a better understanding of what was expected in Noir/Psychological thrillers therefore our research was crucial. The research had enabled us to get an idea of what we wanted for the film for instance costume and action.
Below is the completed prelimary task.

In contrast to the finished media piece it is easy to see that the rule of 180 degrees rule has been displayed better than in contrast to the preliminary task.

2010-04-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

Discuss the representational issues surrounding “Glee” and disability.

The representation of disability has become accustom to television programs in recent years showing the aspect of physical and mental disabilities has changed the perspectives on many in how we view those who for instance suffer from a condition or disability. Often the use of disabled characters feature on television channels such the; “BBC” and “Channel 4”. A show which has recently featured on the channel “E4” (a sub-channel of “Channel 4”) is that being of the U.S drama “Glee”.

In “Glee” a disabled character (‘Artie’) is shown in many different lights. The uses of many techniques represent disability in many ways through the use of camera work and lighting. For instance in the one of the clips, disability is made out to be a negative thing. The use of long shots shows the characters isolation from the real, able world, again the idea of isolation is furthermore seen by the audience when the character is shown alone in the spotlight. However the use of shining bright light, down the corridor connotes a happier aspect to disability, as the light grows brighter which could connote the characters happiness and also his hope.

Despite showing disability in different lights, “E4” has come under scrutiny from the audience of “Glee”, (mainly from the disabled personal of the audience majority). Many viewers have complained about how it represents being disabled, predominately as a bad thing rather than what it is good. Many of the audience have also complained at the irony of how a non-disabled actor is used to play the role of a person in a wheelchair. Many complained at how this actor was unable to play the role of a ‘cripple’ seeing as he had not suffered from a situation that could render him disabled. In a way it is seen as unjust for an able-bodied character to play the role a disabled person. On social websites, the show “glee” has been accused of ‘Crip-Drag’ on a numerous count of times.

Of course however the producers of shows such as “Glee” may argue the fact of it being easier to employs a non-disabled actor to play the role as they will be able to shoot scenes at certain times, which may not be the case for a disabled person. The idea of the disabled actor’s welfare may be another reason for employing an able-bodied actor in the role in case the disabled actor was to be taken ill or suffer worse from their condition. The possibility of equipment may also affect the wellbeing of the character. Stray wires pose a risk to anyone those able-bodied or not. It could also be differcult for instance if the disabled actor was in a wheelchair, navigating around the equipment would be dangerous.

46 Horns Lane (Final Cut)

2010-04-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

This is the final cut for our production piece for As media studies. To create the opening to a thriller film
46 Horns Lane (2mins 3secs)
The link below is the link to the video from the website "Youtube", a way of distributing the film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54ZYPbB7Mo

"Reservoir Dogs" (Independent Research)

2010-03-22T11:25:00.001-07:00

Reservoir Dogs (15 January 1993) Director:Quentin Tarantino

The opening shot of the film is abrupt as it features all of the characters in the film gathered around a table which the camera revoles around. However the audience do not gather much of an idea of these characters as no names are mentioned. the costume worn by the characters is more associated with with those of the upper-class. But from the industrial cafe in which they are in this stereotypical view is incorrect, instead the costume connotes the dress sense of a gang. The transitions used at this early stage in the film are steady and change when a different character talks.

The opening titles/credits appear with an overlaying soundtrack. A Cross fade effect is then used to fade the soundtrack out, so that screaming can be heard. The film then restarts with two characters in the car, still their names unknown, one driving a vehicle whilst the other is drenched in blood, however the audience do not know why this has occurred.

A sudden cut then shows a change of location, that being of a unused warehouse. The dull lighting of the scenery connotes an eerie feel to the location. The emptyness of the warehouse could also connote the emotions felt by both the wounded and other character. The camera shots used in this film sequence are jittery as though filmed by a handheld camera, giving the audience a perspective in the film. the slight tilt is used to connote the feelings of the camera, whilst the use of the two shot shows the characters bond.
The colour disfiguration of the film is made to make the film look set in the 60's/70's as the saturation of the cinematography is toned a lighter shade.

A long shot through a corridor is used to distance between the newly introduced character and the previous mobile character. The emptyness of the bathroom could also connote their emotion and personalities.
The use of flashbacks show what has happen after the groups failed bank heist from different characters. This is where the characters names are established. Each character is referred to a 'Mr. (then a colour). For example the fleeing character in the flashback is that 'Mr.Pink'.
Towards the end of the flashback it is shown from the perspective of another character, showing the violence between 'Mr.Pink' and the police. The rapid interchange of shots corresponds to the gunfire. When attempting to flee from the cops the windscreen of the car which 'Mr.Pink' is in splits, connoting panic and fear.

Women in the film are seen as objects to the male characters this is shown at the start of the film and when sexual references are used constantly.
As the characters 'Mr.Pink' and 'Mr.White' draw armes the camera zooms out to reveal another character 'Mr.Blonde', again this shot is used to connote the separation within the group after the incident. The transitions fit to the dialogue in the film sequence as each time a character is cut up by another in mid-sentence the camera reverts to the speaking character.
A generic signifier in thriller films is the use of the car trunk, which connotes mystery as anything could be in it. In this film in the trunk is an officer. The low angle shot from inside the trunk is from the perspective of the officer looking up at the supreme, towering figures of the men in suits.
Blank transitions are used when the flashbacks end, the voice-over then cuts in before non-diagetic sound is heard. The use of the shot getting all of the characters into the mise-en-scene connotes a divide within the group as though nobody can be trusted, seeing as they know of one of them being a double-crosser within the group.
Close-ups are used to show the cop being beaten up by 'White' and 'Pink' before they leave the warehouse. 'Blonde' is left with the hostage cop, a soundtrack is heard an upbeat, fast tempoed track which doesn't bode with the genre of film or the mood within the mise-en-scene. 'Blonde' swaggers up to the cop, tapped to the chair and removes a blade from his pocket, the use of lighting reflects of the blade. For a split second the use of the close-up starts to show him removing the cops ear before the camera turns away making the audience feel as though they are there witnessing this for themselves. the writing on the wall reads "Mind Your Head" which relates to the removal of the ear.

'Blonde' returns to his car trunk to the then remove a cannister of petrol, a close-up of this signifies potential danger. A non-diagetic sound of children screaming/crying coonotes anxiety and fear. When pouring the petrol over the cop, specks of the liquid go onto the camera lense which again involves the audience.

"Donnie Brasco" (Independent Research)

2010-03-22T11:24:00.001-07:00

Donnie Brasco (2 May 1997) Director:Mike Newell

The opening credits of the film start of with a white font upon a black background. It then cross fades into an extreme close-up shot of a a set of eyes. Different effects such as overlaying transitions and images are then used to paint a picture of the film and the characters. The film soundtrack then cuts in which is the sound of violins playing which create tension.

The opening shot of this film starts with a close-up of a character, the non-diagetic sound of voices. All of the main characters are established with the opening few moments. A photolense shot is then seen from a different perspective, looking through the scope of a camera. The shot taken of 'Donnie Brasco' (Jonny Depp) in the the photobooth connotes his trapped emotions or the situation he is in, at this time the non-diagetic sound of sirens can be heard in the background connoting the possibility of something bad occurring.

Noir lighting is used to great effect in the film, this shown in the opening film sequence in the moon-lit streets the characters feature on. The use of the first two-shot in the film, is used to show both main characters, 'Donnie Brasco' and 'Benjamin "Lefty" Reggiero' (Al Pacino) which connotes their closeness to one another, a growing bond between them.

Many shots are taken whilst the characters are in vehicles, the use of a close-up through the windscreen. When in the bar brawling with a member of the barstaff the low-angle shot shows the character 'Brasco's' dominance over him.

The cuts used are all simular, simple that lead into the next scene rarely they fade into one another. The shot of the bridge in the sunset connotes something good on the horizon, it could also connote hope.

It then cuts suddenly to an extreme close-up of the revolving letter print of a typewriter printing details on the character 'Lefty' onto a document, however the identity of the writer is unknown connoting mystery.

The generic signifier of wet/damp streets connotes mystery and illusion. transitions of stills images are used to show the characters being tracked, the camera movement also connotes this.
Women within the film are portrayed as 'serving wenches' doing everything such as cook and look after the kids, a house-wife role.
With each two-shot used the camera draws closer to the main characters again showing a futhermore growing bond between 'Donnie' and 'Lefty'. The costume worn by the characters is that of being a suite and suite trousers, many off them were a trilby hat, often associated with mafia gangs in America.

The use of the aerial shot sets the scene of were the film takes place (New York) a major scene for gangsters in the late 70's/ early 80's.
'Donnie' starts to become attached to the mafia group putting them before his family, when arguing and when laying together the soundtrack from the opening credits begin playing which connote a sense of passion or sympathy for the partner of 'Donnie'.
A sudden cut then shows 'Donnie' driving (close-up), on a bridge. The structure of the bridge reflects upon the car windshield which could connote the possible future of the character possibly being locked-up if he stays with the gang.
A change of scenery again as the characters of the gang find themselves at an airport, The tempo of the soundtrack increases. 'Lefty' is led into a dark, unlit hanger, connoting fear, panic and claustrophobia. At the flick of a lightswitch the lighting comes on. a close-up of a lion in cage.
In a way the lion could represent the personality of 'Lefty'.
Often the dark scenes all connote violence, tension and fear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NewqTCakQ3Q

In the scene above it tells of

Looking at how the film "Football Factory" uses conventions and techniques of thriller films. (Independent Research)

2010-03-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

The film " Football Factory" despite not falling into the thriller genre , the film uses many techniques and conventions that are used in a typical thriller film.

The use of bleak, dull lighting in certain settings such as the pub connote an eerie feel to the setting which at times depicts the characters personality.

The use of noir lighting in the tunnel where one of the main characters (played by Danny Dyer) gets beaten up connotes fear and vulnerability. He's vulnerability is also caused by the characters drunken state.
The characters playing the role of 'hard men' can also play the roles in thriller films. Often they are depicted as thug-like, set only on a motive to kill. That motive is in revenge or to conceal something. The characters within the film "Football Factory" are all over-reactive thugs. They all have a stereotypical depiction of them as they have a thugish look to them. The costume worn is that of what would be considered today as 'Chav' like. The characters wear tracksuit-bottoms and short-sleeved shirts/football shirts. On occasion a few characters wear suites showing their status within the group.

The violence within the film is very high in content. The use of close-ups capture the violence that occurs, making the audience feel more involved in the many brawls that feature. At one point in the film the the camera lense is splattered by blood, again involving the audience. When in the action scenes the camera tracks movement, incorporating many different shot types such as close-up, tilts and low angle shots.

Fonts used in our thriller film for titles, credits and company branding

2010-03-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is the font we used for the company name for our thriller film. Of course this company isn't real otherwise it would be copy right. In order to create this company name many stages were used.

The first was that of finding a suitable font to suite the company name of "Granite Production".

Granite is a solid rock therefore to correspond with this we needed a solid, bold font.

The font was taken from the site "DaFont", a site were fonts can be created and

Using 'Adobe filmmaker' and describing which effects were used in our film

2010-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

For creating our thriller production we used the computer software "Adobe Premiere film maker". With this piece of software we were able to piece together and construct all of our raw footage to make it into the end product... That being our thriller film opening.

There are many effects that be used on the piece of software. Transitions can be added to create effects such as illusions and overlaying images. This was used in our film to merge the soundtracks and fade cinematography in and out of the frame.
When creating the film it was easy to prioritise the footage into order by simply dragging it along the time frame.
A key effect used on our film was that of the use of slow motion. This effect enabled us to reduce the limp the actor had put on when filming. If we had wanted we could of made the film saturation brighter due to the sheer darkness of our thriller, however it was decided against as the film would not then fit the sub-genre of thriller film we were hoping for, that being a psychological/noir thriller.

One completed we added titles for the film. We added a production company name and also credits. The font and font colour were chosen by us to stand out from the noir lighting of the background of the film.

Equipment listing with details

2010-03-22T10:31:00.001-07:00

A standard Tripod

The tripod was used to capture a better image. It held the camera firmly in position and enabled us to get many different shots from different angles when used.

A Casio cassette video camera
Used for capturing all cinematography we filmed. The inserted tape was capable of holding many minutes of film.

USB Port/Cable
Used for transfering the film footage from the video camera to the computing software we used for editing.

Storyboarding of planning of thriller film

2010-03-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Practice Storyboarding

2010-03-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Evaluation on film title

2010-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

The thriller film me and my work partner have created is called "Horns Lane". It may not sound to exciting but in conensides with the street name, where we shot the majority of our film.
Horn's lane is located off 'Ber Street',Norwich.
This image taken from google maps/earth below,shows the location in comparison to the city centre.

The title would appeal to a wide range of audiences, more likely however to attract the attention of male audience. A connotation of the film name could be relating to the street/film name, "Horns Lane", could link it to being satanic in way, devil like as the title features 'Horns' an asset related to devil's...
The use of a blunt title is that of being mysterious and entising therefore making it more appealing. From the title the audience may gather an idea of what could possibly be expected but not know to much detail.

The film title would integrate quite well into the film, as the action in the created two minute trailer/opening features a satanic, villinous act again corresponding to the title.

Soundtracks with analysis

2010-03-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

These are the soundtracks that we found off of http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/.

On this site me and my partner searched through the numerous amounts of genres in which it has to offer.
Having conducted research into what the soundtracks of thriller films feature, we came to a selection (listed below), to choose from to make the soundtrack to our thriller film.

http://www.myspace.com/audiocompanion
http://www.myspace.com/hyperionsfate
http://www.myspace.com/jylamaki
http://www.myspace.com/unmorphproject

Having debated the possibilities we had decided that 2 of the above were suitable.
Those being:

'Gauzy Dark Matter' by Yuri

My work colleage then emailed the artists, who created these tracks, to asking for permission to use their tracks as our soundtrack for the thriller film.
The emails feature below with replies...

In the end we decided to merge the two tracks into one another on our thriller film at the crucial point in the film. At this point a rapid drum beat kicks in () to create tension. At this point in the film, the character enters the location of the film to stumble across a daed body. That being of the flat.

Changes to film. From original idea to now

2010-03-04T03:25:00.001-08:00

Over the time we have started our filming we have decided to change many things over this time period....
The original idea narrative structure

Originally the film was going to be called "Crippling Intentions but since we have completed the editing we have decided to call it "Horn's Lane" which corresponds to the location of filming.

This image is taken from the street view application on google images showing the location of filming.

Over the course of time we had decided to change the narrative structure of the film. With the idea of 'Crippling Intentions' being just psychological thriller, but since filming we used the poor lighting to our advantage to create conventions that would be seen in Noir films.

At first we had complex ideas of creating transitions of photographic camera flashes, when so different time frames. However we decided to base the filming at dusk/night which again coincides with the idea of a noir film.
In our original idea we had decided to feature different characters. In the end we decided to stick with two. Originally the film was going to also feature a female character, the wife/partner of the murdered character. Other characters that could of featured were a photographer and two forensic scientists who would of appeared in the crime scene shot.

Charcter profiles

2010-03-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

This is the information of the characters in the thriller film:

Main Character (Villain)

Name: Curtis Clarke
Age: Early 30's.
Job: Hit man.
Costume: Normal darkish clothes. (Black Jumper/Dark Jeans/Trainers)

Background History: He had a troubled past, got into trouble a lot as a child and left school with no qualifications. He was sent to prison for an attack on a old man when he was 17. In prison, Curtis was adopted by Jimmy, leader of London's most feared gang. When Curtis sentence is over he goes on the word of Jimmy on the outside, doing his dirty work and keeping his authority in order. Curtis' next job is too assassinate Jerry (the other character) so that another member of the gang is safe from the threat of a prison sentence.

Second Character (Victim)

Name: Jerry Tanner
Age: Late Teens.
Job: Sports shop assitant
Costume: Sportswear (Tracksuit/Trainers)

Background History: Left school with 8 qualifications, and wants to be a sports coach. Is always being a joker which ends up with him getting in trouble with the wrong people. He saw a murder take place, went to the police as a witness and is now set to appear in court. The man that he is giving evidence against is a important member of Jimmy's gang.

The idea of the character profiles came from watching different films and tv drama/thrillers such as 'Wallender'. The background histories were thought up by my work partner. He to had been inspired by the certain tv drama series. The names were thought up entirely at random, we brain-stormed different first names and surnames then matched them up to see which fitted well together. We also chose the names which would fit the profiling. The names are bold and tough sounding, corresponding to the character profiles relating to a rough background.

possible thriller endings

2010-03-02T04:42:00.000-08:00

With our thriller needing a more clearer, sinister way of ending we thought of two alternative endings.

Idea 1

Curtis draws a knife out ready to attack Jerry.
Curtis then walks into the room where Jerry is. Curtis finds Jerry's body laying on the floor, already dead.
In the shock of finding the body, the limping character drops the knife onto the floor

Idea 2

Jerry picks up a letter and opens it with a knife.
Jerry read the letter with the audience able to see what is written on it. There is a court date written on the letter.
Curtis walks into the flat, and picks up the knife that is on the side, the knife that Jerry used to open the letter with.
Curtis then walks into the room where Jerry is. Curtis finds Jerry's body laying on the oor, already dead.

Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir: Themes and Styles

2010-01-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

Primary Characteristics and Conventions of Film Noir: Themes and Styles

The primary moods of classic film noir were melancholy, alienation, bleakness, disillusionment, disenchantment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia.
Heroes (or anti-heroes), corrupt characters and villains included down-and-out, conflicted hard-boiled detectives or private eyes, cops, gangsters, government agents, a lone wolf, socio-paths or killers, crooks, war veterans, politicians, petty criminals, murderers, or just plain Joes. These protagonists were often morally-ambiguous low-lifes from the dark and gloomy underworld of violent crime and corruption. Distinctively, they were cynical, tarnished, obsessive (sexual or otherwise), brooding, menacing, sinister, sardonic, disillusioned, frightened and insecure loners (usually men), struggling to survive - and in the end, ultimately losing. Storylines were often elliptical, non-linear and twisting. Narratives were frequently complex, maze-like and convoluted, and typically told with foreboding background music, flashbacks (or a series of flashbacks), witty, razor-sharp and acerbic dialogue, and/or reflective and confessional, first-person voice-over narration.

Amnesia suffered by the protagonist was a common plot device, as was the downfall of an innocent Everyman who fell victim to temptation or was framed. Revelations regarding the hero were made to explain/justify the hero's own cynical perspective on life.
Film noir films (mostly shot in gloomy grays, blacks and whites) thematically showed the dark and inhumane side of human nature with cynicism and doomed love, and they emphasized the brutal, unhealthy, seamy, shadowy, dark and sadistic sides of the human experience. An oppressive atmosphere of menace, pessimism, anxiety, suspicion that anything can go wrong, dingy realism, futility, fatalism, defeat and entrapment were stylized characteristics of film noir. The protagonists in film noir were normally driven by their past or by human weakness to repeat former mistakes.
Film noir films were marked visually by expressionistic lighting, deep-focus or depth of field camera work, disorienting visual schemes, jarring editing or juxtaposition of elements, ominous shadows, skewed camera angles (usually vertical or diagonal rather than horizontal), circling cigarette smoke, existential sensibilities, and unbalanced or moody compositions. Settings were often interiors with low-key (or single-source) lighting, venetian-blinded windows and rooms, and dark, claustrophobic, gloomy appearances. Exteriors were often urban night scenes with deep shadows, wet asphalt, dark alleyways, rain-slicked or mean streets, flashing neon lights, and low key lighting. Story locations were often in murky and dark streets, dimly-lit and low-rent apartments and hotel rooms of big cities, or abandoned warehouses. [Often-times, war-time scarcities were the reason for the reduced budgets and shadowy, stark sets of B-pictures and film noirs.] Some of the most prominent directors of film noir included Orson Welles, John Huston, Billy Wilder, Edgar Ulmer, Douglas Sirk, Robert Siodmak, Fritz Lang, Otto Preminger, Henry Hathaway and Howard Hawks.

Femmes Fatales in Film Noir:
The females in film noir were either of two types (or archetypes) - dutiful, reliable, trustworthy and loving women; or femmes fatales - mysterious, duplicitous, double-crossing, gorgeous, unloving, predatory, tough-sweet, unreliable, irresponsible, manipulative and desperate women. Usually, the male protagonist in film noir wished to elude his mysterious past, and had to choose what path to take (or have the fateful choice made for him).
Invariably, the choice would be an overly ambitious one, to follow the dangerous but desirable wishes of these dames. It would be to pursue the goadings of a traitorous, self-destructive femme fatale who would lead the struggling, disillusioned, and doomed hero into committing murder or some other crime of passion coupled with twisted love. When the major character was a detective or private eye, he would become embroiled and trapped in an increasingly-complex, convoluted case that would lead to fatalistic, suffocating evidences of corruption, irresistible love and death. The femme fatale, who had also transgressed societal norms with her independent and smart, menacing actions, would bring both of them to a downfall

Possible Shooting Locations

2010-01-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

This is the area of where we shall be doing the filming for our thriller film. These images were taken at dusk on 'Horns Lane' off of 'Ber Street' in Norwich City centre.

The lighting on the street is ambient and would fit the genre of Noir/Psychological thriller. At dusk the streets have a wet look which is a generic signifer.

In the distance in the background is a large block of flats, dominating the skyline.

This is the stairway leading to my sister's flat here is where certain generic shots such as close-ups.

The area where the flat is situated is somewhat worn and scruffy. Suggesting that the area is somewhere that no-one would like to around at certain times.

The ambient lighting from behind the stairs utilise a eerie feeling to the scene also creating shadows in the foreground.

The angle from the top of the stairs looking down, the angle could be used to represent characters within the thriller film.

The stills image here is that of

the view of the flat were most of the important shots will be

made.
the lighting on the wall is bright, which we can take advantage of the possible. With this it lights the flight of steps.

The pathway is made from a thin material, likely to be coated with tar, giving it a rough look. The rain water settles on the pathway which is a generic signifier of thriller films.

This shot shows a overview of the pathway from under the

steps. It gives the impression as though leaning over the pathway balcony, if used in our thriller

The shot would conceal the identities of the characters which is something we are aiming to achieve in the film so that it fits the genre of film we are producing.

This shot was taken down an alley leading from the back of The 'Toni and guy' barber shop on Ber street. Continuing this way would take you to the bus station in the city centre, a possible escape route for the murderer.

Again the path is generic with a shine on the pathway (generic signifier), this area is also poorly lit at night as there are only 3 lights down the stretch of pathway.

This location is rather long, so if used in the film then a lot of editing would be needed top cut down the shot. The disappearing point could possible connote no escape or a never-ending guilt.

This is the alleyway that we will use in the film. It, whilst dark gives the impression of a dark, claustrophobic space. The poor lighting comes from a worn down lght above one of the entrances to the alleyway.

The other alleyway which could be possibly used for filming is that of this one, just past one of the many entrances of 'Marks and Spencer's' Norwich. This location, just off of St. Stephens is perfect for the noir thriller film genre with it's dark and dingy scenery.

The high walls could connote entrapment.

How the camera work and editing is used to emphasise differences in the clip from "Our friends in the North"?

2009-12-10T04:50:00.000-08:00

The clip on which we are analysing from "Our Friends In The North"

The clip begins with he master shot of 'Helen' and partner 'Nicky'. This shot features again later in the clip.
They appear to be very comfortable in the company of one another despite it being their first date. The female character of 'Helen' is made out to be rather snobbish, her look also gives off this impression. This stereotypical representation of the female character could be down to the idea of being from the southern region of country.

In comparison the couple in the other image (below), that being of 'Tosca' and 'Mary'. The camera work used utilises this couple, the shot is similar to the one above of the other couple, this represents a contrast between them.
These characters like the other male character 'Nicky' represent the Northern region.
'Tosca' is seen wearing a suit like the other male character, however it is known of his occupation. At that point it is possibly known that the suit is the only one owned by "Tosca".

From this screenshot we can determine a form of divide between the couple from the southern sector of the country (the couple on the left) and the couple from up North. It's as though the table represents the country.

The zoom of the camera could also connote argument.

The cold,hard stare from 'Helan' utilises her position in society. The close-up shows a state of more class compared to the image of 'Mary'.

She appears snobbish. It is as though the casters have put her into that role because of her distinctive features

Thriller film audience research

2009-12-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

What I want to find out.....
1) The audience expectations of independent/mainstream film
2) If given the choice, what thriller film genre would you prefer to view and why?
3) If you saw a limping character, what would your perception of this person be like?
4) If at a certain location at night, how would you feel if on your own?
5) What attracts you to wanting to view a thriller film?

How I'm going to find out...
1) A written interview
2) Filmed interview
3) Questionnaire
4) Tape recording
5) A screening based around our thriller film idea
6) Mobile recording

What I expect to find out...
1) Peoples opinions on independent/mainstream films
2) Preference on thriller film genre
3) Opinions on viewing a limping character
4) Feelings/emotions on a certain location
5) What attraction thriller films have with people.

The results

I had decided to do tape recording however once i tried putting the recordings onto my blog, but i'm unable to, as videos and images are the only forms of media that can be put onto the blogs. As a result of this i am having to put the recordings into wording...
I had recorded 3 different people, all of which would fit into different age margins.
13+ Harry Jacobs (age 16)
21-40 James Keltie (age 32)
40+ Fiona Simmons (age 48)

Harry Jacob's responses to questions...
1) "I would expect to see moderate violence, weapons and car chases for mainstream films, however for independent films, i wouldn't expect anything to special such as explosions or car chases."
2) "Action, because they always have great storylines and renowned actors playing the roles of gangsters."
3) "It would depend on how they were dressed if they were dress poorly or living on the streets i would feel sorry for them whilst if the were in a suit i wouldn't think of them any different to me" 4) (Picture of dark alleyway shown) " I would feel uneasy, yet intimidated."
5) " I'm not sure, it's likely to have a great cast and a great storyline."

James Keltie's responses to questions...
1) "I would expect creepy, sinister figures in both mainstream and independent films, yet the problem is that the independent films won't have enough funding. Therefore the cast will lack experience and the film will lack special effects."
2) "Psychological as they have so many different contexts and different characters. I like putting myself in the shoes of the person solving the case, it's great fun trying to work out the case."
3) "I would feel lucky for what I've got"
4) (Picture of dark alleyway shown) " I would feel quite concerned and somewhat paranoid, continuously looking over my shoulder"
5) "Depending on what sort of thriller dictates whether or not I'll like it, but for instance in psychological thrillers I can think about the case and try and solve."

Fiona Simmons responses to questions...
1) "In a traditional thriller films, I would hope to see good acting, a puzzling plot which causes tension"
"I haven't watched any independent films before as they don't have enough publicity which is poor. If they were shown in cinemas i wouldn't mind watching them."
2) "I'm not to fussed. I enjoy Noir thrillers for there sinister settings and storylines however i don't mind watching any type of thriller."
3) "At my age I would certainly feel sorry for the person."
4) (Picture of dark alleyway shown)
"If i was there alone i would certainly have my handbag ready in such a creepy place. I would feel rather alone and vulnerable."
5) "I like how the film's suspense builds up, that's what makes a great thriller film."

Analysis

Overall I found out from the different the age groups that certain thriller films are suitable for a certain age groups. Of course my results are not conclusive as the survey was carried out by only 3 people.

From my results I can concur that the older viewers of thrillers, (those who were surveyed over the age of 21) prefer either Noir or psychological thrillers compared to the younger audience preference of action thrillers.
Question 1 was answered and the people predominatly said they preffered mainstream however they were open to the idea of watching an independent film.
All 3 people questioned said a similar answer. That being them saying that they would feel sorry for the person suffering from a limp.

the image shown to the people. It was shot off of Ber Street, behind Toni and Guy barbers' shop.

Youtube video of "The Walk"

2009-12-04T03:48:00.000-08:00

If this video doesn't load then alternatively enter the below URL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPF2ookmazc

Answers to Questions:

1) What camera and editing techniques and codes did you use in your film and how do they influence the audience’s understanding of the film? (e.g. camera angles and shot types etc; Match on action, Shot/ reverse shot , 180 degree rule)

When filming we used a variety of different shots in order to capture different aspects of the person within the film which develops the understanding of the film the film to capture different aspects of what the film is based on. Techniques in filming used such as the 18o degree rule which was used for the conversation between the two characters. Close-ups of the main character emphasise the storyline of "The Walk".

When it came to the editing we added transitions which added the effect of cutting to a different of where the filming took place eg: From pathway to door handle of entrance. Also the overlay of music (Paulo Nutuni- New Shoes) worked well as it fitted to the tempo of clip and fitted the storyline when it came to the conversation.

2) How did you use new technologies in your construction, planning and evaluation (e.g. digital cameras; non-linear editing software; YouTube and blog) and what skills do you have at using this technology? (Strengths and weaknesses. e.g. steady/ shakey camera; variety of shot types; smooth/ clumsy transitions; independence when using technologies…)

When it came to the filming of the clip we used tri-pods in order to keep the camera steady to keep a clean shot this was done for the conversation, however we used scruffy shots to make it look authentic for instance the shot where the camera is on the shoulder of the character. The non-linear editing software was easy to grow accustom to. the software was used to cut clips, add the soundtrack and fading out shots and adding transitions in order to crop the clip to the required 2 mins (max.). Once completed we uploaded the finished version of the prelim task onto Youtube and embedded the clip onto our blogs.

3) How successfully does your final product meet the brief?
Original Brief: “Continuity task involving filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule.”

In my opinion the film fits the brief really well except from the point in which the dialogue between the characters cannot be heard. Therefore we added sub-titles which fit over the dialogue really well. The film features the above( in the question) of a character opening a door which features twice within the continuity task, the character crossing a room, sitting down and being involved in a conversation. The task also features the techniques of the 180 degree rule, action shots and reverse shots when it comes to the conversation.

Powerpoint on British Film Industry

2009-12-01T04:40:00.001-08:00

Thriller film - Costume Ideas

2009-11-24T04:33:00.000-08:00

Limping Man

Casual clothing - making character look simple
Black shoes/ possible smart clothing
jumper
possible suit for hitman look
gloves/balaclava/ hat

Murdered Figure

White hoodie
Jeans/tracksuit bottoms
Trainers
entire outfit corressponds to character profile (later post)

Photographer

Black Waistcoat
Grey Trousers
Grey Shirt
Black Shoes

Forensic Scientist (1)

White Overalls
Face Masks

Forensic Scientist (2)

White Overalls
Face Masks

Qualitive questionnaire on audience research with answers.

2009-11-23T03:32:00.000-08:00

This questionnaire like the previous one (The one on was sent to the 20 people like before however only half of them replied with their answers), they again were the 6 girls to 4 boys.

1) How do you prefer to view film?

At home
Through the internet
At the cinema

2) How do you hear about films?

Through teletext
Magazines
Trailers
On the radio
On the television

3) When going to the cinema who do you prefere to go with?

Family
Friends
On your own
With your girlfriend/Boyfriend

4) Which cinema do you prefere?

Odeon (Riverside)
Vue (Castle Mall)
Hollywood Cinema (Anglia Square)
Cinema City (St. Andrews Street)

4) i) Reasoning for cinema preference

It's cheaper
Better food
Better seating
Better quality of sound within cinema screening

Answers to the questions

1)
At home 3
Through the internet 2
At the cinema 5

2)
Through teletext 0
Magazines 1
Trailers 3
On the radio 1
On the television 5

3)
Family 2
Friends 5
On your own 1
With your girlfriend/boyfriend 2

4)
Odeon (Riverside) 4
Vue (Castle Mall) 4
Hollywood Cinema (Anglia Square) 1
Cinema City (St. Andrews Street) 1

4) i)
It's Cheaper 3
Better Food 3
Better Seating 3
Better quality of sound within Screening 1...

"The Usual Suspects" (Independent Research)

2009-11-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

"The Usual Suspects" (25 August 1995) director-'Bryan Singer'

The opening credits features entire darkness, which appears to be the darkness of the sky, this is established when a sliver of white light is seen (chiaroscuro lighting, light on dark). The sliver of light is a reflection on the water from the moon, in the night sky. Just from this the audience can sense that the unnerving credits represent that the film is going to be a thriller film. After 36 seconds the title of the film appears. The music also cuts in, it connotes anticipation from the fast tempo it has.
After the credits, "San Pedro" appears at the bottom of the screen, to engage the audience.

The film starts with the ending. A close-up of an incineration of a match is seen as the first shot, which connotes danger. A character is seen. The camera then follows a stream of flowing petrol from the barrel which it came from. From the shots already seen, it appears that the character is in some form of engine room. The trickling of the liquid creates danger especially after seeing match being lit. The character drops the match on to the liquid.
The camera follows the trail of the flame which arose from the liquid. The flame is brought to an abrupt end when a liquid from above puts the flame out. The camera scrolls up to balcony where another character is seen, however this characters face can't be seen connoting mystery. The camera then reverts to the first character.
The unseen character is seen progressing down a small flight of steps. Then a close-up of his feet walking passed a dead body connotes mystery as the dead body is not known. Close-up of chest of unknown figure, the characters voice is heard for the first time. Still this characters face isn't seen despite the dialect with the first character.
The shadowy figure draws a gun, the camera emphasises the dominance of the armed character as it's pointed at the first character.
It then cuts to the location which hasn't previously been seen. The non-diagetic sound of gunshots is heard. After the second shot, music cuts in connoting death. Images from different sections of the boats are seen (non-ambient lighting). It then cuts back to the action where barrels are shot with the contents of them leaking. A slow-motion shot is used to emphasise the potential danger of the unknown figure dropping a lit cigarette onto the running liquid, like previously the camera tracks the flame. The figure is seen running up the small flight of steps, fleeing the scene. It then cuts to a shot of the location then suddenly a giant inferno is seen(sound of explosion, diagetic).

Cuts to point of view shot of a police interview.
A flashback is used to bring other characters who feature in film. During this sequence of filming this characters the establishing shots of them see get arrested in corresponding to voice over. The sound of a machine is used in one of the flashbacks represents gunfire, which connotes violence.

A close-up of the feet of a character suffering from a limp diagetic sound of footsteps is heard.
All 5 of the characters('Kint', 'Keaton', 'Hockney', 'Fenster', 'McMannus') that were shown is the flashback are then seen in a police line-up. As they step forward to say a statement. Each time a close-up is used, this sequence connotes imprisonment, as though convicted.
Again the voice over starts. During the course of the interviewing of the characters the voice over is used over the top of the dialect, telling of the characters previous convictions. This used on 2 other characters interviews.

Cuts to shot of 'Keaton' in front of jail bars as though imprisoned (close-up). This shot connotes what the future for the character could be, "a life behind bars". He is then lead into the cell where the other characters also are.
From the sequence in the jail cell the audience establish that 'McMannus' appears to be the ring-leader in the group, the alpha-male somewhat, from the shot of him from a low angle, looking down at 'Keaton'.
The voice over is used to engage audience, the story is being told from the perspective of 'Kint'.

Cuts back to San Pedro, the day after the incident. Close-up of dead body is seen. The camera then zooms out gradually to reveal more burnt bodies which are being covered by body bags. A new character is introduced 'Inspector Baer' ('Baer'). He is introduced by viewing the dead bodies(over the shoulder shot). The music used connotes anticipation. The camera then draws away from 'Baer' and rises to show the wreckage of the cargo ship where the explosion took place.
A body is then seen floating a fair distance away from the ship, close-up from behind body.

Cuts back to police station to show 2 new characters. 'Dave' and 'Jeffery' are the new characters introduced in a tracking two-shot.

After seeing a survivor from the inferno (Hungarian character), 'Kint' is seen speaking to one of the detectives, 'Dave'. 'Verbal Kint' doesn't look like a potential dangerman. The camera then zooms into his eyes (extreme close-up).
This transition leads the plot back to the restaurant the place where 'Keaton' was arrested. 'Kint' walks past 'Keates' and his partner and glares directly at the camera which connotes intimidation this is seen from the perspective of 'Keates'.
The title music cuts in to connote tension.
Cuts to a two shot which is used to portray 'Keates' dominance and power over 'Kint' when pinning him against a wall. Having discussed a heist the sound of ticking occurs, perhaps the ticking of a clock connoting a countdown to something, tension.

An aeroplane is seen taking off and landing. The voice over tells of what is taking place to involve the audience with what is happening. A point of view shot is used to show one of the characters point of view of the heist. First off a character is seen entering a police car (secret taxi service for crooked criminals). The car follows the police car.
32 minutes into the film, having pinned in the vehicle, the gang seize the police car. A close-up of one of the gang members is seen from the perspective of one of the policemen, smashing the windscreen of the car in. A gun is pointed at the character with the money this connotes the gangs dominance.
Having poured petrol over the vehicle, 'Keates' is seen spectating the action through the car wing-mirror(close-up). The gang then sets the vehicle alight.
It then cuts to what occurs after the incident, it shows news crews, firemen and policemen at the scene. A birds-eye view shot captures the burnt vehicle being seized by emergency vehicles.

Cuts to landscape shot of a large city, which appears to be 'New York city' at dusk. In the gang's hideout they are seen discussing there heist. Close-up shot of emeralds upon table next to stack of money.
It then reverts back to 'Kint' explaining what took place in interview with 'Jeffery', the diagetic sound of the tape recorder rotating and clicking can be heard.
Scene 15 of the film sees a trade, at a promenade under the noir lighting. The trade is with 'Red Foot'. the generic signifier of a briefcase is seen as part of the trade, the contents inside of the briefcase can't be seen to connote mystery.

Cut's to low angle shot of a large skyscraper building of a large corporation. On one of the levels is a carpark. The carpark has a damp and dingy look to it (generic signifier), the green non-ambient lighting makes the carpark an unnerving place.
4 Men are seen entering the carpark, and as soon as they get into the car the gang use violence in order to get what they want. The music used creates tension.

In a retreat the characters are seen celebrating their latest heist. However lingering in the shadows (noir lighting) is a mysterious character, 'Mr Kobayashi'. 'Kobayashi' delivers a briefcase to the gang (generic signifier) after giving them a brief on a heist what they help in, a heist on a drug-smuggling, Argentine cargo ship.
Within the briefcase are separate documents with the names of each of the 5 gang members on. Inside are the details on previous offences that they have caused.

Back at the policestation, 'Kint' tells of 'Sozai' having been asked who he is by the detective. He tells him of who he is. In the mise-en-scene the story of the 'Sozai' is told in motion, whilst 'Kint' tells the tale.
He then refers back to the night of when the gang found 'Fenster' dead in a dark and claustrophobic cave on the shoreline. The noir lighting creates fear, the light comes behind the characters from a rotating signal beam from a lighthouse.

In revenge for 'Fenster's' death the remaining gang members go after 'Kobayashi' who they believe killed 'Fenster'.
In the elevator shaft the camera looks down at an approaching elevator, which 'Kobayashi' is in along with his security guards. The elevator is an enclosed space/claustrophobic which connotes entrapment. When the power failure kicks in, the darkness within the closed space connote fear. When the lights are turned back on 'Kobayashi' sees that both men in the lift with him are dead.

At the port(1hr13mins)'Keaton' walks on the wooden footpath, lit by small lamps (noir lighting) could connote a path to death when walking towards the ship. 'McMannus' is seen on a roof, armed with a sniper rifle. When aiming, the close-up of his eye against the scope of the sniper connotes tension, whilst the sweat upon his forehead connotes pressure.
Having seized a car full of full of wooden crates, he lifts the lid on them to reveal money, however he is then shot from behind by an unknown figure (reference back to start of film). The close-up of the bullet wound through his waist connotes violence.

In the cargo ship, a point of view shot is used to show a creeping shadow in the background. A handle on a door being turned connotes mystery and anticipation.
The camera draws away from a cabin window the spray of blood on the window is seen whilst the sound of gun fire occurs.
'McMannus' is stabbed right before the eyes of 'Keaton' before he is then meleed. From 'Kint's' perspective he witnesses 'Keaton' being shot, by the unknown figure.
He then sees the figure drop the cigarette which causes the inferno.

It then cuts to the police department again with 'Kint' explaining to 'Jeffery' that the unknown figure is that of 'Kaizer Souzai'.
Yet when when told by the policemen that 'Keaton' is 'Souzai', then 'Keaton' can't be dead as audience have just viewed death of 'Keaton' being shot from 'Kint's' perspective.

He then lets 'Kint' walk free, having not being able to get sufficient information needed to push the case forward.
However moments after letting the crippled character walk free, 'Jeffery' is able to piece together the evidence. Slow-motion close-up of him dropping cup.

'Kint is seen walking free outside then suddenly he loses his limp and walks normally. A car stops by to pick him up. In the car is 'Kobayashi'.The sound of 'Kint's voice is heard as 'Jeffery' gives chase to him. But as he steps outside in the background 'Kint' is seen getting into the car.

Possible title names for thriller film.

2009-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

This is the list for possible title names which could be used for the name of the thriller film which we are creating.
They are listed in order of my preference.

- Crippling Intentions
- Distorted Shadows
- Crooked Shadows
- The One With The Limp
- The Terrace
- Murder In The Dark
- Addressed To You
- No Need For Introductions
- Murderous Memoirs
- Usual Shadows
- It Was Written In Blood
- Secret Shade Of Shadow
- Cruel Intentions
- Blood Red Sky At Night, Murderers Delight
- Stranglehold
- Red Knife,Blue Heart
- Fluxation Of Shadows
- The Comedown
- Cold Case
- From Dusk Til' Dawn
- Shadow Sneak
- Chasing Shadows
- Chasing Chances
- Tracker
- Crippled Knife
- The Block
- The Scene
- On The Edge

Narrative structure for Thriller film

2009-11-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

Shot 1

A limping figure is seen progressing up an alleyway, coming towards the camera. The character leaves the poorly lit alleyway to come out onto a roadside.

Shot 2

The character removes a piece of paper from his pocket (close up action). Close-up of face looking down at paper,Camera focuses on face of character. Only parts of face can be seen due to dull lit street (flickering street lights, noir lighting).

Shot 3

The character is seen stumbling up a sloped street heading towards a block of flats. Noir lighting shot taken from other side of street. (Noir lighting used to show faded effect of character outline.)

Shot 4

Like in shot 2, the character looks once again at the piece of paper (close-up) the camera sees a number which appears to be part of an address.
The camera then rotates to view the block of flats which were seen in the foreground in one of the previous shots(2). The camera then shows a close-up of a street name sign.

Shot 5

Cuts to the block of flats, where the shady, limping figure is seen from a different personnel's perspective. This character is located on the flat balcony footpath. The camera angle is an over the shoulder shot which also features the other character below him showing dominance.

Shot 6

The character retreats into a flat, the camera follows him up until the point were the door is basically shut in the face of you (engaging audience,Point of view). The camera is then looking straight at the door number of the flat, which relates to the piece of paper that the limping man has.

Shot 7

Tracking shot of the limping man, staggering up the flights of stairs during this sequence of filming there will be close-ups of the characters feet and waist upwards except face.
Poor lighting in stair well. Eerie feel to place connoting tension.

Shot 8

Have ascended the flights of stairs the character limps towards the camera like with first shot except the location has changed, he is this time on the flat walkway.
Extreme close-up of eyes, suddenly looks at the door number (extreme close up), then reverts back to eyes.
The character places the his hand on the door knob/handle and twists. Having then opened the door the character progresses through the door(pitch black nothing can be seen).
The door closes.

Shot 9

Transition of a strong flash from a camera. The camera then films from the inside of the flat, The camera immediately shows a slurred bloody hand print on the glass window Paine connoting struggle and violence). The camera then draws back to reveal the state in which the flat is in, Broken objects lay on the floor (eg: flowerpots). Forensic scientists can also be seen searching the crime scene.
When the camera has drawn back enough it starts to lower and a body can be seen(close-up) however the face of the murdered victim can't be seen connoting suspicion mystery.

Shot 10

Again a flash transition is used to return to the night of the murder.The door is pulled closed and the bloody hand print is seen.(close-up).
To end the filming the camera catches a glimpse of a shadow leaving the scene of the crime connoting suspicion and mystery.
This cliffhanger also makes a great ending for the ending of the thriller film opening.

Tip:FAKE BLOOD (by the bucket full)

2009-11-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

This i believe would be helpful for the thriller film which i have been developing on. This is for creating a bucket full of fake blood.

This is what is needed in order to create the red stuff.

Mix the following:

1 Litre of honey
5 litres of water
3 tablespoons of red food colouring
1/2 a teaspoon of blue food colouring
1/2 a cup of milk (for density)

Research into audiences-Research findings

2009-11-09T06:11:00.000-08:00

Here are the answers to the questionnaire which i had produced. Out of the possible 20 people that the questionnaire was e-mailed to, only 10 people replied with their results.
From these results i can hopefully find the distinctives between certain areas in which i have asked.
The questionnaire was sent to 10 females and 10 males however 6 out of the 10 females had replied in contrast to the 4 out of 10 males who had replied to the e-mail.

Question 1
This question was rather daft however this was answered by those who had replied.
Answer:
6 Male
4 Female

Question 2
Answer:
At the cinema 2Females 2Males
At home 4 Females 2Males
On the Internet 0

Question 3
Answer:
Action 2 males 0 female
Horror 3 females 1 male
Romantic 1 female 1 male
Animation 0
Other 1 male 2 females

Question 4
Answer:
jobs
Waiter
ICT
Gymnastics coach
Student
Student
Student
Student
Sales assistant
Sales assistant
Sales assistant

Question 5
Answer:
Topman
Atticus
New Look
New Look
Topshop
H&M
Primark
Criminal Damage
Primark
Topshop

Question 6
Answer:
Yes 6 people
No 4 people

Question 7
Answer:
Pop 2
Indie 3
Alternative 1
Rock 2
R'n'B 4

Question 8
Answer:
Yes 0
No 10

Question 9
Answer:
Yes 7
N0 3
7 people wouldn't state what they had downloaded
whilst 3 people did.

Question 10
Answer:
1 No
9 Yes

Initial research into the habits of British film audiences.

2009-11-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

This is the questionarre i have produced, which will be used to see if the audiences view specific film genres from my results that will be collected.
The questionarre produced will be given out to people in order to collect my data.

Proposal for initial research into the habits of British Film Audiences

For my research I shall be focusing on audience segmentations, by getting people in my tutor group to fill out a 10 question questionnaire based on many different questions. All of these questions vary and are closed questions; this will then hopefully give significant data for me to conclude my research.

The questionnaire

Name

1) What gender are you?
□Male □Female

2) How do prefer to watch films?
□At the cinema □At home □On the Internet

3) What is your favourite genre of film?
□Action □Horror □Romantic □Animation □Other
If you ticked other, please state preferred genre

4) What job do you have? Please state.

5) What is your favourite brand of clothing? Please State.

6) Do have a girlfriend/boyfriend?
□Yes □No

7) What is your favourite genre of music? Please State.

8) Are you Religious? If so which faith do you believe in?
Please State.

9) Have you ever downloaded anything illegally?
□Yes □No
If you ticked yes please state what it was you downloaded?

10) Do you stick to the age restrictions on films?
□Yes □No

(Independent Research) "Psycho"

2009-11-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

"Psycho" (4 August 1960) Director-'Alfred Hitchcock'

"Psycho" is a noir thriller. The entire film is filmed in black and white.
The opening credits of the film features a blinds effect. The credits sequence is long to build up tension and create hype.The music used connotes a sense of of fear and suspicion.
After viewing the opening title sequence, the audience view a panning shot of a large, recognisable city, this shot engages the audience as it could be seen as a point of view shot.

The first character encountered is a stylish, seductive blond women, who in many ways could be seen as a femme fatale. Along side her in the bed is male character 'Tom' who the audience then find out through the dialogue between both characters is having an affair with the femme fatale
(an irresistibly attractive woman, esp. one who leads men into difficult, dangerous, or disastrous situations.)
The engaging shot of the camera rotating involves the audience with the going on. Music cuts in when the couple discuss their future, it connotes sorrow. The next shot shows the man looking through a window which appears to be opaque, this shot could represent him looking into the future, a future between himself and the lady she is having an affair with.

After the opening film sequence, it cuts to the female character at her workplace. At this point the female characters name is established, 'Marian'. Her boss and a property developer ('Tom'). There is a over the shoulder shot of himself and 'Marian' when involved in conversation. This shot also portrays the gender convention which perhaps during the time in which the film is set,(1950/60's) would of been seen as.The property tycoon takes a liking to the femme fatale character. Transition of from workplace to bedroom where main character establishing shots take place. Tracking shot of femme fatale around the bedroom looking in the closets suspiciously. On the camera cuts to the character placing money from a briefcase(Generic signifier of thriller films) into her handbag, this sequence is shot as a close-up. She then slips her passport into her purse (close-up of action). The music connotes suspicion.

Cuts to 'Marian' (femme fatale) inside of a car as she pulls away from her household she hears voices. Those being her lover's, boss's and Tom's telling of what they said to her, this connotes confusion. At a set of traffic lights she pulls away in fear at the sight of seeing her boss.

The next sequence of shots begin with 'Marian' awakening in the car having pulled over to sleep. She awakes to see a policemen walking towards her vehicle through her wing mirror.
In a rush she is seen gathering up her documents when being spoken to (two shot of Femme fatale and policemen). Dramatic music cuts in connoting anticipation. As the policemen draws away from the car, close-up of 'Marian' pulling away. Cuts to a mirror shot of policemen gaining in rear-view mirror. The car chase is a generic signifier of a thriller film.

She arrives at a car sale's garage. After seeing the policeman pull over on the other side of the road, 'Marian' is eager to conceal her identity she does this by buying a newspaper which she puts in front of her face connoting mystery. In order to outwit the cops she decides to buy a new car to replace her old one. The use of the over the shoulder shot captures the conversation between the car dealer and 'Marian'.

Tracking shot of femme fatale walking towards the toilet. Whilst in the toilet she pulls out the needed money from her handbag(close-up). The cop car drives into the car sale's garage just as the transaction of money from 'Marian' to the car dealer,connotes tension. She hurry's into her purchased vehicle and drives off.

Having drove off, she again hears voices, this connotes confusion and anxiety. Close-up of 'Marian's' face. She appears somewhat possessed as the driving rain hits the windscreen (sound of rain hitting window). Due to the vast amount of rain she decides to pull over at a motel. The lighting from the motel sign reflects off of the characters face.

Having acquired a room she is seen signing her name on to a booking register (close-up of signature). She is shown to her room by an eager member of staff who appears to take a liking to the femme fatale character.

'Marian' opens the window of the room in which she is staying in,room 1, it is still raining heavily at this point in the film. The staff member asks 'Marian' up to his house which is on the top of the hill along side the motel. The house an eerie feel to it. It looks more like something out of a horror film with it's gothic look. Upon being asked 'Marian' accepts.

She is then seen storing the stolen money in the newspaper,the moonlight from outside beams through the open window (noir lighting). The male staff member leads 'Marian' into his office for the arranged meal. On the walls there are male different species of dead birds placed on stands. The close-ups of the birds connote death, anxiety is seen in the face of the female character as though stressed.

When seen signing the sheet of paper, it reads 'Marian Crane'. Her name is a notion of the dead birds upon the walls of the office.

"Psycho" is famous for it's shower scene and soundtrack. At this point in the film the music is used to create tension and anticiapation. The camera shots used in the sequence are taking from a point of view of the murder which engages the audience. The shot of the shadow on the wall showing the stabbing of the victim is genius as it connotes mystery by not allowing the audience to see who has commited the offence.

Understand the purpose of camera angles,lighting and in "The Third Man"

2009-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

"The Third Man" 1946 Director -'Carol Reed'

"The Third Man" is a black and white film more commonly known as a 'Noir' film.

The soundtrack called the 'Harry Lime' theme is played during the opening credits. The soundtrack connotes one of the characters in the film, 'Harry Lime'. It indicates from it's jolly melody, that the character 'Harry Lime' is cheerful, clever and somewhat of a comedian. However this music doesn't bide well with the thriller genre.
The film is set in Vienna, Austria just after the war. The soundtrack played over the shot of the city portrays that Vienna is glamorous and easy on the eye which connotes 'Harry Lime's' charm.
After the opening credits a voice is heard. The use of the voice over engages the audience.
This voice tells of the black market trade which is taking place within Vienna. The shot of the briefcase which is a generic signifier of thriller films, is shot on a slight tilt angle. When opened the camera catches the items within the case by using a close-up shot. all of these shots are simple to show the audience what is taking place.

The landscape shot of Vienna shows a sunken ship, along side it lays a dead person washed a shore. This connotes violence from the war.

The establishing shot of 'Holly Martins' is that of a close-up before he he leaves the train he is on. The voice over is that of his voice. His costume is similar to that worn by the lead character in "Once upon a time in America".
After leaving the train station 'Martins heads towards a hotel which is owned by his good friend 'Harry Lime'. The shot of him walking under a ladder connotes superstition and bad luck.
Upon entering the hotel, he walks up a stair well, however the shot shows his shadow from a different angle to what it should, perhaps the shadow is somebody Else's, this shot connotes mystery and illusion.

After hearing the news of the tragic death of his best friend, a high angle, close-up is used to show the dispair upon 'Martin's' face.
He travels to the graveyard where the funeral for 'Lime' is taking place. He runs into a British policemen named 'Callaway' who directs him to the funeral service.

At the burial, there is a two-shot of two suspicious looking men. Also at the funeral is that of widow of the deceased, 'Anna' who is made out to look like a femme fatale from her glamorous dress. From the close-up of her face she appears to be Enigmatic (difficult to understand) and inscrutable (hard to read) from her solome facial expressions. Despite being a femme fatale she is not depicted in any sexual way.
The transition shot relates to 'Anna's' sadness which catches the attention of 'Holly'.
All of the shots that feature within the sequence of filming for the funeral shots are all taken using close-ups.

After the funeral, 'Martin's' is seen in a bar. The tilt shot of him with 'Callaway' in the background represents the way 'Martin's' is feeling, drunk. Seating on his own makes 'Holly' seem Vulnerable.
He is then made to look like a fool by 'Callaway' teasing and mocking him, this could be a stereotypical viewpoint to make it look as though Americans aren't as clever as British.
'Holly' then claims that he will solve 'Limes' murder.

The next scene starts with the audience viewing 'Anna' acting, perhaps with her acting skills she isn't made out to be whom she seems, connotes disguise and split personality.
This then leads to 'Holly' starting his enquiries with 'Anna' at her apartment. The low-angle tilt shot of the butler and 'Martin's' cuts Anna out of the image this connotes suspicion. Then suddenly she is seen removing a photograph from 'Lime's' dressing table of her at the funeral of her dead partner however this can' t be possible, upon seeing the image there is a sense of suspicion.
Throughout the film there are no subtitles for when the Austrian natives are speaking so neither the audience or 'Martin's' can understand what is being said.
Whilst talking to 'Anna' at the window of the apartment a cat can be seen beyond both characters, 'Anna' and 'Holly'.

Having seen 'Callaway' search the apartment of 'Anna's', and having her fake passport taken away from her she is then depicted through a window as though framed.
'Martin's' and 'Anna' are then seen fleeing from a building and down some steps escaping from angry mob, this shot is taken from a low angle.

At the circular stair case the camera shows 'Martin's' face looking up showing the many flights of stairs. The stair well connotes confusion and 'Martin's' incapability to solve the case of 'Lime's' murder. (52 minutes into film)
After leaving the there the is a shot of him running through many streets, the Austrian streets are like a labyrinth that 'Martin's' is unable escape from.
Yet when he catches his breathe he spots a cat, (seen in a earlier apartment window 30 minutes in film). There is a close-up shot of the cat playing with the shoe strings of a disguised man lingering in the shadows. A light from an above apartment shines upon the face. The close up of the non-ambient lighting shining on the character connotes unanswered questions. This character turns out to be 'Harry Limes'.
After dialogue between the two male characters, 'Lime's' flees with 'Martin's' in hot pursuit.
He leads 'Martin's' into the Vienna sewers. The police get involved (1hr 35mins). They to are chasing 'Lime'. The sewers are a claustrophobic space which connote imprisonment.

The vanishing point of the tunnel which 'Lime' dashes for signifies freedom, "light at the end of the tunnel".
Footsteps can be heard in the sewage water(non-diagetic) however the character cannot be seen, not until a search light catches him running (Chiascruro lighting).
The amazing shot of 'Lime' surrounded by different sewage paths in an empty part of the sewer, is drowned out by the calling echos of the police hunting him. this connotes paranoia and anxiety.

Having been shot 'Lime's' makes one last effort to escape however his escape route is blocked by metal grills. there is then a close-up of his fingers through the grills which connotes being trapped.
'Martin's' then shoots 'Lime'.

the film ends where it started, at the funeral of 'Harry Lime'. The 'Harry Lime' theme starts to play again like it did at the start.

Aspire, Reach (My perfume advert)

2009-10-23T13:21:00.001-07:00

perfume Picture main.psd
Originally uploaded by Craig V-CNS Media

My perfume advert would be aimed at Men between the ages of of 18 and maximum aged 30. It would appeal to them if they believe that they can see themselves in the image reaching for something, aspiring some what. It would be aimed at those who are deem themselves to be either 'Mainstreamer's', 'Aspirers/Social climbers' or 'Esteem seekers'.

The above type of people strive towards excellence, with their desire to succeed in life through ambition.

The camera angle used for the image was a slight low angle shot of the model reaching up, this gives the impression of aspiring and ambition. Having then placed the models image onto the background I then moved the image of him, to make it look as though he is reaching over the balcony.

The font I used for the brand name of my perfume relates to the image and also how the font is simply and delicate, looking as though in a dream.

The image was created using the programme "photoshop". In my opinion the programme was fairly simple to use, the tools that you are able to use in order for the Creator of the image to make certain effects. The fonts used on the image where downloaded from "Dafont", being able to get a font which suits the perfume brand and name was key. Having got the font i then edited them in "photoshop" to change the font outline and colour.
The image created represents the male social group rather well in my opinion. The model used in the image captures different aspects within the social group, claiming that all men are ambitious and brave. The use of a younger model in the picture means that it is aimed towards the age group of the model, which therefore is saying that the younger generation of males have more desire and ambition in order to succeed.

How does 'Quentin Tarantino' challenge the covention of the thriller genre in "Jackie Brown".

2009-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Jackie Brown" (20 March 1998) Director- 'Quentin Tarantino'

In the film "Jackie Brown", 'Tarantino' has used a female character for the lead role in the film. The character is middle aged, black women whom from her outfit appears to be an airline stewardess.

During the opening sequence the camera is always at a low angle and continually tracking this female character, this shows 'Tarantino's' admiration for this actress.
The use of close-ups show her dominant pose as she strolls towards where she is going. The low angle also connotes dominance.
At one point in this sequence their is a young child (holding a balloon)who appears to be looking at this character in awe, the camera angles used make her seem like role-model.

Scene 2

Other characters are introduced 'Ordell' (Samuel L. Jackson) and 'Louis' (Robert De Niro) in establishing shots. Both characters are introduced viewing a television programme, the programme which is called "girls with guns".During the opening titles of that programme the audience see a animated 'Statue of Liberty' with a weapon this connotes that America is a violent place.Again this perceived when a women wearing a 'stars and strips' (American flag) bikini is shown holding a weapon. Women are objectified in this programme which the 2 characters are viewing.
Later in the scene 'Ordell's' girlfriend/wife does whatever he asks her to do these connotes the typical gender convention of men being dominant over women.

'Ordell' has some business to take care of later that night. He visits some worn down apartments which appear to part of a motel, the use of noir lighting in this setting connotes theres something sinister about to occur.
In this apartment is the character, 'Beaumont' who when asked agrees to aid 'Ordell' with the job that needs to be done. He accepts are some debating.

The next shot shows both of them behind the boot of the car,the boot opens. The camera angle used is a low angle shot showing 'Ordell' holding a guy before 'beaumont'. 'Ordell's' position and stance connote strengh and dominance over the unarmed 'Beaumont'.
The boot which 'Beaumont' is then forced into is a generic signifier of a thriller film as you don't know what may be in it, not knowing connotes a sense of mystery. Through this sequence of shooting the noir lighting is non-ambient so that the characters can just be seen.

The next shot of 'Ordell' is a straight shot of him through the windscreen of the car. a close-up of his hands show him opening the glove compartment, to reveal a gun and a pair of gloves. 'Ordell' is then seen putting the gloves on.
He drives off to a remote area with 'Beaumont' shouting as he is still locked within the claustrophobic confinements of the boot.
When he pulls up (21 minutes into film) he is surrounded by an undeveloped urban area.

'Ordell' picks up the gun, steps out of the car. However not much can be seen due to the use of chiaroscuro lighting which connotes a sense of danger and suspense. The boot is opened, the gun which was is the glove compartment is heard. 'Beuamont' is shot dead in case he medels with 'Ordell's' plans.
The extreme long shot from which the action takes place suggests detachment and cold hearted emotion which correspond with Ordell's character.

The murder of 'Harlem'-"Thelma and Louise" ,Understanding element's of Thrillers.

2009-10-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Thelma And Louise (12 July 1991) Director- 'Ridley Scott'

This sequence of film from 'Ridley Scott's', "Thelma and Louise" shows certain aspects and techniques used in thriller films.

After the introduction to the film and establishing the main characters, 'Thelma' and 'Louise' set off on their planned trip. The part on the film which i shall be focusing on is the sequence of film, stretching from the entrance of the Country/Western dance bar to the escape of our characters.
After stopping off at a bar the characters, let there hair down to enjoy the lively, party atmosphere. This setting of the bar is crowded and isn't where you expect violence to occur.
Having consumed a vast amount of alcohol 'Thelma' eventually becomes drunk. Whilst dancing she finds an interest in a male character named 'Harlen'.
Fellow character 'Louise' having guarded her friend from the attention of men, she visits the toilet and leaves a vulnerable 'Thelma' on her own. The fellow she has caught the eye of 'Harlem' takes her outside to get some air as she feels unwell from drinking.

The change in the mise-en-scene is quick. A panning shot of the dark carpark is seen, this shot takes the engaged audience to the action which is about to unfold. The carpark is damp, urban and unnerving from the use of noir lighting, this connotes a sense of fear and anticipates that something violent may occur. The emptiness of the carpark which 'Thelma' is in, connotes exposure and vulnerability.

The audience then view 'Harlem' trying to take advantage of 'Thelma'. The continual use of action engages the audience to make them see what struggle and torment she is going through. The close-up of 'Thelma' slapping 'Harlem', then shows the anxiety and frustration upon his face. He them slaps her in retaliation.
He then forces her over the bonnet of the car and attempts to rape her, the camera catches both characters emotions using close-ups. 'Thelma' is traumatised by what is going on however 'Harlem' aggressiveness is shown through his straining face.

Suddenly a non-diagetic sound of a gun is heard, the camera scrolls slightly towards the right to reveal 'Louise' holding a gun. With gun in hand the convention of the males power and dominance is challenged.
Having threatened 'Harlem' with the gun pressed against his head, he backs away from 'Thelma'.
'Harlem' then claims whilst the girls backs are turned, "B***h. I should have gone ahead and f***ed her." 'Louise' pulls the trigger and shoots 'Harlem'.

In some ways both Thelma and Louise are "Femme Fatales"(dictionary definition-an irresistibly attractive woman, especially one who leads men into difficult, dangerous, or disastrous situations). In a sense 'Thelma's' costume and generally "pretty" appearance makes her bait for men such as 'Harlem', it also connotes objectification. On the other hand 'Louise's' costume connotes strength as her costume is more masculine than 'Thelma's' clothing.

How does Terry Windsor utilises the forms and conventions of the Thriller genre in "Essex Boys".

2009-10-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

"Essex Boys" (14 July 2000) Director- Terry Windsor

The black background behind the opening credits/titles immediately suggest a dark and dangerous story, the soundtrack playing in the background suggests suspense.
The first shot of the movie is generic. The chiaroscuro lighting(light upon darkness technique) injects the mise-en-scene with a sense of illusion whilst the enclosed space suggests claustrophobia and vulnerability as well as intimidation.
When the door of the garage is opened the lighting shows a unused car surrounds in cobwebs. The cobwebs add a sense of fear, which is usually associated more with the horror genre. Meanwhile the car seen in the image is a representative of one of the main characters,'Jason' who has been locked up in prison, like the car being imprisoned in the garage.

The diagetic sound gives the mise-en-scene a realistic or authentic tone as the story of the film is based on true events. The non-ambient lighting indicates a stylish interpretation of these events that occurred. Within the opening sequence, the camera is always still and focused on the characters in the garage.
The voice over is based on the young male character. The use of the voice over makes the story more realistic this in turn engages the audience bringing them into the story as the character is directly speaking to the audience, giving them his perspective on the story.

The establishing shot of 'Jason Locke' takes up 2 thirds of the camera lense. the close-up of his face and shoulders shows culture and lifestyle from the shirt that he is wearing, the image also shows the stern emotion upon 'Jason's' face.

The next scene shows the characters setting off in the car. one shot during this sequence is a point of view shot following the vehicle into a tunnel. The tunnel is shaped like a barrel of shotgun symbolizing the end or start of something such as an era. The gloomy lit tunnel connotes suspense, the lights also lead into a vanishing point.
The streams of light reflecting off of the car windscreen resemble the bars of a prison cell,as though representing that the young character is trapped or imprisoned in the car with 'Jason'. Again the vanishing point could connote that the road leads to prison just as long as he's with 'Jason'.
As the vehicle exits the tunnel the camera angle reverts back a point of view shot(just like whats seen when the car enters the tunnel), this shot engages the audience, tracking the movement of the other vehicle and 'Jason'. Within the mise-en-scene the audience can see that the roads are sodden damp this convention fits into the thriller genre, a bridge can also be seen it could connote that the young character has chosen the wrong route.

After arriving at the destination which 'Jason' wanted to go to, he rushes out of the vehicle to take care of someone who caused him to go to prison. The strong violence and throwing of acid into this mans eyes is typical of a thriller film, during this sequence there is a rapid interchange between shots. The shot of the Young boy witnessing the violence through the car wing mirror enables the audience to see what he does from his angle.
'Jason' then chucks the man into the back of a white van. A white van is a generic signifier of thriller films.
After the scene of violence, the characters take the man(who is temporarily blind from having acid thrown into his face) is taken to a remote part of the 'Essex Marshes'. Having opened the latched door of the van, the man jumps out of the vehicle to find himself lost unknowing where he is. 'Jason' and his protoche then leave the man to die in the uninhabited marshland.
The featureless, uninhabited and dull marshland suggests/connotes 'Jason's' morality and emotions.

Once upon a time in America-How does Sergio Leoni utilise generic conventions in the 'mise-en-scene' in the film

2009-09-29T04:45:00.000-07:00

The establishing shot of the 'Eve', is a close up(silhouette) of her in the frame of the doorway. This shot gives of the impression as though she has been set up, as though framed.This establishing shot instantly suggests that the genre of this film is a Thriller because of the light
("Chiaroscuro Lighting", light on dark) reflecting off of her pearl necklace that she is wearing it also shines upon some of her face.

As she progresses through the the door into the living room there is the non-diagetic sound (Aural signifier) outside the mise-en-scene, one of which being the charactors footsteps. The other playing in the background. The song, "God Bless America" is being played.This somewhat is ironic, as 'Leoni' is portaying that the era in which the film is set (1930's) tells of the poor condition 'New York' was in after prohabition was legalised. Another film this used in the film "The Deer Hunter". It could also represent the action that takes place within the next few shots. Both of these non-diagetic sounds connote a form of anxiety.

There is a shot of 'Eve' through a close-up of a glass chandelier, from this shot the audience are able to tell that there is an eerie feeling to the room, this creates a sense of tension.

Eve's face is seen for the first time from the bright light of the lampshade, the shot of her is a close-up showing her facial features and expressions. The Exteme close-up of Eve's face is utilised to involve the audience.

The shocking, high angle tilt image of the bed, connotes a symbol of death, it also is used for the theme of murder.After view this shot the audience are able to gain an idea of what may be about to occur.After this shot there is a scrolling shot following 3 policemen into the room. One of the men is seen with a gun, all policemen are dressed rather typically of the era,they look as though they could be part of some form of mafia or secret police.
The sound of the click of the gun is heard whilst the camera focuses on 'Eve'. A close-up of the gun is then seen this shows that the policemen with the weapon is more dominant than the female character.'Eve' is then shot.
Her dead body lays on the bed. There is a close-up of 'Eve's' face. The policemen stand behind the dead body, this connotes stength and dominance.

Cuts to Scene 2

To start off with the audience are thrown into the action, viewing a extreme close up from over the shoulder of one of the policemen. What's happening is that a man is being beaten up whilst being hung from a nuse.
The audience don't know who is character is, but this established later on in the film. This violence is typical of what would be seen in a thriller film.

Perfume advert-Ghost(Deep Night)

2009-09-24T04:38:00.001-07:00

Perfume advert-Ghost(Deep Night)
Originally uploaded by Craig-CNS Media

Please click on image to view notes

Key Terms

2009-09-17T00:48:00.000-07:00

Mise En Scene-Everything in the picture seen by the audience EG: -Costume, lighting, props.

Connotation-Metaphorical/Symbolic meaning of something.

Denotation-What something is.

2009-09-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

2009-09-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

1st entry

2009-09-10T04:24:00.000-07:00

I'm Craig Vargerson and this my blog all my work will be on.this features all Media AS level work at CNS.

The purpose of the blog i've created is so i can put all completed work pieces into it