How is age portrayed in the extract of Monarch of the Glen?
The extract of Monarch of the Glen, a TV drama based in the UK’s countryside, portrays the contrast of different age groups through: mise en scene, camera angles/movement, editing and sound.
Firstly, Amy the sixteen year old is viewed as one of the youngest characters. The audience understands this through mise en scene by her make up of eye shadow and jewellery of a ring, necklace and earrings. This proves she takes care in her appearance linking to the dominant ideology of teenage girls worrying about their looks, especially in front of boys they wish to impress, like in Amy’s situation. Similarly the girl magazines, pink lights and photographs in her bedroom and on her mirror imply that she is young through stereotypical girlish colours and activities. In addition she is confident when trying to please the middle aged man Paul when she lies about driving. She is presented as naïve, with a personality like other teens who want to do things they are not old enough to do (such as drinking or driving) which makes her vulnerable in her rebellious attitudes.
The head teacher on the other hand is portrayed as old and wise, agreeing with typical stereotypes due to his Standard English and Received Pronunciation which adds to his upper class costume of a beige suit and tie. The formality shows he is older than all the characters (possibly excluding the older woman) and makes him stand out against the working class country family. He also asks for a glass of brandy, a typical drink that the older generation would have when discussing business therefore the mise en scene adds to the stereotype of an old and strict head teacher.
Paul wears an outfit that is suitable for hands on farm and building work. The jacket implies he is prepared for the weather showing he cares about his health and work and is sensible therefore linking to classic traits of a working class middle aged man. The audience understands he works in the countryside due to the tools, tractor, and coats and bags of a green Earth colours.
The camera movement in the extract shows age through slow panning to attract the target audience of adults. Also due to this factor is that the number of adult characters compared to younger ones is superior with no jerky and edgy movements that would apply for a group of teenagers.
There is a low angle shot when Amy is looking up at Paul who she has lied to, causing her to be inferior when she is told off like a child would be. Similarly in the over the shoulder, shot/reverse shot of the head teacher and Paul, Paul is placed below him in a high angle shot. This connoted that the older a character is the more power and superiority they hold over the younger generation.
Another factor that portrays age in Monarch of the Glen is the editing and the slow transitions (again aimed at adult audience) which only speed up as Amy crashes the car creating increased energy through the teenager’s actions. Similarly the non diegetic parallel folk music is edited to stop before Amy gets into the car. This shows how this genre of laid back music does not appeal to teenagers adding to this rebellious and wild personality the teenager has.
Overall these elements portray stereotypical age differences with the oldest age being strict and posh whereas the teenager believes in lying rather than civilized rules.
The extract of Monarch of the Glen, a TV drama based in the UK’s countryside, portrays the contrast of different age groups through: mise en scene, camera angles/movement, editing and sound.
Firstly, Amy the sixteen year old is viewed as one of the youngest characters. The audience understands this through mise en scene by her make up of eye shadow and jewellery of a ring, necklace and earrings. This proves she takes care in her appearance linking to the dominant ideology of teenage girls worrying about their looks, especially in front of boys they wish to impress, like in Amy’s situation. Similarly the girl magazines, pink lights and photographs in her bedroom and on her mirror imply that she is young through stereotypical girlish colours and activities. In addition she is confident when trying to please the middle aged man Paul when she lies about driving. She is presented as naïve, with a personality like other teens who want to do things they are not old enough to do (such as drinking or driving) which makes her vulnerable in her rebellious attitudes.
The head teacher on the other hand is portrayed as old and wise, agreeing with typical stereotypes due to his Standard English and Received Pronunciation which adds to his upper class costume of a beige suit and tie. The formality shows he is older than all the characters (possibly excluding the older woman) and makes him stand out against the working class country family. He also asks for a glass of brandy, a typical drink that the older generation would have when discussing business therefore the mise en scene adds to the stereotype of an old and strict head teacher.
Paul wears an outfit that is suitable for hands on farm and building work. The jacket implies he is prepared for the weather showing he cares about his health and work and is sensible therefore linking to classic traits of a working class middle aged man. The audience understands he works in the countryside due to the tools, tractor, and coats and bags of a green Earth colours.
The camera movement in the extract shows age through slow panning to attract the target audience of adults. Also due to this factor is that the number of adult characters compared to younger ones is superior with no jerky and edgy movements that would apply for a group of teenagers.
There is a low angle shot when Amy is looking up at Paul who she has lied to, causing her to be inferior when she is told off like a child would be. Similarly in the over the shoulder, shot/reverse shot of the head teacher and Paul, Paul is placed below him in a high angle shot. This connoted that the older a character is the more power and superiority they hold over the younger generation.
Another factor that portrays age in Monarch of the Glen is the editing and the slow transitions (again aimed at adult audience) which only speed up as Amy crashes the car creating increased energy through the teenager’s actions. Similarly the non diegetic parallel folk music is edited to stop before Amy gets into the car. This shows how this genre of laid back music does not appeal to teenagers adding to this rebellious and wild personality the teenager has.
Overall these elements portray stereotypical age differences with the oldest age being strict and posh whereas the teenager believes in lying rather than civilized rules.
How is ethnicity portrayed in the extract of Eastenders?
In the extract of the BBC soap opera Eastenders, based in east London, the narrative involves three stories of two English white family break ups and issues and one Black Muslim family fighting for a good reputation in the community.
In the extract, editing is used to show the tension between the Indian couple by quick transitions between shot/reverse shots when they are disagreeing over the broken gate. This creates a fast pace with energy as the woman’s temper rises. This contrasts with the editing of the white families as the cuts are not as quick suggesting less tension but more details into their issues as they have more concerning problems than simply fixing a gate.
The camera work consist of a close-up of the white woman’s mobile phone as a text is received implying that the white race are more advanced through the use of technology than the Muslim family. This links to the unfortunate negative connotations of black characters as they are presented in a lower position than white people who, in contrast, are seen as powerful.
When inside the café, the Indian woman and white woman are on an equal level with the camera keeping to the 180 degree rule. This connotes that although the Muslim family are a minority compared to the dominant number of white characters, they are accepted in the community with no apparent racist attitudes. The Indian woman is the most spoken out of the Muslim family which challenges perceived conceptions that women, especially from a foreign country such as India, are seen as weak and vulnerable as this woman is clearly in control of her family with her thoughts being heard and arguing her points.
Sound is a feature which portrays ethnicity in the extract: during the white character’s shots more than the frames the Indian family appear in. For example; non diegetic sound of pop music is in the background of the scene with Tanya going through Max’s possessions. The use of pop music shows how modern this family is compared to the Muslim one where small earphones are the only technological device in view by the Muslim man in the café with stereotypical music of rap.
In the extract mise en scene is used effectively to make this soap opera realistic and continuous. It is also used to portray the Muslim family being a minority by the audience never seeing them inside their home adding to their isolation and solidarity linking to segregation in the mid 1990s. On the contrary religion is presented throughout the clip through the diegetic sound of dialogue and the Muslim woman being against parties and being concerned with work and keeping morals. The Black Muslim woman has a need to be seen as the whites are: respected. This is seen when the Indian’s house is mistaken for a council house which positions them in the lowest of classes.
In addition the Muslim family are presented as working class by buying a coffee in a small cheap café and with the Muslim husband being a post man seen by his bright orange uniform. The couple are associated with tradition and faith whereas the black Indian man in the café has earphones and a leather jacket is more modern and presented as a joke, more light hearted and cheeky than the woman. This also adds to the dominant ideology of ethnic minorities sticking together, as when they do not issues occur.
Overall ethnicity is presented in a number of ways including mise en scene, camera work, editing and sound to show the differences between the white English families and Black Indian Muslims. Both creeds are related with issues: the white families have breakup and issues at home whereas the Muslim’s are loyal in family, loyal to their religion and worry about their reputation.
In the extract of the BBC soap opera Eastenders, based in east London, the narrative involves three stories of two English white family break ups and issues and one Black Muslim family fighting for a good reputation in the community.
In the extract, editing is used to show the tension between the Indian couple by quick transitions between shot/reverse shots when they are disagreeing over the broken gate. This creates a fast pace with energy as the woman’s temper rises. This contrasts with the editing of the white families as the cuts are not as quick suggesting less tension but more details into their issues as they have more concerning problems than simply fixing a gate.
The camera work consist of a close-up of the white woman’s mobile phone as a text is received implying that the white race are more advanced through the use of technology than the Muslim family. This links to the unfortunate negative connotations of black characters as they are presented in a lower position than white people who, in contrast, are seen as powerful.
When inside the café, the Indian woman and white woman are on an equal level with the camera keeping to the 180 degree rule. This connotes that although the Muslim family are a minority compared to the dominant number of white characters, they are accepted in the community with no apparent racist attitudes. The Indian woman is the most spoken out of the Muslim family which challenges perceived conceptions that women, especially from a foreign country such as India, are seen as weak and vulnerable as this woman is clearly in control of her family with her thoughts being heard and arguing her points.
Sound is a feature which portrays ethnicity in the extract: during the white character’s shots more than the frames the Indian family appear in. For example; non diegetic sound of pop music is in the background of the scene with Tanya going through Max’s possessions. The use of pop music shows how modern this family is compared to the Muslim one where small earphones are the only technological device in view by the Muslim man in the café with stereotypical music of rap.
In the extract mise en scene is used effectively to make this soap opera realistic and continuous. It is also used to portray the Muslim family being a minority by the audience never seeing them inside their home adding to their isolation and solidarity linking to segregation in the mid 1990s. On the contrary religion is presented throughout the clip through the diegetic sound of dialogue and the Muslim woman being against parties and being concerned with work and keeping morals. The Black Muslim woman has a need to be seen as the whites are: respected. This is seen when the Indian’s house is mistaken for a council house which positions them in the lowest of classes.
In addition the Muslim family are presented as working class by buying a coffee in a small cheap café and with the Muslim husband being a post man seen by his bright orange uniform. The couple are associated with tradition and faith whereas the black Indian man in the café has earphones and a leather jacket is more modern and presented as a joke, more light hearted and cheeky than the woman. This also adds to the dominant ideology of ethnic minorities sticking together, as when they do not issues occur.
Overall ethnicity is presented in a number of ways including mise en scene, camera work, editing and sound to show the differences between the white English families and Black Indian Muslims. Both creeds are related with issues: the white families have breakup and issues at home whereas the Muslim’s are loyal in family, loyal to their religion and worry about their reputation.
Ethnic stereotype is dangerous as they rely on our pre-conceived ideas. Most likely- the only contact white people have with ethnic minorities is through the media which give the audience representations in which we believe to be true, for example:
African decent stereotype-
-Gangster
-'Token Black Guy'
-Impoverished
-Criminal or victim
Asian decent-
-Intelligent
-Martial Artist
-Electronics
-Lack emotion
Latino decent-
-Uneducated
-Illegal
-Sex symbols
Arabic/middle east decent-
-Terroists/violent
-Religious
-Physically strong
-Serious
-Villains, rarely seen as heroes
African decent stereotype-
-Gangster
-'Token Black Guy'
-Impoverished
-Criminal or victim
Asian decent-
-Intelligent
-Martial Artist
-Electronics
-Lack emotion
Latino decent-
-Uneducated
-Illegal
-Sex symbols
Arabic/middle east decent-
-Terroists/violent
-Religious
-Physically strong
-Serious
-Villains, rarely seen as heroes
How ethnicity is represented in an extract of Spooks.
December 2012 answer: Ethnicity is first represented in the extract of 'Spooks' by a strong and powerful character who is an enemy and has his victims securely chained. He is wealthy as he has a formal outfit of a smart suit and is keeping his hostages in a large house. He has the power in the situation and controls his opponents. He speaks in clear English and is obviously educated by his vocabulary being clear. His ethnicity is black representing black people as a villain.
In contrast are the victims, one is an ethnic minority likewise. Yet he is sat in silence trapped and binded, which gives negative connotations of slavery in historical times. This male black victim is the one to have a knife to his throat, not the woman who is white. She seems like the more 'valuable' of the two spies as she is the one who represents the two by speaking aloud by force at the recording camera. She is portrayed as the stronger character, who is more likely to disobey her controller and threatened with death of her fellow colleague. She is viewed as more likely to have effect on her boss than the black spy.
Racism is not shown in the extract as the spies are of different creed and different gender and are allies.
Spooks shows that a man who is evil will still command an indecent and inhumane act of death upon his fellow man, even with the same ethnicity. Showing how among ethnic minorities there are good and bad, likewise with whites creating an act of equal behaviour in race relations.
In contrast are the victims, one is an ethnic minority likewise. Yet he is sat in silence trapped and binded, which gives negative connotations of slavery in historical times. This male black victim is the one to have a knife to his throat, not the woman who is white. She seems like the more 'valuable' of the two spies as she is the one who represents the two by speaking aloud by force at the recording camera. She is portrayed as the stronger character, who is more likely to disobey her controller and threatened with death of her fellow colleague. She is viewed as more likely to have effect on her boss than the black spy.
Racism is not shown in the extract as the spies are of different creed and different gender and are allies.
Spooks shows that a man who is evil will still command an indecent and inhumane act of death upon his fellow man, even with the same ethnicity. Showing how among ethnic minorities there are good and bad, likewise with whites creating an act of equal behaviour in race relations.
March 2013: Using the extract of spooks to apply my understanding of ethnicity further:
The use of camera close-ups, for example through the viewfinder, and mise en scene when showing the video camera filming the hostage girl reveals information about the genre of film and ethnicity of the characters. The use of the small tripod/camera in the spacious room reinforces our expectations of the captives. We are to assume that they are dangerous people by the way they are using ransom equipment related to the desperate criminals/insurgents and that they mean business.
The use of mise en scene in the extract juxtaposes the situation and challenges ethnicity through the location of a grand room, spacious that clearly is a place of wealth. The emptiness of the room however shows this Iraqi man intended to invade the space for his use of interrogating the spies, yet stereotypes are challenged as audiences would not believe this firstly happens in the day time and also would take place in an upper class type building. We use our pre-conceived knowledge, and in addition from the above point, that these Iraqi men are not wealthy or rich- coming from a third world country they are desperate to get their freedom through any means possible.
The use of camera close-ups, for example through the viewfinder, and mise en scene when showing the video camera filming the hostage girl reveals information about the genre of film and ethnicity of the characters. The use of the small tripod/camera in the spacious room reinforces our expectations of the captives. We are to assume that they are dangerous people by the way they are using ransom equipment related to the desperate criminals/insurgents and that they mean business.
The use of mise en scene in the extract juxtaposes the situation and challenges ethnicity through the location of a grand room, spacious that clearly is a place of wealth. The emptiness of the room however shows this Iraqi man intended to invade the space for his use of interrogating the spies, yet stereotypes are challenged as audiences would not believe this firstly happens in the day time and also would take place in an upper class type building. We use our pre-conceived knowledge, and in addition from the above point, that these Iraqi men are not wealthy or rich- coming from a third world country they are desperate to get their freedom through any means possible.
Consider the representations of reality and escapism in the video PON PON PON
>In the music video 'pon pon pon' escapism is presented through bright complementary colours and random objects, suggesting childish behaviour and creative minds. This connotes that there is no limit on the creativity of children's minds and the world is a giant playground for invention and endless enjoyment. However, this childish life must come to an end and return to reality, symbolized by the unicycle which stands by itself showing that each human must learn to be independent and support themselves.
>The quick insert shots to consumer goods imply that they are manipulating young generations to become detached from reality.
>Innocence, needs to escape real world, maybe missing attention as she acts as though the world revolves around herself due to the every turning circles edited in
>Repetition of eyes could represent seeing the world through a child's eyes and focusing on only the good
>Melting of skulls, tanks dispersing - Nuclear war in ww2
>Only way to express is through artistic effects
>In the music video 'pon pon pon' escapism is presented through bright complementary colours and random objects, suggesting childish behaviour and creative minds. This connotes that there is no limit on the creativity of children's minds and the world is a giant playground for invention and endless enjoyment. However, this childish life must come to an end and return to reality, symbolized by the unicycle which stands by itself showing that each human must learn to be independent and support themselves.
>The quick insert shots to consumer goods imply that they are manipulating young generations to become detached from reality.
>Innocence, needs to escape real world, maybe missing attention as she acts as though the world revolves around herself due to the every turning circles edited in
>Repetition of eyes could represent seeing the world through a child's eyes and focusing on only the good
>Melting of skulls, tanks dispersing - Nuclear war in ww2
>Only way to express is through artistic effects
John Lewis advert 2010
Production- Advert, longer than most adverts, one long continuous shot- decieves auience to believe this as though her life is really flowing. Not promoting one product. Smooth transcition. Always summer- pathetic falacy. No dilolouge, non diegtic music. Selling the brand, selling the lifestyle, have everything to make you happy- loyalty in brand, life long products. Sentimental song creates empathetic connection between brand and viewer promoting brand loyalty.
Audience- Every age, aimed at women in household. ABC1 demographic. females prime costomers, wealthy, middle class, relaxing song- not annoying for all ages, no minorities. White, skinny, married, able bodied- life everyone wants stereotypically.
Context- Recession, modern 21st century, idealistic life, consistent presence of John Lewis.
Text- 'Never knowingly undersold' Faithful, secure, trust them, quality, shows values.
Production- Advert, longer than most adverts, one long continuous shot- decieves auience to believe this as though her life is really flowing. Not promoting one product. Smooth transcition. Always summer- pathetic falacy. No dilolouge, non diegtic music. Selling the brand, selling the lifestyle, have everything to make you happy- loyalty in brand, life long products. Sentimental song creates empathetic connection between brand and viewer promoting brand loyalty.
Audience- Every age, aimed at women in household. ABC1 demographic. females prime costomers, wealthy, middle class, relaxing song- not annoying for all ages, no minorities. White, skinny, married, able bodied- life everyone wants stereotypically.
Context- Recession, modern 21st century, idealistic life, consistent presence of John Lewis.
Text- 'Never knowingly undersold' Faithful, secure, trust them, quality, shows values.
Formula for successful textual analysis
Production (What it is) eg, broadsheet,tabloid, advert,film. Length, purpose, production values ( lighting, cgi, mise en scene, representation)
Audience (Who it is aimed at) demographic- age, gender, ethnicity, political reference, class. Why important? How does it influence the production?
Context The situation in which we find ourselves. How this affects our interpretation of the text considered from perspectives of our existing attitudes of when the piece was produced.
Text (What text is given deliberatley) eg- headlines, tiker text, newspapers, websites, blogs, pop ups, subtitles
Subtext- reading between the lines, not obvious but there
Metatext- 1 text appears in another deliberatley
Pretext- What has gone before, assume something has happened
Production (What it is) eg, broadsheet,tabloid, advert,film. Length, purpose, production values ( lighting, cgi, mise en scene, representation)
Audience (Who it is aimed at) demographic- age, gender, ethnicity, political reference, class. Why important? How does it influence the production?
Context The situation in which we find ourselves. How this affects our interpretation of the text considered from perspectives of our existing attitudes of when the piece was produced.
Text (What text is given deliberatley) eg- headlines, tiker text, newspapers, websites, blogs, pop ups, subtitles
Subtext- reading between the lines, not obvious but there
Metatext- 1 text appears in another deliberatley
Pretext- What has gone before, assume something has happened
Three Point Lighting
Key Light: The main light, usually the strongest and has most influence on the look of a scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow, the meaning of the key light is to focus on a subject.
Fill Light: This is the secondary light which is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill shadows of the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To acheive this, you move the light further away.
Back Light: The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around th e subject's outlines. This
helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.
Key Light: The main light, usually the strongest and has most influence on the look of a scene. It is placed to one side of the camera/subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow, the meaning of the key light is to focus on a subject.
Fill Light: This is the secondary light which is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It is used to fill shadows of the key. The fill will usually be softer and less bright than the key. To acheive this, you move the light further away.
Back Light: The back light is placed behind the subject and lights it from the rear. Rather than providing direct lighting (like the key and fill), its purpose is to provide definition and subtle highlights around th e subject's outlines. This
helps separate the subject from the background and provide a three-dimensional look.
Smithy meets the England football team
Smithy the builder:
>Posh building, Smithy comments on this and talks in a posh accent
>Reinforces the dominant ideology of builders being disrespectful, lazy,dirty and rubbish spilling out of the van. Plays on the stereotypes of builders with unrealistic dreams.
>Sponging of upper classes- taking the complemantry items at the front desk
Footballers:
>Hangman shows them as unintelligent
>Plays on each's insecurities, buffers insults by using compliments- treats them as children, demeaning them
>Subverts class status as smithy is coaching the team
>Puts footballers and builders on equal intellegence level
Smithy the builder:
>Posh building, Smithy comments on this and talks in a posh accent
>Reinforces the dominant ideology of builders being disrespectful, lazy,dirty and rubbish spilling out of the van. Plays on the stereotypes of builders with unrealistic dreams.
>Sponging of upper classes- taking the complemantry items at the front desk
Footballers:
>Hangman shows them as unintelligent
>Plays on each's insecurities, buffers insults by using compliments- treats them as children, demeaning them
>Subverts class status as smithy is coaching the team
>Puts footballers and builders on equal intellegence level
The Joker's pencil trick and mob scene
The majority of the characters who are black take charge when the Joker walks in laughing, yet the Joker, who is white takes this power and becomes dominant over the men. He shows his power by injuring a black hench man with a simple object of a pencil but does not take any physical alteration with the black leader, as he needs some of these men as allies. The suits the men are wearing show superficial power and high power jobs. The criminals have stereotypical nationalities with Asian, Eastern European, black and white.
The joker live sup to his title by ignoring threats and treating everything as a joke. He is the only individual the rest have cronies and backup as they are a mob. Costume is used to highlight this individuality as he wears colour: purple, greens, red and paint to mask his face and identity which helps to add to his character as an enigma. The fact that the Joker has grenades hidden under this comical outfit, strapped to him, portrays the Joker as an unstable character and also used as a source of power over the other characters.
Violence is used throughout the clip with the characters reacting in different ways such as shock, fear, indifference or in the Jokers case: hysteria of laughter highlighting how he is insensitive to violence. The gunshot used in the beginning of the clip is only used to stop the talking, criminals seem indifference showing that violence is a common place in their world, similarly to their reaction to the pencil trick.
Non-diegetic sound adds tension to the extract. The ticking of the grenades is subtly placed in the background and only fully brought to attention as a main focus when the other characters notice the source. It symbolises the idea of time running out and there is ever present danger.
The joker live sup to his title by ignoring threats and treating everything as a joke. He is the only individual the rest have cronies and backup as they are a mob. Costume is used to highlight this individuality as he wears colour: purple, greens, red and paint to mask his face and identity which helps to add to his character as an enigma. The fact that the Joker has grenades hidden under this comical outfit, strapped to him, portrays the Joker as an unstable character and also used as a source of power over the other characters.
Violence is used throughout the clip with the characters reacting in different ways such as shock, fear, indifference or in the Jokers case: hysteria of laughter highlighting how he is insensitive to violence. The gunshot used in the beginning of the clip is only used to stop the talking, criminals seem indifference showing that violence is a common place in their world, similarly to their reaction to the pencil trick.
Non-diegetic sound adds tension to the extract. The ticking of the grenades is subtly placed in the background and only fully brought to attention as a main focus when the other characters notice the source. It symbolises the idea of time running out and there is ever present danger.
How does the brand look to a positive association with its representation of youth to promote itself to its target audience?
Adidas-
>Graffiti, skating, urban, house party with glitter, dancing, drinking and sex appeal which appeals to what teens think is fun
>All wearing Adidas
>Celebritys: Beckham, Missy Elliot, Akon, Dynamo & Katy Perry this endorses wearing Adidas as they are seen as icons and role models to aspire to. The edgy celebrities here are top of their league, best of their skill.
>The tag line 'creating originality' is ironic as they want everyone to wear it yet appeals to youth as every teen wants to be unique and original
>The representation of youth in the advert is fun, quirky and edgy with the latest brand of clothing and celebrity friends to inspire the target audience of 18 to 21 to be like these people who are living every teenagers dream.
>Music helps young people to relate to.
Adidas-
>Graffiti, skating, urban, house party with glitter, dancing, drinking and sex appeal which appeals to what teens think is fun
>All wearing Adidas
>Celebritys: Beckham, Missy Elliot, Akon, Dynamo & Katy Perry this endorses wearing Adidas as they are seen as icons and role models to aspire to. The edgy celebrities here are top of their league, best of their skill.
>The tag line 'creating originality' is ironic as they want everyone to wear it yet appeals to youth as every teen wants to be unique and original
>The representation of youth in the advert is fun, quirky and edgy with the latest brand of clothing and celebrity friends to inspire the target audience of 18 to 21 to be like these people who are living every teenagers dream.
>Music helps young people to relate to.
Eastenders clip, Death of Pauline Fowler
Representation of age: Old: slow, vulnerable in the cold, sighing, shaking so weak, pet as only companion showing lonliness, and a possible rift in the family as not together at christmas.
Young: drinking, flirting, tart
Barrier between young and old: old are concerned whilst young play freely
Representation of Family:
Stacy, young tart is breaking a family up through an affair
Sonya, young who is trying to bring a family together
Pauline leaves family, mother is a strong role in the family unit as her son yells 'mum' to try to gain her attention and wake her from death
Women are dependent on men- stacy-max, dot calling for Pauline's son
Pub is warm and colourful whereas outside is cold and dark
Representation of age: Old: slow, vulnerable in the cold, sighing, shaking so weak, pet as only companion showing lonliness, and a possible rift in the family as not together at christmas.
Young: drinking, flirting, tart
Barrier between young and old: old are concerned whilst young play freely
Representation of Family:
Stacy, young tart is breaking a family up through an affair
Sonya, young who is trying to bring a family together
Pauline leaves family, mother is a strong role in the family unit as her son yells 'mum' to try to gain her attention and wake her from death
Women are dependent on men- stacy-max, dot calling for Pauline's son
Pub is warm and colourful whereas outside is cold and dark
Comparing two opening titles
Csi - crime thriller, forensic scieneBinocular filter over screen to enhance spying
Loud non-diegetic music, screaming note at the beginning then beating pulse, rock, modern to keep it cutting edge. Bullets Infra-red screen shot Speed boat- gadgets money, fingerprints Police car shows crime Character previews- sunglasses is maverik: Doesnt follow rules |
Waking the deadAlien, out worldly non-diegtic music
Magnifying glass to make the titles clear, deceived to enlightened Reflection of the names in liquid: chemicals. Reminds us of a lab. Flashing font, bold, red blood colours Old fashioned lines on screen, retro. Pulsating effect mystery: no characters Distinctive colours of Earth, rustic- yellow, reds, browns. |
In CSI Miami a range of technical equipment is used to help the audience understand function and purpose. The opening credits use a variety of details to establish the genre of a crime thriller. For example, the non-diegetic sound of upbeat rock music makes forensic science seem modern. The music also links to character previews, a man puts his sunglasses on suggesting a maverick personality whereas in Waking the Dead there are no characters in the shots connoting a narrative focus creating mystery. The music has a pulsating beat, which can be linked to a heart beat implying how the story line could be tense causing the audience to be on edge it also contrasts to the title as the dead do not have a heart beat. In waking the dead the use of flowing liquid in a bottle swishing around can be linked to chemicals the team might use to solve a crime with the reflected names signifying what and who they study and discover.
Macro: larger- narrative, genre and represntation
Micro: smaller- sound, editing, camera angles, movement, mise en scene.
Micro: smaller- sound, editing, camera angles, movement, mise en scene.
The hustle
The first two women in the extract are both example of gender ideologies that are challenged and reinforced. There is a low angle shot of the first woman in the scene reinforcing her significance to the narrative and inability to afford the dress. She is represented as a trophy wife and an airhead made up to be professional. There is a high to low pan on the poor women, making her look inferior to the pan up on the rich woman.
The audience uses their pre-conceived ideas of the actor David Walliams of a gay man: pink ties, running, clapping when she loves the dress. These contrast to the formal men drinking whiskey.
In the extract there is a cut to a different scenario where there are two men drinking whiskey in a men's club or private bar, there is an older man who is dressed more smartly in a suit whereas his companion is less formal in a black jacket whom is smoking and not making much eye contact. This connotes that they are possibly on business terms, wealthy and especially the older man- upper class. The masculinity of the situation is seen through the stereotypical male activity of drinking whiskey, this is reinforced by the lack of women in the bar creating a male dominant environment. Also, the director uses a mid-shot/ reverse shot of the men which is framed by the the young man's cigarette smoke which connotes the shady dealings of men in clubs. This is further reinforced by by the non-diegetic jazz music which could imply the situation is similar to that of 1920s gangster dealing. Showing how men are portrayed as wealthy yet involved with plans and deals. Furthermore, this is followed by a swoosh transition which generates energy showing the men will carry out their plans.
The audience uses their pre-conceived ideas of the actor David Walliams of a gay man: pink ties, running, clapping when she loves the dress. These contrast to the formal men drinking whiskey.
In the extract there is a cut to a different scenario where there are two men drinking whiskey in a men's club or private bar, there is an older man who is dressed more smartly in a suit whereas his companion is less formal in a black jacket whom is smoking and not making much eye contact. This connotes that they are possibly on business terms, wealthy and especially the older man- upper class. The masculinity of the situation is seen through the stereotypical male activity of drinking whiskey, this is reinforced by the lack of women in the bar creating a male dominant environment. Also, the director uses a mid-shot/ reverse shot of the men which is framed by the the young man's cigarette smoke which connotes the shady dealings of men in clubs. This is further reinforced by by the non-diegetic jazz music which could imply the situation is similar to that of 1920s gangster dealing. Showing how men are portrayed as wealthy yet involved with plans and deals. Furthermore, this is followed by a swoosh transition which generates energy showing the men will carry out their plans.
Applying MISE EN SCENE effectively- How does mise en scene reinforce and challenge expectations of the audience, focusing on gender.
In the extract of Kill Bill, costume as part of mise en scene plays a big part in challenging and reinforcing audience expectations. For example, Gogo's character is dressed in typically feminine and innocent clothing highlighted most effectively by her knee high socks. The assumption that Gogo is a classical portrayal of a Japanese girl is reinforced by her school girl outfit which stereotypes her. However, from my understanding of Japanese art, girl characters often challenge the idea of classical femininity and are actively aggressors.
The setting as part of mise en scene in the extract challenges expectations of the audience by the white door screens in the background, the colour white represents cleanliness and purity, even a place of worship. With the dining are and chopsticks below showing a sophisticated place of civilized manner. This juxtaposes the situation of violence and revenge, causing the women to seem out of place. However, the oriental art reinforces the women being aggressive as it shows they are in an ethnic country where martial arts is a stereotypically skilled practice.
In the extract of Kill Bill, costume as part of mise en scene plays a big part in challenging and reinforcing audience expectations. For example, Gogo's character is dressed in typically feminine and innocent clothing highlighted most effectively by her knee high socks. The assumption that Gogo is a classical portrayal of a Japanese girl is reinforced by her school girl outfit which stereotypes her. However, from my understanding of Japanese art, girl characters often challenge the idea of classical femininity and are actively aggressors.
The setting as part of mise en scene in the extract challenges expectations of the audience by the white door screens in the background, the colour white represents cleanliness and purity, even a place of worship. With the dining are and chopsticks below showing a sophisticated place of civilized manner. This juxtaposes the situation of violence and revenge, causing the women to seem out of place. However, the oriental art reinforces the women being aggressive as it shows they are in an ethnic country where martial arts is a stereotypically skilled practice.
Notes on the animated film- The Lion King
Mise en scene- location on the savanna, sun rises parallel symbol of birth: life
Editing- Animated film
Sound- All non-diegetic African music
Representation- Hero: Simba is a stereotypical child who is vulnerable and childlike. He has a good relationship with his father mufasa. Mufasa is masculine, dominant in the pact and has great responsibility for his son and the animals. He is the first lion we hear roar and takes control linking to the stereotypical view of lions being king of the jungle.
Villain: Scar has black hair, trying to eat a mouse, has a scar across his ear, sharp claws causing a horrible screech sound, purple eye bags- bad influence, wants to be king. Scar is seen in shadow until he tempts Simba to the elephant graveyard showing how his idea was dark and dangerous.
Helper: Rafiki is a mystical character, wise old baboon and believes in religion.
Mise en scene- location on the savanna, sun rises parallel symbol of birth: life
Editing- Animated film
Sound- All non-diegetic African music
Representation- Hero: Simba is a stereotypical child who is vulnerable and childlike. He has a good relationship with his father mufasa. Mufasa is masculine, dominant in the pact and has great responsibility for his son and the animals. He is the first lion we hear roar and takes control linking to the stereotypical view of lions being king of the jungle.
Villain: Scar has black hair, trying to eat a mouse, has a scar across his ear, sharp claws causing a horrible screech sound, purple eye bags- bad influence, wants to be king. Scar is seen in shadow until he tempts Simba to the elephant graveyard showing how his idea was dark and dangerous.
Helper: Rafiki is a mystical character, wise old baboon and believes in religion.
Representation
Representation of a group, person, place or time can be an altered view depending on its origin, eg; if the writer is racist
Representation plays on our preconcieved ideas and can either challenge or confirm them. We are most likely to be influenced by representation if we have never previously been exposed to that which is being represented. This delves into audience theory: The hyperdermic needle. A mode where by we ingest and believe what we receive from media sources.
Representation can reinforce negative preconceptions through racist remarks and stereotyping. eg; Chinese as strongly accented, dropping their 'r's, being extremely smart and involved in the criminal underworld.
Representation plays on our preconcieved ideas and can either challenge or confirm them. We are most likely to be influenced by representation if we have never previously been exposed to that which is being represented. This delves into audience theory: The hyperdermic needle. A mode where by we ingest and believe what we receive from media sources.
Representation can reinforce negative preconceptions through racist remarks and stereotyping. eg; Chinese as strongly accented, dropping their 'r's, being extremely smart and involved in the criminal underworld.
The Male Gaze Theory
Laura Mulvey coined the term 'Male Gaze' in 1975. She believes that in film, audiences have to view characters from the perspective of a heterosexual male. It portrays women to the status of objects by which in a Transformers clip, the camera lingers on the curves of the female. In the Charlie's Angels trailer we see shots of women in bikinis, strip clubs, provocative clothing and the women saying innuendos which add to this sexualisation. However this Male Gaze has been turned around to female empowerment by fighting, driving, guns and a role reversal rescuer. Yet the 3 girls are working for a man, indicating possession by his 'Charlie's'.
Analysing an A grade answer from an extract of Primevil.
1) Sterotypes of gender:
Women: blonde, dumb, ditzy and work at home.
Men: masculine, dominant, professional jobs, independant.
2)Good comments from A grade answer:
'She is portrayed as a strong and feisty female, this is evident in the shots where she is operating a mechanical machine, with much skill and efficiency also.' -shows the stereo type, with evidence.
'Also the wide shot of her running after the man being chased reinstates this point again, as the man, who stereotypically is supposed to be strong and courageous is in fact running and being chased, this is a contrast to the women who is running through the forest with a gun to help him for a second time' - Reinstates the fact that the woman is saving the mans life, rather than the stereotypically reverse.
'The fact that he also uses his belt on the zip wire again shows his brains over brawn. The mise-en-scene of his clothes convey a more stereotypical view of the man, they are neutral and earthy colours and are dirty and strained, this helps paint more of a picture of a mans man, or someone who is not afraid of getting their hands dirty.' -Mise en scene being reffered to
'The man who is wearing pink attire is portrayed as more of a pretty boy, lover not a fighter, the pink colour is more common to girls, women therefore gives him an air of effeminacy.' -Refers to colours more feminine than others such as pink and how it portrays the man as a 'lover'
'The lady who is talking to the gentleman who breeds dogs is portrayed as a pristine, more of a stereotypical view of a lady. This is conveyed through the sequence “My Best Coat”! This provides a clear insight into her personality.' -Could have inferred more of what her personality suggests, but the way the student has used a quote is appropriate and backs her point up.
The student has covered different stereotypes of gender and used evidence to enchance the point.
3) Improvements for my analysis
>Comment on the location
>More on camera angles and how they influence the role of gender
>More on the surround sound and how it effects the atmosphere and gender.
1) Sterotypes of gender:
Women: blonde, dumb, ditzy and work at home.
Men: masculine, dominant, professional jobs, independant.
2)Good comments from A grade answer:
'She is portrayed as a strong and feisty female, this is evident in the shots where she is operating a mechanical machine, with much skill and efficiency also.' -shows the stereo type, with evidence.
'Also the wide shot of her running after the man being chased reinstates this point again, as the man, who stereotypically is supposed to be strong and courageous is in fact running and being chased, this is a contrast to the women who is running through the forest with a gun to help him for a second time' - Reinstates the fact that the woman is saving the mans life, rather than the stereotypically reverse.
'The fact that he also uses his belt on the zip wire again shows his brains over brawn. The mise-en-scene of his clothes convey a more stereotypical view of the man, they are neutral and earthy colours and are dirty and strained, this helps paint more of a picture of a mans man, or someone who is not afraid of getting their hands dirty.' -Mise en scene being reffered to
'The man who is wearing pink attire is portrayed as more of a pretty boy, lover not a fighter, the pink colour is more common to girls, women therefore gives him an air of effeminacy.' -Refers to colours more feminine than others such as pink and how it portrays the man as a 'lover'
'The lady who is talking to the gentleman who breeds dogs is portrayed as a pristine, more of a stereotypical view of a lady. This is conveyed through the sequence “My Best Coat”! This provides a clear insight into her personality.' -Could have inferred more of what her personality suggests, but the way the student has used a quote is appropriate and backs her point up.
The student has covered different stereotypes of gender and used evidence to enchance the point.
3) Improvements for my analysis
>Comment on the location
>More on camera angles and how they influence the role of gender
>More on the surround sound and how it effects the atmosphere and gender.
Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of gender using the following: Camera angles, Editing, Sound and Mise en Scene.
In the scene from Primevil gender is represented by a selection of factors including Camera angles, Editing, Sound and Mise en Scene.
Firstly, the stereotype between men and women contrast widely: men are viewed as strong, powerful and independent characters whereas women usually portrayed as the weaker gender, ditsy and less smart who are dependent on others.
Primevil contrasts this stereotypical view by the use of high camera angles. This is first obvious when the male actor jumps into a ditch to attempt to avoid danger from the attacking creature and also when he attaches the zip wire. As the camera points down on him, his masculinity decreases from trying to save the day and become Propp’s hero but becomes the weak, helpless subject. On the other hand, he is seen as a wise character, when in struggle on the zip wire, a quick cutaway shot is used to focus on his belt. This shows intelligence by use of a simple gadget and equipment to get him through a sticky situation, representing men as clever and alert. There is eyeline match throughout the extract in which gives the audience a point of view from what the character is looking at, giving an equal status to both genders.
There are three types of women portrayed in the extract. First a wanna-be independent woman, then a hands-on, masculine woman and finally a business, upper class woman. Each portrayed differently by different elements: the editing of the business woman for example is threatened, as the
effect of slow motion is used, showing how little time she has to act as the camera focuses on the snarling, barking dogs and armed farmer who is pointing a gun at her. This is unlike the man in the first shot who reacts quick by using a belt, the woman is seen as defenceless and vulnerable by the slow motion whereas the man’s escape was quick crosscuts.
The main diegetic sounds used is the difference in the 3 women’s situations. The first of a car bang, showing how stubborn and angry she is, compared to the second of strong shouts ‘OI!’ to the screams and posh accent of the last woman. Each of these sounds construct a representation of the differences in the same gender and how their personalities differ: masculine contrasting with the stereotypical view of the screaming exposed woman.
The Mise en Scene is crucial in constructing the representation of gender in the extract. For example, the ‘hands-on’ woman has blonde hair- so we first expect a ditzy girly girl character and yet she is very much unlike this. She is in the location of the woods, controlling a tractor showing how she is
adventurous and not scared to get her fingers dirty, or typically break a nail. Adding to this is the leather biker jacket in which is usually associated with hardcore rowdy motor bike riding men. Also the fact that she runs into shot with a gun portraying a strong, dependant and fearless character, unlike the man who appears to be brave by leading the creature astray showing the stereotypical view of strength and yet he is the one who lands himself in trouble and the girl saving him. This shows how representation of gender is challenged from its typical view through Mise en Scene.
The business woman is dressed in a smart long pure white coat, with a tight bun, black dressand lipstick. She is pictured as a posh upper class self obsessed woman, especially after being threatened by a gun and rudely saying ‘ruined my best coat’. The Mise en Scene here depicts the stereotype of weak and helpless, on the floor who is saved by the male hero who takes hold of the situation, creating control and creating a vision of men being tough and powerful.
On the contrary, there is a feminine man who is dressed in a pink top, black waistcoat, top hat and scarf with arm-warming accessories. This is an opposite sight to the typical big buff and proud male figure. This quirky character runs when called and yet is still viewed as wise, as he answers intelligent questions in decision making.
Overall, all these factors construct the representation of gender by breaking the stereotypical view yet enforcing it in places throughout the extract, creating a mixed representation through different characters with contrasting personalities.
In the scene from Primevil gender is represented by a selection of factors including Camera angles, Editing, Sound and Mise en Scene.
Firstly, the stereotype between men and women contrast widely: men are viewed as strong, powerful and independent characters whereas women usually portrayed as the weaker gender, ditsy and less smart who are dependent on others.
Primevil contrasts this stereotypical view by the use of high camera angles. This is first obvious when the male actor jumps into a ditch to attempt to avoid danger from the attacking creature and also when he attaches the zip wire. As the camera points down on him, his masculinity decreases from trying to save the day and become Propp’s hero but becomes the weak, helpless subject. On the other hand, he is seen as a wise character, when in struggle on the zip wire, a quick cutaway shot is used to focus on his belt. This shows intelligence by use of a simple gadget and equipment to get him through a sticky situation, representing men as clever and alert. There is eyeline match throughout the extract in which gives the audience a point of view from what the character is looking at, giving an equal status to both genders.
There are three types of women portrayed in the extract. First a wanna-be independent woman, then a hands-on, masculine woman and finally a business, upper class woman. Each portrayed differently by different elements: the editing of the business woman for example is threatened, as the
effect of slow motion is used, showing how little time she has to act as the camera focuses on the snarling, barking dogs and armed farmer who is pointing a gun at her. This is unlike the man in the first shot who reacts quick by using a belt, the woman is seen as defenceless and vulnerable by the slow motion whereas the man’s escape was quick crosscuts.
The main diegetic sounds used is the difference in the 3 women’s situations. The first of a car bang, showing how stubborn and angry she is, compared to the second of strong shouts ‘OI!’ to the screams and posh accent of the last woman. Each of these sounds construct a representation of the differences in the same gender and how their personalities differ: masculine contrasting with the stereotypical view of the screaming exposed woman.
The Mise en Scene is crucial in constructing the representation of gender in the extract. For example, the ‘hands-on’ woman has blonde hair- so we first expect a ditzy girly girl character and yet she is very much unlike this. She is in the location of the woods, controlling a tractor showing how she is
adventurous and not scared to get her fingers dirty, or typically break a nail. Adding to this is the leather biker jacket in which is usually associated with hardcore rowdy motor bike riding men. Also the fact that she runs into shot with a gun portraying a strong, dependant and fearless character, unlike the man who appears to be brave by leading the creature astray showing the stereotypical view of strength and yet he is the one who lands himself in trouble and the girl saving him. This shows how representation of gender is challenged from its typical view through Mise en Scene.
The business woman is dressed in a smart long pure white coat, with a tight bun, black dressand lipstick. She is pictured as a posh upper class self obsessed woman, especially after being threatened by a gun and rudely saying ‘ruined my best coat’. The Mise en Scene here depicts the stereotype of weak and helpless, on the floor who is saved by the male hero who takes hold of the situation, creating control and creating a vision of men being tough and powerful.
On the contrary, there is a feminine man who is dressed in a pink top, black waistcoat, top hat and scarf with arm-warming accessories. This is an opposite sight to the typical big buff and proud male figure. This quirky character runs when called and yet is still viewed as wise, as he answers intelligent questions in decision making.
Overall, all these factors construct the representation of gender by breaking the stereotypical view yet enforcing it in places throughout the extract, creating a mixed representation through different characters with contrasting personalities.
Effects of camera movements and editing
Shot reverse shot can be used to reinforce relationships- sometimes by exaggerating opposition
Jump cuts can connote disorder
Eyeline match can provide insight to a character's private thoughts
Pace of editing can imply character qualitys eg; fast pace suggests energy
Crescendo implies a build up of power or emotion
Jump cuts can connote disorder
Eyeline match can provide insight to a character's private thoughts
Pace of editing can imply character qualitys eg; fast pace suggests energy
Crescendo implies a build up of power or emotion
Editing
Editing is influenced by the camera shots, for example
Establishing/re establishing shot (sets the scene)
180 degree rule (sticking to one side so it feels natural)
Match on action (both sides of action. A scene with more than one camera angle)
Cutaway shots (shot of an object,person,location. Not part of main scene but has relevance)
Eyeline match (point of view of what the character is looking at)
Shot/ reverse shot structures (over the shoulder)
Insert shots (close up designed to draw attention to something that was only part of a previous shot. Eg flashback or other side of story like in the dark night when the joker is talking about his kidnapping)
All these determine the cross cuts and transitions. The main type of transitions include THE CUT, it is not distracting, not as noticeable, less tacky and instant. Also, THE DISSOLVE, THE FADE and occasionally THE WIPE.
Sound
Parallel sound describes the condition where audio and visual effects match, in tone and mood. For example, casualty
Contrapuntal sound occurs when the music and visual elements play against each other, and are in contrast.
Sound Effects: In action films we expect to hear explosions, gun fire, screeching of tires, beeping of heart monitors etc
Non Diegetic sound: This is sound that is added in that the audience can't see, for example the voice over in documentaries which puts the audience in a more privileged view by knowing more than the people on screen, music, canned laughter- generic convention of a comedy and points the audience towards the humour in the narrative.
Diegetic Sound: This is the sound the audience sees, for example people speaking.
Editing is influenced by the camera shots, for example
Establishing/re establishing shot (sets the scene)
180 degree rule (sticking to one side so it feels natural)
Match on action (both sides of action. A scene with more than one camera angle)
Cutaway shots (shot of an object,person,location. Not part of main scene but has relevance)
Eyeline match (point of view of what the character is looking at)
Shot/ reverse shot structures (over the shoulder)
Insert shots (close up designed to draw attention to something that was only part of a previous shot. Eg flashback or other side of story like in the dark night when the joker is talking about his kidnapping)
All these determine the cross cuts and transitions. The main type of transitions include THE CUT, it is not distracting, not as noticeable, less tacky and instant. Also, THE DISSOLVE, THE FADE and occasionally THE WIPE.
Sound
Parallel sound describes the condition where audio and visual effects match, in tone and mood. For example, casualty
Contrapuntal sound occurs when the music and visual elements play against each other, and are in contrast.
Sound Effects: In action films we expect to hear explosions, gun fire, screeching of tires, beeping of heart monitors etc
Non Diegetic sound: This is sound that is added in that the audience can't see, for example the voice over in documentaries which puts the audience in a more privileged view by knowing more than the people on screen, music, canned laughter- generic convention of a comedy and points the audience towards the humour in the narrative.
Diegetic Sound: This is the sound the audience sees, for example people speaking.
Ideology
In misfits the opening credits begin to establish the genre by providing creative images with computer generated effects which give the audience a clue to the programmes function and purpose. The opening credits use a variety of details to convey a genre of a science fiction comedy-drama, for example the five cartoon characters suggest the unrealistic circumstances showing the science fiction. Cartoons are seen as a childish drawing therefore creating comedy by the shapes of the characters, with silhouettes of big hooped earrings of the girls and outline of big bushy hair of the character Nathan. In addition to this, the punk music reflects the characters maverick personalities, which cause drama. The lyrics also portrays their situation 'people turning' as everyone hit by the storm (also noticeable by the white flash in the opening) get superpowers. Furthermore, as the real life images of the characters appear one by one on the screen, the editing conveys these powers, again adding to the science fiction of the drama. For example, Cutis' shadow runs backwards to show how he can travel back in time. The ideology also used in misfits is the font. The name of the drama is in a big,black,bold font, obvious against the grey graffitied wall being splattered in what appears to be blood, but in black and white. This relates to the action in the drama as the characters end up killing people to save the community. This shows there is horror and gore used with also the red flashes throughout the opening credits, suggesting to the audience there will be violence.
Se7en
Based on the audio codes in the opening sequence of Se7en, i would have thought this film to be a crime or thriller. There was a loud bang at the start which turned into a rhythm of tinging. Also what sounded like breathing noises, electronic sounds and radio faults. The creepy music created a tense atmosphere too. From the audio of Se7en, i believed on screen was gadgets, and a pan of a setting- for example a city which became more apparent when hearing the police sirens at the end. Also might include a crime scene and odd character- the voices at the end of the clip suggested a mysterious and strange person. However, watching it with the footage was not what i expected. There are the turning of pages of books with odd pictures and even a man sewing these pages together. Also was a sharp metal object and long needle as well as disturbing pictures. However i did agree that maybe a crime scene was involved, in which i now know the film is based on two detectives. This shows how important the audio is as watching together brings a creepy, odd atmosphere with a sense of mystery.
Mise en Scene: Thriller
Shutter Island Opening Scene
The mise en scene is effective in the opening scene of 'Shutter Island' as we first hear what sounds like a horn from the white boat which appears out of the sea mist. This instantly gives a feeling of solidarity and exclusion from the modern world. We also see a remote island surrounded by the sea's fierce waters with no other island around. The characters are dressed in what appears to be authoritative long coats, addressing the two men's high status. As the scene continues we see high buildings with many windows and then barbed wired gates, which reveals '3 units', this isolation and separation creates a feel of being trapped with no escape with also a tension in the community, especially when the two men are asked to hand over their weapons making the audience feel unsafe and unprepared about what events are to unfold. Adding to the suspense is the mystery of the area with an edge of danger by the armed guards which contrast to the innocent, ill looking people held by chains. A shot of an old, battered woman, balding in handcuffs shows imprisonment. This is the first sign of a mental institution as the Marshal reveals these are the unwanted and 'most dangerous', the viewer can tell she is not in the right state of mind as her dark, wide, staring eyes stay unblinking as she raises a frail finger to her cold lips whispering ''shh''. This gives a creepy, unnatural feel of fear by simply an old, stereotypical kind old woman seen in a completely different light giving off a vibe telling the audience to want the characters to stay away. The mise en scene also includes the clean actors in lab coats giving the impression of hospitality yet experimentation also the viewers feel threatened as one of the men mentions an escape. Adding to this is the close ups of a buzzer, red light, authoritive passes and paintings of executions creating a thriller-type feel of what worrying danger the two men are in as the last words of the scene are 'beaten'.
The mise en scene is effective in the opening scene of 'Shutter Island' as we first hear what sounds like a horn from the white boat which appears out of the sea mist. This instantly gives a feeling of solidarity and exclusion from the modern world. We also see a remote island surrounded by the sea's fierce waters with no other island around. The characters are dressed in what appears to be authoritative long coats, addressing the two men's high status. As the scene continues we see high buildings with many windows and then barbed wired gates, which reveals '3 units', this isolation and separation creates a feel of being trapped with no escape with also a tension in the community, especially when the two men are asked to hand over their weapons making the audience feel unsafe and unprepared about what events are to unfold. Adding to the suspense is the mystery of the area with an edge of danger by the armed guards which contrast to the innocent, ill looking people held by chains. A shot of an old, battered woman, balding in handcuffs shows imprisonment. This is the first sign of a mental institution as the Marshal reveals these are the unwanted and 'most dangerous', the viewer can tell she is not in the right state of mind as her dark, wide, staring eyes stay unblinking as she raises a frail finger to her cold lips whispering ''shh''. This gives a creepy, unnatural feel of fear by simply an old, stereotypical kind old woman seen in a completely different light giving off a vibe telling the audience to want the characters to stay away. The mise en scene also includes the clean actors in lab coats giving the impression of hospitality yet experimentation also the viewers feel threatened as one of the men mentions an escape. Adding to this is the close ups of a buzzer, red light, authoritive passes and paintings of executions creating a thriller-type feel of what worrying danger the two men are in as the last words of the scene are 'beaten'.
Horror:
The Woman in Black Opening Scene
The mise en scene in the opening of The Woman in Black firstly shows a close-up and focus of the prop of a children's tea set, with the actions of pretend tea being poured into a cup, there is a soft musical piece showing the innocence of the scene as also the next shot is of a doll in the foreground and girl in the background, out of focus giving the doll some tea. The same shot yet of a different doll is repeated. As the music gets louder we see 3 young girls smiling and playing in an old fashioned Victorian style room. We see this from the large pram in the left corner as well as the patterned rug and furniture of a washing basin. The girls are all wearing pale floaty dresses with little bows in their hair, interacting with one another by passing tea cups and brushing a china dolls hair. However the playful atmosphere ends as the music becomes more haunting and the girls, in canon, look towards the left corner of a wide shot angle, out of the audiences view, this creates tension as the viewers do not know what the girls are suddenly fascinated by. The lighting seems to be coming from a triple wooden paneled window in the center of the background causing a dull, cloudy type weather light. There is then a stillness in which all 3 actors hold their position only to then change their head direction to face the windows in unison. They all stand, and we see their smart black shoes as they slowly crush, stamp and destroy their toys of a teacup, dolls head and pots seemingly unaware of their destruction they travel slowly to the window. All three are then visible through the middle window as if framed, their facial expressions neutral but as if determined. The girls all step up to face the window so each fit through one, the rest of the room is now in shadow. Each open their chosen window and in the close-up we see the curly handle, reminding us this is set not in modern times. The synchronized movements are broken when the middle girl leads the step to their deaths but then continue as all jump together into a fog of bright white light to be continued as the screams of their mother echo the sudden traumatic moment. Then, a close-up of the china doll, which we see has wide blue eyes and battered scars reflect a childish fear to end on a wide angle shot of the pale lit room as a zoom out reveals a silhouette of an unfocused woman, in complete blackness. The mise en scene of this is very effective, creating tension by use of simple unison of blocking, building the fear by music and lastly destruction, to end on an unexpected, sudden final.
The mise en scene in the opening of The Woman in Black firstly shows a close-up and focus of the prop of a children's tea set, with the actions of pretend tea being poured into a cup, there is a soft musical piece showing the innocence of the scene as also the next shot is of a doll in the foreground and girl in the background, out of focus giving the doll some tea. The same shot yet of a different doll is repeated. As the music gets louder we see 3 young girls smiling and playing in an old fashioned Victorian style room. We see this from the large pram in the left corner as well as the patterned rug and furniture of a washing basin. The girls are all wearing pale floaty dresses with little bows in their hair, interacting with one another by passing tea cups and brushing a china dolls hair. However the playful atmosphere ends as the music becomes more haunting and the girls, in canon, look towards the left corner of a wide shot angle, out of the audiences view, this creates tension as the viewers do not know what the girls are suddenly fascinated by. The lighting seems to be coming from a triple wooden paneled window in the center of the background causing a dull, cloudy type weather light. There is then a stillness in which all 3 actors hold their position only to then change their head direction to face the windows in unison. They all stand, and we see their smart black shoes as they slowly crush, stamp and destroy their toys of a teacup, dolls head and pots seemingly unaware of their destruction they travel slowly to the window. All three are then visible through the middle window as if framed, their facial expressions neutral but as if determined. The girls all step up to face the window so each fit through one, the rest of the room is now in shadow. Each open their chosen window and in the close-up we see the curly handle, reminding us this is set not in modern times. The synchronized movements are broken when the middle girl leads the step to their deaths but then continue as all jump together into a fog of bright white light to be continued as the screams of their mother echo the sudden traumatic moment. Then, a close-up of the china doll, which we see has wide blue eyes and battered scars reflect a childish fear to end on a wide angle shot of the pale lit room as a zoom out reveals a silhouette of an unfocused woman, in complete blackness. The mise en scene of this is very effective, creating tension by use of simple unison of blocking, building the fear by music and lastly destruction, to end on an unexpected, sudden final.
Propp's Character Theory
Propp has a theory that in every film there is a Villian, doner, magical helper, princess and father, dispatcher, hero and false hero.
Propp has a theory that in every film there is a Villian, doner, magical helper, princess and father, dispatcher, hero and false hero.
Iconography
Battlefield- The Faultline
genre: action, first-person shooter, war, modern war
Iconography:dramatic bangs, shudders, army uniform, dark locations, plane noises, guns, eery quiet with dog barks and shouts, things on fire, tense music, blood marks on screen, loud firing from gun shots, cars, swearing, flashing credits, third world, palm trees, shaky camera as if point of view, bullet ridden walls, inteference, edgy as if broken, font as if a war log, drained colour.
Grand Theft Auto
genre: crime, shoot 'em up
Iconography: block colours, palm trees, motorbikes, clubs, fights, technology, big men, hookers, funky upbeat music that is opposite of gangster theme, partys, car swerves, police noises, guns, hawain skirts, pink writing- casual.
Iconography is how the props, background and costumes help the audience understand the genre and raise an audience's expectations, for example in Grand Theft Auto the use of hawain skirts add a laid back feel to their gangster lifestyle. The use of car swerves, police noises, guns and clubs help portray the genre of crime and shoot 'em up.
genre: action, first-person shooter, war, modern war
Iconography:dramatic bangs, shudders, army uniform, dark locations, plane noises, guns, eery quiet with dog barks and shouts, things on fire, tense music, blood marks on screen, loud firing from gun shots, cars, swearing, flashing credits, third world, palm trees, shaky camera as if point of view, bullet ridden walls, inteference, edgy as if broken, font as if a war log, drained colour.
Grand Theft Auto
genre: crime, shoot 'em up
Iconography: block colours, palm trees, motorbikes, clubs, fights, technology, big men, hookers, funky upbeat music that is opposite of gangster theme, partys, car swerves, police noises, guns, hawain skirts, pink writing- casual.
Iconography is how the props, background and costumes help the audience understand the genre and raise an audience's expectations, for example in Grand Theft Auto the use of hawain skirts add a laid back feel to their gangster lifestyle. The use of car swerves, police noises, guns and clubs help portray the genre of crime and shoot 'em up.
Typical Thriller:
Location: city, town, events, mental home
Characters: detectives, cops, ordinary people,- love interest, a child
Style, visual and aural: bangs, knocks, flickering lights, whispers
Significant objects: ouiji board, religious symbols, fire
Typical narratives: haunted house, unseen spooks
Themes: action, revenge, psychological
A thriller is a thought provoking, often psychological adventure where twists in plot and misdirection are common place. A thriller hooks the audience in the first five minutes, usually has atmospheric music, tension and edgy.
Silence of the Lambs Opening scene: The camera follows her, running, jerky shots. The music is tense as if something is bound to happen or jump out at the audience. Mise en scene of a sign in the woods that says 'hurt' 'agony' 'pain' 'love it' suggesting to enjoy these emotions instantly grabs the audience as it is unnatural to link agony and joy together. FBI- offical, important. Main character is a woman, not the usual- challenges dominant ideologies of women are inferior to men.
Black Swan Opening Scene: Intricate ballet movements, spotlights, camera jerks as if walking behind the ballerina- point of view of the male dancer, black monster, dark lighting. Crying movements, bird gestures linking to title of black swan. No dialouge, reliant on music and movement, foreshadowing, black and white costumes: good vs bad.
No Country For Old Men Opening Scene: Silhouttes, strong accent narractive voice over establishing shots of empty, lonley areas of solitude. Crime scene contrasts to this. Mad man in first 5 minutes. 'All under control' is linked to killing.
Location: city, town, events, mental home
Characters: detectives, cops, ordinary people,- love interest, a child
Style, visual and aural: bangs, knocks, flickering lights, whispers
Significant objects: ouiji board, religious symbols, fire
Typical narratives: haunted house, unseen spooks
Themes: action, revenge, psychological
A thriller is a thought provoking, often psychological adventure where twists in plot and misdirection are common place. A thriller hooks the audience in the first five minutes, usually has atmospheric music, tension and edgy.
Silence of the Lambs Opening scene: The camera follows her, running, jerky shots. The music is tense as if something is bound to happen or jump out at the audience. Mise en scene of a sign in the woods that says 'hurt' 'agony' 'pain' 'love it' suggesting to enjoy these emotions instantly grabs the audience as it is unnatural to link agony and joy together. FBI- offical, important. Main character is a woman, not the usual- challenges dominant ideologies of women are inferior to men.
Black Swan Opening Scene: Intricate ballet movements, spotlights, camera jerks as if walking behind the ballerina- point of view of the male dancer, black monster, dark lighting. Crying movements, bird gestures linking to title of black swan. No dialouge, reliant on music and movement, foreshadowing, black and white costumes: good vs bad.
No Country For Old Men Opening Scene: Silhouttes, strong accent narractive voice over establishing shots of empty, lonley areas of solitude. Crime scene contrasts to this. Mad man in first 5 minutes. 'All under control' is linked to killing.
Camera movements and editing in Terminator 2
Camera movements in Terminator 2 include the 180 degree rule for example when the terminator is on the motorbike there is a long shot of him which turns on the same side without breaking the rule. It shows how natural the event would be by keeping to the same side of him.
Also, a shot/reverse shot is used when the Terminator steals the barman's gun and sunglasses. This camera angle is used so the audience feel apart of the action and with the characters.
Match on action is shown when the terminator throws the man through the window, we get a view of him throwing then on the other side of the window where we see the crash and fall, This is effective as it helps the audience continually understand exactly what is happening causing the film to be fluent.
Camera movement includes a close up shot of the Terminator's boots which then is slowly tilted up to his face. This pan makes the audience feel small and inferior to him as well as adding a stereotypical biker look as we see the iconography of his costume, mostly leather.
Finally, there is a point of view shot where the film makers have edited the Terminators view to be that of a robot, scanning people. This is effective as it adheres to the idea of the Terminator not being human.
Camera movements in Terminator 2 include the 180 degree rule for example when the terminator is on the motorbike there is a long shot of him which turns on the same side without breaking the rule. It shows how natural the event would be by keeping to the same side of him.
Also, a shot/reverse shot is used when the Terminator steals the barman's gun and sunglasses. This camera angle is used so the audience feel apart of the action and with the characters.
Match on action is shown when the terminator throws the man through the window, we get a view of him throwing then on the other side of the window where we see the crash and fall, This is effective as it helps the audience continually understand exactly what is happening causing the film to be fluent.
Camera movement includes a close up shot of the Terminator's boots which then is slowly tilted up to his face. This pan makes the audience feel small and inferior to him as well as adding a stereotypical biker look as we see the iconography of his costume, mostly leather.
Finally, there is a point of view shot where the film makers have edited the Terminators view to be that of a robot, scanning people. This is effective as it adheres to the idea of the Terminator not being human.
CAMERA MOVEMENTS
Panning: Smooth rotational movement of the camera, used to show extra scenery and emphesize vastness of a landscape
Dolly: The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement
Tilt: Vertical movement of the camera angle, i.e. pointing the camera up and down
Shifting Focus: When you change the focus of the lens from one subject to another so the unfocused subject is blurred
Dolly Zoom: A technique in which the camera moves closer or further from the subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom angle to keep the subject the same size in the frame.
Panning: Smooth rotational movement of the camera, used to show extra scenery and emphesize vastness of a landscape
Dolly: The camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks for a very smooth movement
Tilt: Vertical movement of the camera angle, i.e. pointing the camera up and down
Shifting Focus: When you change the focus of the lens from one subject to another so the unfocused subject is blurred
Dolly Zoom: A technique in which the camera moves closer or further from the subject while simultaneously adjusting the zoom angle to keep the subject the same size in the frame.
Match on Action
When something happens in the scene that when there is a cut the same piece of action must be going on. This is an example of continuity editing and is very important in helping the audience continually understand exactly what is happening.
When something happens in the scene that when there is a cut the same piece of action must be going on. This is an example of continuity editing and is very important in helping the audience continually understand exactly what is happening.
Camera angles & movement
There are 8 main shot sizes in cinemotography, varying from Extereme long angle to close up shots.
EXTREME long shot eg; wide view of mountain setting to emphasize space, grandeur or isolation.
Long shot closer, shows whole scene with human figure but dominated by background, usually at beginning of scene
Medium long shot gives info on setting and characters seen in detail, allows audience to see how two or more people react in a conversation
Medium close up not too close but not too far, the typical frame for a newsreader , purpose of body language
Close up shows detail of a subject, eg just a face. underlines personality or emotion
EXTREME close up Magnifies something minute, eyes or a significant prop detail to create sense of mystery or tension
EXTREMELY high camera angle detached from the action, can suggest punishment or impending death, such as in the boy in the striped pjs
High camera angle Positioned high and tilted down at the subject to make a subject inferior or vulnerable
High and low camera angle such as in a car, a woman will feel inferior and intimidated by a policeman leaning in through a window, giving him a feel of superiority and power. Makes audience empathize with the woman.
EXTREME long shot eg; wide view of mountain setting to emphasize space, grandeur or isolation.
Long shot closer, shows whole scene with human figure but dominated by background, usually at beginning of scene
Medium long shot gives info on setting and characters seen in detail, allows audience to see how two or more people react in a conversation
Medium close up not too close but not too far, the typical frame for a newsreader , purpose of body language
Close up shows detail of a subject, eg just a face. underlines personality or emotion
EXTREME close up Magnifies something minute, eyes or a significant prop detail to create sense of mystery or tension
EXTREMELY high camera angle detached from the action, can suggest punishment or impending death, such as in the boy in the striped pjs
High camera angle Positioned high and tilted down at the subject to make a subject inferior or vulnerable
High and low camera angle such as in a car, a woman will feel inferior and intimidated by a policeman leaning in through a window, giving him a feel of superiority and power. Makes audience empathize with the woman.
Example of Todorov's theory:
Harry Potter-
Initial Equilibrium: Wizarding world at peace, voldemort (evil) removed from society
Distruption: Harry gets older, voldemort gets stronger. Different tasks along the way.
Recognition: Prophecy: Only one can live, harry realises he has to be the one to kill voldemort
Repair: Harry's duty to find and destroy horcruxes to destroy voldemort- succeeds
Equilibrium: Wizarding world at peace, voldemort destroyed, no more fear.
Harry Potter-
Initial Equilibrium: Wizarding world at peace, voldemort (evil) removed from society
Distruption: Harry gets older, voldemort gets stronger. Different tasks along the way.
Recognition: Prophecy: Only one can live, harry realises he has to be the one to kill voldemort
Repair: Harry's duty to find and destroy horcruxes to destroy voldemort- succeeds
Equilibrium: Wizarding world at peace, voldemort destroyed, no more fear.
Narrative & Genre
Genre is the style of the theme for a film, for example: a thriller,horror,action or romance. It consists of the structual elements which combine the telling of a story and patterns in collections of stories. When these elements begin to carry inherent information, a genre is emerging.
Narrative is the story. It cliche's to genre. A different genre will mean a completely differing story, such as a romance will be based on a couple in love, rather than a thriller with ghosts and the supernatural.
TODOROV believed the narrative is the instrument for negotiating the passage from an initial equilibrium, through an event which disturbs that initial state and ending up in an equilibrium once more at the ending: Initial equilibrium > disruption > recognition > repair > equilibruim
Genre is the style of the theme for a film, for example: a thriller,horror,action or romance. It consists of the structual elements which combine the telling of a story and patterns in collections of stories. When these elements begin to carry inherent information, a genre is emerging.
Narrative is the story. It cliche's to genre. A different genre will mean a completely differing story, such as a romance will be based on a couple in love, rather than a thriller with ghosts and the supernatural.
TODOROV believed the narrative is the instrument for negotiating the passage from an initial equilibrium, through an event which disturbs that initial state and ending up in an equilibrium once more at the ending: Initial equilibrium > disruption > recognition > repair > equilibruim