Genre

Comedies are cheerful and light-hearted plots which are purposely made to amuse people and make them laugh with jokes and humorous narratives. Comedies usually enhance the action, the characters and the situation for comedic effect. There are different types of comedies including romantic comedies, black comedy (dark comedy), spoofs and parodies and slapstick.

Action films are very high energy films, filled with high-budget physical stunts and cars chases they are used to excite the audience. Action films are often adventurous and with the common narrative of the   good guys trying to defeat the ‘bad guys’. Actions films are packed with non-stop motion.

Horror films are made to terrify and play on our fears and insecurities; they are designed to frighten us. They are highly entertaining to watch. Horror movies are usually fantasy or supernatural related. There are many categories of horror moves e.g. satanic, serial killers and teen horrors.

Adventure films usually consist of exhilarating storied, with different experiences and exotic locations such as Jungles and desserts. Adventure films take you on a journey with them; they are filled with treasure hunts and disasters.

Thriller films are quite hard to define; this is because they can cover such a huge variety of films. There are many sub-genres of thriller films such as action and drama thrillers. Action thrillers Consists of a lot of violence and a clear main character may also include large amounts of explosions and guns, they normally include large grand sets, good example of an action thriller is ‘Casino Royale’, it is filled with violence and lavish sets. A serial killer is also a very common thriller, it is usually a detective trying to catch a serial killer and stop him from terrorizing a group of people, this type of thriller if often very gruesome and explicit. In Physiological Thrillers there is barely any physical fighting between characters, the argument is often emotional and mental. There are many other sub genres of thriller films.

Sin city analysis

Cinematography.

The films begins with a long shot of a female protagonist, this establishes the environment which is sinister and dark. The most commonly used shots throughout the opening were close ups and midshots, this engrosses the audience in the couples conversation. The screen then zooms into the woman’s face which shows the rising tension in her facial features, this confuses the audience as they do not know why this is happening. The male is represented as the dominant figure by the panning up from the woman’s face when she leans into him. The mixture of a low angle shot and zooming out is very striking as it always the audience to take in what is happening at the pinnacle of the scene. Lastly the camera becomes more unstable which creates realism.

Editing

The editing mainly consists of straight cuts which help the flow of the movie, they increase realism and creates a sense of continuity. Surprisingly during the murder the editing does not change apart from a flash of white when the trigger is pulled, this suggests that the male character is calm and used to murdering people.

Sound

The sound used in the scene is quite subtle yet efficient. The solemn non diegetic music corresponds to the scene and emphasizes the environment as gloomy and sinister. The non-diegetic male narrator adds great mystery to the scene. The scene is overall calm which then highlights the gun shot, the pace of the music does not change so the audience do not expect to hear a loud bang.

Mise-en-scene

The female character is wearing a red dress and red lipstick which makes her stand out against the black and white surroundings, red represents danger and lust, she is seen as a temptress. The male is wearing a suit which represents sophistication and suits are often associated with mobsters or hitmen.The glistening silver gun has no blood on it after the murder, which presents a clean rehearsed kill

In traditional lighting, the three-point lighting is normally used.It consists of a key light, a fill light, and a back light for even illumination.

Key light-Brightest and main source of lighting for a subject, creates the primary shadows, the key light is also the strongest light which helps to illuminate the subject.

Back light-The light falls on a performer from behind which makes it easier to differentiate the subject from the background, it illuminates the subject from behind and can also be called a rim light

 Top lighting-Main source of lighting comes from above which essentially makes the subject look more alluring as it emphasizes the features.

Types of lighting

Low key lighting- Lighting in which a dreary level of illumination is achieved. The shot will primarily consist of darkness and shadows.

High key lighting-More bright areas than shadows, also aims to reduce the contrast in a scene. It creates a light mood.

  Filler lights-Help to lessen shadows that are created by other lights.

Sound

Sound code- Music is a sound code and the type of music in a text can convey a great deal of information, about the mood and tone of the text. Such as tension and emotions can be helped by the music.

Diegetic sound-Music or sound that belongs with a frame, can be considered to be a natural part of the narrative but it not always visible on the screen.

Non diegetic sound-Sounds that are added on in the film editing,un-natural sounds, e.g the soundtrack.

Rhythm-Rhythm of the music can dictate the rhythm of cuts. Such as in a fight scene to create tension.

Silence-creates tension and suspense.

Voice over narration-When dialogue is added on In the editing stage and is usually used to explain things that have already happened , or to give and insight.

sound bridge-Can be used as a bridge to maintain continuity in a sequence by running a soundtrack under a series of images to link them together. Or to create a transition from one scene to another.

Parallel sound-when the sound and image compliment each other.

The purpose of sound in a movie is to add suspense,tone and emotion,it helps the audience understand the narrative on a whole.

The sound in this fight scene from 'X Men 2' is

Is non dietetic, the sound needs to be added in during editing because no human could make the animalistic sounds that the created was making, the punches have also been added on after to emphasize the power of each blow. When the creature disappears and reappears a loud swoosh noise takes place which marks his importance to the scene.

Charlie's Angels fight scene.

When the soundtrack first begins, the music keeps a very steady beat and pace which matches the characters running. The music then picks up more of a beat as the women are being shot at which adds a sense of excitement. The music then gets more intense as the woman finally start attacking the man this adds a sense of victory.

Analysis of sound in the thriller 'Seven'

The film ‘Seven’ begins with diegetic sound, the background noises consist of the radio, traffic noises from the surrounding area, and water running in the flat. Further on dialogue is then introduced between two characters explaining the situation so that the audience gets more of an understanding of the circumstances. Then more diegetic  sounds are introduced such as rain, cars, everyday street noises, after this police sirens are clearly heard which suggests what the film is going to entail and also what genre it may be. When the scene goes back into the bedroom the sound of the outside is concealed until completely dimmed out. The sound of a metronome becomes the main sound being used,  which builds up the suspense and tension in the scene and leaves the audience in anticipation. Lastly when the opening credits begin, a non-diegetic soundtrack of electronic sounds and the beat of drums is used, this creates a creepy atmosphere to the opening of the film.

In my thriller I entail to mainly use soundtrack and silence, the soundtrack will consist of low and deep sounds, I will intensify the music at the pinnacle of the action in my thriller to amplify the suspense and shock, silence is a common convention in a thriller  film because the audience are left in complete mystery, they do not know what it going to happen or when to expect it and silence helps to do this.

Film censorship

The primary objective of film censorship is to protect children from the harmful effects of horrific, sexual or violent images and ideas. Films classified for children are rarely censored unless images are believed to cause harm to a child. Censor ship is also for protection, it protects the public, a person in the film or the state. In the UK there are several acts of parliament to do with film censorship, the obscene publications Act, the protection of children and the video recordings Act.

In Britain, film censorship began in 1898 it was due to a 90 second assessment of a blue cheese that was taken off air by its maker because of protests from the British cheese making industry. The first ever court case to do with film censorship took place in 1899 because the film was thought to be ‘immoral’, the presenter lost the case. The first film that was ever banned was in 1910 by the London city council. In 1912 the film industry created the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) to try to protect the public, the first rules of BBFC were no nudity and depictions of Christ classifications were Universal and A (Over 16 - not compulsory). In the first year 144 films were cut and 22 banned. Over time violence and nudity and eventually homosexuals were allowed to be shown in films.

‘Happy feet’ is an example of a PG rated film, although not all PG movies are animations, it is not uncommon for them to be, seeing as Pg is mainly targeted at children. ‘Happy feet’ consists mainly of comedy to humor the audience which would predominantly be parents with their young children, ’Happy feet’ ends in a happy way therefore it is suitable for children.

‘Unstoppable’ is an example of a 12A rated film, 12A rated films aren’t necessarily humorous however they do contain moderate threat and infrequent use of strong language.

‘Due date’ is an example of a 15 rated film because it contains mild untidy and a moderate use of strong language, this film is unsuitable for children under 15 because it includes sexual references.

‘Saw 3D’ is an example of a 18 rated film because it has been purposely created for adults to enjoy, the explicit violence and brutality in the film is unsuitable for children, the frequent swearing is also inappropriate for children.

Uc - Universal, Particularly Suitable For Children (Video Releases Only)
U - Universal
PG - Parental Guidance Recommended
12 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 12
15 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 15
18 - Suitable For Persons Over The Age Of 18

 

Universal
A ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over .

Theme
Treatment of challenging themes must be sensitive and suitable to a younger audience.
Language- rare use only of mild bad language.
Nudity- Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex-Mild sexual behaviour

Violence- Mild violence only.
Imitable techniques- No emphasis on realistic weapons.
Horror-Horror effects should be mild and brief. The outcome should be comforting.
Drugs-No references to illegal drugs or drug use.

 

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video.
Theme
No theme is forbidden, provided the narrative is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms (eg ‘cunt’) are only rarely acceptable. Continued hostile use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.
Nudity
There is no ban on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).
Horror
Detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.


No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
The BBFC respects the right of adults to choose their own entertainment, within the law. It will therefore expect to intervene only rarely in relation to ‘18’ rated cinema films. In the case of videos, which are more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent.
There are no bans at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may, however, cut or reject the following content‘PG’ Parental Guidance
unaccompanied children of any age can  watch. A ‘PG’ film should not upset a child aged around eight or older.
Theme
More serious issues may be featured, eg crime, domestic violence, racism (providing nothing in their treatment condones them).
Language-Mild bad language only.
Nudity-Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex-Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and rare. Mild sexual references and innuendo only.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed - if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques-No glamorisation of realistic, contemporary weapons. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques.
HorrorFrightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs No references to illegal drugs or drug use.



Nobody  younger than 12 can see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video.
Theme
Mature themes are allowed, but their treatment must be appropriate for young teenagers.
Language
The use of strong language (eg ‘fuck’) should be rare and must be justified by context.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context will be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied. Sexual references may reflect the familiarity of most adolescents today with sex education through school.
Violence
Violence must not dwell on detail. no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated and without physical detail. Realistic and contemporary weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Sustained threat and menace is permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
Drugs
Brief and occasional references to, and sight of, ‘soft’ drug-taking (eg cannabis) are allowed, but must be justified by context and should point out the dangers. No instructional elements are permitted.

• any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use
• the more explicit images of sexual activity - unless they can be exceptionally justified by context

Title sequence

The purpose of a title sequence is

To Introduce the narrative of the film

To introduce the location/setting of the film

To introduce the main actors and actresses in the film

To introduce the title of the film

To introduce the genre of the film

In this clip of the movie ’seven’ firstly the production company appears in unstable flashing typography, several images then appear which seem to be photographs and then we are shown fingers holding a razor blade, this adds to the danger of the film because razor blades could be used for harming or even killing someone. The actors and actresses appear in etched in handwriting which adds a sense of eeriness to the film and is also a conventional to a thriller film. The film title is shown very quickly and not in detail, it flashes and then flashes onto another picture in the background. There are many different images and numbers flashing on the screen, all the images look as if they are something to do with a murder, which immediately alerts the audience on what genre the film is going to be. The screen then suddenly goes red, red is a color associated with evil and could also represent blood and is also a generic convention of a thriller film. The person doing this all is cutting things out and putting them into place, almost as if he is trying to solve something which gives the audience the notation that the film is going to most likely be a murder mystery. We are never shown the persons face however his fingernails are very dirty and have cuts on them, this could mean he has been working very hard trying to solve the case or could mean that he is assessing all his previous murders and planning for the next one. The person highlights the words ‘pregnant ‘intercourse’ and ‘transsexual’, which could imply those are the people he wants to harm or they might be the people he would like to protect. At the end of the title sequence he is shown sewing something together with a needle, the whole title sequence adds a great deal of mystery, it leaves the audience asking questions and adds suspense without the movie even beginning.

The film begins with an establishing shot to show the setting and it represents what kind of people the characters are likely to be.

The credits in this film all move in different angles by the camera doing pan shots. This is an attractive and different way to show the credits which makes it more fascinating compared to credits that don't move as it makes it handier for the audience to read as it moves along the page.

The font is a simple colour but shows up well against the backgrounds as the 3D effect on the writing makes it easier to see. The style of writing is modern which fits with the modern buildings, relating the style of the film being set in a modern surrounding.
The writing is bold and in capital letters which indicates the style of film, having a strong storyline with serious events as the writing theme is strong.

Opening Credits

In a film the opening credits are shown at the very beginning to introduce

The director and producer of the film

The production company

The actors and actresses

The title of the film

In the opening credits of this clip from the film ‘SAW VI’ it begins with rustic looking bolts turning, the shot then zooms out through a keyhole and then the ‘lionsgate’ film production company logo appears, the logo looks corroded and the main feature that keeps it from blending in with the background is the faint white outline, the background is a fiery red sky which could also be interpreted as hell, the screen then fades to black. Suddenly ‘Twisted pictures’’ appears on the screen and a wire is shown weaving in and out of the letters, the wire makes an unpleasant noise that could be associated with danger and the barbed wire Is also covered in blood which could give the audience an idea of what genre the film is going to be and bloody is also a generic convention of a thriller film. The wire then gets tighter as the sound gets more intense and then let’s go of the letters, however it leaves scratches and scars on the letters which could also give an insight of what genre it’s going to be. The spike in the middle could be used as a murder weapon and so could the wire, this instantaneously adds fear and suspense to the movie before it has even begun.

Opening credits analysis of the movie 'Panic room'.







The film begins with an establishing shot to show the setting and it represents what kind of people the characters are likely to be.

The credits in this film all move in different angles by the camera doing pan shots. This is an attractive and different way to show the credits which makes it more fascinating compared to credits that don't move as it makes it handier for the audience to read as it moves along the page.

The font is a simple colour but shows up well against the backgrounds as the 3D effect on the writing makes it easier to see. The style of writing is modern which fits with the modern buildings, relating the style of the film being set in a modern surrounding.
The writing is bold and in capital letters which indicates the style of film, having a strong storyline with serious events as the writing theme is strong.

Mise en Scene

The term "mise-en-scene" is a French term which was developed in the theater, literally meaning "put into the scene".Mise en scene is everything we see in a scene or a frame.
Mise en scene consists of

-Settings and props

-Facial expression and body language

-Lighting and colour

-Costume, hair and make-up

-Positioning of characters in a scene

When television was black and white makeup was used heavily to highlight the characters facial features.

In this picture from ‘kill bill’ her positioning makes her looks strong, also enhances her power and gives the audience the notation that she is the main character. The woman is wearing a yellow jumpsuit, she stands out and is shown to be almost more important from all the other suited men surrounding her, the men in suites look mysterious and as if they are the villains in the film. The sword in her hand implies that she killed the man on the floor. Her facial expression is focused on something, this means she is determines and ruthless.

The two men are in suites which imply they are business men; the blood on the shirt of one of the men suggests that he had been involved in a murder. Their positioning is threatening towards one another, the prop they are both using is a gun that it pointed and one another, and this shows that they have some sort of conflict; the guns could also imply that they are mobsters, the setting and background suggests that they are in some sort of warehouse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whfHxiYtyy0

In the opening of the film 'natural born killers' there is a series of animals shown that are deadly predators which could imply that the film is mainly about death, the screen then goes red which is the colour of blood and is also associated with death, the man’s glasses are also red, red is a recurring colour throughout the scene. Before the couple starts killing people there are already signs of death when the truck runs over the scorpion. When the woman begins to perform a seductive dance this portrays her to be a temptress. The most important prop used in the scene is the newspaper it writes “Mickey and Malory kill six teens during slumber party” this shows they are both killers before the audience have even seen any murders. The women all of a sudden changes her mood and begins to attack a stranger , her facial expressions are angry however she is highly enjoying causing somebody else pain, the man then joins her on their killing spree and they almost mock the value of life and kill for fun.

Narrative theory

Narrative conventions consist of

-the genre of the film

-the characters in the film

-the form of the film

-the timing of the film

Vladimir Propp discovered a recurring pattern in old folk tales; most tales had struggles and stock characters. The characters provide a structure for the text.

CHARACTERS

The hero seeks something
The villain opposes the hero
The donor helps the hero by providing a magic object
The dispatcher sends the hero on his way
The false hero falsely assuming the role of hero
The helper gives support to the hero
The princess the reward for the hero but also needs to be

protected from the villain

Her father rewards the hero for his efforts

NARRATIVE FUNCTIONS

Preparation

A member of the family leaves home

Prohibition or rule is imposed on the hero
The prohibition or rule is broken
The villain makes and attempt at reconnaissance
The villain learns something about his victim
The villain tried to deceive the victim to get possession of
his/her belongings
The victim unknowingly helps the villain by being deceived or
influenced by the villain

Complication

The hero and the villain join in direct combat
The hero is branded
The villain is defeated
The initial misfortune or lack is put right

Return  

 The hero returns
 The hero is pursued
 The hero is rescued from pursuit
 The hero arrives home or elsewhere and is not recognized
 A false hero makes false claims
 A difficult task is set for the hero
 The task is accomplished by the hero

Recognition

 The hero is recognized
 The false hero/villain is exposed
 The false hero is transformed
 The villain is punished
 The hero is married and crowned

I’m going to demonstrate Propps theory by using ‘Aladdin’, 19922.


Propp's Characters

The 8 character types from Propp's theory can be found in Aladdin like so:

The villain - Jafar
The donor - Jafar
The helper - Genie
The princess - Jasmine
Her father - The Sultan
The dispatcher - Jafar
The hero - Aladdin
The anti-hero - Jafar

Plot Synopsis of Aladdin:

- Jafar, the Grand Vizier to the Sultan, wants to get hold of a magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders. However, he discovers that only the "Diamond in the Rough" is able enter the cave. (Villain gets information about hero)

- Jasmine, daughter of the sultan, is annoyed with her sheltered life, so she escapes from the palace to the local market, she meets a street urchin called Aladdin (The Hero is now introduced)

- Jafar discovers that Aladdin is the "Diamond in the Rough" and imprisons him, he then tells Jasmine that he is dead. (Villain carries away hero)

- Jafar masks himself, frees Aladdin and takes him to the Cave of Wonders; he tells Aladdin that only he can touch the lamp.
- A magical carpet leads Aladdin to the magic lamp, however Aladdin's monkey tries to steal a ruby which causes the cave to fall in. (Hero is tested)

-Aladdin manages to escape the cave with the use of the magic carpet, Jafar tries to kill Aladdin and take the lamp. However, Aladdin manages to survive and keep hold of the lamp. (Hero responds to test and hero and villain in direct fight)

- Aladdin rubs the magic lamp and a genie comes out and tells Aladdin that he will grant him three wishes (Hero gets magical object)

- Aladdin's first wishes to become a prince so that he can marry Jasmine, however is rejected by her until she realizes his true identity (Hero is given a  new appearance)

- Jafar imprisons Aladdin again , he tells the guards to chain him and throw him into the sea, but Aladdin uses his second wish to escape. (Hero is challenged and rescued from the challenge)

- Aladdin goes back to the palace and exposes Jafar's wicked plot to Jasmine and the Sultan. (The Fake hero is uncovered)

- Jafar realizes Aladdin's true identity and escapes from the Sultan's bodyguards,

- Jafar steals the magic lamp from Aladdin, making a wish to be Sultan and another wish to become a controlling sorcerer. He uses his new found powers to send Aladdin off to an unknown destination.

Aladdin tried to steal back the magic lamp from Jafar, Jasmine also helps him however he is unsuccessful and Jafar assaults him.

- Aladdin uses the magic carpet to fly back, where he attempts to steal back the magic lamp with the help of Jasmine, but he is unsuccessful and Jafar attacks him.

Jafar thinks that he is the most powerful magical creature however Aladdin tells him that genies are more powerful, Jafar feels threatened and makes a final wish to become a genie himself., however genie’s are not free which meant Jafar got sucked into a lamp.

- Aladdin used his last wish to free the genie.

- The Sultan changes the law so that Aladdin and Jasmine are allowed to get married and they celebrate their engagement (The Hero marries)

In Propp’s theory different types of characters are often filled by the same character, however it is very difficult to fit Propp’s 31 functions in the last part of Aladdin.Propps theory is applicable for simpler fairytales however it has down falls when the narrative becomes more complicated.

Thorodov's theory

Thorodov believed that narratives always involved a transformation. The characters or situation are transformed through the event or disruption.

There are 5 stages the narrative can progress through

1. A state of equilibrium (everything is as it should be)

2. A disruption of order by an event

3. A recognition that an order has occurred

4. An attempt to repair the damage of destruction

5. The return or re-establishment of a new equilibrium

At the beginning of the film the equilibrium is that of Elizabeth and will being associates, they had met as children when will was rescued from a burning ship which had been abducted by pirates. Will and Elizabeth do not speak of where will his from however she has doubts whether or not Will is a pirate because she found a pirate medallion around his neck.

The imminent disequilibrium is implied at during the opening sequence of the film in Elizabeth's meeting of Will and discovering of his pirate medallion. At the end of the flashback we see Elizabeth temporarily looking at a pirate ship which we later discover to be the Black Pearl.

A new equilibrium is formed at the end of the film when Will saves Jack from being executed and Jack escapes, leaving Will and Elizabeth alone again. Elizabeth then announces her love for Will, and is given authorization to marry him with both Governor Swann and Commador Norrington's blessings.