Analysis of Micro-Elements in the Bourne Ultimatum Mise-En-Scene Location - The location begins with a train station, which makes the viewer question what the protagonist has done since he is running away from the police. It then goes into a pharmacy, and then a bathroom. Lighting - The film begins with fairly dim lit scenes since they are shot at night time. This gives the impression that there is an underlaying theme of darkness. Positioning - The police chase is made effective as it includes the protagonist running away with the background showing the police within the same shot. Editing Shot/Reverse Shot - This shot is used to show the protagonist running away, and then reversing and filming the background of the police chasing the protagonist as he runs down the subway. Cut - the opening sequence uses the cut technique a lot to alternate between the protagonist and the police and the environment surrounding both. Longshot - A longshot is used when the protagonist is running in the beginning which is used to establish the location. The sound of the police siren also correlates with whom he is running from. Camerawork Establishing Shot - This shot is used in the beginning to show where the scene is set (in the train station), and the location as to where the train station is was given on a black screen at the beginning. Close Up - Many close up shots are used which shows the viewers the protagonists emotions and especially when he is in the bathroom taking what seems to be painkillers. It also uses a close up on the tap. Over the Shoulder shot - This shot is used to show from the protagonists point of view, when he is running away from the police in the train carriage which he then jumps out of. Sound Non Diegetic Sound - can be heard most of the way through the opening sequence, however not very heavily. It balances with diegetic sound. Diegetic Sound - Uses a lot of diegetic sound, and towards the end of the opening sequence, it is very diegetic heavy especially as it focuses on the sound of the tap. This could be used to focus on the water dripping and the echoing as the protagonist is no longer running away from the police Incidental music - the opening sequence uses a lot of this which adds to the atmosphere of the protagonist running away from the police. This is then stopped when he finally escapes into the bathroom.
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The British Board of Film Classification is the board which determines the age classification for media forms such as films and video games. When considering the age, they cover 9 areas which determines the correct audience for the films or game.
'U' Film Classification Discrimination - Unlikely to have bad language or behaviour, and when used is shown in a disapproving manner. Drugs - Rare references to drugs or drug use, however when shown it must have a educational purpose to show an anti-drug message. Imitable behaviour - If any anti-social behaviour that could be picked up upon by children, it is shown to be disapproved of. Language - Unlikely use of mild inappropriate language. Nudity - No sexual content if nudity is shown. Sex - Very mild sexual behaviour, for example kissing. Threat - Sequences seen as scary should be short, brief and should not cause anxiety to young children. The outcome should be positive. Violence - Should be very mild, and if violence is shown, it should be unrealistic. (for example shown in a cartoon) 'PG' Film classification Discrimination - Discriminatory language and/or behaviour is not acceptable unless it is being clearly disapproved of towards the audience. Drugs - May contain references to illegal drugs or misuse, but will carry a suitable anti-drug message Imitable behaviour - there will not be any focus on anti social behaviour, that young children may copy. For example, there will be no promotion of easily accessible weapons such as knives. Language - Will only contain mild bad language. If any worse of language were to be used, it would be passed to a higher classification. Nudity - The film may contain some nudity at times. Sex - Sexual activity may be indirected however should be cautious of the audience. Threat - Situations where characters are in danger, or any scary scenes should not be long. Violence - violence should be mild, although there may be scenes of moderate violence, which is justified by its context. '12A/12' Film Classification Discrimination - It must not be endorsed by the work as a whole, however language or behaviour hat could be deceived as discriminating is unlikely to be viewed as acceptable. Drugs - drug use should not be glamourised or given instructional detail. Imitable behaviour - No encouragement of antisocial behaviour, no glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as guns or knives. No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to mimic. Language - Moderate language can be used. Strong language may be permitted depending on the situation it is used in and other factors such as who is using the language and its frequency in the work as a whole. Nudity - There may be nudity but if in a sexual context it must be brief Sex - Frequent rude references are unlikely to be permitted but sexual activity may be briefly and discretely shown. Threat - There can be a small amount of physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. The over all tone should not be disturbing although some elements can be. Violence - Moderate violence can be used but should not emphasise on any detail. For example there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood but occasional gory moments may be allowed if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be briefly indicated. '15' Film Classification Discrimination - As a whole it must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour although there can be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and languages. Drugs - Actual drug taking can be shown but it must promote, encourage or give instructional detail. Misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances is unlikely to be acceptable. Imitable behaviour - Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail that could be copied or mimicked by viewers. Language - There can be strong language. Very strong language could be permitted depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language and its frequency within the piece on a whole. Nudity - There are no limits on a non sexual or educational nudity context. There may be nudity in sexual context however this can not include strong detail. Sex - Sexual activity can be displayed but usually without much detail. There can be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified in the context. Threat - Strong threat and horror are allowed although a sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely tot be acceptable. Violence - Strong violence is acceptable but should not focus on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images and strong sadistic violence are not likely to be acceptable. Detailed verbal references to sexual violence are allowed however it must be discreet and justified by context. '18' Film Classification Discrimination - Racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and languages can be used more frequently, however cannot promote it. Drugs - Use of drugs is acceptable but cannot glamourise it. Small instructional scenes can be shown. Imitable behaviour - Behaviour which can be seen as threatening or dangerous can be used however not to an extent where the act can be copied. Language - Very strong language can be permitted throughout the whole piece. Nudity - No limits on nudity. Sex - Sexual activities cannot take place during filming however graphic scenes can be shown without a tight limit. Threat - Strong threat and horror are allowed however sadistic or sexual threat is more likely to be acceptable compared to the classification of a 15. Violence - Blood, gore and violence are likely to be accepted and seen by viewers to follow the context.
Insomnia opening credits To begin with there is a sharp white noise that creates a ringing in the audience’s ear, this is non-diegetic. Whilst this piece of sound plays the first set of credits appear on screen with a blank white background. The previous sharps sound fades into string instruments but still with the same moody atmosphere present. Additionally, there is a loose beat in the background it has no particular pace but the tempo is fairly slow at this point. The instruments used are mainly violins but when the title ‘Insomnia’ is introduced on the screen the deeper undertones come in which sound much like cellos. From this point the pitch varies throughout the opening sequence, stretching higher and lower as if it is an echo. The sound is an addition to the disturbing image behind the title which is a material which has blood seeping through and all these elements together help form an unsettling presence. After the title, it cuts to a wide shot which may be considered establishing as it is showing the location of the first possible scene. This also loses any mystery that the previous frames previously created. Next each shot fades into the next and these shots range from: close ups of clothing soaking in blood, wide shots of mountainous location and plain white background- all of which contain the credits still. During this variety the non-diegetic background music is building up tension. The pace increases slightly and the eerie atmosphere is more noticeable. The score is used is a good accompanist for the images and shots used. The change in pace is contributing to the sound perspective due to the faster pace making the viewer making them feel as though they are getting closer to something. The sharp white noise sound effect is crafted into the music at random points. Towards the end of the opening sequence an extreme wide shot is used to display an air craft flying through the mountainous location. This is when some diegetic sounds are used. The plane’s engine and the sound of wind can be subtly heard by the viewer. There is no dialogue because the characters are yet to be introduced. The viewer is left mystified from this opening sequence due to the built up backing music helping to initiate intensity. All sounds used are parallel to the images used. Analysis of Psychological thriller - The Black Swan In the opening sequence, the main character is in the middle of a dance show. The aggression shown between her and her dance partner within the dance routine reflects her mental state later on in the film when she is battling between the white swan and black swan mentality. The conflict between herself implies to the viewer that she has Schizophrenia, as she sees herself as two different people. (the white swan being the protagonist and the black swan being the antagonist) The deceptive games that take place in her head happen sub consciously. The darkness around the character connotes that a dark event is going to occur, which shows the theme of reality. Analysis of Action Thriller - The Dark Knight Rises The common convention of the race against time is displayed when the protagonist is threatning another character to give him important information otherwise he will be thrown out of the plane. violence is displayed through the possession of the guns and the amount of soldiers present on the plane. The reveal of the antagonist is an early on plot twist, because at first when the scene starts one would assume that the protagonist is the antagonist. There is use of non-diegetic sound before the dialogue begins highlights the importance of the conversation. The motive is shown as they are looking for the information from the antagonists which must be crucial since they are being threatened with their life. Similarities and Differences There is not many similarities shown. One is that they are both in reality. Another is that both open with the protagonists and the antagonists, however in the Dark Knight Rises, the protagonist changes throughout the film. On the other hand, both use different conventions to convey the sub genre. A feeling of isolation is seen in the opening sequence of the Black Swan, since she is seen dancing alone at first. She is also in white in the opening, which symbolises purity. However, in the Dark Knight rises, there is no signs of purity, but violent and comprising situation to be seen since there is guns and soldiers on the plane. The threat of death also carries a reality and death theme. Analysis one - Shutter Island directed by Martin Scorsese (2010) Shutter Island starts off with an establishing shot of the boat in the sea with low key lighting which continues throughout the boat scene. Following the establishing shot of the boat is an extreme close up of the main character teddy using an over the shoulder shot of him looking in the mirror. Later on, Teddy then has a flashback which is made up of mixed colour temperatures with high key lighting whereas the colours on the main characters are more dull with low key lighting. this makes the scene look cold. A non-diegetic low orchestral piece is played which creates tension, the music continues on the flashback scene, combined with another track which would resemble a woman's voice. Analysis two - The Conspiracy directed by Christopher Macbride (2012) The conspiracy begins with three points of view shots. These shots are views of buildings from the pavements and it contains a voice over from a man who then features in the fourth shot. This is a medium shot of a man holding a megaphone shouting up towards where the point of view shots are filmed. The man is dressed in a dull, old fashioned outfit and he has grey hair and a over grown beard. The costume and the presentation of the man goes well with the tone of the background because this too is also dull and lacks in vibrancy. The shots of the building have a bright blue, clear sky which is in contrast to the colours down on the street where the man is standing. Similarities and Differences Both opening sequences have dialogue included however there is a lot more dialogue used in The conspiracy rather than shutter island. The conspiracy also begins with high key lighting whereas shutter islands lighting is very low key. Both opening sequences contain diegetic sounds being the dialogue and the transport, in The Conspiracy you can hear the cars and traffic and in Shutter island you can hear the boat and the sea. At the beginning of both The Conspiracy and Shutter island, the scene starts off with establishing shots, telling the viewer where the characters are and where the film is based. http://123movies.to/film/shutter-island-4469/watching.html
Analysis of Disaster Thriller - The Impossible The film begins with a mixture of diegetic & non diegetic sound of music and a family playing in the pool, which is abruptly stopped. It then focuses on the sound of wind, which is used to contrast against the few moments of happiness heard a few moments before. This could be used to signify that a bad event is about to occur since it is focusing on the diegetic sounds which the characters can also hear. The characters reactions are filmed using close up shots which is significant as it allows the audience to feel sympathy. Afterwards the blackness for a few moments connotes the theme of death and true reality of how much destruction the tsunami has caused. The film being based around an event/disaster is a typical disaster thriller convention. Analysis of Crime Thriller - Salt The film opens with a black screen and the scene afterwards is a scene which was 2 years ago. This is used to show the reader a significant event which would help them understand the story line. A women, who is seen to be the protagonist, was kidnapped and had blood all over her face. This convention is used to symbolise that she is in danger. A close up shot of her face is used to show her reaction to the antagonists. The sound is a mixture of diegetic and non diegetic sound which is played throughout the whole opening sequence, which allows the music played to create suspense. However it is not fast paced. The fact the protagonist has been kidnapped begins the film on the element of crime and mystery to the audience. Similarities and Differences. Both films use close up shots of the protagonist to establish their emotions and make it clear to the audience what it is they are feeling. This is a common convention used throughout both of the sub-genre films. They also both begin with a mixture of diegetic and non-diegetic sound, however, in the Impossible, it is stopped to contrast against the tsunami which signifies the importance of the disaster. Furthermore, the film Salt uses a lot of darkness involved within the opening scene which implies the film has a theme of death throughout. Analysis one- Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock (1960) After watching the opening sequence with background knowledge I evaluated the generic conventions used within in the mise-en-scene, camera techniques and other aspects. Firstly, during the credits being displayed at the very start there is a non-diegetic sound being played to set the thriller tone of the movie. It consists of string music which is fast paced and jerky, contributing to the creation of an uneasy feeling. After the credits, there are various long shots of dim/dull buildings. The camera techniques used is one long panning of the establishing shot with no cuts and then an abrupt cut. The sudden cut is to display the unbalance of Norman Bates mind due to the fluidity being interrupted (Norman Bates being the psycho and therefore the antagonist of the film.) Next, is a close up in a high angle shot of a window, this is where the audience first meet Marion (the protagonist of the film.) The shot zooms in through the window in a manner where the viewer feels as though they are intruding into the characters private life, this may be due to the entering through a window and not a door. The pretty women we first see (Marion) is recognised as the first victim. In the opening shot Marion is lying down on the bed which is reflecting her fate at the end of the film where she lays dead on the bathroom floor. She is dressed in white symbolising her innocence and purity as a character. The title Psycho relates to the antagonist and therefore the protagonists weakness, due to the protagonist getting murdered by the Psycho (Norman Bates.) The protagonist isn’t pictured in danger but the movement of the camera appears she is being watched through someone else’s eyes and this forms a level of discomfort. Analysis two- Silence of the Lambs directed by Jonathan Demme (1991) The film is introduced with an establishing shot of Clarice Starling in a forest, which already creates suspense since forests can have connotations of mystery and uncertainty. Later on, two shot is used of character one (Clarice) talking to character two, who is wearing a cap that has FBI on it. This is used to show the viewer that they are both authority figures. The sound used when she is running creates a mood of insecurity and initiates the viewer to question, what is she running from? Soon after, it is established that she isn’t running from anything but is training for FBI purposes. The sound also quietens when character one and character use dialogue which signals somewhat of an importance of their conversation. There is also a reverse shot used which was added during editing. Furthermore there is a match on action shot used as the camera follows character one through a building. When Clarice is leaving the forest the camera displays posters of the words: hurt, agony and pain which leaves the viewer wondering if something bad will happen to character one since the words are displayed straight after a shot of her. She is seen wearing a grey jumper and dark coloured tracksuit bottoms which can symbolise that she is one of many others, however one of the main victims as she is the first character seen. When Clarice enters the buildings the viewer can see her relationship with various unimportant people in her work place. This displays that character one is valued in her job. Similarities and differences: Firstly, the title of the film Psycho refers directly to the antagonist of the film, which is a commonly used film convention. On the other hand, Silence of the Lambs refers to a conversation between Clarice and the Dr, as a doctor has information about a serial killer however won’t give Clarice any clues about who he is until she shares childhood memories. However this refers to the protagonists past. In Psycho, the protagonist is wearing the colour which, which refers directly to the characters personality, and what she symbolises throughout the film, which is an innocent person. On the other hand, what Clarice is wearing in the Silence of the Lambs portrays her as an ordinary person and she is wearing dull colours, as she is not the only victim in the film. Both films use long shots of buildings. This is used to set the scene where the characters will be introduced and the viewer will begin to understand the characters importance and the setting. However, there is a greater significance to the building shown in the Silence if the Lambs due to it being a location that is frequently visited. Whereas, in Psycho the building shown is not important as the main part of the film happens in a motel. ere to edit. Typically, a thriller film has a dramatic plot and usually has elements of crime and espionage. Thrillers can be split into several sub-genres. Examples of this include action, crime, conspiracy, psychological, disaster, forensic, romantic and political etc.
Thriller and horror are commonly mistaken to be the same, however there are a few distinct differences. Firstly Thrillers build up a suspense whereas horror are more jumpy and frightening. Thrillers also make you question the psychological features and the plot of what the film contains however a horror movies plot and storyline isn't the main feature of the film but the events that contain violence and gore is aimed to catch the viewers attention. An example of a generic thriller convention is to use the title of the film to relate to the plot. For example, in the film Disturbia, the protagonist cant sleep at night due to something the Antagonist is doing.
We filmed our preliminary task to present a small story starring two characters using a variety of different shots. The story followed character one running away from the head teacher, and having a conversation with character two. To begin with we created a series of storyboards, which we then followed up as a guide.
During filming we used the 180-degree rule, whilst using several other shots such as the establishing shot, a close-up, match on action, a reaction shot, a long shot and also filming a conversation. These filming techniques allowed the clip to flow sequentially. As a group we learnt the various shots used in the media industry today, and how to film and edit to a good standard. We found that the filming was far easier than editing, which was because we were new to the editing software. Next time we will make sure to use our storyboard better to keep all shots as we almost forgot to add the 180 degree rule. We also didn't realise the camera wasn't fully charged which interfered with filming. Filming the preliminary has given us the experience, which we will carry forward into our actual opening sequence. For our preliminary task, we were asked to make a small opening clip which demonstrated a range of filming techniques used today in the modern industry. Here is our storyboard which we will follow when we begin filming the small clip. It involves two characters, and tells the small story of character one who is running away from the head teacher for an unknown reason.
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Paige, Anna, Fiona, Natalie
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