We were set the task to look at a range of openings and identify the genre and comment about what makes it that certain genre, this will help us when we decide on the genre for our film.
The dark knight
The genre from The dark night is action.
The setting is in a big city, lots of banks and places with money, everything is faced paced which is what you usually see with an action because a lot is happening (chasing, crime, undercover), also with an action there is always guns involved (which there is in this opening scene) and the people are undercover robbing a bank which shows they are breaking the law and committing a crime which you also see in an action. I find that with action films everything is quite obvious, they are robbing a band in day light, flying over buildings in day light and also wearing obvious masks in day light!
28 Weeks Later
The genre from 28 weeks later is horror.
The setting is very dark and the only light source used is candles and horror films normally are very dark and creepy, also there is no sound track and everything is quiet so your just waiting for something to jump out at you. Near to the end of the opening scene the editing goes fast paced and everything is very panicked which shows that something is going to go wrong or jump out at you. Finally at the end we see zombies which definitely shows 28 weeks later as a horror.
Step Brothers
The genre from stepbrothers is a comedy.
The soundtrack at the start sets the fun atmosphere as its very up beat, cheerful and happy, you are just seeing to men having fun watching television, eating food, playing guitar while there parents are off to work which is very realistic as the kids have an easy life compared to the adults. The setting is in two houses, the lighting is very naturalistic but quite bright (not low key lighting like a horror would be). The editing is normal paced (not faced like actions or slow like horror).
By doing this task I am starting to realise different genre's have certain things in them that specifically make them that genre.
Horror Film - would contain a obvious villain, blood, death, darkness, normally someone is killed, not a happy ending, dull, scary, victims, always very eerie music, slow paced.
Action Film - would contain a protagonist + antagonist, more physical action than dialogue, violence, face paced, chase, a women in the middle, a hero in the end and the bad guy gets defeated.
Comedy Film - humor, happy ending, up beat, very light hearted, simple story line always enjoyable.
Sunday 30 January 2011
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Analysing Student Films
We watched 3 film openings created by students.
Clip one (Peephole)
Strengths - The sound was used really well and was effective, I also thought the camera angles were used well especially as there was a variety of them. When the camera was going around the tree, it kept really steady (and that was probably really hard to film).
Weaknesses - I thought that with the basic filming (mid shots) the camera was very unsteady, so when they had harder bits to film (the tree) they kept the camera steady but with easier bits to film the camera wouldn't stay still. The title appeared really early and thought it would of been better if they introduced it a bit later. Lastly I thought there was too much in the opening, it was more like a trailer because you basically see everything happen and with a film opening you just need to lead people in and not give away too much.
Clip two (Shadowing)
Strengths - I thought the camera angles were used really well! The camera was steady, and there was a variety of shots. I also thought that the editing was done to a high standard especially with jump cuts to reveal the stalker.
Weaknesses - It has the same weaknesses as clip one, it just gives to much away, its more like a trailer than an opening. They need to keep away from a closed narrative because in there opening the whole storyline is put out.
Clip three (Solitude)
Strengths - Like the two clips before, all the three clips have had a really good variety of camera angles. The reason this clip was probably the best is because it was a film opening, they didn't give to much away, it was an open narrative as there was lots more things to happen yet.
Weaknesses - I thought that the titles were used badly because it didn't fit with the genre, it was poorly made as well (made of paint). Also they need to be careful with there props as at one point the windscreen wipers were up and then the next they were down.
By looking at previous student films I know that when I create my film, I need to keep away from a film trailer, by the looks of it lots of students make the mistake of making there opening more like a trailer and making it a close narrative where as it should be an opening narrative as there is still lots more to happen in the film.
Clip one (Peephole)
Strengths - The sound was used really well and was effective, I also thought the camera angles were used well especially as there was a variety of them. When the camera was going around the tree, it kept really steady (and that was probably really hard to film).
Weaknesses - I thought that with the basic filming (mid shots) the camera was very unsteady, so when they had harder bits to film (the tree) they kept the camera steady but with easier bits to film the camera wouldn't stay still. The title appeared really early and thought it would of been better if they introduced it a bit later. Lastly I thought there was too much in the opening, it was more like a trailer because you basically see everything happen and with a film opening you just need to lead people in and not give away too much.
Clip two (Shadowing)
Strengths - I thought the camera angles were used really well! The camera was steady, and there was a variety of shots. I also thought that the editing was done to a high standard especially with jump cuts to reveal the stalker.
Weaknesses - It has the same weaknesses as clip one, it just gives to much away, its more like a trailer than an opening. They need to keep away from a closed narrative because in there opening the whole storyline is put out.
Clip three (Solitude)
Strengths - Like the two clips before, all the three clips have had a really good variety of camera angles. The reason this clip was probably the best is because it was a film opening, they didn't give to much away, it was an open narrative as there was lots more things to happen yet.
Weaknesses - I thought that the titles were used badly because it didn't fit with the genre, it was poorly made as well (made of paint). Also they need to be careful with there props as at one point the windscreen wipers were up and then the next they were down.
By looking at previous student films I know that when I create my film, I need to keep away from a film trailer, by the looks of it lots of students make the mistake of making there opening more like a trailer and making it a close narrative where as it should be an opening narrative as there is still lots more to happen in the film.
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Anaylsing Film Openings.
To help us understand film openings even more and see whats involved, we were set the task to analyse a number of openings and by doing this, once we come to creating our own film opening we will be an expert about whats involved.
Reservoir Dogs
Narrative – A gang, going somewhere to cause trouble.
Genre – The Genre I think is gangster/thriller.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere in the opening scene is very cool, rough and serious but fun at the same time.
Titles – The titles are used well as when the camera does a close up on each of the characters, there name appears below so you can tell easily who is playing what part.
Sound – There is background music playing which is a juxtaposition because it really doesn’t suit, they should be having a very cool song playing but the song doesn’t suit their style.
Character – There are a few of the gang members in suits then there are others dressed very casually which already gives us an idea about what each character is like.
Themes – The themes I get from the opening is gang culture, smoking and swagger.
Setting – The opening is set in the streets in an urban city as it looks quite rough and loud.
Hitch
Narrative – Men are trying to get women but they need help from a matchmaker.
Genre – The genre is a romantic comedy as the films about love but humour is also involved.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very happy, humorous amusing and cheerful (high spirits).
Titles – The writing is small and is before the action, the text also signifies business (matchmaker because that is will smiths business).
Sound – Non diegetic soundtrack is played which is very positive and slow (perfect song about love), also Will smith does a voice over talking about relationships.
Character – There is going to be a lot of women and men (couples) as the film is to do with relationships and also there is Will smith (the matchmaker).
Themes – The themes are Love, relationships and men trying to get women.
Setting - The film is set in a city and uses iconography of yellow cabs.
Saving Private Ryan
Narrative – The narrative it quite hard to make out from this opening but I think it's about a man who was a soldier in the war once, and he is telling us his story and what happened to him on his journey and at the end i think you discover that he is a hero.
Genre – The genre of "Saving Private Ryan" is war.
Atmosphere – The atmopshere is quite dull and emotional,obviously because there has been a lot of deaths as the film is to do with war.
Titles – The title of the film comes at the very start before we see anything, it is very plain (black and white) and suits the genre (as its to do with war you wouldn't expect lots of bright colours and fancy fonts) its basic.
Sound – There is non-diegetic soundtrack in the background which is very slow and respectable (you could imagine and army with this music) its also quite moving and royal so fits perfectly with the the genre as well.
Character – You see one main character, an old man who has obviously been in the war when he was younger and lost a lot of friends as you seem him visit graves. Also by watching the opening he seems like a hero this is because as he is walking people are behind him following so he must be well known.
Themes – The themes I get from the opening are war, death, courage and bravery.
Setting - The opening is set in a graveyard with thousands of graves which represent the soldiers that died in the war, it also shows the iconography of the American flag (they fought for their country).
The Shining
Narrative – There is going to be some sort of "bad evil" guy in it, who is going to trap and murder a lot of people and because it's in the middle of nowhere he will get away with it.
Genre – The genre of "The shining" is horror.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very tense, you have a feeling something is going to happen and you are just waiting for that moment.
Titles – The timing of the titles i thought was excellent, they came up just at the right time but i don't think the style of the writing suited the genre because it's suppose to be a horror yet there is baby blue writing, I really don't think it went well with the opening.
Sound – Throughout the opening there is a non-diegetic sound track played with is very eerie and nervous.
Character – We don't see any characters in the opening just see a car which I think either has a couple, or a family in it.
Themes – The themes I think that there is going to be is death, violence, torture and kidnapping.
Setting - The setting is in the middle of nowhere (which is perfect for a horror) in some sort of hotel in the mountains which looks very old and creepy.
Superbad
Narrative – The film is going to involve two guys (best friends) just having fun and having a laugh with their life.
Genre – The Genre of "superbad" is a comedy.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very cool, relaxed amusing and enjoyable.
Titles – The titles I think are spot on, they come in at the right time, the style of them is very bright and cheerful which fits with the genre of comedy.
Sound – There is a soundtrack being played which is very fun, up beat and is what you would expect with a comedy.
Character – In the opening we see two male characters, look like there young, funny and just having a good time.
Themes – The themes I think that will be involved is friendship, girls, college/high school and growing up.
Setting – We don't actually find out where the setting is as the opening is in animation with a coloured background.
Reservoir Dogs
Narrative – A gang, going somewhere to cause trouble.
Genre – The Genre I think is gangster/thriller.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere in the opening scene is very cool, rough and serious but fun at the same time.
Titles – The titles are used well as when the camera does a close up on each of the characters, there name appears below so you can tell easily who is playing what part.
Sound – There is background music playing which is a juxtaposition because it really doesn’t suit, they should be having a very cool song playing but the song doesn’t suit their style.
Character – There are a few of the gang members in suits then there are others dressed very casually which already gives us an idea about what each character is like.
Themes – The themes I get from the opening is gang culture, smoking and swagger.
Setting – The opening is set in the streets in an urban city as it looks quite rough and loud.
Hitch
Narrative – Men are trying to get women but they need help from a matchmaker.
Genre – The genre is a romantic comedy as the films about love but humour is also involved.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very happy, humorous amusing and cheerful (high spirits).
Titles – The writing is small and is before the action, the text also signifies business (matchmaker because that is will smiths business).
Sound – Non diegetic soundtrack is played which is very positive and slow (perfect song about love), also Will smith does a voice over talking about relationships.
Character – There is going to be a lot of women and men (couples) as the film is to do with relationships and also there is Will smith (the matchmaker).
Themes – The themes are Love, relationships and men trying to get women.
Setting - The film is set in a city and uses iconography of yellow cabs.
Saving Private Ryan
Narrative – The narrative it quite hard to make out from this opening but I think it's about a man who was a soldier in the war once, and he is telling us his story and what happened to him on his journey and at the end i think you discover that he is a hero.
Genre – The genre of "Saving Private Ryan" is war.
Atmosphere – The atmopshere is quite dull and emotional,obviously because there has been a lot of deaths as the film is to do with war.
Titles – The title of the film comes at the very start before we see anything, it is very plain (black and white) and suits the genre (as its to do with war you wouldn't expect lots of bright colours and fancy fonts) its basic.
Sound – There is non-diegetic soundtrack in the background which is very slow and respectable (you could imagine and army with this music) its also quite moving and royal so fits perfectly with the the genre as well.
Character – You see one main character, an old man who has obviously been in the war when he was younger and lost a lot of friends as you seem him visit graves. Also by watching the opening he seems like a hero this is because as he is walking people are behind him following so he must be well known.
Themes – The themes I get from the opening are war, death, courage and bravery.
Setting - The opening is set in a graveyard with thousands of graves which represent the soldiers that died in the war, it also shows the iconography of the American flag (they fought for their country).
The Shining
Narrative – There is going to be some sort of "bad evil" guy in it, who is going to trap and murder a lot of people and because it's in the middle of nowhere he will get away with it.
Genre – The genre of "The shining" is horror.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very tense, you have a feeling something is going to happen and you are just waiting for that moment.
Titles – The timing of the titles i thought was excellent, they came up just at the right time but i don't think the style of the writing suited the genre because it's suppose to be a horror yet there is baby blue writing, I really don't think it went well with the opening.
Sound – Throughout the opening there is a non-diegetic sound track played with is very eerie and nervous.
Character – We don't see any characters in the opening just see a car which I think either has a couple, or a family in it.
Themes – The themes I think that there is going to be is death, violence, torture and kidnapping.
Setting - The setting is in the middle of nowhere (which is perfect for a horror) in some sort of hotel in the mountains which looks very old and creepy.
Superbad
Narrative – The film is going to involve two guys (best friends) just having fun and having a laugh with their life.
Genre – The Genre of "superbad" is a comedy.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere is very cool, relaxed amusing and enjoyable.
Titles – The titles I think are spot on, they come in at the right time, the style of them is very bright and cheerful which fits with the genre of comedy.
Sound – There is a soundtrack being played which is very fun, up beat and is what you would expect with a comedy.
Character – In the opening we see two male characters, look like there young, funny and just having a good time.
Themes – The themes I think that will be involved is friendship, girls, college/high school and growing up.
Setting – We don't actually find out where the setting is as the opening is in animation with a coloured background.
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Stating the difference between a film trailer and a film opening.
We needed to learn the difference between a film opening and a film trailer as when we make our opening to our film we must clearly show it is an opening and not a trailer.
We looked at the film Casino Royal and had to analyse the opening and the trailer to see what they both involve and what the difference is.
Casino Royal Trailer
Genre- The Genre of the film is action.
Narrative – From the trailer it seems like a spy on a mission.
Character – In the film there looks like there is going to be the following characters, a spy, a villain and a woman who will come between the two (so there could be a love triangle).
Atmosphere - The atmosphere is going to be quite serious as there are guns involved, and a lot is going to happen.
Themes – There looks like there is going to be the following themes, violence, poker, romance and death.
Setting – The setting looks like it is somewhere abroad in a casino.
Titles – At the end it uses iconography with the gun and 007.
Casino Royal Opening
Genre- The genre is action.
Narrative – There is a spy on a mission and poker could be involved.
Character – The character involved is a spy.
Atmosphere - atmosphere is very rushed and excited (adrenaline).
Themes – The themes in the opening are violence and romance.
Setting – The setting is in a casino
Sound – There is a soundtrack played which is diegetic and fast paced.
Titles – The titles used are very serious, shows the action and the severe things that are going to happen.
Analysing the difference between a film opening and a film trailer
The difference between a film opening and a film trailer is a film trailer shows pretty much the whole storyline, and the best parts of a film because it needs to attract and audience where as a film opening needs to introduce you to the film and include titles to the film, it also needs to set a mood in the first 2-3 minutes.
The difference between a film opening and a trailer is:
A film trailer needs to involve things such as a overview of the plot so the audiences understands what the film is about, it needs to create a sense of interest, it has to show the best bits from the film, create a sense of curiosity, who stars in the film, it shows the genre of the film, lots of shots in a short two minute clip, faced paced and discontinuous editing, a voice over sometimes accompanies it and also it needs a dramatic sound track.
A film opening must intrigue the audience, it must set as mood within the first 2-3 minutes, the viewer should end up being absorbed with the film and it needs to have a sense of curiosity for the viewer and there must be a good use of titles, font and choice of soundtrack.
The opening of a film needs to create a sense of interest it needs to give away some of the story line so it attracts the audience to watch it, it must also make the audience constantly question what they are being shown. This is in contrast to a film trailer which has to keep the audience on the edge of there seat constantly and create a high level of excitement to attract the audience to watch it.
We looked at the film Casino Royal and had to analyse the opening and the trailer to see what they both involve and what the difference is.
Casino Royal Trailer
Genre- The Genre of the film is action.
Narrative – From the trailer it seems like a spy on a mission.
Character – In the film there looks like there is going to be the following characters, a spy, a villain and a woman who will come between the two (so there could be a love triangle).
Atmosphere - The atmosphere is going to be quite serious as there are guns involved, and a lot is going to happen.
Themes – There looks like there is going to be the following themes, violence, poker, romance and death.
Setting – The setting looks like it is somewhere abroad in a casino.
Titles – At the end it uses iconography with the gun and 007.
Casino Royal Opening
Genre- The genre is action.
Narrative – There is a spy on a mission and poker could be involved.
Character – The character involved is a spy.
Atmosphere - atmosphere is very rushed and excited (adrenaline).
Themes – The themes in the opening are violence and romance.
Setting – The setting is in a casino
Sound – There is a soundtrack played which is diegetic and fast paced.
Titles – The titles used are very serious, shows the action and the severe things that are going to happen.
Analysing the difference between a film opening and a film trailer
The difference between a film opening and a film trailer is a film trailer shows pretty much the whole storyline, and the best parts of a film because it needs to attract and audience where as a film opening needs to introduce you to the film and include titles to the film, it also needs to set a mood in the first 2-3 minutes.
The difference between a film opening and a trailer is:
A film trailer needs to involve things such as a overview of the plot so the audiences understands what the film is about, it needs to create a sense of interest, it has to show the best bits from the film, create a sense of curiosity, who stars in the film, it shows the genre of the film, lots of shots in a short two minute clip, faced paced and discontinuous editing, a voice over sometimes accompanies it and also it needs a dramatic sound track.
A film opening must intrigue the audience, it must set as mood within the first 2-3 minutes, the viewer should end up being absorbed with the film and it needs to have a sense of curiosity for the viewer and there must be a good use of titles, font and choice of soundtrack.
The opening of a film needs to create a sense of interest it needs to give away some of the story line so it attracts the audience to watch it, it must also make the audience constantly question what they are being shown. This is in contrast to a film trailer which has to keep the audience on the edge of there seat constantly and create a high level of excitement to attract the audience to watch it.
Tuesday 18 January 2011
Notes On Film Openings.
We looked at two film openings "My best friends wedding" + "Catch me if you can", which are two very different openings, we had the analyse both to help us with our research on openings.
My Best Friends Wedding
We watched the opening to the film “My best friend’s wedding”.
Genre – The genre of the film is romance, this is because the opening of the films shows a bride which means there is going to be a wedding as two people love each other (romance). The colours used in the opening are mostly pink which also represents love and romance.
Narrative – In the film there is going to be a wedding as we see a bride, but you also get the impression that something is going to go wrong and it is maybe to do with the brides’ friends as the film is “My best friend’s wedding”.
Character – There is going to be a bride, as we see her in the opening and if there is a bride that means there is also going to be a groom and bridesmaids, best man, lots of family and friends as there is going to be a wedding.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere in the opening of the film seems quite light and happy, also love and lots of femininity, this is because in the opening the women is talking about getting married (happy), everything seems perfect (light), she is talking about her man (love) and everything is very pink and girly (feminine).
Themes – From watching the opening from the film the themes I think it will involve is romance, love, wedding, happiness and friendship.
Setting – The setting of the opening is in the studio and this is because it’s taking the mickey out of the film because it’s very “cheesy” and “happy” also it shows a stage performance.
Sound – The sound played is diegetic and is a song which is a reference on how to love and keep your man which shows romance, love and happiness.
Titles - The titles used are in a handwriting style which makes them look like an invitation which links with the theme of a wedding.
Catch Me If You Can
We watched the opening to the film “Catch me if you can”.
Genre – The genre is action I think because there is a lot which is going to happen there is going to be a chase, maybe something to do with a mystery and the film also could have something to do with detectives.
Narrative – The film will involve some sort of chase, now we don’t actually find out in the opening why someone is going to be chased but I think there could be a chase because someone is undercover as a detective trying to catch someone out.
Character – There looks like there are going to be characters in disguise and detectives, which shows us there will be good and bad people in the film.
Atmosphere – The Atmosphere looks like there is going to be a lot of suspense and waiting because you and just waiting for someone to be caught as it says in the title “catch me if you can”.
Themes – The themes that will be involved in the film I think are danger, crime, chase and disguise.
Sound – There is a non diegetic soundtrack played which is very sneaky and suspicious which makes me think that there is a lot of sneakiness and suspicion in the film.
Titles – The titles are used in a very creative way as they link in with the animated opening and are used (for example an M is also used for a ladder which someone climes up).
By looking at these two openings, I am learning more and more about what needs to be involved, this will help me when I come to making my groups film opening. We need to make sure when planning our film we consider all of these points above (Genre, Narrative, Character, etc......)
My Best Friends Wedding
We watched the opening to the film “My best friend’s wedding”.
Genre – The genre of the film is romance, this is because the opening of the films shows a bride which means there is going to be a wedding as two people love each other (romance). The colours used in the opening are mostly pink which also represents love and romance.
Narrative – In the film there is going to be a wedding as we see a bride, but you also get the impression that something is going to go wrong and it is maybe to do with the brides’ friends as the film is “My best friend’s wedding”.
Character – There is going to be a bride, as we see her in the opening and if there is a bride that means there is also going to be a groom and bridesmaids, best man, lots of family and friends as there is going to be a wedding.
Atmosphere – The atmosphere in the opening of the film seems quite light and happy, also love and lots of femininity, this is because in the opening the women is talking about getting married (happy), everything seems perfect (light), she is talking about her man (love) and everything is very pink and girly (feminine).
Themes – From watching the opening from the film the themes I think it will involve is romance, love, wedding, happiness and friendship.
Setting – The setting of the opening is in the studio and this is because it’s taking the mickey out of the film because it’s very “cheesy” and “happy” also it shows a stage performance.
Sound – The sound played is diegetic and is a song which is a reference on how to love and keep your man which shows romance, love and happiness.
Titles - The titles used are in a handwriting style which makes them look like an invitation which links with the theme of a wedding.
Catch Me If You Can
We watched the opening to the film “Catch me if you can”.
Genre – The genre is action I think because there is a lot which is going to happen there is going to be a chase, maybe something to do with a mystery and the film also could have something to do with detectives.
Narrative – The film will involve some sort of chase, now we don’t actually find out in the opening why someone is going to be chased but I think there could be a chase because someone is undercover as a detective trying to catch someone out.
Character – There looks like there are going to be characters in disguise and detectives, which shows us there will be good and bad people in the film.
Atmosphere – The Atmosphere looks like there is going to be a lot of suspense and waiting because you and just waiting for someone to be caught as it says in the title “catch me if you can”.
Themes – The themes that will be involved in the film I think are danger, crime, chase and disguise.
Sound – There is a non diegetic soundtrack played which is very sneaky and suspicious which makes me think that there is a lot of sneakiness and suspicion in the film.
Titles – The titles are used in a very creative way as they link in with the animated opening and are used (for example an M is also used for a ladder which someone climes up).
By looking at these two openings, I am learning more and more about what needs to be involved, this will help me when I come to making my groups film opening. We need to make sure when planning our film we consider all of these points above (Genre, Narrative, Character, etc......)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)