How Tarantino uses generic conventions in 'Jackie Brown'
Opening Scene:
The opening to 'Jackie Brown' uses the longest tracking shot in film which varies from different camera
angles in order to represent the main character without any dialogue. The costume already informs the audience that she works at an airport and the use of a conveyor belt then appears simplistic which may suggest that there is nothing much to the story of her life, however this is deceiving because we learn more about how she manipulates her job in order to smuggle money in for another dominant character.
The low angle shot suggests dominance which then challenges the conventions of thrillers by casting a female lead. In the 90's, in which it was released, statistics were low for women for example less than 9% of them were police officers. Also IMDb's 90's Top 100 films only had just under 20 films with a female lead role. However women were becoming more confident and independent making it more likely for women to be casted as the lead role with IMDb's current list showing over 30 top 100 films having a woman as the lead role. This angle is then significant because it visually tells the audience how independent and how dominant Jackie Brown was.
The sound is non-diegetic and is referencing 60's soul music in which was the time of change for races and ethnicity with protests allowing them to be equal. This then further suggests Jackie's dominance in that she is a strong female with all the male attributes for a leading role.
Beaumont's Death:
This lighting is an example of chiaroscuro lighting which is a generic conventions as it sets the genre as a noir thriller. This is similar to the opening of 'Essex Boys' where not much is revealed - representing a mystery - as it is too dark and grim. It then appears unglamourous, like the scene here. It also represents Beaumont's life of crime as the angle used makes the building appear long, like a prison with lined up cells.
This angle is used to show binary opposites of Ordell and Beaumont. Beaumont's back is up against the wall and he is not wearing a top which makes him appear more exposed and vulnerable thus making Ordell appear more authoritative. This then immediately establishes both identities by creating a distinct contrast through gesture.
The worm's eye view then makes the audience feel intimidated through the use of perspective as if we are looking up at them. A trunk is a generic convention of thrillers particularly in films such as 'Essex Boys' and this same shot is used in Tarantino's other films, 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Reservoir Dogs'. This then makes the space seem more enclosed thereby creating a claustrophobic feel which then helps to establish to the audience that these characters are dominant.
The use of costume is key as it connotes that Ordell is a bold and flashy person and the use of gloves suggest that he means business. It is also used to cover an identity which then implies that he is about to do something in which he wants nobody to know about suggesting that he is logical and methodical.
The 180 degree rule is not broken here due to the use of the panning shot. It is not used straight away as there is a vanishing point which then tricks the audience into believing he is driving away, but then we follow the car through a panning shot which adds suspense due to it being unexpected. Tarantino then uses the conventions of a thriller by using a place that is isolated and putting the victim into the trunk of a car so as to put them in a place where they are most vulnerable. A long shot is used to be metaphorical of Ordell's detachment from emotion as he has no empathy and the use of dark and gloomy lighting represents the coldness of him as he tricked Beaumont, only to kill him.
Melanie's Death:
This scene suggests male dominance due to Melanie aggravating Louis into killing her. This then suggests how short-tempered he is as he did it in daylight where he is exposed and everyone can see him. The difference then between Ordell is that he planned it strategically so that he couldn't be seen and therefore couldn't be caught. However, Louis did it out of anger and leaves Melanie to be found suggesting he has psychopathic tendencies, but also that he doesn't care which shows his detachment from emotion as he doesn't care who he kills as he has no sympathy.
1) A homeless man witnesses a murder and he makes a noise which reveals where he is providing a cliffhanger.
2) A man is dreaming - based on memories of him and his girlfriend - and it suddenly changes to a nightmare and when he wakes up, his girlfriend is sitting at the end of the bed.
We then put it to a class vote and idea 1 was seen as more of a thriller and therefore gained the most votes.
We will begin with the homeless man walking around in places that suggest he comes from a poorer background. We will put them in wrecked and tatty clothes which then suggest the homeless aspect of his life and although this may appear stereotypical, it will best visually tell a story about the character for the audience to understand. Tracking shots will be used to show how the character never has a settled place and we will create a time lapse, alternating between him sitting down on bench with people walking past and him walking which will represent his day. This will be shot during the day so artificial lighting will not be used and we will experiment with dark filters when editing to suggest a depressing and dull atmosphere. Ellipsis would then be used and we will shoot when it is getting dark where the homeless man is settling for the night and will be hidden in the shadows of the artificial lighting. This will make it appear more atmospheric and mysterious. Our group is yet to decide how he notices a murder but we will develop this idea further into the planning. An idea we have suggested is that he falls asleep and is woken up by the sound of the scream and then witnesses a murder. The homeless man will then make a noise and reveal that he has witnessed the whole thing and it will end with a cliffhanger leaving the audience to wonder if he will escape or not.
For our Preliminary Task we used a range of camera angles to add different perspectives. For example we used Shot Reverse Shot during the conversation which provided different angles so the audience could easily understand who is speaking and familiarise themselves with the characters.
An Over The Shoulder Shot was also used during the conversation so as to imply that there are two people involved in the scene and that they are talking to one another. Our group also felt that an Extreme Close Up Shot was essential throughout the clip as it told the audience a story visually. It was effectively used at the end of our video so it clearly expressed frustration in our character without the use of dialogue by using an extreme close up of the face.
The locations we chose were also key in our video as it was meant to show how our character (the cheater) was frantically looking for the reviser. Our video begins with the Cheater waiting outside the Arc for the Reviser who never shows up. This use of an open space means the audience can see more than the main character as they have a different perspective which then hints that nobody is actually coming. The Canteen was then used in the next scene in which too is an open space. This meant that the Cheater could run through whilst we use a Tracking Shot so we are following her movements for the audience to see. Because the Canteen is full of people sitting down, it then emphasises how stressed the cheater is because they are running in contrast to others in the shot which then makes it visually interesting as nobody is moving but the character, who is running.
Our group always considered continuity but there was an accidental error in which certain details were noticeably changed - such as shoes. To avoid confusion with the audience we had to re-shoot some of the footage as it was key to our plot. For example at the end we noticed that the shoes had changed - yet it was the main focus of the shot so we had to film it again so that it did not break the continuity rule. However in some circumstances we simply didn't use the footage with noticeable changes as it wasn't essential to the plot and therefore didn't ruin it.
Starring - Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutchinson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson.
Awards Won:
BAFTA Children's Award - Best Feature Film
Saturn Award - Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence)
ASCAP Award - Top Box Office Films
Critics Choice Award - Best Actress in an Action Movie (Jennifer Lawrence)
Empire Award - Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence)
People's Choice Award - Favorite Action Movie
Synopsis - The Hunger Games takes place annually in which two children - a boy and a girl - are selected randomly from each district - there are twelve in total - to compete in a brutal competition in which you have to literally fight for survival. When Prim Everdeen, Katniss Everdeen's sister, is chosen, Katniss volunteers to take her place and eventually wins the Hunger Games for her, much to the dismay of the President of the Capitol who hosts the competition. This is because only one person is supposed to win, but Katniss and her district partner - Peeta - rebel against the rules, threatening to kill themselves to result in no winner. The whole competition is televised, showing the barbaric side of society.
The aspect of the film that I find so enjoyable is the originality of it and the use of mise-en-scene. For example the use of futuristic props and clothing tell the audience the genre of the film and is suggestive of the time in which it is set. It demonstrates the poor and richer people who, like us, have to live in a society of judgement and this contrast is clearly evident through the use of colour choice. For example in the scene provided, you notice the drab and colourless clothing of the people in the audience which are purely functional. Then in contrast, the lady on the stage who represents the Capitol, wears excessively bright and colourful clothing which signifies that she comes from a much wealthier part of society.
The generic conventions of this film include innocent victims (those who are chosen to fight in the competition unwillingly), psychotic individuals (as there are some who volunteer to fight others because they consider it a challenge), and the theme is linked to politics as the games result in a war between the Capitol and Katniss who each represent and symbolise a class/status. The use of locations are key in this film as it begins with an unglamourous setting of Katniss' home which represents how poor she is. Flashbacks are then used - which are common in thrillers - and the use of nature is used to represent emotion for us as an audience to understand. For example rain. This was used to represent how weak Katniss was and how that time was a depressing, bleak and dull time. The flashback also informs the audience about the time before the events that happen which help familiarise the audience with the characters.
Roger Ebert:
'One thing I missed, however, was more self-awareness on the part of the tributes. As their names are being drawn from a fish bowl (!) at the Reaping, the reactions of the chosen seem rather subdued, considering the odds are 23-to-1 that they'll end up dead. Katniss volunteers to take place of her 12-year-old kid sister, Prim (Willow Shields), but no one explicitly discusses the fairness of deadly combat between girl children and 18-year-old men. Apparently the jaded TV audiences of Panem have developed an appetite for barbarity. Nor do Katniss and Peeta reveal much thoughtfulness about their own peculiar position.'
I disagree with the comment as I find the reactions exact. It is representative of the vulnerability of these people who have no power because they are owned by the Capitol and are not free. The Hunger Games have been going on for 74 years and therefore you can't expect people to react any other way. They understand what is compulsory - though they may despise it - but they are powerless and therefore cannot change what is Law. This is why people are more surprised when Katniss rebels against the Capitol at the end, because it is unseen and unheard of. The extreme close-ups of faces are not meant to show disgust and hatred, it is meant to show empathy for the competitors because it is horrific, but nothing can be done to change that.
This can be shown through this screen shot of the scene being referred to in the review. Prim is taking up a third of the shot so that we can see her reaction, and the reaction of others.
Starring - Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman
Awards Won:
ASCAP Award - Top Television Series
People's Choice Award - Favorite New TV Drama
Synopsis - A billionaire, Harold Finch, creates a machine which predicts crimes before it happens and it gives him the social security numbers of either those who provoke the attack, or those who are the victim of it. He needed a partner who would be able to prevent this so he hired an ex-CIA Agent, John Reese. Together they secretly work to prevent these crimes in order to create a safer world.
This show used generic conventions of a thriller which made it so gripping such as flashbacks. This then arouses suspicion from the audience so as to make them feel that we don't know something that is of importance. This then only makes you want to watch it even further because we know it is relevant and could change the plot but little bits of information are only revealed at certain times throughout the series so as to keep us hooked. This aspect of the show is why I enjoy it so much because I feel as if I have to keep watching it because the show makes me ask questions that would be revealed, but later in the series.
This was the first episode of the third series which briefly gives an overview of what the plot is currently so that the audience remember. They also add extra information - with the use of flashbacks - such as the first day in which the machine was built which then adds to the information we already know. The use of long shots implies that the information that we are finding out is meant to be a secret and is therefore of importance suggesting that it could change the plot drastically. The use of dark and dull colours sets the mood so that we can understand visually the plot which is suggestive of danger and risk.
IMDb User Review:
'Person of Interest is a smart, taught, action thriller with substance that is brimming with excitement and dangerous, tense intrigue, and nail-biting suspense'
I agree with this comment as I always find myself absorbed in the unpredictable storyline. The unpredictably of it is then what makes it so tense and gripping and the plot is original and clever making it enjoyable to watch.
Hollywood Breakthrough Award - Breakthrough Male Performance (Paul Walker)
Synopsis - A police officer - Brian O'Connor - is chosen to find and arrest Dominic Toretto and his crew who are illegal street racers and have committed various theft crimes involving valuable cars. He has been sent undercover and falls in love with Toretto's Sister and finds himself involved with the racing, wanting to help the crew as oppose to bringing them down, thereby testing his loyalties.
The generic conventions of this film include convicts/criminals with the main characters breaking the law. However this film is based on their perspective as a group thus showing it from their side. This means that we as an audience favour them as oppose to the law - despite knowing that what they are doing is wrong.
Another generic convention is escaped cons which shows the pursuit of freedom particularly in the later films of the Fast and Furious film series. For example in the end of Fast and Furious 4 (Video above). This scene implies that Toretto is going escape through the help of his crew but because it cuts before we know, it then provides a cliffhanger making it a perfect beginning for the next film. The use of diegetic sound with the cars shows us the power of these vehicles and makes the film seem more fast paced and eventful with the help of quick and tense music. The location is also key as it is isolated informing the audience that this place has no boundaries and no one can stop what we assume is about to happen.
This particular screen shot from the clip is an example of the rule of thirds which is significant. The subject and object takes up roughly 2/3 of the shot and is representative of Toretto - the man they are about to help escape. It is significant because the necklace on the first third of the shot has been included throughout the film series and is recognisably Toretto's item and therefore having it included shows the power and influence he has. It represents who is crew are saving and how they will always help him because that is what they do. Roger Ebert Review :
'"The Fast and the Furious" is not a great movie, but it delivers what it promises to deliver, and knows that a chase scene is supposed to be about something more than special effects. It has some of that grandiose self-pitying dialogue we've treasured in movies like this ever since "Rebel Without a Cause." "I live my life a quarter-mile at a time," Toretto tells Brian. "For those 10 seconds, I'm free." And, hey, even for the next 30 seconds, he's decelerating.' I do agree with this comment as it isn't a blockbuster film but it does provide us with the nail-biting, edge of your seat kind of entertainment. The use of cliffhangers are so effective as the script isn't pre-written like a book so the whole plot could change making it unpredictable. It promises to deliver in which it most definitely does!
Evaluation of Preliminary: 1. For my Preliminary task, I did a shot list to clearly show what shots (camera angles) our group were going to do and where it was going to be done and who was going to be in the shot. This meant that me, my group and others could easily follow and understand what it is our group is trying to do. I also constructed a storyboard so I can visually show what shot I am going to do by doing drawings of different objects and subjects. This then helps myself and others to further understand the plot of our Preliminary Task.
In order to improve my camera skills, I practised camera angles using a subject and analysed what effect or impact it has, such as high angle can suggest vulnerability due to the perspective being higher than the subject. I also analysed a film in order to understand what camera angles are used - that are not still - in order to create the desired effect. This meant that when I was filming the conversation, I was able to consider shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule and continuity. Our group was careful as to not wear different clothes when filming to suggest that the story all happened at the same time - though it was filmed over numerous days - so as to not confuse our audience. If there was a day when small details were accidentally changed or forgotten, such as shoes, then we considered how to alter our shots in order to cover the difference so that it is unnoticeable and would not cause confusion but as a result, did not effect the filming. 2. The 180 degree rule - This rule means you are shooting on one side to show continuity and to not change the side in which the subject is on. For example, if a person was on the right side of another person, this must stay the same and you must not cross the line in which is past the 180 degree mark.
The 180 degree rule must be considered when filming my Preliminary Task, as otherwise it will cause confusion for the audience. This diagram shows that the person in the blue shirt, is on one side and must stay on that side in order to appear as if he is in the same position. You have to consider an imaginary axis and not cross it so it appears that the person is on the same side and has not switched. This is important as otherwise it will confuse the audience and make the plot less easy to follow and then they won't be able to 'visually connect with the unseen movement' as their viewpoint has changed. For example, if you were watching a football match and someone was running with the ball, then you are following that character and can understand the direction in which they are running. If the cameras switched to the opposite side then it would cause confusion as the audience would see the player running in the opposite direction, though it is heading for the same goal. 3. Our group ensured that we varied our camera angles in order to make it more interesting and show different emotions so as to have a different effect. For example, we used close up shots because this shows emotion clearly in which tells the story to the audience. The audience need to understand the emotion because it is a part of the plot as it suggests the tone of the storyline such as happy, angry or sad. In our case it was anger and frustration and we felt a close up shot told this. We also used tracking shots in order to follow the subject, so the audience can follow the plot. We used one of these shots towards the end of the filming and because we had to follow the character, it meant that the camera was shaky and not smooth. However when looking at it, we felt that this had a good effect as the character is meant to be walking away angrily and the shaking of the camera, we felt, represented this as it expressed it more clearly and would tell the emotion to the audience. For the conversation, we used a range of camera angles in order to give a different perspective. For example, we used shot reverse shot, extreme close up, over the shoulder, and close up. This variation meant that it makes the plot more interesting and helps the audience understand the story better as different view points are given. Our group ensured that we considered the 180 degree rule and when we first filmed the conversation, we did some filming and then came to the realisation that we had crossed the 'imaginary axis' and therefore broke this rule. We then fixed it by re-filming certain parts and then the problem was overcome. 4. I have not edited before and therefore doing this Preliminary Task helped me greatly. Though I am still unsure about certain things in the editing programme, I am now able to shorten clips and set a point so it can start and stop at a certain time. I was also able to drag the clips and sound that I needed so each clip connected, and when played, it was a continuous clip. Our group decided that including video effects and transitions would help our story - especially 'dissolve' so when alternating between two different clips at two different places, the video flowed more and it wasn't a sharp definition between each individual clip. We also experimented with colour, particularly black and white as this can be effective, and we felt it suited the emotion we are trying to express to our audience. Along with it, we used slow motion, particularly at the end of our video, because it would emphasise the frustration and anger of our character and make it much more dramatic. This is something I will consider when thinking ahead for my Thriller Task as it indicates emotion so the audience can understand clearly and the use of mono-colour fits with the conventions of a noir thriller. However, I am still not overly confident with the editing programme as I have not experimented with every tool, due to it being irrelevant and unnecessary to our Preliminary Task. Something I would like to experiment with is audio effects, as although we included a clip of music in our video, we did not use certain effects that may help dramatise the plot such as the music fading in and out.
Our story for the Preliminary Task is about a cheater looking for her friend, who is revising, trying to get the answers from her for a test from but she then refuses to give it to the cheater and they have an argument and in the end the cheater storms out of the Study Hall without the answers.
Scene 1: Start at the Arc - worms eye view of the main person and then a birds eye view of her phone to show that the person (cheater) is clearly expecting a call or waiting for somebody.
Scene 2: Cheater runs from Arc to Canteen looking for her friend (reviser) who never showed up at the Arc.We then switch to the reviser so audience can understand how many characters are involved and know where she is situated so we know where the cheater needs to go to find her.
Scene 3: Cheater runs into the Canteen looking for the reviser who has the answers to the test but doesn't find her there so she carries on running.
Scene 4: Cheater runs into Study Hall and finds the reviser there and goes into the pod.
Scene 5: Cheater and reviser have an argument, with the cheater demanding answers for the test that the reviser won't give her. Different angles used to show different perspectives and emotions. Cheater runs out of the pod without the answers. Scene 6: Cheater runs to her bike to get away.
This clip is from the ending of the film the Da Vinci Code - one of my favourite films - and I was analysing the use and effect of different camera angles to help with my Media AS Course for when I shoot my Preliminary Task and my Thriller. In the first ten seconds of the clip, a high angle shot of Paris is used to show where the character is situated and then they change to a long shot to be more specific as to where he actually is such as What building? What street?. The effect of this is that the audience can familiarise themselves with the setting and scene and then can understand the story because the impact of the scene is significant due to the relevance of the plot. It can also say a lot about the character by showing the place using a long shot as in this scene, it appears posh and of a higher class therefore suggesting a lot about the main character - giving the impression that he is wealthy and of importance.
They then focus to the main character, after finding out his whereabouts, and use an over the shoulder shot, focusing on his reflection in the mirror. This is effective as it shows us multiple angles of the main subject which can show gesture and emotion. An extreme close-up is also used on an object to signify importance as close attention is given meaning the audience can get a perspective of the main character and gain further understanding. I must consider this when doing my Media AS Course so I can express the emotion to the audience so it is believable and tells a story without words.
The director also uses a lot of shots without the main character in and instead a high angle shot is used to give the impression that it is from the perspective of the subject. This is effective because as long as we can understand from whose viewpoint it is, we can then empathise and follow the characters situation. This is useful to consider for my Preliminary Task and my Thriller as the focus could be on the setting to gain further understanding as oppose to the scene being taken up or blocked by a person when it is not necessary or essential.
Hobbies: I enjoy sewing and crafts, listening to music via my
IPod, reading books and watching films.
Media Interests:
Print Media:
I read ‘The Mirror’ because it provides current affairs in
the world so I am aware about what is going on, but also because it includes a
section on celebrities which I enjoy reading about because I find it
interesting and current.
I also read magazines such as ‘New’ and ‘OK’. This I feel is
my idea of escapism as I am interested about knowing what is happening in
celebrities lives, especially those that I actually like.
Radio Media:
I listen to Radio Norwich because it is relevant to me, being
that I live in Norwich. They play current and older music so it can accompany
my life at the moment and accompany nostalgic memories.
Music Industry:
I don’t have a favourite genre of music as I have a diverse
range of things I listen to. My favourite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers because I find their use of lyrics so original and inventive yet I know it is a personal reflection of their highs and lows in their life as their songs are always so meaningful and metaphorical.
However I then like bands such as System of a Down which is alternative metal and sounds nothing like my other choice of music but I love it because my Dad especially listened to it when I grew up so I learnt to love it and it reminds me of when I was younger and the memories associated with the music which is the same with the Red Hot Chili Peppers - particularly the song 'Under the Bridge' (clip shown below), as it is one of my earliest memories of the band. However I then like individual artists such as Beyonce and Bruno Mars but they are more current and are of the Pop genre. No one bit of music is the same which means I am able to listen to a lot of artists.
'Under the Bridge'
I own an iPod and therefore use iTunes to store and listen to
music.
I don’t agree with illegal downloading of whole albums off
Internet sites because albums aren't expensive and the reason we enjoy the
music industry is because the people who are providing that entertainment for
us are able to make enough money to keep producing music. However I find that a
few songs do not hurt as singles aren't available to buy anymore and therefore
it wouldn't be fair buying a whole album for the sake of one song.
Music Industry might influence my dress, attitudes and
aspirations because music, I feel, reflects in your dress sense. People who see
people dressed a certain way, such as a rock look, assume they like rock music
as it shows through your clothing and colour associations. It may also
influence your aspirations as it may inspire you. For example, playing guitar,
if you love the sound of it, you may choose to learn how to play it.
Video Games:
One of my favourite video games is Grand Theft Auto – San
Andreas. You can cruise around to different places on the map; however you have
to unlock different sections by completing missions. Most missions involve some
sort of weaponry and include gangs. which I do not enjoy because I feel it promotes the wrong message and gamers can idolise the characters. Also they use a lot of derogatory terms and swear words which don't offend me personally but I understand that it may be disrespectful to some so I tend to drown it out and enjoy the game as there are aspects that are good. My favourite part is the driving about in
different vehicles such as cars, helicopters, motorbikes and planes.
I find that this game has a very negative effect on attitudes
to the solution of conflicts because it involves a lot of fighting with weapons
– which is not my favourite part of the game – and I find children playing the
game would think it really cool and would therefore encourage the idea of
fighting and causing conflict.
It also has a negative effect on attitudes to gender as women
are never represented as respectable and independent. There are a lot of
examples of prostitution and it appears that the men own the women,
as if they were commodities. This is not a true interpretation and therefore
shows them in a negative, vulnerable and disrespectful light.
New Technology:
New technologies have:
vIncreased
understanding of the world because there is more access to information. Such as
social networking sites, they contain a lot of information. But also mobile
phones, there are things such as 3G and 4G which means people can access
Internet when they out and get information that is happening around the
world.
vAbility to
communicate with others as with access to Internet when out, you can go on
social networking sites meaning you can talk to others. Also with improved
technology of phones, you can see previous conversations instead of going to
the sent or inbox folders.
vAccess to
finding out about films, television programmes and music industry. You can get
apps on phones that give direct access to film critic websites such as International
Movie Data Base and Rotten Tomatoes. This means younger people who like to
download apps, have access to it and can get reviews about upcoming films in
the cinema, or older films already on DVD. You can also go on social networking
sites and find out via advertisements or pages that will update their posts and
inform you on films of any genre, or of a particular genre.
vAbility to
create your own media texts. There is development in the film industry as you
can have digital cameras, which make it easier to produce films or music
videos. Also computers are more accessible so more people own one in their
house and therefore have editing tools. They can edit pictures or videos and
are able to print them off so they look professional.
Television:
My favourite television channels are Comedy Central and E4
because they show American shows that I enjoy most. Comedy Central is the only
channel that has ‘Friends’ which is my favourite comedy show and they have
other programmes that I enjoy.
My favourite genre is reality and comedy because I am
interested in real life, but for comedy, I find it very entertaining as it
makes me laugh and I enjoy that most.
The television shows that I consider memorable are:
vThe
Simpsons, because it reminds me of when I was younger and still makes me laugh
and entertains me. When I watch episodes now I understand parts that I maybe didn't get before and I remind myself of when I was younger because my family would have their dinner and watch it at the same time, it was a great family television show that appealed to all of us.
vFriends, as
I can watch it over and over again but it still makes me laugh and surprises me
as I forget some episodes. My Dad used to watch this when it was first shown and I grew up watching it too and although technology has advanced since then and Friends appears outdated, it does not bother me because I enjoy the show for what it is and not what it could be now. In fact I rather enjoy the old fashioned props used and the clothes they wear because it takes me back to when I was younger!
vMalcolm in
the middle, as I grew up watching this when I was younger. This was another show that the whole family would sit down for and now it is no longer on and shows like this aren't about, we don't have traditions like that and I miss it, so everytime I watch it, i think of when I was younger because I enjoy it and it is funny.
Feature Film:
My favourite genre of film is animation/comedy because there
is nothing violent or anything with mass amounts of blood involved so it is
really gory.
The films that I find memorable are:
vDéjà Vu –
because I find that the storyline is very clever and unsuspecting. It is
unimaginable yet so believable and you are hooked from the beginning. The
action is also great and they include a sympathetic tone to the female
character, yet there are scenes with explosions which are more of an action
genre. Also the actors performances appear almost real as although we don’t
know the woman in it, we feel very sympathetic to her situation and we want the main character to help her.
vThe Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons (sequel to the Da Vinci Code) - I find the storyline really clever as they use riddles and codes to solve a mystery which I enjoy as I like having a challenge in which I have to work out for myself. Also I am fan of Tom Hanks and find that all his films are enjoyable as I think he is a great actor. The film also has a religious theme and I find religion so interesting and the hidden meaning of things that date way back fascinating. It's intriguing as the codes in which need to be solved presents a challenge and truly makes you think and therefore its religious aspect is what makes it so gripping!
I prefer to consume films at the cinema because they offer
surround sound which makes the cinematic experience more dramatic. Also they
have a big screen so you can’t miss a detail in the film and also I can’t watch
films over and over again so the cinema provides a first time film experience,
and you know the first time you see that film, it will be a great experience as
it would be more dramatic and exciting.
My favourite cinema is Vue as I find that the ticket price is
very reasonable in proportion to the comfort of the chairs and the view of the
screen. Also it is a reputable and respectable cinema therefore making it
trustworthy and reliable.
I like to watch films with my friends or in a group as you
can compare your opinions on the film and it would be less boring and more
enjoyable if you could laugh or cry with the person, whatever the genre.
Conclusion:
The text that I found most offensive was in the newspaper, printed
after Frankie Boyle had said on his show some extremely disgusting things. I
found out in the newspaper and read that for his idea of comedy, he talked
about disabled people in a negative and unnecessary way. He targeted vulnerable
and innocent children particularly thinking that it was something to laugh
about, as oppose to a serious condition and situation. I understand that comedy
may be offensive at some times but there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed and
that is those who have to live with their condition every day and try to live a
normal life and therefore don’t need to be humiliated and ridiculed on live
television, especially if they are fans of this comedian and feel that he does
not care and is insensitive towards their situation. Although it did not affect
me personally, I still found it offensive as it was disgusting and nasty in
which nobody should be to somebody who has done nothing wrong and is innocent.
In contrast, the text that I found most interesting was a
magazine that was given free at Vue cinema. Because it was free, I took it and I
know I enjoy reading about films so I thought I might as well. I came across a page that informed you about
upcoming films and I enjoyed this because it was relevant to me because I am a frequent cinema goer! I read about some sequels to films and it made me excited knowing that
these films are going to be released as I know I would want to see them because I already know the genre from the first film and therefore would be excited to see the second instalment because I know what to expect!
If I were to create a media text I would create a magazine
because I would be able to incorporate photography into it as I enjoy it. This means
that I can then use photography to document things going on in the world so
people can get a greater understanding and learn to care about others and be
considerate to their situation before disregarding it because it doesn't apply
to them such as war and poverty.
I decided to take Media Studies for A-level because I felt it
was more relevant to my career choice as I am interested in magazines and
photography and am considering this for the future so I know Media Studies would greatly contribute to that. Also I enjoy watching and learning about films to analyse because I take a keen interest in this so I felt Media would be a great opportunity.
Extreme Close-up - This shows emotion in someone and clearly expresses their face to tell the audience what they are feeling without words.
Close-up - this reveals some of the body to show gesture that supports their facial expression which is still clearly visible to reveal emotion of a character.
Birds-eye view - this can set a scene and reveal the whole character. It also suggests a presence of something greater than them, as if what we are seeing, is a perspective of another person.
Long Shot - This reveals the setting or scene to inform the reader of the whereabouts of the subject so it can gain better understanding of the narrative.
Medium close-up - this reveals the whole body of the subject to reveal gesture and emotion that can tell a lot about the character to the audience.
Worms-eye shot - This suggests vulnerability and clearly demonstrates and emotion from another angle. It can also show power of the person as the perspective (angle of camera) is smaller than the subject.
Over the shoulder - This explains to the audience who the subject is focused on, but shows it from behind so it reveals more so we can understand and follow the story.
The low angle shot suggests dominance which then challenges the conventions of thrillers by casting a female lead. In the 90's, in which it was released, statistics were low for women for example less than 9% of them were police officers. Also IMDb's 90's Top 100 films only had just under 20 films with a female lead role. However women were becoming more confident and independent making it more likely for women to be casted as the lead role with IMDb's current list showing over 30 top 100 films having a woman as the lead role. This angle is then significant because it visually tells the audience how independent and how dominant Jackie Brown was.
