Gothika

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0EKJ4cL3LWE
I decided to analyse the film Gothika because Cat and I thought horror might be a good genre to use for our film beginning. Gothika was released in the year 2003, starring Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz.
The beginning of this film is introduced with credits. The background is black and the typography is white with a creepy font. The words fade in and out creating a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. Backing music is played during these credits, it sounds dark and creepy which suggest the film is a horror.
A woman with a disturbing voice begins to talk, at first you cannot see the speaker so the sound is asynchronous, but then the black background and credits fade to the speakers face. The shot is a close up of the woman speaking, she is looking straight at the camera, as if she is talking to you personally. This makes the audience feel slightly uncomfortable. This particular woman is looking dishevelled and disturbing. She is wearing no make up, her hair is a mess and her eyes look tired. The lighting is dark and dull, adding to the creepy atmosphere.
The camera then cuts to another woman who looks alot more conservative and normal, with her hair neatly tied back, some make up and looks generally more together and clean. The way she looks compared to the mental woman suggests she is of a higher status. Whilst the two characters are having a conversation the camera does a shot-reverse-shot, this means you can see both character's facial expressions and reactions, especially with a close up shot.
The next shot is from outside what looks like a cage, which the characters are sitting in, with a table between them. The cage makes the conversation seem more protected and confined, as if one of the women is harmful. You can see clearly now that the lady is interrogating the other woman because of their overall difference in appearance and the way they are speaking to eachother. There is an over the shoulder shot of the mental woman confessing. The truthfulness of what she is saying and how she is saying it is likely to make the audience feel even more uncomfortable. Throughout these shots the camera is constantly moving from when the camera cuts to the outside of the cage. You can see the normal lady writing on paper, clearly showing she is of some importance and is involved with the police. This introduces her possible job title straight away suggesting that she could be the main character of this film. When the camera shows a two shot of both of them sitting down you can see the normal lady sitting up straight, whereas the mental lady is more slouched. This contrast in levels could suggest who is more important and who has a higher status.
Throughout this scene the dialogue is constantly on the same tone of voice, until the mental woman shouts, creating an element of surprise and maybe making the audience more jumpy. This also creates tension and suspense. Lastly, the normal lady ends the interrogation which shows she has complete control over the situation which, again, shows her higher status.
Abbie Hawkins

Breakfast at Tiffany's

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sDg5LH_dNdc

To decipher what film genre Cat and I would like to use for our film beginning, we have decided to analyse the beginning of some romance films and some horror films, as these are our favourite genres so far. I have decided to analyse the beginning of the Audrey Hepburn film 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. The film that stars a character (known as Eliza Doolittle in this film) well known for her elegance, poise and general quirkiness, she makes this film by far one of my favourite romance films.

The beginning of this film shows Audrey being dropped off by a taxi, outside the jewellery store, Tiffany's. The first shot is an establishing shot of a city road, which looks like a high street with shops. This introduces the scene and gives the audience a good feel of were this film may be set, in the city. Music begins and it is the song 'Moon river' by Johnny Merger and Henry Mancini, which if you were to watch the rest of the film you would notice this song is the only song played throughout the film. A taxi is seen driving towards the camera from a distance, it is the only car in sight, the street is completely empty so the audiences attention is bound to be on this one taxi. It also suggests it is very early morning because of the emptiness of the street and the dull lighting, but not so dull that it could be evening. The camera continues to track the taxi until it stops outside a shop, as the taxi drives away a lady is revealed.

The lady is clearly recognisable as Audrey Hepburn. She is looking very dressed up in formal attire, with a black, floor length gown, pearls around her neck, long black gloves on her hands and her hair is done up very elegantly. The next shot is a very explanatory shot of the back of her head with the store sign, 'Tiffany' next to her head, in the distance. This clearly introduces where she is standing and what she is looking at. The camera tracks her walking towards the store window and then cuts to her looking at the display from a side on angle. She then gets out a paper bag and starts eating what looks like a croissant and drinks what looks like a cup of coffee. This shows the audience she is having breakfast at Tiffany's, clearly relating to the obvious title!

She then moves on to look in the next window and this shot is different because you see her from the inside of the window with her looking in, so you can see her face straight on. The camera focuses on her facial expressions and shows the audience her reaction to what she is looking at. You see her wearing a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses which creates a more laid back casual look about her, which is a change from the overall dressed up and formal look she creates on first impressions.

The camera then watches her walking away down the street, you see her throwing her paper bag away which ends that first iconic scene. Throughout this scene there is no dialogue or digetic sound, all you can hear playing is the backing soundtrack.

Abbie Hawkins

In addition to Cats conclusion on what we have been discussing in lessons, we have decided the best films beginnings to analyse from each genre (romance and horror) are 28 days later and Gothika for horror and Funny Face and Sabrina for romance. The romance films are Audrey Hepburn films who we both have a passionate interest in and we both believe the films she stars in are perfect and typical romance films, which we are likely to copy when it comes to the both of the film's style and elegance. The films we chose for horror are both quite different in terms of storyline. Gothika is more of a psychological, creepy horror, whereas 28 days later is more of a adrenaline filled thriller. By analysing the contrasting films we will be able to get an opinion on each film and we will be able to decide what storyline we could base our final piece on.
Abbie Hawkins

Genre

After another discussion in class, for our 2 minute film opening, Abbie and I have narrowed down the choices of genre to either a Romance or a Horror/Thriller.

We have decided upon doing these because we feel that these genres will be the most enjoyable to make and on the post 'the decision of genre' we decided that the 'cons' would not deter us from anything important or significant. Also, the 'pros' for both genres are all very positive and will be beneficial to the film. I think that either of these genres would allow us to make a very fun and exciting film.

In order to decide upon the genre, Abbie and I will write a few posts on the openings of films in the horror/thriller and romantic genres, to draw inspiration and in order to further our film research.

Cat Gough

Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy begins with a blank screen, with vertical lines. The Non-diegetic sound of galloping horses, gunshots and yelping cowboys echos and as the camera zooms out, the sound fades out and is replaced by the synchronous sound of the minuscule rusty swings and roundabout, which move in the wind. The mise-en-scene and sound are both used in these first few seconds in order to create an eerie atmosphere and to emphasise a feeling of loneliness to the audience.
As the shot continues to zoom out, the establishing shot is revealed - a drive in theatre and a lonely Texan landscape.
Non-diegetic sound begins, the sound of a man singing an echoed country song, emphasising isolation or desolation.
This long shot could perhaps mirror the slow nature of this environment, which is juxtaposed with Joe Buck's personality.

The following shot is a close-up of a large foot tapping in a shower, splashing water. The foot is in the centre of the screen, a rectangular bar of soap is to the left of his foot. This use of the rule of thirds creates an artistic shot, and it is an element of this film that I'd like to draw inspiration from and apply this to our film. Perhaps in our film, we could use the rule of thirds by placing one person in the 1st third and another person in the 3rd third of the screen, and leaving the 2nd third empty, which could reflect the emotional distance between the two characters.
As the sound of singing becomes louder, it is evident to the audience that the singer is in this room, thus becoming diegetic sound.
The man bends down and collects the soap in an efficient sweep. His fast paced body language suggests that he is an outwardly confident person. He begins to wash his shoulders with the soap and continues to sing, the close-up allows the audience to see that he is content and happy, as he has a smile on his face. Suggesting perhaps that he is content with his identity at present.

The shot then quickly cuts to the man who was in the shower, who is now out of the shower in his room, looking into a mirror, singing the same country song, allowing a feeling of continuity, which could reflect the idea that the man's life is easy at this point. The shot is a low angle over the shoulder shot, showing perhaps the man's power in his current social situation.
Non diegetic sound of a woman yelling 'where's Joe Buck?' doesn't seem to phase the character.

The next shot is of a chef in a kitchen, the mise-en-scene allows the audience to figure out easily the man's position in the workplace. A stack of dirty plates and cups frames both the left and right side of the screen and allows the amount of work that needs doing to be emphasised, as the shot is accompanied by a low angle, making the cups and plates to seem almost intimidating. The chef also yells 'Where's Joe Buck?'

The shot then quickly changes to a close-up of a man taking a black cowboy hat from a box alongside non-diegetic sound of a man yelling 'where's Joe Buck?'

The next shot is a close-up of Joe Buck's profile, who is putting on his hat, and looking in the mirror again.

Another shot is of a woman in the kitchen, who yells to Joe Buck, her face is bordered by dirty plates and cups, highlighting to the audience Joe's attitude to work.

The film then transitions quickly into another shot of Joe in his room. He is now wearing a green cowboy shirt.
There is a shot of Joe doing up his flies, using a close-up in order to exhibit Joe's actions very clearly. There is more non-diegetic sound of a woman asking where Joe Buck is.

This succession of short, fast paced, close-up shots make the audience feel uncomfortable and clearly emphasises Joe Buck's desire for a faced paced lifestyle, or his irrational nature.

The next shot of Joe, is when he is now fully dressed, with a suede jacket and a cigarette drooping in his mouth. He replies to the woman directing his dialogue into the camera, his eyes unflinching. This makes the audience feel discomfort, and emphasises Joe's intimidating nature directly to the audience. He then turns around very quickly, a panning shot mirrors his movement, reflecting his impatient nature.

Outside, there is a close-up shot of the top step, and the bottom of the door frame. This heightens anticipation, and the door is kicked open, and non-diegetic sound begins.
The camera pans with the cowboy boots down the stairs, and then pans slowly upwards, whilst zooming out. Emphasising the audience's emotional distance with the character. This panning reveals a long shot of Joe, who walks away from the building, with a zebra print suit-case in his hand. The constant panning in this shot is suggestive of a journey that Joe is about to embark upon.
Titles begin to appear on screen as the camera stops panning.
The pavement that Joe walks upon is just off centre of the screen, showing Joe's irregular situation. As Joe walks into the distance, the non-diegetic sound gradually increases in volume.
The 'Midnight Cowboy' title comes on screen, Joe's body is between the two words, emphasising his loneliness.

Cat Gough

This succession of short, fast paced, close-up shots make the audience feel uncomfortable and clearly emphasises Joe Buck's desire for a faced paced lifestyle, or his irrational nature.

The next shot of Joe, is when he is now fully dressed, with a suede jacket and a cigarette drooping in his mouth. He replies to the woman directing his dialogue into the camera, his eyes unflinching. This makes the audience feel discomfort, and emphasises Joe's intimidating nature directly to the audience. He then turns around very quickly, a panning shot mirrors his movement, reflecting his impatient nature.

Outside, there is a close-up shot of the top step, and the bottom of the door frame. This heightens anticipation, and the door is kicked open, and non-diegetic sound begins.
The camera pans with the cowboy boots down the stairs, and then pans slowly upwards, whilst zooming out. Emphasising the audience's emotional distance with the character. This panning reveals a long shot of Joe, who walks away from the building, with a zebra print suit-case in his hand. The constant panning in this shot is suggestive of a journey that Joe is about to embark upon.
Titles begin to appear on screen as the camera stops panning.
The pavement that Joe walks upon is just off centre of the screen, showing Joe's irregular situation. As Joe walks into the distance, the non-diegetic sound gradually increases in volume.
The 'Midnight Cowboy' title comes on screen, Joe's body is between the two words, emphasising his loneliness.

Cat Gough

The decision of genre

After a long discussion in class about the possibilities of the genre our film opening could be classified as, Abbie and i decided that due to budget limitations and the difficulty of taking the camera out of school grounds, we have ruled out numerous genres. Although there would be definite visual advantages to some of these.
Listed below are the pros and cons of some possible genres we discussed in class.

War/Anti-war
Pros:

• The potential to use a variety of different shots
• An exciting viewing experience for the audience
• Easy to find a location for

Cons:

• The budget of this would be considerable, as mise-en-scene may cost a great deal (clothing, make-up etc)
• The cost may be even greater when attempting to achieve historical accuracy (this would be a vital element when attempting to create realism, which would be vital in order to create interest)
• The issue of taking the camera off the school premises could cause problems, which may take up a great deal of time. Taking the camera off of the school grounds would be essential in creating a realistic and convincing mise-en-scene

Horror/Thriller
Pros:

• Inexpensive to film, in terms of mise-en-scene, location, as it could be more effective if we used every day props, clothing etc to make the film seem more realistic, the audience could relate to this, and it would be more interesting in that sense.
• There are many horror/thriller films to draw inspiration from
• Filming at school wouldn't necessarily restrict the film in terms of the thrill or horror elements
• The genre does not require particularly good acting skills (good for Abbie and i)
• Dialogue wouldn't be so important, meaning that technical elements and body language could be given more significance in the film. This creates a great deal of tension, if done particularly well, like in Alfred Hickcock's Psycho. In my opinion, what makes Psycho so haunting is not the dialogue, but the body language of the characters, the characters themselves and the suspense created by Hickcock with the highly skilled use of camera shots and angles. Inspiration for camera angles and shots could be drawn from this film, along with Hickcock's The Birds.

Cons:

• If we decide upon tipping the balance of the horror/thriller genre in favour of horror, it would be challenging to create props and injuries to accompany these.
• It may be costly to acquire props and fake blood
• To make the film more realistic, it would be more effective to film in a house, which may cause trouble in terms of taking the camera off site.
• This is a very popular genre, originality may be an issue

Western
Pros:

• An interesting and fun film to make
• Many different plots are possible
• A variety of very interesting shots could be made
• costume is very straight forward and quite easy to create
• The Wild West scenery could be avoided by drawing inspiration from the beginning of a film like Midnight Cowboy.

Cons:

• Possibly the most important aspect of the Western genre is the location - the Wild West. We do not have a sufficient budget to create this mise-en-scene nor can we fly to America and film our 2 minute clip there, as this is off site, and just a bit expensive.
• Good acting is required

Comedy/Romance
Pros:

• Inspiration can be drawn from independent films (such as films exhibited at the Sundance film festival), thus helping to create quite a unique film in the plot lines and shots used
• Mise-en-scene would not be in issue in terms of cost
• Location could be anywhere (even on school grounds) as this would create verisimilitude

Cons:

• Dialogue is a very important factor in the film, which may limit the variation of camera shots
• A plot may be hard to think of
• It would be very difficult to create a film that both members of the group would be satisfied with, in terms of the sense of humour.
• Humour is a vital component of the film which must be done well in order to make the film successful (successful in terms of our satisfaction with it) which i would find very difficult

Adventure/Action
Pros:

• A large number of technical aspects could be used to an impressive effect
• A plot would not be too difficult to create
• An exciting viewing experience could be created for the viewer

Cons:

• Mise-en-scene would be highly expensive
• Any action moves would be very difficult for myself and Abbie to do

By Cat Gough

Wanted Analysis

I analysed the first two minutes of the film 'Wanted', starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. The first thing you see on the screen is white words with a posh looking font. The writing stands out against a black background and explains something that is obviously a vital component to the rest of the film. By making the audience read straight away, it quickly captures their attention and causes them to concentrate on the film. The backing sound sounds mechanical and suggests the film could be a thriller/action movie because of its seriousness.
The screen then fades to a colourful, office setting with workers gathered around a table singing happy birthday. This changes the mood completely but it may confuse the audience, making them want to watch more. After a long shot of the workers dressed in smart clothes, suggesting they are office workers, the camera cuts to a close up of one man with a blank expression. An asynchronous backing voice begins as the camera cuts to this close up, it suggests the man talking and narrating these particular shots, is the man in the shot. He continues to insult his boss and the camera cuts to a close up of a big lady in her own clothes eating cake, showing straight away that she is the boss. By the look on the man's face he does not like her.
The shot then cuts to a high angle shot, whilst tracking him walking away from the cheery crowd that make him look even more solemn and depressed looking. He begins to explain his job title which matches with the setting and props used in the shot. (e.g computers and stacks of paper). This constant camera concentration on him suggests he is the main character in this movie.
Abbie Hawkins