United 93 Review

United 93 was able to capture the horrendous events of 9/11, in an abstract and remarkable way, which allowed the audience to connect and experience it the way the victims did. The way in which the director, Paul Greengrass, depicted the crashes of all the other three plane crashes was astonishing as it stayed within the linear narrative and took the audience through an emotional journey.  Also the way in which it was recorded- using hand held camera- helped create a sense of identification and allowed the audience to capture the realism of the horrifying events on that day. The use of the hand held camera in places such as the air traffic control room, while the characters were waiting to see if the plane was hijacked, created tension and suspense, which again helps the audience identify with the characters. The mise en scene of the hijackers on the plane with the frightened passengers also created a sense of unease as the setting was in a confined space. The sound also played a significant part in the film as you could hear screams and the sudden movements of the plane.

Existing Product Research

Girlhood (2015)

The clip starts off with a mise en scene of one of the characters smiling while listening to music. The non- diegetic soundtrack play a popular pop song, which could connote that the movie is aimed at a female demographic. Her costume and make up suggests that the setting is at a small scale party, which we later find out to be true as she ends up dancing with some of her close friends.  The actor’s facial expressions and body language suggest that she is enjoying herself, which reinforces the theme of friendship in the movie. Towards the end the soundtrack is then sung by the characters (diegetic sound). This cleverly highlights the moral of the story as the character is trying to be more confident and comfortable with herself, with the help of her closest friends.  Therefore the lyrics ‘’ we’re beautiful like diamonds…’’ suggest that she is trying to be perfect in her own way.

The cinematography and editing is also effective in this scene as it, again, emphasises her newfound personality. The scene uses medium close ups of the character to reveal her facial expressions and body language to the audience. This allows the audience to sympathies and relate to the character as the act of dancing with your friends could make the audience think about similar situations they had. Therefore, this creates a sense of identification as the audience know that friendship can create unforgettable memories.

The BBFC rated Girlhood ‘’suitable for 15 years and over’’ which suggests that the target audience is teenagers. I believe that the film targets a specifically female demographic as it revolves around the lives of teenage girls and the experiences they go through. Also since the film is French, it could also appeal to a global audience as it involves characters of different minorities. It would also appeal to a particularly urban demographic who would also be involved in similar situations. 

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

The mise en scene in the beginning shows that the protagonist is an average worker as shown by his costume and body language. The iconography of the poster (which depicts a woman in a bathing suit) is sued cleverly in this scene as it shows the worker being distracted by it as he’s putting the poster up. This makes the audience know that something is bound to happen to the worker as he is not mindful of his surroundings. This then turns out to be true as the workers bicycle gets stolen.  This therefore demonstrates Barthes’ idea of semiotics and how signs, in this case the poster, lead to action codes that are easily predictable. The setting also suggests that the theft was likely to happen as it shows a normal day in the city. The actor’s facial expressions and body language suggest that he’s angry and also devastated (towards the end) that his bicycle was stolen. This could possibly suggest that the bicycle was a significant prop in the film, which is also reinforced through the title   ‘’ Bicycle Thieves’’.

The cinematography and editing is also effective in this scene as there are many examples of medium close ups to show the characters reaction to the bike being stolen. There are also some long shots as well as crane shots, to establish the setting which is the city. The editing uses a series of straight cuts, which is an example of continuity editing. This allows the audience to follow the linear narrative, which consists of: an equilibrium- the man painting, a disequilibrium- the man's bike being stolen, and a new equilibrium- the man being frustrated due to the theft, which demonstrates Todorov's theory of narrative structure.

The BBFC rated ''Bicycle Thieves'' suitable for all (U) as it does not contain any explicit content fro example substance abuse or nudity. Therefore the target audience is people of all ages, both male and female. I believe that the target audience would be young adults, as the film contains conventions such as tragedy and adventure, which appeals to this particular demographic.

Donnie Darko (2001)

The scene uses several film language techniques such as cinematography and mise en scene to put emphasis of the protagonist in the film. The actors costume suggests that he is an ''ordinary'' teenager just like the rest of the characters however, this contrasts his characters role in the film as he is going through an emotional phase in his life where he is trying to figure out what it means to be alive. The characters facial expressions and body language suggest that hes depressed and annoyed since the question is not accurate. The setting is in a classroom which connotes themes of progress and imagination. This links to the narrative as it revolves around the character being curious about different things. The cinematography is also effective in this scene as it uses a medium shot to show the protagonist and the teacher standing in front of the ''life line'' drawn on the board. The positioning of the characters is clever in this scene as the protagonist is placed next to the word ''FEAR'' which hints at the characters '' freak accident'' in the film, which lead to the development of his ''emotional phase'' in the film where he questions everything. The scene also uses a tracking shot while the character is making a small speech about the different emotions that we really feel as human beings. 

The scene uses a jump cut after the protagonist makes a speech. The setting of the classroom is immediately changed to the principals office, which suggests to the audience that the character is in trouble. In this scene the positioning of the characters is also effective as the protagonist is placed behind his parents to suggest that hes ''protected'' from any criticism that he might receive from the teachers. The scene also contains elements of humour as the insult that the protagonist sued towards the teacher was funny- which is also apparent when the father also laughs.   

The BBFC rated ''Donnie Darko'', suitable for 15 years and above. I believe that the target audience is mostly teenagers as the narrative follows the different phases and emotions that teenagers face which can allow audience to relate and sympathise with the character. I think that the audience will mostly be positioned as males as the main character is also male. This would allow them to sympathise with the protagonist much more.   

Room (2015)

The cinematography and the mise en scene in this scene is effective in terms of its narrative as it reveals the situation that the characters are in - trapped in a small room with limited resources. The scene is shot using a steadi- cam to give it a documentary like style to it to suggest that the characters are unfortunate and isolated. The movements of the camera foreshadow the characters imperfect lives. However the action codes (Barthes) such as making a cake, lighten up the mood and make the audience sympathise with the characters. The costumes of each of the characters also reinforce the idea of them being isolated and troubled as their clothes look worn out and dirty. The lighting in the scene is also low key to put emphasise on the unfortunate situation  that they are in. The low key lighting also allows the audience to partially see the characters facial features. In some parts the audience can see the marks and dark spots on their face which also suggests that the characters have limited resources and are unable to properly take care of themselves. The characters facial expressions and body language suggest that they are trying to make the best of what is given to them. For example towards the end the boy why there are no candles, however the mother tries to suggest that there doesn't need to be any candles. This particular scene gives the audience an advantage in terms of the narrative structure as the audience are aware that it is almost impossible for the characters to get what they want.  

In terms of editing the scene also reinforces the hybrid genre of the film which is thriller and drama. The scene uses medium long shots of the room to establish the setting and reveal to the audience how small the room actually is so that they can sympathise with the characters. 

The BBFC rated ''Room'' suitable for 15 years and above as it contains some strong language and themes of abduction and abuse. I think that the target audience would mostly be positioned as females as the themes of coping with life skills and raising a child would appeal to this demographic. The target audience would also be teenagers as well as adults as they might go through similar situations (trying to adjust to a new environment). 

The Lobster (2015)

The cinematography and mise en scene is effective in this scene as it reinforces the hybrid genre of the film which is a comedy- drama. The costume of the character in this scene suggest that the protagonist is a man in his early 30s who is depressed and unsatisfied with his life. This is reinforced by the narrative as it follows the life a newly-widowed man who is given a specific time to find a compatible mate or be turned into a wild animal. The scene starts of with the character sleeping and then being interrupted by the someone at the door. The action code of the protagonist getting ready to speak to the characters and putting his glasses on, foreshadows the characters personality in the film- an man who is depressed and trying to get his life back together. The costume of the protagonist is more scruffy whereas the costume of the visitor is neat and formal. The characters body language also suggests that he is dispirited.  The scene uses low key lighting to add to the dramatic and gloomy atmosphere. It also however allows us to partially see the characters facial expressions, which could suggest that the character is quite hostile and shy.

In terms of editing the scene uses the 180 degree rule incorrectly. The first medium long shot starts of with the camera on the protagonists left hand side, however it switches to his right hand side. This confuses the audience and creates unease. This could perhaps foreshadow how the protagonist is dishevelled and also confused. The 180 degree rule at this point is then used correctly - this could somehow be parallel to the conversation as the character now feels slightly more comfortable and open now that hes talking to someone.

The BBFC rated ''The Lobster'' suitable for 15 years and above, as it contains strong language, sexual references, and also bloody images. I think the target audience could be adults who are mostly female as the themes in the film such as love and friendship. 

Preliminary Evaluation

Preliminary Exercise

Brief

Your preliminary exercise involves filming and editing a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she/he then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue. 

This task should demonstrate match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180-degree rule. 

Planning

The script was useful as it included several elements that helped us film. It included stage direction which was useful to the actors, Nasteha and Salma, as it showed them the facial expressions/ body language that were crucial for the narrative. The shot list was also useful as it helped us figure out what angles would go well with the narrative. We included a few extra shots to experiment with- some of them did make it to our final production. The storyboard was useful as it helped us edit the clips we had recorded in chronological order.

Strengths

In the beginning we used several shots such as medium and long shots when Nasteha is walking out of the elevator. I thought this was effective as it established the setting and suggested to the audience that she is not interested in the therapy session she is about to have. Her body language could also suggest that this has been going on for some time. The non- diegetic music playing over the scene, was also effective as it foreshadows the threats and comments she makes later on. The song we chose was called ''crzy'' by Kehlani, I thought the editing for this scene was effective as the music suited the narrative of the story. We also included match on action when Nasteha was opening the door. I also thought the ''over-the-shoulder'' shots were effective as it helped show the facial expressions and the reactions of each character. I also thought the flashbacks were effective as they were edited in line with Nasteha's short monologues. The flashbacks were also effective in terms of editing as they were slightly blurry, which added to the nostalgic feel of the narrative. Towards the end, I thought the panning effect was good as it captured Nasteha's body language which showed that she was careless as well as troubled. 

Weaknesses

I thought the camerawork was in fact a little jerky- even though they only occurred in a few bits of the film it made it look slightly unprofessional as a whole. In addition to this I thought that we could have added a few shots that were previously on the shot list. For example, we had an idea that we could film Nasteha inside the elevator, where she would be filmed from a high angle shot (like a CCTV camera). I think if we included this it would have made her look inferior and ''dangerous'' in a way. Her ''crazy and paranoid'' personality would have been more clear. I also thought the diegetic sound was a problem as it kept changing throughout e.g when Nasteha takes off her jacket and headphones to get ready to start the session the sound is muted, whereas when they actually speak the sound of the air is heard. This again makes the film seem unprofessional. 

Learner Response for Film Language Test

Feedback
WWW: Some excellent, perceptive analysis; communicated clearly.
EBI: Ensure you save time for the last question, Editing needs to be developed
Mark: 36/48

Learner Response:
The scene uses straight cuts throughout the clip, along with other editing styles to clearly convey the narrative. This is an example of continuity editing as it allows the audience to suture the narrative, and show the clear escalation of drama and tension as the scene progresses. In addition the slow paced editing also increases the tension as it leads up to the final explosion at the end of the clip. the scene also uses slow motion, when the murderer is dropping the match into the flammable fluid. This is done in order to show the character's prestige and finesse, as a ''gangster'' or criminal. It could also make the audience feel uncomfortable as the match is seconds away from causing an explosion. Therefore the slow motion effect increases the emotional impact and adds to the atmosphere which fits in with the suspenseful music. The editing is also effective in terms of sustaining the tension by not revealing the murderers face. There is very few editing when the murderer talks to the man- the eye-line match raises tension as the audience want to know who the killer is. The scene also uses a jump cut to the explosion, to shock the audience and add to the drama. Towards the end there is a slow dissolve into a press conference which could also link to the scene.

Boyz n The Hood Review

300 word review- INTO Film Festival

''Boyz n the Hood'' will always be recognized as a classic in the crime/drama genre as its narrative follows the story of how a certain demographic, in this case , young black Americans, can be marginalized in a society despite having dreams and aspirations for a better, less violent future. This concept has been explored in many modern movies e.g ‘’Straight Outta Compton’’, and also recited by popular rappers e.g J Cole and Kendrick Lamar, in their impeccable lyrics. The idea of violence among black communities has also sparked many protests and lead to the development of the ‘’Black Lives Matter’’ movement which still exists today.  This goes to show that ''Boyz n the hood'', which was created in 1991, has influenced generations of directors, music artists, and many of us as well, in its attempts to bring about awareness of the unfair treatment and the conditions that the black American demographic face. Tre, Doughboy and Ricky all symbolize the main ideas that would bring about a better lifestyle for their community- less violence, improved relationships and an education. Set in South Central, LA, the three young adults aspire to move out of the gang populated area while struggling to cope with their imperfect lives. Tre and Ricky are both ambitious students who wish to get out of the hood through education. We are submerged into their world as John Singleton manages to use identification to help us embody the character of Tre. He has always known about the violence, tries to maintain a relationship and also educate his fellow friends and neighbors on the mistakes they make as a community e.g not taking care of your child, carrying guns etc. Overall, Tre, Ricky and Doughboy, interact with the audience by showing them what it’s like to be marginalized. 

Preliminary Exercise

Planning 

Script: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Oq2QuGbYq-dEp4a29CNU0yLTA/view?usp=sharing

Shot List: 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9Oq2QuGbYq-ajZ6WE5PMXhVdDQ

Storyboard:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0ZsTybkqlQVZmY4Zkp5WE9UWEE

Final Preliminary Video 

Editing

Heat (1995) 

In the beginning the scene uses a tracking shot of the robber’s feet as well as a close up of his face to suggest that he is one of the significant characters in the scene. The straight cuts of his facial expressions along with the setting suggest that he is mindful of his surroundings and ready to proceed with the crime. This use of continuity editing allows the audience to suture the narrative together and follow the different phases of the robbery. After this a crane shot is used to establish the location (a bank), which is a pastiche of crime/thriller films that involve robbery. The scene also uses a montage of the characters in their different positions to create tension and prepare the audience for the dramatic scenes that will follow. Also, the use of non-diegetic suspenseful music adds to the tension created in the scene.

The clip also demonstrates Todorov’s theory of equilibrium as the opening scene is the existing equilibrium- a typical day in a bank. This then progresses into the disequilibrium after one of the robbers attack the guard. During this the pace of editing increases, to match the intensity of the situation. The scene also uses medium shots of the guards and the robbers to contrast their attire and signify the clear binary opposition between the criminals and the security guards. A steadicam is also used to make the visuals appears slightly shaky. This could reflect the mood of the victims and also create a sense of identification for the audience as they could possibly imagine themselves as the witnesses of the robbery. During this scene there is also another short montage of the reactions of the victims. These close ups create a sense of disorder and fear, and create an enigma, as the audience are unsure of whom the robbers are going to harass or maybe even kill.

The mise en scene of the robber placing the money in the duffel bag uses a medium shot to show the action codes e.g the money being placed inside with its protective seal being cut. The camera is then positioned at a low angle as the bag slides on the floor to somehow satisfy the audience. The smooth movement of the bag also reflects the smooth transition of the ‘’perfectly planned robbery’’.  A jump cut is used immediately after to reveal another tracking shot of the detective is walking to his office. This signifies that he is in the process of resolving the conflict and shows the audience that the robbers are going to be faced with the consequences.  A long shot of the police station is also used to reveal the reaction of the officers to the robbery that is occurring.

When the robber leaves the bank a POV shot is used to create a sense of identification. There is also an example of a shot-reverse shot to further enhance the tension created in the scene. The scene also shows us the other robbers who appear to be wearing similar attire, for example black sunglasses and a suit. They are also carrying props, such as guns, to clearly show the audience that they are antagonists. The use of diegetic sound such as dialogue also add to the dramatic mood of the scene as the sound of people screaming makes the audience feel uncomfortable.

Towards the end the pace of editing increases again at another shoot out, now with the police and the robbers. This signifies that the new equilibrium will follow after either one of the groups succeeds in the shootout. The scene is again in the form of a montage to show the different events that are occurring during the car chase. A slow motion shot is also used to capture the robber’s stern facial expression and positioning of the gun (action code).