Why we did the pitch.
This was in order to get feedback and opinions from those in the class, and to almost be 'judged' by our peers. It was a way inwhich to present our ideas to those that the movie would be aimed at and also gave us a way to bring out ideas together in a concise way in order to pick up on loose ends and tie it all togther.
For The Pitch, we created a powerpoint presentation,
Story Idea 1
Kimberly and William meet at a party. Unfortunately, to the horror of Kimberly, William has already got a girlfriend. William breaks up with Amelia (his girlfriend) and decided to meet up with Kimberly again. They both hit it of like a house on fire, and William asks Kimberly out on a date. The date goes fanatically at the start, however Amelia decided to take revenge on the ‘bitch’ who stole her boyfriend. And humiliates Kimberly in front of 300 people. William turned down Amelia and stays with Kimberly.
Story Idea 2
The second idea for our story is a teenage girl, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clark, who is really into performing arts. She goes to an audition at her college and a few weeks later she gets a letter in the post telling her that she hasn’t made it into the musical. Inside the letter is a handwritten message form the producer, Alfred (Alfie) Jones, of this particular play. This message tells her that the producer is composing the next big musical in the West End and would like Lizzie to play the lead role. She agrees and the two of them end up getting married.
Story Idea 3
Emily Baker and Edward Percy live in Dartmoor (countryside) and they are engaged to be married. The couple move to the city of London as they are both offered substantially better jobs there. However, there lifestyles differ so much from the peaceful and lied back life of the countryside to the busy life of London, their relationship fall under stain.Edward throws himself head first into the nightlife of the city and find that there's more to life then having a nuclear family. He meets a very beautiful girl called Verity, he forgets all his responsibilities and doesn’t turn up at their apartment until 3 days later.Emily and Edward spilt, Edward goes on the marry Verity (who goes on to become a lesbian). Emily tried dating, but eventually found love in an unexpected place, the convent.
Story Idea 4
Bijen Madalinci is an introvert, hard working, aspiring best-selling author, whose books always end up with bad reviews. After her latest fail, Bijen’s agent tells her to go out and live more in order to gain inspiration for a great book. This is what Bijen does, she goes top the bar that she went to in order to celebrate the publishing of her book, the same place in which she met Jamie Dunn, the bar tender who is care-free, enjoys life and is always up for a laugh. She begins a relationship with Jamie and uses it for her book, she reflects her relationship within the book. Bijen ponders over whether or not to publish the book, however her agent publishes for her anyway…without Bijen knowing! Jamie finds out that the book is about the relationship he shared with her and ends all contact…he then finds out that she never wanted it published and chases Bijen’s love.
Story Idea 5
Georgia is a homeless teenager living on the streets due to her father being in prison and her mother died 2 years ago. The local council helped her out, by giving her a small council flat and got her back into education, so she could get out of her situation. At college, she meets an accidence Lewis (most popular boy in college). They become influctated with each other and start dating. They fall in love, get married, grow old together and die together.Our Main IdeaUnfortunately, we cannot decide upon which idea to carry forward as our main idea, so we have decided to ask you to vote upon which idea you like best and will create a better film.
Story Idea 1: In Detail
Kimberly and William are two completely juxtaposed characters; they meet at a mutual friend party. Unfortunately, however in a slightly embarrassing event William’s true relationship status is revealed leaving Kimberly hanging, alone and confused.
William’s relationship with Amelia (his girlfriend) has already been strained (or on the rocks/cliff) for a while now, and due to a certain circumstance (involving a lot of alcohol and a game of strip poker) the couple finally break up.
Mean while Kimberly keeps on seeing William on a number of occasions and it seems that she cannot escape him. William being the dashing, handsome young man that he, offers to buy Kimberly a cup of coffee, he apologises and explains his new situation. They get on incredibly well and decide to go on their first date together and a new, popular club downtown.
Amelia’s revenge ('Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned‘) is planned and presents it’s self at popular club in front of all Kimberly’s friends.
The climax of the story presents it’s self when William chooses Kimberly over Amelia. The film ends as the couple have a photograph taken of them at a friend’s party, happy and secure.
William’s character
Personality- He can always be found by a crowd and loves attentions. William loves going out to parties and meeting new people. He wears designer clothes that both look good and arte comfortable. William is 18 years old, as he is completing his A2’s.
Family- He live with her mum, dad. Kim’s mother occupation is a home maker and his father’s occupation is the director of the NHS. They live in a mansion on a private road called “Roman Road” – Little Aston
Likes-He likes fine foods, ahs has exquisite expensive taste. William adores sticking to a structured routine, however he does improvise, and every now and the he “takes a walk on the wild side”.
Dislikes- She hates aquard silences and dark rooms. Kimberly also gets jealous of people who have things she wants, however she will never show it (her green monster side).
Job/Education- William used to attend a private school but they didn’t have a sixth form so he decided to attend Birmingham Metropolitan College- Sutton Campus. He has no jobs as his family are extremely rich and doesn’t need to work.
Friends- William has hundreds of friends but none that close, the closest person to William is his girlfriend.
Kimberly’s character
Personality- she is very quiet but when she speaks she draws attention from the crowd (people listen). She has a girlish giggle that causes herself some embarrassment sometimes (as people will suddenly here giggling from out of no where). She chooses to wear comfortable clothing, chooses comfort over fashion. She is 17 years old.
Family- She live with her mum, dad and two brothers, David and Scott. David is 21 and Scott is 14. Kim’s mother occupation is a nurse and her father’s occupation is a local police officer. They live in a small terrist house in Kingstanding.
Likes- She loves marshmallows and Jaffa cakes. She adores spending time with her friends, walking through the park (the it place to be because of them). She’s also an animal fan and sponsors dog’s trust.
Dislikes- She hates aquard silences and dark rooms. Kimberly also gets jealous of people who have things she wants, however she will never show it (her green monster side).
Job/Education- She works part time at her local gym “David Lloyds”, which contributes to her popularity. Kimberly goes to college at Birmingham Metropolitan College- Sutton Campus. Studying AS levels: Music, Art, Psychology and English Literature.
Friends- Crystal and Keeley (best friends). Crystal thinks that Kim needs to speak up a bit more and wear more flattering clothing. Keeley is jealous of Kim as she’s doesn’t try hard to look good, yet she always looks stunning. However she’s known Kim for years and loves her to bits (true friends).
Locations
The Locations that the film will be film in/at are as follows:
Laura’s House
Park- Arboretum
The Walsall Arboretum will be the main location for the film, as it is open, close to us and has a long runway going through which is crucial to the film. The mutual friends party will be filmed at Laura’s house as she has bigger rooms to fit the actors and camera equipment in, also so it looks like a realistic house party. The swimming pool will only be used for one scene, where Edward meets Kimberly, in the middle of the film.
For all the above locations we will ask permission from the owners before filming on the land/property.
Opening sequence
Music starts rolling (songbird - all angels, instrumental if can get it).Credits rolling, appearing on different sides of the screen as new names follow each otherr. Meanwhile the background is black and whit. Pan MCU of old, scruffy trainers and shoes, pans onto one pair of beautiful, purple high heel shoes (only colour on screen).Pan MCU of old folders, scruffy and messed up, again black and white background, pan onto an immaculate purple folder.Pan CU of different ties, black and white background, pans onto one purple tie.
CU of purple shoes on girl, zoom out to LS of Kimberly at friends mutual party.
CU of purple tie, zoom out to LS of William at the same party.
LS of William and Kimberly walking into each other, MCU still image of their facial expressions, black and white background again, only colour showing is purple items.
The still image unfreezes, back into normal speed, colours and motions, both walk away from each other, camera zoom out until both characters are out of shot.
Kimberly sees William across the room, plucks up the courage to talk to him. MCU of her facial expressions as she walks towards him, also his expressions. She gets to about a meter away from him and suddenly all you can here is "William, William from off the screen".Over the shoulder shot of Amelia running, hugging and then kissing William then drag him away. CU of Kimberly's reaction, non-diagetic narrator voice, of Kimberly saying, "This is my life...“
End Scene...
Genetic identifiers
Structure- Boy meets girl, obstacle (Amelia), obstacle overcome, get to know each other, makes a public gesture to Kimberly to show his love (choosing Kimberly over Amelia in the crowded club),
Sound- The music is happy, up lifting, developed music when opening credits and through part of first shots.
Pathetic Fallacy- when the characters are having an argument the weather will effect the mood, so it will be dark and quiet e.g. in the club when Amelia publicly humiliates Kimberly, there will be silence in the club and the lights will dim.
Narration- the voice of Kimberly will sometimes be played through the film, to give extra insight into her personality and her thoughts.
Story Idea 2: In Detail
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Clark is in her bathroom one morning singing a romantic song into a hairbrush. She is about to go to college and audition for a part in the next musical to hit the town of Sutton Coldfield. When she arrives at the college she is very nervous and doesn’t think she’ll even be able to get through the first audition.
However, when she begins to sing her song, she catches the eye of the judge, Alfred (Alfie) Jones, and suddenly her confidence boosts. She gets out of the audition feeling a bit more confident in herself yet there is something that still tells her she hasn’t made it through.
In the next 3 weeks she is waiting by the letter box each morning and eventually she receives a letter in the post from the musical company. Unfortunately, Lizzie finds out that she hasn’t got a part in this particular musical and her dreams of being a star are shattered.
When she thinks things could not get any worse, there is a handwritten letter in the same envelope from Alfie explaining the real reason why she hasn’t got a part in the play. Alfie is writing his own musical for London’s West End and has realised the great talent that Lizzie holds and has asked her to be the lead role in his West End show.
Lizzie is over the moon on hearing this news and decides to accept his offer without giving it a second thought. After months of rehearsals and perfecting every tiny detail of the show it is finally opening night. But during these months, Lizzie and Alfie have fallen deeply in love with each other’s charm.
After an amazing first performance, Alfie is exceptionally pleased with Lizzie’s performance and makes a special speech on stage at the end of the show. At the end of his speech, Alfie gets down on one knee and proposes to Lizzie with a full audience watching and to Alfie’s amazement, Lizzie says yes.
Lizzie
16 year old college student at Sutton
Quite timid when first met
Studying A levels in Chemistry, History, Media and Sociology
Has dreams about being a star in the West End
Quite a stable background, Father is a doctor, mother works at a bankFocused on her studies
Would rather spend evening and weekends working than going out
Occasionally enjoys a quiet night in with either the family or a few friends
Alfie
20 year old musical composer
Idolises Andrew Lloyd Webber
Outgoing young man
Great sense of humour
Dad left when he was young, mother died when he was 9
Started composing music and songs
Left school with no qualifications to achieve his dream of being a composer
Locations
Charlotte's house - for the bathroom when Lizzie is getting ready
College lecture theatre - for the auditions, to make it seem more realistic than just a classroom
The reception at college - When she has finished her audition
Opening sequence
There is a romantic love song playing in the background which overlaps with Elizabeth, Lizzie, singing the same song, She is in her bathroom singing into a hair brush and getting ready for her day at college, Birmingham Metropolitan; Sutton Campus. Lizzie then leaves her house and begins walking to the bus stop so as she can get to the auditions a musical held at her college that day. This then transfers to Alfred, Alfie, setting up at the college for auditions for his musical that it going to be shown in Sutton Coldfield and includes local students as it's main cast. This then leads to a bus going past a bus stop leaving Lizzie next to it. Lizzie then receives a text message from her mom wishing her good luck with the audition. The next thing we see the room where the auditions are taking place. Alfie calls Lizzie’s name and she takes her place on the stage. She begins to sing the song she sung at the beginning of the film but in a very nervous state. As soon as she makes eye contact with Alfie, she gets a sudden boost of confidence as if it was magic. After the audition, Lizzie leaves the stage and returns to her friends with a negative feeling about the audition.
Friday 18 December 2009
Sunday 29 November 2009
Romantic Comedies Research
Romantic Comedies
Audiences expect a certain structure from romantic comedies. Generally the basic outline of a romantic comedy is that boy meets girl via some sort of event or communication. For example, in the film “Notting Hill” the superstar “Anna Scott” meets the average, ordinary, English man “William Thacker” when he accidentally spills orange juice down her top, in a market street of Notting Hill. This is a typical beginning to a romantic comedy as the audience are shown that, “Will” and “Anna” share an attraction even though they are so different by their status and roles, it’s seems an impossibility.
However the is always some sort of obstacle between the two. Such as, in “You’ve Got Mail”, “Kathleen Kelly” is a small time bookshop owner; her shop is under the threat of closer. Due to a huge, new book chain store shop just opened nearby, owned by “Joe Fox”. The audience know that they are the perfect couple, by the way that they have been communicating via email, and are pinning for the couple to work out their differences and realise the are meant for each other. Unfortunately, the “perfect couple” are separated by their roles, as “Fox’s” company eliminates competition via discounts and “coffee”. “Kelly” and “Fox” are at a business war that can only end in the death of a business.
Finally, the climax of the story is when the character that realises their feelings at the last moment makes public statement, or does something such as an extraordinarily romantic gesture towards the person that knew their feelings all along. For example, in the film “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Marc Darcy” already knows his feelings, where as “Bridget Jones” doesn’t realise hers until the latest possible moment. Therefore means that she makes a heart-warming, embarrassing statement, which the audience greatly appeals to.
Also, in romantic comedy films there is a lot of pathetic fallacy used (when the weather matches the mood), for instance, in “Wimbledon” when “Peter Colt” and “Lizzie Bradbury” spend the day training together realising their feelings for each other, the weather is spectacular. The film shows a beautiful, bold, colourful sunset; which is a typical romantic situation, which the audience just falls in love with. In contrast further on in the film when “Bradbury” and “Colt” have an argument the weather is dark, gloomy and upsetting. Also, to add to the setting, there is rain on the ground when “Colt” turns up to “Bradbury’s” house to apologise, which symbolises the tears and upset which is keeping them apart at the moment.
The music/audio has a huge affect upon the audience and determines their feelings, meaning that the music indicates to the audience what they should be feeling at that particular moment. For example, if the music was slow, delicate and moving, the audience know that they should be feeling sympathy for that particular character or set of characters.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary: The Edge Of Reason” and “Notting Hill” uses a narrator throughout the film, or at the start, which is also an example of non-diagetic sound. This gives an insight about the character towards the audience, for instance they get a sense of the characters education, and personality. Also they feel as if they are a part of the film, especially when the film writers use rhetorical questions, which help the audience to see their point of view.
Within romantic comedies sometimes certain things happen that lack verisimilitude, such as in “27 Dresses”, when “Jane” finally realises her feelings for “Kevin” she crashes a wedding reception. This is a classic example of when a film hasn’t included verisimilitude, as the bride was ecstatic and excited to let this wedding crasher stand up and make a speech, which wouldn’t happen in real life.
The characters are also, quite typical, as there is one that realises their feelings first are generally the male, and the character that makes a public statement or romantic gesture is the female. This is the case with many romantic comedies such as: “Runaway Bride”, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” one and two, “Wimbledon”, “27 Dresses”, “There’s Something About Mary”, “The Proposal” and “Roxanne” so on so forth.
However, there are a few romantic comedies that have the male realise their feelings last the female first, such as: “Shallow Hall”, “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “The Break Up”. Which go against the audience’s conventions but make the movie a whole lot more enjoyable.
The main convention of a romantic comedy is the structure, meaning that the beginning starts off with boy meets girl, (either for the first time, or haven’t seen for a long time) there is some sort of obstacle keeping them apart. Then during finale/climax, the obstacle is removed and the last character realises their feelings makes a public statement, or romantic gesture.
Our Chosen Colour Theme
As a group it was decided that we would use mainly black and white throughout our opening sequence.
However there is one exception to this; we will be using two purple items for each of the main characters. These two purple items would be seen as a way to give the two characters an instant connection, a way of setting them apart from everyone else, whilst bringing them closer through the use of the same colour.
We thought it would be best to do a black and white theme as it would mean that the purple will stand out a lot more in comparison to using colours.
We researched colours and decided on the colour purple for a number of reasons; the first of these reasons being that it would set this movie apart and didn’t follow the usual conventions found in romantic comedies, which would use pinks and reds as their main colour.
In many cultures, purple is also the colour of passion and romance, with its warm blend of ‘passionate red and tranquil blue’. It is also a colour that induces mystery, sophistication, spirituality and royalty.
The two items that we were thinking of making purple were a pair of shoes and a tie. This is because these items are known to ‘finish an outfit’ and are often the article of clothing that stands out the most, therefore it would be noticeable and effective. The audience would see these items and instantly predict a possible storyline outcome.
Questionnaire Results
The majority of people we asked were female who watched romantic comedies quite often. The males we asked said they hardly ever watched rom-coms but they did admit to enjoying them when they did get the chance to watch one. The males that did enjoy these films said they liked them because they had better storylines than a lot of other genres. They also confessed to rom-coms being good date movies and being films that allowed them to have a good cry. The males that didn't like rom-coms said that other genres had stronger story lines with stronger characters.
The perfect age group for the main characters appears to be between 20 and 30 years old. There are several reasons for this: 1) people aged 20 and above can relate to these characters if they have similar personalities or if they have been in situations like the main characters. 2) people under the age of 20 have something to aspire to and can picture themselves in similar situations when they are older. However, two of the teenages we asked said they prefer films with teenage characters in. This could be because they can easily relate to these characters and find it harder to relate to the characters aged 20-30.
From our questionnaire, it is apparent that the main twists people like to see are love triangles and affairs. Reasons for this could be that people have experienced a partner cheating on them or having an affair. Most people, at some point in their life, will no doubt be part of a love triangle which, the majority of the time, will lead to an affair in some way or another.
The personalities of the different characters are very similar. The male character has been described as being a romantic man who is also manly and can stand their ground. This has been described because a lot of females would like their partner to have these characteristics. None of the people we asked said that they wanted uncaring males in the films. This shows that women want to be with someone who will love them as well as being someone like a friend. The main characteristics of the female character has been described as an outgoing woman. Sometimes a bit ditsy and someone with a high class job. The reasons of women being depicted in this way could be because men like to see this in their partner but also because a lot of women want to be this type of character if they aren't already.
Filming Locations (If We choose some of these, we will have to as permission to film of the premises)
Park – Arboretum
Sutton College
Own Houses
City Centre (Birmingham, Walsall, Sutton)
Church
Swimming Pool
Restaurant/Café
Number of romantic comedies released since 2000
Spring 64 This is because it’s the season of valentines and start of new life/love/relationships.
Summer 69
Autumn 54
Winter 58
Top 20 Romantic Comedies
1) My Big Fat Greek Wedding - 19/04/02 - Lifetime Gross £145,174,380
2) What Women Want – 15/12/00 - Lifetime Gross £109,922,851
3) Hitch – 11/02/05 - Lifetime Gross £107,928,882
4) Pretty Woman – 23/03/90
5) There’s Something About Mary – 15/07/98
6) Sea And The City – 30/05/08
7) Runaway Bride – 30/07/09
8) Knocked Up – 01/06/07
9) As Good As It Gets – 23/12/97
10) Bringing The House Down – 07/03/03
11) The Proposal – 19/06/09
12) Coming To America – 29/06/88
13) Sweet Home Alabama – 27/09/02
14) My Best Friends Wedding – 20/06/97
15) Sleepless In Seattle – 25/06/93
16) Mr Deeds – 28/06/02
17) Something’s Gotta Give – 12/12/03
18) 50 First Dates – 13/02/04
19) The Break Up - 06/02/06
20) Notting Hill – 28/05/99
Things you can legally include in different rated films
U
Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unlessclearly disapproved of.DrugsNo references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unlessthey are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a cleareducational purpose or anti-drug message suitablefor young children.
Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely tocause undue anxiety to young children. The outcomeshould be reassuring.
Imitable behaviour
No potentially dangerous behaviour which youngchildren are likely to copy. No emphasis on realisticor easily accessible weapons.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) andreferences only (for example, to ‘making love’).
Theme
While problematic themes may be present, theirtreatment must be sensitive and appropriate foryoung children.
Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat ormenace only.
PG
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in aneducational or historical context. Discrimination bya character with which children can readily identifyis unlikely to be acceptable
Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must beinnocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged orintense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour whichyoung children are likely to copy. No glamorisationof realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Mild bad language only.
Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should bediscreet and infrequent. Mild sex references andinnuendo only.
Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example,domestic violence) nothing in their treatment shouldcondone unacceptable behaviour.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed,if justified by its context (for example, history,comedy or fantasy).
12
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not beendorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressivediscriminatory language or behaviour is unlikelyto be acceptable unless clearly condemned
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and shouldnot be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may bepermitted, provided disturbing sequences are notfrequent or sustained.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide andself-harming) should not dwell on detail which could becopied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessibleweapons should not be glamorised.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of stronglanguage (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be briefand discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable foryoung teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikelyto be acceptable.
Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment mustbe suitable for young teenagers.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell ondetail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood,but occasional gory moments may be permitted ifjustified by the context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly anddiscreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextualjustification.
15
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatorylanguage or behaviour.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must notpromote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easilyaccessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadisticor sexualised.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide andself-harming) should not dwell on detail which could becopied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may beacceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeateduse of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but withoutstrong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in anon-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptableunless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose issexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment isappropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the inflictionof pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely tobe acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is alsounlikely to be acceptable.There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violencebut any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet andhave a strong contextual justification.
18
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s publicconsultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ theBBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally overridethe principle that adults should be free to choose theirown entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
• where the material is in breach of the criminal law,or has been created through the commission of acriminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC torisk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour,to society – for example, any detailed portrayal ofviolent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,which may cause harm to public health or morals.This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualisedviolence which might, for example, eroticise orendorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexualactivity which cannot be justified by context. Suchimages may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confinedto that category.
Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform andeducate in matters such as human sexuality, safersex and health, explicit images of sexual activity maybe permitted.
Sex works at ‘18’
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexualarousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only materialwhich may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sexworks containing clear images of real sex, strong fetishmaterial, sexually explicit animated images, or othervery strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex workat ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
This information was taken from the British Board of Film Classification website: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/
Audiences expect a certain structure from romantic comedies. Generally the basic outline of a romantic comedy is that boy meets girl via some sort of event or communication. For example, in the film “Notting Hill” the superstar “Anna Scott” meets the average, ordinary, English man “William Thacker” when he accidentally spills orange juice down her top, in a market street of Notting Hill. This is a typical beginning to a romantic comedy as the audience are shown that, “Will” and “Anna” share an attraction even though they are so different by their status and roles, it’s seems an impossibility.
However the is always some sort of obstacle between the two. Such as, in “You’ve Got Mail”, “Kathleen Kelly” is a small time bookshop owner; her shop is under the threat of closer. Due to a huge, new book chain store shop just opened nearby, owned by “Joe Fox”. The audience know that they are the perfect couple, by the way that they have been communicating via email, and are pinning for the couple to work out their differences and realise the are meant for each other. Unfortunately, the “perfect couple” are separated by their roles, as “Fox’s” company eliminates competition via discounts and “coffee”. “Kelly” and “Fox” are at a business war that can only end in the death of a business.
Finally, the climax of the story is when the character that realises their feelings at the last moment makes public statement, or does something such as an extraordinarily romantic gesture towards the person that knew their feelings all along. For example, in the film “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Marc Darcy” already knows his feelings, where as “Bridget Jones” doesn’t realise hers until the latest possible moment. Therefore means that she makes a heart-warming, embarrassing statement, which the audience greatly appeals to.
Also, in romantic comedy films there is a lot of pathetic fallacy used (when the weather matches the mood), for instance, in “Wimbledon” when “Peter Colt” and “Lizzie Bradbury” spend the day training together realising their feelings for each other, the weather is spectacular. The film shows a beautiful, bold, colourful sunset; which is a typical romantic situation, which the audience just falls in love with. In contrast further on in the film when “Bradbury” and “Colt” have an argument the weather is dark, gloomy and upsetting. Also, to add to the setting, there is rain on the ground when “Colt” turns up to “Bradbury’s” house to apologise, which symbolises the tears and upset which is keeping them apart at the moment.
The music/audio has a huge affect upon the audience and determines their feelings, meaning that the music indicates to the audience what they should be feeling at that particular moment. For example, if the music was slow, delicate and moving, the audience know that they should be feeling sympathy for that particular character or set of characters.
“Bridget Jones’s Diary: The Edge Of Reason” and “Notting Hill” uses a narrator throughout the film, or at the start, which is also an example of non-diagetic sound. This gives an insight about the character towards the audience, for instance they get a sense of the characters education, and personality. Also they feel as if they are a part of the film, especially when the film writers use rhetorical questions, which help the audience to see their point of view.
Within romantic comedies sometimes certain things happen that lack verisimilitude, such as in “27 Dresses”, when “Jane” finally realises her feelings for “Kevin” she crashes a wedding reception. This is a classic example of when a film hasn’t included verisimilitude, as the bride was ecstatic and excited to let this wedding crasher stand up and make a speech, which wouldn’t happen in real life.
The characters are also, quite typical, as there is one that realises their feelings first are generally the male, and the character that makes a public statement or romantic gesture is the female. This is the case with many romantic comedies such as: “Runaway Bride”, “Bridget Jones’s Diary” one and two, “Wimbledon”, “27 Dresses”, “There’s Something About Mary”, “The Proposal” and “Roxanne” so on so forth.
However, there are a few romantic comedies that have the male realise their feelings last the female first, such as: “Shallow Hall”, “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “The Break Up”. Which go against the audience’s conventions but make the movie a whole lot more enjoyable.
The main convention of a romantic comedy is the structure, meaning that the beginning starts off with boy meets girl, (either for the first time, or haven’t seen for a long time) there is some sort of obstacle keeping them apart. Then during finale/climax, the obstacle is removed and the last character realises their feelings makes a public statement, or romantic gesture.
Our Chosen Colour Theme
As a group it was decided that we would use mainly black and white throughout our opening sequence.
However there is one exception to this; we will be using two purple items for each of the main characters. These two purple items would be seen as a way to give the two characters an instant connection, a way of setting them apart from everyone else, whilst bringing them closer through the use of the same colour.
We thought it would be best to do a black and white theme as it would mean that the purple will stand out a lot more in comparison to using colours.
We researched colours and decided on the colour purple for a number of reasons; the first of these reasons being that it would set this movie apart and didn’t follow the usual conventions found in romantic comedies, which would use pinks and reds as their main colour.
In many cultures, purple is also the colour of passion and romance, with its warm blend of ‘passionate red and tranquil blue’. It is also a colour that induces mystery, sophistication, spirituality and royalty.
The two items that we were thinking of making purple were a pair of shoes and a tie. This is because these items are known to ‘finish an outfit’ and are often the article of clothing that stands out the most, therefore it would be noticeable and effective. The audience would see these items and instantly predict a possible storyline outcome.
Questionnaire Results
The majority of people we asked were female who watched romantic comedies quite often. The males we asked said they hardly ever watched rom-coms but they did admit to enjoying them when they did get the chance to watch one. The males that did enjoy these films said they liked them because they had better storylines than a lot of other genres. They also confessed to rom-coms being good date movies and being films that allowed them to have a good cry. The males that didn't like rom-coms said that other genres had stronger story lines with stronger characters.
The perfect age group for the main characters appears to be between 20 and 30 years old. There are several reasons for this: 1) people aged 20 and above can relate to these characters if they have similar personalities or if they have been in situations like the main characters. 2) people under the age of 20 have something to aspire to and can picture themselves in similar situations when they are older. However, two of the teenages we asked said they prefer films with teenage characters in. This could be because they can easily relate to these characters and find it harder to relate to the characters aged 20-30.
From our questionnaire, it is apparent that the main twists people like to see are love triangles and affairs. Reasons for this could be that people have experienced a partner cheating on them or having an affair. Most people, at some point in their life, will no doubt be part of a love triangle which, the majority of the time, will lead to an affair in some way or another.
The personalities of the different characters are very similar. The male character has been described as being a romantic man who is also manly and can stand their ground. This has been described because a lot of females would like their partner to have these characteristics. None of the people we asked said that they wanted uncaring males in the films. This shows that women want to be with someone who will love them as well as being someone like a friend. The main characteristics of the female character has been described as an outgoing woman. Sometimes a bit ditsy and someone with a high class job. The reasons of women being depicted in this way could be because men like to see this in their partner but also because a lot of women want to be this type of character if they aren't already.
Filming Locations (If We choose some of these, we will have to as permission to film of the premises)
Park – Arboretum
Sutton College
Own Houses
City Centre (Birmingham, Walsall, Sutton)
Church
Swimming Pool
Restaurant/Café
Number of romantic comedies released since 2000
Spring 64 This is because it’s the season of valentines and start of new life/love/relationships.
Summer 69
Autumn 54
Winter 58
Top 20 Romantic Comedies
1) My Big Fat Greek Wedding - 19/04/02 - Lifetime Gross £145,174,380
2) What Women Want – 15/12/00 - Lifetime Gross £109,922,851
3) Hitch – 11/02/05 - Lifetime Gross £107,928,882
4) Pretty Woman – 23/03/90
5) There’s Something About Mary – 15/07/98
6) Sea And The City – 30/05/08
7) Runaway Bride – 30/07/09
8) Knocked Up – 01/06/07
9) As Good As It Gets – 23/12/97
10) Bringing The House Down – 07/03/03
11) The Proposal – 19/06/09
12) Coming To America – 29/06/88
13) Sweet Home Alabama – 27/09/02
14) My Best Friends Wedding – 20/06/97
15) Sleepless In Seattle – 25/06/93
16) Mr Deeds – 28/06/02
17) Something’s Gotta Give – 12/12/03
18) 50 First Dates – 13/02/04
19) The Break Up - 06/02/06
20) Notting Hill – 28/05/99
Things you can legally include in different rated films
U
Discrimination
No discriminatory language or behaviour unlessclearly disapproved of.DrugsNo references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unlessthey are infrequent and innocuous, or there is a cleareducational purpose or anti-drug message suitablefor young children.
Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely tocause undue anxiety to young children. The outcomeshould be reassuring.
Imitable behaviour
No potentially dangerous behaviour which youngchildren are likely to copy. No emphasis on realisticor easily accessible weapons.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) andreferences only (for example, to ‘making love’).
Theme
While problematic themes may be present, theirtreatment must be sensitive and appropriate foryoung children.
Violence
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat ormenace only.
PG
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in aneducational or historical context. Discrimination bya character with which children can readily identifyis unlikely to be acceptable
Drugs
References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must beinnocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged orintense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Imitable behaviour
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour whichyoung children are likely to copy. No glamorisationof realistic or easily accessible weapons.
Language
Mild bad language only.
Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be implied, but should bediscreet and infrequent. Mild sex references andinnuendo only.
Theme
Where more serious issues are featured (for example,domestic violence) nothing in their treatment shouldcondone unacceptable behaviour.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed,if justified by its context (for example, history,comedy or fantasy).
12
Discrimination
Discriminatory language or behaviour must not beendorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressivediscriminatory language or behaviour is unlikelyto be acceptable unless clearly condemned
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and shouldnot be glamorised or give instructional detail.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may bepermitted, provided disturbing sequences are notfrequent or sustained.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide andself-harming) should not dwell on detail which could becopied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessibleweapons should not be glamorised.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of stronglanguage (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be briefand discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed.Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable foryoung teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikelyto be acceptable.
Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment mustbe suitable for young teenagers.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell ondetail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood,but occasional gory moments may be permitted ifjustified by the context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly anddiscreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextualjustification.
15
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatorylanguage or behaviour.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must notpromote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easilyaccessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadisticor sexualised.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide andself-harming) should not dwell on detail which could becopied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may beacceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeateduse of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but withoutstrong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in anon-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptableunless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose issexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment isappropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the inflictionof pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely tobe acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is alsounlikely to be acceptable.There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violencebut any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet andhave a strong contextual justification.
18
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s publicconsultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ theBBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally overridethe principle that adults should be free to choose theirown entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
• where the material is in breach of the criminal law,or has been created through the commission of acriminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC torisk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour,to society – for example, any detailed portrayal ofviolent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,which may cause harm to public health or morals.This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualisedviolence which might, for example, eroticise orendorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexualactivity which cannot be justified by context. Suchimages may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confinedto that category.
Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform andeducate in matters such as human sexuality, safersex and health, explicit images of sexual activity maybe permitted.
Sex works at ‘18’
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexualarousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only materialwhich may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sexworks containing clear images of real sex, strong fetishmaterial, sexually explicit animated images, or othervery strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex workat ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
This information was taken from the British Board of Film Classification website: http://www.bbfc.co.uk/about/
Friday 27 November 2009
Continuity Piece
Although it was quite a sharp awakening as to what is to come in filming the opening sequence of our film, I thoroughly enjoyed doing this piece (this could have something to do with the good company I was in while making it, with the group consisting of Laura, Charlotte and I).
As soon as we were given the task, the idea just started flowing from us; we were bouncing off each other’s ideas and adding detail in order to refine them.
The key elements that we had to include were match-on-action, comply with the 180 degree rule and we had to show we have a clear understanding of camera positions and angles by using a variety of these.
The final Idea that we had was to have two girls exchanging drugs in a toilet, with another girl seeing what has happened only to hurry out of the girls toilets.
We managed to stick to the elements held within the task by using match-on-action for the girls toilet door and for the exchange of the drugs, we managed to stick to the 180 degree rule and we used a wide variety of shots. Some of the shots that we used were: a long shot of one of the girls making her way down the stairs, a close-up of the phones, over shoulder shot of the worried drug dealer and druggy, a medium shot of the girl coming out of a cubicle and a two-shot of the two girls talking. We also used panning in order to follow the characters to their destinations.
Overall, I would say that this piece went well, we face a couple of challenges along the way, however it was nothing that couldn’t be dealt with.
As soon as we were given the task, the idea just started flowing from us; we were bouncing off each other’s ideas and adding detail in order to refine them.
The key elements that we had to include were match-on-action, comply with the 180 degree rule and we had to show we have a clear understanding of camera positions and angles by using a variety of these.
The final Idea that we had was to have two girls exchanging drugs in a toilet, with another girl seeing what has happened only to hurry out of the girls toilets.
We managed to stick to the elements held within the task by using match-on-action for the girls toilet door and for the exchange of the drugs, we managed to stick to the 180 degree rule and we used a wide variety of shots. Some of the shots that we used were: a long shot of one of the girls making her way down the stairs, a close-up of the phones, over shoulder shot of the worried drug dealer and druggy, a medium shot of the girl coming out of a cubicle and a two-shot of the two girls talking. We also used panning in order to follow the characters to their destinations.
Overall, I would say that this piece went well, we face a couple of challenges along the way, however it was nothing that couldn’t be dealt with.
Thursday 12 November 2009
Textual Analysis 3 Rom-com and 1 horror
Romantic Comedies
The Accidental Husband
The Accidental Husband opens with its main focus on a female radio host, giving advice to female listeners with relationship issues. While being shown this woman we mainly see close ups of her face, to possibly show her passion and belief in what she is talking about.
Throughout the opening credits it jumps from showing us the radio host to showing us life in New York. We even see a split screen of the host and New York at some points. The shots of New York are mainly Extreme Long Shots, as it allows the audience to see the busy life of many of the residents and to possibly make the audience think “how do people have time for a healthy relationship in amongst their busy lives?”
It also shows a lot of happy-looking, independent women listening to the radio station in their cars and through headphones while walking about...possibly trying to prove to themselves and the outside world that they are just fine, however, deep down we get the impression that they have relationship issues. All of these shots are shown in Long shots, as it allows the audience to see both the women and their surroundings.
There is also a lot of non-diagetic sound throughout this opening sequence, of the radio host talking to women while we are shown New York, there are also sirens in the background (could this be an early indication that there is to be some form of conflict?)
This cuts to a Long Shot of a football field and pans down to ground-level; from here we track some players around the pitch, this is used to set the basic atmosphere.
This goes to a medium shot of a woman by a car, which is parked next to the football pitch and she is listening to the radio. The medium shot is used in order for the audience to see both her body language and facial expressions all at once. Another medium shot is then used to show one of the men on the football pitch looking at the woman, this shot is used for the same purpose as the previous medium shot but it also singles him out to the rest of the players.
From here we are shown to play on the pitch and the woman is almost narrated to the problems with her partner through the radio.
Then we see a long shot of the same man getting into a car with his friends, not with the woman...this leaves the audience wondering why this could be. We are then shown a medium close up of the men in the car listening to the radio.
We are then taken to a new scene of the woman in her car on the phone to the radio host; a medium close up is used to show the facial expression of the caller and cuts to another medium close up inside the ‘lads’ car and is of just the partner of the woman as he hears her on the radio this allows the audience to focus solely on the man’s facial expression as it goes from happy to sad.
This then fades to black in preparation for the film to get going.
There are a few examples of non-diagetic sound used in this opening sequence, some of which have already been mentioned, however the most noticeable sound is the sound of soft music playing throughout the entire piece. This is used in order to set the vibe and mood of a romantic comedy and also to put the audience in a false sense of security as they will assume that everything is ‘rosy’ until we start to realise what is going on.
The is also a lot of diagetic sound, the sound of talking and horns being honked add to the atmosphere of New York and the sound of the referee’s whistle being blown, players shouting to each other and cars driving passed which allow us to come to ‘ground-level’ with New York.
The Mise En Scéne all follows convention, from the radio booth with its microphone and buttons, the hectic city of New York...taxis, traffic jams, the sound of horns, things that we all associate with the city to the football pitch with its players, arguments and referee.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Bridget Jones’s Diary opens with a medium shot of Bridget walking in the snow, her body language giving the impression that she may be fed up and annoyed. This then goes to a long shot of a car and Bridget getting out of the car; it stays on the long shot as the camera pans to follow her to the doorstep of her parent’s house she seems to be slamming her feet into the snow...is this out of frustration or does she just not want to fall over?
Once Bridget reaches the door, an over-shoulder shot is used to show her mother’s welcoming reaction towards her.
A high-angled long shot is then used to show Bridget entering the house, this may foretell the scale of events that she has to overcome, that are grand but possibly reachable.
There is then some medium close ups of a conversation between Bridget and her mother, her mom is trying to get her out of the ‘single’ life and is try to set her up with someone, medium close ups are used to show the expression on both of their faces and the coldness that Bridget feels towards her mother at that moment in time.
The camera then tracks Bridget through a party on a medium shot looking awkward and unsatisfied with what she is wearing, the medium shot is used to show her fidgeting and lack of self-confidence.
From here there is a medium shot showing the disgust on Bridget’s face at an older man that just groped her bum.
At this point Bridget goes to her father in which there is a two shot used of them on a medium close up to show their discomfort towards the party and what her mother is trying to Do in setting Bridget up. This switches to a medium close up of the back of the man she is being set up with; this makes him seem mysterious and makes gives suspense to the feeling of possible romance.
Te camera then tracks Bridget and her mother as her mother leads her towards the man...as if being forced to go and meet him; however the narration tells a different story, it seems Bridget may deep down want to get to know this man.
The opening sequence finishes with a medium close up of the man turning around to unveil himself in an almost romantic way, as if all of Bridget’s prayers had been answered in a moment.
There were two main non-diagetic sounds heard throughout this opening sequence. The first was the sound of Bridget’s narration in order to add to the comedic aspect of the movie and also to explain the background of herself. The second was a couple of different sons played in order to build up an atmosphere for the audience to ‘play’ off of.
The diagetic sounds her were all normal and they include walking, talking, a car and shouting.
The opening sequence was based in an English village at winter time, this was made obvious by the snow on the ground and the Christmas spirit seen throughout.
The Mise En Scéne all follows convention the house is your average English country house and set out accordingly.
All of the editing used was invisible.
He's Just Not That Into You
He’s Just Not That Into You opens with the camera panning across a child’s playground on a long shot to show all of the kids, doing kids things and playing. The panning stops at a girl building a sand castle.
The shot then switches to a long shot of a group of boys heading towards her with intent. The camera then tracks the ‘leader’ as he heads closer to the girl.
There is then a couple of high angled and low angled shots used as the girl is lower than the boy, this could represent the power that he thinks he has over her. The boy then pushes the little girl down and there is a high-angled, medium close up to show her on the ground, his shows the audience her tears and the pained expression on her face. There is again a low angled shot of the boy from the girl’s perspective as he is shouting at her, this could have a connotation of the fact that the boy is having a go at her makes her feel small and is represented by the clever use of cameras.
This goes to a series of over shoulder shots of the little girl explaining what has happened to her mom, it allows us to see the sympathy on her mom’s face while seeing the pain and emotion within the little girl.
We also are given a two-shot of the girl and her mom holding hands as her mom reassures her that everything is going to be ok, it shows the audience the mother and daughter relationship between the two of them and allows us to see a bond between them.
We, as the audience are then taken to a series of different clips of women talking about their experiences with guys not calling them back, this is integral to the movie as it allows us to see what possibly is to come with the main characters.
It includes a scene of two women sat by a phone and the scene opens with a close up of the phone showing that there are no new messages and no one is calling, yet they are still staying positive.
After this the screen fades to black and the writing “He’s Just Not That Into You” shows up.
The none-diagetic sounds present in the opening sequence are the sound of ‘quick’ music, in the sense that the beat is quick however it is not jolly due to the scenes that it is present in. Also the sound of woman (the little girl grown up) narrating us through it.
The diagetic sounds include kids playing, laughing, screaming, ladies talking and cars.
The main scene’s Mise En Scéne also followed convention; the park is a typical kids place to hang out with the parent sitting around the side watching on at their children playing on the climbing frames and making new friends.
Most of the opening scene had invisible editing, excluding the very opening as it fades from black to the park and at the very end when it fades to black.
Horror
The Others
The opening sequence of The Others seems like a pretty normal opening, with no scary music and nothing odd or suspicious going on.
However, when you look deeper into it, this is what makes the movie scarier, the eeriness of a silent atmosphere and the fact that it is luring the audience into a false sense of security.
There are no none-diagetic sounds to be heard and the only diagetic sounds are that of talking, walking, the door bell and keys jangling, again adding to this eerie atmosphere in a big dark house.
The Mise En Scéne seems to follow convention with being set in a big dark-looking mansion, wooden doors and beams, the sort of house we the audience expect from a Horror movie. The old clothes and hair seem to match up with each other and the time that this movie is set in (the war period).
The movie opens with three people going towards the house, this is shown on a long shot and we pan in order to follow them. This then goes onto an over should shot towards the door to see it being opened and to see the house owner open it, this is then followed by another over should shot towards one of the people that was walking towards the house (they are looking for jobs), the person that talks to her seems to be the main speaker of the three. Following this, a series of over should shots is used in order for us to see the conversation in action.
The three job seekers then line up inside the house and are shown on a three-shot from the chest up, the owner is stood opposite them and is shown on a medium close up and seems to be shown on a low angle shot, this makes her seem more powerful and in control, as though she holds power over these three people who haven’t yet started working for her.
The camera then changes to behind the door of the next room and pans in an ark shape in order to show the house, a cold looking place with bare walls and a wooden stair case.
We then catch up with the house owner and she is shown on a medium shot, stood with her hands in clasped, maybe this shows the authority that she feels.
Another pan is used down the bottom of a corridor as the owner and three job seekers go towards a door.
This is where the opening sequence finishes, as they all enter another room.
All of the editing used is invisible.
The Accidental Husband
The Accidental Husband opens with its main focus on a female radio host, giving advice to female listeners with relationship issues. While being shown this woman we mainly see close ups of her face, to possibly show her passion and belief in what she is talking about.
Throughout the opening credits it jumps from showing us the radio host to showing us life in New York. We even see a split screen of the host and New York at some points. The shots of New York are mainly Extreme Long Shots, as it allows the audience to see the busy life of many of the residents and to possibly make the audience think “how do people have time for a healthy relationship in amongst their busy lives?”
It also shows a lot of happy-looking, independent women listening to the radio station in their cars and through headphones while walking about...possibly trying to prove to themselves and the outside world that they are just fine, however, deep down we get the impression that they have relationship issues. All of these shots are shown in Long shots, as it allows the audience to see both the women and their surroundings.
There is also a lot of non-diagetic sound throughout this opening sequence, of the radio host talking to women while we are shown New York, there are also sirens in the background (could this be an early indication that there is to be some form of conflict?)
This cuts to a Long Shot of a football field and pans down to ground-level; from here we track some players around the pitch, this is used to set the basic atmosphere.
This goes to a medium shot of a woman by a car, which is parked next to the football pitch and she is listening to the radio. The medium shot is used in order for the audience to see both her body language and facial expressions all at once. Another medium shot is then used to show one of the men on the football pitch looking at the woman, this shot is used for the same purpose as the previous medium shot but it also singles him out to the rest of the players.
From here we are shown to play on the pitch and the woman is almost narrated to the problems with her partner through the radio.
Then we see a long shot of the same man getting into a car with his friends, not with the woman...this leaves the audience wondering why this could be. We are then shown a medium close up of the men in the car listening to the radio.
We are then taken to a new scene of the woman in her car on the phone to the radio host; a medium close up is used to show the facial expression of the caller and cuts to another medium close up inside the ‘lads’ car and is of just the partner of the woman as he hears her on the radio this allows the audience to focus solely on the man’s facial expression as it goes from happy to sad.
This then fades to black in preparation for the film to get going.
There are a few examples of non-diagetic sound used in this opening sequence, some of which have already been mentioned, however the most noticeable sound is the sound of soft music playing throughout the entire piece. This is used in order to set the vibe and mood of a romantic comedy and also to put the audience in a false sense of security as they will assume that everything is ‘rosy’ until we start to realise what is going on.
The is also a lot of diagetic sound, the sound of talking and horns being honked add to the atmosphere of New York and the sound of the referee’s whistle being blown, players shouting to each other and cars driving passed which allow us to come to ‘ground-level’ with New York.
The Mise En Scéne all follows convention, from the radio booth with its microphone and buttons, the hectic city of New York...taxis, traffic jams, the sound of horns, things that we all associate with the city to the football pitch with its players, arguments and referee.
Not all of the editing used was invisible, as we had the fade at the end to black and also there were coloured bars running across the screen at different times.
Bridget Jones's Diary
Bridget Jones’s Diary opens with a medium shot of Bridget walking in the snow, her body language giving the impression that she may be fed up and annoyed. This then goes to a long shot of a car and Bridget getting out of the car; it stays on the long shot as the camera pans to follow her to the doorstep of her parent’s house she seems to be slamming her feet into the snow...is this out of frustration or does she just not want to fall over?
Once Bridget reaches the door, an over-shoulder shot is used to show her mother’s welcoming reaction towards her.
A high-angled long shot is then used to show Bridget entering the house, this may foretell the scale of events that she has to overcome, that are grand but possibly reachable.
There is then some medium close ups of a conversation between Bridget and her mother, her mom is trying to get her out of the ‘single’ life and is try to set her up with someone, medium close ups are used to show the expression on both of their faces and the coldness that Bridget feels towards her mother at that moment in time.
The camera then tracks Bridget through a party on a medium shot looking awkward and unsatisfied with what she is wearing, the medium shot is used to show her fidgeting and lack of self-confidence.
From here there is a medium shot showing the disgust on Bridget’s face at an older man that just groped her bum.
At this point Bridget goes to her father in which there is a two shot used of them on a medium close up to show their discomfort towards the party and what her mother is trying to Do in setting Bridget up. This switches to a medium close up of the back of the man she is being set up with; this makes him seem mysterious and makes gives suspense to the feeling of possible romance.
Te camera then tracks Bridget and her mother as her mother leads her towards the man...as if being forced to go and meet him; however the narration tells a different story, it seems Bridget may deep down want to get to know this man.
The opening sequence finishes with a medium close up of the man turning around to unveil himself in an almost romantic way, as if all of Bridget’s prayers had been answered in a moment.
There were two main non-diagetic sounds heard throughout this opening sequence. The first was the sound of Bridget’s narration in order to add to the comedic aspect of the movie and also to explain the background of herself. The second was a couple of different sons played in order to build up an atmosphere for the audience to ‘play’ off of.
The diagetic sounds her were all normal and they include walking, talking, a car and shouting.
The opening sequence was based in an English village at winter time, this was made obvious by the snow on the ground and the Christmas spirit seen throughout.
The Mise En Scéne all follows convention the house is your average English country house and set out accordingly.
All of the editing used was invisible.
He's Just Not That Into You
He’s Just Not That Into You opens with the camera panning across a child’s playground on a long shot to show all of the kids, doing kids things and playing. The panning stops at a girl building a sand castle.
The shot then switches to a long shot of a group of boys heading towards her with intent. The camera then tracks the ‘leader’ as he heads closer to the girl.
There is then a couple of high angled and low angled shots used as the girl is lower than the boy, this could represent the power that he thinks he has over her. The boy then pushes the little girl down and there is a high-angled, medium close up to show her on the ground, his shows the audience her tears and the pained expression on her face. There is again a low angled shot of the boy from the girl’s perspective as he is shouting at her, this could have a connotation of the fact that the boy is having a go at her makes her feel small and is represented by the clever use of cameras.
This goes to a series of over shoulder shots of the little girl explaining what has happened to her mom, it allows us to see the sympathy on her mom’s face while seeing the pain and emotion within the little girl.
We also are given a two-shot of the girl and her mom holding hands as her mom reassures her that everything is going to be ok, it shows the audience the mother and daughter relationship between the two of them and allows us to see a bond between them.
We, as the audience are then taken to a series of different clips of women talking about their experiences with guys not calling them back, this is integral to the movie as it allows us to see what possibly is to come with the main characters.
It includes a scene of two women sat by a phone and the scene opens with a close up of the phone showing that there are no new messages and no one is calling, yet they are still staying positive.
After this the screen fades to black and the writing “He’s Just Not That Into You” shows up.
The none-diagetic sounds present in the opening sequence are the sound of ‘quick’ music, in the sense that the beat is quick however it is not jolly due to the scenes that it is present in. Also the sound of woman (the little girl grown up) narrating us through it.
The diagetic sounds include kids playing, laughing, screaming, ladies talking and cars.
The main scene’s Mise En Scéne also followed convention; the park is a typical kids place to hang out with the parent sitting around the side watching on at their children playing on the climbing frames and making new friends.
Most of the opening scene had invisible editing, excluding the very opening as it fades from black to the park and at the very end when it fades to black.
Horror
The Others
The opening sequence of The Others seems like a pretty normal opening, with no scary music and nothing odd or suspicious going on.
However, when you look deeper into it, this is what makes the movie scarier, the eeriness of a silent atmosphere and the fact that it is luring the audience into a false sense of security.
There are no none-diagetic sounds to be heard and the only diagetic sounds are that of talking, walking, the door bell and keys jangling, again adding to this eerie atmosphere in a big dark house.
The Mise En Scéne seems to follow convention with being set in a big dark-looking mansion, wooden doors and beams, the sort of house we the audience expect from a Horror movie. The old clothes and hair seem to match up with each other and the time that this movie is set in (the war period).
The movie opens with three people going towards the house, this is shown on a long shot and we pan in order to follow them. This then goes onto an over should shot towards the door to see it being opened and to see the house owner open it, this is then followed by another over should shot towards one of the people that was walking towards the house (they are looking for jobs), the person that talks to her seems to be the main speaker of the three. Following this, a series of over should shots is used in order for us to see the conversation in action.
The three job seekers then line up inside the house and are shown on a three-shot from the chest up, the owner is stood opposite them and is shown on a medium close up and seems to be shown on a low angle shot, this makes her seem more powerful and in control, as though she holds power over these three people who haven’t yet started working for her.
The camera then changes to behind the door of the next room and pans in an ark shape in order to show the house, a cold looking place with bare walls and a wooden stair case.
We then catch up with the house owner and she is shown on a medium shot, stood with her hands in clasped, maybe this shows the authority that she feels.
Another pan is used down the bottom of a corridor as the owner and three job seekers go towards a door.
This is where the opening sequence finishes, as they all enter another room.
All of the editing used is invisible.
Friday 23 October 2009
Task 2: Research into Exisitng Products
Tools to make an opening scene:
Camera Angles,
Mise En Scene,
Audio,
Camera Movement,
Camera Positioning,
Editing.
Class findings...:
In class, over the past few lessons, we have been analysing the open sequence of different genres of movie in order to aid us in completing the coursework.
Horror
In horror films we expect the opening sequence to be jumpy and give a bit of detail as to what is to come during the movie in order to set the audience up. There should eb scary, eary music that sets up a scared audience. The movie should have dull lighting and is more than likely going to be set in a scary-looking building e.g. an old scary house. It is expected to be fast-paced and include gory details...blood and scary-looking people for example. It should be based upon a chilling tale, set to scare the living daylights out of those who dare to watch. The movies' purpose is to scare people and that is what the opening scene must achieve through the clever use of editing and technology. It must be believeable and precise in order to capture the audience's imagination and attention.
examples of horror film are:
Scream
The Grudge
Day Of The Dead
Halloween
Romantic Comedy
In opening of Romantic Comedies, the lighting is expected to be bright and cheerful and the film is more likely then not ste in a busy, bustly city such as New York...with plenty going on to show how hectic the area is and to give reason behind why the characters are the way they are. The audience would expect a few 'one-liners' that will keep them laughing and keep their attention gripped on the movie. The opening sequence should contain some jolly-sounding music...maybe even (depending on the story-line) a bit of down-beat music i.e. during a break-up scene. A 'rom-com' is expected to be light-hearted and have a humorous plot in order to follow the 'norm'. It is expected for a man and a woman to meet in possibly unexpected conditions, an obstacle to be met and over-come by the pair and for it all to end up like the 'happily ever after' fairytale ending untrue to real life...all adding to the humour of the movie.
examples of Romantic Comedy are:
27 Dresses
Pretty Woman
The Wedding Planner
Thriller
It is expected for every thriller to have it's very own hero(es) and villain(s). It is widely known for a thriller to contain events that follow the plot of; a hero has to foil the plans of a powerful (possibly unknown) villain. The hero is often set up to be a 'hard man' habituated with danger, the sort of man that would make the women swoon, however they could also be every-day men who have had danger thrust upon their lives in some way. There should be fast-paced action, and constantly building tension involved, it should 'glue' the audience to their seat and keep them involved right until the end. Quite often we find red-herrings throughout a thriller which just adds to the suspense of the movie. The audience also quite often finds themselves with a cliff-hanger...this is a clever device used to make them want to see more. A thriller can often test the audience's complacency through psychological twists and social unfamiliarities.
Thrillers can be split into sub-genres, some of these being:
Action thriller
Conspiracy thriller
Crime thriller
Disaster thriller
Drama thriller
Examples of thrillers:
In the Line of Fire
The Fugitive
Solo Voyage
Red Eye
Camera Angles,
Mise En Scene,
Audio,
Camera Movement,
Camera Positioning,
Editing.
Class findings...:
In class, over the past few lessons, we have been analysing the open sequence of different genres of movie in order to aid us in completing the coursework.
Horror
In horror films we expect the opening sequence to be jumpy and give a bit of detail as to what is to come during the movie in order to set the audience up. There should eb scary, eary music that sets up a scared audience. The movie should have dull lighting and is more than likely going to be set in a scary-looking building e.g. an old scary house. It is expected to be fast-paced and include gory details...blood and scary-looking people for example. It should be based upon a chilling tale, set to scare the living daylights out of those who dare to watch. The movies' purpose is to scare people and that is what the opening scene must achieve through the clever use of editing and technology. It must be believeable and precise in order to capture the audience's imagination and attention.
examples of horror film are:
Scream
The Grudge
Day Of The Dead
Halloween
Romantic Comedy
In opening of Romantic Comedies, the lighting is expected to be bright and cheerful and the film is more likely then not ste in a busy, bustly city such as New York...with plenty going on to show how hectic the area is and to give reason behind why the characters are the way they are. The audience would expect a few 'one-liners' that will keep them laughing and keep their attention gripped on the movie. The opening sequence should contain some jolly-sounding music...maybe even (depending on the story-line) a bit of down-beat music i.e. during a break-up scene. A 'rom-com' is expected to be light-hearted and have a humorous plot in order to follow the 'norm'. It is expected for a man and a woman to meet in possibly unexpected conditions, an obstacle to be met and over-come by the pair and for it all to end up like the 'happily ever after' fairytale ending untrue to real life...all adding to the humour of the movie.
examples of Romantic Comedy are:
27 Dresses
Pretty Woman
The Wedding Planner
Thriller
It is expected for every thriller to have it's very own hero(es) and villain(s). It is widely known for a thriller to contain events that follow the plot of; a hero has to foil the plans of a powerful (possibly unknown) villain. The hero is often set up to be a 'hard man' habituated with danger, the sort of man that would make the women swoon, however they could also be every-day men who have had danger thrust upon their lives in some way. There should be fast-paced action, and constantly building tension involved, it should 'glue' the audience to their seat and keep them involved right until the end. Quite often we find red-herrings throughout a thriller which just adds to the suspense of the movie. The audience also quite often finds themselves with a cliff-hanger...this is a clever device used to make them want to see more. A thriller can often test the audience's complacency through psychological twists and social unfamiliarities.
Thrillers can be split into sub-genres, some of these being:
Action thriller
Conspiracy thriller
Crime thriller
Disaster thriller
Drama thriller
Examples of thrillers:
In the Line of Fire
The Fugitive
Solo Voyage
Red Eye
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