Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Monday, 12 October 2009
Opening of thriller analysis
Opening sequence of 3 films
Leon:
The opening sequence of ‘Leon’ immediately shows a business deal between two of the main characters, which appears to involve the killings of other associates for drugs and money, thus making these people ‘hit men’ or ‘gangsters’. This connotes that there will be violence further in the film and immediate worry and curiosity is brought to the audience. Furthermore, the first scene of the film uses a short variety of shots – it merely uses extreme close ups and close ups. This connotes abstractness and mystery of the characters because it is hard for the audience to see and analyse their physical appearance as a character. The extreme close ups of Leon’s John Lennon inspired glasses restricts your relationship with the character immediately because you are unable to see. However, you are able to see that he is a man of arts through his Beatles inspired spectacles, which you later discover in the film. The characters indirect mode of address connotes concentration and seriousness as they speak to each other. Also, it makes the audience seem as though they are looking in on the business deal but they cannot be seen, therefore they can not be harmed and a sense of security in the audience is established. The use of cuts in the opening sequence is very immediate and sharp, which relates to the atmosphere of the film and makes the scene seem more serious and immediate. In addition, the lighting in this scene uses very dim and dark lighting – which adds to the element of mystery and anxiety in the scene. The use of diagetic sound makes the scene seem more realistic and intense.
Further into the opening, a man has betrayed a fellow business associate and it is Leon’s job to make him understand not to do it again and to leave. Leon kills off each and every one of this mans guards, leaving the man isolated in a dimly lit room. The lighting is the main aspect of this scene because it is so dark, which connotes mystery and leaves the audience feeling very anxious as to where Leon is and what he is going to do. The isolation of the man also reflects on the audience and empathy is revealed. Quick cuts and pans are used in the editing of this scene and it adds anxiety and immediacy to the scene. There is a quick change from non-diagetic sound to diagetic sound in this scene and it adds intensity to the scene because there is a sudden rush of killings and violence, but the scene suddenly becomes quiet and isolated. This leaves the audience on the edge of their seat because they know something is about to occur and Leon is nowhere to be seen.
Leon’s character is immediately seen to be violent and straight to the point – he will do anything for some money. This is seen as he is making a business deal and goes further to kill and threaten people. However, as you discover Leon’s love for milk, you feel he is more human and you can relate to him more. Furthermore, his relationship with ‘Mathilda’ is discovered as she is seen sitting on the stairs crying and he quickly asks what is wrong. At this point you discover that Leon is human and has emotions/relationships. You begin to like him more as this happens.
London to Brighton:
Firstly, the title ‘London to Brighton’ connotes the idea of from hell to heaven. This is due to the fact that London is seen to be more of a slum and full of violence and crime, which is clearly stated in the film. Brighton, on the other hand, is seen to be more of a paradise. This is because the majority of the population in Brighton are homosexual citizens, and the homosexual race, due to the discrimination against their sexuality, is seen to be more peaceful. Also, it is set by the sea, which is also a very peaceful and calm place to be compared to in a busy city like London.
The opening of the film begins on disequilibrium; the setting is typical grimy British toilets with dirty walls and a dark colour pallet. This connotes a negative atmosphere and fear is reflected on the audience creating empathy and sympathy for the characters. The ripped costume and unwashed clothing on the characters connotes danger and roughness – the audience is able to see that something bad has happened. Furthermore, the presence of a young girl in the opening connotes innocence in an evil place and bad situation, which brings sympathy to the audience for her. It also creates the audience to be fearful of what has happened or is going to happen to her. The swiftness of the characters input of McDonalds into her mouth connotes she has not eaten for a long time, which creates anxiety as she is clearly in danger. The isolation of the setting also reflects fear because there is no help for these innocent people. In addition, the black eye that is planted on the woman’s face definitely tells the audience that danger has occurred and these characters are on the run.
As the film progresses, the audience is informed that the woman in the scene is a prostitute. This is seen as she goes outside to perform for one of her customers. You sympathise with the character, but feel what she is doing is wrong at the same time and see her to be some kind of cause towards the isolation and danger this child is in.
The colour pallet throughout both scenes continues to stay dark, using colours of grey and black. This connotes negativity to the film and it is clear that something bad has happened or is going to happen. It also emphasises the mystery of what has happened and this shows the danger these people are in, which reflects on the audience as empathy is used. The mode of address throughout these scenes is constantly indirect, which does not make the audience feel as though they are there but simply looking in on the events. This makes the audience feel as though they are unable to help the characters and tell them that something bad is going to happen. Diagetic sound is constant throughout both scenes, which makes the scene more realistic and quiet, therefore isolated.
Psycho:
The title, ‘Psycho’, immediately gives the audience a sense of caution, anxiety and fear. It is clear something bad is going to happen and there is going to be tragedies in this film. Therefore, this builds up tension for the film.
The opening sequence of Psycho introduces Marion to be sinning and doing bad as she is having an affair with a married man, which in this era was seen as a very bad thing to do. However, you quickly discover she loves this man and you are able to relate to her and feel empathy with the character. As the opening progresses, immediate anxiety and paranoia in the character are revealed as she packs her things and leaves, being stopped by the police on the way. This provokes confusion and questioning for the audience as you are not quite sure what is going on. Her caution and fear reflects on the audience.
The shots used in the opening sequence show that Marion is being chased. It is clear because straight on shots are used to show her as she’s driving, giving a sense of movement or running. Marion’s obsessive checking in the rear view mirror also connotes that she is being chased. The low budget making of the film creates it to be more realistic and as if it is through the audience’s eyes. Furthermore, the black and white colour pallet of the film connotes negativity and age of the film. This makes the film more intense and adds to the build up of the film.
The non-diagetic sound to the film is very heavy and intense, which builds up fear and anxiety. It uses intense heavy classical music to build up tension for the climax, which also adds to the age of the film and connotes danger because this was a time where help wasn’t as available as it is today.
The innocence of Marion’s character make the audience admire her and feel sympathy for her as she is being followed. This creates empathy and the audience begins to feel as though they are being chased just like Marion is. Her mode of address is very indirect, which makes the audience feel as though they are looking in on her and she is completely alone.
Leon:
The opening sequence of ‘Leon’ immediately shows a business deal between two of the main characters, which appears to involve the killings of other associates for drugs and money, thus making these people ‘hit men’ or ‘gangsters’. This connotes that there will be violence further in the film and immediate worry and curiosity is brought to the audience. Furthermore, the first scene of the film uses a short variety of shots – it merely uses extreme close ups and close ups. This connotes abstractness and mystery of the characters because it is hard for the audience to see and analyse their physical appearance as a character. The extreme close ups of Leon’s John Lennon inspired glasses restricts your relationship with the character immediately because you are unable to see. However, you are able to see that he is a man of arts through his Beatles inspired spectacles, which you later discover in the film. The characters indirect mode of address connotes concentration and seriousness as they speak to each other. Also, it makes the audience seem as though they are looking in on the business deal but they cannot be seen, therefore they can not be harmed and a sense of security in the audience is established. The use of cuts in the opening sequence is very immediate and sharp, which relates to the atmosphere of the film and makes the scene seem more serious and immediate. In addition, the lighting in this scene uses very dim and dark lighting – which adds to the element of mystery and anxiety in the scene. The use of diagetic sound makes the scene seem more realistic and intense.
Further into the opening, a man has betrayed a fellow business associate and it is Leon’s job to make him understand not to do it again and to leave. Leon kills off each and every one of this mans guards, leaving the man isolated in a dimly lit room. The lighting is the main aspect of this scene because it is so dark, which connotes mystery and leaves the audience feeling very anxious as to where Leon is and what he is going to do. The isolation of the man also reflects on the audience and empathy is revealed. Quick cuts and pans are used in the editing of this scene and it adds anxiety and immediacy to the scene. There is a quick change from non-diagetic sound to diagetic sound in this scene and it adds intensity to the scene because there is a sudden rush of killings and violence, but the scene suddenly becomes quiet and isolated. This leaves the audience on the edge of their seat because they know something is about to occur and Leon is nowhere to be seen.
Leon’s character is immediately seen to be violent and straight to the point – he will do anything for some money. This is seen as he is making a business deal and goes further to kill and threaten people. However, as you discover Leon’s love for milk, you feel he is more human and you can relate to him more. Furthermore, his relationship with ‘Mathilda’ is discovered as she is seen sitting on the stairs crying and he quickly asks what is wrong. At this point you discover that Leon is human and has emotions/relationships. You begin to like him more as this happens.
London to Brighton:
Firstly, the title ‘London to Brighton’ connotes the idea of from hell to heaven. This is due to the fact that London is seen to be more of a slum and full of violence and crime, which is clearly stated in the film. Brighton, on the other hand, is seen to be more of a paradise. This is because the majority of the population in Brighton are homosexual citizens, and the homosexual race, due to the discrimination against their sexuality, is seen to be more peaceful. Also, it is set by the sea, which is also a very peaceful and calm place to be compared to in a busy city like London.
The opening of the film begins on disequilibrium; the setting is typical grimy British toilets with dirty walls and a dark colour pallet. This connotes a negative atmosphere and fear is reflected on the audience creating empathy and sympathy for the characters. The ripped costume and unwashed clothing on the characters connotes danger and roughness – the audience is able to see that something bad has happened. Furthermore, the presence of a young girl in the opening connotes innocence in an evil place and bad situation, which brings sympathy to the audience for her. It also creates the audience to be fearful of what has happened or is going to happen to her. The swiftness of the characters input of McDonalds into her mouth connotes she has not eaten for a long time, which creates anxiety as she is clearly in danger. The isolation of the setting also reflects fear because there is no help for these innocent people. In addition, the black eye that is planted on the woman’s face definitely tells the audience that danger has occurred and these characters are on the run.
As the film progresses, the audience is informed that the woman in the scene is a prostitute. This is seen as she goes outside to perform for one of her customers. You sympathise with the character, but feel what she is doing is wrong at the same time and see her to be some kind of cause towards the isolation and danger this child is in.
The colour pallet throughout both scenes continues to stay dark, using colours of grey and black. This connotes negativity to the film and it is clear that something bad has happened or is going to happen. It also emphasises the mystery of what has happened and this shows the danger these people are in, which reflects on the audience as empathy is used. The mode of address throughout these scenes is constantly indirect, which does not make the audience feel as though they are there but simply looking in on the events. This makes the audience feel as though they are unable to help the characters and tell them that something bad is going to happen. Diagetic sound is constant throughout both scenes, which makes the scene more realistic and quiet, therefore isolated.
Psycho:
The title, ‘Psycho’, immediately gives the audience a sense of caution, anxiety and fear. It is clear something bad is going to happen and there is going to be tragedies in this film. Therefore, this builds up tension for the film.
The opening sequence of Psycho introduces Marion to be sinning and doing bad as she is having an affair with a married man, which in this era was seen as a very bad thing to do. However, you quickly discover she loves this man and you are able to relate to her and feel empathy with the character. As the opening progresses, immediate anxiety and paranoia in the character are revealed as she packs her things and leaves, being stopped by the police on the way. This provokes confusion and questioning for the audience as you are not quite sure what is going on. Her caution and fear reflects on the audience.
The shots used in the opening sequence show that Marion is being chased. It is clear because straight on shots are used to show her as she’s driving, giving a sense of movement or running. Marion’s obsessive checking in the rear view mirror also connotes that she is being chased. The low budget making of the film creates it to be more realistic and as if it is through the audience’s eyes. Furthermore, the black and white colour pallet of the film connotes negativity and age of the film. This makes the film more intense and adds to the build up of the film.
The non-diagetic sound to the film is very heavy and intense, which builds up fear and anxiety. It uses intense heavy classical music to build up tension for the climax, which also adds to the age of the film and connotes danger because this was a time where help wasn’t as available as it is today.
The innocence of Marion’s character make the audience admire her and feel sympathy for her as she is being followed. This creates empathy and the audience begins to feel as though they are being chased just like Marion is. Her mode of address is very indirect, which makes the audience feel as though they are looking in on her and she is completely alone.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Print Ad
Print Ad
Firstly, the brief I have been given fits the target audience of male teenagers from ages 14-17. Therefore, I am going to use a celebrity icon that will appeal to this audience. The musical influence for this audience would generally be pop punk/ska music, such as ‘Less Than Jake’, ‘Reel Big Fish’ and ‘Sum 41’. Sum 41, being the most popular band, would be my first choice for a celebrity figure in my ad because it would produce a larger appeal. Due to the fact that my brief was a description of a teenage “skater” figure, I have chosen this type of music. For the celebrity figure I will use the front man of Sum 41, Derrick Whibley. He would strongly appeal to this audience and would fit the ad perfectly.
Furthermore, I am going to use dim colours with splashes of bright contrast to them. This will capture the idea of living and motion. I will also use a skateboard as a prop in the ad. The picture will show Derrick Whibley high in the air on a skateboard with the fragrance ahead of him. This will connote the idea of striving towards something and being closer to this fragrance. It will also connote that if you buy the fragrance you will be able to skate well and be somewhat like Derrick Whibley. The mode of address for my ad will be indirect, which will engage the audience into watching Derrick in action. It may also make the audience feel as though Derrick is superior to them because he is paying them no attention, which will make them want to strive to be more by buying the fragrance.
The shot for my ad will be a mid-shot, this is because it captures what is going on perfectly and makes the audience feel close to the character and fragrance. The lighting for this will be bright, but edited so it is toned down but you are still able to see it was once bright. This will capture the idea of leisure in the summer and skating.
Firstly, the brief I have been given fits the target audience of male teenagers from ages 14-17. Therefore, I am going to use a celebrity icon that will appeal to this audience. The musical influence for this audience would generally be pop punk/ska music, such as ‘Less Than Jake’, ‘Reel Big Fish’ and ‘Sum 41’. Sum 41, being the most popular band, would be my first choice for a celebrity figure in my ad because it would produce a larger appeal. Due to the fact that my brief was a description of a teenage “skater” figure, I have chosen this type of music. For the celebrity figure I will use the front man of Sum 41, Derrick Whibley. He would strongly appeal to this audience and would fit the ad perfectly.
Furthermore, I am going to use dim colours with splashes of bright contrast to them. This will capture the idea of living and motion. I will also use a skateboard as a prop in the ad. The picture will show Derrick Whibley high in the air on a skateboard with the fragrance ahead of him. This will connote the idea of striving towards something and being closer to this fragrance. It will also connote that if you buy the fragrance you will be able to skate well and be somewhat like Derrick Whibley. The mode of address for my ad will be indirect, which will engage the audience into watching Derrick in action. It may also make the audience feel as though Derrick is superior to them because he is paying them no attention, which will make them want to strive to be more by buying the fragrance.
The shot for my ad will be a mid-shot, this is because it captures what is going on perfectly and makes the audience feel close to the character and fragrance. The lighting for this will be bright, but edited so it is toned down but you are still able to see it was once bright. This will capture the idea of leisure in the summer and skating.
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