Tuesday 15 October 2013

Cutting it (extract) relationship representation.

We saw an extract from the movie "Cutting It". This scene included a couple riding in the back of a taxi which seems to be in London due to the black cab. The first scene shows Allie with her head on Gavins' Shoulder. This action may portray slight dependency on Gavin, however it could also simply portray their relationship. The close up of their rings in screenshot 4 emphasis they were wed not too long ago.

Allies persistent to see the consultant on her own suggesting she is independent and is able to handle news on her own. This scene shows more respect to the female character implying she can undertake heavy (emotional in this case) task's on her own.

Scene 17 shows Allie receiving the results from her consultant. Her expression is emotionless, so the viewers are not sure what to expect with the news. The setting and the light on in that particular scene slightly replicates an interrogation room, with one main spotlight in the middle. This is also then reflected back to the first few scenes, when they each mention each others partners before Gavin and Allie got married. There is also then a repeat of the close up on the wedding ring on Gavins' finger (a like in scene 5 - and scene 4 with a close up of Allies' wedding ring). This suggests he is reflecting back to the conversation they had in the taxi about previous partners and how they are happier with each other. In the majority of other TV shows/films, it is usually the female reflecting back to a previous conversation. This may be because, females generally have the role of the nurturing character with more emotions and feeling out in the open.

Scene 27 and 28 also suggest going against the stereotypical imagery, as usually that would particular scene would be shown with the male character shouting across the road, with the female character staying quiet to take in what the male character was saying and then responding with a simple facial expression (usually of agreement) Whereas in this scene; Allie is the character shouting across the road with Gavin replying with the use of silent facial expressions. This suggests Allie is in charge of the scene - mainly because she knows the results, however the audience and Gavin do not know the results.

When Allie is hit by the bus, it shows Gavin as the superior one, however this is expected as she has been hit by a bus and cannot move. During that scene, it seems as if Gavin was portraying some sort of super hero as he flew to her aid. It is only when Gavin and Allie have interacted you see the Lillies spread out and all over the place. Lillies represent charm and beauty (in Victorian times) therefore this Mise-en-scen could imply the beauty of their relationship is over as she is about to die.

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Continuity

The continuity of the shoot is important to  make it flow. This is what we did in this lesson, we had a range of different shots from a story board. Continuity can also be known as invisible editing - this is so the viewer does not notice the editing and the story flows logically with the audience. The reason for the logical flow is so it seems not much time has passed.

There is also the aspect of the 180 degree rule. This intended to make the conversation also flow more. In order to do this, the shot has to be along one imaginary line.The shot for this is created with many different shots. One rule to always remember is to film with the same ear, such with person 1, film nearest their left ear. With person 2, also film nearest their left ear - this makes it seem more naturalistic in terms of a conversation.

 (Film: Mental (2012)
This establishing shot is to show and establish the location for the scene. In this case it is 4 sisters of the Moonchmoore family near a tree as they are coming back down from climbing a mountain and admiring the view.

(Film: Mental 2012) This close up to show the main character questioning the members of the family she is too supervise. Although most close up shots are used for the tension, this is used to portray across Shaz and her concern/need to question what is about to happen.

Match on action, shows the shot from different angles to show different views but to also show how time has not moved on. This could be shown by the first shot of someone closing a door from a front angle, then you also see them closing the door from a angle behind the character. This would be seen as the second shot in this instance.

Doctor Who. Gender representation

This extract follows the stereotypical representation of women in one aspect. In another aspect, this extract goes against stereotype.
Martha Jones (female lead in this case) ends up saving the day. Whereas, most TV shows or films including some sort of crime are resolved by males. Mainly males with a strong "macho" build. This is usually because of the strong look, however, in this extract the female saves the day, and in turn the world.
The aspect of going with the stereotype is a idea of a female character being hopeless and constrained by the villainous character. This is similar in this case due to the lady in the orange/red dress who is in the background. With a villain, there is usually a female, however portrayed as an object to attract more people. Another aspect to do with the mise-en-scen is the costume of the two ladies at 0.07. It appears to be a nursing costume, which is generally portrayed by females in TV/film. The male at 0.12 shows someone in conflict, which is what you would usually see to be portrayed by a male.










In terms of camera shots and angles, at the beginning, Martha has more mid shots and the male character opposite has more close ups. For this moment, the attention would go to the male character. This works due to the plot and context. It implies Martha has given up and will die. However, when it is revealed she has not given up, Martha has more close ups with the male opposition in more mid shots. In doing this, the attention is diverted to Martha - when required.

The soundtrack at the beginning gives the impression of a mission to be somewhere, with an impact of suspense wondering what the mission or strive would be. The moment the improvisation singing of "aah aah aah" comes in there is the feeling of emotion and an objective behind the traveling for the "mission". In this case it seems Martha is throwing herself in the arms of death with sorrow and guilt of seeing the disappointed looks on the surrounding peoples' faces (this to the audience). The backing music stops as the person opposite commands Martha to "kneel" suggesting her mission or strive is complete. Although walking up to him was not her mission - that is showcased later. The sound used after Martha kneels is what would usually be used to create a eerie atmosphere, however it can also be used for motivational speaking. In this case the sound satisfy both uses. The eerie part is for the audience and the other people in the scene. The motivational part is done on behalf of the villain as he is trying to portray how he will dominate the world. There is also the use of diegetic sound when he flick on the switch the start conversing with his allies in the universe, there is also diegetic sound used for the ticking of the clock. After the countdown begins, there is also use of what seems to be a violin track, this could be to symbolise time passing the nearing of something big. There is a change is sound as Martha starts laughing, the sound is more upbeat played on a guitar - this could be highlight the change in position of superiority, because Martha knows something the rest do not until she tells them.

The editing shows continuity between the different shots, however, at 0.27 there seems to be slight glitch in the music, as it stops for a split second. However, this could just be this particular video facing the glitch in sound.

Wednesday 2 October 2013

rought edit







For this lesson, we recorded different types of shot while tracking as well. Once we filmed the different shots, we started to edit our first piece. This is a very rough edit which does not flow but has the different types of shot labeled. Although not a good piece of editing, I feel I am now more confident with using final cut and know the basics of editing using final cut.

Home Learning - Enemy of the state


What is the point of this sequence? Describe briefly how tension is created through the editing.

The point in this sequence is to summarise what is happening at the point with all of the technology taking over and invading the privacy of all the citizens. Tension is created by cross-cuts, to show the fast paced movement and what the characters may be going through. the close up on Will Smith's face at 1:35 represents the tension and worry building up on his face. It really focuses on his face, leaving the audience to be able to interpret the thoughts he's having. The low angle at 1:52 also creates tension because you only see footsteps and smoke, creating an illusion of not knowing what would happen next.


2. Look at the use of CU or Medium CU. Why are they primarily used here? Refer to specific shots.


As mentioned before, there is a great close up of the character of Will Smith at 1:35.


 The close up is used here to show the tension on Will Smiths face. There is also the sense of wondering what is going on around him because he is the only aspect to focus on. There is also the close up of a metal bars along the front which shows they are held up somewhere in safety, away from the people outside.


Choose 15-20 seconds from anywhere in the sequence and describe each shot in detail, explaining its effect / function for the audience, as well as commenting on how the cuts (the editing) adds to the meaning.


close up 2:16 There is a close-up of the padlock. From the shot after, it seems the two men will try to break open the padlock to get on the other side of the gate. The effect it has on the audience is the question of if the two men will try to break open the padlock, if so, how they will go about it.


extreme close up 2:20 - at this point there is an extreme close up of the gun. This, for the audience will make them wonder if he will break the padlock with the gun. Or whether he will use for protection for whatever he trying to do. If he is walking to somewhere that is not safe and the gun is for his protection. Or if he, himself is on other villainous side of the story.  


close up 2:24 - There is a close-up of the characters face, straight after a shot showing a computer analysing a profile.This shows a concern on the face on the character for the audience because there is a clear link between the computer analysis and the concern on the characters' face.


digetic sound 2:30 - This is not exactly realistic sound, but it shows sound within the story. The sound is of the computer checking through records. Although it is not what would be expected in the real world, it helps to identify what is really going on and what the computer itself is doing.


4. How far does the editing of this sequence fit in with the genre of the thriller? Justify your opinion.


The editing of this sequence fits in well with the genre of a thriller due to the multiple close ups and cross cuts for tension and showing what is going on throughout the story. The close ups show the true tense moments and what the characters would be thinking. Whilst the cross cuts keep up the pace of the film, showing how fast everything is moving and how quick the characters would need to act.