Film Tracking

Micro Essay

How does cinematography, mis-en-scene and sound construct meaning and provoke a response in a sequence from The Boy In Striped Pyjamas (Mark Herman 2008)

 

The sequence I will be analysing is from the film The Boy In The Stripe Pyjamas, the sequence relies heavily on mis-en-scene and sound to create a sense of realism through which it involves the audience; the use of cinematography also makes you feel involved which in turn creates enigmas.

 

My sequence opens with a young boy exploring through the woods, he is wearing a brown toned jumper, which harmonises with the surroundings; this immediately suggests the character has a stable and tranquil lifestyle.  We see him looking up at the sun, it appears he is following it, in my opinion this reminds me of the three wise men following the Holy Star; this gives a suggestion of a religious aspect in which the audience is able to understand later on in the film. The fact he is following it also represents how he has faith and trust in where it may lead.

 

The non-diegetic sound has a fairy tale aspect with the soothing, soft piano synchronizing with the innocence of the child; this purity is reinforced by the white shirt he is wearing. However because the shirt is placed underneath the warm brown it suggests naivety in his beliefs because it shows how his purity is being over shadowed. The soft chiming sound and the feminine choir give reference to a church atmosphere; I feel this makes the spectator believe the environment is safe because everyone knows a church is worshipped and respected. The music also adds a sense of mystery to the audience because it is difficult to predict what will happen next, as the pace of it is continuous; the audience feels no struggle or tension.

 

The movement of the camera makes the audience feel as if they are skipping behind him, this makes the audience feel more involved; like they are there. I feel this helps you to understand the atmosphere and the exploration of the young boy. As he uses a stick as a sword it is presented in a meaningless way, actions there, just to show he is a child and having fun; the dialogue “Die, die” is also spoken in a meaningless way. However I feel gives the audience a foreshadowing of future violence to come, even though it is hidden in the innocence; this effect of juxtaposition creates a sense of conflict and contrast two themes of the film; innocence and war.

 

The contrast between the uses of natural bridges has significance to the underlying characters and their traits; the log bridge closer to the boy’s home represents a stable and a strong aspect when in a team – as there are two logs; when comparing this to the independently standing stone in which a strong, individual is presented.

 

The close up of the characters face shows a moment of shock, this gives the audience an enigma to discover what he is seeing; I feel the way in which he stops running and doesn’t take his eyes off of it suggests a sense of fear and the slight movement of the lips reinforces the shock and nerves; although the music does not present how it is something to fear as the tone continues with the mellow piano sound. Then the first glimpse of the subject is shown; as the audience we see it from the characters point of view, making you more involved and giving the feeling of curiosity.

 

The continuous use of point of view reinforces the fact it is a child looking at it, in my opinion I feel it presents the unworldliness of the character and how he is unsure of his discovery.

In this shot we also get a sighting of another child, the camouflage effect of his clothes to the surroundings show how he is of no importance, and hidden from society; this relates to the narrative because people want to remove Jews from the world.

As we see Bruno approach the young boy the fact he is standing represents how he is more powerful and superior than him; even though they are both children we are able to understand the authority in society.

 

We then see the two young boys begin to have a conversation; this shot relies heavily on juxtaposition between the two opposing settings to create contrast. The fact Shmuel is behind a fence shows how he is seen as animal and not a human; I feel this dehumanizes him as he is restricted and unable to make his own decisions. This setting hugely contrasts with the scenery behind Bruno which contains pretty flowers; these settings help the audience to understand the difference between the two lives of the young individuals.

 

The barbwire contains sharp, vivid edges which give a sense of destruction and violence; it can also be seen to represent an important theme – boundaries, in which can be literal or figurative.

The colour grey of Shmuel’s surrounding, clothing and his overall impression connotes loneliness and depression; this gives the effect of empathy from the audience because the dullness of the colour makes your body feel physically drained, tedious and dreary. It also separates him from civilization and reinforces the sense of a depressed state of mind; it is also associated with man-made materials such as concrete, this is reinforced with the objects in the background.  This juxtaposes with the opposing natural surroundings in which conflict is created; this emphasises the difference between characters and lives.

 

The slight pan reveals several people in whom they are all dressed the same, with the same short, shaved hairstyle; this removes their identity which again dehumanizes them, as they are unable to express their inner self. I feel they are presented more as clones or robots forced to do the unwanted work; I feel this expresses to the audience a sense of empathy because they are unable to make their own decisions; which in turn shows how they are treated less than humans should be and more like animals. Nevertheless it presents them to be skilful because they are constructing a new hut; this shows the audience that the people are smart, dexterous and just like them.

 

The fact the camera never crosses over the fence represents that the audience is like Bruno, and how the people on the inside are too worthless to socialize/ connect with; I feel this has a demanding power over the audience because they are unable to make the decision; in my opinion I feel throughout the sequence I was looking down at Shmuel making him undignified, weak and vulnerable. This also connects us to how Shmuel is feeling because we are imprisoned in the surroundings. I feel Bruno is also confined because he has not chosen to be where he is; therefore the characters involved in this sequence are all suffering.

 

The comparisons of the physical aspects of the two boys shows Shmuel to be very thin reinforcing his weakness, the fact the clothes he is wearing are too big for him symbolises how the camp is overshadowing and defeating him.

 

The question Bruno brings forward “How old are you?” forms a connection between the characters, it also makes the audience realise they’re exactly the same, but the situation they are in makes them seem so different.

 

The purity of the young characters are strongly explored when Bruno interprets Shmuel’s number he is wearing as part of a game; this presents how neither boy understands what the number really means which has the effect of empathy on the audience as I felt no one should be exploited to a situation like this.

 

The use of a whistle makes Shmuel jump up, this is the first time we see him move and so indicates to the audience the importance of this sound; I felt it reminded me of when a farmer blows the whistle for his dog to come back, which yet again makes the Jews appear as animals. As Bruno looks on to his new friend struggling with a large wheel barrow, slower paced music is begins to play, I feel this rhythm represents Bruno’s feelings and makes him realise how different the world is because it juxtaposes with the first shots when Bruno was skipping with enthusiasm.

 

Overall I feel the micro features combine together to create feelings and enigmas for the audience; the sound creates a sense of realism but also symbolises important meanings such as the whistle blowing to suggest the sense of control.

The tone of colours are used to activate the audiences feelings and the curiosity they may have, and also presents the well-being of the character, such as the grey, dullness of Shmuel to represent his weakness and vulnerability. And the use of mis-en-scene is to subconsciously foreshadow future events and actions which may alter the narrative and the enigma of the audience. I feel the use of micro features throughout the sequence are used in a successful way to intrigue me into the film and discovering what will happen next; I find it interesting how the dialogue of Bruno “Die, die” relates to the ending of the film as he and Shmuel are both killed along with others in the gas chamber. I feel the two words present the two characters which again show how the use of micro features sends out hints for future situations and outcomes.




 

Jaws Research

Jaws powerpoint from LouiseTaylor95

Pans Labyrinth

Being a woman entails having within one’s body a secret labyrinth of power and mystery.

Pans Labyrinth a mystical but dangerous fairy tale involving frightening creatures, hatred families and an unforgettable war, as we follow the life of a young girl, one who seems smart and brave faces many situations throughout her journey; from moving home, meeting her new father and being believed to be the Princess of a magical underworld  hidden by secrecy.

This film can portray women to be weak and vulnerable; we see this from the very beginning as the captain commands Mercedes to get the luggage; she does not seem to hesitate as she immediately retrieves them. Throughout the film the captain continuously demands Mercedes to complete tasks in which he is capable to do himself, she completes each one with no questions; this makes the audience believe that she is weak and is unable to stand up for herself. However we see her helping the opposing citizens from smuggling them medicine to planning their next move, this represents a very empowering, strong and smart woman in which she is able to continue her movements with no insight or hint that she is portraying the captain. He is very much clueless because this behaviour is unexpected from a stereotypical woman as they are simply not viewed as smart enough to undergo such secrecy. And even though he questions her about another key in which she is truly hiding he doesn’t uncover the truth because she is good at deceiving her enemy with sweet and believable words of truth and kindness.

On the other hand the captain’s wife is repeatedly seen as a weak and worthless character, the audience is able to see this as the captain insists she uses a wheelchair against her own will and as the sight of blood is seen several times the audiences hears these words ‘Save the child not my wife’ spoken by the captain, this presents how he doesn’t really care for the wellbeing of her. The fact he believes his child will be male suggests that woman are unwanted and less important to men; because when having a child you should appreciate and love them no matter what gender.

Ofelia presents the different aspects of weak and strong women, as she battles a toad she uses her knowledge to enable her to complete the task – to feed the toad three stones; presenting women in a positive way, whereas when facing the unusual, alien like creature she goes against the specific information given to her – do not eat any food. But she is overcome by the sight of the appetising feast and can’t help herself; this action almost ends up in disaster as she just manages to the defeat and escapes the dreadful monster; this represents how women do not listen and create their own actions which suggest they need the guidance from men.

As Mercedes is captured we get the enigma that she is going to be beaten by emotion and pressure from the captain but instead her inner strength is shown as she uses her kitchen knife to stab him and retreat to safety. Ofelia also uses her strength and knowledge to trick the captain as she uses a sleeping medicine in his drink, he becomes unstable and unable to catch her; as she takes her brother with her she reaches the faun where he tells her to sacrifice her brother’s innocence in order to become Princess... But Ofelia doesn’t want to lose her brother and so uses her strong will to stand her ground and fight back, until she is shot by her so called ‘father’. However her strength is accepted by the full moon and the underworld which shows women to be powerful and unbeatable.

Over all this mystical fairy tale can be seen to represent women in both positive and negative ways but can be received differently depending on the viewer’s own opinions towards women.

Editing techniques

Editing involves selecting and combining shots into sequences. A critical element is getting the audience to understand the film’s story by creating/ enhancing mood, emotion and character. Using the script as a guide, an editor decides how best to use film footage to construct scene.

Montage = Created through an assembly of quick cuts, disconnected time or place, that combine to form a larger idea. A montage is frequently used to convey passage of time, coming of age or emotional transition.

Parallel editing = Occurs when two scenes are shot in sequence, but presented by cutting back and forth between them. This creates a sense of two actions occurring simultaneously in different locations.

Split screen = Runs two shots side by side within a single frame. Exploits time and space, can also show if two characters are in sync or not.

Dissolve = Blends one shot into another; this links ideas or shows a passage in time.

Elliptical editing = Used to show the passage of time.

Expanding time / overlapping action = Adds dramatic value to a scene, can shine a light on a particular moment or an entire scene – often used to underscore important plot twists, climatic scenes and pivotal emotional revelations.

Graphic match = When a scene links to another scene using the same shape or colour – this can occur with the use of a cut or dissolve.

Visual match cut (idea) = When two shots are cut together and by their juxtaposition, a third idea is suggested. This new idea is the sum of the first two.

Fast motion (time compression) = Fast motion compresses reality- used in scenes that need to be heightened.
Slowing down reality shows how a character sees the world when in the midst of traumatic event.

Rhythm and Pace = Sets pace of scene either with music behind the scene or mood that editor is trying to create. Builds up tension and sets the tone.

How the film industry operates

      -      What does a producer do?

Producers look for a great idea for a film, something they feel will attract audiences. They are in a good position and know what sells as they are constantly viewing films.

They make an idea into reality and get it made and realised. Producers are often the commercial driving force behind the whole project.

 

-      What does a director do?

A director will work with the producer – developing the idea into something which can be filmed. They are able to visualise the script and turn it into reality: they know how to take a story and put it onto a screen.

 

-      Why is it important to have a ‘named’ director?

It is important to have a well-known director because this also helps in getting a good writer. It can also help the producer find money to develop the script.

 

-      How do agents make their living?

They act on behalf of the director to get the best deal in return for their time and skills. The agent then takes a percentage cut.

 

-      What role does a ‘production company’ play in getting a film made?

Producer persuades Production Company that the film will make profits, in return for development money the company asks for the right to take outcome of the development process and to be involved with the making of the film.  So they give finance in order for the film to be developed.

 

-      What is a distributor?

The distributor is the rights of the film – these are distributed/ shared through different subjects E.g. Cinema, DVD etc.

The distributor may also set the release date and the method in which the film is exhibited.

-      Why is the film trailer so important?

A trailer sells the key elements of the film to the right audiences. It must showcase the value of the film to the industry audience and should present the selling points/ what is unique in the film.

-      What is a sales pack? And why is it so important?

It contains key information and marketing materials needed to sell the film to the distributors and holds key information about the cast and crew, a synopsis of the finished film and information about targeted audiences.

 

-      What is a sales package?

An example of a sales package: If a distributor holds the rights to the latest Tom Cruise film, they can use this as a bargaining tool to persuade the exhibitors to take some of their less commercial products – this means smaller UK distribution companies start at a disadvantage and may find it hard to get their films out onto the big screen.

 

-      What is above the line marketing?

The potential audience for the film is targeted with posters, cinema trailers, TV spots and other marketing materials.

 

-      Why are new marketing models so important?

The consumer is constantly bombarded with information, opinion and advertising on a constant basis – this means film has become harder to notice. So by advertising through specialist digital television channels and the internet – distributors are able to target those people most relevant to their marketing objectives. (This reduces wasting money advertising for it to be ignored.)

 

-      Why is a films ‘opening weekend’ box office so important?

The data is continuously collected ad used to decide which films to cancel or prolong – if a film underperforms then the cinemas cannot afford to take the risk in losing valuable income and so the film will be cancelled.

 

-      Why are DVD sales still very important to the film industry?

DVD is seen as a platform from which to gain the more lucrative sales. Many films which fail at box office recover with the release of the DVD. DVD has also seen some instances of re-released films!

Citizen Kane - The greatest film ever made

The film Citizen Kane is a story of a boy in which we see grow to become a man; as the audience you are able to travel on a journey, exploring the several themes of love, romance, hatred and loneliness.

This film is viewed by many to be the greatest achievement in history and in 1941 would have shocked the world because of its use of cinematography – which represented the endless possibilities the camera can be used for to capture the subjects in whom the audience is able to feel the forever changing atmosphere, mood and tone. Along with cinematography the use of other micro features including lighting and sound intensifies the experience for the audience making them feel more involved, it also emphasises the dramatic situations and atmospheres the subjects face.

The opening scene begins with a sequence of dissolving frames; each one representing a passage through time, this elliptical editing foreshadows the situations Kane faces; each one getting worse E.g. Mum gives him up, he moves home and eventually ends up with the majority of the public hating him, the frames involve dark, mysterious settings with barbwire, mist and various other negative objects and surroundings.

Citizen Kane had a simple story but the detailed editing formed an effective outcome, I really enjoyed the scene where you are able to see the ceiling because before watching this film I had the knowledge that this was the first ever film in history to have a set involving the ceiling because previous creations had never used camera shots known as tilt or constructional devices such as a crane; I feel this new idea that blossomed and grew back then gives films today the realism of reality and gives the audiences an environment they can relate to. I also liked the shot involving Susan and the investigator – the camera gradually slips through a space in the glass roof, I feel this emphasises the ‘whole room’ idea which also contributes to the idea of realism; I feel this one frame/ scene has changed the way we see film today because it was a big step to take, but the outcome was positive and who knows where we would be in the film industry without the creative and unique ideas Orson Welles represented throughout the film?

I feel the beginning of the film was a good way to start because it began by presenting a summary of Kane’s life from beginning to end, the voice over explained what was happening which demonstrated the narrative and represented what the audience would see but in more detail. – This is a good technique to use because I feel there was times in the film I felt lost and confused but I could still understand the story and what was going on by referring back to the beginning narrative.

The repetition of the word and investigation ‘Rosebud’ continuously put me on edge in anticipation of discovering the answer behind the mysterious history and meaning of Kane’s last words.

The lighting is very important throughout the film because it highlights significant aspects/ objects which would contribute and foreshadow future events and discoveries. I felt the lighting was especially important in the scene involving a table and Kane’s mothers letter because the key light was focused on the centre screen where the table was positioned; the surroundings are dark - magnifying the focus, the camera then switches to the letter and follows the words as if you are reading it, I liked this camera movement because I felt it involved me and put me in the characters position.

Another scene with the important use of lighting involves Kane and two men. Kane is positioned in the foreground with another man but we see Kane with a dark shadowing over him; we are unable to see his facial expressions whereas the other characters are in full light where we are able to see their facial features and actions. This could be representing the dark, evil side of Kane and the horrible writing he expresses and publishes to the world through his newspaper. This lighting technique could also present how he is lonely and separated from others – the drastic opposition is a good way to foreshadow this as light and dark are so opposite and are easily noticeable to the audience.

As I explored the films editing techniques the one that was continuously repeated throughout is known as a flashback; a scene in the film set in a time earlier than the main story. At the beginning each flashback interested me and pulled me into the investigation even more; they all presented the history of Charles Kane and explored his past in great detail; but as the film went on the flashbacks became less exciting and more annoying. I didn’t enjoy the constant use of flashback as they were predictable and in some cases pointless E.g. Kane smashing his room. I feel this was a downfall and a turn off in the film but in its time would have been intriguing because the film industry didn’t have the technology we have today to create breathe taking effects; so I appreciate that this would have been outstanding!

Throughout the film we constantly see Kane’s past and the traumatic situations he had to go through from a young age, this character was played by Orson Welles; I feel he demonstrated the personality, feelings and opinions of the character really well because he created the character and made him feel real as if this film had really happened, he had a really good range of tones in his voice and I feel this was the main thing I noticed when the mood of Kane changed because it was believable and drew me in. From the beginning I felt empathy for the character Kane because he had the feeling of neglect and unloved as his mother sold him at a young age, and even though Kane grew into a nasty, disrespectful man my empathy continued to grow for him because as the audience I was able to see it wasn’t his fault for the way he turned out, it was down to the environment and people he had grown up with. The neglecting of him at a young age also contributed and reinforced the hate he felt towards the world because he has never been loved and could seek no friendship with others because with no example, he had no idea how to. I feel his collection of statues was a way to seek comfort and to him represented people, he spent ridiculous amounts on each one because I think he felt it was a way to show love to them (him having the illusion/ thought they were people.) The elliptical editing of the scene involving Kane and his first wife begins with them both at one end of the table expressing their love for each other, but as the scene continues they get further apart down the table ending with them at separate ends; this movement represents how their relationship broke down and the silent atmosphere showed no communication between the characters – this scene made me empathise with Kane even more because even though he had more concentration on his newspaper than his wife I feel it was because he was more comfortable with it and didn’t know how to show her love because he has never felt it.

The narrative then shows Kane meeting another woman – Susan; I was immediately able to see they had a connection with their shared sense of humour, as their relationship continued to blossom the public began to hate her as much as they hated Kane, this was down to her dreadful singing. I really enjoyed the visual match cut of Susan singing in an opera theatre to hundreds of people and the relations it had to the flickering, then eventually exploding light bulb. I feel this created the idea of her ups and downs with Kane and then the final outcome of their constantly conflicting and separated relationship.

I feel another scene representing an important message involved Kane starring into a continuous row of mirrors, this gave the effect of his reflection presented several times – this created a distorted illusion. I feel the message of this frame was to express how Kane couldn’t see himself or know who he is; this whole idea of his identity and who he really was contributed to the outcome of his last words ‘Rosebud’.

Overall I feel we don’t really know the real character Charles Foster Kane because throughout the film we see his story being told by a succession of people with various views and opinions, at no point do we get to see Kane’s point of view and reasons behind his life and what he did in it. The discovery at the very end of the mysterious ‘Rosebud’ was presented as his sledge that we saw at the very beginning of this story, but I don’t feel this object was the real representation of ‘Rosebud’ but Kane’s childhood and the only scene we see him happy and having fun, I feel this is all Kane wanted in his life but unfortunately died a lonely hated man known for his negative contributions to the world.

Even though there was times through the film I felt bored I really appreciate how it can be seen as the greatest film ever made and without it film may not be where it is now, because of contemporary films with the outstanding effects, emphasised sounds, clear imagery etc. I found the black and white and dialogue dull with no real expressiveness on the other hand it was advanced for its time and overall I feel it has had a huge influence on the movement of film and the continuing ways film is developing.