Group 7 Preliminary Task

Evaluation of presentation. OH

Evaluation of presentation

overall i believe that our presentation was very successful. however there is room for improvement in our ideas of how much information there will be in our opening sequence, whether we can fit all of our ideas that we have come up with and drawn inspiration from other films from will fit into the allocated two minute period that we have to shoot our film.

The presentation was very well presented, clear voices and lots of opinions and original ideas were portrayed throughout. eddy with the most views and ideas since he was the one who went on the location reckie he was able to conjure ideas of shots and create original visions in his mind of how he views that our coursework will look.

The survey research was very positive, with the majority of people, over 60% wanting a film with people in their own age group, possibly so they can emerse themselves into the experience more since it becomes more realistic to their lifestyle. also the most popular location was in the woods, i believe this was because it connotes remoteness, no help for possibly miles, just you and the murderer.

Also i thought that the locations were eye opening for the class to see, so they could see that where the camp site was it was quite an open landscape, with lots of room for filming, and also the surreal sense that someone could be watching you quite easily, without you being able to see them. Eddy's idea of using the silo-et shot from "rock and rola" was a very good idea and will hopefully be one point that will rack up lots of marks for the techniques and use of lighting and editing.

The costumes and characters which we are using are stereotypical of our specific genre and follow the conventions that you would expect in a teen horror thriller.With this, we will be able to portray some information about the teens and their lifestyle without having to explain it through dialogue which may look unprofessional.

In conclusion, I believe that our ideas are very sound, costumes, location and ideas are all conventions of the genre and have very promising possibilities, and with our creative teamwork, which was evident in our preliminary task we will be able to make an extremely technical and clever two minute opening. however time management of what we wish to put into our two minute opening will need to be sorted out and we need to decide and focus more on whether or not our ideas fall more into a film after twenty odd minutes or a opening sequence.

Feedback #2

I think you are developing an excellent concept, however there are some things that you need to go away and think about in terms of product research. Knowing that your opening will be set in woods, you don't seem to have chosen many related texts for your analysis other than dogwar? I think you need to think about looking at conventions for shooting in those locations in a bit more detail.

CF

Location Possibilities. Southborough & Bidborough Woods.

Treatment

A small group of friends enter woods on a camping trip, happy, noisy teenagers. They enter without and real cares for anyone else except for themselves, however it becomes apparent in the opening scenes of the film that they are not alone. Rustles in bushes and noises in the distance cause fear amongst the group, but not for long. The murderer picks them off one by one.
A cut then to a urban town, heavily populated, another group of friends enters the woods on another camping trip, however they know what has gone on in the woods, however they don’t see this to be a great threat. They proceed, without many items, a tent, sleeping bags, alcohol and implements to make a fire. The teens are here to have a good time, get drunk and have sex, stereotypical teenage behaviour. However the kids venture to far into the woods and with no real way of knowing how to get out they get lost.
The kids try and venture out to find help and a way out, however as they venture out alone and try and act heroic, they never return. The murderer has incredible strength, however he doesn’t look too threatening, you never see his face. He has a mental illness and it amuses him to kill people in horrific ways and scare the teenagers, for example by leaving parts of their dead friends around the forest. He leaves booby traps around the forest which also cause some of the teens injuries, from these injuries he kills these characters off. This drives the teenagers to the brink of insanity themselves, however the teenagers try and adapt to their environment to get their own back at the killer, when they realise people going out on there own means almost certain death they all stick together, however some more go missing until there are only two characters left.
They face the murderer in the woods, he follows them, but he doesn’t know that’s what they want him to do. When they get to a certain point they confront him and lead him into their trap and kill him. Then they cry and embrace each other after there ordeal. After this they hear rustling in the bushes and think it’s another murderer, however it’s a police officer and they are shown to a near by town and go home. However at the end of the film the girl looks in a mirror and thinks she sees the murderer and looks out the window, and all she sees is rustling bushes.

Genre

The film Kidulthood belongs to the British drama genre but may also be related to crime/thriller as possible sub genres. In the opening sequence the audiences generic expectations seem to be fulfilled to a certain extent mainly due to the use of mis-en-scene but also the frame work involved. We are immediately introduced to various groups of teenagers in a school playground, which highlights the separation and isolation between the different children. In this sense expectations are fulfilled as this seems to be a natural occurrence during growing up. Certain words used also imply and reinforce the stage of childhood that would be expected including party, cigarette and even coursework. Again this supports the apparent divide between groups as some are referring to the weekend or out of school time, whereas some are more interested in school work. This suggests the text conforms to the characteristics of the genre as there’s no real sense of playfulness or irony when relating to the characters opposing the genre in hand.

Film language

The mis-en-scene conveys a vast amount of meaning in the sequence as is the main representation that structures the genre. We are introduced to groups of teenagers who although are wearing uniform look extremely untidy due to certain accessories and hairstyles. This creates the impression that this image may also be portrayed in their characteristics and behaviour. Various activities are also taking place as a group of boys are playing football, riding bikes and handing out invitations to a party. All these different things make the setting look cramped and enclosed and create an impression of claustrophobia and riotousness, almost like a prison which makes us look upon the teenagers in a negative view, similar to prisoners. Various meanings are also conveyed due to camera work. The opening scene is filled with crabs, pans and swish pans from one group to the next which again highlights a sense of riotousness as even the camera seems to be out of control. There are a number of close ups, mainly on the bys feet playing football which suggests a level of boisterousness. The two shot of the two girls looking untidy creates a lower class image and implies their behaviour may be of a low level as well due to a dominant stereotype. The sounds used in the scene is a soundtrack which seems to build tension and establish enigma. It allows the characters to oppose as slightly threatening and suggests its building up to an intense incident. Certain shouting is also amplified which again implies a rowdy atmosphere. We immediately learn that the characters portray criminal attributes through the use of dialogue as they speak of illegal parties and drugs; “parents are out of town, so anything goes” and “just light up the zoot” support this. Other visual techniques used by the director include the underlying feeling of bullying taking place just from certain looks and individual words used. Some groups are opposed to be more threatening than others and the idea of a group of boys looking for others implies a chase and makes the audience think of the consequences once the group finds the other.

Narrative

The narrative seems to be organised in a linear fashion and keeps the audience attentive and interested because of this. It is constructed through use of images and important dialogue. The audience is positioned with certain characters depending on the camera angle and seems to be opposed with others, for example we are positioned with two girls at one point who seem to be victims of bullying and we are therefore opposed with that group of girls. Identification and alienation are clearly are employed in a number of ways, mainly from the number of separate groups of teenagers spread out across a small playground with no contact to others. The theme of bullying that is highlighted also represents a certain level of isolation in itself even thought we don’t experience it first hand. As mentioned bullying is one of the main themes of the narrative along with crime, sport and sex. Tension is created and maintained during the narrative mainly through the use of dialogue as we understand one bully victim hasn’t completed the work for the bully and therefore consequences are expected to follow. Also a group of boys are looking for a girl, which we as the audience know she is with a different group of boys, again suggesting a feud may be created in consequence.

Representation and Ideology

The main social groups represented in the opening sequence are the teenage pupils who could be considered as common youths by a majority of the audience. As mentioned the represented in a negative light from the criminal antics displayed and disgust and the common use of foul language. The strong theme of bullying represented also connotes a poor image of the youths. Certain semiotics used in the opening including a game boy, bikes, footballs and a ‘zoot’. These all represent a sense of immaturity and channels through a certain sense of naivety and ignorance, which is a general ideology associated with most teenagers these days.

Media Audiences

The target audience for this film is definitely teenagers and young adults. The possible readings of the text would be a following a simple introduction to certain characters and an indication of themes becoming progressively apparent within the narrative. As a British teenager I think I read and evaluate the text in a slightly different way to audiences from different countries. I can clearly identify the opening sequence to contain a level of illegal content however I think it’s more accepted within my generation and therefore doesn’t shock me as much and build as much tension and enigma as it may for others. I can highlight the theme of isolation and separation as well as again, its common in any school and appears obvious even without any use of dialogue. Due to my age and gender I think I can relate to this issues in hand better than the majority of other audiences however my background limits my evaluation as the opening scene is more extreme than most teenage boys would ever experience.

Institutional Context

No real star has been used which could be an advantage in a film like this as the characters won't have been used in a previous genre which could allow them to appear more convincing and believable in this one.

Detailed Analysis - Dog Soldiers

Genre
This film is an action horror.
The generic expectations from a horror are fulfilled in the opening sequence with the following components; some sort of sexual romance, a scary event and blood. All these are connected with the typical horror film. Conforming to the characteristics one would expect from a movie of this genre.

Film Language
In the sequence, mise en scene is typical and unimaginative for a film of this genre. It is the classic night time, moon lit woods that one would expect and instantly relate to horror.
The camera shots in this sequence are mainly close ups to show the reaction of fear on the characters faces. This shows more of a psychological horror vibe and is good way of keeping the audience scared.
There is no music involved in this sequence and only simple digetic sounds which, I feel, gives the sequence a raw and eerie feel therefore adding to the enigma.
We only see 2 characters and by them kissing and performing sexual fornications we get the idea they are a couple. They also talk as though they are and this adds to the horror when one of them is killed in front of the other.

Narrative
The narrative is a simple linear sequence of events.
Through camera work we are positioned with the couple, the man and the woman.
We are instantly introduced to the two people and they are identified to us as soon as the movie starts. The thing that attacks them is alienated by never being seen and all the action being off camera when it is involved.
Tension is created by all the action within the murdering and attacking, happening off camera.

Representation and Ideology
A white English couple are represented as quite free spirited by camping and fornicating in the woods.
There are ideologies of people who don’t conform to society and you can see this by them being adults with piercing and hippy type clothing on.

Media Audiences
Target audience is elder teenagers and young adults
As a British teenager I feel I can relate to the sequence more than someone from another country might. Because this is a British film and all the cast is as well so I feel I can relate. It also puts me in the situation and creates the enigma that it may happen to me and for some reason doesn’t seem so farfetched.

Institutional Context
There is no main, well known star but people one would recognize from other films. It would be important to have a bankable star because it would then encourage more people to go and see it.

OH-Analysis of an opening sequence: Saw II

Genre

To which genre does the film belong?
The film belongs to the genre of horror, horror thriller.

To what extent are the audiences generic expectations of the text fulfilled or challenged by the opening sequence?
The audiences expectations of this type of genre are definitely met and exceeded in this opening sequence. The reason I say this is because it creates a huge amount of enigma within the first minute. Good set design and very good hook to keep the audience interested throughout. It is a stereotypical horror thriller but the story line is very original, which keeps interest in the audience.

Does the text conform to the characteristics of the genre, or does it treat them playfully or ironically.
The text conforms to the genre, it is a very stereotypical horror thriller however the opening scene is amazing because the plot is so good. Irony is used to some extent in the story and dialogue that is used, since he uses his eyes predominantly for his job, which is how he hurt people and he has to cut it out to live.

Film language

How does mise-en-scene convey meaning in this sequence?
Meis-en scene is used in this sequence by very good set design, a dully lit room with no escape implying they have been put there not by their own will. Props are used to convey a more gory side of thinks, as does the costume. The use of a scalpel to cut out your eye is very shocking and conveys the murderer is sick minded for putting a person in a situation where they have to amputate body parts. And costume is used well since the extraordinary mask adds enigma and creates a horror feel.

How does camera shot size, movement and angle also convey meaning?

POV shot initially shows disorientation, but also gives us an idea of what the set looks like, showing little chance of escape. lots of close ups of his face after being told what he has to do showing his horror at the ordeal he will have to go threw and XCU shots of his eyes add a gory tone to the scene, showing the blood and scalpel to add to the shot. The movement is generally fast, with a quick cutting rate, classic conventions of a horror, causing confusion and suspense.

How does sound anchor the image?
The sound anchors the image very well but no better example as when he lifts the scalpel to his eye, the sound go’s more high pitched, adding suspense. The use of dialogue is also incredibly important. It sets the scene and lets the audience know what is going on.

What do we learn about the character through dialogue and non-verbal language?
We learn that the murderer wants to challenge the man, to see if he has what it takes to survive, we understand that he is doing this because he is a snitch and jigsaw believes that he needs to be punished. The non-verbal language helps us understand how horrified the man is at what he is being asked to do.

What other visual techniques does the director use and why?
The director uses a TV as meis-en-scene in the room to make the murderer saying the task less personal, however this could cause more fear, since u think that the murderer could be anywhere.

Narrative.

How is narrative organised and structured?
Narrative is constructed through a lot of dialogue, which really sets the scene and lays out what is to come. It is linear and keeps the audience guessing.

How is audience positioned in respect to the narrative?
The audience is positioned within the room, given the mans perspective for most of it.

What techniques of identification and alienation are employed?
Identification of the man is employed through the murderer saying the mans name (Michael) which personalises him to us.

What Is the major theme in the narrative?
The major theme is a murder, a man placed in a situation from which he can escape however must go threw lots of torture to do so. This psychological battle of will to over come the trial or face death is quite a big theme in the narrative.

How is tension created and maintained?
Tension is maintained straight away by a POV shot, showing disorientation, possibly been drugged, the puppet on the TV which explains the situation he is in builds tension, creating enigma as to whether the man will escape which draws the audience in, CU shots of gory sequences also adds tension, and the music increasing in amplitude also creates tension. Right until the mans death.

Representation & ideology.

What social groups are represented in this sequence and how?
There are no real representations of social groups in this clip. Except possibly old men with cancer like to put people in horrible situations. There is however a slight inclaning to there being representation of men. normally men are seen, as in heroic roles to be corageous and brave. not letting anything stand in there way. however in this clip, even though the man is faced with a horrible task he doesnt show these characterisctics, he shows fear in the face of a life threatening situation. although this may seem a bit harsh, undermining his manly hood because he is placed in such a terrible situation that he cant deal with the pressure. the characteristics of a hero are not present in the representation of his character.

What values and beliefs/ ideological discourse is evident?
Values that all bad deeds should be punished, there are no real religious beliefs being portrayed in this clip. however

How does semiotics as a frame work see how the representation is constructed?
Semiotics such as blood dripping off the walls, a dirty room and dangerous objects construct a representation of the murderer being really sick minded, the representation of the man is one without much guts. Even though he has to amputate his eye, its still better than death.

Media Audiences.

Who is the target audience?
The target audience is teens/lower twenties and horror/gore fans. it doesnt appeal to the 4 quadrents.

What are the probable and possible audience readings of the text?

How do you as a British teenager, read and evaluate the text? To what extent is your reading and evaluation influenced by your age, gender and background?
I have read it by taking the view that this isn’t just a murder, it is justice. The murderer has put them in a situation where they have a chance to live, but only by loosing blood and in this case an eye. The plot is very clever and I got the impression deserved to be in the situation the murderer put him in.

Institutional context.

Has a star been used in this film? Why is this important?
No famous stars have been used in the film opening, this is important since bankable stars give publicity to the film, so this means that it must have had another unique selling point and hook.

Which studio produced this film? Is it an “industrial” film or independent film?
“Twisted Pictures” produce this film, it is a mainstream industrial horror/thriller film which we can establish from no CGI but very good make up and set design.

Is the institutional contex evident in the production values of the opening?
Yes it becomes very apparent it’s a horror film from the very first POV shot, showing disorientation, there are lots of characteristics of a horror like gore which you would expect from a horror film like this, there are many main conventions through out which connote it’s a horror.