I have done a sound analysis for Trainspotting, which I will present on here.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Production Log Three
Production Log Three
I have learnt this week on the conventions that British Social Realist films use and include in their opening sequences. The majority of BSR films tend to have a lot of institutional and production credits which go on for a while. I have also learnt that in opening sequences the actor who is the most important in the film or gets paid the most is displayed frist for the cast section, such as in High Fidelity you have the most important actor first John Cusack, the Jack Black the followed by actors who are not known as much, this film isn't a BSR Film though. This film for the opening credits gave a lot of information which had lasted for over 3 minutes and within this time you only see one character for a couple of seconds and then you go back to the credits. The opening sequence for this film also tells us what the film is about, its about music so the opening sequence is very music themed with records and music that people may recognise. So my film the credits could go with a certain theme and could associate with this theme. For example sex the credits could be red and portrayed in a certain font and style to connote the theme.
I have learnt this week on the conventions that British Social Realist films use and include in their opening sequences. The majority of BSR films tend to have a lot of institutional and production credits which go on for a while. I have also learnt that in opening sequences the actor who is the most important in the film or gets paid the most is displayed frist for the cast section, such as in High Fidelity you have the most important actor first John Cusack, the Jack Black the followed by actors who are not known as much, this film isn't a BSR Film though. This film for the opening credits gave a lot of information which had lasted for over 3 minutes and within this time you only see one character for a couple of seconds and then you go back to the credits. The opening sequence for this film also tells us what the film is about, its about music so the opening sequence is very music themed with records and music that people may recognise. So my film the credits could go with a certain theme and could associate with this theme. For example sex the credits could be red and portrayed in a certain font and style to connote the theme.
I have also learnt that in opening sequences you have to create enigma to draw the audience in and make them think about the film and what is going to happen next. Sometimes the mystery in a film is better than showing then actually showing the action. We had watched a movie called From london To Brighton and the woman, the mum had got an black eye and we as an audience never knew how she had got that black eye, it left us in suspense. Another title device I could include in my opening sequence could be a smash mouth opening which puts the audience right in the middle of the action, the story line, immediately the audience are involved in the film.
The institutions involved in BSR they tend to list the actors in order of appearance and film and the main character In which I will also follow this technique. There isn't much institutional information but There is however many crew credits which I may follow too. The instituions name tends to come up first and then the film which I will follow too. This could be that the audience can remember the institution and become more informed.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Locations for BSR opening Sequence.
Locations for British Social Realist opening sequence.
A location that would be possible to consider in the opening sequence could be Ilford lane. This would be a prime setting as it is multi cultural but it is dominated by a the Asian minority group. In addition to this the location is rough and busy, broken down area loud, has a lot of late night activities. It is unkept and the people there are not dressed in a glamourous style but normally wearing cheap clothes which would fit the ideology of BSR. This location isn't far and there are many places to shoot there which would be an advantage for shooting in the opening sequence.
Another location that would be good for the opening sequence would be WoodFood as there is an estate there which is most common in BSR films such as Kidulthood and Adulthood and Fish Tank, they use estates as they associate youths with estates and council houses. Broadmead estate in WoodFord is great for shooting it looks rough, run down area, unkempt and it establishes the theme of poverty and isolation of being trapped.
The colour palate is grey and dull which connotes a miserable life, dark and gloomy.
A further site which we could use would be Tottenham High Street, this was the riots were started and it would be a good location as there are lots of gang cultures in Tottenham and police which would connote a dangerous area and crime which is typically used in BSR. However this location is far and it may be hard commuting to this area.
A fourth location which could be ideal would be Hackney Wick as this area is very run down and connotes poverty and the area's appearance is just ideal for this film sequence. The area looks neglected, deprived, poor and underprivileged which would reflect he BSR ideologies and the unknown characters used within the text.
The areas look like a dump and does not occupy anyone. However again this location is far and will take long to get too however the area is key in using in the film.
A location that would be possible to consider in the opening sequence could be Ilford lane. This would be a prime setting as it is multi cultural but it is dominated by a the Asian minority group. In addition to this the location is rough and busy, broken down area loud, has a lot of late night activities. It is unkept and the people there are not dressed in a glamourous style but normally wearing cheap clothes which would fit the ideology of BSR. This location isn't far and there are many places to shoot there which would be an advantage for shooting in the opening sequence.
Another location that would be good for the opening sequence would be WoodFood as there is an estate there which is most common in BSR films such as Kidulthood and Adulthood and Fish Tank, they use estates as they associate youths with estates and council houses. Broadmead estate in WoodFord is great for shooting it looks rough, run down area, unkempt and it establishes the theme of poverty and isolation of being trapped.
A further site which we could use would be Tottenham High Street, this was the riots were started and it would be a good location as there are lots of gang cultures in Tottenham and police which would connote a dangerous area and crime which is typically used in BSR. However this location is far and it may be hard commuting to this area.
A fourth location which could be ideal would be Hackney Wick as this area is very run down and connotes poverty and the area's appearance is just ideal for this film sequence. The area looks neglected, deprived, poor and underprivileged which would reflect he BSR ideologies and the unknown characters used within the text.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
High Fidelity British Social Realist Timeline
I have been analysing the film High Fidelity and I have broken the film up into a timeline to help me with creating my own production.
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Production Log two
I have learnt an numerous amount about social realist codes and conventions, I have learnt about the main themes that are used commonly in British Social Realist films and how the themes are portrayed in the film and how they relate to British niche audiences. Themes such as violence and sex are portrayed in extreme unique ways in which makes them different from typical films which may portray a one of these themes.
The film Adulthood portrays violence as being associated with youths and gangs, they use violence to solve their problems and assert their authority to make people fear them. Younger audiences may relate to this depending on the area they live in, they may be familiar of violence and gangs and may have a personal identity to the film.
The film Fish Tank portrays the theme ambition, I found this quiet influential as it shows Mia trying to escape and to make something of her life, trying to not replicate her Mother's life. It shows she is motivated as she auditions for a dance role, even though this doesn't go according to plan she still tries to start something new in Cardiff. This may relate to an audience in the same or similar situation to Mia and may inspire them to be something in their life or do something about it. The audience can again relate to this through personal identity.
The conventions used in BSR films are usually quiet long and involve 20-30 credits. I learnt that the music they compose in the opening sequence engages the audience and the images they use create an enigma, to make the audience want to see the rest of the film. In my production I aim to create enigma and use about 20 credits. I also learnt what not to include in the opening sequences, such as the title at the end of credits and directors name.
I will conform to conventions as they will help me get a good mark and they are what you include in your open sequence.
The film Adulthood portrays violence as being associated with youths and gangs, they use violence to solve their problems and assert their authority to make people fear them. Younger audiences may relate to this depending on the area they live in, they may be familiar of violence and gangs and may have a personal identity to the film.
The film Fish Tank portrays the theme ambition, I found this quiet influential as it shows Mia trying to escape and to make something of her life, trying to not replicate her Mother's life. It shows she is motivated as she auditions for a dance role, even though this doesn't go according to plan she still tries to start something new in Cardiff. This may relate to an audience in the same or similar situation to Mia and may inspire them to be something in their life or do something about it. The audience can again relate to this through personal identity.
The conventions used in BSR films are usually quiet long and involve 20-30 credits. I learnt that the music they compose in the opening sequence engages the audience and the images they use create an enigma, to make the audience want to see the rest of the film. In my production I aim to create enigma and use about 20 credits. I also learnt what not to include in the opening sequences, such as the title at the end of credits and directors name.
I will conform to conventions as they will help me get a good mark and they are what you include in your open sequence.
How British Social Realism themes are used.
How British Social Realism themes are used.
The film 'Shame' is an British Social Realism film, it shows a key theme of sex. The theme is established by the film plot of about sexual addiction and shame. The main character Brandon, has a sexual addiction problem that he agonises over and keeps it a secret. In this clip you see Brandon eyeing up this woman on the train and she starts touches her leg this is how the audience is made aware of the theme. In the trailer of the film you see Brandon pursing many various different women in different ways, flirting with them, he is also seen hiring a prostitue and having sex with various women. As well as this in the film Brandon is seen master bating and watching porn on his laptop. There are many scenes in this film where the main character is seen portraying the scene of sex, for instance he is seen watching a couple having sex against a window in a hotel and later on in the film he takes a woman to do the same thing. In my film I could use this theme and put it together with abuse. For example a girl could be suffering sexual abuse from an abusive boyfriend.
Another BSR film that establishes a key theme of violence would be Adulthood. The film contains themes such as sex, drugs, crime and an emphasise on violence which is key in the film. The theme is established through various characters in the film, such as Sam who has come out of prison and is being tracked down by ruthless youths who want to kill him. The theme is established near the start were you see Sam is fighting a man with a knife. The film portrays violence as being associated with youths and a way of asserting your authority and showing how tough you are, it builds an reputation for the person. In addition to this usually every scene is shown involving violence of both men and women. In my film I may use this theme to make the film more rough and make it more of a BSR drama as typically violence is portrayed in every BSR.
A key theme which is used in Nil by Mouth is domestic violence. This film is about an abusive husband and his wife it defines and demonstrates domestic violence to extreme lengths. The theme is established when you see in a key scene where the wife and husband are having an argument then the husband head butts her and starts beating her with his feet and hands. Valerie is getting beaten up by her husband viciously and very powerfully while the daughter witness it, this sparked by her husbands jealously. The theme is portrayed in film as showing the extreme lengths of what a husband could do and it shows you an insight into what some relationships can be like as well as this it shows women as being vulnerable and victims in relationships. This scene creates enigma which can in someways be better then showing actually what she is looking like. I wouldn't use this theme in my film as it may be very difficult to portray and act out.
The film Trainspotting shows the theme of drug use, it is about heroine addicts in Edinburgh. The theme is established in the opening sequence where you see the main character Renton smoking which could appear to be a drug such as heroine. The main character also says "who needs reasons when you have heroine". This is how you establish the theme of the movie and how you now it involves drug use. Another example of where drugs is established is at 2:05 where you see a woman getting ready to get injected with heroine. Through out the start of the scene it is emphasised that these men take heroine, as Renton talks about how it makes you constipated. The sequence portrays the theme as a sense of casualness and how it is everything you need. The film also shows that you can overcome using drugs as Renton decides to quit. There are aslo over themes portrayed within the text such as sexual abuse Renton has sex with a 15 year old girl. I could explore this theme in my film as by using drug addicts or using drug experimenting and explain what it does to you.
This is England shows a key theme of racism and other themes such as crime, violence and history. However in this clip you see theme of racism being established at the start the three men are using graffiti on the shop by spraying racist words to offend the shop owner. Then you see the kid shouting racist words at the shop owner. The theme is portrayed as being life threatening, intense and scary as the white man is holding a machete to the shop owner and it is again sees the victim being vulnerable and useless as the shop owner could not defend himself. I could you use this theme in my film as it is quiet easy to portray and establish and you could do this in many ways.
The film 'Shame' is an British Social Realism film, it shows a key theme of sex. The theme is established by the film plot of about sexual addiction and shame. The main character Brandon, has a sexual addiction problem that he agonises over and keeps it a secret. In this clip you see Brandon eyeing up this woman on the train and she starts touches her leg this is how the audience is made aware of the theme. In the trailer of the film you see Brandon pursing many various different women in different ways, flirting with them, he is also seen hiring a prostitue and having sex with various women. As well as this in the film Brandon is seen master bating and watching porn on his laptop. There are many scenes in this film where the main character is seen portraying the scene of sex, for instance he is seen watching a couple having sex against a window in a hotel and later on in the film he takes a woman to do the same thing. In my film I could use this theme and put it together with abuse. For example a girl could be suffering sexual abuse from an abusive boyfriend.
Another BSR film that establishes a key theme of violence would be Adulthood. The film contains themes such as sex, drugs, crime and an emphasise on violence which is key in the film. The theme is established through various characters in the film, such as Sam who has come out of prison and is being tracked down by ruthless youths who want to kill him. The theme is established near the start were you see Sam is fighting a man with a knife. The film portrays violence as being associated with youths and a way of asserting your authority and showing how tough you are, it builds an reputation for the person. In addition to this usually every scene is shown involving violence of both men and women. In my film I may use this theme to make the film more rough and make it more of a BSR drama as typically violence is portrayed in every BSR.
A key theme which is used in Nil by Mouth is domestic violence. This film is about an abusive husband and his wife it defines and demonstrates domestic violence to extreme lengths. The theme is established when you see in a key scene where the wife and husband are having an argument then the husband head butts her and starts beating her with his feet and hands. Valerie is getting beaten up by her husband viciously and very powerfully while the daughter witness it, this sparked by her husbands jealously. The theme is portrayed in film as showing the extreme lengths of what a husband could do and it shows you an insight into what some relationships can be like as well as this it shows women as being vulnerable and victims in relationships. This scene creates enigma which can in someways be better then showing actually what she is looking like. I wouldn't use this theme in my film as it may be very difficult to portray and act out.
The film Trainspotting shows the theme of drug use, it is about heroine addicts in Edinburgh. The theme is established in the opening sequence where you see the main character Renton smoking which could appear to be a drug such as heroine. The main character also says "who needs reasons when you have heroine". This is how you establish the theme of the movie and how you now it involves drug use. Another example of where drugs is established is at 2:05 where you see a woman getting ready to get injected with heroine. Through out the start of the scene it is emphasised that these men take heroine, as Renton talks about how it makes you constipated. The sequence portrays the theme as a sense of casualness and how it is everything you need. The film also shows that you can overcome using drugs as Renton decides to quit. There are aslo over themes portrayed within the text such as sexual abuse Renton has sex with a 15 year old girl. I could explore this theme in my film as by using drug addicts or using drug experimenting and explain what it does to you.
This is England shows a key theme of racism and other themes such as crime, violence and history. However in this clip you see theme of racism being established at the start the three men are using graffiti on the shop by spraying racist words to offend the shop owner. Then you see the kid shouting racist words at the shop owner. The theme is portrayed as being life threatening, intense and scary as the white man is holding a machete to the shop owner and it is again sees the victim being vulnerable and useless as the shop owner could not defend himself. I could you use this theme in my film as it is quiet easy to portray and establish and you could do this in many ways.
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