The Image on my screen looked like this before i played the sequence.
I will be analysising the opening sequence of Catch me if you can from the website.
In today’s lesson we looked at each group’s review of a particular genre, and there film analysis that complimented this. With each group we made notes to learn about other genres and more importantly identify and learn to identify typical opening sequence conventions in opening sequences, helping us with analysis.
Firstly we looked at a group whose genre was Crime and Gangster. The main conventions involved in this genre included stereotypical characters such as a hero, victim and villain; also it introduces the setting, narrative and has credits. Also the conventions would include a hook or enigma code.
This particular group looked at the film Lock, stock and two smoking barrels, this opening sequence focuses on the crime genre, we know this due to the mise-en-scene used, the dull lighting and the characters and costumes used, also the speech and situation. In this sequence we clearly see or can easily recognise the genre, due to the main character he costume consists of a typical London outfit and the dull background backs up the idea that he is not only the main character but is a typical, crime character in London, this is further reinforced when the police begin to chase after him, after a situation to portrayed of them selling illegal goods. This illegal selling also emphasises the genre. This film opening sequence also fits in the opening scene conventions, such as an introduction to the characters with a credit sequence, also it establishes the setting and finishes with a chase sequence is chase sequence acts as a hook and enigma code to make the audience want to watch more of the film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o1UXSxTjfo
Secondly as a class we looked at James Bond’s opening sequence. This particular opening sequence goes with the typical conventions of an opening sequence, it introduces the setting, which is a crowded setting, also introduces the main characters it does this by framing them individually, also adds cross-cutting between the characters. In addition to this it has stereotypical characters such as the hero, we know he is the hero as he is dressed in bright colours, unlike the villain who is dressed in much darker colours. Furthermore there is an enigma code to draw the audiences attention in, when James Bond is seen looking into a backpack.
Also conventions of action are used in James Bond, fast-paced camera shots are used, a variety of setting, this variety of setting is seen in the chase sequence, when it takes them to several different places. Also the use of variety of shots, this is seen in a Point of View shot of the mobile phone. The music is also constantly changing building up tension and subspense this also relates to convention but of the Action theme. Lastly the use of varied camera shots helps the sequence to move on quickly and also establishes the main character, this is due to a low angle shot showing the main character.
Lastly, I found the lesson very helpful as it enabled me to link my knowledge of both opening sequence conventions and genre conventions to particular films, also my looking at all the groups I was able to learn about new genres and there own specific conventions.
After last weeks lesson where each group individually analysed a genre and opening sequence, each group did a small presentation of the genre they analysed and the rest of us took notes. Each group did a different opening sequence from James Bond: Casino Royale to Texas Chainsaw massacre.
Each group did a review of an opening sequence explaining its conventions and how it is used. Every sequence showed different conventions of its genre as well as different conventions of an opening sequence. Some included credits whereas others didn’t, some included introduction of main characters where as some were only introductory of the genre.
Individually I evaluated each groups opening sequence and took notes on what conventions appeared in each sequence. The main conventions of opening sequence includes introduction of an characters, settings, genre, time & date, plot, narrative, and uses credits and has a hook which entices the audience to want to watch more.
The first sequence we went through was from the crime and gangster genre, conventions of this genre include, death/crime, hero & villain, criminals, authority which is represented negatively, set in a busy urban city and an easy to recognise set. The opening sequence was the film ‘Lock, stock & two smoking barrels’, the plot Is of a gambler selling illegal goods on the street, it is set in an urban area of east London, this can be seen from the costume and the accent of the main character. There is use of credits between shots to break up the narrative but keep the audience interested at the same time. We are introduced to the main characters as an audience. AS well as this, we are introduced to the setting and genre. There is grey use of lighting which represents the area and lifestyle. There is a use of slow motion at the end of the sequence with a voice over spoken over the top. The slow motion adds emphasis to the central characters and the situation they are in, the slow motion also represents that the characters are running out of time and allows the audience to take in what has happened prior to this. There is music also within the sequence which adds pace and keeps the audience interested. The hook used is at the slow motion section which keeps the audience amused.
The second sequence was of the Thriller genre. The conventions of this genre includes adding intensity, tension and suspense. Other conventions include, scary & dark music, isolated setting, death, dark lighting, tracking shot, point of view shots to add mystery and tracking shots. The sequence that this group analysed was the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’, This sequence was a very different sequence to the others that I viewed, it contained a series of dark and montage images which represented death and a sinister feel. There was use of dark lighting to emphasis the genre. The character was introduced by a name instead of an image. There were images of mutations to introduce the genre and the title of ‘Massacre’. The character is mysterious as we don’t actually see them and are not properly introduced to them. We are engaged as an audience with use of burning images, sinister and creepy music and powerful images.
Firstly, today in lesson we had to prepare our presentation of our specific film genre - western. We were then presented with the remaining of the class' work. We moved round the class room, listening and watching each groups films they analysed and the conventions for this specific genre.
Each group did a review of an opening sequence explaining its conventions and how they are used. Everyone's different sequence' showed different conventions of that specific genre as well as the conventions of an opening sequence.
Group 4 researched into the film genre 'Crime and Gangster'. They introduced us to the conventions of this specifc genre; it is usually associated with death, crime, drugs, illegal actions, situated in an urban setting where the hero goes after the criminal. Nevertheless these films normally glorify the rise and fall of a particular criminal(s), gang, bank robber, murderer or lawbreakers in personal power struggles or conflict with law and order figures.
As a group they analysed the opening sequence of 'Lock Stock and two smoking barrels' where it is clearly identifiable to the audience who the 2 main characters are, one of the times this is portrayed is when they were running away from the local police authority, not only establishing the two characters through the use of an extreme close up but the genre of his specific film. The opening sequence also identifies the setting; a run down urban area of
The dark, dirty eary setting adds to the mystery of the plot as it is only the opening sequence in which we await for the rest of the film. Also in this sequence, the slow paced editing
The very first shot we are introduced to is the main character selling items which were ''not stolen, just not paid for yet' introducing to the crime in this film as he is selling stolen goods on a street which in inevitably illegal - crime genre.
We were then introduced to the idea that the slow pace editing of the two main characters escaping relates to establishing the men and the setting and situation they are in, slowing down the pace for the next activity.
The voice over is then heard, which helps the audience familiarise with what they have just watched, relating to crime and gangster as they voice overs are stereotypically used to introduce to the audience the film.
Moreover, the credit sequence in imbeded into the film,, cutting in between the opening sequence.
Lastly, the music in this opening sequence is extremely rapid, which also creates the pace and adds to the adrenaline of the storyline.
Lesson Evaluation - Bridget Long 26/11/09
In today's lesson we analysed different groups opening sequence of a specific genre of their own choice. We were given a short presentation of each of the opening sequences by each group where we discussed the different conventions and watched the sequence. We analysed what makes the sequence successful and what different techniques are used to add affect. We saw similarities within the different genres and similar techniques used to create effect and ways as which makes the sequence more entertaining for the audience.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Group 2 looked at the opening sequence of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Firstly the group explained what techniques are used in the sequence which make it so successful for example the use of music to create suspension. This sequence was very different from the Western genre that our group had looked at however we were still able to link the two together with similar methods used. In the opening of Texas Chainsaw Massacre there is use of montage editing to display some of the things that are related to the film, this introduces the narrative, with out giving too much away. Dark colours are used in order to show the genre as well as create a dark, gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. We see one of the characters which is introduced to us in the opening sequence which is a typical convention of the opening sequence, we have a close-up of him so we can recognise him later in the sequence. Time and date is shown during the sequence which tells us the time period it is set in. The music is unnerving throughout the sequence in order to worry the audience and confuse them. We have a name of a killer, which introduces us to another character. The transitions that are used are dissolves which is noticable and unnerves the audience further. These are some of the points that the group presented to us as a class which helps us to compare opening sequences and to spot the similarities.
Star Wars
In the opening sequence of star wars we are introduced to the location. We are also introduced to characters in the opening sequence, both heroes and villains. We are given an idea of the plot and storyline. Another convention used in this sequence, is the introduction of the themes that will be seen throughout the film. At the end of the opening sequence, we are left with a hook/cliffhanger, which are frequently used in opening sequences to engage the audience, and keep them watching. A lot of opening sequences use this in the opening sequence to keep the audience entertained and keep them wanting to watch.
Adventure Opening sequences- Catherine Dalton
Generic codes and conventions
The codes and conventions for an adventure films include, an exciting storyline in which the characters have new experiences. The narrative is usually action filled. Also in the narrative there is an emphasis on violence, usually caused by a struggle of difficult situations.
There is also stereotypical characters involved in these exciting action filled plots, the stereotypical characters include heroes and villains. In addition to this the setting can also be seen as very typical as most adventure films are set in the jungle or desert.
Adventure films generally follow the typical narrative structure, this narrative structure is has the following, an event that breaks normality, then a attempt to restore, then some sort of battle and to end the film a restore to the norm.
Adventure films, can be seen as very similar to Action films, as they both contain some of the same codes and conventions, they both have exciting and thrilling story lines.
Then there is a clip where we see lots of images (photographs) put together, the music here is important as it changes several times throughout first of all it changes, when we have a desert setting and then changes again when the setting and photographs change to the setting of London (city setting) this may portray that the film uses both the London and the desert setting. This also shows contrast, and also demonstrates and gives away some of the plot. The credits take place over these shots.
Following this we have two images one of a young boy on the left and one of a man on the right, these two images are the only images in the frame, showing that they maybe the main characters. Then to finish we see at hat. This image shows the audience that maybe the hero wears the hat, and this hat gives away something about his character. Therefore the music and the mise-en-scene used relates directly to the conventions of an adventure film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP1XQK8cUrg
Drama:
Codes and conventions of dramas:
These are serious plots of serious life and represent a realistic view of life. They focus on serious and complex plots as opposed to eccentric or exaggerated settings or effects. The drama genre includes so many subgenres such as Crime, melo-dramas, romantics and epics.
Dramatic themes often include current issues problems, concerns or injustices including religious intolerance or drug addiction, poverty, the corruption of power, alcoholism, mental illness, domestic violence or other explosive issues of the times. These films have successfully drawn attention to the issues by taking advantage of the topical interest of the subject. Although dramatic films have often deal with realistic social problems, the tendency has been for Hollywood, to excuse society and institutions and to blame problems on an individual, who more often than not, would be punished for their transgressions.
An opening sequence of a Drama (The Shawshank Redemption)
This film directed by Frank Darabont stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins and was released in 1994. The opening sequence of this movie begins with a black background with white writing, this represents the hope of the entire film. There is hope throughout as we see as an audience which is reflected in the first few seconds. It begins with an establishing shot of an isolated hut, this isn’t the main setting of the film but begins the plot to come. We know that this is an opening sequence as there are credits throughout the opening. There is music playing from a car radio and it is operatic and serene and sounds very sad and depressing like the mood. There is a range of shots to show the development of the scene and gives the audience hints of what is about to happen. The lighting is dark and it is dark establishing that it is at night and that the people don’t want to be disturbed. The hook of the opening sequence is the murder that takes place, is it who we think? Or is that too obvious for the audience? There is cross cutting between the court room and the event that takes place, it keeps our attention on the sequence and we as an audience do not get bored. The opening continues and is quite dramatic, we are drawn in as an audience.
Websites used :
Today in lesson, we started by choosing and researching a genre. As a group we chose ‘western’ as a starter genre as we thought it would be an interesting and a different genre to familiarize ourselves with as it was totally unknown to all of us in the group. Bridget and I spent time researching the conventions, cinematography and various western films, evidently familiarising ourselves with this specific genre. I enjoyed finding different conventions from different websites such as
Natalie and Catherine also researched Western films, they researched the film: Stagecoach, Directed by John Ford in 1939. As a pair they analysed a chase sequence and an opening sequence from the movie which founded on www.youtube.com. By analysing these sequences, we as a group can now understand and reinforce what should or shouldn't be done.
The Western was the first genre established
The Western Conventions
Joanna Hearne
Western Extract
Stagecoach Analysis
Director: John Ford
Year: 1939
Brief description of sequence (Stagecoach Part 7 Youtube 7:00-9:00 mins):
This extract is a chase fight scene between native Americans and American Settlers, it is a chase sequence beginning with an American settler being shot by a native.
The sequence begins with a long shot of the Native Americans on horses with bows and arrows as props. The music is dramatic and quite deep. Then there is an establishing shot of the setting where the chase will take place. There is close up of the leader of the group. Then the music changes from dramatic music to slow and peaceful, showing the setting as uninterrupted. The panning shot continues then the music changes back to the previous when the Native Americans are framed again. Then we have cross cutting to the American settlers, they are dressed in formal suits and are in a comfortable carriage being pulled by horses. This contrasts to the Native Americans who are in typical native dress of brown clothes with headbands and scarves, they also have long hair and look very informal. The music when we see the American Settlers is very similar to the panning shot of the setting like previous, it is peaceful and rhythmic. Therefore the American Settlers are positively represented and the Native Americans are represented negatively due to music and costume. As the American settlers are speaking, one says “Good health”, straight after we see a man being shot with an Arrow. After this there is cross cutting to the drivers of the American setters carriage they are shown speeding up and this is where the chase beings. After this there is constant movement of cuts and shots between the Native and Settlers. The American settlers have guns whereas the native Americans have bows and arrows. The sequence is edited continually, there are no fades or different transitions, only quick cuts to keep the movement of the scene fast paced for its audience. During this sequence the music begins a faster pace involving the audience and keeping up with the fast paced cuts.
Generic conventions within the sequence (Filmsite.org):
We see in this sequence very typical conventions, one is the conflict shown within the sequence. Another main convention is a conflict between the Native Americans and American settlers, the native Americans are generally portrayed in a negative light, an example from this sequence is the music used in the establishing shot. Another convention of Western films is the theme or setting of isolation. The surroundings within the sequence above was isolated showing that a conflict would take place and there would be no escape or help. There is use of stereotypical characters: the main Native American was standing up,he was the oldest and seemed the wisest of the group as he is holding a large staff . The plot is predictable as we see because of the isolated settings and the two cuts between the two groups, we assume a conflict will most likely take place. The plot is also recognisable, as its narrative structure is regular, with a conflict in the middle of the film. There is typical use of cowboy settings, props and costumes, everyone within the sequence is traveling by horse.
Opening sequence conventions (part one Youtube):
The first shot that we see consists of the main character played by John Wayne, this is a medium long shot. We know he is the main character as he is holding a gun and is dressed in a cowboy outfit, also the setting is typical as it is an isolated setting we know this because there is no one else in the shot accept him and a few props. In addition to this, the props such as the carriage in the background make it typical further. Therefore the mise-en-scene is typical of a Western film. We are then introduced to the setting and genre by a shot of horses moving on a sunset desert. The music throughout these shots is upbeat and positive. Throughout the sequence there are credits that include the actors and directors, this also establishes that it is an opening scene.
We know that the setting is isolated as there is no buildings or obstacles around suggesting that the setting is inaccessible, this stereotypical. The cinematography consists simple establishing shot were the people travel into the frames, therefore these shots have little variation. Simple shots therefore are typical of Western films as there is no use of different camera angles.
There are changes in setting throughout the sequence to represent a journey for the setting of the main film. Within the sequence we also have a very patriotic view of the American country because of the flag used. There is also a hook, or enigma, this entices the audience into watching more. In this sequence it is n interruption of the norm which is a telegram to the American Settlers.
This is the opening extract:
