Lesson Review- Catherine Dalton

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.