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.

Lesson Review, Natalie, 26/11/09

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.

This is the opening sequence of Lock, Stock And two Smoking Barrels

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.

This is the opening sequence of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The two sequences are incredibly different, 'lock, stock and two smoking barrels' uses credtis, continuity editing and introduction of characters where as 'the texas chainsaw massacre' doesn't use credits and uses montage editing. The music for both sequences are incredibly different too, this is because the target audiences and genres are both different so serve different purposes.

I learnt a lot from viewing others sequences and it added to my knowledge of other genres. Now when we decide as a group what genre opening sequence to do, i feel we will have far more knowledge on how to do this and our options won't be as limited as they were previously.

Websites used: www.Youtube.com

Analysis of Lesson 26/11/2009 By Ellie Mannix

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 London. It is made clearly identifiable when the characters are running down a dingy alley away from the police which are represented as inferior and negative as the criminals have got away, this adds pace as the adrenaline of the audience increases as they become hooked on what will happen next.

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.

How does the opening scene of Scream use the conventions of the Horror Thriller genre? By Ellie Mannix

From watching the opening sequence of Scream, it is clear to identify that it would fall under the Horror thriller genre as it clearly identifies the expectations that the audience expects from this type of genre. Codes and conventions are important to a producer because they are able to follow a set of rules which cause restrictions when filming and abiding by conventions that they have to meet and the need to follow the set conventions which adjust the target audience as the set of expectations that they audience follow which causes enjoyment and fear for the audience. The sub genre horror thriller is a petrifying, terrifying genre which explores the mental, emotional and physical state of the characters. They are either afraid of themselves, are afraid of karma or a suspicious human (also known as the antagonist) interfering with everyday life. However by watching the opening sequence we can identify that these expectations are being fulfilled as they meet with the description of the antagonist interfering and acting mysteriously which explores the mental state and interrupts the mental situation of the stereotypical young vulnerable teenager home alone. The opening wisely uses dramatic music which creates suspense and dramatic irony as the audience know that there is about to be an interruption in the equilibrium yet they are unsure the timing of the crime, so it therefore informs the audience that the pace and vulnerability of the victim is increasing as this could be related to the increased heartbeat of the victim as the danger starts to increase. The constant use of colour uses the conventions of a horror/thriller genre as it allows the audience to make assumptions, be aware and to learn to recognise what the plot is about. The use of red signifies danger - Craven expertly uses the opportunity to portray danger through the use of signification of the genre. The white clothes worn by the victim signify purity whereas the antagonist wears black robes and a black mask with a scary scream’ed face on it which reinforces the danger of the situation and as being the audience the colours resemble not only the state in which they are in but the status upon the characters. Other colours which represent the conventions of a thriller is the title “scream” which is in a black and red; two colors used very often in horror films which represent danger, mystery and gore. The vulnerability of the character is also a convention of a thriller, as the antagonist will only be able to successfully interfere with the normality of everyday life if there is an easy route. In this case the stereotypical dumb blonde bimbo is the easiest way to interfere and to cause horror by causing her mystery, harm or even death. The use of props is very significant in the opening sequence of Scream as it uses the bare minimum of them and still manages to create an effective and meaningful storyline. Take the popcorn for example. Just a very every day ordinary task, but as the film goes on, the popping noise signifies the fact that there is something wrong and danger occurring. However when there is a fire that corrupts, we understand that this signifies the girls life, and when the mother puts the fire out she is metaphorically putting an end to her daughters life as the next scene is her daughter hanging from a tree. Dead. The use of cinematography uses the conventions of a thriller as it introduces the setting as an extreme long shot pans round showing the open plan house which uses the lighting technique to create shadows and the impression that it is scary and mysterious; when unexpected shadows arise the audience automatically thinks that it is the antagonist which helps create the suspense of the long awaited attack to happen. The point of view shots help create the idea of being stalked by the camera and by managing to capture an effective POV shot it shows what the victim is seeing and the way that she is very naïve and aware that the antagonist is there. From seeing the girl panic peering out the door window on the phone to the killer and looking for him which is a scary experience proving to the audience that these things are capable to happen and as we see both characters it hold the audience at an advantage of knowing both sides capturing the true emotion as anything can happen. The POV shot used by the killer, shows that he is in power and therefore uses another convention of a thriller as the antagonist is kept a mystery as it is never given a full shot, but only a face or body shot and when the mask is slowly removed, the camera changes to the parents which shows the fact that the victim cannot escape emphasizing the true horror of the film. Editing has been used in a way to add to the genre as it increases the pace though the use of cross cutting between the parents and the antagonist verses protagonist. As the action increases so does the music. This is effective as it is running parallel with the lack of time left in the girls life. All of these things I have discussed are the typical codes and conventions that are used in a horror thriller which are able to meet the expectations of the target audience.

Photos from lesson. 26/11/09

From front: Natalie, Catherine, Bridget, Ellie

From left: Natalie, Catherine, Bridget, Ellie

From left: Bridget, Ellie

Adventure: Catherine Dalton

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.

Indiana Jones Chronicles Part 1: Opening sequence

The opening sequence of the film begins with the title sequence, the title is portrayed as colourful, this shows the audience that the film is exciting and the music used for this portrays this further. The music is typical of adventure conventions as it is upbeat and relates to the narrative. Behind the title there is a book being opened, the book looks old and interesting showing that it has some importance to the film as the book is shown in the middle of the screen. Then a someone opens the book, showing further importance as the person goes through some of the pages which have drawings and writing, maybe suggesting that the images and writing have something to do with the plot. Also we can make assumptions that the character opening the book is the main character, the upbeat music also helps to suggest this.

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