Task 2.2: Genre Analysis

Mood Boards
-A mood board is a type of poster design that may consist of images, text and samples of objects in a composition of the choice of the mood board creator.
-Designers use mood boards to develop their design concepts and communicate to other members of the design team.
-Used often by graphic designers to enable a person to illustrate the direction of style.

Horror Mood Board:

Horror is one of the easiest film genres to define, with it's stereotypical connection with darkness and basic fears. In my mood board I have included several factors which I consider most recognisable:
- Blood
- Childhood fears
- Darkness
- Ghosts/ Supernatural
- Graveyards
- Haunted Houses
- Threatening villain

Rom-Com Board:

Romantic Comedies are another film genre which can be identified easily through their uses of specific characterisations. In my mood board I have included:
- Love
- Typical Rom-Com actors/actresses e.g Jennifer Aniston and Colin Firth
- Humour
- Capital City Setting
- Marriage
- Fine Dining
- Kiss/ Embrace

Thriller Board:

The thriller genre is the hardest to distinguish out of our three selections. However, its characteristics can be identified through certain elements, in my mood board I have included:
- A Femme-Fatale
- Back Alley dealings
- Criminals
- Weapons
- Detectives
- Sleazy areas
- Forthcoming Danger

Task 2.1: Analyse Rom-Com opening

When it came to analysing a Rom-Com I decided to choose the little known Teenage Rom-Com 'Lovewrecked' directed by Randall Kleiser and starring Amanda Bynes and Chris Carmack. Even the title of the movie relates directly to the theme of romane, hence 'love' (the 'wrecked' depicted to be the fact that the lead characters become trapped upon a 'deserted' island.

Mise En Scene:

Our film begins with the typical aspects of a female aimed romantic comedy, the colour scheme being that of pinks, purples and blues. From this is are introduced to what is apptly titled 'Jenny's Scrapbook' (Jenny Taylor being portrayed by Amanda Bynes) displaying various items of memorabilia which is expected of a female teenage fan; it is also evident that the object of the female's (Jennys) affection is that of rock star Jason Masters. Throughout the virtual scrapbook concert tickets, CDs and general music memorabilia can be seen along with photographs of the lead protagonist herself. Even the captions are written in colourful bubble lettering, lightheartedly silouhetted with white.

 We are then transported inside a grand concert hall, which is compacted with thousands of excitable and cheering fans. As it would have most likely been filmed on a set artificial lighting is evidently used with strobe lights and disco lights being flashed around the room. Instantly we are shown the rock musician on the stage, which can then be recognised as Jason Masters brandishing an electric guitar, the film's key love interest. Wearing an open shirt and vest top, with blonde teased hair and a defiant stage presense Jason is a typical teenage heartthrob. Next, the camera introduces our main protagonist inside the crowd of masses of people. Seemingly ecstatic the young female leaps and screams, completely the opposite attitude to the bemused male sat beside her (best friend Ryan, portrayed by Jonathan Bennett). Jenny Taylor, wears casual white and pink clothing, with her shirt embarking a 'Jason Masters' logo. Later on, we are introduced to the female love rival who is known as Alexis (played by Jamie-Lee Sigler) who expresses a bitter and arrogant attitude especially towards that of her enemy Jenny; Alexis being dressed in a white flowing dress embraces her upper class background.

Soon after, the character of Jason proceeds to romantically perform a passionate ballad, coming under a spotlight and exciting the crowd even further. It is during this that the excitable Jenny leaps in the crowd to surf towards the stage and her idol. However, a visibly irritated Alexis pushes her to the floor and makes it on stage her self, receiving Jason's shirt and being escorted away. The scene ends with Jenny sat angrily on the concert floor, comically covered in spilt drinks, a much disheartening (yet predicatable) failure. 

Camera Angles:
Kleiser uses a variety of camera angles during the opening sequence of 'Lovewrecked'. As the beginning of the film, opens with a virtual scrapbook Kleiser uses various zoom ins and quick horizontal tracking to highlight, our protagonist's collected memorabilia, concert tickets for example. Due to the animated scene then transforming into real life, we are then given an establishing shot of the large concert hall in which all of our main protagonists are located. A medium shot is given of Jason performing on stage, this shot could also be inferred as the audience's point of view. Our lead female protagonist is introduced through a high angle zoom, singling her and her male friend out from the ecstatic crowd. Several two shots are used of these two characters as both display disimilar attitudes; Jenny being entranced by the music, whilst her friend stands bemused and clearly uninterested.

Once Jenny's love rival enters the scene, it is shown with her point of view, as Alexis taunts her, so that the audience feel an immediate dislike for the character. As the band music builds up, diverse long shots of the band, the audience and the stadium are quickly used, creating for the audience too a sense of excitement. Next, a close up is used of Jason romantically playing his love ballad, as the room falls into silence listening it is almost as if it were a figment of Jenny's imagination. High angle shots are used during the characters crowd surf of both Alexis and Jenny as it signifies their rivalry between their race towards the stage. As Jenny draws closer forward tracking is used displaying the prospect of their meeting and the sheer exhileration of the situation. However as soon as Jenny hits the concert floor, high angle shots are used to show her futile effort of happiness.

Sound:

There are in fact very few sound effects in which I could make out in this scene. However, throughout the entire opening sequence similarly sang rock/pop music is played (sang by Jason Masters). During the virtual scrapbook opening the music is non-diegetic and could be said to be incidental as it is typical music of the teenage boyband genre. On the other hand, once we are transported into the live concert hall this music then becomes diegetic, as the band plays for the entire audience to hear. Ambient sound it also included with the screaming and cheering of the fans.

Editing:
Very little is evident when it comes to editing. The most obvious being that of the animated scrapbook, which in some ways is rather cartoonistic. As the first song played by the band comes to a dramatic climax the cuts quicken, between the crowd and the stage. Various match-on-actions are also used of the performers on stage. The quickness of the shots almost resembles the excitement around them.

 

Task 2.1: Analyse a Thriller title sequence- 'Se7en' by David Fincher

As I was absent during the time in which the class analysed the opening sequence to the thriller 'Red Dragon' (by Brett Ratner) I was given the chance to analyse instead the opening sequence to David Fincher's 'Se7en'



Mise En Scene:

The film itself is set within a large city, most likely to be that of New York. Our opening scene begins inside a small, quiet city apartment which is inhabited by one of our main protagonists (Detective William Somerset played by Morgan Freeman). Inside the apartment, artificial lighting is used to give the home a more realistic appearence. As well as this, Somerset is shown to be a rather withdrawn, organised character, living alone and keeping his items in an orderly fashion (props of a pocket watch, detective's badge and pen are used to show this). He is African American and in his late 50s. 
We are then transported into another apartment, this time with a darker, more cramped appearence, which is revealed to be the scene of a murder. Artificial lighting is used once again, as this would've been filmed in a built in set. Later on in this scene we are introduced to out second main protagonist, Detective David Mills (played by Brad Pitt) whose body language and appearence is polar opposite to that of Somerset's; Mills being a Caucasian male in his mid thirties.
Next the characters are shot down a typical street, (under natural lighting) and under close inspection hints at the character's personas can be noticed. For example, Somerset is wearing a smart grey suit, bowler hat and beige mac, indicating that he is an older and almost experienced detective. Whereas Mills is scruffily dressed in a white shirt, mismatched tie and leather jacket, implying that he is somewhat rebellious and inexperienced. Their body language also matches up to this, Somerset being a calm and almost shy character, and Mills being loud, aggressive and very arrogant.
As we once again return to Somerset's apartment (the bedroom to be precise) the prop of a metronome is used as Somerset's loneliness and emotional detachment become evident.

(Left: David Mills portrayed by Brad Pitt. Right: William Somerset played by Morgan Freeman)

After we are introduced to the characters themselves the title sequence begins, which in itself indicates that the film's theme is a Thriller with elements of Horror. Various shots of turning book pages, horrific photography and sharp objects are used to shock the audience, contrasting to the earlier more relaxed shots of Mills and Somerset. An array of fonts are used during the credits all of which are harshly spiked and white, often the fonts jump and flash around the screen, depicting the Thriller genre once more.

Camera Angles:

Fincher uses a variety of camera angles in his opening sequence, the film itself beginning with a medium shot of Somerset in his city apartment, establishing the location and main protagonist. We then get a close up of Somerset's belongings indicating his organised attitude.
As we transport to the second apartment (one of which the murder has taken place) the scene opens with a high angle shot of the victim's dead body, showing the man's helplessness.
A two shot is used as the two main protagonists first meet, their visual and personal differences therefore become more obvious to the audience. The two shot is also filmed at a low angle therefore giving the men superiority.
Once again inside Somerset's apartment, shot-reverse-shots are used between Somerset himself and a ticking metronome. The camera seems to zoom into both of these shots, closer and closer until eventually the title scene begins.
The title sequence is shot as close up of various objects,occasionally there being a high angle shot as if it were the Point of View of the anonymous character.


(Screenshots of the title sequence)

Sound Effects:

During all of our scenes in our opening sequence Fincher uses Ambient sounds such as traffic, depicting that the location is within New York. Dialogue is used between various characters also, for example, Mills and Somerset's conversation in the street. Diegetic sound can also be heard with the metronome in which
Somerset uses in his bedroom.
The title sequence itself contains a non diegetic them tune, which is rather frightening music in itself; giving a scratched and distorted sound. As the close up shots quicken as does the tempo and frequency of the non diegetic sound, until it all finally comes to a close.

Editing:

The majority of the scenes in 'Se7en' use seamless editing so that the scenes flow. However, a cut is used to first sho the audience a glimpse of a dead body, mking it seem slightly more harsh. The title sequence, holds more evidence of editing than any other scene, using an assortment of techniques: for example, Dissolves are used between close ups, as is superimposition with certain shots; some shots have even been quickened and slowed down (slow motion) to compliment botht the sound and action.

Task 2.1: Analyse the opening of a horror sequence: The Grudge

For this task I selected the well-known horror film 'the Grudge' to analyse, as I felt that it displayed several aspects of a typical horror film. 'The Grudge' is a remake of the well known Japanese 'Ju-On' franchise and was directed by Takashi Shimizu.

Mise En Scene:

Our sequence begins in a location of a middle class seaside Japanese city, which typically is very crowded and full of roadworks (in natural lighting as it is filmed in a real location). Next we are taken onto the balcony of a city apartment, where stands a middle aged male dressed in grey casual sleepwear (Professor Peter Kirk played by Bill Pullman). The man shows a rather troubled expression as he gazes over the balcony and onto the urban landscape. Behind him a younger female lies in bed, dressed also in casual sleepwear; from her affectionate dialogue, she can be recognised as his partner (Maria Kirk portrayed by Rosa Blasi). As the male remains mute and somewhat disturbed, he then goes on to throw himself over the balcony and onto the crowded streets of Japan. Crowds gather round and whisper in shock at the apparent suicide which took place.

During the title sequence of 'the Grudge' typical aspects of a horror film can also be recognised easily, throught the use of only the colours black, white and red (red being the colour of blood). The background consists of black hairs which appear to be floating in red water (relating to the murder of the main antagonist as she is drowned and subsequently also has black hair). The black text also appears to float away like smoke, adding to the ghostly illusion.

 After the title sequence we are then transported to another crowded Japanese street scene, this time concentrating on a young Japanese female who is riding a bike. Once the female reaches her destination, the building resembles a stereotypically spooky house, with creeky gates and small wooden windows. When inside the house, artificial lighting is evidentally used and the interior of the building itself consists of muted, greys, creams, yellows and browns. Inside the seemingly unkempt living area sits an elderly caucasian female, who displays a muted and dazed attitude, obviously uncomfortable within her surroundings (the younger Japanese female is the revealed to be her carer). Later on in the scene, the Japanese female goes into an upstairs room, taking with her the house phone. And upon hearing unusual footsteps coming from the attic above, she cautiously investigates. In the dusty, cobweb filled attic, our female proceeds to use a lighter in aid of lighting the dark room. As the character peers around the room, unsuspectingly a frightening female ghost appears, attacking the young lady. The ghost is shown only quickly but her whitish blue features and long black hair are visible. Our scene concludes with the Japanese female's screams being heard and her struggling legs being lifted into the attic above.


Camera Angles:

Shimizu uses a variety of camera angles to compliment the spooky intentions of his typical horror film. Our film opening with a classic establishing shot of the Japanese sea scape, then zooming into the apartment balcony to reveal the crucial character who is Peter Kirk. Various shot-reverse-shots are used as his wife attempts to converse with him unsucessfully, leading onto a two-shot of the two. As Peter throws himself over the balcony a subjective point of view shot is used with quick forward tracking from the balcony and to the streets below, this in itself gives the audience an almost adrenaline rush. This scene concludes with a high angle shot of Peter's lifeless body sprawled in the street.


A long shot then introduces us into the next section as the female character draws closer on her bicycle. Inside the house various cose ups are used to show the confusion of the elderly female character who is in an obviously bad mental state. Later on, as the female proceeds into the upstairs room a tilt is used whilst the female looks up at the ceiling (footsteps can be heard). When the female is stood within the attic a medium shot is used as half of her body is inside the room itself, horizontal tracking is also used whilst the female surveys the room. An extreme close up is then used on the ghost's face to give the audience a shock, due to the sheer speed of the revelation. This scene concludes with vertical tracking of the female's legs being lifted into the attic.


Sound:


Throughout the opening sequence of 'The Grudge' eery incidental music is used, particularly that on the piano, in an almost echoey fashion. As the film begins in a crowded harbour town, ambient sounds of seagulls, water ripples and roadworks are used denoting the location. Dialogue is sparsely used due to the silence of the key male character. Also, the non diegetic incidental music appears to lower in frequency after the suicide, as the silence adds to the tension. During the title sequence, whispers appear to louden in frequency and tempo, along with the faint orchestral piano music. Japnese dialogue is also apparent as the female carer speaks on the phone. As the audience are shown the ghost also, the non diegetic music appears to slow and quieten up until the female characters legs are shown struggling (the music then climaxes).


Editing:

There is very little editing which is evident to the audience as the majority of it flows with seamless edits. However, fade in and outs are used at the beginning and end of crucial scenes, the suicide for example. A slight dissolve is also used too, as the female carer cleans around the house and enters the upstairs bedroom. Cuts seem almost slow and methodical during the attic scene, most likely to prolong the tension held within the situation.

Task 2.1 Comparing and contrasting the opening of two romantic comedies

In this excercise we were shown two different rom-com film openings. We were first shown 'How to lose a guy in ten days' directed by Donald Petrie and starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughy; later we viewed 'Just like Heaven' directed by Mark Waters and starring Reece Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo.


Similarities of films:
- Both films have replaced the studio logo's theme with non-diegetic music, which is stereotypically feminine, pop music.
- The lettering of the title and cast credits are pink/ purple and also have rounded, soft shapes.
-Both films are set within large, busy American cities; 'How to lose a guy in ten days' being set in New York and 'Just like Heaven' located in San Francisco.
- The female main protagonists appear to be stereotypically blonde bimbos, however both characters are shown to be very intelligent. In 'How to lose a guy in ten days' Andie (Kate Hudson) is a journalist who works for female magazine 'Composure'. Nontheless she thrives in writing political and hard hitting reports. On the other hand, Elizabeth (Reece Witherspoon) is a doctor, portrayed as being considerate and hard-working, the job itself proves how much of an intelligent female she is.
- Both female protagonists have aspirational careers.
- Also both females leads are single and career motivated.
- Not only do the female protagonists connect, but the male protagonists also share similar attributes. For example, neither male lead, fits into the conformity of society. In 'How to lose a guy in ten days' Benjamin (played by Matthew McConaughey) makes his initial entrance on a motorbike and wearing a leather jacket, therefore giving off a 'badboy' image. David (Mark Ruffalo) in 'Just like Heaven' shows himself to be incredibly lazy, constantly drinking beer and eating Chinese food, rarely going out of the house too.

Metz Theory

In 1974 Christian Metz wrote the book 'Language and Cinema' which looked at the evolution of film genres. With this he suggested four genre stages:

1) The Experimental
2) The Classic
3) The Parody
4) The Deconstruction


(Christian Metz)


The experimental stage was the phase of early films which explored and experimented with horror films in its narratives.



The classic stage was the phase of films which established the narrative convention of the horror genre, it was it's most successful and defining period.



The parody phase of films mimic the horror genre in some comical way.



Finally, deconstruction films take elements of the horror genre and amalgatmate them into a verying sub genre.

Preliminary Task