Wednesday 29 April 2015

Merlin Clip Analysis

Mise en Scene 
At the very beginning of the clip we can see that Merlin is of less class from the clothes he is wearing. A shabby scarf and his hand-me-down shirt. He is moving suspiciously and keeps checking the door to see if anyone is coming because he is looking through someone else's possessions. It is especially bad as they are possessions belonging to someone of a higher class than him. the next character we see is a beautiful looking young woman, in a purple silk dress. The audience can safely assume that this character is of importance and high class and almost certainly rich. We get confirmation of the statuses' of the two characters when the woman says "What are you doing in here?!". This indicates to the audience that the boy isn't allowed in there. further confirmation of the boy's poor social status is when the King's son starts to mock him publically. Anyone of near importance to himself he would speak politely to and would never say anything derogatory towards them. The audience also recognize that the person mocking Merlin is of significant importance. This is done through the silver armour he is wearing and his posse of men stood behind him. The fact that this character and his posse start to laugh at him when Merlin tries to retaliate shows that they see him as no kind of threat and it is actually funny that they have got a reaction out of him.

Editing
The only apparent signs of editing used by the director purposely for the audience to see are at two key points of the clip. One is the fast-paced transition from when the Woman sees the elderly character as her reflection in the mirror. This is designed to make the audience feel the same startling feeling the character does when she sees the reflection. the second obvious use of editing is used when Merlin uses his powers to defend himself against the prince. Again the transition from his eyes to the weapon being caught is fast paced but is used differently. the fast editing is because it is done in the middle of the action and so the audience are already excited and wanting to see what happens next. it is also because Merlin does not want anyone to know he has magical powers as it was illegal to partake in witchcraft and was punishable by death. The res of the clip uses continual editing to make the events flow naturally.

Sound 
At the beginning we hear very lo, slow music used to build tension as Merlin searches through the princesses' bedroom. This adds to the tension as the audience know he'll be in trouble if he is caught. The non-dietetic whispers we hear when he picks up the voodoo doll also add tension but emphasize the mystery and suspicion behind why she would have it in her room. when the princess is seen, angelic voices can be heard, this is a clever technique used as it portrays her as the beautiful, innocent princess when actually she is the binary opposite; a witch. The fast paced music accompanies the fight between the Prince and Merlin to keep the audience on the edge of their seats and excited in anticipation of what may happen in the next few moments.

Wednesday 19 November 2014

'Kill List' Research


Warp X 
Warp X is a British film production company, sister to Warp Films based in Sheffield, UK with further offices in Nottingham and London. The company was founded in 2005 and produces feature films. Warp X was founded in 2005 and produces feature films. It is a digital film studio that produces feature films in the UK with budgets usually between £400,000 and £800,000. The studio serves as a format for new film directors to create movies for the first time on a lower budget scale with less expectation for high box office revenues on their initial feature foray.
Film 4 Productions
Film 4 Productions is a British film production company owned by Channel Four Television Corporation. The company has been responsible for backing a large number of films made in the United Kingdom.
UK theatrical release poster
Directed byBen Wheatley
Produced byClaire Jones
Andy Starke
Written byBen Wheatley
Amy Jump
StarringNeil Maskell
Michael Smiley
MyAnna Buring
Emma Fryer
Music byJim Williams
CinematographyLaurie Rose
Edited byBen Wheatley
Robin Hill
Amy Jump
Production
company
Distributed byOptimum Releasing (UK)
IFC Midnight (US)
Release dates
Running time95 minutes[2]
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$800,000[3]
Box office$462,206[3]

Sunday 16 November 2014

Textual Analysis - Downton Abbey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscFlwFNB6I

Camera Shots
The clip begins with a 'pan' of somebody cycling towards the country estate. This 'pan' ends with the cyclist going towards the house with the estate in the background; from this the audience is able to et a good sense of scale from the character and the huge mansion. We are then shown another 'pan' shot of a woman walking from her bed to her window; where we are re-introduced to the cyclist. A 'POV' shot is then used to show the audience the view from the opposite end of the table, from here we get a clear view of all of the servants. This is good as it is the first time we are shown them and the viewer is able to get a good overview of the scene. As each different character talks, 'over the shoulder' shots are used from different seats at the table to enable the audience a first-hand view of the dialogue. The next significant shot we are shown is a low angle shot. This shot is used in order to show a sense of power and dominance one character possesses over another. In this case; it is the servant and Mr. Carson. Another camera shot that is used is a 'tracking' shot of the Lord walking down the stairs. This camera shot enables the audience to follow the movement of the character whilst maintaining fluidity on screen.
Sound 
At the beginning of the clip we hear the music playing in the background. It is music that fits the time-setting and helps set the scene from the very start. As the clip continues into the characters bedroom, the music is lowered slightly and we are able to hear the crackling of the fire opposite her bed. As she approaches the window, the crackling is faded out and the music continues to be played under the sound of the bicycle on the gravel on the porch of the house. The soundtrack is played through to the next scene where the viewer can now hear the 'clings' and 'chimes' of the breakfast apparatus as the servants continue to eat. The continuous sound and noise hear is representative of the non-stop lifestyle the servants live; confirmed by the remark "No rest for the wicked".
Mise En Scene
The whole clip is representative of two classes, the upper and lower. From the speech used and clothes worn the audience is easily able to distinguish the two sets of characters. let alone the fact they each have their own separate living quarters. Something that both classes have in common is their respective dress. The servants with drab and old work clothes and the upper class men in sharp suits with the woman in big and beautiful gowns. The speech of the two character types is also telling. The servants who are more prone to slang and improper language whereas the upper class rarely use slang if ever, using perfect etiquette at all times.
Editing
The editing in Downton Abbey is interesting. The servants quarters of the house are very dull and drab whereas the wealthy side of the house is vibrant with silks and colour. Scenes involving the servants are very fast paced to convey the idea that they don't get a moments rest and are always on their feet. However, when the wealthy are on screen the scenes and camera shots are very slow, suggesting they are able to take all the time they want to do whatever they like.

Monday 10 November 2014

Mise En Scene - American Beauty


Lighting 
The lighting in this scene shows that the girl is the center of attention. We can see this because she is illuminated by a spotlight fixed solely on her whilst her parents are in the darkness. The fact that the parents are in the darkness con notates their isolation and distance both physically and emotionally from the girl.

Body language 
The father seems to be trying to engage with the girl as he is leaning forward and looks as if he is talking. From the daughter's facial expression we can assume that whatever he is saying isn't pleasing her as she looks angry and annoyed. The mother's facial expression suggests that the father is discussing something he shouldn't which angers her. The mother's straight back and stern posture suggest that she is on edge and awkward.

Framing 
The framing of this scene tell the audience alot about the relationships between the characters. The parents are both right on edge of the screen which conatates their relationship with their daughter; they are unaware of her life and uninvolved. It could also be linked to their feelings towards their daughter. They feel on edge all the time as to avoid upsetting her.

Walt Disney Pictures Infogram