In what ways does the media product use,
develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Continuity
and Editing
180
degree line
The 180 degree line of action is
an imaginary line between two characters whereby the camera must be kept one
side of that line, the line of action allows things such as the shot reverse
shot take place as separate shots of each character are needed in order to have
film continuity and in a sense make the scene flow and makes sense. During this
the filming will only take place in a 180 degree angle with it only being
broken in some films for artistic reasons. However, our film logically tends to
follow the 180 degree line so that the audience is aware of who is where , who
the conversation may be between, or which direction a character is going in.
Shot reverse shot
Shot reverse shot is a continuity editing technique used in things such as conversations between characters , the camera shoots in one direction and then another direction, during this the camera will get closer and take separate shots in order to see the characters expressions and understand how the characters are feeling during the scene. We often used shot reverse shot as a technique for establishing a conversation between two persons. This allowed the audience to understand who the conversation was between, 'Tony' and 'Ms. Novinscak' or 'Tony' and 'Daniel', and how the characters felt in the current situation. For example it was evident in the meeting scene that 'Tony' was being scolded and felt as if he'd let his boss down, due to the use of expressions and tone of voice included in the work of the shot reverse shot itself. Another scene with shot reverse shot was during the fight scene, whereby 'Tony' and 'Daniel' were struggling over the briefcase, the shot reverse shot was used to create a fast pace and establish the two characters were indeed struggling and essentially arguing. A number of thrillers and films of most genres use shot reverse shot.
Hunger Games Shot Reverse Shot
Match on action
Match on action is an editing technique used in films, to keep continuity, in which an action is started in one shot and continued onto the next. Match on action helps to create a continuous sense of action rather than portraying two different things. Most films use this technique so that continuity isn't broken and the flow of the film is smooth. Match on action within thrillers is used to create suspense, keep the audience engaged and as a tool to speed up the pace of the scene. Within our film we used match on action in one main instance. This was during the fight scene whereby 'Daniel' swung the briefcase over his head in one shot and was continued on to another shot, shown to have hit 'Tony'. In this case match on action was specifically used as a tool for creating a fast pace and keeping the audience engaged with the scene as well as establishing importance of the briefcase.
Elliptical editing is whereby irrelevant shots are taken out to show a passage of time or to speed up to process of the journey. We often used elliptical editing within our film to increase the pace of the film. Furthermore, taking out unnecessary parts helps keep the attention of the audience. In order to keep the thriller aspect constant, only scenes which are necessary to the plotline and scenes that are 'thrilling' are used.
Batman Begins - Elliptical Editing
Point of View Shot
A point of view shot is a shot that shows what the character is looking at, hence their 'point of view'. The main purpose of using point of view shots in our short film was to establish the importance of the character's viewpoint alongside the importance of what the character was looking at. In this case, the view of the briefcase is in sight which re- establishes its significance throughout the film.
Genre
Conventions
Point of View Shot
A point of view shot is a shot that shows what the character is looking at, hence their 'point of view'. The main purpose of using point of view shots in our short film was to establish the importance of the character's viewpoint alongside the importance of what the character was looking at. In this case, the view of the briefcase is in sight which re- establishes its significance throughout the film.
Setting
Settings
within thriller films can be very broad, any location can easily become a
setting from a particular scene. Within our film we used various locations, to
name a few we filmed within Parks, Forests, supermarket car parks and inside
buildings. One of the main features of our film however which relates the most
to the thriller genre is scenes based in forests/woods. Within this type of
setting the use of the surroundings creates a more isolated and mysterious
atmosphere. Often sites for forests/woods are abandoned and the whereabouts
cannot be established easily. This helps create suspense and once again mystery
for the viewer. We made us of this during the fight scene to build tension. Furthermore,
thriller films, more than not, use everyday places such as parks and houses
giving a sense of normality, making the scenes and characters more relatable
and establishing a greater emotional connection to the story and the
characters, therefore creating a better reaction. This is evident throughout our
scenes within a shed located in the 'Daniels' back garden, the car park of ASDA
and B&Q, and the beginning scene where the two main characters first meet
in a park.
Costume
Most
thrillers films, and films in general, have specific costumes to help establish
the roles the characters play and the importance they hold. We decided to dress
'Tony' in a shirt and tie to suggest he has great significance and has a role
that is higher up. A shirt and tie can be very open to interpretation, further
increase the sense of mystery, a recurring theme throughout our film.
Furthermore, the character 'Daniel' is dressed in casual sportswear and cap to
show the audience he is relatable, however the cap somewhat masking his
identity making it difficult to figure out whether is the antagonist or protagonist. Finally, the
character 'Ms. Novinscak' is simply shown wearing an all black turtleneck. This
helps keep the focus on her when shown in scenes as well as reflecting a role
of importance as people dressed in all black during thriller films often work
for crime syndicates. Overall the
costumes were strategically chosen to help reflect character personalities as
well as leaving room for interpretation from the viewer.
Pulp Fiction 'Suits' Costumes
Music
Music from our film is classed
as non Diegetic Sound - This is sounds that wouldn’t normally
be heard naturally within that shot (the characters can't hear it)
e.g. music, soundtrack and voiceover. Often thrillers have specific
genres of music to increase the ‘thrill factor’ for the audience. This involves
intense and fast paced action music such as rock within chase scenes or fight
scenes. Sometimes fast paced orchestral music is used as well to build tension.
These factors we took into consideration during the production of our film as
many scenes are fast paced and intended to build tension therefore we tended to
aim for the rock genre as well as using classic orchestral action music. This
helped us create an overall feel/atmosphere for the film allowing the audience
recognise the genre and therefore recognise the emotions intended to be felt. An
example of a thriller (and action) film which often made use of rock music is
the Korean film Fabricated City. They took advantage of the music in
intensifying scenes and creating a more edge of the seat experience, much like
our own film.
Iconography
A recurring focus of our film was the briefcase. The briefcase was the main constant factor throughout the whole film which portrayed its importance and helped increase the mystery as it remained unopened, until the end, and frequently used as a prop connecting all 3 characters. As the briefcase was important to our plotline, it played a significant role in establishing the thriller genre, as its purpose was to produce a sense of mystery and suspense. Somewhat similarly in Pulp Fiction, the audience questions what is inside the briefcase creating a greater thrill factor. However, Pulp Fiction allows the viewer to think of their own ideas as to what could be inside, whereas in our film, although doing this throughout, eventually the mystery is broken. This creates both somewhat satisfaction, from finally knowing what’s inside, and disappointment, from knowing that what is inside is actually insignificant.
A recurring focus of our film was the briefcase. The briefcase was the main constant factor throughout the whole film which portrayed its importance and helped increase the mystery as it remained unopened, until the end, and frequently used as a prop connecting all 3 characters. As the briefcase was important to our plotline, it played a significant role in establishing the thriller genre, as its purpose was to produce a sense of mystery and suspense. Somewhat similarly in Pulp Fiction, the audience questions what is inside the briefcase creating a greater thrill factor. However, Pulp Fiction allows the viewer to think of their own ideas as to what could be inside, whereas in our film, although doing this throughout, eventually the mystery is broken. This creates both somewhat satisfaction, from finally knowing what’s inside, and disappointment, from knowing that what is inside is actually insignificant.
Pulp Fiction - Briefcase
Audience Pleasure - Richard Dyer's Theory of Entertainment
Intensity
& Energy
Our film tended to fit into two main categories based on Richard Dyer's theory of entertainment. The first being intensity, which is whereby the audience feels that life is exciting, for example, when watching an action film it can offer audiences a sense of intensity. Secondly, energy, which gives off the illusion that you are energetic, for example, watching characters during chase scenes or fight scenes offers audience a sense of energy they may be missing from their lives. Within our film we used a chase scene at the beginning, not only give off a first feel for the film, but to exudes both energy and intensity for the audiences pleasure. As well as that, we used the fight scene at the end to hold a similar role. The plot of the film essentially revolves around a race against time creating a feeling of excitement and eagerness. The film therefore helps relieve viewers of repressed feelings and allows them to essentially gain an adrenaline rush without actually using any of their energy. The characters help play out audience fantasies and allow them the satisfaction of being involved in a life that is more exciting than their everyday lives.
Our film tended to fit into two main categories based on Richard Dyer's theory of entertainment. The first being intensity, which is whereby the audience feels that life is exciting, for example, when watching an action film it can offer audiences a sense of intensity. Secondly, energy, which gives off the illusion that you are energetic, for example, watching characters during chase scenes or fight scenes offers audience a sense of energy they may be missing from their lives. Within our film we used a chase scene at the beginning, not only give off a first feel for the film, but to exudes both energy and intensity for the audiences pleasure. As well as that, we used the fight scene at the end to hold a similar role. The plot of the film essentially revolves around a race against time creating a feeling of excitement and eagerness. The film therefore helps relieve viewers of repressed feelings and allows them to essentially gain an adrenaline rush without actually using any of their energy. The characters help play out audience fantasies and allow them the satisfaction of being involved in a life that is more exciting than their everyday lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment