Sexuality Represented through Sound

In this lesson I learnt, more about sound with some key words and phrases  to explain the back-ground music and the music on screen in more detail in our essay, to once again, gain more marks on technical language. We also looked upon sexuality and how the director represented this in the series.

My Progress

What Have I Learnt in the First Half-Term in Media?
I learnt many things in media examples include the following:
team work
understanding more vocabulary by making notes in lessons and researching words I wasn't sure about in a book called "Media Studies - Applied"
My Strengths Through the Course!
I was organised and managed my time wisely with my other subject, as I got all the work done by the deadlines, by making To Do lists
I am punctual to lessons and my attendance level is high, I have only missed one lesson as I went on a geography trip, but I caught up with the work, which also shows my maturity, because even though I wasn't in for three days, I still stayed on top of the work load.
My Weaknesses Through the Course!
Punctuation, is a big problem throughout my essays and posts on the blog.
I struggle to understand the following concepts - Indexical, Symbolic and Iconic, so I will ask my teacher to recap over them, as I've already asked my group, but they don't know either. Therefore once I am confiedent about the meanings of the words I will tell them.
Targets to improve
I need to start proof reading my work aloud, so I can able the reader to breath in sentences by using commas and not writing capital letters in the middle of my sentances.
to revise over words that I struggle with by asking a teacher as my group doesn't understand.
Overall progress!
I think I have made a good start to the course over the past six weeks, and I hope the efficencey of my progress contines for the rest of my A-levels

Scince I wrote the above I asked; Mr Ford about the words I didn't understand and so he explained the words to me again. I found that I understood what they meant but just got a bit mixed up. I have now acknowledged that indexical is what we associate things with for example a saber-tooths roar is indexical as the audience understands that a tiger like animal is coming. Also symbolic is something that has a sign like a colour picture or letter therefore a collection of signs signify something for example a skull and cross bone - this could be interpreted differently according to the viewers cultural background as some people could think it would mean toxic and others pirates. Lastly iconic is something or someone that is referred to a genre e.g. a prop setting or actor.

Doctor Who - Editing



In this lesson I learnt about editing, but in more detail, because I learnt that we can get more marks talking about editing than camera angles, as it is more interesting. We reviewed a scene from doctor who and analysed the connotations from the edited aspects of the clip.

We got into groups and wrote a paragraph on the camera shot we were given and told to link it to the representation of gender. we then moved around the room evaluating other peoples paragraphs with the post-it notes.

Firstly we individuality wrote notes about the editing and sound from the Dr who extract above.

We were then put into groups to make up a paragraphs about how the sound and editing used in the extract we watched and how it represented gender. This helped us see other peoples writing skills and; and then add to our own ideas.

Next we evaluated the other groups paragraphs as sir put a photo of them on the projector the following criticisms came up:

Ensure that you open paragraphs with a clear point, referring back to the area of representation that you have been asked to write about 

Avoid run on sentences - clear grammar and punctuation adds to the clarity of your analysis 

Avoid description; ensure that there is evidence of technical analysis in every sentence 

Use key terms frequently and accurately 

Make sure you know the difference between 'dentotation' and 'connotation' 

Try to make links between the different technical features. This demonstrates a deeper level of understanding. 

Notes Evaluation on Jane Eyre

In this lesson we watched the opening of Jane Eyre and I learnt a large amount of information about connotations of camera angles, editing, and mise-en-scene. For example, the director edited the film through cross cutting;  I learnt that a diegsis is a dream of fantasy of a character in this case Jane Eyre as it is from her point of view. Also he uses rapid cuts to quicken the pace and build tension. 

I then learnt about sound and the positioning of the characters on the screen though the camera. I learnt that usually the protagonist has the most screen time.

Main Task

The titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes. All video and audio material must be original, produced by the candidate(s), with the exception of music or audio effects from a copyright-free source.

This is a link to the mark sceme for our thriller opening we will be making this is what the reasearch is for~:

http://learning.chalfonts.bucks.sch.uk/file.php?file=%2F278%2FAS_Portfolio_Mark_Scheme.pdf

Therefore, this is what the my group have been doing; research which will be used for directing our own thriller opening, for  our course-work. However,our exam will be based on reviewing a clip of a film or series.

In this lesson we learned what words are best to use and those that shouldn't to make our essays the best that they could be. For example it is better to use words like connote or denote, instead of suggests, because we will pick up 10 marks in the exam if we use technical language correctly, in the relevant context.

Groups Research

Below is what parts of research the group assigned each other:
Connor- Survey
Scott- Certificates 15 and 18
Victoria - Louise- Thriller itself and Sub-genres
Loua-Thriller Genres and Hybrids
Evaluation

Loua's research is really good, as it is very detailed. However, the detail shown is mostly about sub genres which isn't what her task is,  so she may have missed the point a bit, as she was supposed to write more about Hybrids, but the part about genres was great. Also, the spelling and gamma was used correctly.

In my opinion, Scott's research is very detailed for the certificate of 15 but could elaborate for the certificate 18 section. Spelling and grammar is all correct, it is all to the point and easy to understand. Overall, good effort.

Survey

I think that there are a variety of questions in Connors questionnaire however they are to specific and could sometimes refer to put an "other" box to tick with a dotted line so the person has the choice to show something that suits them better.

Also I think in the survey there should be a question about what thriller sub-genre they prefer so we get an idea of our target market.

Some questions may not be relevant for example "who do you watch thriller films with?"
People probably think that thrillers are both slow paced and fast paced as the anticipation is built through long pauses and then quick cuts, fight scenes and chasing scenes create anti-climaxes.

These are the results for the survey, that say our target audience is 16 plus, they prefer 18 rated films, but don't see that many films a month which means our results could be slightly unreliable, as they aren't as experienced at watching films of this rating certificate. However, Connors research is great as it looks like he has done a lot of work and spent a load of time over it.

Connor's Thriller Reviews

Evaluation!

This is what I learnt from Connors research I may have changed a few things because my opinion is slightly different also I have changed the spellings as there were a few mistakes. Also he kept to putting lighting under camera angles instead of mise-en-scene.

Fight Club
Camera Angles ~ Minimal long shots coveys the director wanted to show importance and detail by using mainly close ups and pans e.g. the film starts by zooming out of the barrel of a gun which is positioned in the narrators/protagonists mouth. The camera follows the bullet to show that it is from the shooters point of view who creates tension, as the viewer never realizes who the shooter is because the camera doesn't reveal his face as he or she is above frame which also builds suspense. Once the scene transition back in time, the viewer acknowledges that the male protagonist is of lower status as he is positioned in a lower frame than the other characters therefore he is of less importance.

The editing conveys that the structure of the film starts at the end because scene one ends and we go back in time to the beginning for the narrative. There is a good pace between cuts so the audience can absorb the information the film is giving them.

Mise-en-Scene~ the lighting is quite dark which builds suspense and creates tension as it connotes isolation which is how the male protagonist is probably feeling; isolated  The gun is a prop which connotes power because a gun is a weapon sand so is indexical to war because war refers to politics. The two scenes juxtapose each other because after the flash-back it confuses the audience as he was running quite a normal life in the setting of an office and it intrigues the audience to how he ended up where he was at the end of the film.

Sound~ The non diegetic background sound was an electric which had a face pace connoting lots of action and suspense building and a hollow that reinforces the tension because of the isolation  There is limited diegetic sounds at the very beginning, but then in the office phones ringing and faxes beeping.

The Prestige

Mise-en-scene ~ The lighting in the clip is quite bright which reinforces the reaction of the the two characters of happiness as their facial expressions convey them smiling which is juxtaposed considering they were just arguing. They were wearing top hats and suits connoting that the film has been set in the 1900's, this is reinforced through props of the lanterns and no cars.

Print Screen of Connors blog

Camera Angles~ A low angle shot establishes a character of a magician connotes that he is an important high status. The audience can see the male protagonist at eye level. There is a range of close ups so that the audience can gain detail of the facial expressions of the people having an argument. Next there is a zoom in camera movement of a huge apparatus as it zooms into the machine tension is built because the size connotes fear. The shot reverse shot of the to people shows their reaction to the machine.

Sound - There is a diegetic sound of birds twittering which makes the pace quite slow because of the low volume and unhurried speed which is quite heart warming. However this is juxtaposed by the unnerving non diegetic violin which is very high pitched creates suspense  which is reinforced as the volume of the diegetic electric brace progressively increases.

No Country for Old Man 
The first shot was a minute and a half of an establishing long shot of the sunrise in a desert so the audience could acknowledge the setting was most probably rural Texas. Then there is a close up of the front of a police care connoting that this is probably a crime thriller. Next there is a long shot of a desert road emphasis how big the journey ahead is and how alone and isolated he is which ids reinforced as there is a slow paced pan at eye level, mid shot of a police officer,leading to the next camera angle of a high-shot as the policeman being strangled by the isolated man, who is facing the camera which conveys who the villain is and who is in control; of a higher status through strength guy looking because he looks bigger and stronger, to the audience from this position of the camera. A range of close ups for example the villain washing his hands in a sink, while the hand cuffs dig into the villains skin and makes his wrists bleed it unnerved the viewer’s because he does this at a slow pace his reaction calm and relaxed – Juxtaposing situation and reaction

Mise-en-Scene:
Prop police car, connotes enforcement of law
Policeman taking a man to the back of the car and putting him in, signifies a bad guy
The gas canister which the policeman talked about to another officer on the phone.
Uniform of the law enforcement, looks like rural Texas.

Shoe marks from where the officer has been struggling to break free from the bad guy.
Hands cuffs on the villain, develops idea captivity but is juxtaposed by the fact he can strangle the police officer freely without emotion; as facial expression strangled man scrunched up, is juxtaposed by the villain blank face on, just the expression of strength being used
Limited variation of lighting, because the only time low-key was used, was in the police car when the bad guy was in, as the camera looked into the car, the back of the car was very low key, to emphasis evil from the villain.

Diegetic sounds include:
Wind blowing iconic to the beginning of thriller films
Bang of gas canister as that connotes its importance in the film.
Rusty old door opening and closing reinforces the iconic sound of thrillers
Footsteps running as he panics and tries to escape it increases to pace
Out of breath as the villain and the man wrestle it reinforces the pace
An exhale from the man connotes he’s dead

Evaluation of Scott's thriller openings

Introduction
I learnt many things in Scott’s thriller reviews and below is what I have learnt, while interpreting my own opinion into it:

Se7en
There are a large amount of extreme close-ups of camera angles, in the beginning of the film Se7en to convey detail of the twisted clips. The shot also shows viewer a hidden mysterious character that remains unidentified, but body parts of this figure are seen captivating the audience. The extreme close up of the word ‘God’ is shown to the viewer being cut out of a dollar bill connotes that the character is religious because god is indexical to the Christian faith. This is then reinforced throughout the film the use of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ as punishment and in the antagonist’s judgement of his victims.
The editing at the beginning of the film has a very rapid pace, because it has several dissolve transitions to connote an atmosphere of confusion. The director uses a special texture effect which gives the entire sequence a washed-out sepia-like tone. The general colour used connotes lack of emotions and feelings giving the connotations of a feel of apprehension, for the narratives dark subject matter. The credits flicked in and out unsettling the audience.

The non-diegetic background music used is a remix of Nine Inch Nails ‘Closer’. Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project which is associated with dark and gruesome imagery, because it reinforces the fast pace and, The music used is gritty and reflects the overall disturbing tone of the film. The non diegetic sound is very scratchy almost as the sound of a pen scratching against paper. This adds to the effect of unsettling feel.
Mise-en-scene- Also flashes of red appear which connotes danger as it is indexical to blood reinforcing the connotations in the opening sequence of se7en, lots of quick paced unsettling images are shown as each shot reveals dark icons and movements. This reinforces the unnerving emotions Props - The amount of pages of notes and a scruffy hand writing in ink connotes the male protagonist is a hard worker and his obsession in research. Film roll and scissors connotes the setting -man is in laboratory or basement which has connotations of a thriller doing work, this could give the impression that the character is dodgy and mysterious. Thread and needle- This emphasizes the precision and commitment this character has also the needle is shown in an extreme close up to emphasis pain and torture so the audience cannot see anything else. Notebooks and newspapers- This connotes that the character could be investigating crime scenes or is just fascinated by them, either way he is presented to be sinister.

The non-diegetic background music used is a remix of Nine Inch Nails ‘Closer’. Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project which is associated with dark and gruesome imagery, because it reinforces the fast pace and, The music used is gritty and reflects the overall disturbing tone of the film. The non diegetic sound is very scratchy almost as the sound of a pen scratching against paper. This adds to the effect of unsettling feel.
Mise-en-scene- Also flashes of red appear which connotes danger as it is indexical to blood reinforcing the connotations in the opening sequence of se7en, lots of quick paced unsettling images are shown as each shot reveals dark icons and movements. This reinforces the unnerving emotions Props - The amount of pages of notes and a scruffy hand writing in ink connotes the male protagonist is a hard worker and his obsession in research. Film roll and scissors connotes the setting -man is in laboratory or basement which has connotations of a thriller doing work, this could give the impression that the character is dodgy and mysterious. Thread and needle- This emphasizes the precision and commitment this character has also the needle is shown in an extreme close up to emphasis pain and torture so the audience cannot see anything else. Notebooks and newspapers- This connotes that the character could be investigating crime scenes or is just fascinated by them, either way he is presented to be sinister.

Memento

Mise-en-scene

One of the main props throughout the beginning is the Polaroid photo because by concentrating on the image for that amount of time it denotes that the picture and its contents of the dead man is very significant to the rest of the film. The image relates to the title of 'Memento' as photos are normally mementos of things that have happened to remember. The dead man is obviously one of the main characters in the film which is narrated, as well as the holder of the picture. The glasses (another key prop) are owned by the man who is dead, stands-out against the blood splattered tiles, in the setting of the photo, as this connotes intelligence and a naive innocence as well because it appears that the man was an innocent victim because he couldn't see without his glasses, when he was killed. This is juxtaposed with the young looking murderer, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) who looks exceptionally sad, suggesting that looks can be misleading.

Editing

The really distinguishing section of editing used in the beginning of the movie is that the structure is reversed as the director tells the viewers what happens at the end. Even though the beginning is rather short, the opening scene gives imperative information for the people watching. The beginning shows that Polaroid pictures are really significant to the rest of the film. It also makes the spectators pay attention when they next see another Polaroid further on in the movie. In addition, each cut is fast to give off a tense atmosphere; this could connote importance on the violence of the beginning with short, sharp and quick cuts.
Camera
Most of the beginning of Memento the camera angle is at extreme close up of a hand with a Polaroid picture of a man lying on the ground dead which is quite gruesome because of the blood covering the walls, the bullet, the glasses and the dead man’s head. This forms an intense closeness with the picture and the viewers as it controls the outlook of anything else making the audience’s attention completely on the photograph and the image in it. The reason the director used this shot was to show the stillness as it is extremely unsettling because of the detail of blood and a dead man. Therefore the audience can truly understand the murder because of the clarity and detail as extreme close up shots is used.

Sound

In the first scene the spectators are intrigued with a non-diegetic high pitched string tone that stops after the camera flashes. This tone builds up as more instruments join in, which produces a sense of anticipation throughout the beginning, this is an iconic sign of a thriller. The strings form an extreme melancholy atmosphere to the movie, which produces an unnerving comparison to the intense imagery seen in the scene. This could connote that the killer feels remorseful and guilty because of what he has done. The strings also get progressively high pitched increasing the feel of expectancy and accelerate the emotion as well. Diegetic sounds include the Polaroid being shaken, the camera noises, the bullet rattling across the floor, the grabbing of the gun and the man shouting “What?!”. These sounds are used collectively to generate a disturbing feel because of the growing climax during the opening. All of these diegetic sound stands-outs as the background music are contrasting. This makes the sounds clearer to the audience building tension. The constant sound of the Polaroid being moved is very frightening because it is so continuous. The scratching of the bullet is intimidating because of the high pitched screech produced as it goes across the floor. Lastly, the unexpected loud gun shot is shocking, because of the quiet background music at that time, it makes the audience jump, which is expected in thrillers.

Twelve Monkeys
Mise-en-scene:
The structure of the film is that it starts at the end. Setting in an airport which could connote panic and urgency rushing to travel. the gun in man’s hand connote danger fear and power because it is indexical to war because it’s a weapon and war is to do with politics. The costume could connote that the couple were going on a exotic warm holiday as were wearing Hawaiian themed clothing. The shot has a bright lighting which could connotes that the scene is a dream or diegesis. The mise-en-scene increases the sympathy and emotion as the man dying man puts his bloody hand on the woman’s face as she holds onto it. The boy had a different facial expression, as on one hand, before the boy seemed shocked and scared whereas in the final shot of the opening scene his face connoted he felt the same pain the woman did and looked at them with a slight give the impression of being confusion.

Camera- The director uses an extreme close up of a little boy’s face which only shows his eyes. Nolan does this to confirm the detail of the boy’s emotion in the eyes of fear and shock to the observers as if he has seen something dreadful. The boy’s eyes move around the location trying to understand the situation for a bit. This then fades white then into a slow motion clip of a man being shot in an air port trying to run away, this is a Point of View shot from the little boy’s perspective. Still in slow motion, the man falls to his knees dramatically this is in medium camera angle. The female protagonist emerges on screen which is also in slow motion running up to the man who is dying and sobs in grief the audience sympathies with her as it connotes that the female protagonist is the man’s partner. The slow motion is edited on afterwards and conveys the melancholy and emotion in the atmosphere. The camera then continues to shows the man fall to his knees slowly, making the audience empathizes with the character. This also makes the audience pay attention straight away because there is so much action at the very beginning. After that the angle of the camera moves back to a close up of the boy being held back gently with a hand on his shoulder, this signifies the innocence of the little boy. Next the camera returns to the point of view shot of the boy watching the woman grieve over the shot man. The camera slowly zooms into a close up shot of the woman’s face seeming distraught. Finally, the camera switches back to the boy with a close up of his face so the audience can see his reaction of sadness in detail.

Sound:
Opens with the diegetic sounds of a gun being fired shock to the viewer a woman screaming “No” dramatically. Most sounds fade out until the viewer can clearly hear the non-diegetic sound of a plane boarding time being called out on speakers re-enforcing that they are in an airport. here is also a non-diagetic sound of slow violin music playing over the top with no diegetic sounds despite the constant airport announcement playing in the background. This reinforces the level of emotion the director is trying to communicate in this opening shot.

Conclusion
I think that Scott's analysis is great because of the in depth detail!Also, there are no spelling mistakes as it was all correct. However it could be more to the point in some aspects e.g camera angles, and for the sound he needed to use more technical language e.g. Diegetic/nondiegetic, but great work and this will most definitely help our group create a thriller opening.

My Research

Thriller Itself
Connotations of thrillers should include the following:
Setting - haunted house, grave yard, attic, basement, forest ect - this is symbolic as well because these are scary settings which would creep out the audience. This would also be indexical because when you see these settings in a film you immediately think that its a thriller or horror.

Camera angles - icon high and low angles becuase the director wants to show who is of higher status. Also, another common movement for cameras in thrillers is tracking because the usually chase the protagonist form the point of view of the villan.

Music - non diegetic - fast pace, really quiet and then sharp loud and unexpected, tense, most common instruments would be strings e.g. high pitched violins.
diegetic sound - glass breaking, screams, howls, witches cackle- the sound and music is symbolic to the thriller genre.

Characters- vampires, monsters, evil scientist (Frankenstein), psychotic person (Moriarty). These are iconic characters of the genre of thriller.

The conventions of the thriller genre are to do with sound and editing for example quick cuts and camera angle changes, music that gives tension because the have a fast pace. Lighting, especially can be important because of the use of shadow. Mirrors are also iconic props of thriller movies.

The thriller Genre is a film, or television program that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the main components. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods giving them a high level of anticipation, increasing expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and or terror. Thrillers are known to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-paced, these are amplified by plot twists and cliffhangers. A thriller is a villain-driven plot, where he or she creates obstacles that the male or female protagonist must overcome.

The main intention of thrillers is to keep the audience alert and on the edge of their seats. The protagonist in these films is set against a problem – an escape, a mission, or a mystery. No matter what sub-genre a thriller film falls into, it will emphasize the danger that the protagonist by showing facial expressions through, mise-en-scene. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a very stressful climax, which is intensified through the use of non-diegetic music and sound. The cover-up of important information from the viewer, is common in the thriller sub-genre  because it produces mystery to the audience. However, each sub-genre has its own original characteristics examples are below.

Sub-genres

Action-Adventure Thriller -Treasure hunting, search for a lost archaeological site, the world's lost meteorite, a mystery lost to time. Examples include: Sahara by Clive Cussler, Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston

Disaster Thriller Any kind of disaster that can affect lots of people--a dam bursting, a natural hazard occurring because of global warming. Examples include Category Five by The Hurricane-Force Novel: Philip S. Donlay, Deep Fathom by James Rollins, Utopia by Lincoln Child,

Psychological thrillers - thrillers that play tricks on the mind as it is mentally related usually with social and emotional conflict between characters. Examples include The Silence of the Lambs by Jonathan Demme,
Memento by Christopher Nolan, Seven by David Fincher.

Historical Thriller- Thrillers set in the past, usually combined with other sub genres. This particular sub genre is quite uncommon. Example include Black Order by James Rollins, The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross

Medical Thriller Robin-, where modern medical technology that is supposed to help people is morphed into something deadly. Example include Deadly Errors by Allen Wyler, Crisis: Books by Robin Cook

Religious Thriller - Popularised by the blockbuster The Da Vinci Code, this sub genre uses the rich and long history of religion to build stories with high stakes and deadly politics. Example include Map of Bones by James Rollins, The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry, The Last Cato by Matilde Asensi.

Serial Killer Thriller -This is an extremely popular sub genre of thriller. In this sub genre a serial killer is terrorising a group of people with horrific violence. The detective's goal is to stop the killer before he takes his next victim. Example include The Skin Gods by Richard Montanari, The Narrows by Michael Connelly, Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb.

Techno Thriller - In techno-thrillers, the technology drives the plot on. Example include At Risk by Patricia Cornwell, America by Stephen Coonts, Dangerous Ground by Larry Bond.

Therefore, a sub-genre is a type of genre!

Stereotypes in prim-eval

In this lesson we also discussed how gender is Re-presented through media's in particular the film prim-eval. I learnt that some characters could be atypically male or female these are e.g. a strong capable female protagonist or a feminine weak male antagonist. And stereotypical e.g. the strong, heroic male protagonist or pretty little female protagonist.

In this lesson, we learnt how to divide a video clip, into four or five sections, as this is what we will do in the first viewing for the exam, so that in the other three viewings we can write notes on camera angles, mise-en-scene, sound, and editing about the sections I have devised. we were set the homework to write an essay about the Primeval using the sections as a guideline for paragraphing. I also learnt that this will add a structure to my essay writing. The page below shows that I tried to find the four sections and didn't succeed, which means it will take practice to find the sections, and the notes on sections four as the other three sections are above.

Discuss the Way in Which the Extract Contrasts Representation of Gender
In the opening clip of Primeval, the director Michael Katleman represents gender through a mid-long shot of the male protagonist we know he is this because of his unshaven face and clothing of a grey t-shirt and jeans which connotes masculinity and therefore a stereotypical male. Also the female protagonist is established from a long shot in a JCB (digger) which connotes that she is an atypical female because the digger is hard, strong and angular. Her masculinity is reinforced through her non-feminine short haircut and wearing of dark clothing e.g. black jacket and trousers. Another long shot is used to introduce a character of an atypical male antagonist; the audience acknowledges that he is atypical because he is wearing a red scarf, and a pink top which connotes femininity as there is a weakness of being cold and the colour pink is usually worn by women. His body language reinforces this when he is placing bate on the ground as he gently puts it on the floor by stretching his arms out to balance because he is afraid that he might fall.

As the clip continues the audience hears a non-diegetic roar of a Saber-tooth the camera pans left and right quite rapidly blurring the audience’s vision connoting panic which is from the male protagonist’s point of view this connotes he is scared and therefore atypically weak. This is reinforced when the high camera angle from the Saber-tooth’s point of view is looking down on the male protagonist in the ditch connoting the Saber-tooth’s strength and the man’s cowardice connoting that the animal has higher status because it was in charge. The grey of his top could now symbolise being trapped in a cage or in this case trapped by the Saber-tooth. The atypical representation is reinforced when the female protagonist saves the male protagonist from the Saber-tooth distracting it with the yellow digger as yellow symbolises courage it connotes that she is an atypical female protagonist because females are not supposed to be strong, heroic, be good at driving or have courage. The diegetic drumming strings and high pitched choral creates a dramatic suspense because of the danger connoted. Also the diegetic roar of the digger’s engine and the non-diegetic roar of the edited animated Saber-tooth are the same volume connoting they are at equal statuses, so they are just as dangerous as each other. There is evidence that this trend in roles of a weak male and strong female continues, which reinforces the atypical representation, because, even though the male protagonist distracts the Saber-tooth from the women and for a short while, has control through a bird’s eye view looking down on the Saber-tooth acting stereotypically heroic, using his belt as a zip wire. The female protagonist runs after them and scares of the Saber-tooth with a riffle which connotes power because it is indexical to war because it has weapons in it that are linked to politics which refers back to power. This emphases’ her masculinity because she runs which is quite active and has a riffle which is linked to the army where there are mostly male solders.

The clip develops more by a use of a long shot of four of the characters the weaker –atypical female and atypical male are marginalized whereas the strong stereotypical masculine male protagonists are positioned in the centre of the screen. This connotes the importance of the characters given their position on screen, job title and status. A new idea has also been created which is that there is a decline in equality for it is male dominated this is conveyed through the number of men in ratio to women; in this scene it is 4:1.Moreover, Referring back to her costume characters have to take on a masculine persona despite their gender if wanting a job in this profession e.g. fighting Saber-tooth’s.

The last part of the clip mainly represents males and females stereotypically, for example the mid shot of Jennie connotes she is a business woman as she wears make-up, has her long hair tied up, wears a long white coat, a black expensive looking dress and jewellery. Whereas, the over the shoulder shot of West conveys a stocky masculine working class farmer as connoted by his costume of a blue long sleeved top with a green body warmer over it and grey trousers, also the setting of the barn reinforces the connotation of his occupation. Furthermore, the fact that he owns dogs expresses his masculinity as they are Alsatians big and are usually used for guard dogs. However, the over the shoulder shot communicates to the audience that these two characters are still at the same level of status, even though that Jennie feels as though she is in control and higher than West. The diegetic dialogue that Jennie says threatens West and so he turns against her with a gun symbolising his power. This is reinforced in the low to high slow motion shot from Jennie’s point of view which makes the spectator’s sympathize with her as she is fragile, startled and feminine, because Jennie thought that she was in control. The tension is built further from the gun shots making the dogs bark and the base increase with volume. Suddenly, the diegetic dialogue from the male protagonist stops all other diegetic and non-diegetic sounds and action as he and female protagonist save the day both pointing guns at West connoting power over him stopping him shoot Jennie, the stereotypical female. Then there is a mid-long shot of the female protagonist, male protagonist and the atypical antagonist comes into the barn late and picks up a spade to defend himself connoting lack of power. Nevertheless, the atypical women is still further back than the male protagonist with the atypical man reinforcing the connotation of the decline of equality as people still do not expect her to be strong even though she proved herself at the beginning of the clip. One of the last shots is hand held as the male protagonist is brave enough to edge forward and grab the riffle connoting that he is still feeling on edge.

Gender and Re-presentation

In this lesson we were shown a digital image of a photograph of Kate Moss topless posing for the camera. Then the boys were asked what they thought of the photo for femininity and to write it on a piece of paper and the girls to do the same on another piece of paper. We were then asked what we thought the boys would say about the photo and the boys were asked the same about the girls. Both groups were surprised of what the other group said. This is because of stereotypes the media have Re-presented to us. For example pink is usually a feminine colour whereas blue is supposed to be a masculine colour, this is what we have learnt through our cultural background so where we are from which contributes to what media we see.

Next we were given this activity to decide what advertising was best to advertise to the different genders.

Lastly, I then learnt that the opposite to stereotypical  is atypical.

Loua's Thriller Openings!

Evaluation!

I think Loua's analysis was brief and to the point perhaps a bit too brief. However, the videos embedded were a brilliant idea but its a shame that "Silence of the lambs" doesn't work. Nevertheless I did learn a lot from from her opinion this is below, but I also put a few points about what I thought about the films as well.

Shutter (2004)

Mise en scene - Lighting In the backgrounds of credits photos are being developed in a dark  room so the lenses of the camera are red this connotes danger and blood. Even though the facial expressions are happy in the photos it adds a sense of eeriness as something is yet to happen.

Camera angles - The director uses mostly of close up canted angles on the photos being developed zooming in and out so the audience can see the characters of the film in detail, this is important because we know that a protagonist will be a photographer. The camera produces short flashes at each photograph. These flashes of photographs increase pace adding suspense.

Editing - The film is edited with some sharp cuts that creates a climax as they flicker across the screen increasing the suspense and other cuts that fade or ripple into each other which increases suspense. And in the credits the titles are over the clip the font is in white small capitals which really contrasts against the red dark background.

Sound – at the very beginning there is a piano playing very high eerie pitched notes but as this non diegetic music keeps going it turns into a high-pitched, and screechy sound that increases in speed, pitch and volume as the introduction continues. This reinforces the tension as intrigues the viewers to keep watching.

Panic Room

Camera:

Generally most of the camera angles are a bird’s eye view of New York City it establishes the setting and time of the film. The bird’s eye view also makes the cars and people seem really small from far away connoting that humans look weak and insecure. The camera also pans across skyscrapers; it shows the inactivity from above which makes the audience feel isolated to the "real world" as there is no movement inside the buildings.

Titles:

The film must have been edited so that it was three dimensional titles was probably computer animated over the clip so that they would stand out. The titles are grey, bold, thin and 3D as they stand high in the air strong between the sky-scrapers. The fact that they are grey could connote jail and cages because someone’s been trapped ect. When the title Panic Room comes up the non diegetic ticking starts which could connote panicking of time or height because of how high up the camera is.

Sound:

The non diegetic music used throughout the opening sequence is the main point of interest within this film because it tells the audience that it is an action thriller because it has a low slow base kind of hum which creates suspense. As the wide shot of the New York Skyscrapers are also used in Sex and the City the music creates a completely different atmosphere. This is reinforced when the ticking starts as the use of rising tempos throughout the scene add to this feeling of suspense, which is important because it gives the impression to the audience that something bad is going to happen. There is no Diegetic sound heard in the beginning of the film.

Mise-en-Scene:

The mise-en-scene denotes what normally happens on a day-to-day life in New York from above, which includes yellow cabs and business-dressed individuals. This also increases the anticipation because the people in shot are not aware of any danger the viewer knows this because of their body language and facial expressions are relaxed, however the audience is aware.

Silence of the lambs

Camera:

Due to the tracking of the woman through the forest, it shows the audience that she is the female atypical protagonist because it starts off with her. The fact that it is fast paced shows that This is shown through the fast paced tracking connoting that she is running fast, and this sport ordinarily connotes masculinity

It also pans across the forest at the beginning of the sequence which gives the impression of isolation. This pan shot also reinforces her atypical masculinity character because she is alone in the woods, which could connote the emotions of the female protagonist.

The low to high shot of the tree with signs, signify that the people looking up to them would be weak as they say “Hurt”, “agony”, “pain” and “Love it” this could connotes the setting of an training base for the FBI which is connoted through the hat.

As the clip continues the camera angles range of mid long shots of other characters and mid close ups of the girl reinforcing that she is the female protagonist.

Sound:

In the opening of the film, leading the audience up to a false sense of security as the music is only establishing the characters and setting with non-diegetic music that is soothing but there is also background sounds of people working physically for example her heavy breathing connoting she is running but also gun shots of people training and gates opening reinforcing the setting. There is also diegetic dialogue with a male antagonist, foot-steps and the lifts sound all on screen sounds.

Editing:
At the beginning, the shots are seen as fast paced because the editing is abrupt and jagged to match the speed of her running; however when she begins to slow down the editing does. However the lifts journey is cut short to speed things up a bit, and the cuts flow well with the music.

Mise-en-scene:
Clothing used within the scene introduces the main character effectively by showing that she is part of the FBI e.g. the male antagonists hat has the signs “FBI” this signifies that the characters are part of the police force in the government as it stands federal bureau of investigation. Body language is relaxed and facial expressions are normal which connotes all is fine at the beginning – equilibrium the traditional starting of a Hollywood studio film.

Notes On Binary Opposition

In this lesson I learnt about binary opposition and how one thing cannot exist without the opposite for example love and hate or hot and cold. I learnt that all people have different views and preferences as I prefer hot to cold and others prefer cold to hot and it all depends on what experiences we have had. Also people look at the meanings of words differently for instance strong can be interpreted in two different ways strong physically or strong taste. Therefore people wouldn't prefer to have a strong tea or strong curry but they would prefer to be strong so it depends on the way people look at it through interpretation as well.

For home work we were asked to find a media test where binary opposition was found on the right there is two adverts one for Camp America and the other for Get Australia which are for summer camps and both use binary opposition -
As you can see there are the words "Work & Play" audiences wouldn't know what work was without play and vise versa. In addition, there is "travels and arrivals" People wouldn't know what Arrival was without Travel and the other way round.





We were given this sheet to understand more about Binary Oppersition now I know that we intepret things differently because of our culture and beliefs these are called ideological ideas.



Thriller Opening 3

Film Title: Shutter Island Director: Martin Scorsese
	Technique	Effect (Analysis)
Camera – distance, angle, movement…	Long Establishing shot Long shot Over the shoulder shot Mid long shot Close up looking out the window Mid long shot Close up of sink as teddy uses the tape Close up point of view Mid long shot of teddy’s back to the camera Long shot–zoom in  pan right Mid Shot Teddy – new partner chuck Aule Long through shot- Reverse–mid Shot Teddy wired gate. Mid shot of both characters eye level on the right showing the sea in the back ground Mid shot Pan left ted and chuck SRS Pan right Close up of Teddy During the Flash back Eye level mid close up Ped Down Wife SRS Close up of record player wife Wife smiling close up SRS out of Flash Back sea water Wife smiling Close up on Teddy Mid close up of chuck and ted Pan left both pan right Mid close up eye to eye Long mid shot of detectives Long establishing shot zooms in Mid shot with the captain + detectives SRS Mid Close up of chuck and Ted Mid shot with the captain+ detectives Closer shot of the island still zooming in Crab left follows detectives and security guards Close up of Deputy Marshall badge Mid-shot of head security guard eye to eye level SRS detectives SRS of Detectives and other security guards Mid shot of ted chuck and the head security guard in the car	Establishes the setting of the boat in the middle of the ocean which is moving forward Establishes the Character Teddy Daniels and tells us of his personality sea sick or is it his phobia of water As he looks in the mirror the audience views the back of his head and his face Teddy Characteristics - trying to stop being sick Shows facial expression Mise-en-scene (1) in detail. Connotes that Teddy doesn’t want anyone to see him ill. Denotes Teddy’s action of washing his hands Teddy is supposedly looking in the mirror again so the audience views what he sees in the mirror instead of the reflection of the mirror again Connotes that Teddy doesn’t want anyone to see him ill. Follows Teddy coming out of the rest room puts his hat and coat on and goes towards the gate of the deck. Shows Teddy’s POV reaction of his new partner Mise-en-scene (2) facial expression the wired gate connotes caged trapped and locked up. Connotes they are both at equal levels in status even though Teddy is the boss he respects his new partner and shows the speed at which the boat is going They are having a conversation and the director wanted to show who was talking and when. Chuck asked him whether he was married and as his wife had died this was very personal to him Mise-en-scene (3) Facial expression as he remembers her His wife puts his tie on him–the closeness of the camera shot connotes how close they were. She’s on tip toes connotes how happy they were because the music must have been jolly but edited to be eerie Connotes the effect of water on the couple seems to separate the memory to reality predicts future possibility Mise-en-scene (4) facial expression Shows closeness of partners already More conversation realistic when you first meet someone As they arrive at the island POV what they and the viewers see next Viewers see the characters POV as the boat gets closer the camera gets closer Conversation with captain Viewers see the characters POV as the boat gets closer the camera gets closer The detectives are technically following the security guards POV Connotes authority and pride as he was holding the badge Same status even though Teddy has a badge conversation Tense as these security guards have rifles and there are so many security guards
Editing – speed, style…	Flash back Cross cutting Jump and cut good pace Chuck blurred Pace or speed on the boat is slow Cut out docking the boat and getting off it Pace speeds up once on the island	Makes the audience sympathise with Teddy because of his memory of his wife Makes conversations more realistic Focus on Teddy – male protagonist before flash back Traveling takes time and they needed to fit the conversation in To speed up the process of filming Work starts for the detectives
Sound – effects, musical score…	Non Diegetic sound Diegetic sea water, chains, dialogue	To create Tension and suspense and speed up pace or slow down pace to create climax Eerie feel in the flash back like teddy was daydreaming Make it more realistic and the chains help predict the future of being locked
Mise-en-scene – props, costume, setting, lighting, colour…	Facial Expressions 1) 2) 3) 4)     Body language Props/costume Lighting	Ill worried frustrated that he’s ill on the first day of meeting his new partner Still ill but Blank not ecstatic and not disheartened Sad swallows creates sympathy Looks down Mostly relaxed but sometimes teddy is slouched connoting him being ill The badge and uniform connotes authority the guns connote power and suites with ties connotes business men Quite dark inside the boat it a little lighter outside but still cloudy as “there’s a storm coming”
Titles – font, colour, placement, over black / over clip…	“Shutter Island” Big Bold grey/silver capital letters Centre over black “Boston Harbor Island, 1954” smaller capital grey/silver letters centre bottom of the screen black back ground still	Silver connotes chains, bars, locked up – Jail – dark – grey – dull boring stuck in a cell –no freedom shutter = shut down not let out establishes the setting for most of the film. Establishes setting and date – Silver/grey connotes chains, bars, locked up – Jail – dark dull boring stuck in a cell –no freedom