NRCG
[U N I T 10]
'FILM PRODUCTION FICTION'
Learning Aim A
UNDERSTAND CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF FICTIONAL FILM PRODUCTION.
Task 1: Research
Horror
Mise-en-scene, Horror has been changing many times throughout years. As, some still contain the old style of horrors, some completely changed it. With the settings/location being partly the same. As, they normally set them in an abandon building/house or a curse house. We have seen plenty of examples that showcased an abandon building or a haunted house. For example: Girl on the third floor, No-one gets out alive, Aftermath, Our House, The woman in black. All these movies contain a scene with a haunted house or even an abandon one. They did this to fit in with the genre, as we don't see no horror movie set in a beauty house with colour patterns on it. As that will remove certain aspects of it being horror.
The costumes that has been presented in a horror movie has been different as it depends on the storyline it has selected. However, certain horror movies contain the same dress code, as for example: Incantation and Slenderman. These two movies contain both similar costumes, with the characters wearing quite casual clothing, these clothings are the things normal people were everyday outside or inside. The reason why they did this is to create a sense of realism, because if they wore something completely different it will remove the realistic approach, making it less scary. Whereas, The Nun it's completely different when it comes to Incantation and Slenderman, as this is set in different times, however they still give the audience a sense of realism as they let the characters wear professional nun robes making it more accurate.
The props for horror movies has been a good selection as having an appropriate prop does make a movie more alive. As for example: Annabelle, the movie has been famous for the well known prop, which is the doll. The reason why it gives the creeps towards the audience is because the actors are able to pick it up making certain scenes more realistic. Furthermore, speaking about horror props, a lot of horror movies has similar props that they use to create tension or make one scene more darker than the other, as one prop they normally have are torches, candles/lights. As these props give more suspense and mystery. For example: below the picture of Annabelle we see an image of a man sitting down near a candle, this indicates to the audience a sense of unknown and emptiness.
Furthermore, the NVC for horror movies has been rather the same. As throughout each movie there has been similar NVC from actors playing the part. For example: In the tall grass and No-one gets out alive. These two movies contain the same expressions, as 'In the tall grass', certain scenes have characters being scared and confused at the same time, and you can see each characters body expressions slowly becoming more vulnerable when the movie continues. Same goes to 'No-one gets out alive', as when she discovers the secret, she has the same face of fear just like the other movie.
The lighting for horror, is very similar as certain films have the same type of lighting, as for example: Incantation, when things become more tense they add very low lightings, as they only use certain light sources, for example: probably there own phone, a door that they opened to enter. All these simple lights give the scene to be more dramatic and traumatic, making the audience to look away. Furthermore, having certain lights in an area gives the scene more meaning, a if you play a candle in the middle it will only light certain areas of the area, which gives us as audience a sense of being limited to go somewhere.
The camera techniques used in horror movies, can be Close Ups, POV, Over the shoulder, canted angle, mid shot etc... All these camera angles have meaning towards them when they are used correctly. For example: Close ups, can be used to create fear and can show more expression when zoomed in. Point of view, this camera technique is used to give the audience more of a perspective. As, it creates more feelings when watching these type of movies. With it bringing the audience into the actual scenes making it more realistic and can feel what the characters are feeling right now. Over the shoulder, can be used to make the scenes more engaging, as it can be used to have two characters having a back and forth, with this being more impactful. Another shot they normally use is canted angle, with this camera angle being more meaningful as it shows how unusual a certain scene can be. The last shot they can use is a mid shot, we're it can only focus on the torso above, as this will only focus on the characters expressions and makes it more scarier as it's more close up to the character.
The framing of horror movies can be used to create meaning for each scene, as the frame will make each scenes more impactful. As when they frame the character slightly on the right, they might use this to create suspense as they will have some sort of space at the left which can be for the antagonist, which can be more of a jump-scare for the audience.
The movements for horror movies can be changed from time to time. As, certain movements can be used to create more tension or make one scene more scarier than other scenes. Movements can be slowed down, as characters can be walking inside an abandon home we're their movements are quite limited as it shows them investigating and somewhat terrified. Other movements can be very fast, as for example: Annabelle : Creation. One scene with Janice one of the characters in the movie, while she was sitting on her wheelchair, a nun pushed her with force into an empty barn, the movements we're very fast with a fast beat playing in the background, making the audience heart race even more. The opposite of the fast pace movements can be slow movements as once again creates more tension, for example: The Ring, when the girl slowly walks towards the screen you can see the girl is slowly walking and then comes out of the TV screen, this can give the audience a moment of shock, as tension slowly builds up when they slowly realise she's actually real.
The diegetic and non-diegetic sounds of horror films, as certain films usually have diegetic sounds that makes the actors more aware, making the scene more impactful. Other films use non-diegetic sounds like they use sounds that audiences can hear but the characters can't. For example: The horror series called 'The Devil In Ohio', in one of the episodes the family goes out to celebrate their daughters birthday, on the other scene we see more of a dramatic sound affects on the house with the door opened, this can create mystery with the characters not knowing and only the audience knows makes them more eager to see what will happen if the characters will find out.
Editing techniques in horror films are very unique as certain editing techniques are used to make it more alive for the audience. One example of editing techniques can be shown in Slender man the movie. As when they summoned slender man, the editors uses the characters eyes to show more emotion, and he does that by cutting each one at a fast pace, which gives the audience a perspective of each character witnessing the summoning. With the editing be more quick cuts as it shows to the audience the expressions of the characters then quickly cuts to the video of the summoning and it goes back and fourth. This can be indicating more of an illusion and brainwashing as this can be more impactful giving the situation we're they're summoning an evil monster. With this giving the monster a proper entrance for the film to start.
Certain colour usage can be used to create meaning for the audience and the scene. Many films use the same colours for the same affect, as they normally use very dark colours to make each scene fit in with the description of it being a horror film. As having it dark shows it more terrifying and more unknown giving the audience a sense of doubt and will question themselves on what's going to happen next.
When it comes to the stereotypes in the horror industry. The media always uses the ethnic minority like the asians, blacks and hispanics as people who are side characters, meaning they will be most likely to die first. As stereotypically stated in the media white people are usually stated as the protagonist. The antagonist are usually someone demonic or someone who isn't well, like Jason etc...
The common narrative situations for horror are usually some group of people or a even a family explore/rent/bought a house, and somehow they encounter an evil awakening and they start to realise the situation they're in further down the line. Scenarios that characters encounter are usually them first time facing the antagonist.
ACTION
The mise-en-scene for the action films, are the settings/locations, these can be a city, battlefield, anything that has some sort of modern life to it. Majority of the action films are usually set in the modern days, for example: The Gray man, Top Gun: Maverick, Red Notice and Tenet. Here are some of the action films that present the modern life to its audience. With this information we can indicate that action films can thrive more with modern technology, like the cars we drive everyday, the city etc... As it gives more realism and understanding towards the audience.
The costumes they use for action films can be different depending on the plot of the whole movie, certain movies are set in the past, others in the future or present. It varies from time to time, however certain outfits that characters wear are suits for men and for females is somewhat changes from time to time, but one film that showcase the costumes of the females is Charlie's Angels, as this consist of three female leads, as we can see the outfits they wear, which is quite similar to other costumes that males wear, like for example: Memory, Warth of man, Kings Man and No time to die. All of these movies have the somewhat similar fashion sense as they normally wear very formal clothings like suits, turtleneck etc... With both Charlie's Angel and all of the movies they follow more of black formal clothings which symbolises power among them, as it makes perfect sense as majority of the films that I mentioned, have a sense of power for the main protagonist.
The props they use are normally weapons in any other sort, but they usually have guns as it's one of the main wepaons that is not to big to carry and it makes a good addition to the character, like John Wick, as mainly his fighting style is usually a specialist on guns/weapons. All of the props will give the action film more impact for the audience, as it makes them more interested and makes the scenes and the movie more acceptable and understanding, as having a gun is somewhat modern life.
The NVC for every action film is usually having somewhat of an angry face or a serious face whenever they are in a dangerous situation. With this being one of the main expressions for the characters, it makes it more standard for the audience. As we don't see no characters laughing or smiling whilst in a dangerous situation as it will ruin the scene and will make the scene less action-like.
The lighting for the action films can be different from each scene, as some scenes have completely dark scenes or more moody scenes to make the character more sad or even angry. Or even the natural lighting as for example: Fast Furious 9, they usually use natural light, as majority of their scenes are outside, even The Grey Man, as it's set in modern life as they can use the natural light and the city, which overall makes the scenes more better and clearer.
The camera techniques used for the genre can be quick cuts, panning, pov, two shots, close up, medium close up, mid shot etc... Also, these shots contain meaning every time it is used in a scene. As they have a certain angle and frame that makes them more visible. Which, they can use two shots, close up and medium close up. As these shots show the body and the torso which is good as it focuses on the importance like the person holding an object, like a gun which is very common in action films. Furthermore, another shot they use is quick cuts, as this can make the scene more impactful and more faster, as it somewhat follows the action it self. As when they are in a gun fight, they will need quick movements to make it more realistic for the audience, which overall makes the film more better and relevant to the genre.
The sound techniques they used can be very similar as they can use diegetic for the gun shot which is realistic as the character is shooting a weapon and they can hear it, which they can make a reaction, making the film or scene more understandable and relatable. A non-diegetic sound they can use is another scene they can have someone getting ready to kill someone by reloading their gun which the character can't hear but the audience can, or a backstory we're they narrate the story and the main character won't be able to hear it, giving it more mystery and suspense.
The editing technique, shown in action films can be long takes on gun fights, or even quick takes on gun fights, as they can show one scene we're a character is in a gun fight and then quickly cuts to another scene, we're someone is doing something else. This creates more of a realism to the scene as a lot of things are happening in another scene, making it more fluid. Or a famous transition they normally use is having the character reload his gun and then they quickly transition into another scene we're they get ready to rob a bank. The colour usage they used is normal colours in modern life, as majority of the action films are based in modern life like Fast And Furious Franchise, they normally set their scenes in modern life and latest years.
The characters used for action films can be the protagonist wearing a suit and is somewhat skilled with the gun, like John Wick, or for the antongist they normally be someone powerful and mostly feared by the public, like a cartel.
The stock situations used in action films can be the main character working with the secret agent and tracking down the most wanted fugitive in the area, as it's normally the case. Or even the main character of the film being hunted by the law and they try everything to capture him but remain unsuccessful. The scenarios we're the actors/characters encounter during the film can be someone they love die by the enemy, or them being captured and they will have to escape and have revenge at the end.
Romance
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The mise-en-scene for romance films, first of all the settings for majority of the romance films, they normally set the place in a suburban area or anything that we do everyday whether that's work, school, sleep. They set their locations in the places we do the most, which can overall mean that they will try to connect the viewers to think the same and can somewhat relater to the situation going on. Furthermore, the costumes used is quite causal clothings depending on the characters personality, but majority of the time they usually wear causal clothings. As it sets somewhat realism and up to date clothings. The props they can use is probably something that has to do with romance or something very intimate, like a rose. But they normally have props likes phones etc... As, they set this in modern life. Furthermore, the NVC used for Romance, is very common as the two protagonist can be showing feelings by making their eyes more bigger, them somewhat shaking or them being very closed up, meaning they are too shy to speak to their crush. As normally we see the person talking to their crush, she/he becomes less confident as their body becomes more slouched and them not looking in their direction whilst speaking, as this creates realistic tendencies of humans. Or depends on the characters personality and how she is presented In the movie, another NVC they normally show when the character is somewhat confident is having them listen more frequently and them showing expressions of interest. Nonetheless, the lighting they use depends on the scenes, as the lighting they can use is having two of the characters arguing and them being set in a street whilst dark, as it shows more realism and emphasises the seriousness that the characters are showing. Or even when the characters are sad they will be in a room or an area that only highlight their faces or half of their body as it shows more expression being presented whilst being sad. Giving the scene more impact.
The camera techniques they normally use is close ups, big close ups, long shots, medium long shots, mid shot, medium close up etc... All these camera shots have the same impact, as they will create more sadness to the character depending on how she/he feels. But when they feel sad they will normally show their facial expressions and their body posture on how they are feeling right now. As having these angles gives the scenes more sympathy, making the audience feel for them even more. The movements they use can be shown to be more simplistic. With the movements being different every time, when they are talking to their love ones they will probably have a slow walking pace as it shows more chemistry, or when their movements are quite quick some situations can mean uncomfortable, or them not wanting to talk. The last pf the camera techniques is the framing of the romance films, while the people use different angles they have frames that also having a meaning as well, with the frame being more at the middle giving the main two characters a moment to themselves, as they can cut extra background and only focus on their body and add a bit of the background, as that is not important with the characters being in the spotlight.
The sound techniques used like diegetic and non-diegetic sounds, as these sounds can be useful to show and guide the audience on what is happening in one scene. For example: when two of the characters are talking you can have one character talking in their heads, and the audience can hear that but the character who isn't talking in their head cast. As it creates more stories along the line. Furthermore, they also can be talking directly to the audience, as for example: BackStreet Rookie, at the end the side character decides to narrative to final story and then turns his head to the screen and then says the end. This can make the scene more fun and comedic, and overall the romance can be a story or a real life situation. Furthermore the music they used in romance can be used at the beginning and the end. As in K-Dramas they like to add music when this go wrong or good, as they can add sad music when they encounter something bad or something bad happened to them or even when they found love, a small soundtrack plays in the background, as that can link with the non-diegetic sound, as the characters can't hear it but the audience can.
The editing technique they used in romance films, for the stylist effect they can have two of the characters first encounter each other or when they both lock eyes together, they normally add editing in that scene by using different colours or even music to emphasise the love being transferred. Or for example: Business Proposal when two of the co-main characters when they first bump into each other they have something around them.
Here is the actual scenes of Business Proposal, on how they use stylistic effect as the lady was surrounded by animated flowers, and you can see at the top of the gif, you can see two of the characters having more of a shiny and somewhat glow to them, as it indicates that they're soulmates. The reason why they added animation for the girl, it symbolises that she feel in love first, and you can see that the man didn't have anything on him, which can indicate that he will fall for her later on the movie. This gives the audience more questions to ask when watching. Furthermore, the shot lengths used in romantic films can be different, but using this gif that I picked, it was a long take around 10 second clip of them staring
at each other, with the colour usage being more colourful as you can see in the background of the two characters, being a two shot you can see the colour of the background being very bright and colourful as this will indicate purity and makes the scene make sense. As, making the colours fit in with the atmosphere the two are in, makes the scene more impactful for the audience and more meaning as well.
Characters/stereotypes in romantic films can be the protagonist being the one that falls in love with the other character, and goes into some mission for the other to like him/her back. Furthermore, the antagonist is probably someone who is trying to break up the couple or remove the person from achieving what they want. Nonetheless, the stock characters in romance films can be two loving couples, which is very stereotypical when talking about romance.
The stock situation in romance films are the common narrative patterns, as they usually have two characters fall in love and have a massive break up which makes them go their separate ways and then they slowly realise that they still love each other and they try to reconnect slowly and then come back together at the end. Furthermore, the scenarios they encounter can be a break up or someone finding a bad truth about their love ones which makes them separate.
Comedy
The mise en scene for comedy movies can be first sorted by the location/setting of the movies. As, the location for these comedic masterpieces can be different. However, certain locations have been used many times for example: a nice suburban house, we're they have very unique and weird/funny neighbours. Another location can be anything that people do normally, like working in a office, going to school, spending time with family etc... Furthermore, the costumes they used can be the normal clothings we normally wear outside, which can be casual clothing. The props they use is the normal props that can be suitable for the scene, as it can be anything inside a home which can be a prop. Or a office, a pen, mug etc... The NVC used for comedy films can be more of goofy side of things, as it's not common for someone to have a angry expression throughout the movie as that will remove the sense of comedy, however they normally have more of a brighter and more innocent face. The lighting they use can be more of a brighter side, as they will need more light to show the characters expression, making it more funnier, as it won't be hiding any of the characters expressions which can be bad as it will remove the sense of funniest and create mystery which is not really comedy gold.
The camera techniques they use for comedy films can be the angles they used for every scene, certain angles can create more meaning than others. However, they normally use angles that make the character appear more on the scenes, like probably showing their whole body or more of their face which can show more funnier expressions. As comedy uses more angles to show more of the characters NVC and their body movements which can create more humour. For further information they could use, long shots, medium close ups, mid shot, close up etc... Also these camera angles can be more of the body and their faces which is very needed to make the audience somewhat engaged and understand the characters personality in depth. Furthermore, the camera movements for comedy films can be more of a non stop fast pace movements as some of the comedy films can be more paced when it comes to one scene being more funnier when for example: when someone is chasing someone, it can make the movement the same pace as the other character making the scene more funnier.
The sound techniques used can be diegetic/non-diegetic sounds as these sounds can make a big difference when making a scene especially in comedy films. As, comedy films can be usually someone narrating the story at the beginning of the comedy films, as for non-diegetic sounds, it usually has the narrator talk about the family being weird etc... And slowly while the narrator is talking in the background we can slowly be introduced to the families house and then it transitions to the actual movie. Another example can be the soundtrack that is being played in the background while one of the families is being introduced or even going somewhere, which they can play a soundtrack that creates more humour. Furthermore, with the diegetic sounds they normally use can be the voice of the characters or sounds made by objects hitting on the floor etc... As, usually they make the diegetic sounds more funnier, as having no diegetic sound or even non-diegietic sound makes the film less funny and removes the sense of comedy to it. Nonetheless, the SFX they use can be more on the funnier side as for example: The Mask, acted by Jim Carrey shows more of the creative SFX side of comedy.
As you can see in the comedy movie: The Mask, the SFX on this comedy film is created more of a cartoonish way, as making the SFX more cartoony makes the scenes more funnier, as we normally see this type of SFX in cartoon films. So, adding these type of effects can make the scenes more funnier. SFX, is normally can be used to create more humour for the audience, we normally introduce these type of SFX as some comedy films introduce funny creatures like Men in Black, as they create very funny looking monsters to make it fit in with the film.
The music, used in comedy films can be more on the innocent side of things, as they use more of an up beat soundtrack. Like the minions, they use a well known music video which is popular for the younger generation, as adding the music in the background of the scenes being the most chaotic creates more humour and makes the scene more funnier than the rest.
Editing techniques used in comedy films can be the shot lengths for comedy films, as the shot lengths can be normally be quite quick when it comes to scenes being more humorous than others. As, making the takes more quick and less long gives the scene more meaning. However, some films contain more of the longer takes for example: 'Don't Look Up', we're some scenes contain very long takes of them speaking to each other as this can create more humour as some of the characters aren't fully committing to the role as we see the president of United States acting quite different. And not fully acting like a president we see in action films etc... Furthermore, the transitions used in comedy films can be more of the quick cuts as it shows more fast pace humour as for example: 'Shaun Of The Dead', in one scene they use quick cuts to create meaning and the job they do, in a funny way. With quick cuts being presented and someone narrating the scenes makes the scene more humorous. Last of all, the colour usage used for comedy films can be more of the colourful side of things, as majoirty of the films being presented on the sides, like 'My Spy', 'The Lost City', 'Me Time' etc... All these films contain colours that are very visible when watching. With this being more on the comedic side of things, as making the movie somewhat colourless and dull will break the sense of comedy.
Characters/Stereotypes in comedy films can be the protagonist of the comedic films, as the main characters are usually the Father, retired police officer, retired special agent etc... All these stereotypically character selections are very common for comedic films as My Spy, Me Time etc... These films consist of someone being a father or someone working in the special force. Furthermore, the antagonist of comedy films can be the partly someone very goofy and unserious, normally they are somewhat serious in the beginning but end up being somewhat unintelligent at the middle and end. Which leads to the downfall of the antagonist. Last of all, the stock characters presented comedy films can be the very stereotypical dumb blonde, which is shown in numerous comedy films. The father who tries to be cool for their kids, ends up wrong. The best friend of the character normally the one that follows the main character everywhere.
Stock situations in comedy films can be the common narrative patterns being presented in comedic scenes. As for example: it can be a retired special agent/police officer try to get a job in a different area and encounters different people there. Or, family experience a new neighbourhood and all of them try to fit in with work and school. Furthermore, the scenarios that characters encounter is probably them with an annoying new boss that is always on their case 24/7. Or, they encounter a bully that picks on them everyday by doing somewhat humorous stuff. Last of all is the chain of events happening in comedy films, as for example: a family can be getting used to the environment they're in, and when the story continues the family starts to get along with everyone in work, school and at the end they become happy and settled in their new neighbourhood.
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Drama
The mise en scene in drama films can be arranged in the settings/locations as they are normally set in ordinary settings as they use different situations depending on the storyline. Some drama movies are based on a true story, or something that everyone are in but use more of the dramatic effect. Furthermore, the costumes used in drama films can be in the range of casual and formal. As giving the costumes more formal gives the scenes more impact and seriousness. Furthermore, casual clothings that is presented in drama films can be the stories that are based on a true story as they make sure that the audience will understand the character's perspective. The props used in drama scenes can be a fancy mask were the rich probably wear to hide their identity. Can be a gun they use to create suspense. Overall, the props used in drama scenes can normally range from mask, cigarettes, cars depending on the storyline being presented. Normally props that indicate dramatic effect. The NVC in drama movies can be different as some drama scenes contain some romantic scenes like 365 Days, Fifty Shades Of Grey etc... These two movies contain more of the affectionate side of things as the NVC of the films can be normally shown to be more relaxed and eager. Or drama films like 'Death On the Nile' contain more of the suspicious side. As the NVC can be more of them being interested and unsure. Last of all is the lighting of the drama films, as normally we see drama films with lowkey lighting and somewhat dim lighting which shows more mystery and unknown. As drama scenes contain more of the suspicious side of things. With the drama front cover of films are mainly dark, and less colours being presented.
The camera techniques in drama films can be the angles used in drama scenes. Most of the camera angles consist of the characters mainly being in a medium close up. Which indicates more of their expressions being shown when something bad happens as it makes the scene more alive. Furthermore, speaking of angles the camera shots used is usually Close Ups, Medium Close up, Bg Close up, Mid shot, Medium long shot and long shot. All, these camera shots make each of the characters express their emotions to the extreme as it will connect the audience more better giving the scenes more impact and emotions. Especially the movie 'Death On the Nile'. As this movie contain a lot of close up and medium close up which overall helped the scenes become more emotional and interesting for the audience. Furthermore, the framing for drama films can be mainly them cutting the background and usually have the character being the main focus of all. As drama scenes are normally framed for the characters faces making sure, no emotions are left out. Last of all the movements of drama scenes can be somewhat fast paced and slowed down. As drama scenes contain a lot of suspense and somewhat intense situations between characters. By following the characters movement and moving the camera were the character is looking gives the scene more meaning to it.
The sound techniques like diegetic sounds are usually the roar of the car being used in the scene. Or the water splashing, anything that occurs in the scene like Thirteen Lives, it's usually set in an underground cave with a lot of water, so majority of the scene. The diegetic sound of them hearing is water splashing. Or Elvis Presley, we hear Elvis playing the guitar and dancing, the diegetic sound of that is guitar and tapping of the feet while dancing. Furthermore, the non-diegetic sound of drama scenes can be the voice at the beginning of the movie, which someone narrates a summary of story. Or the film music at the beginning of the movie. Nonetheless, the SFX of drama movies can be the foley sound effects used to create the sound we can't normally produce naturally. Like, overflying planes, traffic jams etc... All, these sounds will create more of the realism in each scene. Last of all, the music of drama scenes can be more of the mysterious type of beat, or even something that fits in with the storyline of the drama movie.
Editing technique used in drama movies can be the stylistic effects, probably the effects used in car scenes, houses that consist of things outside we fully can't produce. Or even when the scene is in the ocean they usually have them in dry land and edit out the ground making it water, which they did in Death on the nile. They did this to create more realism to the scenes making it more alive. Furthermore, the shot lengths for drama scenes can range from long too quick depending on the scene being presented to the audience. As, making it long will create more tension and gives more information on the scene for the audience, however for the quick shot lengths it creates more pace to it giving it more of the dramatic effect. The transitions they used for drama scenes can be more of a fade to black, which creates more continuity or even builds more tension when moving onto the next scene. Last of all the colour usage for drama scenes can be more of the darker side and more of the dull side of things, as it will fit in with the typical drama feeling of it. As, drama will contain more of the dramatic and harsh side of reality, by using colours that connote the realism like Thirteen Lives and Spencer etc...
The characters/stereotypes of drama movies can be the protagonist being more of the thriver of the whole storyline, as the protagonist is commonly presented to be the person to pursue the main goal of the whole story or even changes or grows [character development]. Whereas the antagonist of drama scenes are usually the one that creates problems for the main character, as he/she tries her best to foil the protagonist plan. Last of all the stock characters are usually people who wear suits and are normally seen working in a office helping the main character or even work against him. The stock characters for drama scenes can be the main characters best friend that usually has her/his back when things go south.
The stock situations of drama films can be more of someone wanting revenge or someone wanting more power, or even it's usually shown in drama films as the main character usually goes through a terrible childhood and becomes somewhat miserable and slowly creates bad enemies through his past and slowly kills the enemies one by one. Or the most famous drama stock situations can be the main character failing in life and slowly creates a name for himself by doing sports etc... The scenarios the characters have experienced or even encountered can be the downfall of their own lives and slowly work around it at the end. Last of all, the chain of events that occur in drama scenes can be the characters both experience something terrible.
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SCI-FI
The mise en scene of Sci-fi films can be the settings used for the movies are space, futuristic world, another planarity system, inside a dream, virtual world, traveling through time, space craft and the past. All this locations/settings consist of sci-fi [science fiction]. The locations of sci-fi films are normally unrealistic and only fictional. Furthermore, the costumes used in sci-fi films can range from different and unique clothings, as some movies have different designs of space suits or even when the story is placed in a different universe they will wear very unique and different clothings. Or when it comes to the villains of the story, they normally wear something dramatic and very alien like. The props used in sci-fi movies can be the head wear they normally use in space, as some of them wear unique looking headsets, ray guns are normally used in space, unique types of sword like in Star Wars: light sabers. The NVC for sci-fi films depends on the course of the story, as the NVC for specific movies like if the storyline is set on a space expedition, the NVC for the characters can be surprised and shocked when they encounter something different in space, like a different planetary system, or when they discover something drastic will happen to the earth, they will have more of the terrified and nervous facial expressions. Furthermore the lighting used in sci-fi films can be more of the high-key lighting as they want the movie to be more bright as ever, with the high-key lighting being the main source of light it is able to show and make different buildings more visible. Like if the story is set in a different planarity system, they will want the buildings or contractions more cleaner and futuristic.
Furthermore, the camera techniques used in sci-fi films can be the angles used in each scene, as some angles contain more of the character with the background being more bigger than them, which can indicate something is about to happen, as with disaster films they normally have the angles placed we're the characters look small against the disaster which creates more fear and somewhat gives the disaster more impact for the audience. Or when they are in an area that has specific features that contain science
fiction, they will include it for example: if the story is on a space craft, they will show certain aspects and features inside the craft while recording the character which shows everything inside the craft giving it more of the realistic approach to it, making sure that the audience will believe that they're in an actual space craft. The camera shots used can be different for each scenes, like coated angles, establishing shot, over the shoulder, two shot, wide angle, birds eye view, point of view, long shot etc... All these camera shots have meaning to them, as they both consist of having sci-fi in them. As the canted able can be used when things go south, with the space craft being unstable and the crew start to tumble and crash into everything, they will use the canted angle to show different angles of items falling giving it more tension and realism. The establishing shot used in sci-fi movies can be the beginning fo the storyline, as if its set in some different planetary system, they can use the establishing shot to focus on the main location, gives the audience more things to see, and expands the movie even more, as it won't be only in one location for the rest of the movie. Over the shoulder shot can be used to create more information and gives more impact when things are coming more unhinged as they can have to people talking about something drastic and they can quickly cut to each other seeing their reaction, giving it more impact and makes the audience prepare on what is going to happen throughout the movie. The two shot used in sci-fi films can be more interaction for characters, making sure they include two people exchanging words making it more realistic and makes it less boring. Giving two characters both screen time and shows more expression. Nonetheless, the wide angle can be more of the background, as making the camera shot more wider, will allow the background to become more immense, as when they want to show something more bigger, they will use a wide angle to compare the characters to the actual threat, giving the threat more power and authority. Or, sometimes wide angles are usually shown when characters are together at the same time. Normally we see this when the characters are ready and suited up and ready to enter the space craft, they use this angle to show each character, giving it more of a dramatic effect. Furthermore, the birds eye view used in sci-fi films can be the destruction, or even when the tsunami, hurricane etc... When these disasters start to happen, they will show a birds eye view of the city or area that will be demolished by the disaster, this is shown majority of disaster films. The point of view can be used in sci-fi films as this can show many meanings to it as well. However, they normally use this to show the perspective of the characters on what they are seeing in their shoes. The framing for sci-fi films can be different for each scenes as some scenes can contain images that are very important from the audience and can be the main source of the whole storyline. The framing can be normally placed with the character and the background. They normally put the background more bigger and visible than the actual character to make the scene more meaningful. Last of all the movements for sci-fi films can normally be more fast pace and usually has the camera follow the characters motion. As this creates more suspense and gives the scene more life to it. Which indicates that they want the scene to be more realistic and using fast pace motion can show the actual strength of the disaster.
Sound techniques used in sci-fi films can be the diegetic/non-diegetic sounds. First of all, the diegetic sounds used can be the voices of the characters, the sound of something being broken or even when something hits the earth. Whereas the non-diegetic sounds can be something going straight towards earth, which can be at the beginning of the scenes, as it will make more of a loud rough, which only the audience can hear that. As it creates more tension and gives the audience more questions to ask. Or the soundtrack at the beginning of the whole movie. The SFX of sci-fi films are very hard to achieve, as the sound used cannot be produce in real life. As, for example: sci-fi films can have sounds like the moon crashing, the ocean crashing into buildings. All these sounds are SFX and is produced by our hands and different clashing into each other creating somewhat of a similar sound. As, they use SFX with alien guns, planet crashing, space craft hitting small rocks, ocean hitting into things etc... Last of all, the music used in sci-fi films can be more of the myserteous and dramatic effect. As, the music can be more tense and light as the same time. But it depends on the movie, as if the movie is based on discovery, they will use an alien like soundtrack, like the movie Alien.
The editing techniques can be the stylistic effect, as this is critical for sci-fi films, as majority of all sci-fi films contain stylistic effects. As, we see this being shown when creating tsunami, hurricanes, asteroids, different planetary system, the solar system etc... All of them contain stylistic effect as this creates and shapes the genre. As, without stylistic effect, sci-fi films won't be really impact audience like they do right now. As, the effect is the foundation to a great sci-fi film. Furthermore, the shot lengths used in sci-films can be long or shot, however its usually long as sci-fi films make sure that the audience can get a good look on the destruction or the object slowly crashing into earth as this creates more action to it and makes the scenes more realistic in a way. The transitions used can be very different, but they normally have a small black screen swiping to the left or right and quickly transitions to another scene, as this creates more continuity and makes the story more in-depth and makes the scene more all over the place. Last of all, the colour usage for sci-fi films can be very different, but for other films which contain alien or some of a threat ton humanity, they normally use aliens being black, grey or green, as these colours normally represent alien colours. As, especially moon fall they face an alien like enemy, which they created the enemy to be black and very advanced. But when it comes to original colours to every sci-fi film they normally have colours that represent nowadays, as for buildings the colours will be similar to the buildings we see today in real life.
Characters/Stereotypes in sci-fi films can be normally the adventurous scientist working with NASA, the most intelligent scientist, working outside of nasa and works alone in a forest or somewhere empty etc... These characters especially these two characters are shown in majority of movies. The antagonist of sci-fi films can normally be aliens, someone who is controlled by them etc... Last of all, the stock characters in sci-fi films can be the president of the United States, commander of an army.
Stock situations in sci-fi films can be the common narrative patterns in sci-fi films, as we normally see the narrative being the brainy scientist not working with any company accidentally stumbles upon something that will change the world forever, and quickly warns the scientists working in NASA or whatever, and they ignore and ask the scientist to leave and say that the information is fake. Then slowly they discover that the brainy scientist is telling the truth after all, and ask the adventurous scientist to go to space and try to destroy it. Furthermore, the scenarios that characters encounter can be the information they use, as when they're looking at a graph they will see something different and slowly realised that it's an asteroid or something that is slowly reaching earth. Last of all, the chain of events in sci-fi films can be the people slowly discover a disaster slowly becoming a bigger threat, but they ignore it and slowly they try to prevent it, but ends up going wrong and people try to escape and slowly everyone dies and some try to escape.
Fantasy
Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.
Task 2: Theory
Horror
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
Horror normally use semiotics by the way it uses it's characters in the film and how the narrative can tell y ou about those characters - Google
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
Audience's uncertainty where they cannot discern whether the events are natural or supernatural and experience the discomfort of not attain a resolve - Google
Levi-Strauss Theory [Structuralism] -
Structuralism is making sure that everything has set of rules to be followed in order, as it helps the audience or reader understand better and easier.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
The theory is about having the same repetition but also marks difference, keeping the audience more engaged and makes the movie more interested for the audience and less bring and repetitive.
Comedy
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
Perspectives that help us see prevailing social or cultural norms and to help us imagine alternatives. And how they community their insights.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
The theory is about how the genre should follow the typical repetition of common narrative patterns in comedy, as normally we see comedy being order, then chaos happening and at the end they slowly restore the problem.
Levi-Strauss Theory [Structuralism] -
Knowledge of nature and human life that is interested in relationships rather than individual objects. Like a unstable family, which is normally shown in comedy films.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
Normally the theory is for the repetition for the genre as it makes the genre more relatable and understanding and fits well with the typical storyline etc... So, having the same repetition to it and adding something different like Ted the movie, got famous because it's comedy and different than the rest.
ACTION
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
He believes that action films should contain mystery and also believes that action should have action codes In them which keeps the audience to keep watching when there is action.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
Should be that the action film should have to be moved forward in chronological order with one action following another, making the scenes more interning and engages the audience better.
Levi-Strauss [Structuralism] -
Emphasises how films convey meaning through use of codes and conventions, like for example: when someone is getting ready to fight or rescue someone, they will have their guns and prepare trhemselves like wearing protective gear etc... This shows the audience that they are able to go to war without saying anything.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
Action can be the protagonist is thrust into a series of events being physical and violent scenes. As, this is shown ij majority of all action films.
Thriller
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
Allows the viewer to understand the context of the film, allowing the audience too goo deeper into the narrative and get to know more about the character as well - Google. For example: they use this at the beginning of the movie, we're they introduce what happened to the person and how she became something else.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
The narratology in thriller films can be more of the discovery of the ghost or something, and they try to overcome the odds and survive. However, they try to kill it but they think it's dead but is still alive at the end.
Levi-Strauss [Structuralism] -
The structuralism in thriller movies can be more of the entity coming out, but the characters don't know that. Or when the characters are exploring an area and the audience already know one person is about to die, just by looking at their facial expressions and movements.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
The genre in thriller is somewhat more dak and more fast pace, as it's somewhat similar to horror but gives more of a thrill to the audience giving them more questions to ask, and leaves them in some sort of eagerness to know what will happen next.
Romance
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
The structuralism of romance is normally for the characters and audience to connect in a deeper way. As, they will slowly connect and relate to the characters more. With adding information about their past. This is done to show more connection to the character, as it will feel more sad and more impactful when the character goes through a terrible phase in the scene.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
The narrative of romance can be very repetitive which is good as it fits in with the genre, but the common narrative patterns we see is the two fall in love, and they break up and then slowly fix their relationship and at the end they become together again.
Levi-Strauss [Structuralism] -
Romance can be more of the small details that characters present to the audience, as this gives the audience more answers while watching the movie. They create this by making the character do things that resemble or show meaning to indicate that something is about to happen and change the rest of the storyline forever.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
The genre contains many repetitive appearances, as we see that the genre always contains love and affection. As, this is normal for romantic movies as this fits in with the genre of the film and lets the audience known that this is a romance film and not an action film.
SCI-FI
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
This theory works as it shows more information of the character being presented at the beginning, as we normally see characters first time appearing in the scene as someone working in a lab or someone communicating something scientific this gives the audience that the character is very brainy and adventurous and is going to be one of the main characters in the movie just by the beginning of the scene.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
The theory in sci-fi films is quite repetitive and is shown in films very common, as the common narrative patterns we witness as the audience is the scientist's discover something dangerous and can harm humanity forever. And they slowly work out a way to destroy the thing, but somehow it wasn't successful to the verge of them nearly dying and at the end they slowly discover a way to survive with the disaster or a way to stop it from destroying more life.
Levi-Strauss [Structuralism] -
The theory in sci-fi films can be more of the actions and NVC the characters use to symbolise their intelligence or their personality of their own character. As this can be when someone is busy trying to figuring out a way to stop the disaster, we can indicate that this person is the most clever and most adventurous and brave without him saying words, as the only thing that gave us the reason is the way he acted and his NVC.
Neale Theory [genre] -
The theory in sci-fi films can be the similar things that we encounter when watching every sci-fi film, as they have similar features that makes them sci-fi related. As, having a space ship or scientist can indicate that it's automatically sci-fi.
Task 3: Narrative
Enigma Code -
A theory that suggests a text (whether that can be television, film or a poster) portrays a mystery to draw an audience in.
Linear -
That means we see the events of the story unfolding in the order in which they occurred.
Non-linear -
Those in which the author has chosen to jump around in time, and the order in which events are portrayed does not correspond to the order in which things happened.
Multi-Strands Narratives -
Telling a story from several main characters perspectives who all have their own small story lines within the narratives.
Episodic Drama -
Which means they stand alone and are constructed in small chunks, rather than creating lengthy and slow build of tension.
Serial Narrative -
Focuses on key sites and technologies of popular seriality since the mid-nineteenth century and up to today : newspaper, comics, cinema, television and digital communication.
Series Narrative -
Any account of a series of related events or experiences.
Flexi-Narrative -
This is more complex narrative structure with layers of interweaving narratives. This technique challenges the audience and keeps them watching.
Unrestricted Narrative -
When the viewer knows more than the character (but seldom everything), which helps build suspense.
Restricted Narrative -
The audience doesn't know, see or hear any more theme or the characters within the film already know.
Learning Aim A:
Core Assessment
SCI_FI FILM
Mise en scene
This sci-fi short film which was chosen by me, is called 'Simulation', as this short movie is about. An advanced alien civilization builds a simulated reality where infinite beings, including humans, are imprisoned. This short film was awarded many achievements which is stated in the front image of the movie.
Furthermore, this sci-fi short film has many similar features that makes it very popular and accepted to the audience. As first of all, they use mise en scene as this is very important for the movie to become somewhat suitable for the genre they have chosen. First of all, the settings/locations used in this short film has numerous locations but normally In sci-fi films, we see the antagonist being in some alien-like structure, which is normally black or very whitish, as this is shown in this short film at the beginning of the movie. As we see the antagonist being presented in a large area with lights beaming down. This gives a sense of unknown and more mystery towards the character. And gives no little information about him. And furthermore we are transported onto earth back in 1998, which is another location used in majority of sci-fi films as this gives more realism and gives it more of a natural effect. We see somewhat of similarities to some of the sci-fi films, as they introduce another location which is an abandoned area, which is good as this is somewhat more of a realistic approach to it. As, normally the aliens will want to hide somewhere no-one will find them easily. As, having an abandoned building as their headquarters on earth would be the right idea. Furthermore, we see another location being presented in this short film, however they use SFX effects for this location as it contains more scientific machines and features that we cannot manufacture and produce by our selves in real life. But, normally in sci-fi films we see this location especially in a different planetary systems. They do this to make the movie more bigger and expand their story even further. Linking with the the planetary system, they use Mars as one of their locations as this proves Todorov's theory on narratology on how sci-fi has a very common pattern on picking their locations, as we see that they use Mars as one of their locations in majority of sci-fi films.
Furthermore, the costumes used in Simulation has many common costumes they used as normally the antagonist is wearing something very alien like armour, however they use more of a cloak with a hood which can symbolise the alien being presented as the grim reaper collecting human souls. But, besides from that the costumes being worn by other people are quite causal clothings, some other characters can wear different clothings but it depends on their role in the movie. For example: the location on mars, we see a character wearing a scientific lab coat, which symbolises he is a scientist. The props used in this sci-fi film can be numerous props to create more advanced meaning to each scene, for example: they introduce the main character running on a indoor racing bike, as this can indicate that this character is going to be very strong and adventurous, as we normally see this being presented in every movie that contains somewhat of an action element to it. As this creates more meaning to the character and gives more of a serious vibe to him.
Furthermore, they use a computer with codes on the screen, this shows that he has another side to him. As this is common in every sci-fi film, we see a character having codes, graphs and info about Earth and are up to date with everything. And we see that the character Is commonly the one to venture out and find the answer by himself. This is true as he actually did this throughout the story. And they included a drawing board of all the information he has gathered as this can give the audience more questions and more understanding, as it shows that he has been doing this for months on end. Adding to that, he is holding somewhat of a futuristic phone that has advanced technology encoded, this fits well with the genre of the whole film as people can finally say that this is supernatural and fits well with the genre. Furthermore, when the character explores the abandoned area he stumbles across a gadget with wires attached at the top, this gives more of an alien like design, as we only see this gadget being shown in a very dimmed area, with only information on the wall, and computers showing graphs and numbers. As this engages the audience even more as this gives the audience more questions to ask, as the story is about to expand even more, as when the story expands the more interesting the audience get. Last of all, the helmet being worn by the main character when he enters another planet, it shows that the film is following a strict codes and conventions of props. As, this makes the film meet the brief and normality of sci-fi films.
Nonetheless, the NVC used in this short film is very visible, with NVC being presented at the very beginning of the short film, with the alien being more straight forward and having no emotions, which can indicate the alien isn't like humans and doesn't match with the attitude that humans have. Furthermore, the emotions used in each scene have different people stressed and confused when something hit earth or someone waking up from a dream. As, making sure that the NVC is more shocked and scared gives the scenes and film more impact. As, normally the story of every sci-fi film has the aliens more dominant than humans and more intelligent than us, making sure the humans are the underdogs of the whole film, which makes the storyline more interesting and engaging for the audience. Or when the character discovers a gadget out of this world, he looks interested and eager to try it on, as this shows that the character never seen this gadget before. And when his mind gets sucked into another planet, he ends up inside a lab, were a scientist is going experiments on him, his NVC starts to change and his expressions change tremendously as it indicates, that he realises that he made a wrong decision and is trying to figure out ways to overcome it. Another NVC we see is the scientist facial expressions, as this shows that this scientist is the mad, uncontrollable scientist we encounter when watching some sci-fi films.
Furthermore, the lighting used in this short film, are first shown at the beginning of the film, were they use an establishing shot of the whole planet or kingdom of advanced technology, we're we see the tallest building of all shows that the building is the main building, and that is were the main antagonist is based, just by the structure of the building and how it's placed. Also, the lighting that is shown in the scene, as we see the tallest building to be more visible which can indicate that the building is more important than the rest. And can show the shear dominance that the building have with the rest, showing authority and power. Furthermore, we see more lighting used in this scene were it transitions into an area were the antagonists is first presented, the lights used can be very dim and is only lighting some of the area and not fully. With this being more impactful and restricts the audience from knowing more of the antagonists, for the audience as this creates more suspense and mystery. Furthermore, the lighting used when Thomas was using the indoor bicycle in his room were not much light is appearing and the only light source presented in that scene was the blinds showing a bit of light. This can indicate that the current his current mindset is not that positive, and shows more of the design of his own home as he isn't presented as the rich scientist, he is presented as the middle class scientist trying to figure out a way.
Camera Techniques
Camera Angles in this movie, with the begining of the movie, when we enter the headquarters of the aliens , they have placed a high angle shot to show the overall spacing and design in one area of the headquarters. And shows how futuristic it is. Furthermore, they use somewhat of a low angle to show the main goal for them, we're they introduce two of the antagonist and the third one lying down, which can signify they're trying to resurrect him. They continue to use a low angle when they opened up somewhat of a map, were a huge sphere comes out floating In the air. This can probably indicate Earth as their number one goal is to infiltrate it. When the alien puts on of his transports into space , we get an angle of the perspective of the transport, were it slowly travels to Earth. Nonetheless, we enter Earth were on of the main characters which he is still a child, has memories were they use an eye level shot when he walks around in his dreams, which shows his expressions being confused. Furthermore, they use a shoulder level shot, when he's typing on his computer, looking at his notes and typing on his phone. These normally show the expressions on the characters face. They also use hip-level to show him holding his phone we're he's following the co-ordinates this normally makes the scene more understable. They use a low angle shot when Thomas enters the glowing room, with photos and graphs thrown on the floor, this normally makes the room more of a research place. When Thomas puts on the gadget, they placed an eye level shot, were it shows his facial expressions, with his expressions being more shocked and can indicate something is going on inside his head, with constant head movement. They continue to use a low angle when Thomas is in his body and another persons body, this can show the chronological order its playing.
The camera shots used in this movie, with the first camera shot we encounter is an establishing shot, were they used it twice, with one scene with the sun being surrounded by huge rings were they are orbiting the sun probably collecting it's energy. This sets off the scene making sure the audience quickly understands the process and can unstably figure out the genre, just by looking at the beginning of the film. Furthermore, they use a tilting shot were they record at the top then slowly goes down revealing the actual size of the second location. This also use the second establishing shot to get the full picture of the place, this can show the actual head quarters of the aliens. When the scene continues, they use a wide angle shot, on two of the antagonist standing there with robes om. This can tell us as the audience they're unanimous and hardly tells bus a lot about them. With them standing near a gadget were they summon something inside of it. They also use a mid shot, were they show us how the aliens are summing this sphere. furthermore, they used a big close up on one of the aliens, we're it shows the actions he's doing were it looks like he's summoning it into space. Another camera shot they used is the long shot, of the gadget were we see the gadget travelling through space, with different planets in the background. they continue to use a long shot to show the movement and direction on where the gadget is going. Furthermore, they introduce a young Thomas, were he is put onside on of his dreams by using more of a medium close up shot, to target his facial expressions. Furthermore, when his mother tries to wake him up, they use an over the shoulder shot were we see more of his facial expressions being presented as it shows how he's been going through this dream every night. They also use a close up[ on his mothers face, this can probably be Thomas's perspective, were we see he's barely awake and his mothers voice is ore of an echo. This is normally the case when someone gets into more of a shocked state, were there minds are muffled and can't think straight. They continue to use a Long shot on the gadget's journey through space. However, they transitioned into a wide angle, were we see the gadget actual size, this is important as this changes the course forever. When the aestriod is floating, we see its directions changing were we get a long shot of Earth and at the corner we see the aestiod coming towards earth. They used another establishing shot on the present day, were we see a change in dates. This is needed as it makes it more understandable and meets the order of the scenes. We also get a POV shot of the aestriods coming to Earth, were we hear people screaming and cars crying. They use a tilting shot were they show the location on Thomas's house. Furthermore, they use a long shot when Thomas is exercising, this overall is used to show the area he is in right now, as we see his room isn't very good and shows how he doesn't care about what it looks like. They continue to use the ordinary camera shots like medium close up to normally show his reaction to the news. As they use another over the shoudler shot when Thomas is looking at himself in the mirror as this suggests that he is still trying to find answers. They continue to use different camera shots, like close up, medium close up etc... All these are changed when he discovers different messages in his social media page. Overall these shots are shown to be more of the characters eagerness to know the answer. With constant confusion and interest, they continue to use the typical shots. They use a mid shot when he enters the forest, this shows the chromogical order the movie is doing right now. Where they use the exact same postioning and shot to show that he has been on this location before. However throughout the movie they cotinuously use the exact same camera shots.
Sound Techniques
The diegetic sound used in this movie is normally the sounds of the objects, like for example: when they summoned the sphere we can hear more of a sound effect when the orb is slowly going up, this is important as it shows that the orb isn't human made and supernatural. With different sounds being used when things become south. Like for example when the character wakes up, he normally heard sounds of the aestriod in the sky. Overall the diegetic sounds in sci-fi films are normally the engine of the space ship, the gadgets being used. Like these objects were shown in this movie were we see the gadget being worn by Thomas were the diegetic sound of the gadget working and putting another rknwoeldge inside his head, we hear the roar and quite static sounds being presented when the scene continues. Furthermore, when the aestriod crushes down on earth we hear the sound of the impact of the aestriod when it touched down earth. however when the aestriod reaches earth we hear people screaming and cars crying as well, this is the diegetic sound being used as it makes the scene more realistic and show the reaction on the humans.
Furthermore, the non-diegetic sounds used in this film is the sound effects when the orb is coming out, at the beginning we hear more of a scientific and futuristic sound effect when it comes out, this fits the overall setting of the beginning fo the scene and makes the audience prepare on what's going to happen next. throughout the movie we see the same non-diegetic sounds like the futuristic sound effects when things are discovered by the character. However, when the character is researching and figuring out the hidden codes and messages, they use the non-diegetic sound were its very mysterious and shows more of the characters eagerness to know the answer. Furthermore, they use the non-diegetic sound when the character gets introduced to the scientist, were he start to tell Thomas about what will happen to him, were the non-diegetic sounds being very eerie and very twistng. As it fits the overall personality of the mad scientist, were he tells the most outrageous method of removing the humans memories.
Editing Techniques
The stylistic effect used in this short sci-fi film has the main character following the co-ordinates on his phone, then later on he realises he entered the same location as in his dream. To be able to tell the audience that this is in his dream is by making the location, which is the forest very blurry and unfocused. This can indicate to the audience that the aliens are playing with his mind and using somewhat of an illusion. This is very common in sci-fi films as normally the humans are usually the ones that get overpowered by the aliens. Furthermore, they continue to use stylistic effects further in the movie, as when the scene glitches between the characters young version of himself and then quickly switches to the current version of him. This indicates to the audience that he is reminiscing his dreams and slowly understanding where he is right now.
The colour usages used in this short film, with the main character Thomas enters the abandoned building, he encounters a glowing flashing blue light, which is normally common as the semiotics of sci-fi films can be the colour blue being normally representing the normal colour of alien life, And can somewhat indicate advanced technology, Furthermore, they continue to use colour usage when Thomas - the main character wears the gadget created by the aliens, the colour gold appears running through the wires attached to the headwear. This can indicate the power and knowledge being transferred into the persons mind. Linking too that, when Thomas enters a digital virtual experience, he's been put into another person perspective. The colours that were presented was blue and white as the semiotics of sci-fi films are the two colours represent more advanced technology and also makes the objects more cleaner making it somewhat eye catching for the audience. Furthermore, in one scene they show the audience another dimension of numerous circles, with the colour being very blue mixed with purple which gives more of an illusion, which can indicate they're time traveling. Overall, this backs up Todorov's theory as it states the repetitive narrative patterns shown in sci-fi films, for example: we commonly see the location being set in a different planet like Mars, or even a lab full of scientists.
Characters/Stereotype
The protagonist in sci-fi films are commonly male main characters, as in the media they're shown to be more stronger and braver. With majority of sci-fi films there's always a male lead. As they're introcuded to be more smarter. Which overall in this film the main character is a strong smart male lead. Furthermore, the antagonist in sci-fi films are normally the supernatural creatures that reak havoc on Earth. As normally they are aliens, which is needed to fit the sci-fi element. Furthermore the stock characters in sci-fi films are normally the mad scientist who discovered to communicate to the aliens and somewhat getting brainwashed into becoming one of them or being on their side. We see this as these characters change the film course forever. Another character we see is the side kick of the main character were she/he is normally smart but not smarter than the actual main character as the character is usually the one on the side lines helping the main character.
Stock Situations
The common narrative patterns in sci-fi films is the humans not knowing what's coming or someone discovers a dangerous object coming straight to earth and people don't believe in his belief and then when it comes to the day they realise that they made a wrong decision and try to remove the problem, which needs up going wrong. Or when they discover life, they try to secure a DNA sample of it but ends up back firing were they start to battle out the aliens. Furthermore, the scenarios the characters encounters is the discovery of alien life, were they try to communicate with the alien life but ends up going wrong and that's when they both fight each other. Or another scenarios they encounter is discovering something to earth as they try warn the higher ups to make a difference but gets ignored. Furthermore the chains of events in sci-fi films are normally them discovering the problem , they try to fix it but can't were they figure out what to do, the antagonist strike back and this makes them slowly loose control of everything and try to over power the aliens.
Theories
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] -
The semiotics in this film is shown in the middle of movie, were we discover the activities the main character is doing and pursuing, were we see the character being very strong and fit, with additional information of him being interested on the aliens, with different information he put on his wall. This indicates that the character is the smart scientist.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] -
The common narrative patterns in this film is him slowly finding out the reason why the aliens are here by sracifing himself to tell him the answer. As this is normally shown to be the mad scientist who are eager to know the answer.
Levi-Strauss Theory [Structuralism] -
Furthermore, the NVC of this chaarcter is commonly more of the interested and eager side of things, as this indicate that he is very straight forearm and never gives up, which is shown as he is still looking for clues even when he was a child.
Neale Theory [Genre] -
The genre of this film fits every criteria, as it shows us that this is a sci-fi film with the common patterns we see, with space ships, supernatural aliens, different areas that we cannot go to.
HORROR FILM
Mise en scene
A woman named Moa is on vacation in the solitude of a cabin, on a small Island outside of Stockholm. One day when checking her fishing net, an old metal box is stuck in it. She takes it with her and place it in a shed nearby, to dispose of later. Right after dinner, a weird sound is heard outside the cabin. She opens the front door, only to discover the box at her footstep.
This short horror film called Mystery Box, the mise en scene used in this short horror film has similarities with other horror films, which is good as it suits the overall setting of the film. Linking with the settings, the location used is a small cabin on a small island outside Stockholm. This is very common for majority of horror films as it makes each scene more scarier, as less characters will make each scenes more intense. And having one location will limit the audiences imagination, which will make it unpredictable on what will happen next. Furthermore, the costumes being shown in this short horror film is normally seen to be more causal clothings, as this will make the scenes/film more impactful and giving it more realism when watching it. The reason why they wore causal clothing is because it will suit the overall scene and atmosphere that the character is in. With the colours not overpowering the overall area, as we see the character wearing less strong colours. This will make each scene more scarier. I can back this up with the beginning of the short film, we see the lady wearing more strong colours, as the background is quite colourful and bright, this will fit in with the scene, as both colours blend well together. The props used in the short film, they have the character pulling a fish net, this is common as in StockHolm, it's very common for a person to fish for their food, this creates more realism to it. Furthermore, inside the shed we see different obejcts placed on the shelf. This will give the scene more common sense, as the normal objects we see inside a shed is different used objects like buckets, bikes etc... Furthermore, the scene quickly switches into the character cooking fish, the frying pan and the fish are the props and is used to create more fluidity and making each scene in chronological order as people know we're she got that fish from. Throughout the scene they continue to use appropriate props suitable for the scene, for example: when the character is sitting down eating her dinner, we can see the props presented in the scene, as we see a candle, magazine, mug and some sort of alcohol. These props are used to create more meaning, with the candle being part of the light source for the room, as this makes the room more gloomy and more depressing, and also the magazine being there, as it shows that the character isn't in some posh cabin, they made the cabin into more of the traditional housings with no advanced technology. The reason why they use these specific props is to create more of the seriousness pf the character and having the candle and also the light above her head will only highlight her facial expressions giving the scene more meaning for the audience. Adding to this, we can see the tape running and her washing the dishes, this can additionally add to the fact that the cabin isn't fully advanced and it's quite old with less water coming out from the tap. The directors used a high angle to show the different side of the house and we can see all the props used inside the cabin, with these props they overall show that the cabin is very old fashion and we hardly see any technology being shown.
The NVC at the beginning of the film, we see the character pulling her fishing net, she discovers a mysterious black box, the facial expressions used is quite confused and somewhat shocked, with her eyes only targeting the box indicating she's quite fascinated on what she found. When she's eating her dinner, the light indirectly shows her facial features, with them being very neutral as this can indicate that she's acting like this everyday and she's does the same thing every single day. With her facial expressions suiting the overall background of the scene, with the room being dark and gloomy. Overall, throughout the film we hardly see the character break a smile, this indicate that the overall emotion is usually very depressing and lack of emotions this can tell us that she's not enjoying her time inside the cabin and can show loneliness. However, the emotions drastically changed when she opens the box with her facial expressions being very scared and confused, on what is coming out. Also we see the body language being used for the character, as it shows she's crawled up into a ball this shows vulnerability and fear. Further down the scene we see the full expressions being shown, with her face trembling in fear, as normally when someone is trembling it indicates the fear coming out. Furthermore, the lighting used in the beginning of the film is high key lighting with the character on a small boat trying to get some fish, we can overall see everything highlighted in the scene, with the boat and the character itself with everything being clear, as this is important as normally we see horror movies start in the light and slowly become darker making it more intense. They continue to use high key lighting to show more of the environment the character is in. However, they use low-key lighting for the shed, as this makes the shed less big and compact. Furthermore, we see in one scene the character is sitting down eating her dinner, we see they used a low key lighting to show only her facial expressions, and can also show how dull the overall exterior of the cabin. When the character is washing the dishes, they transition to another camera angle were the character is standing whilst washing her dishes with her background being partly dark, as they use more low-key lighting and hard lighting we're they only have a light source which was the light of the Exhaust fan, which lights up a small area of the kitchen. Further down the scene the character moves into the living room, we're the overall interior of the lighting is quite basic and quite old fashioned, with this being suitable for the actual storyline. Where they only light up a section of an area, as they made sure some areas in the room isn't fully lighted up, and leaves some shadows giving it more of a gloomy effect. Moreover, when the chaarcter hears a knock from her door, they use a high key lighting to highlight her reaction when she hears the knock, this gives the scene more tension. Nonetheless, when she walks towards the sound, she appears to be in a more darker lighting, however when she slowly walks to the corridor her face slowly becomes more lighter, this symbolises that it creates more suspense and gives the scene more rhythm, when using low-key lighting it will make the audience figure out quicker than having some scenes light and then transitions to dark, this restricts the audience to think what will happen next, leaving them speechless and scared. When she opens the door, the lighting used for this specific scene uses the imagination of the audience, with two different angles, with darker lighting in another area, this creates suspicion on we're the monster will appear, as this creates more of a jumpscare and more making the audience on the edge of their seats, as having two sides darker and the middle quite lighter gives the sense of something will appear. They continue to use high-key lighting when the character is showing expression, when she holds the key, her faces become more concerned and scared at the same time, with the lighting helping the audience see her reaction being presented in the scene, gives it more emphasise on what will happen next. Furthermore, when the character uses the torch to light up the dark living room, she aims the torch towards the middle we're the box ids positioned this makes the scene more impactful, as they covered the whole room black giving less answers and makes the box more mysterious. And overall the reason why they use the lighting for the box, is to make the box more scarier as when the room is dark it creates more meaning and gives the box more power than the character.
Camera Techniques
Throughout the short film, they have used different camera angles that creates meaning for the audience. For the first camera angle used in this short film, is a birds eye view of the boat with the girl on it. This creates meaning for the audience as it indicates that the place we're she found the box will be the turning point of the whole story. Another reason is because they wanted to expand the story slightly. Furthermore, another camera angle is an Eye Level angle. This is shown when the camera records the woman pulling the box onto her boat, when she was pulling the box out of the water, they used an eye level shot. Which, normally used to show more of the facial expression being formed when she's pulling the heavy box, which overall gives the scene more of a realistic approach. Further onto the scene, they continue to use the same angle which is the birds eye view shot, as they used this when the woman is carrying the box to her shed, whilst she passes her cabin. They use this to show the whole area we're the main character will be staying and somewhat shows to the audience that she is alone and no-one is near her, this can indicate to the audience that she's somewhat isolated. Another camera angle they used is when the angle was set in the corner of her living room which is a high angle, this just shows the interior of her cabin and tells the audience that her cabin isn't a very fancy interior as it's just an old and small cabin. This gives the scene more seriousness. They continue to use the high angle shot when she heard a knock on her door and they immediately use a high angle then when she slowly gets up from her knees they use another angle which is an eye level angle these two camera angles are used to create more suspense and shows more of the character's facial expressions. Further onto the story, when the woman opens the door to address the knock, she steps slightly outside to see who did it, when this scene came they use a low angle to show many features as this creates multiple meanings for the audience, as when they use this low angle, it creates more questions for the audience to ask. As they positioned the camera we're the woman is right in the middle. With, a lot of space beside her, as this creates more suspense as they don't know if the monster will pop out to scare them or will the monster come out in another side. They continuously use the low angle when the woman is putting the box back inside her shed, this creates more darkness and limits the features on what the audience sees. Not a lot of angles used but we normally see the exact same angles being used, like they use a low angle, when the woman removed the chains from the box, they frame the woman and the box together but in a low angle. This is for the audience to see the whole box and immediately show how the box is small compared to the woman. The reason why they use a low angle for certain scenes is to create meaning without the characters having to speak, for example: they use a low angle when the character uses her torch to see inside the box, however it was still pitch dark, this tells the audience that the box is different than other ones. This gives the box more mystery which is the name of the short film. Further down the scene, they continue to use the low angle when the woman reaches inside the box, they immediately use a low angle to show the woman reaching out. This is a key part of the film, as we can see that she nearly put her whole arm inside the box, this adds more mystery for the box. Another angle they used is the overhead angle, which was used when the box gushed out water, and continued to use the overhead angle when we see two legs coming out from the inside of the box, this creates more tension and confusion. Which overall, makes the scene more scarier for the audience as they will freak out on what just happened and what came out. And, the second to last angle they used is the eye level angle which was able to film the characters facial expressions when the monster tries to put the box on her head, this gives the scene more impact and more tension and also suspense, making the audience on the edge of their seats. The last angle they used to finish off the movie is the high angle which was able to show the main character wearing the box on her head, this overall will limit the amount of information gathered whilst finishing this short film, this makes the audience want to see the part 2 or even more.
The camera shots used in this short film, has numerous shots as the first one was when she encounters the box, they used the medium close up, which mainly indicates the confusion and trying to understand what it is. By this they only included the face and half of her body, with this they can show how she's feeling right now, what body language she's doing or what facial expression she's expressing, all this is used with a medium close up. Furthermore, when she drags her boat onto land, they quickly used a long shot to make sure that nothing gets confusing, as they will need to put this type of scene in, so the audience know we're the main character is staying, as this gives every scene more fluidity and understanding. They used a close up shot when the character is cooking the fish, this probably can signify that she's not living in a rich cabin, and she is catching her own food, as this will give more life to the film with all the scenes not being very positive and quite dark. As not much colour is being used. They continue to use the medium close up shot to emphasize on the living situation she is in, as they need to make sure that the audience knows she's living alone. Another reason why they used this specific camera shot is to normally show the background on were she's at right now. The long shot used when she's washing the dishes, can show the size of the whole kitchen, further in the scenes, the character opens the door we're the knock was, and discovered the box is on her doorstep, they used a canted angle to film the box, this gives more effect and gives a proper introduction of the box, another reason is making the scene more of a uneasy feeling for the audience. Furthermore, they used a wide angle to show the extra background behind her, this is usually used in horror scenes making the scene full with questions and giving the audience more of a restricted access on what will happen next, which is good as it makes the scene less predictable, which removes the horror element. They used a mid shot when she hears another knock from her door, as it creates more of realistic feeling to it, and also got her left side of her body with the same shot, this is important as we need to see the characters facial expressions being used from another angle rather than having one shot being in front of her. They continue to use a mid shot to emphasise on the confusion and this is used numerously as it's able to show the progression on the characters expressions from being fine and then slowly becoming scared and anxious. After the mid shot they transitioned with a tilting shot going down, we're the box is located. This gives more of an eerie vibe to it and overall starts to make the audience more confused and interested on what the box is. Furthermore, throughout the scenes they mainly use mid shots/medium close up to only focus on the facial expressions the character is making on each scene, this gives the film more realistic effect and gives the scenes more feel to it. Some times they use low angle to show more of her facial reaction. Where she's opening the box her facial expressions shows how fear and use a low angle to show it more. Last of all, when the girl reveals her face, it transitions into a close up shot of the face of the monster, however they only show half of her face to create more mysterious and restricts the audience from guessing who this other character is, giving it the word mystery which is part of the film.
The framing for this short film, consist of placing the character in the appropriate angle and the same time. When doing each scene they make the character always at the middle of the scene, this will make the scene more understandable and makes the audience understand who is the main character for this short film. As, at the beginning we see the character on a boat we're the boat is placed in the middle and the frame of the scene shows a balance of the lake with the boat at the middle. it transitions into the character pulling her fishing net, they frame this scene only towards the character expressions whilst trying to pull her fishing net, this normally fives a realisitic approach on what it's like doing fishing. Furthermore, the framing further down the line usually contains the movement and also the way the character is feeling at the moment, we're the framing changes when the character changes her body language giving it more meaning for the audience. When the character interacts with the box they frame the character and the box at the same time giving the fluidity and making the audience understand what is going on right now, and making sure the character and the box is in the same roo giving the scene more realistic approach and following the storyline.
Last of all, the movements for this short film first appeared when the character is carrying the box towards her shed, majority of the movements consist of the character walking with a normal pace, however the tempo of her steps changed drastically, with each scene becoming more intense they make the character more slower as this creates a lot of suspemnse and gives the audience a sense of fear and makes them unprepared on what's about to happen next. For example: when she first hears the knock she sslowly walks twards the sound, however further down the line it changes as when she discovers the box is inside her house her movements are quite limited as she's only able to walk a certain limit we're she doesn't know what will happen if she goes near. Giving the scene more meaning.
Sound Techniuqes
Diegetic sound in this short film, with the beginning of the film, we hear splashing of the water were the character is seen to be pulling her fishing net onto her boat. Overall, gives the scene more realism and makes sure that she's actually pulling the fishing net, with her grunting. Which deliberately makes the audience idncuate that the fishing net ois caught under something or it's rather heavy to pull. Furthermore, we hear the sound of seagulls in the background, we're normally we see them in these types of scenarios. The diegetic sounds are normally the sounds of common objects hitting one another, overall giving it more of a realistic approach, with birds in the background again. This gives the original location being very deserted and iolsated, were she's somewhat alone. They continue to use diegetic sounds like knocking of the door, crickets chirping, normally gives the scene more enegery and makes sure that nature is around her, which is suitable as the location is in a isolated area in StockHolm. Furthermore, the sounds of water gushing out on her living room shows the original place were the box was set before, this normally gives the scene more of a chronoglicasl order, making each scene more understandable and makes sure it connects with everything. They use diegetic sound with the antagonist being presented at the end, with unstable breathing and clicking of her teeth. And at the end, we see the common sound effects were every horror film has in, which is the scream, were the character screams giving off the final end to the film, leaving the audience to give out questions and makes the film more confusing and mysterious, overall ends the movie in a cliff hanger, which leads to some horror movies to become more popular as people will be wanting another part 2 to it.
Non-Diegetic Sound used in this short film, with the beginning of the movie, the introduction of the mystery box, we're we hear more of an eerie sound being presented when the character stares at the box with confusion. Furthermore, when the character is holding the box going to her shed, we get a birds eye view of the whole place, were they use a non-diegetic sound we're it sound s'more creepier, with a sparrow at the background normally indicating someones death coming up, or shows more of the area being closed off. Furthermore, they continue to use more eerie sounds, however they use more of a sudden and impactful sound when the box magically appears on her doorstep for the first time, this gives the audience a shock. Furthermore, it continues to do so, with the sound becoming more louder. Nonetheless, the sound drastically changed and becomes more up beat when she chocks on a key, this indicates that the movie is about to change the course forever, as it gives the audience more time to prepare on what will happen next. Last of all, we hear the sound becoming more scarier than before, when the antagonist appears inside the box, this will terrify the audience which overall makes up the poor element, when the sound becomes more louder and gloomy it automatically creates more answers and puts the audience in constant fear everytime something dark appears. Or when the sound becomes more louder.
The SFX used in this short film, isn't really been shown in this film. As they somewhat made the sound effects more enhance with the sounds becoming more eerie and louder at the same time. But overall, we only hear sounds that overall made up by people, with sudden impactful sounds, we haven't really heard any changes. But the only changes we somewhat hear, was at the end were they made the sound of the antagonist growling.
The speech of the film, can't be really be said or talked about, with the film being very limited with dialogue, this is normally the case were the developers make the film more scarier, with less dialogue being said, and only the action and sound being used gives each scene more of a scarier vibe to it.
Editing techniques
In this short film, they don't really apply the stylistic effect at the beginning of the film, they slowly use the effect at the middle and end. As, it's probably more better with the beginning telling the audience the backstory of the whole film. However, they used a hint of stylistic effect, when the character encounters the mystery box on her doorstep, as they use more of a zooming effect, this will create more emphasise on the mystery behind the box as it makes the box more suspicious. Nonetheless, when the character wakes up being unable to breath, they use the stylististc effect, when she holds her throat they use an editing technique when the character starts coughing they start to shake the image giving more of a dramatic effect on what is happening. Furthermore, when the mystery box was opened and revealed what's inside, the people who edited this scene made sure that the inside of the box needs to be pitch black, this creates further mystery and leaves the audience confused and fascinated at the same time. This can symbolise that the box is empty, unknown and covered in secrets. This is why using black makes the effect of something be mysterious. They continue to use the stylistic effect when the character reaches inside the box, were they transition the camera to more of a wide/low angle. You can see when the character reaches inside, half of her arm goes inside the box, this gives the box more mystery and shows how unnatural the box is. Having these effects for the box automatically makes the box more recognisable and makes the audience more engaged with different things that can't happen in real life, like the box teleporting infinite darkness etc...
The shot lengths used in this short film, varies from scene to scene, with different shots being more longer than the other. The beginning of the scene, it's somewhat quick with different angles being used, this is created because it's telling the audience a short summary on how she got the box in the first place. Furthermore, when the film goes on the shots become more longer making the film more intense. When the character first hears the knock on her door, she slowly walks towards the knock, as they use a long take to make the scene more dramatic. However, when the audience catch on what is going on, they use more of the quick takes from scene to scene giving more hype and intensity further down the line. With constant knocking making the audience more intrigued on what will happen next. Furthermore, when the character is chocking, they use quick take to make the scene more serious and shows the intensity and agony the character is going through right now. Nonetheless, they now start to use long takes when the scenes is about to become more scarier, when she grabs her torch, towards her living room, the take is fairly long giving the scene more chilling vibes and restricts the audience from knowing what will happen next as the scene is fairly dark and nothing is coming out, which shows more of the eerie vibe.
The transition used in this short film are quite standard cuts as it's a horror film for a reason with transitions being important to make each scene meaningful and makes the audience connect more. The first transition is at the very beginning of the scene, we're they use a birds eye view shot and cuts to the character pulling her fishing net, these cuts are shown a lot of times throughout the film when she's cooking to eat and walking etc... These cuts make the film less boring and it makes sure that it gets to the point, making sure they don't bore the audience. However, the transitions changes drastically, with more transitions occurring more often this gives the film more energy and builds up the box and later on the film. With further hints of the box reappearing, it creates more of an intimidating vibe to it.
The colour usage for this film, is mainly dark and gloomy, however at the beginning of the film they use more of a brighter colour when she's pulling the box out of the water. This can indicate that everything is fine when she didn't pull the box out. They continue to use more brighter colours, then when the film goes further, it gets more darker with time being added, this normally makes it understanding as it's lighter in the morning and gets dark in the night. However, they added more of an effect on each scene we're they use more darker tones when things become more intense, with each colour balancing with each other, with the character wearing not so bright colours, giving the scene more of a realistic vibe to it, as they made sure the colour of the character is wearing isn't to overpowering for the scenes, which will remove the creepy vibe to it.
Characters/Stereotypes
The protagonist of this short film is a female actress, however this subverts the stereotypes in the media regarding females starring in horror films, we're normally they are presented as damsel in distress as they commonly get killed by the killer, and mainly the protagonist is a male lead, we're they are considered to be more braver and stronger than females. But, the film uses a female actress, however they killed her at the very end which somewhat supports the statement of females being the first ones to get killed in a horror film. "With this Women are traditionally represented as the victims and men represented as the monster and hero" - https://screampsychohorror.wordpress.com/representation-of-women-in-horror-films/ However, this statement from the website isn't truly correct, as normally we see that females are the more scarier and more terrifying antagonist for horror movies, with males being more of the dominant monsters like Jason, Michael Myers etc... In this short movie they introduce a child as the monster, this is normally the case of majority of horror movies, as they have some sort of possessed girl element to it.
In this short film, there's only one character that plays the protagonist, so when jt comes to stock characters, I would say she's the wanderer, as she's the one that discovered the box, and opened it which overall led to her death. With the wanderer being the main foundation on how the movie will go south quickly. Which overall is correct with the main character being very interested in the box which slowly leads her to open it and discover the mystery on what's inside the box.
Stock Situation
The common narrative patterns in horror movies, are normally group of friends venture out, we're they stumble upon the house that was mentioned to be haunted and abandoned, they try to find a way to go inside, which is normally teenagers being the characters, as commonly teenagers are the one that are rebellious and courageous. Furthermore, one of the characters gets killed and they slowly figure out what's going on and try to escape from the antagonist. This is shown in this short film, as they only have one character being presented throughout the entire short film. With the character finding a mystery box. And opening the box at the end. This is a common narrative shown throughout the genre, with boxes, doors, rituals etc... All these things that leads to the antagonist being released.
Furthermore, the scenarios that characters encounter in horror films is the entrance of the antagonist, whether it will be from summoning the monster or normally feeling it's presents throughout the movie, there's different types of scenarios the characters go through, with another common pattern is them trying to fend off the monster, with the main character being injured or about to get killed but survives. This is common with horror films with the final character being the last one to survive. However, it's not like that normally with horror films being very unpredictable at times, the writers will normally have something that leaves with a cliff hanger or even the main c character actually getting killed. This makes the audience more interested and gives the movie more fame.
The chains of events in horror films and is shown in this short film is the character discovering the main problem, we're the character doesn't know yet and slowly changes the course of the whole movie at the middle to end. The character discovers weird things happening, and he/she tries to figure out what is happening and then slowly realises the main problem, we're the character tries to remove the problem but ends up battling the antagonist which leads to the characters death or ends with a cliff hanger.
Theories
Barthes Theory [Semiotics] - In this short film, they didn't really give any information that tells the audience about the main character, however by the way she's acted and how she responded to the box gave us a sense of courage and adventurous. As, at the beginning we see her examining the box and keeping it inside her small storage cabin, furthermore we continue to see that she's very interested and fascinated about the box as she opens it.
Todorov Theory [Narratology] - This theory tells us the discomfort of not letting the movie end good, as In this movie it ended badly for the character and ends with more of a cliff hanger, which leads the audience with more answers.
Levi-Strauss Theory [Structuralism] - This is shown in the movie as we see the character discover the box by pulling it out from the water, this gives the audience more understanding when things become more unhinged at the end. With things becoming more weirder and weirder when the box keeps arriving at her door step.
Neale Theory [Genre] - Brings out more of the repetitive nature of horror films, with this short film being very unique in it's own way, with the ending and also the plot of the entire movie consist of a mysterious box which engages the audience even more. As, no-one watched a movie based on a mysterious box found under the ocean.
Learning Aim : B
Task 4: Proposal
Task 5: Narrative
LEARNING AIM B:
CORE ASSESSMENT
SHOT LIST
SCRIPT [ATTEMPTS]
RISK ASSESSMENT
Equipment Booking
SCRIPT [Resolution]
LOCATION RECCE
Shooting
Schedule
SOUND LOG
STORY BOARD
VIDEO LOG
