Saturday 9 April 2011
Friday 8 April 2011
Finished!!!
Our film is finished! After a long grueling process, it's done! Woop! We believe it to be successful and we believe it to be of a partial success. The idea of thriller conventions are conveyed in it and this project has allowed us to develop as individuals and successfully work as a team and bond as such.
Thursday 7 April 2011
Issues faced in group Q
To be perfectly honest I do not actually think there were any issues (besides the mad rush at the end to get it done!). As a group we managed to communicate successfully and discuss what needs to be done and how to go about it.
I think the only issue that was constantly present was not knowing if everyone in the group would show up so if we had something important that needed doing and we needed that particular person to do it then basically we were, for lack of a better word, doomed! However, this did not occur all of the time and so we found it easier to work with all of our group present at the time.
Also as we all had differnet timetables and free's we found it difficult to go up in our free's and edit the film as if someone did something to it that the others did not like then a lot more time and effort would be put in to undo what it is that had been done.
I think the only issue that was constantly present was not knowing if everyone in the group would show up so if we had something important that needed doing and we needed that particular person to do it then basically we were, for lack of a better word, doomed! However, this did not occur all of the time and so we found it easier to work with all of our group present at the time.
Also as we all had differnet timetables and free's we found it difficult to go up in our free's and edit the film as if someone did something to it that the others did not like then a lot more time and effort would be put in to undo what it is that had been done.
Preliminary sequence
Creating this sequence was very helpful to us as a group.
We managed to piece together something with technology which we had not used before and although it is rather poor we feel it is a good effort considering we had no idea what we were doing for most of the time, simply as we found the programme complex in the beginning but soon go the hang of it and managed to use different effects to our likings and make them fit into places easily.
It also allowed us to discover who was better at certain aspects within the group as to find who would be better at such aspects when we came to do our actual opening sequence. So, we discovered who was better at what and then decided who would do the majority of certian tasks when it came to editing, filming ect our opening sequence.
In this sequence we used very few editing techniques as we wanted it to flow naturally and in a fun and upbeat way. Also, as we did what we could, as at the time our editing skills on final cut express were of a rather poor standard.
We managed to piece together something with technology which we had not used before and although it is rather poor we feel it is a good effort considering we had no idea what we were doing for most of the time, simply as we found the programme complex in the beginning but soon go the hang of it and managed to use different effects to our likings and make them fit into places easily.
It also allowed us to discover who was better at certain aspects within the group as to find who would be better at such aspects when we came to do our actual opening sequence. So, we discovered who was better at what and then decided who would do the majority of certian tasks when it came to editing, filming ect our opening sequence.
In this sequence we used very few editing techniques as we wanted it to flow naturally and in a fun and upbeat way. Also, as we did what we could, as at the time our editing skills on final cut express were of a rather poor standard.
Response to opening sequence idea
Our opening sequence is, in my opinion, a good idea. This is as it allows for conventions of the thriller genre to be put forth in the portrayal of a young girls kidnapping by mysterious figures. The concept of kidnapping a young girl has also been done in immensely successful films such as "Taken" which conveys the idea of the thriller genre as well as the possible success of the idea as "Taken" is in fact a highly talked about film and has many good aspects within.
I feel our opening can successfully build up tensions and suspense and keep the audience on the edge of their seats as things such as the music used - a combination of diagetic and non-diagetic sound - and the variance in regards the types of shots can successfully do this. Our film also allows for our audience to relate to the girl and how she is feeling as she has a hangover form the night before and as our film is aimed at teenagers and young adults, the audience can make links with themselves and Hollie, as, lets face it, most teenagers rather enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two.
The concept of Hollie being kidnapped nakes the audience question why it is in fact that she is being taken and who it is doing the kidnapping - or are tehy working for someone?
I feel our opening can successfully build up tensions and suspense and keep the audience on the edge of their seats as things such as the music used - a combination of diagetic and non-diagetic sound - and the variance in regards the types of shots can successfully do this. Our film also allows for our audience to relate to the girl and how she is feeling as she has a hangover form the night before and as our film is aimed at teenagers and young adults, the audience can make links with themselves and Hollie, as, lets face it, most teenagers rather enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two.
The concept of Hollie being kidnapped nakes the audience question why it is in fact that she is being taken and who it is doing the kidnapping - or are tehy working for someone?
What went down (in terms of planning/ developing ideas)
We managed to develop a successful idea. The concept of a party first arose simply as when we all went away and created storyboards of our own the concept of heavy drinking came up in each one. Therefore we initally were going to create "The morning after" in which it would the morning after a house party and there were to be flashbacks to the night before to the party scene. Also in the morning someone body would be found in the house. However, we decided againist this as as the idea was good and we all liked it but we thought the party scenes would be hard to create as well as the convincingly dead body. Therfore we changed it to the morning after the film in which we could see the girl, who we called Hollie, would be kidnapped from her home the morning after she had a house party. We were happy with the new arrangements and knew that they would allow us to bring elements of mystery to the film opening through the hidden kidnappers, as they are only revealed at the end. Each member of group Q assisted in the development of the initial idea as we turned "the morning after" into "141". This idea came about as we came up with teh idea of a cold caller which brought about the name "141". The changing of this is also as it reminded us of the concept of the morning after pill and so we found it would be highly innapprpriate to name it as such and to associate and allow for our audience to make associations with it.However, when filming was occuring we found somethings much harder to film than others and so we then altered segments to fit what could be succeffully obtained. The idea of two kidnappers instead of one came about as to make the entire scene, and so the opening, more convincing as we found it to be a much easier in terms of filming. So after these changes the name "141", although we still used the cold caller idea, seemed to be getting more nad more innappropriate. This means that once again we changed the name. This time, and so it has remained, was called "Oblivious". This is as Hollie is completely oblivious to the kidnappers being in her home and seemed, generally, more appropriate than that of the other previous names.
Personal response to group
Within our group, we all took part in various aspects of the production process whether it was filming, editing or acting or simply the task of planning, and explictily detailed at that. For this task group Q was made up of myself, Alex, Sophia and Sasha. Sasha and I were friends from before we came to West Hatch and so got on well and so we found that we would enjoy each others company of working on this project together and believed that it would be carried out succcessfully and to the best of our ability. Alex and Sophia, however i did not know until I came to West Hatch and so mixing with new people and discovering their strenght and weaknesses would be a worth while challenge which I happy to accept. Working as part of this group we were able to develop our communication and increase the levels of comfort and friendliness unto each other.
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Harry Potter Merchandise/ promotional methods
This trailer is another promotional method of entising people to go and watch the film. It enables viewers to make links and successfully relate this back to previous films and the books. The use of the dark colours is also present within previous films so they are easily linked together. It brings about the idea of a revolutionary aspect within modern writings and so cinema.
In the trailer they use various things to build up tension and suspense and so make their target market want to go and see it. For exampke, the music they use has many suspense building qualities. The idea of the trailer not being chronological in terms of events/happenings within the film/story also builds up suspense as we, as an audience, wnat to know what is happening when and why it is happening. It also cuts off the second half of important scenes so it teases the audience and gives them a very little insight into the occurances in the film but make us want to go and see it anyway.
In the trailer they use various things to build up tension and suspense and so make their target market want to go and see it. For exampke, the music they use has many suspense building qualities. The idea of the trailer not being chronological in terms of events/happenings within the film/story also builds up suspense as we, as an audience, wnat to know what is happening when and why it is happening. It also cuts off the second half of important scenes so it teases the audience and gives them a very little insight into the occurances in the film but make us want to go and see it anyway.
Harry Potter Merchandise/ promotional methods
One way by which Harry Potter has been successfully promoted is via posters advertising the film and posters available for your wall at home.
These are o=both examples of such posters. They appeal to the audience as the vastness of dull colours can be easily related back to previous films and so the idea of promoting in the manner allows for the audience to make links and so expectations of what is in store for the next segment in the thrilling series.
These are o=both examples of such posters. They appeal to the audience as the vastness of dull colours can be easily related back to previous films and so the idea of promoting in the manner allows for the audience to make links and so expectations of what is in store for the next segment in the thrilling series.
Harry Potter Merchandise/ promotional methods
There are many forms in which Harry Potter has been promoted. This has been done through various methods, including merchandise.
Class feedback
Our opening sequence was shown in to the class who then gave us relatively detailed feedback on what we needed to improve. As at the time of showing we had not added music to our sequence and had not had the time to successfully finish the credits (although our first credits were poor it would have been nice to have been able to finish them!) so obvious comments such as "add music" and "no music" were rather unhelpful!
However, some people actually commented on our sequence in detail which helped us to make changes and tranform our sequence form the explicitly rough edit to what is no "Oblivious".
The way in which we viewed each others progress was immensely flawed! Bits went black when they were not supposed to and cuts happened when they shouldn't have. This was not down to our poor editing but to the method by which we were viewing. This obviously means that the feedback we received could have been more accurate and detailed if the viewers could have received and accurate insight into what we had produced so far.
However, some people actually commented on our sequence in detail which helped us to make changes and tranform our sequence form the explicitly rough edit to what is no "Oblivious".
The way in which we viewed each others progress was immensely flawed! Bits went black when they were not supposed to and cuts happened when they shouldn't have. This was not down to our poor editing but to the method by which we were viewing. This obviously means that the feedback we received could have been more accurate and detailed if the viewers could have received and accurate insight into what we had produced so far.
The name change
Initailly our opening seqence was goiung to be called 141. However, at a certain point after we had drastically tweeked our ideas as we filmed on two separate occassions and although we filmed separate bits, for the most part, and each time we filmed we edited the storyline slightly and so it transformed from 141 to Oblivious. This new name fits, I feel, more with the context of our footage and with the thriller theme. As the girl in the house is, in fact, entirely oblivious to what is going on around her and has no idea she is about to be kidnapped the new title seemed to fit correctly. Another reason for changing the title was that we did actually forget why it was we were going to call it that. Although it seemed like such a fantastic idea at the time, it obviously could not be that fantastic if we forgot why!
About me
Hi, my name is Hayley Cook and I go to sixth form at West Hatch High School. I am currently studying: Psychology, media, combined english and business studies. I selected media as I studied it at GCSE and rather enjoyed it. I created a film for GSCE and so naturally I thought I would be able to handle it at A level. Despite my simpleton thoughts, the work load is large and more complex that the of GSCE, however, that may be because I came from a different school and so West Hatch has a different system and general ways of working. I enjoy going out with my friends, slowly making my way through a vast stack of books and cannot resist studying books every time I go into W H Smiths!
Oblivious: Sound
Every member of group q contributed towards the composure of the soundtrack of our opening sequence. We used garage band to compose this track and used the handy preview to ensure that we could successfully build up tension and create a good thrilling piece. We scanned through the options available to us in garage band and found most of the handy and successful in terms of building up tension and we found it a rather simple task to just drag and drop the various tension building sounds into place.
Who did what?
In the process of creating this opening sequence we found it to be realtively easy to delegate tasks. We, therfore, decided that the most time efficient and convenient way to do so would be to divide into sub groups, each group concentrating on certain areas. As Sasha and myself found the editing and filming to be something which we would prefer to do and so we carried out the majority of the editing. However, we all took part in the putting together of the soundtrack which enabled us to bond as a team and to gain the right effect which we so strive to achieve. Alex and Sophia focused more on blogging and planning but, once again, we all played our part in doing so.
Oblivious: Editing
For our opening sequence we edited it on Final Cut Express. This programme enabled us to successfully edit together our piece with relative ease and in a way which enabled us to make quick, sharp and decisive decisions and cuts to our sequence. I say with 'relative ease' as when we were editing our preliminary sequence we struggled to edit it successfully and yet found it to be of great help and explicitly straight forward, obviously once we got the hang of it.
The editing which we have done for our opening sequence has enabled us to develop our skills in such an area. This is as from moving from our preliminary sequence to our final opening sequence our editing skills as well as the ability to build up suspense has increased drastically.
The editing which we have done for our opening sequence has enabled us to develop our skills in such an area. This is as from moving from our preliminary sequence to our final opening sequence our editing skills as well as the ability to build up suspense has increased drastically.
Pillow Talk Vs Fringe
Pillow Talk Vs Fringe:
The two sequences belonging to Pillow Talk and Fringe are both similar and different in terms of pace and style of editing. This implies that the views that the audience will possess on the films will also differ in many ways, creating many different opinions and enhancing the power of different editing techniques.
Both of these sequences successfully appeal to the audience of their time but as we find that Pillow Talk’s choice of style appeals directly to the era of the 60’s, although, we as a modern audience find Fringe more exciting due to a more modernised take on editing and quicker paced scenes. This is reflected in the split screen shot, portraying the development in editing techniques as well as the needs and expectations of an audience. This is also exposed in terms of pace. Pillow Talk has an average of twelve seconds per cut, whereas Fringe has a much swifter pace due to an average of cuts occurring every four seconds. This means that Pillow Talk is a much slower sequence, although creating excitement in the era, disappoints and bores the younger generations as the current audience need bursts of excitement around each and every corner.
In Fringe the cuts in the sequence are pretty much at a steady pace throughout, this means that in order to obtain and maintain the audience’s undivided attention quick paced scenes and a variety of shots are needed as well as a variety of lengths of the actual shots. This not only implies that the modern audience is exceptionally needy but also that a larger variety of shots have been developed and can be used successfully in order to enhance the ambiance of a scene as well as possessing the inept ability to elongate the tension factor.
However, in Pillow Talk the cuts are far more spaced out, although become both more frequent and regularly occurring towards the end of the sequence. This portrays to us that, perhaps, the more frequent cuts within a scene, the higher the ability possessed to prolong suspense and create a dramatic ending in the scene, and in this case the swift cuts allow for the tension to build up to the “big kiss” enhancing the passion in the scene.
The cuts in Pillow Talk mainly consist of dissolve, fade, straight cuts and the favourite wipe to split screen. The wipe to split screen shot (shot 3) was a clearly desirable shot in the 60’s and as a result it lasts for over a minute, 69 seconds to be precise. The popularity of this shot allowed it to last for a quarter of the entire sequence implying that it is of great importance and without such a scene the context of the following would have been lost. After 35 seconds of the shot the frame goes to a close up whilst remaining in the split screen form and does not cut between both figures. This means that both parties are equally as important in this scene and possess equal status as both are constantly seen as well as the fact that the shot enhances the emotions in the scene as we can clearly view both of their facial expressions meaning that their reactions play a part on what is to follow. The split screen shot allows us to see what is going on the both locations, this makes our understanding of the plot much more in depth and accurate.
The dissolve shot (shot 2) implies to us the passing of time in the sequence and shows that we are at a different part in the plot, in this case, a few hours later. This is a rather play like shot as it allows us of transportation to another location, and perhaps another set of events, which due to the jump allows us to reflect upon the changes given and of that regarding time. In Pillow Talk we also find that straight cuts are used. This allows for continuation of a scene but from a different perspective and can help to enhance strong emotions and tension within a scene. This is also done as to allow for the scene to flow and create a better understanding for the audience, which in turn creates more positive and uplifting responses and can assist in reference to the overall opinions of the audience, whether modern or not. In Pillow Talk the straight cuts help to build up to the “big kiss”, this can be proven as cuts become more frequent due to the fact that the drama in this sequence is held until the end and after which occurs the cuts then cease as to help the audience get over their initial shock of the matter in hand.
In Fringe a much larger range of shots are used. Panning shots, reverse tracking shots, straight cuts ect. The panning shot that begins with a close up of the man writing on some paper and then travels across to Peter’s reflection and then to a close up of Peter. This is an exceptionally effective shot as it gives us insight straight away into the scenes context and what is likely to follow as we, as an audience begin to discover understanding, for us, within the plot. This shot also gives us an insight into more than just one segment of the scene. This shot is one of the longest in this sequence lasting for twelve seconds which means that it has great importance in the sequence due to this insight which is given as well as a great sense of boredom on Peter’s part and makes us want to know what is actually occurring and why it is taking so long. However, throughout this sequence all of the shots vary from close ups, extreme close ups (i.e. shots one, three and five), long shots and mid shots. All of these are an exceedingly successful method of portraying to the audience either a sense of anger and annoyance in the extreme close ups in order to back up the emotions with facial expressions, as signs of slight boredom in the mid shots and the long shots are thrown in to show us a change of scenery as to maintain the audience’s attention as well as to vary their choice of shots and create a general over view of locations. The long shots also help to elongate the process of whatever it is that is taking place between the two men and enhance a sense of emptiness within such a location as the place in which they are situated appears to be large, hollow and a cold, boring place.
When watching both of these sequences there are many factors which may influence the audience’s emotional response to them. For example gender, age, life experiences, genre likes and dislikes and even the actual audience itself. Gender and age are the most obvious of the two as females tend to go for more romantic and dramatic films whereas males tend to go for more action, comedy and horror and generally every other genre apart from romance. And so the genre likes and dislikes become apparent as they inflict such tender findings and most people find that they do not wish to watch genres which are not usually accustomed to their particular genres. Personal opinions and tastes of individuals are responsible for the audience’s emotional response. Age and experiences as obviously the more you have experienced in life the more of an understanding that you can grasp and so the greater likeness of a film, show or, in this case, sequence. The environment in which you watch these also influences your take on it this is due to others around you either talking in a cinema or laughing at the bits that are not funny so if it is viewed when a specific audience member is alone then the take on it will be much more truthful and opinionated rather than tainted with the hatred views of others.
Basically, Fringe and Pillow Talk are similar in reference to appealing to the audience of their time but differ on pace and style of editing. This means that the audience’s response to them will be conjoined with the era from which they have come.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Opening sequence analysis: Seven
Narrative Functions:
- 1995
- David Fincher
Conventions displayed:
- Credits after frames
- Credits are very well done, almost like a work of art
Characters introduced:
- Morgan Freeman
- Brad Pitt
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colour, MES)
- Dull colours
- All of it has a greenish tint
- Formal wear
Cameras/Editing (Movement, Framing, Editing, Sound):
- Exaggerated sound
- 1995
- David Fincher
Conventions displayed:
- Credits after frames
- Credits are very well done, almost like a work of art
Characters introduced:
- Morgan Freeman
- Brad Pitt
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colour, MES)
- Dull colours
- All of it has a greenish tint
- Formal wear
Cameras/Editing (Movement, Framing, Editing, Sound):
- Exaggerated sound
Opening sequence analysis: Zombie Land
Narrative functions:
- Setting - future
- Introduces comedy/horror genre
- 2009
- Ruben Fleischer
Conventions displayed:
- Voice over
- COMEDY
- Gore- signifiers i.e. blood
- Credits over stills
Characters introduced:
- Jesse Eisenberg
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colous, MES):
- Irony
- Contrapuntal sounds
Cameras/Editing (Movement, Framing, Editing, Sound):
- Contrapuntal sound
- Slow motion - emphasises the concept of the comedy genre
- Setting - future
- Introduces comedy/horror genre
- 2009
- Ruben Fleischer
Conventions displayed:
- Voice over
- COMEDY
- Gore- signifiers i.e. blood
- Credits over stills
Characters introduced:
- Jesse Eisenberg
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colous, MES):
- Irony
- Contrapuntal sounds
Cameras/Editing (Movement, Framing, Editing, Sound):
- Contrapuntal sound
- Slow motion - emphasises the concept of the comedy genre
Opening sequence analysis: Cleaner
Narrative Functions:
- Introduces the job, it's a voice over but he is actually speaking to people
- 2007
- Directed by Renny Harlin
Conventions displayed:
- Puts titles over the sequence
- Voice over
- Combination of credits on a blank screen and sequence
- Humorous aspects of voice over make job seem almost cheery
Character introduced:
- Tom played by Samuel L. Jackson
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, clour, MES):
- Dull, grey (deathly)
- Bright red blood enhances gore, death - but light heartedly due to the voice over
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing, editing, sound):
- Tracking shots
- Cuts his face out of the shot - arising elements of mystery
- Camera is constantly moving
- Introduces the job, it's a voice over but he is actually speaking to people
- 2007
- Directed by Renny Harlin
Conventions displayed:
- Puts titles over the sequence
- Voice over
- Combination of credits on a blank screen and sequence
- Humorous aspects of voice over make job seem almost cheery
Character introduced:
- Tom played by Samuel L. Jackson
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, clour, MES):
- Dull, grey (deathly)
- Bright red blood enhances gore, death - but light heartedly due to the voice over
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing, editing, sound):
- Tracking shots
- Cuts his face out of the shot - arising elements of mystery
- Camera is constantly moving
Opening sequence analysis: The Prestige
Narrative Function:
- Important opening sequence
- Starts in the middle of the story
- Set the scene/ place in time
- 2006
- Directed by Christopher Nowlen
Conventions displayed:
- Introduces story
- Voice over
- Warner Brothers logo
- Credits
Characters introduced:
- Christian Bowie
- Mr angier (Hugh Jackson)
- Michael Kan (Engineer cutter
- Alfie Borden
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colour, MES):
- Costume states setting/ time period
- Silence makes audience listen harder
- Judges old fashioned costumes
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing, editing, sound):
- Hand held camera movements
- Jumps between scenes
- Important opening sequence
- Starts in the middle of the story
- Set the scene/ place in time
- 2006
- Directed by Christopher Nowlen
Conventions displayed:
- Introduces story
- Voice over
- Warner Brothers logo
- Credits
Characters introduced:
- Christian Bowie
- Mr angier (Hugh Jackson)
- Michael Kan (Engineer cutter
- Alfie Borden
Technical codes
Cinematography (Light, colour, MES):
- Costume states setting/ time period
- Silence makes audience listen harder
- Judges old fashioned costumes
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing, editing, sound):
- Hand held camera movements
- Jumps between scenes
Opening sequence analysis: The Mummy
Narrative Function:
- Shows the back story, how and why certain things have happened
- It was made in 1999
- Directed by Steven Summorns
- Universal Pictures
Conventions displayed:
- Introduces the story
- Voice over
- Universal logo - links with company
- The credits are not striaght away to help the audience get into the story
Characters Introduced:
- Imotep (shows he is evil)
- High Priest
- Pheno
Technical codes
Cinematography (light, clour, MES):
- graphical match
- Eerrie egyptian music
- Scenery: gold, bright and shows wealth
- Costumes state charcters clearly
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing,editing, sound):
- Close up of hand on arm - indication of something important
- Speech/ voice over is setting the atmosphere
- Sweeping of camera to show size
- Shows the back story, how and why certain things have happened
- It was made in 1999
- Directed by Steven Summorns
- Universal Pictures
Conventions displayed:
- Introduces the story
- Voice over
- Universal logo - links with company
- The credits are not striaght away to help the audience get into the story
Characters Introduced:
- Imotep (shows he is evil)
- High Priest
- Pheno
Technical codes
Cinematography (light, clour, MES):
- graphical match
- Eerrie egyptian music
- Scenery: gold, bright and shows wealth
- Costumes state charcters clearly
Cameras/Editing (Movement, framing,editing, sound):
- Close up of hand on arm - indication of something important
- Speech/ voice over is setting the atmosphere
- Sweeping of camera to show size
Thursday 20 January 2011
How effectively does the opening sequence from "Children of Men" (2006) use the forms and conventions of film openings? What is your personal response as a member of the audience?
In the opening sequence of "Children of Men" various forms and conventions are used in order to enhance the murky atmosphere of London 2027 and give us a little insight into the nature and context of what is to follow.
From the opening sequence we learn the narrative functions of "Children of Men". We are introduced to the character played by Clive Owen, the star of the production and the reluctant hero of the story. He doesn't stand out in the sense of dressing in a different fashion as compared to the extras, for example in the cafe, but in terms of his actions. He doesn't simply stand in silence and watch the broadcast; he does just for a little while, as though filling the gap with something whilst waiting for his coffee. He only does what he went in to do and does not stand in ewe. He also pours alcohol into his coffee so he isn't exactly your typical hero.
The sequence manages to obtain and maintain the audience’s attention. It does this straight away with the use of the blank screen and voiceover. The voiceover - in the news broadcast form - immediately captures the audience’s attention as the blank screen forces them to focus on the voice and so they are paying attention and show interest as to what is being stated. This is also present as to enhance the importance of the words and the relevance they have to later on in the film, accompanied by the context that the words contain, which allows us to make expectations of the remainder of the film. As well as this, the simple use of black and white credits assists when capturing the audience's interest. This is as it varies from the norm of action sequence being used along with loud and distinctive music. The difference of plain black and white credits means that the audience are automatically interested as they have discovered something varying from the norm and so are drawn to learn these new/recently brought about things. Also as the audience wish to know what the film is about and, in this case who the voice belongs to as well as its significance to the remainder of the production. It intrigues the audience due to an element of mystery and makes them want to continue watching.
As we use a sound bridge to jump into the first actual scene, the silent and still cafe, the audience’s interest is still maintained as we only see bleak and morbid expressions of the mourning community. As we, as an audience, are still unsure of where the voice comes from, the shot cuts to one of the news broadcast on the TV screen. Their interest is remains as the mystery behind Clive Owen's character is explicit and as a result we find that he is unlike the others in regards to his actions. This means that we are automatically drawn to him. His actions, as well as the fact that he stands out, make us want to follow him and find out who he is and why such a tragic event that has affected the entire community (which is reflected in the police force, as they have stopped to watch the broadcast in the cafe instead of getting on with their jobs and, the fact that the "Please report suspicious activity" sign on one of the buildings portrays to us that London 2027 is a dangerous place and, as the police are not doing their job, the importance and tragedy of the death of baby Diego is shown.) has not affected Clive Owen's character. The various tracking shots that are used allow us to follow him and the use of the hand-held camera shots is to make us, as an audience, feel as though we are actually there, although not quite in a point of view form, so the focus remains on Clive Owen.
Emphasising the grim ambience, in the opening sequence, is the use of lighting and colour. The colours that are used are dull, dark and create a sense of doom over 2027 London. Even the use of the typical red London bus is dull and gloomy. This allows us to reflect on the tragedy of the death of the youngest person in the world - who is referred to as a baby even though he is eighteen, so we learn there are no children in the world. Also the fiery yellow of the bomb has been diluted and is watered-down so much that we it manages to convey that the bomb is a familiar existence, implying that the bombings are a regular occurrence. After the bomb goes off the murky grey smoke fills the screen which almost frames the woman missing an arm, this helps to enhance the malevolent event and torture of it and emphasises the pain of her scream.
The costumes used in the sequence are also dark, dull and rather depressing. The use of dark blues, greens and black are used and at no point in this sequence are bright colours used, they all merge into one array of darkness and, once again, create a sense of “dirty London”.
The music in the sequence plays a part in the opening. It allows for emphasis on traumatic events and creates a greater feel of generic conventions. The light-hearted music used over the news-broadcast enhances the tragedy of Diego’s death and denotes the innocence that he possessed. However, the sound in the sequence plays a much larger role. This is as the dialogue from the broadcast, as it lasts for over a minute, appears possess a great importance, and even though halfway through when Clive Owen enters the cafe and orders his coffee, the broadcast continues, meaning that it is the main focus of this scene. The fact that the broadcast and the statement “Coffee. Black.” are the only word uttered, denotes their importance and introduces us to the main character and reluctant hero of the story. The sobbing woman in the cafe also helps to emphasise the tragedy of Diego’s death. As Clive leaves the cafe we hear the diegetic sound of the cars and transport going past. This enhances the sense of realism in this sequence as we associate it with modern life and are familiarised with such sounds. The sound of the explosion and that of the woman’s scream also enhance catastrophic event and depicts the agony and torturous pain that the woman feels and so making us, as an audience, almost feel her pain.
As a member of the audience, I find this opening sequence very successful. This is as it successfully manages to use generic conventions/tropes and core themes. "Children of Men" establishes core themes of horror, tragedy and sci-fi. Horror is portrayed due to the inclusion of the explosion and the woman holding her own blown-off arm, this is emphasised by the high pitched squeal which could be representative of either a scream or the ringing in the ears after the bomb. This also enhances the tragic element in the sequence. The sense of tragedy is also present when we learn of the death of baby Diego, the youngest person in the world, and so the concept of science-fiction is brought about as we learn of a world without children. The generic conventions convey expectations about the remainder of the film to the audience. For example: The bomb implies that it is likely to be a horror/action/thriller and so implies more grim events will occur throughout. Also the use of Diego’s death denotes that the sci-fi element will also occur as there are no children in the world.
The dystopia in London 2027 is a vastly miserable place: The un-emptied bins creates a sense of a "dirty London" feel which is also reflected in the use of greys, dark and murky greens, blues and blacks. The murky and morbid use of colour and lighting also allows for a thriving opening. Also the excitement which is contained within 2:25 minutes allows us to gain an idea that much action is to follow this and so draws us into the realm of the film. For example, at the point where the explosion occurs, the use of the hand-held camera allows us to feel as though we are actually in the scene and so, once again, we are drawn into the film and our attention is captured. The quick paced opening also manages to maintain the audience’s attention as the modern audience is used to seeing a lot of action and so to prevent the audience from boredom, the immense pace allows us to stay alert and engrossed in the film and makes us want to carry on watching.
The opening sequence of “Children of Men” allows us to obtain a rough estimation of what is likely to occur later on in the film through the use of generic tropes. It also allows us to discover the importance of the use of colour and lighting as well as camera techniques to keep the audience interested.
From the opening sequence we learn the narrative functions of "Children of Men". We are introduced to the character played by Clive Owen, the star of the production and the reluctant hero of the story. He doesn't stand out in the sense of dressing in a different fashion as compared to the extras, for example in the cafe, but in terms of his actions. He doesn't simply stand in silence and watch the broadcast; he does just for a little while, as though filling the gap with something whilst waiting for his coffee. He only does what he went in to do and does not stand in ewe. He also pours alcohol into his coffee so he isn't exactly your typical hero.
The sequence manages to obtain and maintain the audience’s attention. It does this straight away with the use of the blank screen and voiceover. The voiceover - in the news broadcast form - immediately captures the audience’s attention as the blank screen forces them to focus on the voice and so they are paying attention and show interest as to what is being stated. This is also present as to enhance the importance of the words and the relevance they have to later on in the film, accompanied by the context that the words contain, which allows us to make expectations of the remainder of the film. As well as this, the simple use of black and white credits assists when capturing the audience's interest. This is as it varies from the norm of action sequence being used along with loud and distinctive music. The difference of plain black and white credits means that the audience are automatically interested as they have discovered something varying from the norm and so are drawn to learn these new/recently brought about things. Also as the audience wish to know what the film is about and, in this case who the voice belongs to as well as its significance to the remainder of the production. It intrigues the audience due to an element of mystery and makes them want to continue watching.
As we use a sound bridge to jump into the first actual scene, the silent and still cafe, the audience’s interest is still maintained as we only see bleak and morbid expressions of the mourning community. As we, as an audience, are still unsure of where the voice comes from, the shot cuts to one of the news broadcast on the TV screen. Their interest is remains as the mystery behind Clive Owen's character is explicit and as a result we find that he is unlike the others in regards to his actions. This means that we are automatically drawn to him. His actions, as well as the fact that he stands out, make us want to follow him and find out who he is and why such a tragic event that has affected the entire community (which is reflected in the police force, as they have stopped to watch the broadcast in the cafe instead of getting on with their jobs and, the fact that the "Please report suspicious activity" sign on one of the buildings portrays to us that London 2027 is a dangerous place and, as the police are not doing their job, the importance and tragedy of the death of baby Diego is shown.) has not affected Clive Owen's character. The various tracking shots that are used allow us to follow him and the use of the hand-held camera shots is to make us, as an audience, feel as though we are actually there, although not quite in a point of view form, so the focus remains on Clive Owen.
Emphasising the grim ambience, in the opening sequence, is the use of lighting and colour. The colours that are used are dull, dark and create a sense of doom over 2027 London. Even the use of the typical red London bus is dull and gloomy. This allows us to reflect on the tragedy of the death of the youngest person in the world - who is referred to as a baby even though he is eighteen, so we learn there are no children in the world. Also the fiery yellow of the bomb has been diluted and is watered-down so much that we it manages to convey that the bomb is a familiar existence, implying that the bombings are a regular occurrence. After the bomb goes off the murky grey smoke fills the screen which almost frames the woman missing an arm, this helps to enhance the malevolent event and torture of it and emphasises the pain of her scream.
The costumes used in the sequence are also dark, dull and rather depressing. The use of dark blues, greens and black are used and at no point in this sequence are bright colours used, they all merge into one array of darkness and, once again, create a sense of “dirty London”.
The music in the sequence plays a part in the opening. It allows for emphasis on traumatic events and creates a greater feel of generic conventions. The light-hearted music used over the news-broadcast enhances the tragedy of Diego’s death and denotes the innocence that he possessed. However, the sound in the sequence plays a much larger role. This is as the dialogue from the broadcast, as it lasts for over a minute, appears possess a great importance, and even though halfway through when Clive Owen enters the cafe and orders his coffee, the broadcast continues, meaning that it is the main focus of this scene. The fact that the broadcast and the statement “Coffee. Black.” are the only word uttered, denotes their importance and introduces us to the main character and reluctant hero of the story. The sobbing woman in the cafe also helps to emphasise the tragedy of Diego’s death. As Clive leaves the cafe we hear the diegetic sound of the cars and transport going past. This enhances the sense of realism in this sequence as we associate it with modern life and are familiarised with such sounds. The sound of the explosion and that of the woman’s scream also enhance catastrophic event and depicts the agony and torturous pain that the woman feels and so making us, as an audience, almost feel her pain.
As a member of the audience, I find this opening sequence very successful. This is as it successfully manages to use generic conventions/tropes and core themes. "Children of Men" establishes core themes of horror, tragedy and sci-fi. Horror is portrayed due to the inclusion of the explosion and the woman holding her own blown-off arm, this is emphasised by the high pitched squeal which could be representative of either a scream or the ringing in the ears after the bomb. This also enhances the tragic element in the sequence. The sense of tragedy is also present when we learn of the death of baby Diego, the youngest person in the world, and so the concept of science-fiction is brought about as we learn of a world without children. The generic conventions convey expectations about the remainder of the film to the audience. For example: The bomb implies that it is likely to be a horror/action/thriller and so implies more grim events will occur throughout. Also the use of Diego’s death denotes that the sci-fi element will also occur as there are no children in the world.
The dystopia in London 2027 is a vastly miserable place: The un-emptied bins creates a sense of a "dirty London" feel which is also reflected in the use of greys, dark and murky greens, blues and blacks. The murky and morbid use of colour and lighting also allows for a thriving opening. Also the excitement which is contained within 2:25 minutes allows us to gain an idea that much action is to follow this and so draws us into the realm of the film. For example, at the point where the explosion occurs, the use of the hand-held camera allows us to feel as though we are actually in the scene and so, once again, we are drawn into the film and our attention is captured. The quick paced opening also manages to maintain the audience’s attention as the modern audience is used to seeing a lot of action and so to prevent the audience from boredom, the immense pace allows us to stay alert and engrossed in the film and makes us want to carry on watching.
The opening sequence of “Children of Men” allows us to obtain a rough estimation of what is likely to occur later on in the film through the use of generic tropes. It also allows us to discover the importance of the use of colour and lighting as well as camera techniques to keep the audience interested.
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