Horror Still

This is my horror still. I wanted this image to be dark and rather indecipherable as to create an element of mystery in the shot. I took this at a low angle as to give the person a higher status.

Secrets and Lies

These are the clips from secret's and lies which have been analysed below.

Secrets and Lies sequences:

Sequence 1:

The Mum looks as though she is in her late forties. In this scene she appears to be very talkative, confident and flirty towards the photographer. However, she looks down at the floor as perhaps she is impatient and is simply wanting this to be over with as soon as possible like the rest of the family. Then again it could be that she is embarrassed by the rest of her family and their actions. She looks as if she is trying far too hard as she has clearly made an immense effort to look good for this picture and make out as though they are the perfect family (although not everyone is playing along). She also appears to be playing "Happy Families" as she is clearly the one who wanted this picture.

The Dad's facial expressions suggest that he is embarrassed to be there. Also that he is angry and agitated as he does not like it when the photographer fusses over him and takes away his oh so precious newspaper. This shows that he does not want to be there. He places his hands together in anticipation for the upcoming events, in a way of preparing/readying himself for the painful experience that is looking happy and playing along. He does not look directly at the camera but at various points around the room. This also enhances his levels of embarrassment. He says "As soon as you're ready" implying that he is a rather impatient man although he is putting on a false front as his mannerisms appear slightly more prominent than they are initially, but are still rather appauling. He has made an effort to dress up, apparent from his costume, as his wife probably forced him to do so. 

The son rolls his eyes showing that he disproves of the actions of his family (especially his Mother). He looks as though he could drop dead from boredom (and quite possibly a heart attack): He clearly does not want to be there. The rolling of his eyes and general facial expression portray this. His costume suggests that he has not tried to look presentable at all and, unlike his Mother, Father and Nan, has not made an effort. This suggests that he attempts to rebel form his parents and probably tries to rebel in school life also, although it may backfire. The size of this kid could not only suggest that he likes his food but that he gets what he wants and dearest Mummy waits on him hand and foot.

The Nan is exceptionally stereotypical of the older generation. She is very quite in this scene and appears as though she is just listening to the rest of the family. Her facial expressions show that she seems amused by the dissappointments of the others and is finding the entire concept of this rather amusing. She looks quite sweet and innocent but perhaps there is evil within. Her costume, especially her glasses suggest that she is from a different era of fashion.

Sequence 2:

The boxer appears to be a rather aggressive individual. His dangerous tendencies come across in his facial expressions which also suggest excitement but also make us fear him slightly as he coul pretty much give everyone a beating. From this scene it is apparent that he likes to pose which shows us that he can be explicitly vain at times. His poses go from a clam and relaxed shot to sudden bursts of aggression as he enters his "hard man mode". He is attempting to show off his skills. His costume consists of red shorts and a gold belt, which appears to be some sort of prize. He is also topless and wearing boxing gloves. The red that he is wearing signifies danger as well as anger and violence. The gold belt that he is fashioning suggests that he is a champion  as the colour gold represents domination in the athletic world and so implying that he knows what he is doing and that he is a rather dominant character with a strong personality. Him being topless means that he wants to show of his muscles some again showing his vainity. The photographer comments on his poses in a positive light as to shove himself into the "safe zone" as to protect himself form the perhaps not so bright side of him and create a sense of security for himself. He clealry likes to be the centre of attention. He is having fun in both the world of intense sport as well as posing. This shows that he likes to be dominant at everything he does.

Sequence 3:

This woman is obviosuly a nurse, you can see this from her uniform. Her posture suggests that she is shy but serious and a rather tense character. Her facial expresison gives an intimidating view of her as she appears to be staring at the photographer in an evil way. She looks rather harsh and unfriendly and not exactly the type of person to be able to approach on the street or to strike up a converstaion and engage in friendly banter. She looks emotionless, dead even. Her skin colour is exceptionallt pale which emphasises the dead effect. Her expresisons are blank. From this scene we can se that she is very career orientated also as she is in her uniform for the picture. Her hands suggest slight tension and nerves, mainly towards the camera and the photographer. Her posture is very stiff and lifeless which implies that she is a rather serious character. Her smile is forced and her expression suddenly changes sfter the flash of the camera. Before the picture is taken the only movement she makes is that of her constantly twitching fingers. This could show nerves of having the picture taken as she appears to be quite shy. Her voice is very deep and slow and she clearly makes no effort when talking. She generally appears to be rather dull and depressing. However, she has one of those faces that can make you laugh for no apparent reason.

Sequence 4:

The baby is the main focus and it is young and cute and appears to have rather mischievous qualities as they pull their Mother's hair. For a young baby it has alot of hair. The white in the frame could suggest that heavenly qualities and purity. The white could symbolise: heaven, angels, purity and innocence. The Mother could also represent the Virgin Mary. The key lighting coming form behind the lady and the baby creates a loving and passionate embiance. The Mother looking down at the baby shows us of her love and adoration for it. The woman slightly in the frame, who could only be labelled as an assistant, is rather interesting. She catches the audiences attention more than the lady holding the baby. The audience is naturally curious about this woman. She is dressed very casually whereas the lady holding the baby is dressed in light flowing clothes, emphasising the difference between them.  

Sequence 5: The lady is exceptionally forceful on the dog as she is pulling it around so she can comb it in order to hide its flaws. The lady is wearing red which matches the cloth on the table, showing that she is a part of the background and not as important as the dog. This also suggests that she wants to be a part of the shot. The dog is in the centre of the frame, ad looks innocent and caring. The dog wants to be loved and from this scene we feel as though it is not being given to him. The lady is trying to make everything perfect. Once the flash goes off he is quite startled and pricks his ears up, he is curious of his surroundings. The colour of the dogs fur and the velvet cloth on the table go very well and shows that the owner whishes to enhance the admiration she has for her pet. When she places the comb in the frame it once again suggests that she wants to be a part of the picture and wants the image to be perfect by trying to get her dog to pose.

Sequence 6:

Old ladies are stereotyped as having pet cats so this woman is your classic old lady. The cat has its own little seat, showing the woman's admiration towards it. The cat is in the centre of the frame, which suggests that she thinks very highly of the cat, also that the cat is very important to her. The colour of the cats fur and the background are similar colours to each other. The old lady seems to be quite well off as the appearance of both her and her cat are well maintained. The first thing that catches your attention in the frame is the bow. The bow enhances the fact that they are well off. The cat loks very calm and relaxed and almost as though it is used to having photos taken but clearly only wnats to be stroked and have attention thrust onto it. The lovely lady assistant comes in at a low angle which suggests that she is at a lower status to the cat and the old lady and she is in fact "the help". However, she is very important to the business as she makes sure that everything is prepared and in order.

Sequence 7:

The man in the business suit uses words like "innit" which makes him seem explicitly common and like a true Londoner. He is slcearly trying to put on a show and trying to be someone that he is not. As he says "it is for my Auntie" shows that he is trying to impress her by dressing up nicelty and posing. He is trying too hard to be "prefection". He touches his hair and plays with his suit and does not  look at the photographer when talking. He sounds exceedingly nervous when he is taling about getting married  and then treis to make it seem natural by adding the word "innit". His facial expressions suggest agitation as he stares blankly towards the camera. He is frowning which shows either that he is thinking too much about the photo or his peronal life - i.e. marriage. His body language suggests tension as he is sitting in an upright position. His outfit could suggest that he is trying to bring a bit of culture and art into the photo. Props are plain and boring reflecting his personality. His hands start to shake in the scene but becomes more relaxed at the end.

Sequence 8:

The man is standing which suggests that he is in a hurry and does not want want to be there for longer than necessary. His face shows that he is agitated and doe not wnat the picture to be taken in  such a format. His head is tilted slightly away from the camera which could mean that he is not amused. His costume is messy as his balzer is not adjusted to the proper posing postition and his bow tie is wonky. His left hand is raised as to say "stop!". He is clearly dressed up. His hat mustache and eyebrows draw attention to his facial expression enhancing his displeasure in the matter and his feelings toward the camera man. He has one eye borw raised which also enhances this. He seems unhappy with the arrangements that have been put forth. The prop in his right hand creates suspicion and also possession as he seems to be holding onto it rather tightly. He looks like he has made an effort fot the picture although he has failed due to his exceptionally scruffy costume.

Sequence 9: The woman in blue has clear dominance in the group. She is wearing an odd colour and appears as though she is living in the past. Her hair style and costume show this. She is horricially dressed for someon her age (middle-aged). We can tell that she has aged due to the many wrinkles on her face. Her facial expression shows us that she is trying to be cool and thinks that she is good looking and young and "hip" but she looks like a middle aged woman trying to re-gain her youth. The is obviously not workign as this probably makes her look older than she actually is simply because she is trying way too hard. She is also trying to flaunt it. This photo was likely ot be her idea as she is the dominant one. The other two are, although trying to be young again, they are ovbiously far less into this, especially the lady at the bottom. She is getting into it slightly for the others benefit but looks slightly tense and uncomfortable to be doing it. Both she and the other woman standing (not the dominant one) are wearing black. This symbolises that they are of a lower status in the group. ALthough the woman at the bottom is wearing gold and black which allows us to notice her as opposed to the other lady sticking hert tongue out who blends, almost, into the background. They also make a very odd noise, once again showing they want to be cool. Once the picture is taken they all laugh: The woamn at the bottom is focring a laugh/smile; the blue lady jumping around aimlessly and the other woman laughs hysterically, crying out for attention.

Sequence 10:

All the children are dressed up, none wnat to be there. The girl in the middle looks scared and unsure of what's going on and the othere two seem as though they ar ecomforting her. Their facial expression show this as well as the fact that they are all holding hands. Their Mother looks as though she is a middle class, pushy, church goer who perhaps has strong family values and believes in putting on a show (playing happy families). She also looks like she is trying too hard to show her being well off. Both her and the appearence of the children show us that they are a well kept family. WHilst they are sorting out the children's appearences the mum goes on about her life story. From this we can tell that she is of the older generation (i.e. like OAP's "back in my day...") She starts to tlak about how having the three girls was "a miracle". The backing lights helo to emphasise that it was in fact a miracle form the heavens. The frame is centred around the children who are all dressed the same which could show that they are loved and cared for equally by their Mother. The Mother's dress is slightly dull but still has the blue colour to show of her association with the girls in the centre. The assistants hair is scruffy and tied back to show she's busy and at work compared to the Mother's hair which has had more time and care put into it. The girl's hair are all neat and tidy and identical. The triplets hands are all linked showing their bond and they all link towards the girl in the centre suggesting that she is the eldest of the three.

Sequence 11:

The little boy is scared slightly. He is young an obviously his mum has dressed him up like a little doll for this picture. However, the kid does not seem to care as he is far more occupied with what is up his nose. The kid looks slightly sad and yet rather cunning and perceptive as he waits for his Mum to not be looking before he plunges back into the depths of his nostrils. The kid does not say anything as his actions speak for him. He is a mischievious child. He smiles after his finger is back up his nose. It is clear that throughout the attention is on the child. This is as when we hear the photographer and the kid's Mother talking they are clearly speaking to the child as they sound wonderfully patronising. He clearly has higher priorities than sitting still in a chair. The boy's costume matches the furniture around him and blends quite nicely. The little boy adds an element of comedy to the frame as when he dives back into his nose he smiles. This shows that he knows what he is doing is wrong but finds it humorous to do it anyway.

Sequence 12:
The woman is clearly old. SHe is a middle aged woman trying to re-gain her sex appeal but instead has lost her pride and dignity. This is as she should cover herself up and not make us look at a half naked old lady. She is wearing black, to make herself look sleek and slimmer. She has tried to make an effort but even she realises that she has failed as she says "this is silly". It is also clear that she has dolled herself up. The background is white with a natural green, contrasting with the black that she is wearing as well as showing that this is completely unnatural in evey way, shape and form. When she laughs after the picture is taken and speaks, it is clear that she is trying to flirt with the photographer which confirms our initial idea that she is desperately trying to put on a show. She is lying when she says "this is silly" as even that statement is fulfilling its purpose of briningin people in. Although this is not working. The post in the background reminds me of something you would commonly see at a wedding, although she is dressed in black but then laying on a white clothon the table. Her hair is rather messy and looks as though she just woke up and didn't bother to do anything with it.

Sequence 13:

The man sitting down must be the oldest. The other men appear to respect him as they let him have a sit down and as he is in the centre of the shot he maybe the dominant man in the pack. The man on the far right with the slightly lighter suit seems more relaxed than the others as he has one hand in his pocket and a bid smile on his face. The man on his immediate right (our left) looks deadly serious but has a smile on his face, although obviously forced. Although, his eyebrows suggest seriosuness to us. The other two guys standing are very similar in their facial expressions and positions in which they are standing - hands behind their back, looking at the camera with a smile that looks a litle forced on their faces in an attmept o simply fit in with the rest of them. The man sitting down has his hands gripping the chair, maybe to hold himself up or simply as he has been told to (who knows). The position of the frame is positioned so that none of the men are in the centre in the top row. This is as to show that they are of similar they are in terms of status.Their suits imply that they are business men.

Worm's eye view

This is a worm's eye view shot. This shot is conducted at floor level and appears to remain in one position as a scene plays out. This is called "the worm's eye view" as, well, obviously due to the low camera postioning but also as worm's are rather helpless creatures and so cannot fend for themselves. The lack of mobility of the camera reflects the common tendencies of the worm. This can help to create an effective scene as it varies from many common shots and can create a unique sense of inclusion of the audience into the scene which can increase the like-ability of the entire production. These shots can also be conducted at various other angles as long as the frame remains in a low area.

Crane shot

This is a crane shot. This means that the shot is taken from overhead and so is a "bird's-eye view" of a scene. This technique is used, perhaps in a titile sequence, to introduce something new into the film. This may be able to create an inept awareness of the location as well as to create a sense of, in a way, general background of either characters or location or perhaps even of the plot itself. This can also be called "Bird's eye view" or an "Aerial shot", the names for this technique may differ but it is clear that its affect in a sequence can be successfully portrayed and can easily help to enhance the quality of a production.

Reverse Tracking Shot

This is a reverse tracking shot. Although I am not entirely sure on how to compose a reverse tracking shot I understand that it can create a vibe by which it feels as though time is going past. This shot is usually used as to show the differences present as well as to create an inept sense of oddities and sometimes that of a weird nature. It can successfully create suspense in the audience's minds as they are likely to be a little "freaked out" by the shot and so film makers can use this to their advantage as to create tension and hopefully to create a more thrilling visual adventure.

Whip Pan Shot

This is a whip pan shot. This is generally a pannning shot although is carried at a much quicker pace so the camera haistily travels from one thing to another, and does not cut. It allows for focus, of the audience, to be thrust directly from one subject to another without it being lost. This creates a sense of importance about the second subject as it usually allows for characters who have a greater importance to the film. This can help when portraying strong emotions, strong persona's as well as showing that certain things have a greater relevance than what appears.

Panning Shot

This is a panning shot. This means that the camera pans across a scene in order to portray the entire location to the audience. Also as to give the audience knowledge of the location. This shot rotates half way around the beach scene as, in this case, to show the calming and relaxing qualities of the scene as well as to show the surenity of the location. This is done in order to give the audience an inisght into the scene, and make them feel as though they are actually there as it allows for the audience to see more than just a single frame or portion of the scene. This may improve their overall understanding and view of the shot/scene as they find they have a greater understanding and so a greater level of appreciation can be presented. The panning shot is also used in this case as to prove the beauty of the landscape.

Tracking Shot

This is a tracking shot from Kill Bill. In this sequence rather haisty movements of the camera create a quick paced scene, allowing us to see that alot is going on in the location. In this sequence, unlike many other tracking shots, the camera follows a majority of people. This means that it differs from others of its kind and just as we receive a little insight into the lives and persona's of the people which the camera follows and begin to understand them, the camera moves onto a new target and tracks them until the same point. This happens again and again. This stops us from making judgements on most of the characters, especially if we are not tracking them for long, as we soon forget our views on previous characters as wee are now far too preoccupied with the new charcters and what they are "up to" in the scene.

Sherlock Holmes: The Film

The 2009 Sherlock Holmes film is an action/mystery film based on the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle In the Sherlock Holmes film, Robert Downey Junior brings the great detective a fresh breath of life and some what modernises the "Sherlock Holmes" that we all typically know and love. Jude Law stars as Watson, the trusted companion. Rachel McAdams stars as the only woman who has ever "bested" Holmes, Irene Adler, who has managed to maintain a "loving" and exceptionally long distance relationship with him.

This film was directed by the British film maker Guy Ritchie. He has also directed: RocknRolla, Revolver, Swept Away, Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He has also produced films, written screenplay and has participated in casting.

In this film the themes of voodoo and black magic are used to enhance the feeling of the era that it is set in as well as to enhance the already unique power of character Holmes has. It also shows us of the ignorance of things such as magic in those times and we see Holmes discover rational explanations for everything and wonder why others of that time could not see the same.