Media studies questions
The purpose to the opening of the film is to interest the viewer to gain their attention to encourage the audience to watch the entire film.
A director can create suspense in a film by keeping the identity of the main antagonist hidden to create an on going question as to who it is and why they do what they do. The director could also use dark colours to create darkness and mystery such as blue and blacks, or even red to represent danger.
I think a crime film is defined by certain characteristics, and expectations such as the protagonist and the antagonist, for example cops and robbers. Crime films usually have some sort of crime whether it is robbery or murder. Violence is often in crime films which can be associated with gang cultures and mobsters. Props used include guns, police amour, police badges.
‘Bad boys’ is a film that would fit into this category as it contains an actual crime, protagonists and antagonists, being the criminals and the detectives. The film also contains crime like props in guns and police body armour and badges.
The thriller genre can be divided into different sub-groups such as action films, horror films and crime films.
The characteristics of a crime film are mystery as crime films often have questions to be resolved in order for the criminals to be caught. Crime films can involve violence between the antagonists and protagonists but also with each other on the same side, to express clashes of personality’s opinions or just to highlight human nature. A classic narrative for crime films is that they have two main characters on opposing sides, a crime is committed and it is up to the police (usually) to find them.
The difference between horror and thriller is that horror can contain very vivid and gory scenes, and not contain a great deal of mystery and the main question asked in horror films is if the unsuspecting will survive. However in thrillers there will be close encounter and a focus on suspense building rather than the gory scenes.
From the top 20 films I have seen 1 I think this is due to the age I am in relation to the films. The films in general are before my generation so the imagery and effects would not appeal to me and during the time period where it would have been most appealing I would have been too young to be a part of the target audience or not even born.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Comedy Film target audience
The target audience of a comedy film is very dependant on the content of the film. For example children’s films labelled as PG’s or U’s can have comical scenes in which would link it to the comedy genre the films would appeal to young children as well as parents as they are often family film, however the audience would be completely different for a comedy film labelled as a 12 or a 15, these films have the target audience of the certificated age given to the movie as the base, the movies are likely to appeal to people over the labelled age of film simply because comedy has a large target market appealing to larger proportion of the comedy theme market. The final age partition of the comedy target audience is 18 certificates, these film although still based around comedy are often more explicit in terms of language and scenes, making the film heavily aimed at the over 18s.
Comedy can also be divided by the type of comedy for example spoofs may appeal to some of the comedy target market as the style of genre is tailored towards a certain area of the comedy market excluding some age groups and preferences of the comedy genre. In turn this may make the movie popular with its specific target market for instance ‘Superbad’ this film audience has been refined to a teenager/young adult audience.
The target audience of a comedy film is very dependant on the content of the film. For example children’s films labelled as PG’s or U’s can have comical scenes in which would link it to the comedy genre the films would appeal to young children as well as parents as they are often family film, however the audience would be completely different for a comedy film labelled as a 12 or a 15, these films have the target audience of the certificated age given to the movie as the base, the movies are likely to appeal to people over the labelled age of film simply because comedy has a large target market appealing to larger proportion of the comedy theme market. The final age partition of the comedy target audience is 18 certificates, these film although still based around comedy are often more explicit in terms of language and scenes, making the film heavily aimed at the over 18s.
Comedy can also be divided by the type of comedy for example spoofs may appeal to some of the comedy target market as the style of genre is tailored towards a certain area of the comedy market excluding some age groups and preferences of the comedy genre. In turn this may make the movie popular with its specific target market for instance ‘Superbad’ this film audience has been refined to a teenager/young adult audience.
Film opening analysis
Rush hour 3
The beginning of rush hour three start with dark colours and backgrounds using a suspenseful yet up-beat music track dramatising whilst drawing in the viewer into the scene, the flashes of locations and text shows a link to the story of the film. Showing the audience where the film is taking place showing tall skyscrapers, identifying key points within the setting. The scene then cuts to an in car dancing scene which adds a comedic effect to the opening. The lighting in the car appears more day-like which makes the clip appear lighter hearted as is it makes the opening more appealing across its target audience. The initial shot of the city is a wide shot which moves throughout the focusing on tall buildings enforcing the inner city location. This may form a link with some of the target audience as they have experienced city life engaging them into the film further. The camera then zooms into the city ground focusing on a mass amount of cars which appear to be in a traffic jam, this again is showing the viewers the location and the stereotypes of that location , for example consistent beeping car horns as this is often heard in large cities which is where the film opening is set. For the audience this is simply familiarising them with the location of the scene. The camera then follows a car until the character comes onto screen, dancing and singing adding a comedic effect to the scene, transferring over to the audience as humorous. The character then finds himself in a chaotic multi car crash zone which again is put across in a comedy styled way. The scene uses props such as cars and police uniforms, which suit the location so are used to identify the characters role and enhance the scene.
The second main character is introduced in a car scene acting as security; this scene has a more serious feel and is portrayed to the viewer this way. The car itself suggests a very prestigious role and high importance. The music changes from a humorous happy to a more subtle and serious reflecting the scene and the difference between the two characters.
Evolution
The first image on screen is a rock substance located in space. This immediately gives the viewer an idea of what the film will contain, for example abstract life forms etc. the camera then zooms out again and image of earth appears in the background and the rock substance comes fully into view looking like a comet. This suggests to the viewer that this comet will collide with earth which may suggests that the film be based around a sci-fi type of film which may not appeal to the whole of the target audience but will appeal to some based on their own tastes in film. The camera follows the comet as it enters the earth’s atmosphere and breaking down in size and setting aflame. This would entice the audience as the explosive on-screen action would gain the viewers attention.
The opening then cuts to and on earth view of the sky focusing on the moon, accompanied with subtle and eerie music added suspense to the scene. The audience may also be wondering what happened to the comet as it remains off screen, Again adding to the suspense of the scene. A car appears on scene and is tracked by the camera, the music in the car a of the rock genre change the atmosphere with the scene to a less suspense filled one. The character is introduced wearing a fire mans uniform showing his job role or aspired job role. The setting up of a practise situation creates comedic effect as the fact that he is using a dummy and talking to an imaginary audience is abnormal and humorous. As he sees the comet arriving he momentarily freezes again incorporating suspense into the scene. As he runs away just before the comet lands this adds a sense of danger which may appeal to the viewer. Finally after the comet has landed the music changes and becomes light heart and happy portraying a comedy type film.
The lighting is consistently dark throughout the opening scene; this creates a dark and high tension atmosphere within scene. However the props used in the scene create a comedy feel to the film appealing the comedy target audience.
The Simpsons movie
The film starts off out of space on the moon, with two astronauts landing on the moon, their identities of the two characters are hidden this creates an anonymous atmosphere within the scene. As the characters identity is finally reviled them start acting stereotypically, this creates a comedy element to the film which attracts the comedy audience. The lighting in the clip is dark and gloomy which creates a suspenseful scene,
The music in the clip is subtle but is cheerful which represents the type of film it is. The location is very secluded so this again adds a suspense element to the film opening.
As the character changes location to earth the lighting becomes brighter and the actions that take place are portrayed in a humorous way which the viewers of all ages are likely to appreciate as funny. The over-kill violence in the opening is so over the top that it adds a comedy effect to the scene. The camera angles used are wide angles and tracking the main character which are used to give a better picture of the environment and focus the attention on main characters.
The final part where a character stands up obstructing the view and turns around introduces another setting and the location and characters are introduced, which to the viewers is familiarising them with the characters which perhaps they already know, adding interest in the film.
From these openings I have found that suspense filled opening help to engage the viewer into the film, this helps as this is where the film usually introduces the characters and the setting of the film so I will try to incorporate this feature with my film opening scene. Introducing characters is also important to do early on as they begin to understand the character from as early on in the film as possible which enticing the audience into the film further. I feel this is a good idea to make our film opening seem more conventional. And finally I will try to give a good picture of the setting of the film to help tell the story of the clip.
Rush hour 3
The beginning of rush hour three start with dark colours and backgrounds using a suspenseful yet up-beat music track dramatising whilst drawing in the viewer into the scene, the flashes of locations and text shows a link to the story of the film. Showing the audience where the film is taking place showing tall skyscrapers, identifying key points within the setting. The scene then cuts to an in car dancing scene which adds a comedic effect to the opening. The lighting in the car appears more day-like which makes the clip appear lighter hearted as is it makes the opening more appealing across its target audience. The initial shot of the city is a wide shot which moves throughout the focusing on tall buildings enforcing the inner city location. This may form a link with some of the target audience as they have experienced city life engaging them into the film further. The camera then zooms into the city ground focusing on a mass amount of cars which appear to be in a traffic jam, this again is showing the viewers the location and the stereotypes of that location , for example consistent beeping car horns as this is often heard in large cities which is where the film opening is set. For the audience this is simply familiarising them with the location of the scene. The camera then follows a car until the character comes onto screen, dancing and singing adding a comedic effect to the scene, transferring over to the audience as humorous. The character then finds himself in a chaotic multi car crash zone which again is put across in a comedy styled way. The scene uses props such as cars and police uniforms, which suit the location so are used to identify the characters role and enhance the scene.
The second main character is introduced in a car scene acting as security; this scene has a more serious feel and is portrayed to the viewer this way. The car itself suggests a very prestigious role and high importance. The music changes from a humorous happy to a more subtle and serious reflecting the scene and the difference between the two characters.
Evolution
The first image on screen is a rock substance located in space. This immediately gives the viewer an idea of what the film will contain, for example abstract life forms etc. the camera then zooms out again and image of earth appears in the background and the rock substance comes fully into view looking like a comet. This suggests to the viewer that this comet will collide with earth which may suggests that the film be based around a sci-fi type of film which may not appeal to the whole of the target audience but will appeal to some based on their own tastes in film. The camera follows the comet as it enters the earth’s atmosphere and breaking down in size and setting aflame. This would entice the audience as the explosive on-screen action would gain the viewers attention.
The opening then cuts to and on earth view of the sky focusing on the moon, accompanied with subtle and eerie music added suspense to the scene. The audience may also be wondering what happened to the comet as it remains off screen, Again adding to the suspense of the scene. A car appears on scene and is tracked by the camera, the music in the car a of the rock genre change the atmosphere with the scene to a less suspense filled one. The character is introduced wearing a fire mans uniform showing his job role or aspired job role. The setting up of a practise situation creates comedic effect as the fact that he is using a dummy and talking to an imaginary audience is abnormal and humorous. As he sees the comet arriving he momentarily freezes again incorporating suspense into the scene. As he runs away just before the comet lands this adds a sense of danger which may appeal to the viewer. Finally after the comet has landed the music changes and becomes light heart and happy portraying a comedy type film.
The lighting is consistently dark throughout the opening scene; this creates a dark and high tension atmosphere within scene. However the props used in the scene create a comedy feel to the film appealing the comedy target audience.
The Simpsons movie
The film starts off out of space on the moon, with two astronauts landing on the moon, their identities of the two characters are hidden this creates an anonymous atmosphere within the scene. As the characters identity is finally reviled them start acting stereotypically, this creates a comedy element to the film which attracts the comedy audience. The lighting in the clip is dark and gloomy which creates a suspenseful scene,
The music in the clip is subtle but is cheerful which represents the type of film it is. The location is very secluded so this again adds a suspense element to the film opening.
As the character changes location to earth the lighting becomes brighter and the actions that take place are portrayed in a humorous way which the viewers of all ages are likely to appreciate as funny. The over-kill violence in the opening is so over the top that it adds a comedy effect to the scene. The camera angles used are wide angles and tracking the main character which are used to give a better picture of the environment and focus the attention on main characters.
The final part where a character stands up obstructing the view and turns around introduces another setting and the location and characters are introduced, which to the viewers is familiarising them with the characters which perhaps they already know, adding interest in the film.
From these openings I have found that suspense filled opening help to engage the viewer into the film, this helps as this is where the film usually introduces the characters and the setting of the film so I will try to incorporate this feature with my film opening scene. Introducing characters is also important to do early on as they begin to understand the character from as early on in the film as possible which enticing the audience into the film further. I feel this is a good idea to make our film opening seem more conventional. And finally I will try to give a good picture of the setting of the film to help tell the story of the clip.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Research
15 certificate
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory
language or behaviour.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not
promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily
accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,
aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic
Or sexualized.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and
self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be
copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorized.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,
‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be
acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated
use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without
strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a
non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,
but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable
unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is
sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is
appropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction
of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to
be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable.
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence
but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
18 certificate
• where the material is in breach of the criminal law,
or has been created through the commission of a
criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to
risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour,
to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of
violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,
which may cause harm to public health or morals.
This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised
violence which might, for example, eroticise or
endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual
activity which cannot be justified by context. Such
images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in
‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined
to that category.
In the case of video works (including video games),
which may be more accessible to younger viewers,
intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.
Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and
educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer
sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may
be permitted.
Sex works at ‘18’
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual
arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material
which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex
works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish
material, sexually explicit animated images, or other
very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’
category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work
at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/
Comedy
Simple storylines with the main focus being on the characters rather than the plot.
Natural daylight like lighting to give the film a light-hearted approach and appeal to the audience.
Props used in comedies are often everyday like items which may make them seem relatable perhaps to increase the comical effect on the viewers
Comedy settings are often in common locations such as parties, or schools where comical scenes are likely to take place.
Props can also be used to create an elaborate effect on the viewers through costume, such as in spoofs.
Characters reactions to situations can often be very melodramatic, the characters in turn can also find themselves in estrange situations. This is often the case in horror comedy hybrids.
Crime fiction & Comedy history
15 certificate
Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory
language or behaviour.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not
promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily
accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example,
aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic
Or sexualized.
Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and
self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be
copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorized.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,
‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be
acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated
use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without
strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a
non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour,
but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable
unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is
sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is
appropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction
of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to
be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also
unlikely to be acceptable.
There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence
but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
18 certificate
• where the material is in breach of the criminal law,
or has been created through the commission of a
criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to
risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour,
to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of
violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use,
which may cause harm to public health or morals.
This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised
violence which might, for example, eroticise or
endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual
activity which cannot be justified by context. Such
images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in
‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined
to that category.
In the case of video works (including video games),
which may be more accessible to younger viewers,
intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.
Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and
educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer
sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may
be permitted.
Sex works at ‘18’
Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual
arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material
which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex
works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish
material, sexually explicit animated images, or other
very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’
category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work
at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/
Comedy
Simple storylines with the main focus being on the characters rather than the plot.
Natural daylight like lighting to give the film a light-hearted approach and appeal to the audience.
Props used in comedies are often everyday like items which may make them seem relatable perhaps to increase the comical effect on the viewers
Comedy settings are often in common locations such as parties, or schools where comical scenes are likely to take place.
Props can also be used to create an elaborate effect on the viewers through costume, such as in spoofs.
Characters reactions to situations can often be very melodramatic, the characters in turn can also find themselves in estrange situations. This is often the case in horror comedy hybrids.
Crime fiction & Comedy history
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