Paparazzi
At the beginning the camera is positioned as if we are looking in on her life. It may symbolise the fact that we are the media or general public taking an interest in the life or a celebrity. There are also a lot of close ups used on her and her boyfriend at the beginning, which are almost intrusive. I also believe that this is a symbolism if how interfering the media can be. The close-ups can also help us to identify with the characters as they are quite intimate shots. At the beginning there are a lot of establishing shots used to set the scene. There are a lot of close ups are used on objects such as flowers, the water feature etc. producing a calm atmosphere and creating a strong contrast for the chaos that later occurs.
At the beginning of the film, the camera looks down on Lady Gaga giving her a lower status. This mirrors the fact that the public no longer love her. However this changes at the end when she kills her boyfriend and is arrested where the camera looks up to her showing that the public ‘love her again’. To add to the sense of chaos in the scene, confusion is also created with the upward shots of the paparazzi’s flashing cameras.
Lady Gaga is always in focus in the scene demonstrating that she is not only the principal character but also always the main focus in the media.
Framing
Lady Gaga is centre frame all through the beginning of the short film. Although she has media attention, it is not positive as it is only towards the end that we see from the newspapers that the public ‘love her again’.
In the scene where she kills her boyfriend, she is placed to one side in the frame. This is to show that the public has pushed her to one side – they no longer adore her as they once did.
Editing
Fades are used at the beginning of the film creating a continuity to create a calm atmosphere. There are quick edits which cut in time to the fast music of the song. This symbolises the almost chaotic, fast pace of her lifestyle as a famous person.
When she kills her boyfriend at the end, there are quick edits of close ups of her and her boyfriend. This helps to show his realisation and her waiting for him to realise that she has poisoned him. To show the passage of time during the police investigations, fades are used once again to show that the investigation into the murder has moved.
Mise en scene
At first everything is calm and this can be seen through the mise en scene. An example of this is that at the beginning we can see a picture of calm: the blue ocean in the background. The colour blue has connotations of calm. It can be strong or light and friendly. It is also very neat as nothing is out of place.
In the frame that follows, everything is a mess. This is foreshadowing the chaos that is about to begin.
Many different forms of media are represented through the mise en scene in this short film: as well as the cameras of the paparazzi, there are newspapers, reporters and microphones etc.
Sound
The scene begins quietly again linking in with the calm effect that they are trying to create. The Use of diegetic sound such as the birds tweeting, the rustle of the wind and the water fountain add to the tranquil atmosphere. There is a major scale being played on the piano softly, rhythmically creating a regular, comforting and almost hypnotic effect. However this changes to a minor scale again, foreshadowing something bad may happen.
Titles/institutional references
The titles are in keeping with the comic-like feel of the whole video because of the font they are in and bright colours.
Narrative
I believe that there are two narratives in this short film: the first being about a girl who appears at first sweet and innocent who is betrayed by her boyfriend whom she then kills; the second showing the portrayal of the power of the media and its dependence on celebrity. This can be seen through the song lyrics.
Representation
Lady Gaga is the principal character. At the beginning she is represented as a quiet and ‘loved up’ and almost dependant on her boyfriend. This can be seen when she asks him if he loves her several times. However, at the end, she is represented as a very different person. Despite the chaos, she is very calm about reporting to the police she has just killed her boyfriend. To her it is not a big deal. She also ‘plays up’ to the camera whereas before she seemed ‘camera shy’.
This short film also shows the power of the media. It may be seen as a critique of it as they represented in a very manipulative way as they influence the public on their view of Lady Gaga throughout.
Audience
I think that this video would appeal to the people who enjoy listening to pop music. However as there are some scenes of a sexual nature it may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Themes/messages
I think that the main message of this film is a critique of ‘the Media’ and ‘Celebrity’. I think that there is also the running theme of chaos.
Wrong side of the bed
Camera angles, movement and position
Editing and transitions
As the shots were side by side they were able to use a smooth transition between them. It also shows that both shots are linked and not isolated from each other implying that both shots are the same day. The edits are straight forward as single cut edits are used. This adds to the simplicity of the whole idea of the film.
Sound
The non-diegetic sound used in this short film is the music in the background, changing as the mood of the man does. Diegetic sound is also used. An example of this is the alarm clock used to wake the man up in the morning for work. These were enhanced for the audience to be able to hear them better.
Representation
The man is represented as a polite, generous person. This can be seen when he is gives money to the beggar in the street. He is also shown as an average man with a regular home which shows that this film is designed to appeal to a mass audience.
Messages/themes
The main message if the film is that ‘you can’t change your luck’. This can be seen as the man at the end who had had a good day was then rejected by the girl he attempts to talk to whereas the man who had had a bad day was helped by the girl and is seen leaving with her.
Love field
Camera angles, movement and position
Mise en scene
In the mise en scene we can see the man and it is through his costume and general appearance that he appears suspicious. This plays to our prejudices and it shows that we, as an audience, are quick to jump to conclusions. The crow also has connotations of evil.
Sound
Throughout this short film there is hardly any dialogue. I feel that this creates a very good effect as it adds a sense of mystery and keeps the audience guessing. There is, however, a lot of use of diegetic sound, all helping to build the tension such as creaking, the phone beeping and the woman’s screams, all of which are horror conventions. In terms of the sound, there is also the use of non-diegetic sound: the music helping to build the tension and release it at the end. The music works well with the editing. A prime example of this can be seen when the man plunges the knife he has used into the ground.
Titles/credits
The titles in this film are black and white and appear to be representative of ‘Mathieu Ratthe’ himself as opposed to the film as all of the titles for his short films are the same.
Representation
The man is represented as an untrustworthy character from the beginning as he is built up to look like a bad guy. This can be seen as he is sweaty farmer has a tattoo and appears to live alone in an isolated area.
The Plan
This short film tells the adventure of a young man who has given up his life and sacrificed everything. He comes up with ‘a plan’ and however risky, he intends to see it through.
Camera angles, movement and position
Framing and editingA full frame of the bag he is taking is shown at the beginning of the short film showing that this is all he has in his life and that he can fit his life into a bag. A full frame of money is shown when he is in the casino, again, highlighting the fact that it is all of his money.
‘The Plan’ is in black and white symbolising that the idea he has come up with is ‘black and white’ to him. It shows the simplicity of his plan to him; although to us it may seem more complicated as it involves a lot of risk taking and gambling.
In terms of the editing, jump cuts are used to symbolise the fact that the decisions that he has just made in his life are quick, snap decisions.
Mise en scene
His basic costume of faded jeans and a plain white t-shirt shows that he leads a simple life and does not set him up as the type of character who would see this plan through. The camera is of vital importance in this short film as it records the journey he is taking. It also has an importance to the plot of the film as the girl steals it and leaves a photo of him on the board along with a note allowing him to find her. This results in an open ending and leaves the audience wanting to know what happens next.
Sound
In terms of the non-diegetic sound used, at the beginning there is a voice over used as a narration to tell the audience what is going to happen. There is also a sound track that plays in the background helping to change the mood of the piece. At first there is upbeat music playing demonstrating that the principal character is excited and enthused to see his plan through. In the chase scene the music has a very comic book like feel making it seem very childish and like a game. The constant ringing phone is an example of diegetic sound that is used. This is a symbol of the continuous reminder of his ex-girlfriend and the life he left behind.
Titles
The titles are in a simple font and are again in keeping with the simple colour code of black and white. This gives the idea of him having written down his plan on paper.
Representation
The man is represented as quite an unfulfilled man as he feels the need to take this journey in his life. It also shows that there is not much to his life which can be seen through his costume. The woman, however, is represented as an opposite. She is confident, very open and brave. This can be seen as she is the first to open the conversation. It can also be seen by the fact that she advises the man on what casino to go to. This shows that having been there before, she is not afraid of taking a few risks in her life. The woman’s style and piercings also show her to be quite a daring character.
Audience
I believe that this short film is aimed at young adults because of the sometimes strong language used and the fact that a younger audience would not fully understand what he has given up in life.
Messages/themes
I think that the main message from this film is ‘the gamble of life’ as is shows that he is trying to live life to the full.
The Exam
Camera angles, movement and position
The editing is straight cut and straight forward. This therefore demonstrates the simplicity of the idea.
Mise en scene
The beginning of the short film is set in a bar. This is a stereotypical place for young university students to be, especially the night before an exam. The beer in the hotel is another part of the mise en scene that is a stereotypical trait for young men. As the 3 students set out, they appear to be in the middle of nowhere. This is a symbol for the characters being nowhere in their lives and the fact that by behaving this way, they will go nowhere.
Sound
This short film makes use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sound. The cleaning lady knocking on door and the light falling over in the hotel room help to create a feeling of chaos in their unorganised lives. This, again, is a very clichéd view of students. The non-diegetic sound helps to change the mood throughout: building tension as the film goes on and in the scene where they ‘trick’ the professor the music becomes exciting.
Titles
The titles are like a script for an exam linking in with the plot and title of the short film.
Representation
This film is set in the present day. This can be seen through the costumes worn by all of the characters. This helps the audience relate to what is going on in the plot. Through the representation of the characters, the age of the principal characters is established. Although they are students at university, making them a minimum age of 18, through their behaviour they are very immature. The professor is represented as a very typical university lecturer.
Audience
The audience that this film is aimed at is teenagers and people of university age so that they are able to relate and understand the main characters of the film.
Strangers
Camera angles, position and movement
The film opens with close ups of the tube and the tube station. This leads to close ups of both of the main characters creating a tense atmosphere as it gives the feeling that they are trapped as there is not a lot of space to go anywhere. Both of the principal characters are then shown in the frame from a medium shot. This represents that in this film they are both of equal status.
Editing
The edits are one at a past pace making the action of the film fast creating an exciting atmosphere.
Mise en scene
The beginning of the film is set in the tube which I believe symbolises the entrapment of the two main characters as there is little space to move. The Arab newspaper and the Jewish Star of David necklace of the other character link them both together as devout and proud religious people. The costumes seen suggest that it is set in the present day.
Sound
Representation
Stereotypes are followed through the representation of the bully’s as they are seen to be skin heads, have tattoos and piercings making their appearance very threatening and menacing. The fact that they are in a big group makes them seem yet more intimidating.
For the Birds
This film would be categorised under the genre animation and comedy and can be found on the bonus DVD of ‘Monsters Inc’.
Camera angles, movement and position
The camera begins directly square to the telephone wire and we see a small bird fly and land on it. This creates an idea of simplicity and as this film is aimed at younger children this is appropriate. Many more small birds then fly and land next to him. These are shown from medium and long shots to exaggerate the idea of crowding amongst the birds. A much larger and awkward-looking bird then honks and is brought to attention. He is shown from a low angle looking upwards to emphasize his size and make him feel like the odd one out.
Framing
There is usually a minimum of images used in the framing. The lack of detail here is appropriate as it follows the simplicity of the whole film. The rule of thirds is generally followed yet is compromised at the beginning when the smaller the second small bird joins the first one. This shows that he is invading the first bird’s space.
Editing
Sound
The sound here, works with the editing to surprise the audience with the use of a sound bridge as its goes from the little birds squawking to hearing the honk of the bigger bird before the image is revealed. The opening music is very bouncy and high spirited. It is childish and fun making it appropriate for the genre of the film. There is no dialogue. This means that it can be understood and appreciated by anyone of any age and who speaks any language and adds to the humour of the piece. Silence is also used to help create elements of surprise throughout.
Mise en scene
Although at first glance the big bird is an outcast, looking closely we can see that the similarities. For example the colour of its feathers and its eye colour are similar. This may demonstrate the fact that they are from the same family or breed creating audience sympathy for it. The bright colours of the birds produce a less serious atmosphere and brighten the audiences’ mood.
Titles
The titles bob along to the music at the beginning of the film and then fit sweetly into a cloud. They are only on screen for five seconds however this is not important as the target audience of younger children would not pay much attention to them.
New Boy
The genre of this short film is a drama as it is similar to real life and this is often the content of dramas.
Camera angles, movement and position
At the beginning an over the shoulder shot is used then the camera turns to face him showing us what the children already in the class can see and introducing him to us. A medium shot of Joseph is shown to introduce him to us almost revealing him to us as an audience. This makes him quite mysterious as he is not only the new boy but a child from Africa who has just joined an Irish school. A lot of close ups are used at the beginning. These are quite intimate shots, allowing us to see his facial expressions and get close to how he is feeling. We can see that he is quite uncomfortable in his new environment. The camera zooms in on Joseph as he begins to daydream about his past life. The depth of field is important in this short film as Joseph is always in focus showing that he is the centre of the film.
Editing
Continuity editing has been used throughout the short film. Match on action has also been used. This can be seen when Joseph pulls the little boys finger. The next shot is of the boy on the floor with Joseph still grasping his finger.
Sound and editing have cleverly been used. Together with the used of sound bridges it aids the continuity and flow. An example of this is when Joseph is thinking back to when his father was taken away to be shot. At the exact moment of the gun fire, we are brought back to the present where a carton of milk that was thrown at him, explodes. The sound used is mainly diegetic; however it is the non-diegetic music during Joseph’s memories that make it have almost a dream-like quality.
The film is set in two locations – Ireland and Africa. The costumes that are used help to demonstrate a change of location. There is a strong contrast between the school uniform from the darker colour and warmth of the Irish school’s one and the lighter one of the African children. This mirrors Joseph’s feeling as well. The props are also significant. The simplicity of the equipment in Africa shows that they are poorer and helps create a more relaxed atmosphere. The lighting helps to show Joseph’s feelings as the brightness of the scenes in Africa show a time when he was exceptionally happy yet the dull, bleak lighting of Ireland help to demonstrate his misery.
Titles
When the title ‘New Boy’ appears, it is written in capital letters with the ‘b’ in bold. This is representative of Joseph himself being an outsider and the odd one out in his new school.
Representations
The film is set in present day but it does look back on the past. Joseph is represented as the stereotypical new boy trying to fit in. The teacher is strict has authority and is caring. The naughty boys are typical trouble makers. Gender and status is also well represented in this short film as the girls are more accepting of Joseph when he first arrives.
Themes
There are several themes seen in this film including racial prejudice, tragedy and loss.
Finite
Camera shots, movement and position
The opening shot is a fade from the ocean which instantly gives a sense of tranquillity and calm. At the end he is stood alone centre frame which makes him seem yet more isolated. In the bed, he is placed to one side suggesting a sense of loss and absence. It is as though someone ought to be filling that hole.
Framing
The out of focus shots give a dream-like quality. It also suggests disorientation with the character as though he is lost in himself.
Mise en scene
The setting on the beach gives a calm and romantic atmosphere usually associated with a place couple would go on a romantic holiday. The ray of sun is always down the centre of the frame giving a separation between them as they are not in the same world.
Sound
The music was in keeping with the sad tone and the feelings of the man. The piano music also creates a calming effect to it.
Narrative
The script is cleverly constructed to keep the audience guessing. There is a foreshadowing technique used throughout. A non-linear narrative is used because the time line jumps from past to present.
Representation
The man is alone and isolated. This is shown in a long shot as he is just stood, looking into the sea. The woman is calm and has accepted her death. She is seen brushing her hair. She is beautiful as she is represented through the man’s eyes as the perfect woman.
No comments:
Post a Comment