Skyfall Textual Analysis

Media Language:


We begin the shot in seeing a long shot of a narrow hall way, and the silhouette of James Bond as he walks towards the camera in a very broad shouldered and masculine way. As he walks in to the shot and he becomes fully visible, the director makes it so that his body fades out of the light of the shot however a lining of light makes his eyes visible to the audience, from a close up distance- to show the characters intensity and focus.

The non diegetic music begin to pick up pace and tension as we him raise a gun and cautiously approach a room. Having entered the room and seen multiple dead bodies, it becomes apparent that the action is looming by the growing ambiance of non diegetic sound growing in volume and tempo by the second. Bond then approaches a new outdoor environment and the non diegetic music come in to a more upbeat chorus for which we see packed roads filled with pedestrians, cars and narrow roads. The director also uses an engaging rule of third shot which is an effective use of camera work and Mise-en scene.


 There is a specific lighting which is presented as the sun, which sets an almost Arabic or Eastern European atmosphere to the scene setting alongside the Arabian genred music playing in the background. We see a synchronised blend of both diegetic and non diegetic sound, as the music sets a calming yet upbeat pace to the scene, and the visuals in having the car Bond is in smash over multiple stools adds to create an engaging and action based combination of diegetic sound of a roaring car smashing over stands and stools, and a Arabian tune which sets the location and atmosphere of where the scene is taking place. As a gun fight commences, the music subsides and the scene is flooded by multiple diegetic noises which range from police motor bikes skidding off the road and smashing stools, to gun fires blazing and the screams of citizens as the try to escape with their lives.


 During a bike chase, the director uses a rule of third shot to depict both the Mise- en scene, alongside the the intensity of the car chase and the beautiful scenery. The non-diegetic has once again picked back up but now it is no longer Arabian, but instead just general high intensity music to further show the importance and building climax throughout this clip in the scene. The editing also goes to show the an effective collaboration of shot-to shot action clips, along side 180 degree rule whilst characters conversed.

Representation:

Although the opening scene consists of mainly action based sequences. The director still effectively shows a general depiction of characters through facial expressions, body language and dialogue. We see that James Bond is a very cool and level headed character, who does his best work off of impulse and the adrenaline of the moment. As you would expect of a spy, he's very quick to think on his feet as shown when he used a Crain to link up with the other train which the person he was pursuing was on. The MI6 personnel are also shown to focus on completing the mission they're set above all else as shown when Bond left his fellow agent who was bleeding out on a chair on his own with a towel (even though he was reluctant to do it). A major aspect to the Bond franchise of films is the classy British voices held by the character's whom are spies. In having characters speak in that very distinct manner presents a commonly perceived stereotype which suggests that all British people are very posh and charming which, of course, isn't an accurate portrayal. The location of which the opening was in Istanbul, Turkey, and it presented a very accurate portrayal of the countries most monumental buildings, and also an accurate representation of the street life within the city. The use of music added to the culture of the selected setting and further reinforced the authenticity of the media construction established within this opening scene by the director.

Audience:

The benefit of Bond films is that they hold a longstanding fan base formed from decades back. As a result, the film sells its self. However the general audience for a film like this would be people who love a high intensity action packed film, with violence, glimpses of romance and a constantly un-raveling plot filled with mystery and suspense. All of this on top of the cool and collected Bond with his notorious bow ties and his choice for "whisky shaken- not stirred" adds to the ever growing fan base and franchise for this box office film.


Genre:

The film itself is an action and thriller genre'd movie with a good use of violence and dramatic aspects. A common generic convention for any Bond film is a beautiful lady that he finds himself involved with for a time being. However the film communicates is action sequences within the bounds of its classic James Bond theme tune, alongside a strong use of explosions and in depth commitment to a strong set location to make the viewing process all the more enjoyable.

Narrative:

The film doesn't follow the traditional concept of Todorov's which has an introduction where: everything is fine- problem occurs- multiple means to rectify problem are attempted- solution to problem is found- then a conclusion of peacefulness is used to end.  Instead, There's and action packed introduction- Then a showing of peaceful times- Then a problem occurs- action being taken to rectify problem- failure to rectify situation- solution being found- peaceful times are found again.

Institution:

The film had a budget of $150-$200 million and grossed $1.09 billion. Its production company Eon production company and the film was distributed by Metro- Goldyn Mayer and Columbia Pictured. The film was highly successful and grossed the most money a film from Sony Pictures ever has, and it grossed the second most in all of 2012.

Plan to develop a film title

Useful Website:

http://www.chrisjonesblog.com/2011/07/top-ten-tips-for-titling-your-movie.html

This website proved very helpful, because it explained the fundamental 'general rules' associated with establishing a good movie title. The list of 10 rules was helpful in seeing a basic set of guidelines to follow, and as a result, I was able to narrow down a top 15 set of ideas, and I ranked them all from 1-15 (1 being my favourite, 15 being my least favourite) on how I rated them. But this list is still very likely to expand or change over time.

Potential Ideas:

Best served Cold (4)

Only God Forgives (10)

Only Good Men go to heaven (3)

Iron Fist (5)

Fire with Fire (7)

Death is too Kind (15)

Ring of Fire (8)

Check Mate (13)

Try Me (9)

Visionaries and Mortal Men. (Top Candidate)

Hell Hath no Fury (11)

The Immortal (2)

I am The Law (14)

Serpents Fall At the hand of God (6)

Hand of God (12)

Inception (opening scene) textual analysis

Introduction:

The film 'Inception' is a large box office film of 2010 and I chose this film because it is one of my favourite films. The film is one of my favourites because of the quality acting, and the continuous plot twists and the high thrill and tension it brings forward to the screen.

Media Language:

The opening shot presents a mid shot of waves crashing over each other. The lighting is very bright and calming which presents a conception of peaceful times. However the director uses a looming non-digetic sound to cover over the entire shot, which creates a very slow build of tension and expectation towards something significant happening. The next shot presents close up of a bruised a battered man who has been washed up on the shore. The close up choice of shot is effective because it allows us to see the raw emotions on his face. We come to see a look of both confusion and desperation (to survive). The confusion is soon explained in the next shot which presents two children playing with sand- both male and female children. The whole direction of the peacefulness previously presented shifts, as we see a mid shot off the body of the man washed up on the shore, and later see a large gun being held and pointed over his back. From here there is a drop in the non-diegetic sounding, which shows the audience that problematic circumstances are arising. In the change of location, we see a very civilised changing of location.

This use of mise-en scene presents the notion of viewers witnessing perhaps a wealthy and powerful character who is about to be introduced. The talking of a foreign language causes viewers to focus harder on what they are viewing, but the use of subtitles makes it accessible and less intimidating since we aren't left completely un aware to what is going on. The director is able to effectively slow down the pace of the entire scene through the slow, ominous, powerful (yet fragile) voice of the old man, who proceeds to then question man and figure out his intentions The non-diegetic sounding starts once again, and the audience are left on edge, trying to anticipate what's going to happen and, hoping not to be taken by surprise by anything which may abruptly happen during the growing tension through dialogue.

Representation:

Through the characters we are introduced to,  we are able to see that each characters motive is still very questionable, and who are supposed to recognise as the protagonist and antagonist comes under consideration for the viewer as well. With the man who washes up on the shore, we begin to sympathise with his situation and feel a feeling of trust towards him due to the lighting he is presented to us in. The director exploits his resources to present this character in a trusting way, but we also want to know what has happened to him. The bright filter and the calming waves show him in a positive way, and his later facial expression shows an aspect innocence, in the sense he's in pain and confused. We are lead to wonder if he is hallucinating since we see children, and this is later confirmed when when the men with guns appear.

The old Chinese man speaks in a slow and cynical manner which presents him in a villainous fashion.   As he proceeds to speak, the ominous non-diegetic sounds begins to slowly creep back in which adds further tension to the audience member's feelings surrounding this character. The use of a foreign language adds a subconscious lack of trust for audience members due to the lack of familiarity with it. There's also the stereotypical use of specific Chinese lanterns, which presents the idea to audience members that they're outside of safe territory.


We are then shown a flash back to almost a complete makeover for both characters. We see the man who was washed up previously, now as a respectable man who is trying to pitch an important idea to a much younger version of the old man we have just seen as well. This gives the audience members a better understanding into the dynamics between the two men, and also escalates their current situation, into one with equal footing, since the washed up man looks strong, comfortable and level headed- and the old man now looks, powerful, firm and decisive.



Audience:

The main target audience for this type of film will be an audience who relishes in mystery and thrill. The audience will need enjoy the challenge of keeping up with the pace of the film, and thinking on their feet, as well having their own interpretations on what is going on at certain points. They will need to also be patient, and allow for the film to un-ravel its layers as well as grasp each character's past and their reasoning for doing what it is that they're doing. All of this along side the fact that the film has Leonardo DiCaprio as its star; alongside Joseph Gordon Levitt and Tom Hardy is all the more reason to watch this film as well. Audience members for this type of film will be 15 years old and above.

Genre:

The genre for this film is a range of action, thriller, adventure and mystery. The high usage of guns, violence and explosions (later on in the film) highly promote the action aspect to the film. The adventure stems from the mind wandering they conduct, as well as the depths they will go through (and to) to get what they desire. The thriller is shown through suspense they generate in patient build ups, and the high stakes, within, the plot, they face when it comes down to succeeding in their task. The mystery stems from all of the in depth characters within the film, alongside their backstory's, and why they are doing what they are doing. The film is very patient in revealing certain character story's which is why it was so effective.

Narrative:

The theory of Todorov can be applied since the script is linear and follows the basic construction of: everything is fine- problem occurs- multiple means to rectify problem are attempted- solution to problem is found- then a conclusion of peacefulness is used to end.

Institution:

The media text was produced by Legendary pictures and Syncopy inc. Both of these are two highly successful production companies. Especially Legendary which is responsible for multiple highly successful films. The film was then distributed by Warner Bros studios. The film was a huge success and received extremely positive responses. The film had a budget of $160 million and grossed a total of $825.5 million revenue. Which means they generated a total of $665.5 million in profit. This was by all means a large box office movie and its actors, director and screenwriter all found a lot of individual success as a result of this film.

My Production Plan

Introduction:

My film introduction is for a thriller genre'd movie which I have produced, designed, filmed and written myself. I have a rough idea of who I would like to cast for the roles, but I am going to audition all potential actors in later posts regardless. 

Plot:

The idea for my film will revolve around a mob boss who is framed/ snitched on for a crime he did not commit, and is coming out of jail, after having been there for five years. For the introduction that I am filming, the idea is to have the character coming out of jail and being picked up by his old underling/ protege. The whole of the introduction will take place in a car, but I will use flashbacks to add depth to the story I'm telling. As the convict enters the car, he will sit at the back, and his protege will take the front seat driving. The two will have brief conversation before, the topic of the character called Collin comes into play. The convict will ask for details of what he's (Collin) been up to and this will trigger a flash back, for the protege, of when the he was planning to kill the convict with Collin. Tension will begin to rise as we see his struggle to muster the courage to kill his old friend and boss. The tension will build in both sound, visual effects and atmosphere.        

Prisoners (Textual Analysis)

Media Language:

The media language used within the opening scene of the 'Prisoners' movie presents a simple setting of an off duty detective, enjoying a coffee in an empty cafe. The director tactically a hold off showing the main characters face to evoke suspense and create an effective atmosphere around the main character, which presents him as both mysterious and cool. Through the dialogue, we come to realise that it is thanks giving, and he's eating alone in an empty cafe. This establishes that he is a very isolated man, and perhaps too invested into his work. Nevertheless the overall atmosphere is what is expected from the opening to an opening scene.


We see the camera proceed from a long shot range and close into the range of a mid shot, to which it changes shot to the front of his face, as the main character engages in small talk with the waitress. The rain remains as a constant factor throughout the scene. Although it dies down during dialogue- its presence remains and its volume come to full affect as the character leaves the cafe to start work. This heavy non-diegetic sound of the rain, thunder and lightning dictates the atmosphere of the scene, as we see characters struggle to proceed through it, and its presence controls the tempo the clip develops at.







With the change of location from cafe to petrol station (use of mise-en scene), we hear ominous diegetic music engulf the clip, as a the camera slowly  zooms towards a poorly parked caravan.







The caravan is effectively left in the darkest corner/ aspect of the shot, whist the police cars are left in the light which presents a subconscious depiction of good vs evil or light vs darkness for the audience members.

 Theres's a point in which we see the caravan frantically pull out and then drive towards a tree and crash. This all happened in a single shot, and interestingly, there was no use of non-diegetic sounding to make the audience jump or feel uneasy; which may present a sense of normality or perhaps a proleptic warning in saying the worst is yet to come, as it would be un-wise for a director to use too many tension build ups as they would, inevitably, lose their affect after a while. As we see the men enter the car, there is heavy breathing which acts as an effective depiction of how the character is feeling, which may,perhaps be full of anxiety and uncertainty. Through effective use of lighting and camerawork, as the police pull the man out of the caravan, it appears as just dark figures which makes for a more engaging clip to watch for the audience.



Representation:

The only characters which we are introduced to at this point in the opening, are the lead detective, a waitress and the criminal in the caravan. As already stated, the leading character is eating alone during thanks giving in an empty restaurant. It is later made clear that he's taking a brief break from work- which presents his as a 'workaholic' detective who perhaps feels he has no time for a social life due to the type of work that he's in. Despite this, he's still shown to be a friendly man, which contradicts what you would expect to see from an un-socialble detective who works on his own. His friendliness is made evident when he engages in a very 'human' conversation with the waitress. Which may show us that perhaps he takes any opportunity he can to to interact with civilians/ normal people; since he's always with work colleagues and criminals. A lot about his character is also shown, in how quick he was to react to the call for work. He could have easily passed the job off and allowed someone else to handle it- which would show the typical 'lazy cop' stereotype. But, he neglects that option and goes to work; which shows he may be in the middle of a case that he's very invested in, or he just needs to continue occupyiyghimself for whatever reason. We see a drastic change in persona from this character when he starts talking to the man from the caravan. The detective shouts at him aggressively and demands answers, which shows him to be both passionate and also a person who can adapt accordingly to circumstances.

Audience:

Targeted audience members for such a film would be people who admire a true thriller film. The plot presents a situation where you're always having to guess. The movie keeps you constantly on edge, and causes you to question what you believe to be ethically correct as an audience member. All of this, amongst a star packed cast of Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. With all this in mind, such a fail would appeal to a wide range of 15 and plus audience members, who are looking for a movie full of suspense and thrill.

Genre:

The film genre is a thriller based drama with multiple in-depth characters, who all seem to have there on inner demons and struggles. The concept of a thriller is presented through the use of sudden drops in non-diegetic sound, to present a shock or make the audience jump. The uses of guns and moderate/ not so moderate violence shows the generic use of visual means to further captivate an audience.

Narrative:

The theory of Todorov can be applied since the script is linear and follows the basic construction of: everything is fine- problem occurs- multiple means to rectify problem are attempted- solution to problem is found- then a conclusion of peacefulness is used to end.

Institution:

The film was a large box office movie which had a budget of 46 million dollars to make. The film grossed 122.1 million dollars  in revenue, with a profit of 76.1 million dollars. The film was produce by Alcon entertainment; which has produce multiple large motion pictures, which are then distributed by Warner Bros. The film was extremely successful, and was also nominated for multiple awards and, the actors claimed a lot of recognition, as well as award nominations.

Shutter Island film poster genre analysis

Shutter Island

Shutter Island is a Thriller genre'd film which is the same genre  I
want my film opening to be. This poster presents the concept of suspense through the effective use of a bright little flame which is almost engulfed in surrounding darkness. The light effectively show's, part of, the main protagonist's face which overlooks an island and the bold words of "SHUTTER ISLAND". This is effective because it holds a mysterious and alluring aspect which strikes intrigue from viewers because of the effective use of  colours which also immediately captivates the eye of audience members. It is both; simplistic and compelling and strikes the thriller/ jump off your seat action in which this film will hold.









https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iaYLCiq5RM

This is the Shutter Island trailer, and I feel that it further shows the effectiveness that the film had, in engaging and putting audience members on edge.