Essexs Boys - Thriller Case study

 Essexs Boys synposis:

'This film starts off as a young taxi driver is offered a job to help a small-time hardman get a little revenge. As the film progresses, he gets money and he thinks he is gaining respect from the other gang members. Then there comes a time where he is woken at night, only to find a Range Rover outside his house: his boss is expecting him to drive this to pick up the rest of the gang and take them to their awaiting fate...'


How Terry Winsor established and develops the thriller genre in the opening to Essex Boys:

The initial shot of the off-white car driving into tunel suggests a sense of isolation and intrapment, that is later re-established within the car boot. These features of isolation are generic with thrillers as they increase tension and heighten the characters, aswell as the audiences senses. Combined with the dark/ grey filter used to hint that 'all is not right' straight from the opening of the film, even more any obvious hint of violence. Similarly, the mud and water could be reflective of the characters dirty, gritty lives/ secrets or of the 'grittyness' of the film itself. The chiaroscuro lighting establishes the films as being an noir thirller, which is further reinforced the costume; as the men tend to be wearing swaurve suits. Chiaroscuro lighting is generiaclly used within plenty of thrillers; Jackie Brown too uses such in the begining of the film to refernce film noir and to establish its genre.

In the screen shot above, the cobwebs are critical to an almost gothic vibe that is being portrayed, despite the actual incident, aswell as the film, being set within modern day. This brings the thriller back to its predecessors, making it slightly surreal, despite the realism of the film. Moreover on the costume, Jason is wearing a bright, vibrant shirt, almost creating an irony to his actions. The shirt is synonomous with arrogance and firmly forces the audience to be wary of him from the begining. The contrasting costume distinguishes the characters. The initial medium close up shot of Jason from behind a dirty windscreen too establishes him as character be wary of, increasing the anticipation of his violence and psychotic behaviour from the beginning; he is not seen in clarity, thus the 'unknown' is frightening.
                     The rest of the scene is bleak industrialism, shown via the journey of the car, this increases a sense of realism. The birghtly lit tunnel the car travels through could symbolise an harsh reality in the mix of the bleak realism.







Props:

The use of the rusty white van is an affective prop as it blends into the background, but yet remains suspicious. The van could also be symbolic of a working class, stereotyped bleakness that is often used in 'gritty' films, such as This is England. Within This is England none of the props nor none of the scenes are in anyway glamorous. This lack of glamour makes the film sadder, in a sense, as there is no obvious 'silver linings' only the 'harsh realities' such as the bright tunnel lights.

Despite the film being based around a true stroy, the 'prop' of drugs as a centre piece of which the film to revolve is generic to thrillers. Previously, drugs were 'glamorous' and seen to only be for the rich and famous, however drugs stereotypically distory lives, thus it foreshaows the ending to an extent. The fact drugs are so prominant too promotes an sense of esacpism of the bleaknesses of reality.

Independent Research - Life on Mars

Again, I had to do this on my friends prezi account, I hope this isn't a problem.

Independent Research - Gravity

Again, I did this on my friends Prezi account - If this is a problem please let me know.

Independent Research - Fight Club

I made my Prezi on a friends account as I do not have one, I hope this is not a problem.

Shot List - Preliminary Task Planning

If these are unclear or two small and need to be typed up; just let me know! :)

Evaluation of Preliminary Task

Question One:
As part of my planning, I researched and tested various camera shots/ angles (as seen in previous blog post). These helped enormously, especially when deciding how to film something e.g. if it should be film, or edited as such in order to maintain a variety of different shots; for example, I only needed to cut the opening scene of Liam walking a cross the field in three different places (to create a jump cut shot), whereas had I of tried to 'stop and start' whilst filming it, it would have taken more editing skills to match up the clips, then it did to cut it whilst editing.
              My planning also consisted of ensuring that continuity was maintained throughout the filming process, for both the actors and the setting. We had no problems with clothing or setting thus were able to film on all occasions. However, if we were to shoot again, I think we would choose a different location to shoot the conversation as the canteen was often noisy /full of people that would walk in the background /sit in a different place therefore causing us to have to re film and replace several good shots that didn't match up (with the continuity) to the rest of the footage. Moreover, my group had to plan a topic for the conversation; we decided that our conversation would be vague, ambiguous and have no real meaning or outcome, this creates interest and sparks curiosity, which is especially important within such a short film.

Question Two: 

The 180 degree rule is when the camera maintains on one side of an invisible line for every shot in a particular scene, for example, character one will always be right of character two, who will always be left. Without this rule the audience may become disorientated and loose track of the plot; the filming of football matches is a famous example of this. This rule was important when filming the prelim task as it upheld continuity.


Question Three:
The first shot used in our filming was an establishing long shot, which (as previously mentioned) I cut into a jump shot when editing, the long shot was initially used to establish location and present the first character as being isolated /distant from the other, however I felt this shot was too simple to be of any interest thus by editing into a jump shot, I feel the scene became more interesting; I also edited it so that each shot still had a shadow of the last, (hopefully) intriguing the audience further. Next, I used the close up, tilted tracking shot of the other character's feet, this enabled us to present the audience with the other character, without revealing too much again, making the audience curious. Additionally, the footsteps were heavy thus showing the audience that not all was right, therefore making the scene tense. I also used a close up of the characters hand opening the door as this adds importance to the mundane movement, making the audience question as to why. During the conversation we used 'point of view' (POV) shots alongside 'shot, reverse, shots' - these engage the audience, making them feel as if they were apart of the conversation. It also quickens the pace, reinforcing the sense of angst which has built up throughout the clip.

Question Four:
Initially, my editing skills were weak and very basic, however throughout this process of the preliminary task my confidence has vastly increased. I'm now able to cut down clips, add special affects such as 'fade to black' and 'disolve'(which I used to cut from one scene to another, as this makes the change more natural and less false), I've also learnt the importance of 'rendering' editing clips to ensure high quality. By adding additional affects to my edit its become more dramatic and seemingly more professional. 
            I now look forward to the bigger task of editing the thriller opening, and feel confident that I'll be able to create and edit a worthwhile piece.

Camera Training: Still Images

High angle: a shot where the camera is placed high, looking down on the subject showing insignificance/vulnerability.

Low angle: a shot where the camera is placed below the eye line, looking up at the subject showing power, suggesting status.

Over the shoulder: a shot where the camera is placed 'over the shoulder' of the subject, placing the audience in the position of the subject. This shot is frequently used when somebody is following a person in order for the audience to gain the subjects perspective. 

Tilt shot: a shot where the camera is tilted, making the subject seem disorientated, too making the audience feel disorientated.

Long shot: a shot establishing the subjects location. 

Medium close up: a shot which brings focus onto the subject

Close up: a shot which allows the audience to identify with the characters emotions.

Extreme close up: a shot used to closely identify with the subject or action. 

Bird's eye view: a shot which looks directly down on the subject, giving the audience a different perspective of the subject and its surround.

Worm's eye view: a shot taken from beneath the subject. Often used to indicate fear as the subject overlooks the audience thus making them vulnerable.

Summer Task

The two clips I chose to analyse are 'James Bond; Casino Royal' and 'LA confidential'; I'll be discussing the similarities and difference between the two, focusing mainly on the Mise-en-scene, Camerawork and the representation of particular individuals, groups or bodies within the clip: 

From the Casino Royal clip, the audience distinguishes the protagonist and the antagonist simply from their dress. The protagonist, James Bond, is wearing a simple black suit with a white shirt, displaying his elegance and sophistication; the antagonist is far more slovenly, making the audience feel uncomfortable /disapproving of him just from seeing him. The suit also makes Bond appear of higher intelligence, thus more likely to be succeed. Bond also uses a gun which reinforces this sense of superiority, yet, he also uses the sink to kill the protagonist, making him again appear of higher intelligence and wit. Similarly, from the LA Confidential clip, men wear suits in order gain importance and to show wealth, however the men in LA Confidential are placed within a smokey casino, making it disconcerting for the audience, and making the men seem mischievous thus is its difficult to distinguish between the protagonist and antagonist, especially with the anonymity of the busy, ever-day scenes. The women too are dressed to represent wealth, however its very motherly and conservative therefore the audience immediately 'write them off' as being important. Moreover, LA Confidential is set within 1950s LA and features lots of water - this could just be due to LA being a costal area, however it focuses on the water, giving it importance (which could perhaps be false or misleading); water is disorientating and unsuspecting therefore this could make the audience wary of such. Being costal, the title is shown as a postcard which increases desirability of the location. 
                                 However, the cinematography /camerawork used in LA confidential makes the location seem very 'every-day' and usual. There are plenty of panning shots showing cars in traffic - which could reinforce the need to show off wealth - as well as men running and women playing with children; despite being normal they do add suspense as the audience is waiting for something unusual to happen. There are also low angle shots of buildings that try to impress and perhaps intimidate the audience. The only time the pace of the montage quickens is once the suspected murder is shown, which reflects a need to cover up such story and increase audience interest. The quick shot-reverse-shot shown from the cork popping and the waiter clutching his chest further disorientates the audience, and makes them question the situation. The filter used makes the production appear very 'home made', like a holiday video, which although comforting, is also very un-comforting as its so ordinary that the audience becomes paranoid. Differently to this, the opening to Casino Royal is shot in black and white; this creates shadows, of which not all of the content can be seen thus increasing interest and suspense, it also makes it seem important, especially when compared to the flashback which is in colour. The startling white of the wall during the murder juxtaposes to the content, heightening the audiences senses. Various low angle shots are also used to give Bond superiority, especially the shot used over the protagonists shoulder which makes the protagonist seem physically on a lower level thus the audience assumes he is too mentally. A tracking shot is also used to follow the villain, alongside this the music quickens, this really brings the audience into the chase, increasing their interest. This feeling is too created with the quick shot-reverse-shot of the conversations between Bond and other characters. Moreover, the opening scene is a tilted worms eye shot, immediately disorientating the audience, and preparing them for the limited sight from the black and white.
                          The representation of women within the Bond is none other than within a crowd thus the women are anonymous, although this could be seen as dismissing the importance of women within society, I think its solely because all the characters are taken and therefore it has no relevance. However, as previously mentioned, women within LA Confidential are represented as being motherly, looking after the children and not playing a very important role to the story line. Despite this, Bond does have strong representations between the protagonist and the antagonist; the antagonist is stereotypically foreign, this is done so that the western audiences are immediately unfamiliar with the character and thus they become weary. Moreover, LA (in LA Confidential) is presented as luxurious, and this juxtaposes the context of the clip.
              Casino Royal and LA Confidential are very different, where Royal builds suspense, Confidential is quick and   disconcerting. Both do, however, succeed in increasing audience interest and making the audience want to watch on.

Questionnaire - About me

Name: Danielle Batterbee

GCSE results:
A english literature, B english language, B science, B additional science, B media studies, B sociology, C maths, C ICT, C history, C philosophy and ethics (ugh.).

Hobbies:
 I very much enjoy comdey, especially Stand-Up, this results in me attending many comedy gigs. I also have a keen interest in crime and therefore spend alot of time watching documentaries / reading various autobiographical accounts (in the least creepy way...). I'm also a NCFC supporter.
Media Interests:
I occasionaly read The Guardian, however I find the internet far more accesible for keeping up-to-date with current affairs, as the interest obtains a wider variety of perspectives on a matter /issue and thus is less biased. Despite this, newspapers (much like books) smell great.

Radio Meida:
I tend to listen to GOLDfm when I'm travelling as I enjoy the type of music they play, however the conversation by the presteners is dull to say the least, therefore I wouldn't 'go out of my way' to listen to it...

Music Industry:

• My favourite genres of music include: Rock, 'spoken word' and folk.
• I don't belong to a band, however I do play the flute, and have perform with others on occasions.
• I mainly access my music online, although I do prefer the 'hard copy'.
• Personally, I believe that illegal downloading is both good for the artist's popularity and for the 'fan' however it can harm the music industry.
• The music industry can influence peoples dress, attitutudes and inspirations as the 'fan' aspires to be like the said artist.

Video Games:

• I  tend not to play many video games, however I use to play my gameboy colour quite frequently, and my game of choice would be 'Waves' of which you literally 'rode' a wave (cool kid...).
• Video games such as Grand Theft Auto have an negative affect on the repesentation of women, and thus promote an ideology of the attitudes its audience should have towards women. The women within the game are represented as 'damsels in distress' who need saving by the alpha male main character, however their dress is provoactive which increases the hypersexualisation of women, suggesting that they dress so to 'please men' or for male attention; too making the women objectified. Or suggesting that women should dress this way, in order to recieve such attention.

New Technologies:
New technologies have heplped increase my understanding of the world as its such a wide platform, that anyone, from anywhere, can add too. This also increases my level of communication, as I no longer need to personally know someone, in order to contact them e.g. blogs like this one, which anyone can read.
                          New technologies have also meant that the media industry can promote by its own platform, whilst still reaching out to a vast audience. E.g. when you attend the cinema you often see adversting for many other films before you see the actual film you payed for. Social netowkring sites like Twitter also help, as the actors /actresses within a film /tv serise can promote it instantly and frequently at no cost. This method especially helps to reach people whom previously wouldn't have been aware of said film / tv serise.
                                                      The internet also allows a large majority of people to create their own media texts, which can be easily shared across the world. Sites like YouTube allow people to create media about everyday situations, and for them still to be entertaing, much like Soaps, although perhaps more realistic. This could also lead to fame, for example Justin Bieber was 'talent spotted' after posting a video of himself 'singing' on YouTue.

Television:
My favourite television channels are BBC, Channel 4 and Dave; BBC and Dave are especially good for comedy and stand-up whereas Channel 4 is better for (not good, yet strangely addictive) documentaries. I also enjoy the Sky Crime channels although they are ridiculously americanised and thus sometimes irritating. 
                                       The television programme I consider most memorable is Only Fools and Horses, as although during its prime I wasn't born, my family were huge fans and the reruns on GOLD would always be on. I consider it most memorable because its the first programme that sparked my interest in comedy, alongside many others such as Steptoe and Son.

Feature Film:
My favourite genre of film is Thriller /Horror; I'm not a huge fan of 'gory' horrors as I feel they focus too much on the special affects and too little on the actual storyline. Psychological thrillers I find most interesting as, when made well, they make you not only question yourself, but those around you (I'm not paranoid by the way...) 

Three outstanding films:

1. My first choice of outstanding films is 'This is England'. 'This is England' is based on the experiences of the director Shane Meadows; the film follows a young boy growing up during Thatcher's Britain who encounters a group of skinheads, who introduce him into a world of violence, nationalism and racism. The film is beautifully shot, with a slightly muggy filter which reflects the times but juxtaposes the happiness and sense of belonging Shaun (main lead) first feels. Due to being set in the early eighties, the soundtrack features solely eighties music, some of which is seemingly upbeat yet melancholy, when given the scene /storyline. Joe Gilgun's (Woody,  one of the 'skinheads') performance is especially superb, and adds a slight light relief in many scenes.
2. My second film choice is 'Rita, Sue and Bob too' (1987) which is also set in Thatcher's Britain. 'Rita, Sure and Bob too' is about two fifteen year old girls who 'fall' for the man f the children they babysit for which leads to a love affair that develops throughout the film. I love how realistic this film is; it doesn't focus on the depression of the time, or struggles, its light-hearted and real, without being over-dramatised or sensationalised - I think often film makers need to realise that not every working class Briton is depressed. Nonetheless, the struggles are shown through both Rita and Sue's family, as well as Bob's wife; Also, Rita does get into an abusive relationship of which she has the strength to get out of, reinforcing this sense of 'independent women'. However thats not the sole focus of the film, which promotes a 'life goes on' philosophy. The acting is at times poor, but that adds to the reality of the film for me. The film is too shot like 'This is England'; there are no great special affects making the film seem too 'glossy'. I thoroughly end this film, and humour within it.
3. My third film of choice is 'The Dark Knight' (2008). Vastly different from my other two choices, the dark knight was clearly made with a higher budget and perhaps vastly larger target audience. I've little interest in superheros or comic books, however my boyfriend suggested I watched this film and I fell in love with it. I have to admit I wasn't overly impressed with the special affects or the generic, cringy dialog, however Heath Ledger (playing the Joker) is mesmerising. I presume with most superheros one is meant to favour the actual hero, and not the villain, but with The Joker this rule is reversed; his wit is especially captivating. One of my favourite scenes is the 'Ferry scene' on which The Joker places a group of prisoners on one ferry and a group of civilians on another, he then makes the blow up each other, otherwise he'll blow them both up. This scene is unexpected and makes the audience really appreciate how manic The Joker really is. Personally though, the following 'Dark Knight Rises' was a disappointment, proving how important Heath Ledger really was within the film
   1. 1.                       

I usually prefer to consume films on my MacBook as I can watch them on demand and at my own leisure, however I too like to record films on my tv and watch them on there.
                     My favourite cinema depends on the type of film I want to see; CinemaCity is far more relaxed however its variety is limited thus places like Vue and Odeon are usually my cinema of choice.             When watching a film for the first time I usually enjoy it more when on my own, however when watching within a group you often appreciate sections of a film or lines of a film you wouldn't realise when alone. 

Conclusion:
It takes a lot for me to be truly offended, and when one is offended it doesn't really mean that one is right. If I had to choice one type of media that irritates me then that would be the news both with newspapers and on TV; I find when covering serious issues or 'stories' presenters /journalists are often ignorant and intrusive, and its not as if they do this to ensure that everybody gets the 'real story' as when the 'real story' is reveal, such as the Bradley Manning incident, many forms of media hide their support or reporting on the story so that they do not get into any trouble for it. 
          In contrast, the most exciting media text I've ever consumed would have to be 'spoken word' music. I previously mentioned spoken word being one of my favourite music genres, and in my opinion, a band called Listener are true geniuses of this genre. They often cause reflection through their music, which without sounding too pretentious, is hard to find within our 'pop /indie' loving society. I know, I know... I'm so hip... 
                             A piece of media that has most impacted my life is the book 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins, the debate of religion has always interested me, and despite Dawkin's kind of contradicting himself by trying to create a Atheist cult, I do agree with him on many of his arguments and this specific book basically 'sealed the deal' on my own religious debate. I also enjoy his style of writing, although he can be ridiculously arrogant...
                                       Moving on... I have chosen Media Studies as an option as I enjoy it very much at GCSE, yet I feel theres still a lot to learn /understand. I also believed that Media controls our society, regardless of class, gender or race, everyone in some way is affected by media, although some more than others. I am really looking forward to the year ahead. :)

I realise I'm making my self sound incredibly pretentious within this questionnaire...

Introduction

Hi, I'm Danielle Batterbee, and this is my Media AS blog