Monday, 28 January 2013
BSR Defenition:
Social Realism in films display the hardships of working class characters and includes themes such as racism and violence etc. Also deals with the real life genres and struggles. Often rough camera styling is used to show the gritty reality lifestyle in some parts of Britain. Try and create as much verisimilitude as possible. Often set in urban settings and deals with situations such as sexual abuse, gangs, drinking and drugs, death, adultery and more. discrimination British social realism movies often deal with the injustice and prejudice against different social groups. BSR also contains the worst of Britain.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Openings 11/12
Battered And Bruised:
Pros:
I think that one of the main things which was good about the opening is that it contained British Social Realism conventions and themes, such as violence.
I also think that the opening credits over the music worked well. The music was also original and copyright free, which was also good.
The production company graphics looked nice as opposed to other simple, boring ones and also fitted in with the type of rock music that was playing at the beginning.
There were also some good camera angles and shots which are common in British Social Realism movies such as the low angle and over the shoulder shot as they were tying to make the audience feel as if they were actually there next to the character. I would try and maybe include more of these shots as while they were good, there was not too many of these shots only two or three.
Cons:
In British social realism movies, credits rarely are shown at the beginning with the names hovering over the cast. I would have the credits rolling discretely on the side, incorporating it in the narrative which is what most British Social Realism movies do.
The camera was also very shaky at times. They tried creating the feel and look that the boys were getting beaten up in a first person view, but it did not work well as it made it difficult to see properly. I would improve this by not having so much handheld camera shot and point of perspective shots and include mid shots and long shots of this fight scene instead so the audience can clearly see what it happening.
It also does not really feel like an opening scene for a movie - more of a trailer but its meant to be an opening scene.
It took a bit of time to get to a scene where something actually happens, for example in the beginning when the two characters are playing the guitar is pretty long and makes the audience lose interest a little bit as the pace was too slow. I would improve this by not having this mini - opening scene at all and scrap it entirely as you do not see it often in British Social Realism movies.
Wasters:
Pros:
The production company logo and graphics are very good as it is in the style of a theme and situation of British Social Realism movie - Drugs. The production company is called 'Half Ounce' and is made without any boring, plain typography but instead using power which represents drugs which displays its relevance to the theme in the clip.
The title 'Wasters' also resembles a theme of British Social Realism which is drinks/alcohol. The name is thought out well which is another strength of the opening scene.
The trailer also had a good pace set to it, its not going too fast for the audience, but its not going too slow so that the audience gets bored and loses interest.
There also different types of camera shots and angles used in the opening scene such as close ups, low angle, eye line match and more, which makes it have more variety which others lacked. It also makes it more visually interesting to watch for the audience as opposed to just having one or two shots and angles.
The character archetypes also appeal to British Social Realism as we see the main character as the rebel type which is always seen in every type of British Social Realism film. This also helps it to appeal to the niche British target audience.
The soundtrack used was also copy write free and also appealed to the themes of the movie as it was a club style upbeat track.
Another theme which is common in British Social Realism movies is clubbing and partying and having a good time. We can see how this is included in the opening scene as they are partying in a night club.
Again another theme which is expressed in the opening scene is Sex which again is a common theme in British Social Realism themes. This is expressed as we can see the Girls dancing and kissing each other in the scene.
The method of including the credits in the scene is very clever in my opinion. The writers and cast names are written on wrappers as opposed to others who used normal typography for it. Some people may think it did not work well but I believed it did as it added that unique part into the opening scene.
A lot of graffiti can be seen on the walls in the background, which is very common in Britain and again represents the reality of Social Realism films.
Cons:
The only main downside to this was that it did not really feel like an opening scene as it seemed to have crammed to much things in which made it seem more of a trailer then an opening scene. It seemed like the whole movie packed into the scene due to the voice-over. I would probably take away the voice over and try not to cram so much in. I would also not have the title 'Wasters' at the end as it makes it seem like a trailer I would have it right at the beginning and also have the credits at the beginning too as it would make it feel more like an opening scene.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Monday, 21 January 2013
Fish Tank Analysis And Research
Fish Tank (2009)
Fish tank is a 2009 social realist film. It was written and directed by Andrena Arnold. It is a kitchen sink movie as it tends to celebrate the mundane and failure of real life, which is within Film 4's ethos.
The budget was $3 Million and the box office was $2 Million. The movie made £100,000 in the U.K and $30,000 in the U.S which is expected of a Film 4 independent movie.
The audience for this movie is British niche A thing that is not really within Film 4's ethos is to use unknown cast, although Michael Fessbender is a well known actor. Katie Jarvis (Mia) had no previous acting expereicne, yet she still got the main role. This shows Film 4's ethos to use non trained actors.
The movie was distributed by IFC films and produced by BBC films, UK film council and Kassander Film company, which none of them are well known apart from BBC films which means they already have a small target audience.
Themes and Situations 1:
One of the main theme could be violence and aggression. A major stereotype is that a lot teenagers are aggressive and violence and moody, especially the youth of England in this era.
Representation 1:
Another thing would be that she could be stereotyped as a 'thug' or a 'gangster' due to the main protagonist - Mia dressing in hoodies and joggers all the time.
Mice-en-scene 1:
This point is also backed up by Mia's facial expressions. Throughout the entire movie she has looked sad or angry or aggressive towards someone or something. Again Mia and other characters wearing hoodies in the movie could spark the hoodies and teenage thugs debate. Also a lot of fighting is seen in the movie, for example the fight at the beginning between Mia and the other girls, the abuse Mia received from her mother and the fight with the boys picking on Mia. This could represent how the movie is a social realist film as this stuff actually does happen in England.
Music & Sound Effects 1:
A lot of Hip Hop and Grime songs are played in the movie such as Ja Rule. Again its shows how social realist the movie is a Grime and Hip Hop are the most listened to genre of music in England, so a lot of people can relate to Mia dancing to the familiar music. People stereotype Grime and Hip Hop to be band influences to teens as they promote violence and killing etc, which could link back to teen aggression.
Camera Work and Editing 1:
Not a lot of editing was used which could display the teenagers aggression apart from a few quick jump cuts when the argument and fight scenes occurred. Also handheld shot was used to show the Mia's confused state of mind.
Dialogue 1:
There were lots and lots of foul language used by almost every single character in the movie. The fact that Mia's younger sister - aged around 11 was swearing in almost every sentence could display the link to aggression and lack of care. For example, when Mia said 'Don't F****** Touch me you prick' and her sister said 'your a c***bag.' This happens in reality which displays how its a social realism movie.
The screen shot is an example of how Mia is always aggressive or angry which is displayed by her facial expressions and links back to the teenage violence theme.
Themes and Situations 2:
A situation would be breaking the law and having no respect for the law. This is a common situation to some people actually living in some parts of England today which displays how its close to reality as opposed to themes in Hollywood movies.
Representation 2:
A stereotype is that young teens have no respect for the law.
Mice-en-scene 2:
Mia's younger sister, Tyler is smoking which is illegal as she is about 11 years old. Also Mia was drinking which is breaking the law as she is under age. This happens a lot in England displaying its social realism. Also Connor having sex with Mia is breaking the law as she is under age.
Music & Sound Effects 2:
A lot of music that was played in the movie is rap. People could say that rap music promotes breaking the law which could influence young teens. A lot of people listen to this type of music which could represent how it s social realism.
Camera work and Editing 2:
Not a lot of camera shots included to represent this apart from when Tyler was smoking. A mid shot was taken of Tyler and her friend and was for a couple of seconds, which could emphasize the point as she shot seemed to be a bit longer then others.
Dialogue 2:
When Mia's says 'lets get smashed.' Another part is where Connor said 'but your only 15.' These to lines are really the only parts of dialogue which discusses breaking the law.
This screenshot expresses how the two girls are recklessly breaking the law by smoking and they are very, very young and the clear camera shot on the two emphasizing the scene.
Themes and Situations 3:
A theme and situation would be the struggles of some teenagers in England. She has a bad relationship with her family and has been kicked from school and doesn't really do anything productive apart from dancing.
Representation 3:
People tend to stereotype people who live in estates as chavs and lower class, which links to the struggles of being a teenager as Mia and her family hardly has any money.
Mice-en-scene 3:
A lot of time Mia is wearing cheap joggers and hoodies which represents the lack of money. Also, there are few scenes where you see gangs wearing cheep hoodies and vests with low jeans with their dogs and seen as 'chavs.' We can see this in the screen shot below.
Music & Sound Affects 3:
There was not really a lot of sound affect to represent this in the movie.
Camera Work and Editing:
There were many long shots of the estates and flats and gangs to emphasize the point.
Dialogue 3:
There was one scene where Mia' mother says 'careful that tracksuit was 20 quid.' This could represent the hardships and struggles of a teenager living in estates in England.
Fish tank is a 2009 social realist film. It was written and directed by Andrena Arnold. It is a kitchen sink movie as it tends to celebrate the mundane and failure of real life, which is within Film 4's ethos.
The budget was $3 Million and the box office was $2 Million. The movie made £100,000 in the U.K and $30,000 in the U.S which is expected of a Film 4 independent movie.
The audience for this movie is British niche A thing that is not really within Film 4's ethos is to use unknown cast, although Michael Fessbender is a well known actor. Katie Jarvis (Mia) had no previous acting expereicne, yet she still got the main role. This shows Film 4's ethos to use non trained actors.
The movie was distributed by IFC films and produced by BBC films, UK film council and Kassander Film company, which none of them are well known apart from BBC films which means they already have a small target audience.
Themes and Situations 1:
One of the main theme could be violence and aggression. A major stereotype is that a lot teenagers are aggressive and violence and moody, especially the youth of England in this era.
Representation 1:
Another thing would be that she could be stereotyped as a 'thug' or a 'gangster' due to the main protagonist - Mia dressing in hoodies and joggers all the time.
Mice-en-scene 1:
This point is also backed up by Mia's facial expressions. Throughout the entire movie she has looked sad or angry or aggressive towards someone or something. Again Mia and other characters wearing hoodies in the movie could spark the hoodies and teenage thugs debate. Also a lot of fighting is seen in the movie, for example the fight at the beginning between Mia and the other girls, the abuse Mia received from her mother and the fight with the boys picking on Mia. This could represent how the movie is a social realist film as this stuff actually does happen in England.
Music & Sound Effects 1:
A lot of Hip Hop and Grime songs are played in the movie such as Ja Rule. Again its shows how social realist the movie is a Grime and Hip Hop are the most listened to genre of music in England, so a lot of people can relate to Mia dancing to the familiar music. People stereotype Grime and Hip Hop to be band influences to teens as they promote violence and killing etc, which could link back to teen aggression.
Camera Work and Editing 1:
Not a lot of editing was used which could display the teenagers aggression apart from a few quick jump cuts when the argument and fight scenes occurred. Also handheld shot was used to show the Mia's confused state of mind.
Dialogue 1:
There were lots and lots of foul language used by almost every single character in the movie. The fact that Mia's younger sister - aged around 11 was swearing in almost every sentence could display the link to aggression and lack of care. For example, when Mia said 'Don't F****** Touch me you prick' and her sister said 'your a c***bag.' This happens in reality which displays how its a social realism movie.
Themes and Situations 2:
A situation would be breaking the law and having no respect for the law. This is a common situation to some people actually living in some parts of England today which displays how its close to reality as opposed to themes in Hollywood movies.
Representation 2:
A stereotype is that young teens have no respect for the law.
Mice-en-scene 2:
Mia's younger sister, Tyler is smoking which is illegal as she is about 11 years old. Also Mia was drinking which is breaking the law as she is under age. This happens a lot in England displaying its social realism. Also Connor having sex with Mia is breaking the law as she is under age.
Music & Sound Effects 2:
A lot of music that was played in the movie is rap. People could say that rap music promotes breaking the law which could influence young teens. A lot of people listen to this type of music which could represent how it s social realism.
Camera work and Editing 2:
Not a lot of camera shots included to represent this apart from when Tyler was smoking. A mid shot was taken of Tyler and her friend and was for a couple of seconds, which could emphasize the point as she shot seemed to be a bit longer then others.
Dialogue 2:
When Mia's says 'lets get smashed.' Another part is where Connor said 'but your only 15.' These to lines are really the only parts of dialogue which discusses breaking the law.
This screenshot expresses how the two girls are recklessly breaking the law by smoking and they are very, very young and the clear camera shot on the two emphasizing the scene.
Themes and Situations 3:
A theme and situation would be the struggles of some teenagers in England. She has a bad relationship with her family and has been kicked from school and doesn't really do anything productive apart from dancing.
Representation 3:
People tend to stereotype people who live in estates as chavs and lower class, which links to the struggles of being a teenager as Mia and her family hardly has any money.
Mice-en-scene 3:
A lot of time Mia is wearing cheap joggers and hoodies which represents the lack of money. Also, there are few scenes where you see gangs wearing cheep hoodies and vests with low jeans with their dogs and seen as 'chavs.' We can see this in the screen shot below.
Music & Sound Affects 3:
There was not really a lot of sound affect to represent this in the movie.
Camera Work and Editing:
There were many long shots of the estates and flats and gangs to emphasize the point.
Dialogue 3:
There was one scene where Mia' mother says 'careful that tracksuit was 20 quid.' This could represent the hardships and struggles of a teenager living in estates in England.
Here we see a screenshot of Mia on the balcony of her flat looking down onto the other houses in the estate. Even from the image we can get the type of feeling that it doesn't really seem like a good place to live with all the crowded houses in the background and also the houses seem to be smaller then regular ones which displays the working class people in that area contributing to the hardship of teenagers living in England. It is actually shot in England in Mardyke estate in Havering, which represents how its a social realist film as opposed to Hollywood movies which are usually shot in large, busy cities with all the expensive, glamorous houses etc.
There were a lot of eye line matches used in the movie. I really think it looked good and worked well with the movie and would like to include them in my movie when filming. I also think that the themes are typical to a British realist movie and I would like to include it when I am filming. I think the location used was also good for a social realism film as it sometimes showed the worst of Britain which is within Film 4's ethos.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Film 4 Ideologies
Looking For Eric:
We can see how Film 4 ideologies are represented in looking for Eric through the Representation of Places. The film is set in great Manchester. Here we can see the worst of Britain through the gang violence, drug lords and racism. Through the representation of characters, we can see another Film 4 ideology which is the domestic hardships of working class Britons. This is displayed through Eric Bishops working class job and his small flat he lives in. The fact that he also considered suicide at one point shows the lowest of Britain. He is working class which is a common ideology in Film 4 movies.Again it has a typical Film 4 storyline as Eric is trying to get his family back together. Although most Film 4 endings are sad, this one ends on a happy note as the family are back together and the threat is removed.
Submarine:
Submarine follows a typical Film 4 story line as Oliver Tate is desperately tying to reconnect his mother and father again. The use of unknown actors also represents the Film 4 ideologies. The main characters, Oliver Tate's whole family leads mundane lives. Real life locations are used in Britain - typical of Film 4 ideologies. Whole British cast is used. Usually Film 4 endings are sad and ambiguous, yet Submarine seems to have a happy and satisfying ending for Oliver Tate.
Four Lions:
We can see the worst of Britain in four lions due to the racism in the movies. Also the main characters are terrorists which again represents the violence in Britain. Many controversial themes such as race, violence and genocide. These are all dark and gritty themes although the movie features a lot of comedy. The ending follows the typical Film 4 ideology of a sad ending as they kill themselves along with innocent people.Unknown actors are used - again a common ideology of Film 4. Most of the movie was filmed in Sheffield which shows the British cultural references. The film also celebrates the mundane, failure and mediocrity of the Muslim bombers.
The Inbetweeners Moive:
The Inebtweeners movie does not really follow the typical Film 4 ideologies. For example, there's not really any racism moments in the movies, no dark an gritty themes in which Film 4 are familiar with, the comedy does not really offend any culture or ethnicity and the endings aren't really sad.; I believe failure is not celebrated either. I think that the Inbetweeners movies more or less follows Hollywood ideologies as opposed to Film 4.
Hunger:
Hunger happen to contain quite a few Film 4 ideologies. We can see in the trailer that politics is talked about. This is big in Film 4 films. We are also given a lot hints of violence the police with weapons and the main character with scars and bruises. The theme seems so be dark as he is having a hunger strike in order to fight against the government which means he is damaging himself. It could also be connoted that the government are corrupted which is familiar with Film 4. Although Hunger contains Film 4 ideologies, a big star Michael Fassbender is cast as the main actor, which doesn't really happen in Film 4 movies as they usually use untrained actors.
Attack The Block:
Attack the block shows the typical Film 4 ideologies. It is set in London, representing the London estates. Most of the cast is all British which again is popular with Film 4. The dialect used is also very typical of Film 4 as is is all British slang meaning people in other countries will not really use it. British references are used through video games - Fifa which is one of the biggest games in the U.K Also grime music which is very popular in the U.K is used - all British cultural references typical of Film 4.
Submarine:
Submarine follows a typical Film 4 story line as Oliver Tate is desperately tying to reconnect his mother and father again. The use of unknown actors also represents the Film 4 ideologies. The main characters, Oliver Tate's whole family leads mundane lives. Real life locations are used in Britain - typical of Film 4 ideologies. Whole British cast is used. Usually Film 4 endings are sad and ambiguous, yet Submarine seems to have a happy and satisfying ending for Oliver Tate.
Four Lions:
We can see the worst of Britain in four lions due to the racism in the movies. Also the main characters are terrorists which again represents the violence in Britain. Many controversial themes such as race, violence and genocide. These are all dark and gritty themes although the movie features a lot of comedy. The ending follows the typical Film 4 ideology of a sad ending as they kill themselves along with innocent people.Unknown actors are used - again a common ideology of Film 4. Most of the movie was filmed in Sheffield which shows the British cultural references. The film also celebrates the mundane, failure and mediocrity of the Muslim bombers.
The Inbetweeners Moive:
The Inebtweeners movie does not really follow the typical Film 4 ideologies. For example, there's not really any racism moments in the movies, no dark an gritty themes in which Film 4 are familiar with, the comedy does not really offend any culture or ethnicity and the endings aren't really sad.; I believe failure is not celebrated either. I think that the Inbetweeners movies more or less follows Hollywood ideologies as opposed to Film 4.
Hunger:
Hunger happen to contain quite a few Film 4 ideologies. We can see in the trailer that politics is talked about. This is big in Film 4 films. We are also given a lot hints of violence the police with weapons and the main character with scars and bruises. The theme seems so be dark as he is having a hunger strike in order to fight against the government which means he is damaging himself. It could also be connoted that the government are corrupted which is familiar with Film 4. Although Hunger contains Film 4 ideologies, a big star Michael Fassbender is cast as the main actor, which doesn't really happen in Film 4 movies as they usually use untrained actors.
Attack The Block:
Attack the block shows the typical Film 4 ideologies. It is set in London, representing the London estates. Most of the cast is all British which again is popular with Film 4. The dialect used is also very typical of Film 4 as is is all British slang meaning people in other countries will not really use it. British references are used through video games - Fifa which is one of the biggest games in the U.K Also grime music which is very popular in the U.K is used - all British cultural references typical of Film 4.
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