Saturday, 31 October 2015

'The Maze Runner' and 'The Matrix'

Both of these films are successful and they are hybrids that include the Dystopia genre, so even though they have not been as influential as 'Mad Max: Fury Road' or 'I am Legend', they have still helped us understand this genre more through conventions and the mood and atmosphere's we want to be creating. For example, 'The Matrix' follows Sci-Fi conventions: advanced technology, special effects, alternate worlds, conflict between good and evil (binary opposite), many close ups and extreme close ups and uses a complex plot through the ideology of 'is this reality?' These conventions used allows the film to follow the Dystopia sub genre.
 This effected our opening as we ensured that we were following or subverting conventions purposefully. An example of this, is our choice of following the convention of a lawless society but subverting the idea of post modern conventions, like talking to the audience or using intertextuality to increase the chances of audience pleasures such as: recognition.

'Divergent' as an influential film

I have decided to import this trailer because likewise to 'The Hunger Games', the plot and futuristic style is key for the Dystopia genre and will help us to develop our concept of the society during our opening scene.

I love the establishing shots during the title sequence because it allows the audience to get a clear feel for the setting and the issues within society. We think that we will do something like this during our title scene, but obviously we will not be able to produce a shot at the same quality level as this. Therefore, we will have to use local locations wisely to connote emptiness and lack of living.

This was effective because it was one of the influences for us using different shots during the title sequence, for example, the shot of the dead plant or the long shot at ground level highlighting the emptiness and creating a sense of desolate locations. Plus, from this research I have discovered that the font needs to blend in with the shot framing and colour, else it will appear unusual, unless this is necessary and for a purpose. So, we decided to use plain white font, similar to the font used in 'Divergent' because here it worked well and meant that we followed a Dystopia film example.

The Hunger Games (2012)



I have linked 'The Hunger Games' official trailer because it is a successful Dystopian film and the concept behind the narrative plot is influential towards our moving image. In my opinion, it is vital that we achieve thematic pleasures from the themes: hunger and innocence. This could relate to how two innocent teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death. Furthermore, I think that it is effective how they introduced the tone and particular events through a sub title which establishes the equilibrium of the film. I think that we will do something like this in order to educate the audience, but we want to produce this differently and in a creative manner. So as an example, we will either do a monologue or record radio takings to retrieve all of the information related to the context of our production ideas.
In response to our final production, we used a radio announcement which allowed the character as well as the audience to be aware of the latest news and threats that are taking place presently in our film.

Friday, 30 October 2015

Influential figures 1

I have uploaded this, however I will add videos of some of my influential Directors and Actors talking from YouTube. I will let you know from my production log whether this has been successful and when I have completed this.

All Time International Top 10 Box Office

All Time International Top 10

Note: This chart is not adjusted for inflation. The figures represent the total amount of money a movie has taken internationally over its lifetime.
 
 ReleasedTitleDomestic
Box Office
International
Box Office
Worldwide
Box Office
12009Avatar$760,507,625$2,023,411,357$2,783,918,982
21997Titanic$658,672,302$1,548,943,366$2,207,615,668
32015Furious 7$351,032,910$1,162,986,161$1,514,019,071
42015Jurassic World$652,198,010$1,018,130,015$1,670,328,025
52015Star Wars Ep. VII: The Force Awakens$863,148,249$1,012,000,000$1,875,148,249
62011Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II$381,011,219$960,500,000$1,341,511,219
72015The Avengers: Age of Ultron$459,005,868$945,700,000$1,404,705,868
82012The Avengers$623,279,547$896,200,000$1,519,479,547
92013Frozen$400,738,009$873,496,971$1,274,234,980
102014Transformers: Age of Extinction$245,439,076$858,600,000$1,104,039,076

Top grossing movies 1995-2016

Even though Action is the genre with the highest inflation adjusted gross, we are keen on creating a Dystopian Thriller. Within professional media it can be distributed into Cinemas with a low budget, compared to Actions and Science-Fictions that require a larger budget for special effects and other technologies like CGI. For example, Avatar.




RankMovieRelease
Date
GenreMPAA
Rating
Total Gross


Inflation-Adjusted
Gross
1Jurassic WorldJun 12, 2015ActionPG-13$652,198,010$652,198,010
2The Lost World: Jurassic ParkMay 22, 1997ActionPG-13$229,074,524$417,724,134
3How the Grinch Stole ChristmasNov 17, 2000ComedyPG$260,044,825$403,302,256
4Despicable Me 2Jul 3, 2013ComedyPG$368,065,385$378,930,222
5Meet the FockersDec 22, 2004ComedyPG-13$279,167,575$371,361,390
6Furious 7Apr 3, 2015ActionPG-13$351,032,910$351,032,910
7Bruce AlmightyMay 23, 2003ComedyPG-13$242,704,995$336,883,711
8MinionsJul 10, 2015ComedyPG$336,045,770$336,045,770
9Apollo 13Jun 30, 1995DramaPG$172,036,360$331,021,690
10Liar LiarMar 21, 1997ComedyPG-13$181,395,380$330,779,814
11The Mummy ReturnsMay 4, 2001AdventurePG-13$202,007,640$298,728,615
12King KongDec 14, 2005AdventurePG-13$218,080,025$283,511,452
13The Bourne UltimatumAug 3, 2007Thriller/SuspensePG-13$227,471,070$276,734,431
14Jurassic Park IIIJul 18, 2001ActionPG-13$181,166,115$267,908,199
15Despicable MeJul 9, 2010ComedyPG$251,513,985$266,813,545
16Meet the ParentsOct 6, 2000ComedyPG-13$166,225,040$257,763,884
17The MummyMay 7, 1999AdventurePG-13$155,247,825$255,792,180
18A Beautiful MindDec 21, 2001DramaPG-13$170,708,996$246,635,316
19Fast and Furious 6May 24, 2013ActionPG-13$238,679,850$245,725,749
20The Nutty ProfessorJun 28, 1996ComedyPG-13$128,769,345$243,846,022
21The Bourne SupremacyJul 23, 2004Thriller/SuspensePG-13$176,087,450$237,283,608
22Patch AdamsDec 25, 1998ComedyPG-13$135,014,968$231,429,261
23TedJun 29, 2012ComedyR$218,665,740$229,928,671
24Doctor Seuss' The LoraxMar 2, 2012AdventurePG$214,030,500$225,054,678
25Fast FiveApr 29, 2011ActionPG-13$209,837,675$221,480,621

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Dystopia Conventions

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We have decided that our protagonist will follow anti-stereotypes, for example he will be an anti-hero, connoting that he was forced into this position. Also, he will be more bothered about his survival, instead of the survival of the human race. Therefore, he would be divided into the conventional group 1.

Nevertheless, we have decided to subvert the convention of sci-fi conventions as we are obviously not able to fund and use special effects to connote a futuristic setting or to create a space craft. Additionally, even though this is similar to the Dystopia sub-genre, it would distance our opening from a Dystopia Thriller.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Textual analysis of 'Mad Max'


Mad Max: Fury Road Textual analysis

Again we like the use of the introduction to describe the setting and character, in this case through the monologue. Therefore, we have a choice between whether to use a monologue or radio takings to describe the events. Furthermore, the character of Max is likable because he is straight forwards, strong and seems to be represented as a cool guy, as a result we will use his character as a starting point to develop our protagonist. Again, this film uses flashbacks and visions to connote that his stressful past and it allows a climax to build.


Genre:

Mad Max is a hybrid Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi genre connoting that it uses a mix of conventions. One generic convention is near death situations. This is shown when Max’s car explodes connoting that he could have died but because he is the protagonist we expect him to survive. Another example of a generic convention is the futuristic technology which allows the use of new technology and machinery connoting the advancing future. Also, following a typical Adventure convention is the use of a clear protagonist. This is shown through Max’s character and his brave representations when he fights of the antagonists.

 Narrative:

 In this scene, Propp’s theory is connoted through ‘The hero’ of Max as he is represented as a courageous fighter and he seems to be an important part of this extract, since he was the first character we see and his past life is connoted through his flashbacks. This also means that the narrative is non-linear because it does not follow a clear chronological order because events do not occur in time order. As well as this, ‘villains’ are connoted through the use of the pack who are represented as vicious when they torture and capture Max and twisted through their deformed figure. This could link to the binary opposites of good vs evil.

Furthermore, Todorov’s theory of 5 states is applied. Firstly, an equilibrium as the narrative, characters and setting is introduced when Max is on the sand connoting that it is set in the desert. A disruption occurs once a problem causes Max to re-enter his car, since he is later chased by the antagonists. The audience recognise this disruption when his car is blown up and as he is captured and tortured by the antagonistic pack. This connotes their thirst for power because they want to overcome Max. Next, the protagonist tries to fix the problem simultaneously to the time when he fights the pack off and attempts to run away. This represents his desire to be free and his strength. Lastly, a new equilibrium is connected to a generic convention of a setback as he reaches light once again and nearly escapes, however he is caught again and pulled back into the lair.

This extract follows a double plot in the way that there is two narrative strands. The first includes: Max’s constant flashbacks and his relationship with the characters within it and the relationship between the antagonists and the protagonists, connoting that this is open narrative because the plot can easily continue and is open ended and intertwined since the audience are not aware of the issue.  Also, during this extract the third person narrator positions allows true representations if the characters instead of stereotypes or an individual’s view of a person, allowing the audience to understand and maybe sympathise with the characters.
 
Sound:
 
Diegetic sound is used to represent Max's madness. This is connoted through the constant voices in his head connoting that they have a close relationship with him and his stressed mind. Another example is the use of the ambient sound of the Lizard which is ambiguous because it could either connote that he is prone to quiet noises and the point that the setting is lonely and quiet.
 
Non diegetic sound is used to represent the disaster that has caused this. This is connoted through the radio takes that deliver the news connoting that it is important. This is mixed with background sound of constant drums that connote Max's distress and represents his crazy personality. Also, with Mad Max delivering an over voice which is dramatic connoting that it is key for him to introduce his story and tell the audience of his past life.
 
Editing:
 
Editing is used to represent a chase. This is shown through the fast paced shots that help to build up tension and causes the target audience to anticipate whether he will survive it. As Max is the protagonist the audience wants him to win, but this is not the case, connoting that he is not invincible.
Another example of editing is to represent panic. This is connoted when it cuts into his luggage and they fly into his car in a smooth, fast shot. This represents Mad Max's depressing character and his difficulty in preserving himself. Also the fact that a disruption is coming, connoting his magnificent senses because he can predict it.
 
Mise-en-scene:
 
Costume-Max wear boots, jacket, a cotton hood and a carrier to store weapons. His overall look is represented as cheap connoting his lack of money and he is connoted to be an explorer through the use of the carrier. This represents his eagerness to hunt and search possibly for secret or new things.
Positioning-Max is often centred in the middle of the shots. This is shown during the establishing shot, as he is placed in the centre of the frame. This represents his importance and addresses the target audience that he is probably the protagonist and the character that will have the most screening time.
Expression-The protagonist is represented as Mad, hence his name. This is connoted through all of the close-ups as the audience can clearly see that he is not mentally stable, leading to the younger demographic to sympathise largely as they will struggle to recognise his flaws, whereas the older demographic should be wiser and easily recognise the hidden truths.
Setting-It appears to be set in a desert, rocky scenery connoting a hot country representing the increase risks of irritation and it sets an interesting landscape for a chase, because the emptiness connotes the secrecy and lonely surroundings.
Colour-The use of the lighter colours represents the heat. It also connotes the setting and allows the audience to understand that it is daytime or early morning.
 
Audience:
Mad Max: Fury Road seems to be targeted at teenagers, heading towards younger adults. However, the older demographic will clearly be attracted because this is a modern remake of the classic trilogy, this is connoted through the violence and the gore. Following the stereotypical beliefs, this is likely to attract males more than females because they are stereotyped to prefer violence and action, whilst females are stereotyped to prefer romantic genres. Nevertheless, connecting to the Two Step Flow, I think that Tom Hardy will attract females audiences because of his likability and his muscular representation, which highlights that the media does not have full control of what we watch-the audience have a strong involvement. Due to audience segmentation the teen demographic are the most likely to view this movie because they have exposable income representing them as middle class. Also, the upper class are less likely to watch this movie because of their superiority and lack of interest in these kind of plots. Ultimately, the Uses and Gratifications theory could be involved in the way that social solidarity could easily lead friends with similar entertainment preferences will discuss the movie and possibly promote it to others. Also, it would be an easier way for the audiences to diverse away from their everyday routines and immerse themselves within the plot, likely having an opinion about all of the characters.
 
Shots:
 
In this opening scene, shots are used to represent power. This is shown through the use of a high angle shot as the antagonists cut off Max's hair, representing their control in this scene and how they want to take away his rights connoting that something has triggered this relationship. Secondly, a low angle shot is used to show the futuristic engine on the car. This connotes the power of the car emphasising that it is quick and a special object within Max's life.
The establishing shot of the back of Max looking into the background represents guilt. The point that he is not facing the audience connotes that he feels he has done something wrong and that he needs to relax, by looking into the surroundings. As a result, his aggressive behaviour is connoted and the use of his back facing the audience connotes his innocence, as the body language is similar to a child's.

Ideology:

It seems to be clear that Mad Max is based around the collapse of civilisation, and the binary opposite of good vs evil connotes that certain groups of people are power-thirsty, representing their view on inequality.


We think that we will stick to the use of the monologue because it helps to introduce the meaning behind why the world is like how it is and it is perfect in already create a dramatic relationship between the audience and the character speaking. However, we will subvert against the Australian location and the use of weapons clearly because of our lack of budget and the barriers within our exam criteria. Nevertheless, this will not stop us from creating a chase similar that might be similar to the one from this extract as I felt that this was effective because it connote how Max was wanted and it also gave the representation that he was isolated and controlled because he failed to escape and the new equilibrium is him being captured again.
 

Textual Analysis of 'Saw 2'


Textual analysis of Saw 2

 

This opening scene works really well to create tension due to all of the jump cuts and fast paced transitions between the clock ticking and the characters reactions. Therefore, we think that if we have some sort of flashback this will cause our protagonist to panic and we will have fast paced cuts between a flashback and his reactions. Also, we like the grimy, underground setting, so we think that we will use a location with similarities to this.

Genre:

Saw 2 is a Torture Porn hybrid connoting that it is related to a horror. This is proved through the use of typical conventions including: blood, masks, weapons, torture device, unfamiliar objects and chains. The use of the blood connotes the themes of death and pain as well as representing the message of this plot. Also, it effects the audience into feeling anxious and awkward about what they are viewing.

 

Narrative:

This scene follows Propp’s theory of character types as it clearly includes a villain-Jigsaw who is represented as vicious and evil and he seems to have a conflict with other characters. This is portrayed through the life vs death binary opposite and connotes his anger and mad personality. Furthermore, a damsel in distress/princess is used but through an anti-stereotype of a male-Michael. This is connoted in the way that he is the victim. However, this genre is different because often there is very few heroes and the Evil usually win to conflict stereotypical movies.

Todorov’s theory of ‘Five States’ seems to apply. This connoted by a defined Equilibrium, which is the victim being trapped. This helps to connote the theme of torture and set the scene. The disruption is connoted as the villain introduces the death mask connoting a problem and the word death represents the content of the play addressing the audience of what may happen. We recognise the disruption when we find out that the key is in his eye and how the victim needs to retrieve it to survive. This follows the theory as it connotes the difficulty of surviving in this situation and the target demographic have to anticipate the binary opposites of life vs death. Additionally, the audience notice his attempt to repair when Michael tries to cut the key out in order to fix the problem. However, again linking to this genre he fails. Lastly, an anti-stereotypical resolution or new equilibrium takes place simultaneously as he dies. This Five States theory helps to connote the difficulty of this task and represent the psychopathic villain.

 

Sound:

This extract used a lot of non-diegetic sound to build tension. This is shown through the conventional string instruments throughout the scene, building up during the countdown to connote how death is getting closer emphasising limited time. It could also connote the eerie mood and create sharp sounds to connote the mischievous and secret event. Another example is the use of the industralised steam to connote the setting and the steam could represent blindness and cowardice.  

Furthermore, diegetic sound was used to represent end of life. This was portrayed through the screams to connote pain, suffering and panicking as the victim reaches his death. This sound partly builds up the crescendo to connect to the horror conventions of a climax and the horrible terror of this issue /message.

Diegetic sound is used to represent power. For example, the fact that Jigsaw’s character is presented with a low voice connotes his authority and forcefullness. An allegory for this ambiguous voice could also connote his strange mental state and follow the stereotypical idea of a ruthless, mad character.

 

Editing:

Editing is used to create anticipation. This is shown through the fast paced cuts during the countdown, between his expressions and a clock. This connotes how long he has left to live and represents the villain’s power as he seems to control whether they die and has a key influence upon how. The pace also helps to build the tension and anticipation as the audience want to know whether he will survive.

 

Audience:

From this extract, the target audience seems to be around a young adult demographic due to the clear strong use of violence and gore. This could be linked to many audience theories. Firstly, the uses and gratification theory in the way that the scenes will cause social interaction as similar audience segmented people are more likely to watch similar movies and talk about the film, possibly persuading others to watch it. Secondly, it could be connected to the 2 Step Flow theory as equally the actor playing Jigsaw or Michael could have a large influence upon whether the audiences decide to watch it, but the audience themselves could persuade others to watch it.

Mise-en-scene:

Setting- The low-key lighting connotes the secrecy of the location and the dark mood to represent the fear of the characters as well as the audiences. The industralised grimy setting allows the dark lighting to connote that it is underground and hard to find.

Positioning- The positioning is used to represent importance. This is shown through how the victim is positioned in the middle of the shots which connotes that he is an important character throughout this scene and offers a conclusion that something may happen to him.  

Expressions- Michael’s character is represented as anxious and petrified. This is shown through his facial expressions from the constant close-ups after he finds out about the key being in his eye. His wide open eyes connotes that he has learnt something tragic and that he is worried about cutting it out of his eye. Therefore, he is represented as weak and far from brave because he has little choices.  His dropped jaw and crying connotes his innocence and his fear.

 
Props- Jigsaw is presented with a mask to represent his mischievous personality. This is seen when the victim watches the TV. The mask connotes his desire to hide his face as well as creating an eerie mood and uneasy atmosphere as audiences often loathe masks and not knowing who is behind it.

Costume- Finally, Michael’s costume connotes his inferiority. This is connoted from the point that he is only wearing boxers. This ambiguous choice of costume connotes how his rights have been stripped and how he was easy to access for Jigsaw, again representing his power. The little clothing could also connote how Michael is easy to access and has a lack of protection linking to the theme of violence.

 

Shots:

Conventionally, the shots are used to make the audience feel guilty. This is portrayed from the point of view shots at the beginning which connotes that he has just woke up and forces the targeted demographic to feel like witnesses, which helps to question the audiences emotions and limits.

Many shots are used to represent authority. The use of the low angle shots directed at the victim connotes that he is the target and how he is trapped in the chair. This angle allows the audience to feel dominant representing his weakness and hope for survival.

 
Ideology:

A clear opinion is shown here through Jigsaw’s character. A dominant opinion seems to be that Jigsaw believes that everyone should appreciate life and death. To do this he appears to believe that near-death situations are key into making many better people. Jigsaw’s belief is normal but the fact that he delivers certain acts in order to follow this is shocking, as the audience would feel amazed that someone could commit these limits and cause death.

These conventions will actually appeal to our primary target audience of 15 to a young adult demographic because this has similar age ranges within the use of the horror conventions and we though that the music worked really effectively with the fast paced shots to create tension, so we have decided that we intend to stick to this as we desire a similar atmosphere but in a less violent way. Secondly we may include violence in our piece to link to male audiences expectations and the stereotypes they are associated with, however we subvert against this convention by lowering the intensity levels and by keeping it brief and as short as possible to connote a flicker of a flashback. Finally, we were intrigued with the use of the location so at the moment we think that we will base ours in a toilet-like facility to connote the emptiness within society and the lack of facilities for our protagonist to live in. Also, it will help to represent the fear people live with because most of them hide in remote locations.

Textual analysis of 'I am Legend'


Textual analysis of ‘I am Legend’

Our media company likes the introduction of the interview as they discuss the virus, so we think that we will use something like this e.g. radio announcements of deaths or to announce disasters. In my opinion the black out works well as an editing technique because it connotes the tense atmosphere and allows the audience to think about what they have just heard before seeing the establishing shot.






Genre:

‘I am Legend’ is a hybrid Sci-fi, Thriller and Drama genre connoting that it uses a mix of conventions to suit each genre. This is proved through the use of: futuristic settings, guns, suspense, involvement of the government, tilted fast shots and a realistic narrative. The futuristic settings allows the use of technology that does not exist to help to connote the dystopian theme. Suspense is a typical convention for thrillers as it connotes that something big is going to happen, for example the audience anticipate whether he is going to catch a dear as well as linking to the theme of violence. Also, the involvement of the government represents the lawless society and the sinister plot as the government seems to be responsible for the emptiness.

 

Narrative:

In this scene, Propp’s theory is connoted through ‘The hero’ of Robert as he is represented as an important character who leads the narrative and appears to be on a quest. This is shown when he is driving through the city as the audience wonders why and the confusing chase, because the audience would be confused why he is hunting animals. This connects to the binary opposite of Animals vs Humans which connotes that one of them is becoming extinct. An anti-stereotypical winner in this scene appears to be the Animals as there is very few human life, connoting a disease or it represents the power of the Animals emphasising that they killed all of the humans. Another of Propp’s character is ‘The helper.’ This is shown through Roberts’s dog as he is represented as a side kick, again connoting the strength of the Animals.

Todorov’s ‘5 States’ theory seems to apply. This is portrayed firstly from the Equilibrium. The narrative, characters and setting is introduced as Robert is driving his car in an empty street in America accompanied by his pet Dog. This connotes the binary opposite and the theme of relationships expectedly within this Drama genre. A disruption occurs simultaneously as the Dear’s charge out into a stampede through the streets, connoting a chase and representing the authority of the Animals as they are freely roaming the city. This highlights the destruction and lack of control within the society at this moment. The audience recognise this disruption when Robert decides to chase the herd connoting that there is a problem, which is complicated further due to the difficulty of actually catching one. Furthermore, Robert attempts to repair the problem. This is connoted as he pulls his gun out and aims it towards the Dear’s, representing his anger, another binary opposite of life vs death and violence. Lastly, a resolution is formed when a Dear is killed by a Lion, in the way that although Robert did not solve the problem himself, the Lion caught the food for survival connoting the ‘survival of the fittest’ lifestyle and the inequality of society. As a result a new equilibrium appears to arrive as we are introduced to other lives, connoting a gradual introduction and the fight to survive.

This extract follows a non-linear plot as a flash forward is used after the opening titles and the interview scenes, connoting the conventional Thriller genre and effecting the younger demographic as they will find it harder to understand why an ellipses has occurred and the relationship between the two narrative strands of 3 years before the chase and the set time. In spite of this, this movie probably follows a linear plot overall as a clear beginning, middle and end will be told. From this opening, the narrative is open because the plot can be continued connoted a complex and large plot. Also, during this extract the third person narrator positions allows true representations if the characters instead of stereotypes or an individual’s view of a person, allowing the audience to understand and maybe sympathise with the characters. The parallel plots unfold at the same time connoting that the characters related but there is no clear mix yet.

 

Sound:

 
Diegetic sound is used to represent loneliness. This is shown through the use of ambient sound of Seagulls which connotes that it is set near a coast and represents the power of the Animals because they make the loudest noise. This also connotes the lack of human activity else this would not be one of the only sounds.

Another example is the loud diegetic sound of Grasshoppers which is a coincidence since normally you would struggle to hear insects or small animals connoting the emptiness and representing the overpowering nature. All of the diegetic sounds of animals connote that the city is turning into a tropical rainforest and emphasises the disaster.

 

Editing:

Editing is used to create anticipation. This is connoted through the fast paced editing between the shots during the chase. The fast pace connotes the conventional Thriller genre and builds up the tension representing the significance of this and effecting the target audience as they will wish for success or failure, causing anxiousness. This could lead to the uses and gratification theory in the way that audience segmentation will separate similar audiences whom may talk about the chase scene or become emotionally attached towards the protagonist (Robert.)

After the chase the editing slowed down to connote that the conclusion of that scene was established and how the mood and atmosphere has become calmer and relaxed easing of the nervousness from the target audience.

Editing was used to connote the interview. This was portrayed at the beginning through the common shot reverse shot connoting that there was a discussion and allowing the audience to see the reactions from the characters so that they understand them more and to represent the difference in intelligence and age.

 

Audience:

I am Legend appears to be targeted towards teenagers and young adults, this is connoted through the slight violence and the plot. Often male audiences will watch this film because they are stereotyped to prefer violence, however Will Smith would attract female audiences as well meaning that Two Step Flow theory would be involved as they would want to watch the movie. Audience segmentation could be responsible as well, as Robert could attract an older demographic and race would not be an issue to connote equality in the film and the attractive and brave protagonist. This could link to Mulvey’s male gaze because targeted females could see him as a sexual character, representing equality in genders nowadays compared to the past.

 

Mise-en-scene:

The setting and the colour us used to represent the futuristic disaster. This is connoted through the abandoned or empty buildings, connoting a destruction and futuristic problems. The brown, desert-like colours connote the lack of humanity representing their inferiority and low intelligence. Also, it could connect to the typical habitats of creatures connoting the development and change to suit the dominant species.  The darker colours could connote the disaster through the dusty remains and this ambiguous choice could additionally connote thirst emphasising the difficulty for Robert.

Robert is represented as an important character. This is connoted through his framing within the shots, as he is often positioned in the middle to connote that he is the protagonist and a significant part to the plot.

Robert is represented as an explorer. This is connoted from his leather jacket, jeans, grey t-shirt, bag and walking boots. The use of the jacket connotes his determination to survive and the bag connotes that he expects he will succeed and need it to keep valuable objects. It could also connote an easy place to store his necessities. The prop of the gun represents the lawless society and his authority because he can carry what is necessary. As well it could be connoted as protection or differently for violence and to kill innocent animals in order to survive.

 

 

 

Ideology:

A clear opinion is connoted through Robert and his Dog. A dominant view point is that Dogs are a man’s best friend connoting the love and stereotypical beliefs in this world. This reinforces the stereotypes because it connotes how useful animals can be

Another value is not to always believe and trust the government. This is shocking because audiences often believe that their choices are for the best and the right ones, but this is argued against through the anti-stereotypical greedy government that create a ‘cure’, which seems to kill most of mankind.

 

Shots:

Shots are used to represent the lonely setting. This is connoted through the establishing extreme-long shot which allows all of the abandoned cars in the water to be shown connoting that there is something wrong and the quiet city. The bird-eye panning shot of this view also connotes the emptiness, but it also allows Robert’s car to enter the shot connoting his loneliness and bravery because he is the only human clearly out. Furthermore, exaggeration of all of the cars is created from this chosen shot which connotes the huge numbers of cars abandoned and the terrible effect on the city due to pollution and the large use of space.

A tracking shot is used to represent the protagonists determined personality. This is shown when Robert is chasing the dears connoting that he is in control of the herds movement and how he won’t give up until he captures one. Ultimately, this represents him as a predator ruthlessly hunting down food or prey.

These conventions will appeal to a teen and a young adult demographic because the action will certainly appeal to this audience, especially stereotypical males. The use of the gun will appeal to mostly males due to the representations of violence and the similarities to gun games on a PC or a PlayStation. We have decided that we will stick to the use of a report of some kind at the start of our scene to connote what has happened and to help set the period it takes place at. Also this would link into the Dystopia genre because it will connote the reckless and havoc within the world in our moving image.

Friday, 23 October 2015

Comparisions to OCR Media Weebly Blogs

I have constantly been comparing my blog to previous level 4 entries to help me understand what I need to do to reach this band. For example, http://chittsmediablog.blogspot.co.uk/.  The first thing I understand was that I clearly need to include embedded clips and constantly say how they are influential within our production. Secondly, I need to use as many different resources and websites possibly to connote creativity and so that my blog is not full of essays. Additionally, I should use facts and statistic to back up my points, making them clearer and to offer deeper explanations. Finally, the blogs that have gained a level 4 seem to all do extra research, for example, Production and Distribution company research or Gender representations in the thriller genre. This research has seemed effective because I feel like I have something to aim for and I am now aware of what information and structures I need to consider.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

Tuesday 13th October 2015

Today, we began our textual analysis. We chose to analyse 'I am legend' because it contained the Thriller genre and we were already aware that it was set partly in the future within a lawless society following a destruction of mankind. The fact that Robert Neville fights for survival interests our group and is an inspiration towards our ideas.

Friday, 9 October 2015

Tuesday 6th October 2015

Today, we completed our Initial Ideas, thinking of a basic plot and deciding upon the genre. At first we struggled to find a particular genre, but after learning what Dystopia moving images are and that we want it to be tense we decided to produce a Dystopian Thriller. We took into consideration the target audience realising our limits and what we can do. Next lesson, we plan to build upon our main character and discuss textual analysis. We had some challenges about what sort of character our protagonist will be, but we know that he will be selfish in the way that he is similar to a false hero as he will only fight for his survival rather than the entire population.

Initial Ideas