Friday 29 September 2017
Wednesday 27 September 2017
Tuesday 26 September 2017
Sunday 24 September 2017
IT Trailer
The IT trailer begins with a scene between two brothers. In this scene we see both brothers making a paper boat and the scene ends with them hugging. Jump cuts are used in this scene to show different events happening between the two characters. Dissolve is then used to act as a transition of the young boy running out of his house, into the rain, to play with his paper boat. Different aerial shots and medium shots are used in between the jump cuts showing the young boy placing his boat on the water and him running after it. Non-diegetic sound is used in the background of the events going on. The music increases in volume in anticipation of the young boy hitting his head on wooden hurdle. Just before the boy hits his head, we see the use of eye line match to show the viewer what the character is seeing. After, we see the use of a track when the camera is following the boat on the stream of water. A jump cut is used to cut from the scene of the boy getting up from his fall to the boat flowing away. A shot reverse shot is used to show the boat flowing away, then to the boy running after the boat and back to the boat. A lot of dissolve is used to increase the tension in the trailer which links in with the style of genre of the movie, horror. Dissolve also creates a mysterious atmosphere, this is shown in the last scene of the trailer when the clowns slowly appears out of the water. There is also a huge use of fade to create a mysterious atmosphere to compliment the genre of the film. Because of the forced connection to increase the mystery gives the impression that in this movie there will be a lot of unanswered questions. Finally, quick cuts and short takes are used when they show flashes of the clown jumping out towards the screen. This is effective because the quick cuts create 'jump scares' for the audience which is what excites the audience and what keeps them interested.
Thursday 21 September 2017
Wednesday 20 September 2017
Steve Neale - Genre Theory
In the duel scene from 'The Magnificent 7' directed by Antoine Fuqua we see evidence of Steve Neale's genre theory. Steve Neale stated that 'genre's may be dominated by repetition, but are also marked by difference, variation and change'. For example in the duel scene we notice that some key areas of the scene is familiar. The costume the character's were wearing compliment the context of a duel scene. Also, the setting of the scene is very arid. In various long shots we can see the scene is set on a desert. Also, the props used in the duel scene are very similar to what a duel scene would contain. Guns were shown to the viewer in close ups to increase tension and to create a tense atmosphere. However, in this scene we see this genre adapt and evolve. In this scene we see one of the competitors use a knife instead of a gun. This is evidence that the director Antoine Fuqua has tried to adapt or evolve this genre as most director's directing this genre would keep the 'stereotypes' of guns in a duel scene. One could suggest that Antoine Fuqua has decided to use knifes to make this movie categorise as a action genre along side the western genre. Antoine Fuqua had noticed what Steve Neale has stated and has decided to attempt to evolve the western genre. Steve Neale said 'genres are instances of repetition and differences'. I believe differences between media texts from the same genre are very important because the viewer wouldn't want to see the same key ideas in a movie. Repetition won't appeal to many audiences. A difference would interest the viewer as it will give them 'something new' to look forward to. Just like 'The Magnificent 7' there are similarities to other well-known western films, however, viewers or the audience will be more engaged to the differences that separate one text form another within the same genre. Also, Neale argued that audiences are derived from this mix of 'repetition and difference'. This is mainly because he noticed that if the genre didn't evolve the media texts would be predictable. I believe this is what Antoine Fuqua (the director) took into account when directing this movie. He wanted to gain a bigger following and he knew that audiences would be engaged in something different and unique. He also noticed that audiences find pleasure through recognising the same elements from a genre and comparing the differences presented in the same genre.
Tuesday 19 September 2017
'Spheres of Action'
In the movie Baywatch, there are several characters that have a role in the film.
The protagonist in the movie is Mitch Buchannon formally known as Dwayne Johnson. Dwayne Johnson plays the role of the protagonist in this movie. His role is extremely important as he is the main character and the main selling point of the movie. In the movie he is the lifeguard, his prominent role in the movie is to save lives.
The antagonist or the villain in the movie is called Victoria Leeds, formally known as Priyanka Chopra. Her role in the movie Baywatch is pivotal as it creates a hostile environment and creates drama between her and the other characters. Tension builds around her character which makes the movies more exciting for the viewer.
The 'princess' is the movie Baywatch is Matt Brody, formally known as Zac Efron. Towards the end of the movie Matt Brody is captured by Victoria's bodyguards and in held hostage. Mitch Buchannon, being the protagonist in the movie, saves Matt Brody's life at the closing stages of the film. His character is important as it creates a plot twist.
The 'helper' in the movie is Summer Quinn, formally known as Alexandra Daddario. Her job is to mainly be a sidekick to the protagonist, in this case Mitch Buchannon. They are known to help the protagonist achieve their goal and to resolve the situation at hand. This role of the 'helper' is clear through the character of Summer Quinn.
In various other films, different roles are presented.
In Harry Potter, we see the role of the Donor. Professor Snape is seen giving the villain Voldemort the 'Elder' wand in the final movie of the franchise. This gives Voldemort extra help in his mission. The prop is helpful for the villain in his journey. This wand gives him an advantage over his opponent.
In the Hunger Games, we notice the role of the 'false hero'. In the Hunger Games the 'false hero' is Seneca Crane. At the opening stages of the movie the viewer had the idea that he would help the protagonist in their mission but is later on revelaed to being a traitor or a villain. In this case, we find out he works for the villain in the Hunger Games.
Also, in the Hunger Games, we see the role of the dispatcher. In the first two Hunger Games films the dispatcher is Cenna. Cenna helps lead Katness (protagonist) on her mission to end President's Snows reign. In the movie they are good friends so it's only right that he's the dispatcher in the movie.
The protagonist in the movie is Mitch Buchannon formally known as Dwayne Johnson. Dwayne Johnson plays the role of the protagonist in this movie. His role is extremely important as he is the main character and the main selling point of the movie. In the movie he is the lifeguard, his prominent role in the movie is to save lives.
The antagonist or the villain in the movie is called Victoria Leeds, formally known as Priyanka Chopra. Her role in the movie Baywatch is pivotal as it creates a hostile environment and creates drama between her and the other characters. Tension builds around her character which makes the movies more exciting for the viewer.
The 'princess' is the movie Baywatch is Matt Brody, formally known as Zac Efron. Towards the end of the movie Matt Brody is captured by Victoria's bodyguards and in held hostage. Mitch Buchannon, being the protagonist in the movie, saves Matt Brody's life at the closing stages of the film. His character is important as it creates a plot twist.
The 'helper' in the movie is Summer Quinn, formally known as Alexandra Daddario. Her job is to mainly be a sidekick to the protagonist, in this case Mitch Buchannon. They are known to help the protagonist achieve their goal and to resolve the situation at hand. This role of the 'helper' is clear through the character of Summer Quinn.
In various other films, different roles are presented.
In Harry Potter, we see the role of the Donor. Professor Snape is seen giving the villain Voldemort the 'Elder' wand in the final movie of the franchise. This gives Voldemort extra help in his mission. The prop is helpful for the villain in his journey. This wand gives him an advantage over his opponent.
In the Hunger Games, we notice the role of the 'false hero'. In the Hunger Games the 'false hero' is Seneca Crane. At the opening stages of the movie the viewer had the idea that he would help the protagonist in their mission but is later on revelaed to being a traitor or a villain. In this case, we find out he works for the villain in the Hunger Games.
Also, in the Hunger Games, we see the role of the dispatcher. In the first two Hunger Games films the dispatcher is Cenna. Cenna helps lead Katness (protagonist) on her mission to end President's Snows reign. In the movie they are good friends so it's only right that he's the dispatcher in the movie.
Genre Plenary
A genre is way of sorting different media texts.
Genre's are constantly evolving, they are near static. This creates variation and difference to engage the reader.
Friday 15 September 2017
Wednesday 13 September 2017
Analysis of McDonald's advert
Estate Advert
In the beginning of the McDonalds estate advert an establishing shot is used to create a setting and establish the relationship between the set of the advert and the character. Also, the use of a 'soundtrack' compliments the body language and the facial expression of the characters shown in the beginning of the advert. The music used is a high energy track which reflects a younger generation which reflects the choice of actors used in the advert. This is very effective as the sound of the music is consistent when the characters are shown in the frame. Synchronous sound is used effectively as the sound is in sync with the visuals, in this case when the young adults are shown in the advert music is playing but when the older man is shown there is little to no sound except for the scene when the older man is shown playing classical music. Also, they use a 'cut' to create a binary opposite between the young adults and the older man in the advert. A close up is used to express and observe the emotions of the characters. Through the use of their facial expression all the young adults in the advert are smiling, laughing and expressing their happiness when listening to music. However, when the older man is listening to music he's much more relaxed and is listening to calm music rather than fast upbeat music. Also, the props are used to signify the era both groups of people were brought up in. This is evident as the young adults are seen holding an I-phone in a close up and the older man is using a vinyl to play their music. This signifies the idea of the opposites presented in the advert. We are also introduced to the costumes of both groups of people in this advert. Again, we see they are both complete opposites in what they wear. The young adults are seen with their trousers sagging to further emphasis their age which is shown in a close up, whereas, the older man is shown wearing old-fashioned clothing. There is a high angle shot of the young adults playing video games and this is a representation of what young adults do as a hobby or just in their free time whereas the older man is seen in a long shot playing pool. Even though both groups contrast each other ultimately its McDonald's that brings them together. Throughout this advert 'cuts' are constantly being used to show both groups of people in the advert and what they are doing at that point. This is effective as both the young adults and the older man are doing the same activities or doing the same stuff which makes it easy to compare both groups of people. An idea that is clear is that the elderly will always have that childhood in them, even if they listen to older music or dress older, they're really no different to the younger generation.
1967 Advert
Throughout the advert, a voiceover and background music is used to create a more vibrant and exciting advert. This advert effectively sells the idea of McDonald's being a 'place'. The word 'place' is repeated throughout the advert and they describe McDonald's as being a 'happy place'. This will intrigue the viewer as those words are part of a catchy 'theme song' that is easily rememberable. Many of the close ups used in this advert show the actors are always smiling. The reason they use a close up is because it's the best shot to show an actor's facial expression. The editing used in this advert compliment the sounds played in the song. For example after the first, second, third and fifth line of the jingle we hear two claps. When these two claps are played the camera zooms into the McDonald's logo. One could suggest, they purposely show and zoom into the logo to again sell the idea that McDonald's is a place and it also let's the viewer know what the logo looks like so they know where McDonald's is. From the beginning, the advert introduces some children. This links with my previous point about selling McDonald's as a 'place'. By showing children this advert is suggesting that McDonald's is a safe and exciting place. Because the advert is mainly attracting kids the advert includes some 'safe' features about McDonald's. For example, the voiceover tells the viewer that the lids are spill proof which is important as most kids are clumsy. The voiceover also mentions the quality of the food which will attract parents as they want to bring their kids to a safe and clean environment. Also, they target children through the jingle. The jingle is extremely upbeat and kid friendly and can easily attract young kids into wanting to go there. The use of the flashing colours throughout the advert and quick cuts create this friendly atmosphere which McDonald's are so desperately trying to put forward. McDonald in this advert are trying to show their credibility by presenting their restaurant as a healthy environment to be in. Medium shots are used to show the children's emotions about the food they are eating. The constant smiling and laughing will attract other parents with kids to visit mcDonald's because they are presenting it as the 'perfect' place for kids 'McDonald's is a happy place'. The advert also uses close ups to show their food. This is an effective way of trying to pull new customers in as if they see their favourite food they might be lured into wanting to see what it tastes like. This idea of a happy atmosphere could link with the lines of appeal of 'happy families'. The idea of a safe environment links with the concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs of 'love and belongingness' and 'safety and security'. Ultimately, McDonald's are tying to present themselves as a very 'happy place' and an overall safe environment not only for children but also for parents.
In the beginning of the McDonalds estate advert an establishing shot is used to create a setting and establish the relationship between the set of the advert and the character. Also, the use of a 'soundtrack' compliments the body language and the facial expression of the characters shown in the beginning of the advert. The music used is a high energy track which reflects a younger generation which reflects the choice of actors used in the advert. This is very effective as the sound of the music is consistent when the characters are shown in the frame. Synchronous sound is used effectively as the sound is in sync with the visuals, in this case when the young adults are shown in the advert music is playing but when the older man is shown there is little to no sound except for the scene when the older man is shown playing classical music. Also, they use a 'cut' to create a binary opposite between the young adults and the older man in the advert. A close up is used to express and observe the emotions of the characters. Through the use of their facial expression all the young adults in the advert are smiling, laughing and expressing their happiness when listening to music. However, when the older man is listening to music he's much more relaxed and is listening to calm music rather than fast upbeat music. Also, the props are used to signify the era both groups of people were brought up in. This is evident as the young adults are seen holding an I-phone in a close up and the older man is using a vinyl to play their music. This signifies the idea of the opposites presented in the advert. We are also introduced to the costumes of both groups of people in this advert. Again, we see they are both complete opposites in what they wear. The young adults are seen with their trousers sagging to further emphasis their age which is shown in a close up, whereas, the older man is shown wearing old-fashioned clothing. There is a high angle shot of the young adults playing video games and this is a representation of what young adults do as a hobby or just in their free time whereas the older man is seen in a long shot playing pool. Even though both groups contrast each other ultimately its McDonald's that brings them together. Throughout this advert 'cuts' are constantly being used to show both groups of people in the advert and what they are doing at that point. This is effective as both the young adults and the older man are doing the same activities or doing the same stuff which makes it easy to compare both groups of people. An idea that is clear is that the elderly will always have that childhood in them, even if they listen to older music or dress older, they're really no different to the younger generation.
1967 Advert
Throughout the advert, a voiceover and background music is used to create a more vibrant and exciting advert. This advert effectively sells the idea of McDonald's being a 'place'. The word 'place' is repeated throughout the advert and they describe McDonald's as being a 'happy place'. This will intrigue the viewer as those words are part of a catchy 'theme song' that is easily rememberable. Many of the close ups used in this advert show the actors are always smiling. The reason they use a close up is because it's the best shot to show an actor's facial expression. The editing used in this advert compliment the sounds played in the song. For example after the first, second, third and fifth line of the jingle we hear two claps. When these two claps are played the camera zooms into the McDonald's logo. One could suggest, they purposely show and zoom into the logo to again sell the idea that McDonald's is a place and it also let's the viewer know what the logo looks like so they know where McDonald's is. From the beginning, the advert introduces some children. This links with my previous point about selling McDonald's as a 'place'. By showing children this advert is suggesting that McDonald's is a safe and exciting place. Because the advert is mainly attracting kids the advert includes some 'safe' features about McDonald's. For example, the voiceover tells the viewer that the lids are spill proof which is important as most kids are clumsy. The voiceover also mentions the quality of the food which will attract parents as they want to bring their kids to a safe and clean environment. Also, they target children through the jingle. The jingle is extremely upbeat and kid friendly and can easily attract young kids into wanting to go there. The use of the flashing colours throughout the advert and quick cuts create this friendly atmosphere which McDonald's are so desperately trying to put forward. McDonald in this advert are trying to show their credibility by presenting their restaurant as a healthy environment to be in. Medium shots are used to show the children's emotions about the food they are eating. The constant smiling and laughing will attract other parents with kids to visit mcDonald's because they are presenting it as the 'perfect' place for kids 'McDonald's is a happy place'. The advert also uses close ups to show their food. This is an effective way of trying to pull new customers in as if they see their favourite food they might be lured into wanting to see what it tastes like. This idea of a happy atmosphere could link with the lines of appeal of 'happy families'. The idea of a safe environment links with the concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs of 'love and belongingness' and 'safety and security'. Ultimately, McDonald's are tying to present themselves as a very 'happy place' and an overall safe environment not only for children but also for parents.
Tuesday 12 September 2017
Barthes' Hermeneutic Code
NCIS Season 7 Episode 11 - Ignition 12-9-17
In this episode a navy pilot is found dead in a secluded area, the team must battle a no-nonsense attorney with a hidden agenda.
Well, at the beginning of the episode a navy pilot is found dead attached to a jet pack in a secluded area. The Hermeneutic Code is used in the opening scene when there is a discovery of a body and it's straight away not clear whether it was a murder or an accident. Immediately, numerous questions are raised by the viewers because of this uncertainty.
As the episode progresses, more enigmas are revealed. The show reveals that the body discovered at the beginning of the episode was a murder which is obvious as if he died from natural causes then the CSI team wouldn't be investigating the situation. Throughout the process of analysing DNA and the evidence more questions are raised for example, the team find out information that the two CEOs of the company just divorced and the person who was murdered was working and being paid by both CEOs. They also reveal that Sayers (person who was murdered) was poisoned before he was attached to the jet pack.
The enigma raised towards the end is who killed Sayers'. In the end, the show reveals that Powell (who was working with Sayers) wanted 100 percent of the profits earned so he needed to eliminate Sayers. Just like most crime shows, enigmas are revealed towards the end of the episode. Just like most, there were many enigmas throughout the show and all of the questions raised were answered.
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