Thursday, 8 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
Sound | Editing | Paragraphs: Skins
The dialogue between the father and the son shows a reversal in audeince expectations. We see the father shouting and swearing at the teenager, which is normally something we would expect to hear from the teenager. The father's aggressive reaction to the diegetic rock music plays to the stereotype that teenagers play loud music and are inconsiderate to older people. His reaction also plays to the stereotype that teenagers frustrate their parents.
The image of the protagonist's sister of being rebellious in contrast to her brother is reinforced by the diegetic sound which is magnified of her heels on the pavement. This emphasises the stereotype that she has been out all night and also suggests that she is trying to act more like an adult. This stereotype is used in effect to portray to the audience that all teenage girls behave in a more adult way and dress in a way to make themselves more desirable to the opposite sex. On the other hand, non-diegetic sound is used to represent the protagonist's routine, having a repitive beat alongside the montage. This challenges to stereotype that teenagers are unorganised and cannot commit themselves to a regular routine.
Parallel editing is used to show that the boy and girl are related and have a strong relationship. We can see through the parallel editing that they lead very different teenage lives, showing binary opposite characters. She is coming home; rebelling against house rules and he has been in his own bed. This conforms to Levi Strauss' idea that all narratives have opposites. The two narrative threads come together as she reaches the window and the cut aways show that she relies on him to cover up for her.
Action editing is used when the protagonist begins to excercise in his bedroom, using short and fast cuts to emphasise that it is the character's regular routine and is dealt with effectively. Although this style of editing conforms to the stereotype view that teenagers have a hectic life it also challenges it as the protagonist clearly has an organised lifestyle. This is also represented in a montage so the audience can see the different exercise movements and see that the routine is fast and tiring; which conforms to the stereotype that teenagers take great care in their appearence. The linear narrative is continued when an eyeline match is used to view the protagonist's perspective when he is looking out of the window at his nude neighbour. This emphasises the stereotype that teenagers are sexually charged. Cut away is used to focus on the sister away from the protagonist which reinforces to the audience that both teenagers have different lifestyles, the boy being organised and responsible and the girl being rebellious and carless. This complies to Straus' theory that binary opposites are used in narrative to represent the seperate lives of both characters.
The image of the protagonist's sister of being rebellious in contrast to her brother is reinforced by the diegetic sound which is magnified of her heels on the pavement. This emphasises the stereotype that she has been out all night and also suggests that she is trying to act more like an adult. This stereotype is used in effect to portray to the audience that all teenage girls behave in a more adult way and dress in a way to make themselves more desirable to the opposite sex. On the other hand, non-diegetic sound is used to represent the protagonist's routine, having a repitive beat alongside the montage. This challenges to stereotype that teenagers are unorganised and cannot commit themselves to a regular routine.
Parallel editing is used to show that the boy and girl are related and have a strong relationship. We can see through the parallel editing that they lead very different teenage lives, showing binary opposite characters. She is coming home; rebelling against house rules and he has been in his own bed. This conforms to Levi Strauss' idea that all narratives have opposites. The two narrative threads come together as she reaches the window and the cut aways show that she relies on him to cover up for her.
Action editing is used when the protagonist begins to excercise in his bedroom, using short and fast cuts to emphasise that it is the character's regular routine and is dealt with effectively. Although this style of editing conforms to the stereotype view that teenagers have a hectic life it also challenges it as the protagonist clearly has an organised lifestyle. This is also represented in a montage so the audience can see the different exercise movements and see that the routine is fast and tiring; which conforms to the stereotype that teenagers take great care in their appearence. The linear narrative is continued when an eyeline match is used to view the protagonist's perspective when he is looking out of the window at his nude neighbour. This emphasises the stereotype that teenagers are sexually charged. Cut away is used to focus on the sister away from the protagonist which reinforces to the audience that both teenagers have different lifestyles, the boy being organised and responsible and the girl being rebellious and carless. This complies to Straus' theory that binary opposites are used in narrative to represent the seperate lives of both characters.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Mise-en-scene | Camera Angle | Paragraphs: Skins
The mise en scene of the protagonists bedroom challenges and conforms to stereotypical views about youth culture. The establishing shot suggests that the series targets a teenage audience and it will follow the life and experiences of a teenager. The duvet cover shown is of a double bed with a naked man and woman, suggesting that this age group is sexually charged. The protagonist is positioned in the middle of the two bodies suggesting that he is sexually inexperienced. It could also be suggesting that he is alone and confused about his sexuality, which conforms to teenage sterotypes. In this shot natural lighting is used to give a sense of realism so the teenage audience identifies with the life of the protagonist.
The personality of the protagonist is displayed further to the audience as him being neat and organised, when the clothes in his draws are neatly tidied and through the montage we see a neat room. This challenges the stereotypical view that teenagers are messy so the teenage audience can assume that this character is very different to what they expect. This contrasts to the representation of his sister as we see that she has been out all night and her make-up and hair are not well groomed; with her clothing also being skimpy and provocative. Therefore the brother and sister are binary opposites as they have seperate lifestyles, the brother's being responsible whereas the sister is rebellious by going out when she is clearly not of an mature age (when we see her change into her school uniform).
The idea that teenagers are curious about sex is reinforced through the over the sholder shot used when he is looking at the older woman getting dressed through the window over the road. The shot is hand held so that the audience can have the same experience as the teenage main character. The following close up shot shows a lack of expression suggesting that this is routine and he has become disaffected by the image. This conforms to the stereotype that teenagers' lives are surrounded by sex and it plays a big part of their life.
The camera angle of the protagonist's sister is a track shot starting from the bushes and working outwards into an eyeline shot of her walking along the street. This creates a sense of secrecy as the camera angle suggests that she has something to hide and by being out in the open she is vulnerable. The audience can then assume that she has been out all night which conforms with the stereotype that teenagers are rebellious and hide secrets from their parents. The protagonist's perspective is shown via a low angle, hand held shot, looking down at her sister; which suggests that he has power over her. Transferring to a high-angle of the sister's point of view of the brother at the window to show her vulnerability; conforming to the stereotype that sister's rely on their brothers for safety.
The personality of the protagonist is displayed further to the audience as him being neat and organised, when the clothes in his draws are neatly tidied and through the montage we see a neat room. This challenges the stereotypical view that teenagers are messy so the teenage audience can assume that this character is very different to what they expect. This contrasts to the representation of his sister as we see that she has been out all night and her make-up and hair are not well groomed; with her clothing also being skimpy and provocative. Therefore the brother and sister are binary opposites as they have seperate lifestyles, the brother's being responsible whereas the sister is rebellious by going out when she is clearly not of an mature age (when we see her change into her school uniform).
The idea that teenagers are curious about sex is reinforced through the over the sholder shot used when he is looking at the older woman getting dressed through the window over the road. The shot is hand held so that the audience can have the same experience as the teenage main character. The following close up shot shows a lack of expression suggesting that this is routine and he has become disaffected by the image. This conforms to the stereotype that teenagers' lives are surrounded by sex and it plays a big part of their life.
The camera angle of the protagonist's sister is a track shot starting from the bushes and working outwards into an eyeline shot of her walking along the street. This creates a sense of secrecy as the camera angle suggests that she has something to hide and by being out in the open she is vulnerable. The audience can then assume that she has been out all night which conforms with the stereotype that teenagers are rebellious and hide secrets from their parents. The protagonist's perspective is shown via a low angle, hand held shot, looking down at her sister; which suggests that he has power over her. Transferring to a high-angle of the sister's point of view of the brother at the window to show her vulnerability; conforming to the stereotype that sister's rely on their brothers for safety.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Monday, 7 November 2011
'My Boy Jack' - Notes
Editing
- Fade to close-up of watch implies that time is important to context/against them
- Cross-cutting used to switch between father and son
- Fast cuts on his father to emphasise his rush
- Long cuts on the protagonist to show slow and tense mood
- Shot-reverse-shot - in room/show clear conversation
- Continuity editing - chronological/show time passing
- Eyeline match for protagonist when viewing letters - experience his view
- Super impose used - letters he is seeing/experience his view/audience informed of his impaired vision & also at the beginning credits to set the scene (1914)
- Parallel editing - show two different events
- Cutaway to watch again - not necessary but emphasises that the element of time is still important
- Elipsis - don't see the father walk around/speeds up the action
- Primary audience - older audience/relate to war times/setting of the story appeal to them (1914)
- Message - that if not born into high class family during that time it was difficult to earn a high-rank
- Big star/recognisable actor 'Daniel Radcliffe' appeals to a mass audience - even draws in a younger audience because implies high production budget therefore a more probably chance that it is a good quality drama
- Also represents the change in values since 1914 to modern day i.e. discriminated in what he is applying for because he wears glasses
- Short formal conversation/posh dialect to match characters/relationships not strong
- Use of last names show position
- Diegetic sound for clock
- Sound bridge - clock and music
- Syncronym sound for car
- Parallel sound - it is up-tempo/jolly music with the man's mood
- Non-diegetic sound of string instruments
- Genre - historical/music costume and props contribute to this genre
- Stereotypical that boys watch it than girls
- Daniel Radcliffe appeals as he is a high class actor
- Daniel familiar & other actors
- Characters are well educated - respect but one is presented as snoobish
- Style realistic as it is based on true story
- Character are white-british
- Jack less important because of his Father's job
- Clock ticking - narrative time (appears twice to reinforce this)
- Characters experience along with time
- D.R. shows high value
- Shots are parallel time but not linked
- One-off production drama
- Drama premiere set in 1914 suggested by car style
- Language and tone suggest it too - older english/more defined
- Non-fiction characters suggest good representation of rich class
- Setting countryside (green & warmth) and Manorhouse reinforce the time (1914)
- Polished and shiny statue on car shows the wealth
- Open green field - space and more freedom in life/can afford better living standards
- Clock traditional to time period
- Bright sunny day reflects mood in contrast to nervous boy in dull room
- Clothing- formal suits & uniform - shows rank
- First shot is wide shot establishing scene
- Extreme-close up of seconds hand on watch - belongs to King/he doesn't want to be kept waiting
- Close-ups of car and driver - of the wheel turning to show speed
- Mid-shot of car statue - represent high status
- Close-up of protagonist's eyes to show disadvantage
- Bird's eye view showing protagonist handing paper along with other applicants/shows they are equal
- Long-shot emphasises the long wait
- Hand-held camera - audience has eye-line with D.R. to empathise with him/unsteady camera shows uncertainty
- Mid-shots add realism as it is eye level
- Long shot of corridor & car
- Over-the-shoulder and mid-angle to show conversation (question Father's rank but shocked at it)
- High angle suggest authority
- Shows change in times - lower class find it hard to enter upper-class jobs
- Average suit on protagnoist - lower class in contrast to the uniformed character with medals (clear high rank)
Editing Terminology
Continuity Editing:
When viewer should not be aware of cuts. Presents text in chronological manner to emphasise real-time
Cross-cutting (Parallel editing):
Cuts between two seperate scenes happening in two different locations at the same time.
Action Match:
Continuing piece of action/movement between shots.
Transitions -
Straight cut:
Goes unnoticed, one shot replaced by another.
Dissolve:
One shots fade out and another gradually appears.
Wipe:
Uses border between two shots to eliminate previous shot.
Long take:
A take that remains of screen for a longer duration before it is cut.
Short take:
A short take is one that is allowed to remain on screen for a short time before it is cut.
Jump cut:
A cut that moves a very similar part of the same scene but misses a piece of action out.
Cutaway:
Shot is not totally necessary but shows related action/object/person etc. before cutting back to the original shot.
Shot-reverse-shot:
Cutting between two people having a conversation.
Slow-motion:
Action is slowed down for emotional or comic effect.
Fast-forward:
Action is sped up.
Visual effects:
Change in colour or showing CGI/CSI to present character's reaction.
Super-impose:
When writing/images/symbols appear on top of an image so both are visible at once.
Split screen:
Screen is split into two part to allow te showing of events taking place at the same time.
Action editing:
Short and fast shots are used to reinforce the action/the audience aware of developing action.
Montage:
Montage is a series of shots edited together to show time passing and something happening in that time.Ellipsis:
The removal shortening of elements of narrative to speech up action.
Eye-line match:
The shot is at eye level when cutting from a character to what they see.
Graphic match:
A cut from one shot to another that visually look the same, that both have a link so the audience can interpret the connection.
Linear narrative:
A narrative with a clear sequence of beginning, middle and end (in that order).
When viewer should not be aware of cuts. Presents text in chronological manner to emphasise real-time
Cross-cutting (Parallel editing):
Cuts between two seperate scenes happening in two different locations at the same time.
Action Match:
Continuing piece of action/movement between shots.
Transitions -
Straight cut:
Goes unnoticed, one shot replaced by another.
Dissolve:
One shots fade out and another gradually appears.
Wipe:
Uses border between two shots to eliminate previous shot.
Long take:
A take that remains of screen for a longer duration before it is cut.
Short take:
A short take is one that is allowed to remain on screen for a short time before it is cut.
Jump cut:
A cut that moves a very similar part of the same scene but misses a piece of action out.
Cutaway:
Shot is not totally necessary but shows related action/object/person etc. before cutting back to the original shot.
Shot-reverse-shot:
Cutting between two people having a conversation.
Slow-motion:
Action is slowed down for emotional or comic effect.
Fast-forward:
Action is sped up.
Visual effects:
Change in colour or showing CGI/CSI to present character's reaction.
Super-impose:
When writing/images/symbols appear on top of an image so both are visible at once.
Split screen:
Screen is split into two part to allow te showing of events taking place at the same time.
Action editing:
Short and fast shots are used to reinforce the action/the audience aware of developing action.
Montage:
Montage is a series of shots edited together to show time passing and something happening in that time.Ellipsis:
The removal shortening of elements of narrative to speech up action.
Eye-line match:
The shot is at eye level when cutting from a character to what they see.
Graphic match:
A cut from one shot to another that visually look the same, that both have a link so the audience can interpret the connection.
Linear narrative:
A narrative with a clear sequence of beginning, middle and end (in that order).
Sunday, 6 November 2011
How does the opening of 'My Boy Jack' appeal to audiences?
Firstly 'My Boy jack' the social demographic of the story appeals to a primary audience of a more older generation as it is a period drama set in the beginning of the Great War, so the older audience who take interest in this time in history would watch it. This is continued immediately through mise-en-scene as the drama begins. A clock is shown which has a typical face of that time period; also the protagonist dons a typical suit styled from that period as well as the interviewers who question him are seen in uniform with hats on the table to signify their authority. The car is given the first wide shot to show that the protagonist's father is driving and is also old-fashioned so the audience can relate to the time period. The setting of the country side and the large manor house also conveys a historical and beautiful time which their primary audience, being the older generation, may feel nostalgic about.
On the other hand, it also appeals to a mass audience as the protagonist is played by the largely recognisable Daniel Radcliffe. He is shown in close-ups during the opening scene, and given conversation via over-the-shoulder shots with another character so that the audience can understand his character and not wait for his appearance later on in the drama, thus being drawn in immediately. The reputation of Daniel Radcliffe being a high-standard actor also appeals to a wide audience as then they would expect an high value production TV drama and so would watch to see if it meets their expectations. The parallel editing used to switch between the protagonist and his father to show their different situations appeals to the audience as it goes against the typical editing conventions of a period drama which would normally be expected to use continuous time and not simultaneous time. This would appeal to a more modern audience as this modern approach on the editing of a historical drama will cause it to be more interesting in some audience's perspectives.
The uses and gratifications of the drama's background appeals to audience's as it is based on a true story of John Kipling so people may want to widen their knowledge of this situation by watching the drama. The beginning of the drama also gives the audience an insight into society at that time. The audience are informed by the protagonist's conversation with another character who is presented as being snobby that during that time it was difficult to get a high class job unless you were born into a family of that sort. It also shows that also, in the protagonist's case, you could even been prejudiced against for not only the class position of your family but also for wearing his glasses. The dialogue interests the audiences are it gives them information about the protagonist's background with his father being a writer and the other man responds in silence to show his snobbery. The mise-en-scene represent the protagonist as a lower-class man which also emphasises his struggle for the assumed higher ranking job.
On the other hand, it also appeals to a mass audience as the protagonist is played by the largely recognisable Daniel Radcliffe. He is shown in close-ups during the opening scene, and given conversation via over-the-shoulder shots with another character so that the audience can understand his character and not wait for his appearance later on in the drama, thus being drawn in immediately. The reputation of Daniel Radcliffe being a high-standard actor also appeals to a wide audience as then they would expect an high value production TV drama and so would watch to see if it meets their expectations. The parallel editing used to switch between the protagonist and his father to show their different situations appeals to the audience as it goes against the typical editing conventions of a period drama which would normally be expected to use continuous time and not simultaneous time. This would appeal to a more modern audience as this modern approach on the editing of a historical drama will cause it to be more interesting in some audience's perspectives.
The uses and gratifications of the drama's background appeals to audience's as it is based on a true story of John Kipling so people may want to widen their knowledge of this situation by watching the drama. The beginning of the drama also gives the audience an insight into society at that time. The audience are informed by the protagonist's conversation with another character who is presented as being snobby that during that time it was difficult to get a high class job unless you were born into a family of that sort. It also shows that also, in the protagonist's case, you could even been prejudiced against for not only the class position of your family but also for wearing his glasses. The dialogue interests the audiences are it gives them information about the protagonist's background with his father being a writer and the other man responds in silence to show his snobbery. The mise-en-scene represent the protagonist as a lower-class man which also emphasises his struggle for the assumed higher ranking job.
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