Student made short film opening analysis- AS Level Media Studies Film Opening - Carnage - A Grade (Horror)

This is an example of a short film that uses sounds very well. There is a mix of loud non-digetic background sound which is loud and scary. It helps to produce and build tension continually. They have also used natural sound and lighting like the wind, birds and water to suggest the setting of a woods or wilderness. This is effective as it interrupts the tension and breaks up the background sound, there is therefore no need for dialogue as it would cut out tension and impact on audience. The camera angles are fairly simple. Some still shots, panning, slow and fast movements (that follow a gun man) and perspective shots. In addition they are only a few seconds long which so don't give anything away too much and add to the effect, only of 1 character and another at the end that we see is shot after being hunted . Also, the way the credits shake when displayed to generate the on-going felling of suspense and worry even hunted feeling are conveyed. The sound and the camera movement are linked very well together to generate the feeling mainly of un-certainty, nerviousness and danger.

Analysing sound in Slumdog Millionaire

Sound in Slumdog Millionaire

 Task

1. A genral comment about:

-How sound is used primarily in the clip.
-The balance between non-diabetic and diabetic sound. (why+ effect)

2.  choose 3 aspects to comment about on specifically in the clip.


1. -The sound in the clip is primarily used to filter the boys memory from a child's perspective. Its almost dream like. This is used by diabetic sound. Therefore, most of the sound is diagetic.

    -The clip is predominantly digetic. This shows the dialogue and general atmosphere of the busy area where it is set. Then the only part where there is non-diabetic sound is when the mob approaches. A fast paced drumming is used in the background. This creates suspense and a feeling of panic, fear, terror and freight among the locals it increases in tempo to emphasise the point. This helps reinforce the characters perspective and feelings. Diagetic is used in the other parts of the clip to show speech and communication it is all in indian with english subtitles. However, towards the end there is a slight non-diagetic tone in the background. It creates a different mood and feeling.


2. -Boy in water - While the boy is in the water there is mainly diagetic sound. This is expresses happiness and enjoyment. (e.g. splashing and playing with friends) Later on, he goes underwater and the sound is muffled somewhat so it is not clear and he can't hear or understand his mother, this is a direct perspective from what he can hear. The non-diagetic kicks in when he goes underwater for a bit. This is when the mob approaches and the pounding drum starts.

-Playing who wants to be a millionaire

- All the sound in this part is diagetic. However is effective as we see him blank faced and still transfixed on what he was thinking.  There is more reality in this part as he is out of his flash back and in real life on a gameshow. There is speech from him and the quizmaster, the audience and the theme tune which are all diagetic.

- Rain when under shelter - The rain is a use of diagetic sound and suggests the mood in the shelter that the children are in. Then a delicate non-diagetic tone is used to ease the tension from the experiences and change the audiences perception of the situation.

Student made short film opening analysis The Edge - AS Level Media Studies Opening Sequence by Rory Campbell- (action)

This is a short 2 minute that I found on youtube.  There is a tense music in the background that slowly builds up throughout, clearly non-diagetic. There are fairly short shots of the boy and the setting of a building block. (with lifts, stairs etc) Being in a building block may imply he is in an urban area. The loud non-diagetic music is very effective as it plays continually to gradually pick up pace and theme. There are also a range of shots too to emphasise positioning and perspective. For example, an establishing shot of the setting at the beginning, close-ups of objects and his face. One very important feature is the way he presents the text on the walls and other places this is done very well within the length of time, likewise in a normal film. The camera seems very un-stable at times. This might be to show nerves, un-certainty and a slight edge from the boys point of view.  The light is mainly natural (outside light and some indoors) however extra light may have been used to enhance viewing. There is no exchange of dialogue or form of speech included. This contributes to its success i feel. Also, there are only 3 characters that can be seen. The boy (casual, on roller-skates) and the 2 men in suits (show urgency to follow boy and chase him towards the end)

Photoshopping an original film poster

This is the original poster we used to edit was The hangover Part 2. We had to pick one from all the posters on the wall. I was with Dylan (who i sit next to in class)

This was the final poster. these are actual images of my brothers and my dog. We used Photoshop to edit them in. It took lots of intricate work and detail on photoshop.

How is mise-en-scene used in the opening of Romeo and Juliet to make meaning for audience? (micro analysis)

Media AS: How is mise-en-scene used in the opening of Romeo and Juliet to make meaning for audience?

Sound:

At the very start there is music playing ( the boys, the boys) while the characters are in the car on the highway. This is non-diegetic sound. So, the audience can hear it however the actors can't, it goes with the situation well to create effect. However, in this incident there is some controversy. The characters may actually have the music on really loudly in the car which would make it diagetic sound. Nethertheless, there is a mixture of both. There is lots of dialogue between the 2 Montague passengers along the highway. They are shouting loudly which suggests that they are messing around and causing trouble.

 When at the petrol station there are many uses of sound effects. When the car pulls up, the (non-diagetic) sound track fades because of the change in setting and tension. Sound effects are introduced, for example the car pulling up, skidding and the metal heel on the floor. these sounds are meant to be emphasised more important. The sound then switches as we see a Capulet member. A western typed music is played (non-diagetic) This shows how the sound and music the audience can hear represents the two gangs and there theme tune. The situation then changes and it is a subdued and tense atmosphere as the gangs develop dialogue. Therefore, slower music is played to built this effect up. the gangs then argue with very loud speech, with a few enhanced sound effects too. e.g smoke and cigarette on the floor and heel again. during the fight there is a long soundtrack to express battle feeling.

In this part of the opening, the sound is used to express themes of both gangs. Either with dialogue, sound effects or short music. Also, it is used to build up the tension and then cut it.

Lighting:

Throughout the opening there is a source of natural lighting. They are out side for the entirety of the opening. The sun shines down on the car at the start and the blue sky is a backdrop. This implies that they are in a hot area. Natural light is shown in the petrol station by the reflections on the cars  and shadows from characters. So, the main meaning of the lighting, is to show the environment and surroundings they are in.

Props:

One prop used is Guns. Guns are a sign of death or killing. These are used to threaten and in fights between the gangs. This has an effect on the views of the audience.  however, they have more meaning,  the guns have crests and names on the bottom of the guns. This indicates they are a member of a certain gang. Montague and Capulet are stated, with there own crests presented on the gun. This starts the conflict/fighting at the start. Benvilio then threats them with pointing the gun.

Also, the cars are a part of the props. They are different colours (yellow-montague and blue-capulet) and have different number plates which are shown, which represents the differences. It isn't that important however is used well. Another prop is cigarettes. These are used by the capulet members. This is a significant prop because of the setting being a petrol station. We see Tybalt Capulet smoking a cigarette and then drop it just after. This brings in the prop of fire. When the audience see fire danger, burning, flames and death come in to mind. It is used to good effect in the scene due to the petrol station and the sign.('add more fuel to your fire')

Costume/actors:

Montague: The 3 characters in the Montague are wearing Hawaiian themed clothes with the buttons undone. This expresses coolness and a loud and fun attitude. One member has a Punk styled pink hair colour which shows he may be rebellious and erratic. This blends in with the way they act. The costume plays a big part in gathering initial thoughts and opinions in this part.

 Capulets: On the other hand the capulets wear more formal clothes. waistcoats and trousers. This shows the difference in characteristics and behaviours between the opposing gangs. They also seem more religious. for example jesus shown on a tight top (below) and a cross as a piece of jewlerry on another member of capulet.

Setting:

There are two settings during this part of the film. On the highway in the car and at a petrol station. Being on a highway, suggests to the audience that it is a urban area possibly a city. when looking at the petrol station setting, it seems busy with cars and people around. This helps the audience realise that the fight and violence that occurs is in middle of public view. A petrol station has an effect in this incdence as it petrol is very flammable and can be used as a setting to warn or pose some kind of threat. This happens in the moments before the mass brawl and fight.



By Henry Cugnoni



Proffesional film opening analysis (action/adventure/thriller)

James Bond - Quantum of solace opening

This is the opening of a James Bond movie. After the production companies of MGM and Columbia it starts from a perspective at sea. The setting and environment is shown by the mountainous area and the current of the sea. The camera moves quickly over the sea. various flashes (1-5 seconds) appear of a car. The pace of the filming remains. More views of the car are shown. Also with a shot of bullets and a glimpse of a face. This suggests action to the audience. Then suddenly, we are put in the middle of a fast-paced, quick road rage through the tunnel seen previously. Lots of noise, sound FX and 1-2 second shots. After they emerge out of the tunnel and a non-diegetic music starts. Its is now much lighter, therefore the action happening is clearer to the audience.