Thursday, 29 November 2012
Textual analysis draft
'To protect my city, I must wear a mask' In light of this statement, this essay compares and contrasts the two films i have chosen to analyze: The Dark Knight directed by Christopher Nolan (2008) and Attack The Block by Joe Cornish (2011). In The Dark Knight, the audience witnesses Batman's struggle for his true identity. Is he better off as the masked hero/vigilante Batman? or is the city safer with him being playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne? The subject of both films that i have specifically chosen to study is the contrast in the representation of masculinity between the two films, due to the contrast in representation between the two ages. For example, how youth is represented even though their acts are heroic in comparison to how Batman is represented as a hero. In both films, we learn of their struggle for identity and how their masculinity has been represented, if any lessons were learnt and what they are and finally, how the audience was influenced by the meaning embedded in the films, which are expressed and emphasized through the analysis of key scenes.0
In both The Dark Knight and Attack The Block, the audience are spectators as the events unravel dependent on the crucial choices the protagonists make, which therefore sets in place the mysterious narrative they are yet to witness as it unravels before them. For example, Batman takes his place as Gotham's protector once more, whilst in the 'kids' of Attack The Block are introduced to us as, and i quote 'Badman's' from their typical, realistic, and comic language that is associated with the characters, which has been influenced by how gangs communicate today. Which also links to the representation of the characters. This particular aspect is demonstrated in one of the first and key scene's the audience see. The scene consists of the boys mugging a women (aged 27, Sam) Its dark, and she's alone and surrounded by the youths. Their masked, enabling their identity to be hidden which creates a direct comparison to The Dark Knight, however the contrast is that the characters are masked for different reasons. Their is conflict between right and wrong at this point of comparison. Their masculinity is emphasized through their masked identity, their weapons and their general attitude and manner towards this women, and the fear they empower over her.
A key scene from The Dark Knight that I have chosen as a study point for my textual analysis is the (garage fight scene). The reason behind my decision is it shows, that the meaning i encountered from this scene was that it takes something to be a hero, not a superpower, more like a sense of doing something for the good of others. Batman's masculinity is also represented. In this scene we experience Batman fight of Scarecrow and a gang of Batman wannabe's. My point i have established is emphasized through this due to the gang of Batmans fan-group are defeated, and this clarifies that not everyone can be a hero. One of the Batman wannabe's, Brian, asks Batman himself a powerful question "What gives you the right? What's the difference between you and me?" This is powerful, and influences the audience dramatically due to the truth and perhaps enigma in his question. What is the difference between Batman and everyone else? His masculinity is represented due to his empowerment over Brian and everyone else due to the city is unconsciously perhaps, very reliant on Gotham's masked hero. Another point that links to Brian's question is the quote of Harvey Dent 'You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain'. Batman is willing to die for Gotham, which gives him a strong sense of masculinity, however is anyone else willing to do the same?
One other key scene that i feel relates to this point is the party scene at Bruce Wayne's penthouse. Masculinity is represented in two ways. Protagonist masculinity and Antagonist Masculinity. The Joker as part of his diabolical plan, he gate crashes the party. His masculinity is represented over the empowerment he has over the people, fueled by fear. He threatens Rachel with a knife, before being threatened by a more superior source of masculinity, Batman.
One final key scene that i have chosen for analysis from Attack The Block is when they're in Sam's flat. I chose this scene in particular due to the significance of fear and empowerment they have over her and how they have been represented as powerful and masculine (carrying weapons ect). She is completely vulnerable due to the youths are non-acknowledgeable towards her plea's for them to rid her flat.
"Get out of my fucking flat!"
[a couple of them glance at her, make derogatory noises because they're too busy worrying about the situation, and turn away]
My conclusion, after thorough analysis of both films, i have come to conclude that both films use a unique and similar technique in order to communicate narrative. It has recently become apparent to me, that the Action genre has changed over time, in order to fit the needs of a post-modern audience. This therefore enables the suiting of a fit audience, in order to absorb the best possible experience and messages in the film, therefore this is why age certificates are assigned to films. This is also relevant, as it is required in order to make the audience create relationships with characters and enable conclusions towards the plot developments, enabling the audience to remain intrigued and captivated throughout the film. I feel the comparison and contrast between the two films is relevant, and that is why i chose this point of study for my textual analysis and it enables you to read deep into the meanings that are adopted through the narrative.
In both The Dark Knight and Attack The Block, the audience are spectators as the events unravel dependent on the crucial choices the protagonists make, which therefore sets in place the mysterious narrative they are yet to witness as it unravels before them. For example, Batman takes his place as Gotham's protector once more, whilst in the 'kids' of Attack The Block are introduced to us as, and i quote 'Badman's' from their typical, realistic, and comic language that is associated with the characters, which has been influenced by how gangs communicate today. Which also links to the representation of the characters. This particular aspect is demonstrated in one of the first and key scene's the audience see. The scene consists of the boys mugging a women (aged 27, Sam) Its dark, and she's alone and surrounded by the youths. Their masked, enabling their identity to be hidden which creates a direct comparison to The Dark Knight, however the contrast is that the characters are masked for different reasons. Their is conflict between right and wrong at this point of comparison. Their masculinity is emphasized through their masked identity, their weapons and their general attitude and manner towards this women, and the fear they empower over her.
A key scene from The Dark Knight that I have chosen as a study point for my textual analysis is the (garage fight scene). The reason behind my decision is it shows, that the meaning i encountered from this scene was that it takes something to be a hero, not a superpower, more like a sense of doing something for the good of others. Batman's masculinity is also represented. In this scene we experience Batman fight of Scarecrow and a gang of Batman wannabe's. My point i have established is emphasized through this due to the gang of Batmans fan-group are defeated, and this clarifies that not everyone can be a hero. One of the Batman wannabe's, Brian, asks Batman himself a powerful question "What gives you the right? What's the difference between you and me?" This is powerful, and influences the audience dramatically due to the truth and perhaps enigma in his question. What is the difference between Batman and everyone else? His masculinity is represented due to his empowerment over Brian and everyone else due to the city is unconsciously perhaps, very reliant on Gotham's masked hero. Another point that links to Brian's question is the quote of Harvey Dent 'You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain'. Batman is willing to die for Gotham, which gives him a strong sense of masculinity, however is anyone else willing to do the same?
One other key scene that i feel relates to this point is the party scene at Bruce Wayne's penthouse. Masculinity is represented in two ways. Protagonist masculinity and Antagonist Masculinity. The Joker as part of his diabolical plan, he gate crashes the party. His masculinity is represented over the empowerment he has over the people, fueled by fear. He threatens Rachel with a knife, before being threatened by a more superior source of masculinity, Batman.
One final key scene that i have chosen for analysis from Attack The Block is when they're in Sam's flat. I chose this scene in particular due to the significance of fear and empowerment they have over her and how they have been represented as powerful and masculine (carrying weapons ect). She is completely vulnerable due to the youths are non-acknowledgeable towards her plea's for them to rid her flat.
"Get out of my fucking flat!"
[a couple of them glance at her, make derogatory noises because they're too busy worrying about the situation, and turn away]
My conclusion, after thorough analysis of both films, i have come to conclude that both films use a unique and similar technique in order to communicate narrative. It has recently become apparent to me, that the Action genre has changed over time, in order to fit the needs of a post-modern audience. This therefore enables the suiting of a fit audience, in order to absorb the best possible experience and messages in the film, therefore this is why age certificates are assigned to films. This is also relevant, as it is required in order to make the audience create relationships with characters and enable conclusions towards the plot developments, enabling the audience to remain intrigued and captivated throughout the film. I feel the comparison and contrast between the two films is relevant, and that is why i chose this point of study for my textual analysis and it enables you to read deep into the meanings that are adopted through the narrative.
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Monday, 1 October 2012
Alice in wonderland set design
I have specifically redesigned the Alice in Wonderland set in this style due to using Alien as my inspiration. The contrast between the original set design and my interpretation is widely different in comparison due to certain iconography and mise-en-scene elements that differentiate the two genres.
The style of this scene emphasizes the sci-fi iconography that is recognizable to the audience. Also the mise-en-scene elaborates on the elements used to exaggerate what the genre is.
The inspiration i have used from Alien in my re-set design are an exaggeration on the Sci-Fi mise en scene contributers that are present in Alien. A few examples of this would be:
- The spinal cords: i specifically chose to use these due to the sci-fi elements, also they were a big contribution to the set designs in the film Alien. I chose to place the spinal cords in an illusional circle on the floor, due to the comparison to the original set design.
- The low-key lighting: The purpose of using Low-Key lighting is to emphasize the unnaturalness in the scene. The effect of this makes the set seem dark and mysterious, due to the audience are unaware of the what alien-futuristic creatures or objects could be hiding in the darkness, until it is brought to the audiences' attention deliberately by the director.- The alien mutated table: This particular prop, i created and designed specifically due to the sci-fi elements. A mutated alien organ seemed an appropriate inspiration for the design of this prop. It is also relevant in the scene due to a table is needed, and this idea seemed more suitable for sci-fi mise-en-scene, which includes prop types.
- Colours: The colours that have been used are a collaboration of a dark colour palette. The colours that consist frequently and are presently in the scene are; Various different greys', blacks, reds and differentiation in greens. I specifically chose these colours purposely due to the mise-en-scene guidelines of what colours are appropriate in a sci-fi. For example: Various different shades of greys', or on occasion blues, are used to highlight the metal constructions and elements of the scene. Metal is part of the Sci-Fi iconography and mise-en-scene due to the futuristic and alien-like vibe.
The set design re-interprets the story due to the sci-fi elements that reciprocated from the family, fantasy and adventure genres. The audience now recognize this film as a Sci-Fi due to the scientific and futuristic iconography and mise-en-scene recognizable.
The protagonist of the film, Alice, has been altered to fit the Sci-Fi theme of the scene. Alice is no longer innocently styled with her long blonde hair and lady-like dresses which suggests her wealth. Instead she is a futuristic girl searching for her way out of the secluded alien-like and futuristic room. The story can be re-interpreted by the audience due to they can use their immaginations as the Sci-Fi aspects needed are present. The character is futuristic,and therefore mysteriously especially as she is contrasted with an Alien-like scene. Is she an alien? Where does she come from? What doesshe want
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Pyscho juxtaposition
This two unrelated shots are part of juxtaposition editing.
The two shots in contrast are very different due to the mise-en-scene and cinematography elements. For example, the thriller iconography is visible due to the specific reason to why the killer has been disguised and hidden in a mysterious silhouette used purposely to create mysterious.
The juxaposition between the two shots suggest that the women has spotted the killer about to murder her whilst shes in the shower.
The white lighting on the women in comparison to the low key lighting on the killer symbolizes a thriller iconography by she is a victim. It also exaggerates that the women is in the insuperior sex by the understanding that she is the victim. One important aspect of this point is that she is naked (voyeurism), where as the killer is fully-clothed, which is the complete comparison in contrast to each-other. It relates to voyeurism as she has been murdered whilst participating in a private, intimate activity, where the killer has deliberately violated her privacy.
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