Essay Mistake
My essay is slightly off because I re-counted the different shots rather than presenting an overview, I understand what I need to do to write it up better next time.
Scene Analysis - "The Aviator"
"The Aviator" Cinematography
The film “The Aviator” is from the historical genre. This film tells the story of a man who spends his time designing new planes, setting air speed records, flying around the world, and risking his life testing various aircrafts. In this analysis we are looking at a particular scene where the main character ‘Howard Hughes’ time trials one of the planes he has designed and invested in.
There is a clever use of cinematography in this film “The Aviator”, especially in this particular scene. The intro to this scene shows a wide camera shot, panning over the land, showing the location that the action in this story is taking place. There are mid shots showing the main object within the scene, the plane. Still on the mid shot, the character climbs up and into the plane. A shot is then shown from a viewpoint within the plane front of the plane, it is a low angle shot, showing focus on the characters first impressions of entering the plane. They use a bird’s eye view and several mid shots to show the plane being prepared for takeoff. Then there are a few more close ups on the character before changing to a close up on his hand (which is in focus) switching and turning on dials in the plane (which are out of focus). The next shot is very interesting, it begins on a low angle from inside the plane looking up at the actor, the gearstick in the centre is in focus and the actual person is not. As the actor slowly grips his fingers around the gearstick, the audience can gather a feel for the importance and power he would feel just by clasping it in his hands. With some more close ups on dials and buttons he presses and a mid-shot of the sparking plane. We are ready for lift-off.
There is then shown an extreme long shot of the land with the plane appearing, it then comes to a halt as we see a close up of the expression on the characters face. A variety of different angle shots of the plane are then shown one-after the other. We then see another low angle shot from inside the plane, looking up on the actor, this gives them a sense of power and importance; to show us they are bold and courageous with what they are doing. There is a shot beginning with a close up on the wheels, which moves to a mid shot and then a long shot as the plane accelerates. As the plane takes off we see a shot from directly in front of the plane. The plane flies up and over the camera, which then twists and shows a shot that is upside down before straightening back up. When the character is up in the air we are shown a long series of close ups on the characters face with the moving ‘landscape’ in the background. While this is going on we see close ups on different parts of the plane rattling, like they are old and timid. We can conclude by watching this that the plane is not totally safe and it could break at any moment.
There is a shot from the ‘position’ of the front of the plane as it flies back around to the take off runway. Then an extreme long shot of the men all standing in a large cluster as the plane flies above and past them. Next is an interesting shot where the camera films the men standing and watching the plane. It passes on a sort of rounded angle and then zooms out, quickly moving away. Then there is more footage of the plane in the air, more close-ups on the character and objects. In the midst of this is a long shot of the plane in the air. The camera starts straight and then begins to tilt anti-clockwise. Footage is also shown of the plane (at an extreme long shot) doing circles in the air. When the plane comes back down onto the runway the camera zooms in on the timer in one of the men’s hands, at which point he stops it. The plane flies on and at one-point shows a birds-eye view shot of the plane flying, with the blurred landscapes underneath. This shows how quickly the plane is moving and points out how difficult it must be to get it to stop. Next, through a series of close-ups on determined facial expressions, mid shots on the plane, and close-ups on objects and dials within the plane, we see the character trying to slow the plane so it can land on the ground. In one swift motion, the camera captures the plane flying back over the runway and straight into where the camera is situated. It then zooms in rather quickly the runway where the plane is trying to land. The fast pace that these shots are thrown to the audience at, give a feel of high intensity and excitement, as well as danger. Suddenly, we see close-ups of the fuel tanks empty and on a low angle shot looking upwards we see the plane plummet towards the ground. The camera then looks down toward the ground as it zooms in, giving the idea that the plane will be hitting the ground with a high amount of impact. We see a mid shot of the landed plane cutting quickly through the grass and because the camera is moving with the plane is seen as moving at an extremely high speed. When the cars arrive they use a long shot and zoom it in to a mid shot as the conversation between the two characters begin.
By watching this scene we can conclude that using a variety of different angles and camera movement we can create a very interesting and exciting scene that is visually pleasing to the eye. The range of different camera action in this scene makes it enjoyable and entertaining, as well as correctly conveying the right scenario, themes and genre of the story.
The film “The Aviator” is from the historical genre. This film tells the story of a man who spends his time designing new planes, setting air speed records, flying around the world, and risking his life testing various aircrafts. In this analysis we are looking at a particular scene where the main character ‘Howard Hughes’ time trials one of the planes he has designed and invested in.
There is a clever use of cinematography in this film “The Aviator”, especially in this particular scene. The intro to this scene shows a wide camera shot, panning over the land, showing the location that the action in this story is taking place. There are mid shots showing the main object within the scene, the plane. Still on the mid shot, the character climbs up and into the plane. A shot is then shown from a viewpoint within the plane front of the plane, it is a low angle shot, showing focus on the characters first impressions of entering the plane. They use a bird’s eye view and several mid shots to show the plane being prepared for takeoff. Then there are a few more close ups on the character before changing to a close up on his hand (which is in focus) switching and turning on dials in the plane (which are out of focus). The next shot is very interesting, it begins on a low angle from inside the plane looking up at the actor, the gearstick in the centre is in focus and the actual person is not. As the actor slowly grips his fingers around the gearstick, the audience can gather a feel for the importance and power he would feel just by clasping it in his hands. With some more close ups on dials and buttons he presses and a mid-shot of the sparking plane. We are ready for lift-off.
There is then shown an extreme long shot of the land with the plane appearing, it then comes to a halt as we see a close up of the expression on the characters face. A variety of different angle shots of the plane are then shown one-after the other. We then see another low angle shot from inside the plane, looking up on the actor, this gives them a sense of power and importance; to show us they are bold and courageous with what they are doing. There is a shot beginning with a close up on the wheels, which moves to a mid shot and then a long shot as the plane accelerates. As the plane takes off we see a shot from directly in front of the plane. The plane flies up and over the camera, which then twists and shows a shot that is upside down before straightening back up. When the character is up in the air we are shown a long series of close ups on the characters face with the moving ‘landscape’ in the background. While this is going on we see close ups on different parts of the plane rattling, like they are old and timid. We can conclude by watching this that the plane is not totally safe and it could break at any moment.
There is a shot from the ‘position’ of the front of the plane as it flies back around to the take off runway. Then an extreme long shot of the men all standing in a large cluster as the plane flies above and past them. Next is an interesting shot where the camera films the men standing and watching the plane. It passes on a sort of rounded angle and then zooms out, quickly moving away. Then there is more footage of the plane in the air, more close-ups on the character and objects. In the midst of this is a long shot of the plane in the air. The camera starts straight and then begins to tilt anti-clockwise. Footage is also shown of the plane (at an extreme long shot) doing circles in the air. When the plane comes back down onto the runway the camera zooms in on the timer in one of the men’s hands, at which point he stops it. The plane flies on and at one-point shows a birds-eye view shot of the plane flying, with the blurred landscapes underneath. This shows how quickly the plane is moving and points out how difficult it must be to get it to stop. Next, through a series of close-ups on determined facial expressions, mid shots on the plane, and close-ups on objects and dials within the plane, we see the character trying to slow the plane so it can land on the ground. In one swift motion, the camera captures the plane flying back over the runway and straight into where the camera is situated. It then zooms in rather quickly the runway where the plane is trying to land. The fast pace that these shots are thrown to the audience at, give a feel of high intensity and excitement, as well as danger. Suddenly, we see close-ups of the fuel tanks empty and on a low angle shot looking upwards we see the plane plummet towards the ground. The camera then looks down toward the ground as it zooms in, giving the idea that the plane will be hitting the ground with a high amount of impact. We see a mid shot of the landed plane cutting quickly through the grass and because the camera is moving with the plane is seen as moving at an extremely high speed. When the cars arrive they use a long shot and zoom it in to a mid shot as the conversation between the two characters begin.
By watching this scene we can conclude that using a variety of different angles and camera movement we can create a very interesting and exciting scene that is visually pleasing to the eye. The range of different camera action in this scene makes it enjoyable and entertaining, as well as correctly conveying the right scenario, themes and genre of the story.
Editing Analysis
Star Wars vs. Star Wars: Episode Three
Star Wars Rate: 1/10
I thought this film trailer was not well presented for the people of "today".
The progress made in the film was slow, it took ages to communicate information and it was a poor job of keeping people interested.
The music had little impact on the trailer because it didn't build or soften. It was very simple, slow music. The sound recording of the narrator was low and in a monotone, it was not interesting or intriguing.
This trailer did not leave me wanting to watch the whole movie. It was painful enough sitting through the boring trailer, in my opinion.
Star Wars: Episode 3 Rate: 8/10
This film was presented a lot better than the first film trailer.
They used quick shots and made the transition between shots smooth keeping them somehow connected and exciting.
There was very theatrical and dramatic music that accented these shots.
The music was building as more exciting events were shown.
They used the characters dialogue within scenes to explain the basis of the storyline instead of just a narrator. They could constantly and quickly feed information to the audience with impressive visuals backing this up.
The parts of film that were shown in this trailer were visually pleasing for the audience, which made them easier to watch. This also made it easier to follow along the storyline.
I found this trailer interesting and intriguing, i would go and see it. Just watching the trailer I can conclude that it looks like a good film to see, in my opinion.
Star Wars Rate: 1/10
I thought this film trailer was not well presented for the people of "today".
The progress made in the film was slow, it took ages to communicate information and it was a poor job of keeping people interested.
The music had little impact on the trailer because it didn't build or soften. It was very simple, slow music. The sound recording of the narrator was low and in a monotone, it was not interesting or intriguing.
This trailer did not leave me wanting to watch the whole movie. It was painful enough sitting through the boring trailer, in my opinion.
Star Wars: Episode 3 Rate: 8/10
This film was presented a lot better than the first film trailer.
They used quick shots and made the transition between shots smooth keeping them somehow connected and exciting.
There was very theatrical and dramatic music that accented these shots.
The music was building as more exciting events were shown.
They used the characters dialogue within scenes to explain the basis of the storyline instead of just a narrator. They could constantly and quickly feed information to the audience with impressive visuals backing this up.
The parts of film that were shown in this trailer were visually pleasing for the audience, which made them easier to watch. This also made it easier to follow along the storyline.
I found this trailer interesting and intriguing, i would go and see it. Just watching the trailer I can conclude that it looks like a good film to see, in my opinion.
Recipe for a Horror Film: Method (A Story)
It is the night of a full moon. Begin with 5 teenagers, drop them off out in the middle of nowhere onto an open field surrounded by forestry. Give two of them camera’s to ‘document’ their travels. Then have it rain, allow the 5 children to run and hide for shelter. They come across an old house. Inside are a family of four: Mum, Dad, a teenage boy and his three-year-old sister. They are allowed to stay the night.
Later into the night, amidst the rain, there is tapping on the window from outside. Lightning strikes and for that brief second a shadowed figure visible only a few meters from the house, in his right hand, the teens can see a silver dagger, glistening in the moonlight. Tapping heard again, lightning strikes, figure has moved closer. While this is happening, have the three-year old hide in one of the teenager’s backpacks. The teens grab their stuff and run, out the door and back onto the field. Use torchlight to guide them. One of the teenagers, at the sight of the outdoor full moon, turns into a werewolf. Have another teenager trip on low lying barb wire and cut her leg open on a fallen stick in the dark. At the smell of the blood, the werewolf chomps off her arm and takes her body off into the forest surrounding them.
With three teenagers remaining, there is another flash of lighting. The figure is standing before them; they scream and run in the other direction. For miles, they run in the dark, using only torchlight to guide them. As they pass a nearby cliff on the edge of the forest, one of the teenagers slips. He grabs the closest branch and after the other two teens try their best to save him, the branch breaks and he falls.
The other two keep moving onward. There is then another flash of lightning and the rain pours down even more heavily. The figure is further away, though still, he is following. The two remaining teenagers pick up their pace. As the rain dies down to a soft drizzle, off in the distance they can see a bonfire. They decide to move in closer to it. As they approach the bonfire, they can make out that it was not what they thought it was. It is a pile of dead bodies all burning and flaming. The skin is melting off each persons face so they are no longer recognizable. Behind them their friend who turned werewolf appears, he bites one of the two, and leaves an open wound. She manages to escape into the woods.
The werewolf turns on the other teenager, growling at him. He moved backwards and trips on a root in the ground and falls headfirst into the flames. Hitting his head he falls unconscious and he is burning, melting away in the fire.
The shadowed figure appears. There is another strike of lightning and the gruesome gashes on his face are visible. His skin is all mashed up and sewn together. He digs the dagger into the werewolf and throws it onto the pile of bodies. The scar-faced man is victorious, until the teenager who fell off the cliff edge (who landed on a ledge and climbed back up) appears behind him and chokes him to death with a string of barbwire. He is then the last man standing.
The sound of a gun is then heard and our hero falls dead to the ground. The little girl appears out of his backpack, clapping her hands, she giggles. Close up on her smiling face. Screen to Black.
Later into the night, amidst the rain, there is tapping on the window from outside. Lightning strikes and for that brief second a shadowed figure visible only a few meters from the house, in his right hand, the teens can see a silver dagger, glistening in the moonlight. Tapping heard again, lightning strikes, figure has moved closer. While this is happening, have the three-year old hide in one of the teenager’s backpacks. The teens grab their stuff and run, out the door and back onto the field. Use torchlight to guide them. One of the teenagers, at the sight of the outdoor full moon, turns into a werewolf. Have another teenager trip on low lying barb wire and cut her leg open on a fallen stick in the dark. At the smell of the blood, the werewolf chomps off her arm and takes her body off into the forest surrounding them.
With three teenagers remaining, there is another flash of lighting. The figure is standing before them; they scream and run in the other direction. For miles, they run in the dark, using only torchlight to guide them. As they pass a nearby cliff on the edge of the forest, one of the teenagers slips. He grabs the closest branch and after the other two teens try their best to save him, the branch breaks and he falls.
The other two keep moving onward. There is then another flash of lightning and the rain pours down even more heavily. The figure is further away, though still, he is following. The two remaining teenagers pick up their pace. As the rain dies down to a soft drizzle, off in the distance they can see a bonfire. They decide to move in closer to it. As they approach the bonfire, they can make out that it was not what they thought it was. It is a pile of dead bodies all burning and flaming. The skin is melting off each persons face so they are no longer recognizable. Behind them their friend who turned werewolf appears, he bites one of the two, and leaves an open wound. She manages to escape into the woods.
The werewolf turns on the other teenager, growling at him. He moved backwards and trips on a root in the ground and falls headfirst into the flames. Hitting his head he falls unconscious and he is burning, melting away in the fire.
The shadowed figure appears. There is another strike of lightning and the gruesome gashes on his face are visible. His skin is all mashed up and sewn together. He digs the dagger into the werewolf and throws it onto the pile of bodies. The scar-faced man is victorious, until the teenager who fell off the cliff edge (who landed on a ledge and climbed back up) appears behind him and chokes him to death with a string of barbwire. He is then the last man standing.
The sound of a gun is then heard and our hero falls dead to the ground. The little girl appears out of his backpack, clapping her hands, she giggles. Close up on her smiling face. Screen to Black.
COMPLETE.
Just finished CM storyboard for our horror genre activity :D
editing was not too hard to do because I did photography last year..
i just used basic functions of adjusting the exposure and the brightness/contrast to give a darker, more eerie effect.
it looks good. presenting it tomorrow.
AND we worked out that if we re-arrange some of the photos, we can create a totally different story, with different themes and characters. yep.
That's all for now.
editing was not too hard to do because I did photography last year..
i just used basic functions of adjusting the exposure and the brightness/contrast to give a darker, more eerie effect.
it looks good. presenting it tomorrow.
AND we worked out that if we re-arrange some of the photos, we can create a totally different story, with different themes and characters. yep.
That's all for now.
Romantic Comedies
Romantic Comedies
- Sub-genre of comedy films as well as romance films- Light-hearted humerous, dramatic stories
- Centered around romantic ideas such as "true love" or "the perfect couple"
Basic Plot-line
- Two people meet and part ways due to fixed obstacles, then ultimatley re-unite
- Initially these two people do not romantically involve themselves because they think they don't like each other (one might have a partner or other social pressures)
- The screenwriters leave clues that suggest the characters are attracted to each other, or that they would be a good love match
- When they are separated they realize how much they were "perfect for each other"
- One then makes a spectacular effort to find the other person
- Or... due to coincidental error the two meet again
- They declare their love for each other and the film ends happily
- This is the basic plot-line but there are many different variations
- The attraction between the lead characters must be established quickly
- Scriptwriters often create a humerous sense of awkwardness between the two potential partners
- Depicting initial clashes of personalities or beliefs, embarrassing situations, or by common misunderstanding
Mise-en-scene and Cinematography Excercise
Group Members: Rebecca, Jamie, Miranda
Genre: Horror
Scene Plot Outline:
A young girl arrives back at school to find her best friend dead on the floor of the locker corridor. She is scared and nervous, worried about what has happened. She hears footsteps and begins to turn around.
Genre: Horror
Scene Plot Outline:
A young girl arrives back at school to find her best friend dead on the floor of the locker corridor. She is scared and nervous, worried about what has happened. She hears footsteps and begins to turn around.