AS MEDIA SITE
ABDULRAZAK MEDIA BLOG
What is a film genre?
Daniel Chandlers theory
Daniel chandlers theory is every single genre has different codes and convention and the audiences know what to expect in each category. An example is each genre has different themes or settings. Each category have their own cinematography, Mise en scene, camera work, editing and sound. Each genre have their on specific element. An example of a specific genre is supernatural. Us audiences expect supernatural films to have a hero, who gains new powers and is good looking and dominant. and is mostly set in urban areas. This is something to expect in every supernatural films. But in romance films we expect the film to be set in romantic countries like Paris were it is rich and tourist attractions.
A genre is the classification of any media text into a category or type. an example is Action, Drama, Romance, Adventure. Genre have characteristics features that are known to and recognized by audiences. Genre tend to have identifiable codes and convention. (stereotype). Genre can be useful because different people have different interest in what they watch. an example could be someone could like action but they watch romance. this would be a disaster and could lose audiences as the audience don't like the type of film category they are watching. Films use hybirdisation which is when different genres are used in one movie for example action comedy adventure.
This was Daniel chandlers convention on narartive
​•NARRATIVE - similar plots and structures, predictable situations, sequences, episode
•CHARACTERS - similar types of characters (sometimes stereotypes), roles, personal qualities, motivations, goals, behavior.
•THEMES - topics, subject matter (social, cultural, psychological, professional, political, sexual, moral), ideologies and values.
•SETTING - geographical and historical;
•ICONOGRAPHY - echoes the narrative, characters, themes and setting, a familiar stock of images or motifs, the connotations of which have become fixed. Includes decor, costume and objects, certain 'typecast' performers familiar patterns of dialogue, characteristic music and sounds,
•FILMING TECHNIQUES - stylistic or formal conventions of camerawork, lighting, sound-recording, use of colour, editing, obstacles, conflicts and resolutions.
Rick Altman's theory
Film theorist Rick Altman argues that there is no such thing as "pure" genre. Genre is continuing. He also believed that the audience disliked the fact that genre practically hasn't changed.
He thinks that generic convention are very much a thing in the past. He also thinks audiences have become tired of the same formula, and they get mixed up a lot.
An explanation of what you understand by the term narrative?
Todorovs theory explained and applied to a film?
Propps theory explained and applied to a film?
Strauss theory explained and applied to a film?
Barthes theory explained and applied to a film?
Todorovs theory was that movies have a specific structure it goes in. this was his way of explaining narrative.
equilibrium- everything is peaceful and harmonious.
disruption- something happens that disrupts the peace and needs to be sorted.
recognition of disruption- heroes work out what is it that they need to do to solve the problem.
repairing the damage- heroes overcome obstacles.
new equilibrium- peace and harmony is restored, then something changes.
Here is an example of a movie that uses this narrative.
-
woody is the leader and everyone lives happily together.
-
then buzz arrives at home and disrupts the peace.
-
then Sid comes and try's to destroy them.
-
buzz and woody try to catch up to the car using a rocket while in traffic.
-
then Christmas arrives and they all are happy.
Todorovs theory was that movies have a specific structure it goes in. this was his way of explaining narrative.
equilibrium- everything is peaceful and harmonious.
disruption- something happens that disrupts the peace and needs to be sorted.
recognition of disruption- heroes work out what is it that they need to do to solve the problem.
repairing the damage- heroes overcome obstacles.
new equilibrium- peace and harmony is restored, then something changes.
Here is an example of a movie that uses this narrative.
-
woody is the leader and everyone lives happily together.
-
then buzz arrives at home and disrupts the peace.
-
then Sid comes and try's to destroy them.
-
buzz and woody try to catch up to the car using a rocket while in traffic.
-
then Christmas arrives and they all are happy.
Claude-Levi-Strauss
He suggested that production of meaning depended on the concept of binary opposition. His theory suggested that binary oppositions develop the meaning. There are always two things that juxtapose against each other to create conflict in a story. Each genre contains different binary oppositions. For example, in comedy films there are Smart vs Dumb or likable vs meaner characters. Stories have bcome more complex
-
Setters vs Americans
-
Christian vs pagan
-
Domestic vs Savage
-
Weak vs Strong
-
Good vs Evil
A film that has binary opposition is toy story again.
Humans vs Toys
Good vs Bad
love vs hatred
Roland Bathes Theory
He argues that narrative is told through a series of codes that are used to control the way which information is given to the audience.
Here are some codes and convention
Enigma= Narrative that makes audience solve a puzzle.
Action codes= shoot out, violence, explosions, fights (something that keeps you interested)
He believes that their are codes that bring audiences to the edge of their sits.
Nick Lacey
Setting
Character
Narrative
Iconography
style
Lacey’s Repertoire of Elements
Narrative is a telling of a story and how they are structured or organised. Also how they are understood by the audience. All narrative have a meaning.
Narrative is usually developed through characters and their functions (hero, villain etc). Some characters are so closely associated with a genre that they become generic types.
Setting, includes the time and location in which a story takes place, and helps initiate the main backdrop and mood for a story.
Title Analysis- Tintin the movie
The poster film Tintin has many connotation and denotation, the title tintin itself is yellow, this shows us that yellow has a connotation of 'cowardice' 'bright' and 'in-between' this could give us a brief understanding on the main character as he explores different Adventures.
BBFC
The British Board of Film Censors was established in 1912 by the film industry. This was because the BBFC was set up in order to bring evenness and equality to the standards.
​
Do the BBFC have the right to decide what people watch?
Local people in charge remain legally responsible for what is shown in movies under the Licensing Act 2003 and can still reject the decisions of the BBFC. This happens sometimes. Local People in charge add a system where leaders are chosen by votes.
How does the BBFC classify films & videos / DVDs?
​
​
​
Films for cinema release are usually rated by at least two Examiners and they use the BBFC's published Guidelines to help them decide what rating to give the film. Most of the time the decision is approved by a Examiner, but if the Examiners are not sure or if a film is between two categories, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be checked by othermembers of the BBFC, and including the higher ups
Zombieland BBFC
Details
Title-ZOMBIELAND
Also known as
ZOMBIELAND - INTERNATIONAL TRAILER A,TRAILER A
Year-2009
Formats-DVD, Cinema
Distributor(s)-Sony DADC UK Limited,Columbia Pictures Corporation Ltd.
Classified date(s)-22/01/2010
Main language-English
BBFC reference-AZF261766
​
These are some of the things the bbfc look out for.
-
Sex
-
Nudity
-
Drugs
-
Context
-
Affect on the audience
-
language
-
Violence
Todd Phillips
Todd Phillips is the director of hangover. He has created many similar films, for example Borat, Project X and Road Trip. I chose Todd Philips because he has created many other films that are comedy/action/adventure. Our main film we admire is hangover as it going to be similar to our opening sequence.
​
​
Todd Philips uses lots of long shots and mid shots to show closeness between the characters, for example in hangover we always see the friends together through long shots and mid shots. He loves to use these shots to show friendships.
our film bbfc
I believe that opening sequence will be aged 12A because we we won't be using violent language or fighting but we will be doing a chase scene on streets and using a gun which is not suitable for young children under 12 because they haven't matured and it will give a bad example to them. as well as our target audience is teenagers.
​
our opening sequence won't have violence or any sexual references or nudity or uses of illegal drugs.
Zombieland opening sequence 1
In the beginning of Zombie land, the opening sequence starts off with a Dutch angle looking at the American flag. This could connote that America has fallen and the fact that the country flag is upside down could denote America has been destroyed and doomed. This is subversive because America tends to be a powerful country and not taken over. Secondly Direct address is used as the character is talking to the audience about America been obliterated. This lets the audience know what has happened to America and lets the audience become aware of what’s happening.We then see a character having a hand held camera to show us his situation. This lets the audience feel like they are the ones that are in the situation and are experiencing the event. It also makes the audience feel like they are the ones getting chased by the zombie and puts the audience at the edge of their sets.We also hear diegetic sound of cars getting burned, police sirens and the man running of fear. This lets us hear what the character in the scene is hearing to make us hear what is happening in the scene. Furthermore, we see a point of view shot were the character looks down and we see guns on the floor. This connotes that action is happening and its being used to kill the zombies. We also see him look at the zombie. The mise en scene of the zombie was that it was wearing a suit with blood on its face, this is seen in a low angle shot when the man is crawling away as he looks up to him. This makes the zombie seem more powerful, dominant and terrifying.Moreover, we see the white house being destroyed and smoking, this is seen in a point of view shot when the character looks at the white house. This tells the audience that even the most powerful buildings of leaders that their countries have been overruled.Furthermore, a tracking out shot is used to show us the devastating form of the earth letting us the audience see the current state of the earth. This connotes that the earth is doomed and has been ruled over by the zombie. It also implies that not only America has fallen but the world. Then we see a long two shot of the zombie chasing the fat man. This shows us just how fast and terrifying they are, and direct address is used to give the audiences a tip/rules to escape the zombies.Later on we see a long shot of zombies chasing and cars crashing. This could also connote that zombie are everywhere and uninfected people are also panicking causing destruction upon their selves, by crashing into each other, this is seen in another long shots. This shows us that not only are the zombies destroying but also the human race is against each other.We later on see a high angle shot of a man taking a dump in the toilet. This shot connotes that the man is weak and in a vulnerable place. We also see a mid shot of the guy in the toilet looking very terrified and scared for his life. furthermore, we see a high angle extreme long shot of a children's birthday party. We again see a mid shot of a women also looking sad and scared because her children are infected but in the same time every man for himself.
Rush hour 3 Opening sequence 2
In the opening sequence for Rush our, it starts of with a birds eye view zooming into the city where tonnes of traffic is taking place. We also hear this through ambient sound of the traffic horn. This would signify that the city is busy and people are in a rush to places, this could be linked to the film title 'Rush hour'. We then see a Aerial high angle shot of the traffic coming towards the a character dancing on the street, this is subverting police traffic controls doing silly behavior on the street as police tend to do good things for their country. To back this up we see him singing Do Me Baby!" by Prince in the middle of the street doing Micheal Jackson dance moves, this again is subverting police as they mostly concentrate on their jobs and are aware of their surroundings. The music Do Me Baby!" by Prince is quit old and is unusual for a police to be listening to that type of music as we tend to listen to modern songs mostly but it conforms to stereotypes of middle aged men tend to enjoy past songs. Another thing that is conforming is the way he sings, he sings in a girlish voice which is subverting stereotypes of police men singing in a feminine voice. We then see a long shot
Beverly Hill cops opening sequence 3
One way mise-en-scene is used to relate to comedy action is by the props. A police car and van is used for a high speed chase as these type of vehicles are typical of the action genre with all the destruction happening to the size of the two objects. Another way mise-en-scene is used is by costumes. The rough clothing of the people in the van indicated they were the robbers and the police in uniform showed they were with the law. Action comedy movies typically have two sides like the good and evil for example in rush hour.
One way sound is used to show this is a action comedy is by the soundtrack. The soundtrack is a upbeat 1980s-1990s disco music. This type of music is used in comedy to introduce the characters as clumsy and joyful. Another way sound is used is by the diegetic sound. The use of the sirens and busy road indicates actions is about to go down in a high speed car chase which is often happening in action movies.
One way editing is used to show this is a action adventure movie is by match on action to show the quick pace action that is going on the scene. This subverts the typical action comedy movies as the main formula is for fast pace comedic action. Another way editing is used is by the shot reverse shot during the conversation. This is used to show both the facial expression of the characters and for the audience to follow alon g the funny dialogue .
​
One way cinematography is used is by long shots used in the introduction of the scene to show how the setting is like. The pedestrians always look back in the long shot showing how people are on edge which could foreshadow action which is typically used in a comedy action movie. Another way cinematography is used is by close ups during the deal. This shows the emotion on the peoples face. The funny expression on the peoples face make the atmosphere more humorous.
Settings
Now you see me 2 is set in 3 different locations
Narrative
The Four Horsemen return for a moment mind-twisting enterprise, raising the breaking points of stage deception higher than ever and taking them around the world. One year in the wake of outsmarting the FBI and winning the general population's worship with their Robin Hood-style enchantment displays, the illusionists reemerge for a rebound execution with expectations of uncovering the untrustworthy practices of a tech head honcho. The man behind their vanishing demonstration is none other than Walter Mabry, a tech wonder who debilitates the Horsemen into pulling off their most inconceivable heist yet. Their lone trust is to perform one final extraordinary trick to clear their names and uncover the driving force behind it all.
The four horsemen are the main characters in the film
Character
Iconography
In now you see me 2 the would be the magics been shown on stages to show the audience that magic is good when an audience is there to see it first hand. The film itself makes the audience at the edge of their seat as we are keen to know how the magic is performed. This puts a enigma code on us.
STYLE
Rick Altman proposes that genre is extremely dynamic and is no longer pure. He accepts average traditions have turned out to be plain and exhausting to a crowd of people and need more to keep them engaged. Movies are getting to be distinctly hard to classifications because its not one genre this is the result of hybridisation. For instance rather than only a sentiment film, there are rom-coms or horror comedy.
U stands for Universal. This means it is suitable for anyone over the age of 4. These movies will have no sexual content, nudity, gore or violence
PG stands for parental guidance. This means anyone over the age of 8 can watch. It also indicates that parents can supervise/decide if their child can watch this. These films could be mildly violent, small amount of profanity, and very small or no sexual content
The number 12 represents that children under 12 are not allowed to view. These movies will have moderate violence, some sexual content and mild violence but the violence is not too detailed
Anyone under 15 cannot watch. These movies may include drug references, strong violence but no graphic content, some sexual activity .
18 and over only, no one under the age of 18 can view the film. This film is aimed at adults, their will be very strong violence, drug taking, strong horror, gore, sexual activity, frequent strong language and more.
​JAMES BOND SHOWER SCENE
(REPRESENTATION)
The iconography for this film would be cards and tricks they use to deceive their opponents.
Studio logo analysis
New line cinema is a production company that have made many comedy films. They have made Rush hour, 2 and 3, The mask, wedding crashers, central intelligence and more.
Audience Theory
There are 4 types of audience theories.
-
Hypothermic needle theory: The hypodermic needle theory is related to passive audience from 1950's-1960's) it has a direct and powerful effect, that injects information and message to the receiver.This is done trough propaganda with the purpose to make a expected response. This suggests that their is an intended message being directly received and totally accepted by the audience.
-
Two step flow theory: The theory of the two-step flow of mass communication was further developed by Lazarsfeld together with Elihu Katz. The book explains that people's reactions to media messages are mediated by interpersonal communication with members of their social environment. -
Mass audience theory- is a group of people consuming commercial TV programmes. -
Uses and gratification: Uses and gratifications theory is an approach to understanding why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs. UGT is an audience-centered approach to understanding mass communication.
Films Made
Camera Todd phillips uses MID shot - Long shot
Hangover 1 2 and 3
IN THIS SCENE MEN ARE REPRESENTED AS BEING MORE DOMINANT AND BRAVE. THIS IS SHOWN WHEN THERE IS A MID SHOT OF THE FEMALE ON THE FLOOR CRYING AND WATCHING WHILE BOND IS FIGHTING THE ENEMY. THIS SHOWS US THAT THE FEMALE IS WEAK AS SHE IS SCARED OF WHAT JUST HAPPENED. YOU CAN ALSO SEE THAT THE MALE IS IN CONTROL OVER THE LADY AND DOMINANT. YOU CAN SEE THIS WHEN HE TELLS THE FEMALE "GET MY KEYS UPSTAIRS" AND SHE DOES AS HE SAYS. FURTHERMORE THERE IS A SCENE WHERE BOND IS HAVING SOME ALCOHOL AND ON HE'S SHIRT IT IS COVERED IN BLOOD. THIS SUGGESTS THAT BOND IS NOT WORRIED AS HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND DOES NOT GET AFFECTED BY SITUATIONS WHERE PEOPLE DIE AS HE IS USED TO IT. HOWEVER THE FEMALE IS NOT AS STRONG AS BOND. THIS IS SHOWN WHEN BOND WALKS INTO THE SHOWER AND SEE'S HER CRYING AS SHE COULDNT HANDLE WHAT SHE HAD WITNESSED. BOND SITS NEXT TO HER AND SHE PUTS HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER THIS SHOWS THAT SHE RELIES ON HIM AND FEELS SAFE AROUND HIM. THIS ALSO REPRESENTS MEN AS BEING MORE POWERFUL AND PROTECTIVE OVER WOMEN. IN THIS SCENE YOU COULD ALSO SEE A LOT OF SKIN FROM THE FEMALE WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN THE SHOWER. THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THE MEDIA AS WOMEN ARE OFTEN SEXUALISED OR OBJECTIFIED. FURTHERMORE IN THE SCENE WHERE JAMES BOND IS SITTING ON A TABLE WITH OTHER MEN AT THE CASINO YOU COULD SEE THAT THERE ARE NO FEMALES AROUND. THE ABSENCE OF WOMEN HIGHLIGHTS PATRIARCHY AND ITS NOT A PLAY FOR WOMEN AS ITS MEN THAT PLAY GAMES NOT WOMEN.
What is narrative?
​
So what is narrative, it is when we watch motion pictures, TV programs and read books. Narrative gives a meaning to everything you read and watch.
Narrative has a story and a plot
Story - The story is all of the events that take place in the narrative. A story is a series of events recorded in a chronological order.
Plot - The plot is everything that is introduced in the media content; the sequence of events in a Story
This shows that she is controlled by bond, this shows that men are more dominant and forceful against women
This image shows one women on that table this shows us that poker is not something women play. This is patriarchy
Vlog
Post production vlog
These were general questions i asked mahfuz and jakiul how they feel about the course work and how they could've improved. Overall we though we were confident in preparing for our film as we had everything planned out and ready this was through the help of networking with friends.
After final cut vlog
​
​
On these two vlogs we talk about what we were happy about in our film and what we could've done to improve. I was happy with the opening sequence because we finished all the hard part that took long to make, but their was one thing i wasn't happy about and that was the out of focus shot, this was because we had no time left.