BLK Homework 2 - Film Clip Analysis

This is a clip from the action film Fast & Furious 5




Film Making Conventions

• The mise-en-scene is a dark abandoned warehouse/garage, this highlights they are working on something which is highly secretive and big. 
• The scene displays the idea of conflict through difference in opinions between individual characters (0.28), this creates suspense and therefore keeps the audience entertained and interested.
• The MCU with the moving camera (0.04), shows Vin Diesel’s facial expressions
• The high angle shot when opening the map (0.21), emphasises their teamwork and that they are planning a mission which should be carried out flawlessly, this a concept often repeated in this particular genre.
• The use of natural lighting keeps the hideout very simple.
• The use simple cuts as transitions, builds up the pace and leads more dramatically to the big mission.

Cultural Codes

• The inclusion of Vin Diesel in the cast automatically highlights the genre to the audience, as they recognise him from other action films playing a similar role.
• The scene is a typical heist scene; the audience can relate this to their knowledge of other films having similar scenes.
• ‘He runs the drug scene’ (0.12), this shows the conflict is between someone at a very high level in terms of power and reputation. 
• The use of comedy which appeals to the audience relating money is effective during a serious scene (0.51).
• The mise-en-scene is a dark abandoned warehouse/garage, typical to this genre and in particular this type of scene where something is being planned.

 Homework 1 (DYM)








This is a still of Bane from the film ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, a superhero film.

This is a low angle shot and this particular composition implies a lot about the subject. The framing emphasises Bane’s superiority, power, control and emphasises his dominance over the helpless public he wants to kill. The low angle shot also creates an affect of him looking down on someone/something, which informs the audience something bad is happening or going to happen. The shot also uses low key lighting and lots of shadows, these highlight Bane’s character and his feeling, as he plays the negative role in the film. The setting is underground, therefore dark and dirty. The mise-en-scene includes rusty bars, which presents the place as a prison. The focus is on Bane’s face, as that’s where the light in the shot falls, this emphasises the anger in his eyes. His appearance raises various different questions and the unknown, creates suspense and fear.

I chose this shot because the framing has been done very well, as it focuses on Bane’s facial expressions as well as the key mise-en-scene in the background. The use of lighting and shadows are successful and they portray the right ideas to the audience.

 Homework (BLK)

Reflections

Representation

The genre we chose was horror. Shots from this particular genre often feature dim lighting, shadows and have a subject which raises narrative enigma. Taking these factors into consideration, we included a sleeping young female; this represents her innocence, her vulnerability and the unknown. In addition to this, we also included a huge shadow of a hand, which emphasises the genre, as she is clearly going to be attacked in her sleep showing she is the helpless victim. The use of low key lighting and shadows highlights the conventions of the genre and represents our chose genre.

How we achieved the shot?

To get a good shot we knew we had to ensure the lighting was suitable as this is a key part of the genre, the dark lighting helps portray the fear and vulnerability. In order to achieve this we had to choose a location within the school, which was dark. Therefore, we chose to shoot the shot under stairs. We used an extra light and one of our hands to achieve the effect of a big shadow.

What is successful about our shot?

I think our shot was successful as we clearly portray the genre we chose. Our lighting is effective, as it’s dim and the use of shadows reinforces the gloomy atmosphere. The use of the character’s innocence through her sleep creates dramatic irony as the audience are aware she is going to be attacked, whereas she isn’t. The position of the subject presents her being very vulnerable and a helpless victim, following some of the genre’s key conventions.

Possible improvements

In terms of the shot’s composition, I would frame the shot much tighter and reduce the unwanted mise-en-scene. I will also make the subject’s facial expressions more visible. This is will give more focus on the subject, which will create a better effect. I would make the lighting more dimmer, to make it even gloomier and horrific.