Cars - film analysis

Institutional information

Cars is a children's animation film that was released in 2006, and was directed by John Lasseter and Joe Ranft. The film is rated 7.2 stars out of 10 on the IMDB website and made $60,119,509 in the opening weekend; taking a gross of $244,052,711. Cars was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Ambition Studios and runs for 117 minutes. 

Narrative

The animation film Cars follows a very famous racing car, Lightning McQueen as he loses his way when travelling to a race, and watches him as he discovers the true meaning of friendship in a small town Radiator Springs. Automatically, it is clear that the film doesn't present any realism, something that often appeal to young children as it allows them to use their imagination. The film uses a linear narrative.

Mise en scene

The introduction of Cars begins with a black screen and a voice over the top of the shot. Dark screen signifies a possible element of danger to the film, representing a disruption in film which engages the audience. A visual of racing cars on what looks like a racing track connotes a fast paced film; and the bright colours used signifies youthfulness, appealing to children as it is an animation film. However, there is a contrast between the cuts to black screens and the bright colours suggesting there are both positive and negative aspects to the film. This shot introduces the main character in film, which allows the audience, primarily children, to form a bond with the character. The focus on the wheel also suggests that the film is based around cars; the colour red represents a passion as well as danger. It could also signify a romantic element in the film. One of the opening shots shows a name on the side of the car 'Lightning McQueen' again reinforcing the main character, as the audience is children it helps to make it memorable for them. 

The lighting is a mixture of low key and high key lighting, which represents happiness as well as

seriousness; it confuses the audience as it builds tension because they don't know what is going to happen in the film. We finally learn where the opening is based through this establishing shot. There are a lot of flashing lights which would signify that the character is of importance; and the expression on his face suggests arrogance and confidence.

Editing/camera angles

Cars is an entirely animated film so the voices of each of the characters is recorded pre production of the animation.

The beginning of the sequence starts with a series of jump cuts between a black screen and a whip pan showing cars racing on a track. The quick cuts between the shots creates tension for the audience as they don't know what will appear next. A canted frame low angle shot is used to introduce the main character, and by using this shot it represents him as dominant and powerful; like he is superior to others, it also creates an interesting angle to appeal to the audience. This shot also has a shallow focus, which could connote that the character is important and possibly better than others.

The camera pans around to create a moving establishing shot so that the audience are aware of the setting as it isn't made totally clear right at the start. Occasionally the camera tilts to show high and low angle. An arc shot circles the video screens on the opening signifying the importance of what is on the screens - the main character. Towards the end of the sequence an extreme long shot makes a rapid zoom into Lightning McQueen, which adds drama to the film.

Sound

The opening scene includes a voice over that introduces the character to the audience. It is effective because it used when the screen is black so it becomes intriguing to the audience as they don't have a visual on the character; it also gives a sense of subjectivity. There is also use of a diegetic sound effect that is added post production of car engines revving, which signifies the theme of the movie. A sound bridge begins when the audience is first visually introduced to the main character, and the tempo of the music builds; this presents slight tension, and it become loudest when the character is fully introduced. Underneath the sound bridge, there is non diegetic music of cheering in the stadium, signifying that the character is involved in a type of competition - providing the audience with a hint of the narrative. Dialogue comes into play at some points in the opening sequence which represents relationships between the different characters.

Conclusion

Generally, I think that the Cars opening sequence is reasonably effective because it follows typical conventions of children's animation films, and also gives a clear insight as to the narrative of the film. 

Captain America - film analysis

Institutional information

Captain America: The Winter Soldier was released in 2014, and the action adventure film was directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. It currently has a rating of 7.8 stars out of 10 on the IMDB website, and gained $95,023,721 on the opening weekend. With an overall gross taking of $259,746,598, the original budget was $170,000,000; the film was produced by Marvel Entertainment and runs for 136 minutes in total. 

Narrative

The action adventure film Captain America: The Winter Solider deals with the problems that Steve Rogers has to face in the modern world, and follows him as he teams up with the Black Widow in order to defeat assassin Winter Soldier. Just from the general narrative, it is clear what the genre is, as it involves battles and an antagonist and protagonist as the main characters. There is a disruption in this movie due to the assassin, so this also follows the conventions of action adventure. The film follows a linear narrative.

Mise en scene

The opening scene begins with a whip pan of a spaceship that move off into the distance. Spaceships have stereotypical connotations of adventure films, which fits with the genre. There is an establishing shot that shows the sky, and another that they are flying over the sea, which show that the characters are in an isolated area, building the tension as it makes the audience aware that there is limited outside help if the protagonists get into trouble.

 The scene then changes to inside what is presumed to be the spaceship, with the crew gathered around a high tech computer; this connotes that the film is set in modern times therefore there is more technology. We then see one of the characters jump out of the spaceship with a shield and fly down towards the Earth. From this it signifies to the audience that he is on a mission, which fits in with the genre of the film. There is a fight scene involving the characters seen at the beginning, which would connote that there is violence within the film; something that conforms to the action adventure genre. The violence also creates a gripping story line that draws the audience in as they are eager to learn the outcome of the fights to ensure the characters are ok. 

The entire opening sequence is filmed in low key lighting which intensifies the shadows produced to create an eerie and dramatic effect. The dark light represents that there is going to be a disruption in the film, which is a typical convention of action adventure.

Editing/camera angles

The first shot in the opening sequence is a whip pan, where the image is virtually blurred beyond recognition. Doing this signifies the speed that they are going, which connotes the fast pace of the film, making it look thrilling and enticing. A medium shot is used to introduce the characters to the audience who are all dressed in black, and it shows the antagonist on the screen, representing the characters as the protagonists. Low angle shots are used often to frame the protagonists which presents then as being more powerful and dominant compared to other characters we meet during the film. Two shots show a relationship between two of the protagonists, one of them being a possible love interest. An overhead shot is positioned above Captain America to show his superhero like move, representing the action part of the genre. Zoom follows the jump out of the spaceship. An establishing tracker shot shows where the character is going (the boat) and builds up tension as the audience are anticipating a disruption in the film. Visual effects are added post production to add excitement and engage the viewer, meeting the conventions  of the genre.

Sound

The first sound we hear in the opening sequence is a sound effect of a spaceship zooming past at high speed. Obviously this type of sound can't be naturally recorded, so a special effect is put in post-production to create the desires effect on the audience. Within the first few seconds, this sound has added tension to the film as speed generally represents that someone is on a mission or looking for something. This conforms to the conventions of an action adventure. A sound bridge faintly plays in the background of the opening scene, and the pre-recorded music has a high tempo, signifying that the characters are under pressure; it also has a tense feeling to it, drawing the audience in. Dialogue is included during the opening, and this helps the audience to connect with the characters as most of the time the conversation is personal; it reveals information about the character so the they are more relatable. During some of the fight scenes, incidental music is used to add tension to the film and create an atmosphere that links to the genre. Sound effects are used often in fights and on the space ship to add drama to the scene grip the audience on what is happening; it helps to relay the sincerity of the situation.

Conclusion

Overall, I feel that Captain America: The Winter Soldier is very effective at opening the film because it uses most of the conventions of the genre, has added special effects to compel the audience and used props. It signifies the narrative of the film and stereotypical character groups.

Love, Rosie - film analysis

Institutional information

The romantic comedy Love, Rosie was released in 2014, and the 102 minute film has a 7.2 star rating on the IMDB website. Directed by Christian Ditter, the film has currently earned $14,893; it was produced by Canyon Creek Films .

Narrative 

Love, Rosie is a romance film that follows the relationship between Rosie and Alex as they grow up, and how their relationship changes; the characters are played by Sam Claflin and Lily Collins. The film immediately follows stereotypical conventions of a romantic film, by developing a relationship between two characters that inevitably fails, forming the disruption in the movie. It also conventionally follows a stereotypical narrative, by using flash backs and flash-forwards within the opening scene. The narrative is clearly linear as it follows the journey of the characters as they grow up and form a relationship.

Mise en scene

The opening to Love, Rosie begins with an introducing medium close up shot of one of the main
characters, Rosie, looking emotional and not paying attention to the surroundings. The way she looks signifies that something or someone has upset or hurt her; a stereotypical feature of a romantic film. She is wearing a smart dress and has her make up and hair done, suggesting that she is at an event or a party - this is confirmed when the camera zooms out and shows what appears to be a wedding venue, shown by the typical wedding decoration and other characters attire. The inclusion of a marriage in a romantic comedy, especially paired with the facial expressions of Rosie, would suggest that there has been a disruption in the film, a conventional feature of the genre.

The opening then flashes back to when the main character was a child and playing with a little boy, presumed to be the second important character in the film. Referring to their relationship early on in the film allows the audience to connect with the pair, engaging them into the movie, making it more compelling to watch. The background of the flash backs - mainly in medium and long shots - allows us to discover that the film is set in modern times, as there is up to date technology, fashion, buildings, however there is no indication as to the country that the film is set in.
The proxemics of the characters as the flashbacks play signify a closeness in relationship, relating to the genre of the film.

The lighting of all the shots is bright, representing that Love, Rosie is a positive film, something that fits with the comedy side of the genre. There are occasional low key lighting, but only at times when a character is upset, representing the mood of the scene. 

Editing/camera angles

The first shot shows a close up of a main character that gradually zooms out to reveal more information on the location of the film. The zoom out creates a slightly dramatic effect as the audience are unaware as to why the character looks emotional. There is no set establishing shot, but it is made clear through the mise en scene where the opening is based. There are a lot of two shots with both characters in; this is something that represents the relationship that the film is based on, showing how they become closer. Equally, close ups are frequent, as they present the emotion of the characters to the audience. The film uses a few low angle shot of the two children together where they are holding hands; this particular shot works to present the children's 'relationship' as strong as

by looking up towards them and their hands it connotes that the relationship is dominant and strong. The camera transitions from deep focus of Rosie to shallow focus of them holding hands, possibly representing the transition or change in their relationship.
A variety of typography is used in the opening sequence; that of the credits and also hand written sub-heading to match the dialogue. Both fonts are white which has connotations of purity, and innocence, something that is reflected though the child play and close bond that the children share. The typography of the credits is quite a modern style, signifying the time that the film is set in, and the handwritten typography is used almost like notes that the character has written, sharing a part of how the person thinks with the audience, allowing them to relate and connect to the character.

Sound

Throughout the entire opening sequence, there is a pre-recorded sound bridge that plays over the film, with ambient sound in the background. The sound bridge is a very up beat song, something that is stereotypical in romantic comedies, particularly the comedy aspect.

 The diegetic sound helps the audience to build up an idea as to the location as there is no specific establishing shot. During the opening sequence there is a voice over provided by the main character that gives the audience an insight as to how the character thinks and feels - this helps to create a strong connection between the audience and the character. The voice over is represented as the thoughts that are in her head. 

Conclusion

Overall, I would say that the opening to Love, Rosie is an effective opening; this is because it engages the audiences attention by focusing on the two main characters, and it signifies that as in all romantic comedies, they will inevitably fall in love. It shows the audience with in two minutes the journey the pair have been on, and it sets the viewers up to continue watching how their relationship changes. This pulls them in, making them want to watch more.

Forrest Gump - film analysis

Institutional information

Forrest Gump is a drama film that was released in October 1994 after being directed by Robert Zemeckis. The 12 rated 143 minute long film  fetched $11,302,303 in the opening weekend , and took $15,803823 gross in 1995. It was produced by Paramount Pictures, and is currently rated 8.8 stars out of 10 on the IMDB website.

Narrative

Forrest Gump is a romantic drama that follows Forrest through his eventful life in America, although this is all irrelevant to him as all he can think about is his childhood sweetheart Jenny. The opening to the film introduces it as a drama due to the music and focus on one particular character (Forrest) and no one else. It is made clear that he is the main character which allows the audience to build a bond and form a connection with him, making them more emotionally involved in the film.

Mise en scene 

The opening scene to Forrest Gump begins with a main focus of a feather floating down, with the
camera following it. Stereotypically, feathers have connotations of freedom and peace and the white colour of the feather signifies an angelic aspect to the film as well as purity. The feather is first introduced in front of a dark sky, suggesting to the audience that the dark sky represents a negative aspect of a characters life and that the feather is a possible glimmer of hope.
By the camera tracking and panning to follow the feather it produces an establishing shot that shows the audience where the location is; an American town or city, suggesting realism in the film.
The audience follow the journey of the feather as it gets closer to the ground, interacting with more people, suggesting that the characters in the film are quite down to Earth and grounded. The fact that the feather lands at Forrest's feet signifies to the audience that it is fate and it makes the audience think that the feather could represent Forrest as a person.
We first meet the main character when the feather lands on his shoes; we see that he is wearing a smart linen suit, although paired with the muddy trainers could connote that Forrest doesn't necessarily pay massive attention to his appearance. Equally, the muddy shoes would normally be

associated with teenagers perhaps, although this is deceived when the audience see his face. The genteel way that Forrest picks up the feather shows that audience that he is slightly different to other people, as this would not normally be something that attracts a persons attention like it does Forrest's. Similarly, the way that the main character is sat makes the audience aware to possible social difficulties that he has, as he acts in a very nervous manner. Upon putting the feather in his suitcase, the audience see what appears to be children's story book; connoting that although he is an adult he still has child like tendencies, giving a possible insight to the narrative of the film.
With him sitting at the bus stop and paying attention to the bus that arrives, it symbolises that he is about to embark on a journey, also supported by props he is using; a suitcase and its contents.
The light in the opening sequence changes from dark to light as the music begins, signifying to the audience that something good is going to happen in the town. Given that the light is very natural, it suggests realism and that the town is ordinary and that anything can happen.

Editing/camera angles

The opening to Forrest Gump uses one continuous shot for 2.30 minutes, with a small cut to a second shot at the end. The continuous shot pans and tracks the feather that floats down from the sky to Forrest's feet, creating an establishing shot and aerial shot in one long sweep. This shot also turns into a high angle shot, over the shoulder shot and overhead shot toward the end of the opening sequence. The way the camera has been used is very skillful, merging all the different types of shot together with out cutting once; the continuity of the shot and the focus of the feather draws the audience into the film, to follow the journey of the feather. The way that the camera uses the feather to introduce the character ensures that the shot isn't broken, representing possibly how the characters goes through life. Shallow focus is used to draw attention to the feather.

The main credits of the film run through the opening sequence, fading in then back out again. The major cast and crew  are included in the credits which all appear in white. The colour of the text represents similar ideas to the feather; purity, innocence and an angelic aspect to the film.

A Sans serif font is used, and this typography relates back to the Roman Empire, signifying a traditional element in the film.

Sound

The opening to the film includes a sound bridge that covers the entire sequence; the sounds has a mythical feel to it, and is the type of music associated with drama as it sounds quite emotional, evoking a sympathetic feeling within the audience. There is also use of ambient sound, including; birds and traffic - this helps to create an atmosphere that the audience can relate to as it something most people are familiar with. It also creates a sense of realism in the film. Diegetic sound comes into play when the camera is focused on the main character, with the noise from the actions Forrest makes, and the bus arriving. 

Conclusion

I think that Forrest Gump uses a lot of stereotypical features of a drama film, including conventional sound bridges, very skilled camera work, and a relatable mise en scene that draws the audience in. However due to the lack of varied shots, it can feel slightly boring and can take quite a while to become engaged in the film.

Woman in Black - film analysis

Institutional information

Woman in Black is a 12 rated film produced by Cross Creek Pictures. The 93 minute long movie was directed by James Watkins and is currently rated 6.5 stars out of 10 on the IMDB website. The opening weekend of the film produced $20,874,072, while the gross profit is $54,322,273; the budget for this film was $17,000,000. It was successful in its opening.

Narrative

The Woman in Black, made in 2012, is a supernatural horror film involving a lawyer that discovers a vengeful ghost in a deserted house. The film builds up to introducing the main setting, which creates tension within the audience as the locations is not yet revealed. The area surrounding the house is very isolated and secluded from 'reality', thus makes the audience feel more apprehensive about the film as locations like this are often associated with horror, presenting a typical horror convention. 

Mise en scene

The opening of the film begins with  children playing with a china tea set and dolls; this already creates a tense atmosphere as stereotypically old fashioned children's toys are used in horror films, which presents the genre of the film immediately. The shots of the china dolls are close up, not revealing the entire scene until 20 seconds in. Again this creates suspense as the audience are unaware of the location.
The lighting in the opening isn't entirely dark, but there is gloomy feeling to the light in the room. Only natural light is used making some areas of the room dark, but a sepia type effect has been used to diminish bright colours which creates a more mysterious atmosphere. This effect also signifies film from years ago, as generally older films have less colour. A flashback is often used to show how something has changed over time or affected the present, so this gives the audience an idea that the clip is the cause for the disruption in the film.
The characters, 3 little girls, are wearing traditional Edwardian clothing, representing the time that the film is set in. This is also reflected in the toys that are in the background, which appears to be a nursery.
A long shot is then used to establish the location with a better view - it shows the three children using direct mode of address looking at the camera. It provides a haunting shot that connects with the audience, allowing them to relate to the characters, although also proves chilling, leaving the audience in anticipation of something to come. The girls then simultaneously stare to the bay window at the other end of the room which signifies that someone has told them to. As the audience can't see if there is anyone behind the camera, it creates tension and suspense - a key horror convention.
A series of close ups and medium shots follows this, showing the girls drop everything they are holding and move towards the window. The way that they do this possibly shows they have been possessed, something that is common in horror and will meet that audiences expectations. When the characters move towards the window, they step on the china dolls heads, smashing them. Their complete disregard to the toys they were previously playing with could connote that they are no
longer who they once were e.g they have been possessed. The smashing of the dolls head may represent a lost childhood or destroyed happiness.
An eye level shot is used to capture the girls emotions, however due to the possible possession, they are displaying no feelings as they are being told what to do. We then see the three girls stand in front of the windows, which causes tension as well as shock, because the little girls are portrayed as innocent and sweet. The children then jump out of the window, leaving the audience stunned as to what has just happened; the camera zooms out to reveal a black figure with a vail, confirming that the girls were possessed. This sets the film up to involve said black figure, conforming to the conventions of horror.

Editing/camera angles

The Woman in Black uses a lot of quick cuts to create tension for the audience , something that is typically used to stir emotions. Most of the opening is shot in a slight slow motion, which makes the audience aware of every aspect of the shot; it also has a sinister and creepy feel to it, as every move is slow which builds tension as the audience is waiting for something to happen. There are a lot of extreme close ups and close ups, particularly on the china tea set and the girls faces. This puts specific attention to the things that are close up, giving the audience something to focus on and think about. A jump shot is used to show a cup falling from a child's hand and smashing to the floor, giving emphasis on how the children have lost interest in their dolls and are doing what someone is telling them to without thinking. The camera also uses deep focus on some of the dolls to imitate the things surrounding it, especially as there are a lot of toys in a nursery. A high shot of the three girls shows that they are inferior to whoever is 'possessing' them, and that that person holds dominance in the situation. Cuts are used most commonly to change shots, as this can help to create suspense for the audience.

Sound

The entire opening of the film uses a pre recorded non-diegetic sound track of a slanted take on old fashioned nursery rhyme. Stereotypically, this type of music is associated with the genre horror as the sounds can be ominous and eerie, so the use in this circumstance seems to fit. Towards the end of the opening when the three girls are standing at the window, non-diegetic sounds of church bells begin to play. This has significance because it signifies death as they are bells that may be played at a funeral, so it foreshadows what is about to happen. The bells also add tension to the clip. There us one section of diegetic sound, which comes from the mother as she screams 'my babies' once the girls have jumped. This evokes empathy from the audience. 

Conclusion

Conventionally, I think that The Woman in Black opening sequence follows typical horror elements, as the music fits in with stereotypical horror sound, the camera work and editing is used to have a tense effect on the audience, and the mise en scene throughout the opening scene is similar to other horror  films.

Conventions of drama

• Drama films are often built up on a characters journey and development through a period of time. It often focuses on a emotional ordeal or real life situation and follows the character through it. 
• Most dramas conventionally consist of a protagonist, who is usually the person going through an emotional journey and is easily relatable to the target audience. An antagonist, a helper, and a best friend.
• As a genre, drama films are typically narrative driven in a realistic setting, so that the audience are drawn in and are able to sympathise with the characters as they are moved by their journey.
• Drama film generally follow Todorov's narrative theory - with an equilibrium, disruption and a realisation or resolve. This genre rarely abruptly ends  on a cliffhanger as the audience prefer to feel satisfied that there has been a resolve in the plot.
• the mise en scene generally consists dull lighting (for a serious and emotional effect) - although natural lighting is often used to create a life like situation, close ups of characters (to show their emotions and facial expressions) and low angle and high angle shots (to portray strengths and weaknesses between the characters.
• The genre occasionally have topics where they try to defy the stereotypes that are associated with them; which helps to diminish  common misconceptions about the subject.

Introduction post

My name is Annabel Wilford, and I'm currently in Chenderit sixth form taking AS media. I am hoping to study media & communications at university so I would really like a strong grade to help me get into the university of my choice. From this course I would like to learn the way that films are creatd and the processes in which this is done; as well as understanding media as an industry and the different aspects of the film industry in particular. This blog has been created so that I can upload all of my AS media coursework into one place.