What techniques does the opening sequence use to appeal to a weekday mainstream audience?
The opening sequence uses The Uses and Gratifications Theory, to evoke emotions out of the audience. A weekday mainstream audience would be watching this program after work in the evenings, in the opening of the programme, the couple are shown to be getting ready for work in the morning, leading the audience to identify with the characters. This can also be seen through the realtionship that is shown between the two charcters, as the audience may be feeling liek that about a partner, and reflect on thier lives. Although as these things may not happen in actual life, the audience may use the program as escapism for thier real lives. As they may have the stresses of thier everyday work lives.
The audience may also form a relationship with those on screen, as the actor is well known in other BBC Dramas, and audience may watch it becuase of him, therefore having expectaions of the Drama.
Also, having the two characters speak in a foreign language, may inject ideas, attitudes and beliefs into the audience, the Hypodemic Needle Model, which belives that we are a passive audience, therefore, suggesting that us as an audience will believe that those that speak of a foreign language, are all terroists.
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Sunday 13 December 2009
Film Language Essay
Hot Fuzz (Fight Scene), 2007
This non-Hollywood film, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, is a comedy about city policeman that has been transferred to a small town, where he is paired with a relaxed and dim partner, who find that small towns are not all that they appear to be.
In the first 5 seconds, 3 cuts have already been used, going from a extreme long shot, closer long shot to a medium shot, connoting that the diecter wanted to portray the protagonist as strong, suggesting that in the next scene he is the most important subject. The music in these shots is contrapuntal to the setting as the props used are for celebratory purposes, and the non-diegetic sound used is suspense building that may be used in an oppositional Genre: western, this is also reinforced when the protagonist is chewing a prop: a cocktail stick, which is what characters in westerns would do. This reconstruction of a Western spoofed is used to continue the comedy through a near serious scene, which acts as escapism for the audience as rarely in life is there in chance to find something serious and make it into something funny.
The next is a high-angle shot on the school children, reinforcing the stereotypical view of juveniles, as vulnerable and passive, although the costume also reinforced this view as they are dressed in school uniforms that have 'hoodies' underneath them, suggesting that these youths are trying to rebel against the rules. Then having the protagonist in a low-angle shot portrays him as Proppian's idea of the hero. Both of these shots are from the point of views of the characters suggesting the conflictive mind of the character, as the protagonist is a police man, and now he is going to break the law and end up assaulting his oppositions, he is therefore torn with his occupation and standing for what he believes in: that these charcters need to be taught a lesson.
After this, the editing is sped up connoting that the action is starting, the use of cuts increases this speed and signifies the bluntness of the students. This is then lead on to a zoom in to all of the villains, connoting that the hero is about to come for them, in some of the shots, wipe's are used that signifies that these characters are all linked, in one of the shots, a close up of a sign :'come on in' is ironic as by the look of there faces suggests that they do not want the hero to come in. After this, there is a break where a long shot of the protagonist is shown, followed by a zoom of another character, but although this is still a zoom, the fact that there is a break from the villains and this character, it signifies that this character is different to the villains. A series of cuts are then used of the villains, the hero, and also the anonymous sided character.
After this, diagetic sound is emphasised throughout the shots, whilst the editing is sped up, connoting that a lot of things are now happening at the same time, which is the opposite of what the scene was like before, which is also parallel to the setting as it seems like a quiet and peaceful area, whereas now it is noisy and violent.
As the narrative has many villains, and the director has positioned them in all areas of the setting, it has now positioned the hero in a high-angle shot, connoting that he is now vulnerable and cannot do this alone. Using a hand held camera, or some of the camera work, puts the audience in the hero's position, therefore wanting the hero to succeed, this also creates the feel of actually being there, where they can give into their desires of being in a fight and winning it.
Using a tracking shot from the front, emphasises that one of the villains are coming for the protagonist, leaving the audience in suspense and fear as it feels that she is coming for them. Having the shot of the protagonist in a close up of the tip of the gun, connotes that even the audience may be at gun point, as he feels he cannot trust anyone, which leaves the audience on edge, wondering if even the protgonist can be trusted.
A pinncle point of the narrative is emphasised as the non-diegetic sound has stopped, but the diegetic sound still remains, highlighting the discovery of who the other policeman is siding with. The editing then goes to slow motion, where the diegetic sound comes back, but with an adrenaline rush feel to it, making the audience feel excited as the sound connotes that it is now time for the hero to win the fight with his sidekick.
The lighting through out of the scenes are natural, by this the audience can identify with the characters, or in fact the scenario, as many people are found that they are not what they appear to be, and are in fact the opposite of what they portray.
Overall, camera movement, editing, sound, setting and props are all a contribution to the effect on the audience and how they perceive the narrative and characters presented to them. From identifyng with them, to escaping from their lives.
This non-Hollywood film, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, is a comedy about city policeman that has been transferred to a small town, where he is paired with a relaxed and dim partner, who find that small towns are not all that they appear to be.
In the first 5 seconds, 3 cuts have already been used, going from a extreme long shot, closer long shot to a medium shot, connoting that the diecter wanted to portray the protagonist as strong, suggesting that in the next scene he is the most important subject. The music in these shots is contrapuntal to the setting as the props used are for celebratory purposes, and the non-diegetic sound used is suspense building that may be used in an oppositional Genre: western, this is also reinforced when the protagonist is chewing a prop: a cocktail stick, which is what characters in westerns would do. This reconstruction of a Western spoofed is used to continue the comedy through a near serious scene, which acts as escapism for the audience as rarely in life is there in chance to find something serious and make it into something funny.
The next is a high-angle shot on the school children, reinforcing the stereotypical view of juveniles, as vulnerable and passive, although the costume also reinforced this view as they are dressed in school uniforms that have 'hoodies' underneath them, suggesting that these youths are trying to rebel against the rules. Then having the protagonist in a low-angle shot portrays him as Proppian's idea of the hero. Both of these shots are from the point of views of the characters suggesting the conflictive mind of the character, as the protagonist is a police man, and now he is going to break the law and end up assaulting his oppositions, he is therefore torn with his occupation and standing for what he believes in: that these charcters need to be taught a lesson.
After this, the editing is sped up connoting that the action is starting, the use of cuts increases this speed and signifies the bluntness of the students. This is then lead on to a zoom in to all of the villains, connoting that the hero is about to come for them, in some of the shots, wipe's are used that signifies that these characters are all linked, in one of the shots, a close up of a sign :'come on in' is ironic as by the look of there faces suggests that they do not want the hero to come in. After this, there is a break where a long shot of the protagonist is shown, followed by a zoom of another character, but although this is still a zoom, the fact that there is a break from the villains and this character, it signifies that this character is different to the villains. A series of cuts are then used of the villains, the hero, and also the anonymous sided character.
After this, diagetic sound is emphasised throughout the shots, whilst the editing is sped up, connoting that a lot of things are now happening at the same time, which is the opposite of what the scene was like before, which is also parallel to the setting as it seems like a quiet and peaceful area, whereas now it is noisy and violent.
As the narrative has many villains, and the director has positioned them in all areas of the setting, it has now positioned the hero in a high-angle shot, connoting that he is now vulnerable and cannot do this alone. Using a hand held camera, or some of the camera work, puts the audience in the hero's position, therefore wanting the hero to succeed, this also creates the feel of actually being there, where they can give into their desires of being in a fight and winning it.
Using a tracking shot from the front, emphasises that one of the villains are coming for the protagonist, leaving the audience in suspense and fear as it feels that she is coming for them. Having the shot of the protagonist in a close up of the tip of the gun, connotes that even the audience may be at gun point, as he feels he cannot trust anyone, which leaves the audience on edge, wondering if even the protgonist can be trusted.
A pinncle point of the narrative is emphasised as the non-diegetic sound has stopped, but the diegetic sound still remains, highlighting the discovery of who the other policeman is siding with. The editing then goes to slow motion, where the diegetic sound comes back, but with an adrenaline rush feel to it, making the audience feel excited as the sound connotes that it is now time for the hero to win the fight with his sidekick.
The lighting through out of the scenes are natural, by this the audience can identify with the characters, or in fact the scenario, as many people are found that they are not what they appear to be, and are in fact the opposite of what they portray.
Overall, camera movement, editing, sound, setting and props are all a contribution to the effect on the audience and how they perceive the narrative and characters presented to them. From identifyng with them, to escaping from their lives.
Sunday 6 December 2009
Still Image Analysis : 'Mr & Mrs Smith'
Having this still shot in high key lighing connotes a sense of acievement or triumph for the protagonist. As this is also a low angle shot, it portrays the protagonist in a noble light, or a sense of achievement that they have. Using a long/medium shot, shows off the full of the protagonist but not the setting, showing that the setting is irrelivent, and only the protagonist is what matters, in the case of th storyline of the film.
This creates the idea od femme fetal, having a woman jumping off a building, as she is looking 'sexy' but also acting s the hero aswell, oppsing propp's idea of the princess.
Still Image Analysis : 'Disturbia'
This still shot uses low key lighting connoting and erie feel to the setting. Having low key lighting makes it harder for the audience to see the shot, hoping that the villain may also not see them. so Using a low angle shot connotes that the protagonist is vulenerable or in some type of danger.
Having the medium shot, brings the audeince to identify with the protagonists as they can see clearly the facial expressions.
Still Image Analysis : 'Inside Man'
This still frame has low key lighting, connoting a mysterious and creepy feel to it. Having back lighting creating a silhouette, creates an enigma code for the audience, wondering how this person is going to be key in the storyline. Using a long shot, creates confusion for the audience as they can see where the charcters are, but they can not identify with the setting also creating an enigma code, also the use of the long shot shows that there is no one else around, creating the idea of seclusion.
The villian again created an enigma code as he is dressed in a body suit and a face mask, having such simple clothes connotes that they could be anyone, making the idea of the villian being anyone frightening to theu audience.
Having props, especially the use of the gun, connotes danger, although as it is beign casually held, shows that it is more there for a warnign rather than the actual use of it.
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Film
1.
2. This weeks film releases :
2. This weeks film releases :
- Twilight Saga: New Moon (Romantic Fantasy/Drama)
- The Blind Side (Drama)
- 2012 (Science-Fiction)
- A Christmas Carol (Family/Fantasy)
- Planet 51 (Animation/Family/Fantasy)
3.
4.
5.
- Titanic
- Harry Potter & thw Philosophers Stone
- Lord of the Rings : Fellowship of the Rings
- Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- Harry Potter & the chamber of secrets
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead mans chest
- The Full Monty
- Star wars Episode 1: The phantom menace
- Casino Royale
Most of these are saga's, and are also made into movies from books, evoking the readers to watch the films, leading to the films being popular.
Thursday 19 November 2009
Women's Weekly
The audience profile for the average comsumer of women's weekly magazine is a 59 year old woman with a real lust for life, open to new experiences and are image conscious.
The web pages of women's weekly consist of: health, diets, sex & realtionships, shopping and homemaking tools such as recipies and family.
These are the things that the audience profile will be interested in as they will have experienced most things in life and will need a new take on life and try something new in all areas of thier life, whether its at home or out looking their best.
Also on the cover of this Woman's Weekly, it features Kylie Minogue, who is of 41 years of age. As the average reader is 59, those older readers may aspire to look as young as those on the front cover. So, as these women are on the front cover, the audience may feel that if they buy the magazine they could look like those women, who are represtenting the contents of the magazine. Kylie is well known for her appearence on Neighbours and her sucessful singing career, and also had great support in her battle against breast cancer.
Products/services/topics featured in the magazine are :
-celebrity gossip
-fashion
-christmas baking
-christmas gifts
-how to tackle children being bullied
All these things, are those that women will be concerned about, or ones that daughters may be concerned about and may pass the information on.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Superbad- Lighting
1. High-Key Lighting2. Key Light
3. Using just a key light, focuses the audience just on the two main charcters in that shot. Having the shot in a high-key, connotes a light-hearted mood, and makes the shot look more natural.
Ultraviolet - Mise-en-scene
Having the film set in this dark room suggests that the fight that is happning in the shot is not a public fight, but one that is happening undercover.
As the woman has two guns, apposed to just one, connotes that she is more powerful and will have more chances of succeeding.
As the woman is by herself, this connotes that she is an independant woman and has full control over the situation. Although she is taking a males role here (she is in a fight, fireing a gun), she still has sex appeal, as she is wearing tight clothes showing her midrift, has long hair and is in good shape.
Having her legs stationed wide and her focussing on her opponent connotes that she is confident and ready to fight, her face expression shows that she is angry and all her thoughts are in this fight.
Having a low-key lighting, shows the contrast of the woman, centralising her int he red outfit against a dark background, connoting that she is the most important thing in the shot.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Three Monkeys
What do you think the film is about and what might the stpryline be?
Having the image as a long shot connotes that the setting is important in the storyline, or as there is a woman facing out to sea suggests that she is hoping that someone will return from sea, or she is saying goodby to someone.
What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?
I think this film would fit into the Drama genre as the woman looks as if she is in a lot of pain, or she has had to deal with a lot in her life. This is also connoted by the image, as there are dark clouds hanging over the woman, it suggests that something bad is already or going to happen.
Who do you think is the target audience?
I think that the film is targeted at 30-50 year olds, who are intellectual, and are that of a higher social class.
Analysing Film Mainstrean Poster
Twilight Saga: New Moon
What do you think the stroyline is about nd what might be storyline be?
As there is a man standing infront of a woman looking as if he is guarding her from another man, it connotes that there may be a love triangle in the stroyline. It almost looks as if he is protecting her away from the other man connoting that the other man is dangerous, and may harm her. Having the setting in the woods suggest that the film is going to be dark and mysterious, also as the moon is brightly lit against the dark background shows that it is important to the film, hence the title 'new moon'. Also as the image is a long shot, shows that the setting is also key for the film.
Who do you think is the target audience?
I think the target audience is 15-25 year olds, as there are young people in the poster. Also mostly females as the men in the poster are VERY good looking. The people that would watch this film, are the ones who may have also read the serious of books, who are already 'Twilight Fans'
What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?
I think this film could appear in a few genres. one of them is romance, as there appears to be a love triangle. Another is action, as the man is trying to protect the girl from the other man, which could lead to a fight.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Film Poster Analysis
Pirates Of The Caribbean1. Having two men and a woman on the poster insinuates that there may be a love triangle. Also as there is a ship on rocky waters, shows that there will be an adventure which leads to a disaster. As the man in the poster is holding a gun, we can tell thath there may be a sense of battle in the film.
2. I think this film will be put in the fantasy genre, as the props in the poster (ships, sea monsters) shows how unrealistic this film can be.
3. The target audience would be 15-35 year olds, as teenagers especially females may watch the film due to the actors that are starred in it- Depp & Bloom. whereas an older audience may find the storyline acts as ecapism to them.
Bride & Prejudice
1. Having a man and a woman back to back in the centre, shows that the storyline will be about a loe match, also having the look if the western world on one side, and more of a traditional side on the other, connotes that there is a class/battle against the two sides.
2. This film genre that this would fir into would be Romcom as the livelyness of the poster shows that it will be a comedy, and having a man and a woman as the protagonists, there is bound to be a romance.
3. the target audience will be 15-30 as the younger audience will inderstand the humour,and also from an indian asian background as they can identify them.
Million Dollar Baby
1. Having a woman in the centre and as the biggest image, shows that shes the protagonist, and as shes wearing sportwear the audeince can gather that it will be about some sort of sport. Also as the image is in black/white connotes that it wont be a joyful storyline but one that is a struggle.
2. This film could fit into the drama/biopic, as there is not much copy- audience may already know some about the issue.
3. The target audience may be 20-40, as the film looks serious and hardhitting, which is what younger audeinces may not seek.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Self Evaluation
- Attainement - 2 - I feel that i have learnt alot of new keywords throghout this term, and also how to apply them. I have alor understood different thories and concepts from those within the media.
- Effort - 2 - I try my hardest in the lessons, and stay focussed most of the time. Although taking more time out for homework would help.
- Punctuality - 1- i am always one time
- Submission and quality of homework - 2/3 - although i feel the work i do is up to standards, i have been behind on a recent piece of homework due to needing to balance my workload better
- Ability to work independantly - 1/2- i am able to work on my own well, although i can work well within a group i prefer to rely on myself.
- Quality of writing -2 - i think my writing is at a good standard, as i try to be formal in my work as much as i can , and i use keywords when appropriate.
- Organisation of blog - 3 - i think my blog is clear, and the work is easy to find, but i ahvent put as much organisationa skills to it as i should be.
- Oral contribution in class - 1/2 - i contribute when needed, and put my point across without over riding anyone else.
Three Achievements -
- i can use key terms when appropriate
- i can use a balanced argument on ideas
- i have a good undertanding of theorists
Three targets of improvement -
- remember to use as many key words as i can
- refer to audiences of the media text
- put a better structure to my work
Obsession - Review
This Horror was 'Goosebumps' on steriods, and definataly my favorite film of the year.
The protagonist was your stereotypical helpless girl kidnapped by the villain. Using Action codes, such as seeing the back of a man watching her, gave the audicence an inclin that someone was coming for her, revealing the storyline to the audience. Having long shots at the start of the film showed how the princess was a free spirit and had nothing holding her back, but as it continued, when she got kidnapped, using close up's connoted how drastically her life had changed, and how the villain was suffocating her with her capture.
This film served its purpose on giving the audience a scare, and even forced me to look over my shoulder a few times in the dark.
The protagonist was your stereotypical helpless girl kidnapped by the villain. Using Action codes, such as seeing the back of a man watching her, gave the audicence an inclin that someone was coming for her, revealing the storyline to the audience. Having long shots at the start of the film showed how the princess was a free spirit and had nothing holding her back, but as it continued, when she got kidnapped, using close up's connoted how drastically her life had changed, and how the villain was suffocating her with her capture.
This film served its purpose on giving the audience a scare, and even forced me to look over my shoulder a few times in the dark.
Who's Bad - Review
This new teen comedy was a definate 'im falling off my chair crying on the floor' hilarious. The laughs didnt stop from beginning to end, your classic teen movie with an updated feel.
The protagonsit is your sterotypical geek, with typical denotations, used through props, such as, thick black glasses, big school bag, and the snorting look on his face. The geek ultimately cannot get a girlfriend or get 'laid', and aspires to be like the 'cool' kids at school. Using a binary opposition, and enigma codes throughout the stroyline, keeps the audience wondering what the outcome may be, and if the geek becomes one if his idols and seek a girls intrest.
Having non-diagetic playful sound through the movie, creates the impression that the experience is a lively and comical one, reinforcing the conventions of the genre.
Sunday 18 October 2009
Effects of The Media
Does Watching Violence Produce Violence?
Arguably, yes watching violence does produce violence but to a certain extent. Personally, i believe that it can, whether the comsumer is aware of it or not. On one hand, the consumer may see violence in film, and intending to or not may copy the 'moves' that they have seen. On the other hand, the media content may act as a catharsis for the comsumer therefore not reinacting the content. Also, over time violence has been desensitilized over time, being a result of violence not affecting the consumer as much.
one example for watching violence, causing violence is:
Arguably, yes watching violence does produce violence but to a certain extent. Personally, i believe that it can, whether the comsumer is aware of it or not. On one hand, the consumer may see violence in film, and intending to or not may copy the 'moves' that they have seen. On the other hand, the media content may act as a catharsis for the comsumer therefore not reinacting the content. Also, over time violence has been desensitilized over time, being a result of violence not affecting the consumer as much.
one example for watching violence, causing violence is:
- The murder of Jamie Bulger.Two teenagers, after watching a violent film 'Child's Play' copied scenes from this film. They kidnapped a young boy - Jamie Bulger, and reinacted the voilence from the film on the child. After hitting, kicking and puching the young boy, they eventually killed him, before they put him on train tracks as if to make out that the muder was accidental. They were caught and convicted.
- Drabman & Thomas's study - they studied a group of 9-12 year olds where they were led to belive that they were monitoring two children younger than them. They found that children who were subjected to more violent TV then they were slower to summon adults help when an argument/fighting broke out between the two children.
Do Images of Skinny Models Have An Impact?
Personally i do believe that images if skinny models do have an impact, as girls/women see that this is how women should look, as it may be the main look that the media show. Having these images posted in the media, girls/women are forced to look at them - leading them to think this is what they have to conform to, making them believe that they aspire to be like them.
Over time, images of skinny models have caused moral panic as numbers of anorexic young girls have increased, saying that the cause of this is beecuase of females portrayals in the media.
- The size '0' ban - skinny model are not a good role model for women in general. Models who are a size zero, are not allowed to participate in runway shows.
- Daily Mail suggested that 'super-skinny models drive 7 year olds into anorexia', girls as young as 7 year olds, are being treated with eating disorders. Dr Jon Goldin said 'the images we see in the magazines, on catwalks and in the media are having an impact', 'our patients talk about it. You see them looking at magazines and talking about what they see and the problems are starting at a younger and younger age.
Thursday 8 October 2009
The Golden Age Of Hollywood - 1930/40's
The Golden Age of Hollywood was when the silent period ended, and many silent stars could not move with the times and make it to sound.
In these decades the development of gangster films, musicals, news-paper reporting films, historical biopics, social-realism films. light hearted comedies, westerns and horrors grew.
Warner Bros produced resolute narratives, social-realism films and realisitic gangster films, for the sound era. These films ultimately reflected the decline of the countries confidence with authority and social traditions.
Universal produced escapist entertainment with horror films. They won the Best Picture in the second Academy Awards Ceremony with 'Quiet on the western front'.
By the end of the 30's musicals were in decline, audiences lost interest as these films had over exposed song and dance which ultimately sacrificed plot and character development. Audiences bypassed the opportunity to watch musicals and favoured to watch gangster films, comedy film, horror and western films. Warner Bros saw this as an opportunity and decided to produce their own musicals, and they were a hit as audiences fell in love with the original surrealistic choreography.
During the 40's the film industry started to produce films that related to the society around them, or ones that drew then away from real life, for example they created, escapist entertainment, reassurance and patriotic themes. Some films include: Casablanca, Mrs. Miniver and Foreign Correspondent.
Fimls Produced by Studios 1930/40's:
MGM
Hell's Angels
Anna Christie
The Big House
Dance, Fools Dance
The Great Ziegfield
Captains Courageous
RKO
Cimarron
B-movie
Babes in Toyland
Paramount
Popeye The Sailor
Im No Angel
In these decades the development of gangster films, musicals, news-paper reporting films, historical biopics, social-realism films. light hearted comedies, westerns and horrors grew.
Warner Bros produced resolute narratives, social-realism films and realisitic gangster films, for the sound era. These films ultimately reflected the decline of the countries confidence with authority and social traditions.
Universal produced escapist entertainment with horror films. They won the Best Picture in the second Academy Awards Ceremony with 'Quiet on the western front'.
By the end of the 30's musicals were in decline, audiences lost interest as these films had over exposed song and dance which ultimately sacrificed plot and character development. Audiences bypassed the opportunity to watch musicals and favoured to watch gangster films, comedy film, horror and western films. Warner Bros saw this as an opportunity and decided to produce their own musicals, and they were a hit as audiences fell in love with the original surrealistic choreography.
During the 40's the film industry started to produce films that related to the society around them, or ones that drew then away from real life, for example they created, escapist entertainment, reassurance and patriotic themes. Some films include: Casablanca, Mrs. Miniver and Foreign Correspondent.
Fimls Produced by Studios 1930/40's:
MGM
Hell's Angels
Anna Christie
The Big House
Dance, Fools Dance
The Great Ziegfield
Captains Courageous
RKO
Cimarron
B-movie
Babes in Toyland
Paramount
Popeye The Sailor
Im No Angel
Vladamir Propp's Seven Spheres's of Action
A Miricle of Grace - Kate Kerrigan
A Miricle of Grace is a novel about a woman called Grace, who finds out that her mother, Eileen, has terminal cancer. Eileen is forvever writing lists on sticky notes to prioritise her life, and this is where Grace has most of her communication with her mother. This is a sotry of a mother-daughter relationship that has to overcome different obsticles in life- sometimes together and others individually.
The Villian- in this novel, it is not a person who is the villian it is a disease - cancer.
The Donor- The donar is also not a person, is is a hospital band, Grace dinfs this assuming its hers, but infact is is her long-long brother that she never knew about. She finds him and he comes to visit his mother at her bedside.
The Helper- in this the helper is Grace's long lost brother that comes in just at the end and puts her mothers and her life into perspective.
The Princess- the princess is Grace's mother, who may not over come the cancer but Grace does evrything in her power to make sure her mother is happy in her last few months.
The dispatcher- The dispatcher is Eileen's sticky notes, this is the only thing that Grace has that can help her understand what her mother thinkk, from there she can do the things that need to be done for her mother.
The hero- The hero is Grace, she does not save her mother from death, but save her frmo the hurt she had carried with her all her life. By restoring the faith that she would see her son again, that she gave up so may years ago.
The False Hero- The false hero is Eileen's friend, that has a good realtionship with Eileen that Grace never had. Grace relied on her mothers friend to be there for her when Eileen needed her most, but in the end the friend was no use, and soon disapeared.
A Miricle of Grace is a novel about a woman called Grace, who finds out that her mother, Eileen, has terminal cancer. Eileen is forvever writing lists on sticky notes to prioritise her life, and this is where Grace has most of her communication with her mother. This is a sotry of a mother-daughter relationship that has to overcome different obsticles in life- sometimes together and others individually.
The Villian- in this novel, it is not a person who is the villian it is a disease - cancer.
The Donor- The donar is also not a person, is is a hospital band, Grace dinfs this assuming its hers, but infact is is her long-long brother that she never knew about. She finds him and he comes to visit his mother at her bedside.
The Helper- in this the helper is Grace's long lost brother that comes in just at the end and puts her mothers and her life into perspective.
The Princess- the princess is Grace's mother, who may not over come the cancer but Grace does evrything in her power to make sure her mother is happy in her last few months.
The dispatcher- The dispatcher is Eileen's sticky notes, this is the only thing that Grace has that can help her understand what her mother thinkk, from there she can do the things that need to be done for her mother.
The hero- The hero is Grace, she does not save her mother from death, but save her frmo the hurt she had carried with her all her life. By restoring the faith that she would see her son again, that she gave up so may years ago.
The False Hero- The false hero is Eileen's friend, that has a good realtionship with Eileen that Grace never had. Grace relied on her mothers friend to be there for her when Eileen needed her most, but in the end the friend was no use, and soon disapeared.
Hollyoaks
In This Episode of Hollyoaks, Newt, Anita & Lauren arrive at a cottage. Sparks are flying between Newt and Anita, and an unsupected visiter Gaz turns up and suggests they plat truth of dare.
This episode in a mild linear narritive as most of it takes place in chronological oder, but a snippit at the beggining gives an insight as to what is going to happen later on in the episode. This is also a multi-strand narrative, and is common in the soap genre, for example, Coronation street and Eastenders.
The protagonist changes depending on what storyline it is, in this episode it is clear who the Protagonist is as Newt is the first person you see, and the first voice that your hear. At the begining of the episode the camera is in a point of view shot, where the audience can identify with him as they can see his actions through his eyes. The audience can see this is his role as the point of view shot uses his voice as a voice over which tells a story- his story.
At the start of the episode, the action code is a story being told by the protagonist about an unintential murder. From this the audience assume that there is going to be a murder during the episode. Anger continues through the episode so the audience expect it to happen anytime.
At about halfway through the episode an enigma is shown through a shot of someone looking onto the house where the teens are staying. From this the audience know hat someone is going to challenge them, but at the same time the audience do not know exactly who it is.
Equilibrium
The three teens are happy in the cottage away from thier parents, they can do whatever they want, and they are surrounded by friends. They have a supply of food, water and alcohol!
Disequilibrium
An unwamted guest truns up at the cottage, everyone is unhappy as he irritates and antagonises them. Gaz ends up trying to force Anita to kiss him, but Newt comes in and puches him- Newt and Anita make a run for it into the woods, and the whole gang split up.
New Equilibrium
Gaz is 'taken care of' lying in hospital, the gang are relived to ahve him off their backs but are still upset as newt is held responsible to Gaz's attack. Everyone is safe back at home where they belong.
This episode in a mild linear narritive as most of it takes place in chronological oder, but a snippit at the beggining gives an insight as to what is going to happen later on in the episode. This is also a multi-strand narrative, and is common in the soap genre, for example, Coronation street and Eastenders.
The protagonist changes depending on what storyline it is, in this episode it is clear who the Protagonist is as Newt is the first person you see, and the first voice that your hear. At the begining of the episode the camera is in a point of view shot, where the audience can identify with him as they can see his actions through his eyes. The audience can see this is his role as the point of view shot uses his voice as a voice over which tells a story- his story.
At the start of the episode, the action code is a story being told by the protagonist about an unintential murder. From this the audience assume that there is going to be a murder during the episode. Anger continues through the episode so the audience expect it to happen anytime.
At about halfway through the episode an enigma is shown through a shot of someone looking onto the house where the teens are staying. From this the audience know hat someone is going to challenge them, but at the same time the audience do not know exactly who it is.
Equilibrium
The three teens are happy in the cottage away from thier parents, they can do whatever they want, and they are surrounded by friends. They have a supply of food, water and alcohol!
Disequilibrium
An unwamted guest truns up at the cottage, everyone is unhappy as he irritates and antagonises them. Gaz ends up trying to force Anita to kiss him, but Newt comes in and puches him- Newt and Anita make a run for it into the woods, and the whole gang split up.
New Equilibrium
Gaz is 'taken care of' lying in hospital, the gang are relived to ahve him off their backs but are still upset as newt is held responsible to Gaz's attack. Everyone is safe back at home where they belong.
Equilibrium, Disequilibrium & New Equilibrium
Bring It On - All Or Nothing
E- The protagonist is the head cheerleader, her boyfriend is captain on the football team, and her family is not short of money. Her life is perfect! Going to a all white school, having blonde hair and blue eyes- she fits in perfectly.
D.E- her life gets turned upside down when her father looses his job and has to relocate- to a promedently 'black' area. She no longer fits in and her old friends made her promise never to cheer again. But she cheers with the new school, but her old school find out and are not happy, to make it up with them she goes to ptom with her boyfriend- the new school find out and kick her off the team. She dumps her boyfrend after finding out he cheated on her.
N.E- The new school accept her aplogy and let her cheer with them in a competion with other schools, including her old one. They end up winning the competition with them, she gets a new bofriend and she is happy again.
Stuart Little
E- a mouse gets adopted by a human family, he is happy to finally belong somewhere, but still not totally fitting in with his 'brother'. His size is a probblem as his new family get him geifts that are just too big for him to use, such a bike.
D.E- the family cat tries to get rid of him- by setting up a deal with some other mice pretending to be his fake biological parents to take him away, and start a new life away from the Little's. Stuart is unhappy as he loved his adoptive family. He realises that something is missing in his life- and that it was the Little's.
N.E- Sturat finds out the truth as the mice feel bad for what they have done and goes home to his adoptive family, after a chase breaks out between Stuart and other cats, but the family cat helps him out and they make it home safe. The Little family are all happy to have Stuart back.
27 Dresses
E- the protaginist goes to alot of weddings becuase she enjoys them - even going to two on the same night to keep the brides happy. She rely's on her fila fax to schedule her life, and cannot do anything without it.
D.E- a collumist finds out what she does and looks through her fila fax, making an article on her, but is upset when she fins out because he has fallen for her.. Her sister is marrying her boss- a secret love intrest of hers, but she ruins the engagement.
N.E- She makes up with her sister and boss, and the pair start things over. She realises that she has fallen for the collumist, declares her love for him and another wedding and gets married to him in the end, and everyone is happy.
Marley & Me
E- a happily married couple, everything is good in thier lives- they have good jobs and a nice house
D.E- the wife wants a baby, but to put this off the husband buys her a puppy instead for her birthday, but the puppy causes alot of trouble and doesnt listen to commands. The cause of break down for the marriage, they have children and causes more stress on the marriage.
N.E- the children get older, so does the dog and finally is under some control, but the dog dies. The family realises that they have lost a vital part of the family and they had to be patient eoth the dog and he ended up being part of the family.
7 Pounds
This narritive implies that the protagonist was once happy even though the audience do not physically see it.
At the begining the protagonist is portrayed as not a nice character, but then the audeince realise that is was a false pretense and he is making up for a car accident he caused. He kiled 7 people, and therefore tries to help 7 individuals.
At the ed he dies saving someone, so there is no closure and he doesnt have a new equilibrium at the end- he remains miserable.
E- The protagonist is the head cheerleader, her boyfriend is captain on the football team, and her family is not short of money. Her life is perfect! Going to a all white school, having blonde hair and blue eyes- she fits in perfectly.
D.E- her life gets turned upside down when her father looses his job and has to relocate- to a promedently 'black' area. She no longer fits in and her old friends made her promise never to cheer again. But she cheers with the new school, but her old school find out and are not happy, to make it up with them she goes to ptom with her boyfriend- the new school find out and kick her off the team. She dumps her boyfrend after finding out he cheated on her.
N.E- The new school accept her aplogy and let her cheer with them in a competion with other schools, including her old one. They end up winning the competition with them, she gets a new bofriend and she is happy again.
Stuart Little
E- a mouse gets adopted by a human family, he is happy to finally belong somewhere, but still not totally fitting in with his 'brother'. His size is a probblem as his new family get him geifts that are just too big for him to use, such a bike.
D.E- the family cat tries to get rid of him- by setting up a deal with some other mice pretending to be his fake biological parents to take him away, and start a new life away from the Little's. Stuart is unhappy as he loved his adoptive family. He realises that something is missing in his life- and that it was the Little's.
N.E- Sturat finds out the truth as the mice feel bad for what they have done and goes home to his adoptive family, after a chase breaks out between Stuart and other cats, but the family cat helps him out and they make it home safe. The Little family are all happy to have Stuart back.
27 Dresses
E- the protaginist goes to alot of weddings becuase she enjoys them - even going to two on the same night to keep the brides happy. She rely's on her fila fax to schedule her life, and cannot do anything without it.
D.E- a collumist finds out what she does and looks through her fila fax, making an article on her, but is upset when she fins out because he has fallen for her.. Her sister is marrying her boss- a secret love intrest of hers, but she ruins the engagement.
N.E- She makes up with her sister and boss, and the pair start things over. She realises that she has fallen for the collumist, declares her love for him and another wedding and gets married to him in the end, and everyone is happy.
Marley & Me
E- a happily married couple, everything is good in thier lives- they have good jobs and a nice house
D.E- the wife wants a baby, but to put this off the husband buys her a puppy instead for her birthday, but the puppy causes alot of trouble and doesnt listen to commands. The cause of break down for the marriage, they have children and causes more stress on the marriage.
N.E- the children get older, so does the dog and finally is under some control, but the dog dies. The family realises that they have lost a vital part of the family and they had to be patient eoth the dog and he ended up being part of the family.
7 Pounds
This narritive implies that the protagonist was once happy even though the audience do not physically see it.
At the begining the protagonist is portrayed as not a nice character, but then the audeince realise that is was a false pretense and he is making up for a car accident he caused. He kiled 7 people, and therefore tries to help 7 individuals.
At the ed he dies saving someone, so there is no closure and he doesnt have a new equilibrium at the end- he remains miserable.
Wednesday 30 September 2009
The Sun Analysis
As the font is large and takes up most of the page, it connotes that the target audience are not those who will necesesarily want to read a large amount but still want to know the main facts. This can also be shown by the strapline 'our banners to cheer lads', ultimatley the target audience is male and into football. Sterotypical views on these men are that they are not very intelligent, and having an image of a woman on the front is the only way of getting them to read the minimal article in the bottom right corner.
Compostition on the front cover is key, as the woman is at the centre all focus goes on her, whether it is for positive or negative views, and will get consumers to buy the newspaper to see why there is a half naked woman on the front page.
Using a medium shot of the woman and having her in high key lighting, shows most of her body, which does not leave much to the imagination, therefore men can gawp at her without having to use much of thier capable minds to enjoy the sight of this woman. Leading to fulfilling the purpose of the image- to sell to the target audience.
Having the headline incorporated in the image connotes that the image does not have anything necessarily to do with the content of the article, but rather just to draw the target audience into reading the article.
As the Masthead is one of the few things in colour, this will immediatly stick into the comsumers mind, and they may in future look for this newspaper and buy it.
A dominant reading is used with the image of the woman and part of the heading 'GOAL'. The writer may have intented for the reader to think that they necessarily could 'score' with this woman, as 'GOAL' is posted across her body. In this case, the woman in the signifier as the image of her is directly looking at the reader as if to communicate with them.
Anchorage is used as the strapline 'to cheer lads' link with the image of them woman, as women are initially known as cheerleaders, and will be the ones cheering. But the polysemic use of 'with our banners' may overide this as, the banner is across the womans breasts, they may mean actual cheering with the banners, or instead cheering the lads on with the womans breasts.
Monday 28 September 2009
Nike AD Analysis
The poster has a black backgroud with the product in red making it stand out, forces the audience to focus strictly on the product, connoting that thier product is the most important product not only on the page but in comparison to other similar products.
Also, having the product at the bottom of the page, along with the make, familiarises the audience with the brand, therfore not only the product will stick in their minds but the brand aswell.
Using the props shows that the woman is an athlete, as without them she could be any woman standing in a skirt.Having the athlete on the poster reinforces stereotypical views as the athlete is slim, but not all athletes may be in this shape. On the other hand, this may have been used so audiences aspire to be like the woman on the poster.
Having the nike tick, the same colour as the word 'comfortable' states that not only this particular product is comfortable but all thier other products aswell, so they are not just trynig to sell this one but them as a brand.
The poster does not have more than two words on the page to describe the product, this could be due to that the colour red, is literally shouting at the consumer already, and if any more words wer on the page it would be too over powering.
Using a medium shot for the poster, shows the ideal consumer for this product, but not showing the full length of the woman still shows that the comsumer is universal, and that it could be anybody's legs in that position. Also, having the woman stationary connotes that the trainers are more for the fashion of them rather than the practical side of them.
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Stranger Trailer Review
http://www.youtube.com/user/macguffin?view=videos
Stranger is a melodrama staring an outsider, who is primarily a 'stranger' to everyone around her.
As soon as the trailer starts you're already soothed into the melonchoilic feel to the subject. Stranger used a series of cuts and fades throughout the trailer to show how the memories/experiences linger in the protagonists mind, and how hurtful these experiences are.
Showing the end at the beginning creates confusion and curiosity to the audience, which is both genius and effective as the audience feel to watch on because they want to know what has made the girl want to drown, and then to come back to the beginning using rewind connects the stroy together as a whole.
Having non-diagetic sounds set the mood for the main charcter, as it is both child like and shows pain as the voice has a soothing effect. This ultimately created sympathy for the main charcter, audiences may also realte to the subject and this may also refect society; an outsider being bullied by others. On the other hand, this portrayes the sterotypical verison of outsiders, some may feel the odd one out because they are simply ignored by others or enjoy there own company, but then again that wouldnt make a good movie - a story focussed on an ignored girl, and it not that affected by it.
Stranger is a girls struggle to fit in with society, it shows pain, loneliness and the idea of an everyday girl. This will defiantly be tugging on your heart strings, a beautiful inatke on today's issues that everyone can realte to.
Stranger is a melodrama staring an outsider, who is primarily a 'stranger' to everyone around her.
As soon as the trailer starts you're already soothed into the melonchoilic feel to the subject. Stranger used a series of cuts and fades throughout the trailer to show how the memories/experiences linger in the protagonists mind, and how hurtful these experiences are.
Showing the end at the beginning creates confusion and curiosity to the audience, which is both genius and effective as the audience feel to watch on because they want to know what has made the girl want to drown, and then to come back to the beginning using rewind connects the stroy together as a whole.
Having non-diagetic sounds set the mood for the main charcter, as it is both child like and shows pain as the voice has a soothing effect. This ultimately created sympathy for the main charcter, audiences may also realte to the subject and this may also refect society; an outsider being bullied by others. On the other hand, this portrayes the sterotypical verison of outsiders, some may feel the odd one out because they are simply ignored by others or enjoy there own company, but then again that wouldnt make a good movie - a story focussed on an ignored girl, and it not that affected by it.
Stranger is a girls struggle to fit in with society, it shows pain, loneliness and the idea of an everyday girl. This will defiantly be tugging on your heart strings, a beautiful inatke on today's issues that everyone can realte to.
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