fictional film codes and conventions

Film production assignment

Psycho- Alfred Hitchcock: horror

Within Alfred Hitchcock’s psycho, there is a very iconic scene of Marion and Norman Bates fully meeting and having a very long and detailed discussion and the use of cinematography is very well used. It was known that Hitchcock didn’t intend to make this film a horror however, the use of this cinematography caused this to happen. Within the scene of Marion and Norman getting to know each other. The camera angle commonly used is a worm’s eye view style as the camera looks up as Norman Bates as he is talking as though he has power over the audience and he has gained this power over the audience however we do not know how at this point. Also within this image as an example collects taxidermy animals which are specifically birds of prey which gives us the idea of the birds control Norman and he is their prey whenever he is in his office of the hotel. This may be why he looks uncomfortable sitting in that room. Also the birds can be looking at Marion as if she is the prey of Norman’s birds, or within a deeper text Normans birds could be reflecting what action he could take later on in the narrative.  These taxidermy birds can also be a use of example for mise en scene, due to them being props within the scene. These props really set the tone of the scene and the atmosphere is uncomfortable for the two characters as they speak and these props can also reflect an uncomfortable atmosphere as they are watching the conversation throughout the scene as though they are going to attack either one of them which can foreshadow towards the ending as Marion is hunted down at the end as she is killed as if she is someone prey. Another example of cinematography used within this film, is later on within the film where Marion gets murdered by an unknown person at the hotel. This is where the camera zooms in on the plug hole of the bath Marion is murdered in and it is a twisted zoom of the camera as if we are moving with the direction of the water twisting into the plughole. Following this, the camera fades to Marion’s eye and continues to twist as if we are following the flow of water and this cinematography technique continues to follow the theme of the twisted story line.

The use of sound within this film is recognisable for the murder scene and the sound that goes along with the knife movements. The stabbing of the knife matches the rhythm of the music and this theme tune is non diegetic as it is added into the scene for further suspense. Uses of non-diegetic sound within psycho is when Marion is driving away with the money she stole and we see conversations of what people would say about this. Both uses of sound within this film correlate around a dark theme and tension within the scenes which centres around the uncomforting theme of what could be being foreshadowed.

 The editing within scenes of this film are quite consistent within what transitions there are. There are a lot of fades in and out of scenes and this could symbolise the fading of the main characters life coming closer and closer throughout scenes and when it comes to the murder scene, we see the sharp cut editing as there is a high packed action sequence going on.

Within the narrative codes of this film in terms of propps theory, we can see that Marion is more of a hero than any other character type due to her wanting to seek a bond with Norman as she sees him as an innocent character when in terms of this narrative theory the thrill seeker target audiences can see that Norman is quite the villain in these character types. Also Toderovs narrative theory can be incorporated into this film as there is an equilibrium where things are calm for Marion as she settles into the hotel and meets Norman, then there is a disruption within this equilibrium where she starts suspecting things about Norman which leads to someone killing her in her own hotel room, then the new equilibrium is finding out who this murderer is and thin is the stages the thrill seeker audience follows to give the story line an easy following. Barthes narrative codes are also included in this film and this includes the action an enigma codes. The action code is used within the stabbing scene as this is the action of being killed. Also the enigma codes is used through the murder as we don’t see the face of who kills Marion but as an audience it teases us and gives us a riddle to solve which takes us right through to the ending of the film. Marion and Norman are seen as binary opposites also due to the whole man and woman ideology and also one is an introvert and the other is more of an extrovert so both have a different style of characteristic within their characters.

Blair witch project- Daniel Myrick: horror

Blair witch project is a 1999 supernatural horror film upon a documentary style film based on a local legend called the Blair witch. It entails ‘recovered footage’ found years later and released to thrill seeker target audiences who love realistic style thrills. Upon being released included in the film, was a message to the target audience saying the film was based on a true story however, even the target audience who liked these films could handle the idea of something like this being true and many people came out of the cinema in hysterics. This mean Myrick had to release the statement that the film was in fact not real so that the views he got didn’t begin to go down due to false information being spread by audiences.

The cinematography within this film is known to be very iconic due to it being the first known hand held camera film due to its documentary format. The use of hand held camera work makes the film become more of a vlog style cinematography. This creates a bond between the actor and the audience as the use of talking directly into the camera creates a relationship with the actor as it feels as though they are directly talking to you. This direct mode of address intrigues an audience and this includes the hermeneutic code for the audience as we don’t quite know why they are filming about a local legend or what this local legend even is. We also see a few zooming as if we are zooming in with a home- made camera to make it seem like a home- made documentary. The shaky camera movements keeps us unaware of what is happening around the characters and we can only see them in shot and not their surroundings so we see their reaction before seeing anything around them and this helps to create suspense to the audience and gives us a build up to jump scares. We also see this technique in the final scene of the film as there is a sense of distortion and fear within the scene and this can also be reflected onto the target audience.

The mise en scene is best shown in the last four minutes of the film where it shows the characters entering a vacant house. The audience’s eye is attracted to the night vision of the shot used by the camera and the constant moving and shaking of the video camera in multiple directions. The footage uses very low key lighting encouraging the night vision to be used in this scene and this enables the audience to feel the haunted effects of this empty house. The footage uses the zooming in and out of what a basic camera would include and the characters are shown walking about this house looking for their friend and this uses many different angles and viewpoints for the audience as the characters are moving about with the handheld camera exploring this empty house in the woods. The frame is quite loose for the characters to run about in an empty house and are never shown stood still throughout this entire scene showing the intensity of the scene and this will reflect onto the audience’s emotions in this part of the film. Also in terms of the houses shown in the film there is a messy house in the beginning of the film and it is shown to be quite messy making it relatable for the target audience who are teenagers so it is something a teenager can familiarise themselves with and then this film becomes more realistic to them also. The use of colour and lighting in this film is black and white due to it being old cameras that the film is portrayed to be using but then other parts of the film are in colour but not a bright colour it is an unclear style of colour and this gives the effect of it being a home movie. The use of sound within the film uses diegetic sound of thunder when the characters enter the woods as if it’s a warning sign and creates a spooky feel for the characters and audience when watching the film and to the audience this could be portrayed as a warning sign of where they are going isn’t going to be a good place. This creates a sense of unease and the unnatural noises coming from the woods makes it frightening for the characters and when they are uneasy this makes the audience feel as though they know something bad is happening creating a sense of tension for them. Non diegetic sound is use also throughout the movie and this is used at the end of the film in a way that it lures the characters to their death such as screams coming from other characters leading them to go looking for their missing friends which leads the characters to death. Also the editing within the film is known for its documentary style and there is shown some black clips as if the camera has shut off but then we soon come back to the camera to continue the story so this editing makes the home made footage more realistic for the audience and is done to enhance this idea. Within the action based scene there is quick aces editing to replicate this fast moving scene and this gives off the idea that something is happening when the scene is cutting quickly and the audience acknowledges this and it becomes intense for the character to watch and we know what is going to happen leaving us in slight suspense of what the camera is going to show next. There are longer takes however when the characters are looking about and being lured into the house looking for their friend and this elongated scene take can make it quite tense for the audience as we are just constantly waiting for something bad to happen.

In terms of narrative theory within this film, toderovs narrative theory comes into play as the equilibrium is where the characters first enter the woods, the disruption is where their friend gets lost and they have to go looking for him in which case everything starts going wrong in terms of hauntings and then the new equilibrium is where they are all killed and this footage is found and released to the public in form of a film making it realistic.  Barthes codes used are the action code as there is hauntings throughout the scenes and then we are left with deaths at the end of the film presented by high pace editing, we get enigma codes as the camera techniques leave the audience in suspense due to us not clearly seeing what goes on in every scene and this delays our sense of what goes on. Also there is a binary opposition within this film between good and evil and it shows who has power over who in the film and in this case it shows evil is more powerful than the good.

Comparing the stylistic codes of Psycho and The Blair Witch Project, we get a different sense of use within the cinematography as one is documented in a handheld way and one is a focused a conventional filming style type. Also we can see more clearly the use of mise en scene within Psycho than we can the Blair Witch film but they are both as effective as each other even though one uses more than the other they both create this mysterious tension throughout the film. Due to one being more modern than the other, the style of filming is messier within the modern style film as it wants to create a more realistic effect than a conventional horror film from a vintage film. Both films create the same tension but in very different ways and the use of mise en scene within the films are very different but give off the same ideologies as each other within murders.

Shaun of the dead- Edgar Wright: comedy

Shaun is a directionless Londoner who is cau

ght up in a modern day zombie apocalypse. It is one part of the three part cornetto trilogy followed by Hot Fuzz and The Worlds End. The cinematography within Shaun of the dead, the opening titles shows a collection of establishing shots, open framed, long shots, and particularly the location of the film. The setting is presented as quite small and a mundane town due to it being so quiet. The shots are blended together as though the audience don’t see the editing between the different camera shots. The shots capture and establish the humorous tone of the film and create sequences to show us where we are in the film. There is multiple tracking shots instead of being cut together we can see scenes of the characters following the camera as they are walking so we don’t get given multiple angles and we get a smooth scene which helps the scenes flow. The shop scene holds the most detail within the conventions of film. The cinematography in the shop scene is that the scene is taken all in hand held shot making it look more natural as if we are walking along with Shaun to the shop. Within the mise en scene of this, the lighting is giving off very discoloured vibes and very blue and cool tones which signifies the idea of bad or unwelcome mood within the film maybe foreshadowing towards the apocalypse that is yet to appear within the film. Also the use of sound within the shop scene is the radio which comes into use of non-diegetic sound and this gives the scene a more natural take as it isn’t sound added to add extra effect it is there and we can hear it clearly and radios within shops are common so as an audience we can familiarise ourselves with this shop as it is a very standard British shop. Within the performance of this shop scene Shaun has just got up for work and comes across quite tired however he walks to the shop unaware of his surroundings and his performance is almost zombie like which foreshadows the zombies yet to come.  The editing in the film is most recognised for its use of montage within the zombie apocalypse and this gives of the comedy style effect of the film and it sets the genre mood. The editing of the scenes are very long takes for the camera as if we are following the movements of the characters due to their being action in the film also, we can take the ‘adventure’ with the characters as if we are there with them.

In terms of narrative for this film, Shaun comes across as the hero as he leads a group of people to safety and survives the zombie apocalypse. Also we see Liz as the princess as it is Shaun’s partner who is being told to leave him but move the zombie apocalypse happens and he saves her, this is his reward and they live together after. All of Shaun’s friends who battle the zombies can also be seen as the helpers. Toderovs theory can be shown through the equilibrium before the zombies arrive then the disruption can be shown when Shaun realises there is an apocalypse and the new equilibrium is where he has battled through it all and life from there turns back to how it was at the start only Ed is replaced by Liz who is shown as a better companion for Shaun.  Barthes codes are shown through the action code of battling through the zombies which gets gory for the audience but is comedic due to the reactions of the characters and also enigma codes are there due to us not knowing where the story line is going to take us a an audience. There is also a cultural code due to it being based in Britain we see a very British setting in London showing it as cold and the poverty is high as shown within the scenes of the housing and people around that area and it is just how British life is round those urban areas and it is expensive to live in that sort of area when you have a job like Shaun has.

Step Brothers- Adam McKay: comedy

This film is based on two men who are forced to live together as they don’t know each other until their parents romantically connect. Within the opening of the film the two characters are dressed regular suited to where they work and what they are like personality wise. This shows the audience that they are just regular people living regular lives and this gives the state of the equilibrium and everything is at its normal every day state. The main characters Brendan and Dale represent their lazy attitude through their stay at home lives which is represented through them lazing around watching TV and playing games which on the other hand their parents are smartly dressed representing stable jobs and being dedicated to living a good life for their kids. This could give them higher power over the other two characters as they are out making money for them to live in that house with them and provide food. Within the lighting there is an overall high key tone which represents a happy mood. This creates the style of the genre which is a light mood showing this film is going to be fun to watch portraying its comedy and how much of a light hearted film it is going to be. When the two boys’ parents meet, the mother of one of the boys is in a crowd of people where she may not be seen to well by the other boys father however within the scene the mother is in high key lighting whereas, the audience behind her are in low key lighting to make her stand out and be seen making this scene for the audience the equilibrium of the story and this shows the audience how the story is going to flourish.  The immaturity of the characters is brought across through the props within the film as Brendan is shown playing a toy guitar and they are seen eating nachos which is more like a child’s favourite food and the fact they own a toy guitar and not a real one shows they can’t be relied on just like a child which brings humour to the audience as a laugh as they are grown men with the characteristics of 9 year olds. Within the editing, there is a lot of cross editing between the two characters and this gives us a intro to both characters at the same time so we are equally getting to know one person as much as the other and we can establish as an audience this is who the film is going to revolve around. The cross cutting also symbolises a sense of a broken home as both families have split off which can portray these two families coming together to create a secure home. Within the sound of this film we hear a non-diegetic sound track to begin with as it is upbeat and catchy and entertains the audience and also helps set the scene of the genre which is a light hearted style film. Most of the sound that fits in with the style of genre is the sound tracks and we can also hear these faded in the dialogue of scenes the help keep that upbeat and fun style scene for the audience to enjoy and shows this will be a fun film to make them laugh

The use of cinematography, we are given an establishing shop straight away and this is giving us a state of where we are as an audience and where the film is going to take place giving us as an audience time to become familiar with our surroundings making it easy to follow along the story. When we are introduced to the characters we are given mid shots of them as it is enough camera space to show their costume, performance and an understanding of what this character is like. This can also help us relate to the characters also with their body language. When Robert and Nancy first meet, we are given a shot reverse shot so we can see both of their reactions towards each other.

Within narrative theories for this film, we can see that propps narrative theory that both the boy’s parents can be seen as the hero’s as they bring their two families together which is the positive part of the film. The two boys who are brought together can be seen as the helper due to not liking each other at the beginning and trying to tear the family apart, they soon learn to appreciate what is going on and help their parents be happy together. Toderovs theory can be used as the equilibrium is shown before the two parents meet so everything is normal here and then the disruption happens when the two boys meet but don’t like each other and then the new equilibrium is where they start to get on and they become a happy family. There is some Barthes theory in here also as there is some action in the film where the two boys have physical fights together when they don’t like each other and this also leads to an enigma code for the audience of whether the two boys are going to choose to get along or and it difficult for the two parents to be together.

Between Shaun of the dead and step brothers we can see a dramatic change in British culture and American culture as the comedy is very different. Shaun of the dead is more of a relatable film for British viewers and Step brothers is a more over exaggerated style comedy that is guaranteed to make you laugh whereas the British comedy would only appeal to British viewers for Shaun if the dead. The mise en scene is also different based on culture as the housing is bigger within American films and the British culture is shown as quite brutally honest as it is shown dull and boring. Within their narrative codes the British based film has more of a high energy story line as we can see the dramatic change in the story and this is shown through the sudden appearance of the zombies whereas you have to focus and watch the story of step brothers to see the change in characters clearly.

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