1. How does your product use or challenge conventions and how does it represent social groups or issues?
For our Short-Film 'Sole Survivor', we focused on the Social group of the almost Weak and Helpless peers when compared to the opposite (Physically weak compared to the Physically strong). This is evidently shown throughout our film with closeups of Eric, being very helpless and almost at the Mercy of Samael. We also show this through the struggle as Samael attempts to Stab Eric, as we show his wits as he allows Samel to stab him so he can deliver a more fatal blow and essentially disarm him. (This clip perfectly shows a longer version of what we were aiming for).
Through these representations, we show how Eric is able to overcome the physical strength and advantages that Samel currently has (Especially his gun and Knife), and how he doesn't need a weapon or any excessive strength to take him out. We focus on these aspects with sharp cuts as he reacts on instinct, being shown through close-ups and tracking shots as each action is carried out.
We also focus on the Cruel nature of Samel as we use long shots between dialogue, almost to distance the viewer from him as they see his Actions eventually as unreasonable and very much Uncalled for.
2. How does your product engage with audiences and how would it be distributed as a real media text?
3. How did your production skills develop throughout this project?
4. How did you integrate technologies?
Once Again, I vigorously adjusted Audio gains to suit certain moments within the clip (Dialogue, Music etc), Also using the Fx clips at hand with ease, shortening and extending them to create a more authentic sound that is not repetitive. The Denoiser was used once again also in this project, yielding better results as I found a balance between a clear and loud Audio with as little feedback as possible, which almost seemed impossible in our last project. Even though I have focused on the Obsolete build, it yields better results and an easier interface.
For this project, I used the multiple channels that Premiere pro presents us, using them to separate audio from each other when played at the same time (Or just for easy access), and used them shot wise to make the editing stages flow easier, allowing me to avoid shortening clips and having to move and adjust every single clip because of the minor edit made.
I also took this opportunity to play around with Overlays, picking a classical Black and White, almost a Nod to the Noire days (With our film being based in the future, but being a devasted wasteland that is stuck technologically in the past. This is also almost an Homage to older films, being colorless, with Shade being the defining factor).
I have also become more proficient with Fading (Audio wise), being able to fade the music out when dialogue is essential, and being able to bring it back up when needed.
This sequence prepares you for the ride ahead, it conforms to traditional thriller codes and conventions, yet also, in some cases, goes against the 'norm'.
In this scene, we are introduced to Driver as he is overheard preparing to assist criminals as a getaway drive, but under his rules. Listening to his dialogue, we can already see how he is a unique character, not running away from trouble, but almost chasing it while making a profit. He also makes it quite clear that he is extremely experienced with the city, as he recalls facts about the streets (Being key to his character, Driving a majority of the time). He also states, within his rules that he will be purposefully unarmed, showing that he has wits instead of unnecessary violence (Later, escaping past cops undetected after the 5 minute mark). This makes the situation tenser though, as he is going essentially into the storm without protection, adding to the thriller aspect. At first, though, he is set up as very much brave, almost reckless as he gets involved in the crime technically. The atmosphere is also dark as Low key lighting is used and shadows. Overall, this abrupt scene introduces us to the characters profession and hobby, being a skilled driver while almost chasing danger simply for money).
The tension in this scene is derived from the clear delivery of the dialogue, followed by closeups on important information (The game currently on tv), setting it up slowly as the audience are left in curiosity to what will unfold. The low-key lighting adds to the grim situation that the character is involving himself in, almost reflecting how we as the audience feel about it.
This sequence follows heavily on the dialogue to give a sense of tension, which eventually goes hand in hand with the shots followed. We are introduced to Sherrif Bell as he lightly talks about his life and reflects on the past, people who came before, and how was proud (As others are) of what he did as a Sheriff. The monolog takes a darker turn as he gets to the point, talking about a dark experience he had with an almost deranged individual who committed a horrendous act and almost embracing the consequence to come soon, threatening to do it again, stating that he knows he's going to hell.
This situation makes him question his whole stance on the world, and his job as he talks about the world has changed, and that he fears that more situations like this, that truly horrify him will continue, and how he is almost hesitant to do so even though it is basically his job. Lightin is offkey and low in this scene as the Location is set, being set in New Mexico)
Tension quickly builds up as the setting shots are finished, and as the main antagonist,Anton Chigurh is seen being transported in all black to a police car, with his crime being a mystery to us. The camera continues to avoid his face, as it sets up more tension as the Monologue begins to a line with the situation. A close-up of a cattle gun is seen as Sheriff Bell talks about his worries about facing a situation that he cannot explain, nor knows anything about (Like the last mentioned one). The scene ends with him coming to terms with being in the dark and deprived world he sees himself in, putting his soul (As he states) At hazard. Overall, this scene focuses on closeups to create discomfort as the viewers see resemblance between Bells words and the situation that the other officer is almost facing, taking an almost faceless man to jail for unknown reasons, putting the auidence almost in a clueless state, one that Bell is worried about finding himself in again.
The tense dialogue that ensues is tense in itself, but becomes more tense driven as the director switches from massive long shots to more defined shots, showing the significance behind this situation currently occurring, making the audience take it more on board as it develops a story.
This sequence starts creating tension through Diegetic sound as the camera pans on the target, with it building up and dropping very sharp to create an almost sense of dread and tension as the music continues to follow this path, continuing to show a confused/almost disturbed target as they check their surroundings. This happens once again as a red overall flash onto the screen as the music becomes sharper, creating more dread an almost suspicion (Like the target). This dies down as curiosity is created through the use of the spirals as they symbolise the hypnotic theme within this movie, then it cuts back to an almost 'Man gaze' as it goes from her lips to her eyes, almost eying her out.
This scene overall conveys the themes present in the film while creating tension through the use of Non diegetic sound and low key lighting to create a more moody and dark shot, and using the overlay to create a more dreadful effect as the colour flashes onto the screen.
Representation: Prejudice (Harm through perceived Domestic Violence)/Identity/Segregation Show: Breaking Bad ( Season 5 Episode 14 )
Technical Terms:
This episode focuses mainly on Reaction shots being a very emotional episode for viewers, but there is more meaning behind this scene. As Walter and Skyler tussle, as she attempts to force Walter out of their house, he eventually breaks free as Walter Jr comes in to protect his Mum.
This is followed by a Reaction shot as Walter, in anger shouts that they are a family and that they can't just kick him out. A Pov shot from Walter's perspective comes as it shows a Long shot panning backward to symbolize Walter understanding how disconnected and distanced he is from His family, followed by another reaction shot of Walter to show a more defeated man as he realizes how badly he has torn the family apart. He becomes almost Segregated from his family, with the distance factor, and with his son Physically blocking him from the family and forcefully making his exit with no choice (Ringing the Cops and lying).
Reflection:
Overall, this scene uses the Technical Terms and Representation choice to develop the characters and to use the Terms to show how a character is thinking at that moment in time.
Representation 2: Identity Movie: The Machinist Clip
Technical Terms:
The ending of this film mainly focuses on Reznik coming to terms with who he is and what he did (Mainly seen through his repetition). This is done with a close-up of his face as he repeats the words "I know who you are", with an over shoulder shot of Reznik showing Trevor (The blurred man in the mirror) being blurred in the mirror almost as if to symbolise Reznik's confusion, or to show almost that Trevor is not real but a figment of Reznik's world that he has created to run away from the horrendous act he has committed. A flashback is used to show what he has done, as he repeats the earlier sentence, continuing into home into his face, almost to persecute him while showing his Raw emotion. A closeup is shown of the Hangman note to connect the pieces, showing the viewer that he has been tormenting himself, and that he sees himself as a Killer. As he continues on the motorway, a close up of the two crossroads appears to show the viewer the symbolism (As seen earlier in the movie) of him making a choice, with Reznik choosing to stop running away.
Reflection:
These Technical techniques used are common within Psychological Thrillers, connecting all plot drivers to bring the story to an understanding to the Viewer and the Character, tieing up all loose ends.
Technical Terms:
A Flashback with an almost Neo-Noir filter is used to add an almost light tone to this gritty situation, cutting between Django and The Brittle Brothers discussing the consequences his wife must face back to Django and his Wife committing the 'Act' that got them in said scenario, allowing the viewer to piece together what they did and why he is hunting the brothers down, coming around to develop a sound story that the audience can understand. Close Ups/ reaction shots are shown to show the Grit and pain that they endured as slaves. They mainly focus (Closeups) on Djangos wife as she Is forced to go through this torture, also having Django and one of the brittle brothers closer to create a more tense situation as he pleads, also to create a more believable scenario.
Reflection:
Technical elements within this scene add an almost pop tone to a dark and gritty time, in a scary and gritty situation, using reaction shots to highlight the pain they are going through to almost justify Django's upcoming actions, and to have the audience root for Django as the Hero of the movie.
Technical Terms:
A Mid-shot is used throughout the start of this scene to show great discomfort on Judy's behalf as she is forced to become Madeleine, only doing it for Johnny since she has an unconditional love for him as shown when she comes out from the bathroom, with a panning shot (Upwards) almost from Johnnys Pov as he realises that she is the perfect copy of Madeleine, his true love that he thinks that he lost.
Reflection:
Overall, the techniques used show the uncomfortable relationship between them as the audience themselves feel the tension as Johnny becomes more and more obsessed with Madeleine, not caring what she wants, forcing her to become someone else (Which she is fine with since she has developed an almost unconditional love for him).
Technical Terms:
This scene mainly focuses on Close ups/Reaction shots as Walter becomes Submissive, refusing to fight against Jesse, accepting the consequence for the torture he put him through. These shots show the emotional reactions of both characters as it leaves the audience in anticipation, with the close-up of Walter showing the Audience a weary and tired man, almost emotionless as he accepts his fate. This up and close take to the scene adds more tension as the audience is refused space, being almost 'Right in the action', in front of the characters.
Reflection: These Technical Terms allow for a more emotional and tension driven scene as every reaction is witnessed, and both characters are left very vulnerable, with us, the audience being left right in the situation as we wait to see what happens next. These techniques help add to Walters sudden submissive behavior, as he is shown through closeups to be very emotionless, accepting the consequences and at peace.
Representation 6: Wealth/Class/Hierarchy Movie: The Dark Knight Clip
Technical Terms:
This scene also focuses on reaction shots/close ups as they talk about the subject of money, with the reaction of the mobster being almost mortified through a closeup as he sees the money go up in flames. This reaction shows a man obsessed with money, or in it for the money at least, and differentiates to the audience the difference between the two characters in this scene, showing through this one reaction shot the difference between the Joker, the main character with more diversity to him, and the Mobster who is your classical stereotype. Over shoulder shots are used as The Joker is seen overthrowing the Hierarchy, moving from his current class to the top one available within seconds. This technique almost places us in the room with the characters, adding more tension as we see that we are merely an observer and are unable to change the fate of anything that occurs till the end. This freestyle cam take also makes the scene more unstable as it moves around with the actors, adding a more fluid and symbolic approach, also adding to The Jokers character.
Reflection:
Overall, these techniques aren't only symbolic in the long run, but they add to the tension as they place the audience in a predicament merely as a viewer, unable to escape or change the course that will be taken (Nearly showing us how the others within the room feel, following The Joker merely based on mainly Fear), They are merely a spectator.
Representation 7: Feminine/Gender/Social-Norm Movie: The Bourne Identity
Technical Terms:
In this scene (Hotel), Marie is the enabler for the romance subplot, going against the social norm.
This is shown through closeups as, throughout the movie, Jason is shown almost socially awkward and inept at times, with her being the connector in the sub-plot, staying with him and assisting him throughout the movie till he is able to find his Identity.
Reflection:
The close-ups and long pauses added between these scenes shows to the audience that Jason is socially inept in several ways (Mainly romance), and goes against the Social-Norms to show a Feminime capable character able to take charge and do what he is unable to do.
In a deserted suburb, a house stands amongst them with someone inside
Cut To:
Eric's kitchen, pristine and clean
Eric begins to prepare himself some wine, looking through his bookshelf after
Eric, A British fellow stuck in the past begins to narrate the situation as he puts an almost humorous and nostalgic tone into his depiction
Eric
It was the ripe year of 1989, the economy was strong
and our way of life was generally good.
This, obviously breed envy like no other......
It was common hearing arguments between American
And Soviet officials *Chuckles* even several companies
engaged in this new way of life... That didn't last for
long....
Who dropped the bombs? I don't know... My name is
Eric Freeman, and I am the last man on earth, and I've
never been happier
Eric is quickly interuppted as knocking is heard, he plays it off, sipping on his wine until
he hears it again, making him rush downstairs
Downstairs, Front door
Eric rushes down to see a mysterious man pulling his gas mask off, looking
dead straight at him
Samael, a formal and former Business made man stares menacingl
Samael
I'm sorry, disturbing you under.. such Circum-
stances.... This must be quite unsettling
Eric is shocked
Eric
(Stuttering)
Come in! Come in sir!
Cut to:
Kitchen, Eric pours the man some wine
Samael
Oh no no.... I don't intend on
staying long.....
Eric is slightly confused
Eric
(Trying to compose self)
For all these years.... I thought I was
*Is cut off*
Samael
Out of everyone that died, you survived?
*Scoughs*
Eric is slightly offended but Brushes it off
Eric
I admit my friend that I'm
not the strongest... But
Samael pulls a gun out and aims it at Eric, towards the window
Samael
I'm not your friend, Buddy,
and I'm not here to chit chat!
Samael attempts to shoot Eric,with him dodging it, hitting the glass window and
contaminating the area.
Eric rushes to the downstairs door as Samael approaches
Samael shoots as Eric is innocently against the door in shock, finding the gun is
empty, then rushing towards him as he swaps his gun out for a Knife
He attempts to stab Eric as he resists greatly against the steel blade.
Eric finally lets go of the knife as it plunges into his stomach, grabbing Samaels hand
as he twists it and breaks it
Samael is left on the ground as Eric grabs it and puts it on, dragging him out
into the radiated and contaminated atmosphere, with Samael struggling greatly.
Eric
(Voice over)
My name is Eric Freeman, and I
will soon be the last man on earth.....
and I've never felt so alone......
Eric closes the door as the camera lingers on Samael slowly breathing
In a deserted suburb, a house stands amongst them with someone inside
Cut To:
Eric's kitchen, pristine and clean
Eric begins to prepare himself some wine, looking through his bookshelf after
Eric, A British fellow stuck in the past begins to narrate the situation as he puts an almost humorous and nostalgic tone into his depiction
Eric
It was the ripe year of 1989, the economy was strong
and our way of life was generally good.
This, obviously breed envy like no other......
It was common hearing arguments between American
And Soviet officials *Chuckles* even several companies
engaged in this new way of life... That didn't last for
long....
Who dropped the bombs? I don't know... My name is
Eric Freeman, and I am the last man on earth, and I've
never been happier
Eric is quickly interuppted as knocking is heard, he plays it off, sipping on his wine until
he hears it again, making him rush downstairs
Downstairs, Front door
Eric rushes down to see a mysterious man pulling his gas mask off, looking
dead straight at him
Samael, a formal and former Business made man stares menacingl
Samael
I'm sorry, disturbing you under.. such Circum-
stances.... This must be quite unsettling
Eric is shocked
Eric
(Stuttering)
Come in! Come in sir!
Cut to:
Kitchen, Eric pours the man some wine
Samael
Oh no no.... I don't intend on
staying long.....
Eric is slightly confused
Eric
(Trying to compose self)
For all these years.... I thought I was
*Is cut off*
Samael
Out of everyone that died, you survived?
*Scoughs*
So much for Survival of the fittest
Eric is slightly offended but Brushes it off
Eric
I'm certainly not the strongest
my friend... but
Samael pulls a gun out and aims it at Eric, towards the window
Samael
I'm not your friend, Buddy,
and I'm not here to chit chat!
Samael attempts to shoot Eric,with him dodging it, hitting the glass window and
contaminating the area.
Eric rushes to the downstairs door as Samael approaches
Samael
I killed them all Eric Freeman,
Luck isn't with you this time!
Samael shoots as Eric is innocently against the door in shock, finding the gun is
empty, then rushing towards him as he swaps his gun out for a Knife
He attempts to stab Eric as he resists greatly against the steel blade.
Eric finally lets go of the knife as it plunges into his stomach, grabbing Samaels hand
as he twists it and breaks it
Samael is left on the ground as Eric grabs it and puts it on, dragging him out
into the radiated and contaminated atmosphere, with Samael struggling greatly.
Samael begins to scream and claw at his face his face begins to react with the
contaminated atmosphere
Eric
(Voice over)
My name is Eric Freeman, and I
will soon be the last man on earth.....
and I've never felt so alone......
Eric closes the door, fading to black as Samaels screams of pain become more
and more faded
