Analysing the opening scene of 'The Conjuring'

Analysing the opening scene of 'The Conjuring':

The film opens with a voice over narration explaining a dramatic mysterious incident with a doll. This is supported by an extreme close up shot of a section of the doll’s face. This creates enigma codes as the doll appears to be battered, bloody and broken. This extreme close up shot reveals that the doll has a racked eye; dolls are a typical convention and cliché of the horror genre. The opening cuts to a group of young adults who are shown through a medium shot which highlights their anxious faces. They are being interviewed about an event involving the doll; the audience are placed in the position of the interviewer through an over the shoulder shot. This makes the audience feel as if they’re in the scene are in involved.

The scene then cuts to a long shot with a voice over, of the young adults walking through their front door, it then cuts to a shot of the doll in the hall way. The lighting is low key creating mystery and tension. A match on action shot then reveals crayons in the dolls hand after the young adults pick up a note saying ‘miss me?’.

A close up shot shows one of the young adults faces peering through a door where the audience can see some red crayon on the door frame. The young adults then push open the door to reveal the room covered in crayon. The shots change to close up shots quickly cut to view broken pictures as well as another message scribbled on the walls reading ‘miss me again?’. The message is viewed from a low angle shot, showing vulnerability of the young adults. The lighting is still low key therefore create more mystery for the audience.

A medium shot views the young adults standing inside the room, in the background there is a mirror, the mirror is crooked. This demonstrates a form of destruction to the house. The prop of a mirror is also conventional to horror films as they’re usually used when a woman is isolated and alone who sees a creepy and scary reflection. Or they’re used to view a mysterious figure in the background that only the audience can see which creates dramatic irony. However, in this case, the mirror is used to show the house is wrecked.

A long shot is used as one of the young adults grabs the doll, they’re tracked through a tracking shot which then cuts to a high angle shot of the doll being tossed in the trash. There is a sudden on screen diegetic sound of the lit of the trash shutting. The sound is exaggerated to make the audience jump so that they’re one edge.

Throughout the whole of the scene there is constant music. The non-diegetic music is composed of strings. The film score creates tension as the music gets louder it increases the suspense.

Horror Genre: Codes and Conventions

Horror Genre: Codes and Conventions

Horror films are usually viewed by those who get an adrenaline rush from being scared. Horror genre covers many aspects. The horror genre can vary from being sinister to being very gruesome.

Types of horror films include:

The monster scare

Psychological thrillers

Slashers

Horror Codes and Conventions:

Spilt into sub-genres (hybrids)

Primary target audience - male 16-24

15 or 18 certificate

Extensive use of narrative enigma 

Slow pace editing, builds tension with long takes

Use of low key lighting and the use of CGI and FX

Clear binary opposition (Good Vs Evil)

Extensive use of close ups, point of view and low angle shots

Examples of horror films:

The Conjuring

Saw

Halloween

Nightmare on Elm Street

The woman in black

Analysing the opening scene of ‘The Dawn of the Apes’

Analysing the opening scene of ‘The Dawn of the Apes’:

In the opening scene of ‘The Dawn of the Apes’, the medium shows the leader of the group of the apes. The medium shot shows a close image of this character, it gives him a mysterious film as the audience don’t know who he is or what part he has to play, this therefore creates an enigma. The leader raises his arm up in the air, this is shown through zooming out from the medium shot. The arm in the air also creates enigma as the audience don’t know why he is in that position.

There is no sound until a drum is hit. This is an off-screen but diegetic sound as the characters within the film can hear it. The audience at this point still doesn’t know what is happening therefore entices them to see what is going on.

A medium shot is placed on a group of apes who run into the forest as the drum is hit. They’re followed through a tracking shot. The lighting is very dark and mysterious, creating and eerie feel and very solemn. Through the medium shot the setting is shown, it shows a large wooded forest, there is then a quick cut to a shot of apes swinging through trees. This shot then cuts to a shot of the apes still swinging through trees by the camera angle is a low angle looking up. This creates a sense of power from the apes and makes the audience feel uneasy.

A non-diegetic drumming sound is in the background, until an ape appears on a tree branch and screeches. The screech is an on-screen diegetic sound. It would make the audience jump, making them scared as there is a sudden commotion. The music suddenly gets louder and more intense, this is a non- diegetic sound. There is then sounds of screeching from monkeys and twigs breaking as animals run away.

A medium close up shot shows two apes in the forest alone. This makes the audience focus on them and creates an enigma of what their relationship is, there seems a bit of tension between them as one ape shrugs off the other and walks away. They both look emotional. The apes carry spears which shows a sense of power about them. The spears are typically seen as weapons therefore making the audience wonder if the apes are dangerous.

A panning long shot follows a parade of apes, some of whom are on horseback and some who are walking. Those who are on horseback are perceived as higher up in the hierarchy. They all look solemn as they walk up to a place which looks like a community home. Again medium shots are shown of the two apes from earlier in the scene.

The ‘home’ of the apes are shown through a long establishing shots which pans, the location seems to be in the middle of nowhere. The built homes show intelligence from the apes, showing their capability.

At the very end a long shot shows a commotion as a group of apes ‘go about their business’ whilst one just stands looking bemused and upset, this creates enigma as there has been no proper introduction to the characters therefore the audience don’t know who’s side to be on.

Analysing the Trailer of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War

Analysing the Trailer of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War 

The film trailer starts with an establishing shot of an isolated mountain range, it begins to zoom in before changing scene. Over the top of the shots of different locations, there is a sound bridge accompanied by a voice over from one of the characters. The character speaking hasn't yet been introduced, however the audience can automatically tell that this character is going to play a significant role throughout the movie trailer.

In the first 30 seconds there is a 4 second clip of the Marvel Studio's logo, this is accompanied by a dramatic chord of music over the top. During this 4 second clip, a reel of sketches is revealed, these sketches are the original ideas of the stories for the superheroes, and these are also strips from comics. These are presented as a 'flick book' and it zooms in to fill the whole screen until the Marvel logo is shown.

Throughout the trailer, there is a dramatic film score in the background which runs over the scenes. This generates a long sound bridge. However, this sound bridge is interrupted by the dialogue between characters. When the interruptions to the sound bridge occur, the volume of the film it gets lower. This mainly happens when there is dialogue either between characters or when there is a voiceover. Alternatively, when there is an action scene, the volume and tempo increases, creating a sudden excitement within the trailer to entice the audience to go and see the film when it’s released.

The film score is a contrapuntal sound as the music doesn't fit with the visuals. For example, when there are fight scenes, the viewers would expect to hear loud and fast tempo music, however instead, the music is a slow and calming sound. The slow paced music however, is appropriate during some of the introductions to the characters, as when they’re introduced it is a dramatic part of the film.

In the course of the whole trailer, all the characters are introduced. They're shown either during an action shot or during a direct dialogue scene. Each character is introduced with different camera shots. These camera shots include close up shots, mid shots and long shots.

The first character introduced, is portrayed through a mid-shot, which then zooms in to a closer up shot. The lighting, surrounding the character portrays him as the villain character, this is also represented as he is chained up which shows that he is dangerous and should not be released.

Just before one of the main characters is introduced, the screen blacks out for a few seconds, this creates dramatic tension and builds suspense. The main character, Captain America, is then introduced with a mid-shot, but the shot is of his back and he turns around. The location surrounding him is dark and grey coloured, however his costume is bright with vibrant colours. The vibrant colours indicate that for civilians he could be the ‘light in the darkness’ as later on in the trailer it is quoted that ‘people are afraid’ therefore needing a hero. The setting and a slow turn to look at the camera, creates a dramatic introduction for the main character, creating a suspense for the audience. The Marvel Studio's reel, is then used, this breaks up the trailer and slightly slows the pace to pause the trailer before action scenes are introduced and the pace of the trailer increases.

Special effects and sound effects are use. The sound effects used, include explosions, armour suits and gun fire, these are all on screen sounds. The gun fire sound is on screen sound which is diegetic as the characters can hear this, however they’re enhanced to exaggerate the scene.

The sound effects used are exaggerated to give a dramatic effect on the viewers as they are more prominent, this engages the audience and viewers as they would feel part of the film, therefore the trailer is 'doing its job' and creating an interest by the audience.

The gunfire and explosion sounds are parallel sounds to the trailer as they are 'caused' by the event on screen, the event is the action and fighting scenes between the heroes’. 

In the final 30 seconds, the name of the film, ‘Captain America: Civil War’, appears of the screen. As this happens the music is suddenly cut of then slowly a drumming sound starts over the top with another voice over of the other main character. This then takes the viewers to the scene where the dialogue is from and finishes the trailer with a comedy scene and then the date the movie is in cinemas.

Action Genre: Target Audience

Action Genre: Target Audience

Action films are stereotypically aimed at a male target audience due to the shooting and fast paced editing also the setting. They’re also more likely to be an audience for an action film because of the female in the movie. The female, the heroine, is usually perceived through the male gaze, this attracts them to the film as the woman is portrayed in a sexual light.

The male audience typically are young adult males, they also usually have an interest in action and thrilling adventure. The young males would most probably go and watch the film with another male, this is use due to the films being stereotypically ‘masculine’. The ‘masculine’ elements include car chases, guns, fighting. The fast paced editing creates more excitement within the audience.

The social class which is most likely to view the action genre is the middle class. This is because the setting can sometimes be located within iconic cities which are most likely to be linked with middle classes.  The time period of the film would alter the target audience as the older the film the most probably the older the audience.

Action Genre: Codes and Conventions:

Action Genre: Codes and Conventions:

The narrative codes and conventions re that the films are usually 12/15 certificate, this creates a younger audience. It is also hybridised with Sci Fi/ Adventure/Romance, this creates a larger audience as it would appeal to more people. The use of dramatic non-diegetic sounds create tension for the audience. Romantic sub-plots of humorous dialogue gives the audience other stories within the main one. The romance is usually between the main character who is stereotypically a male role who saves a ‘damsel in distress’, this ‘damsel’ is the heroine of the film. The heroine usually is portrayed as a vulnerable and weak woman.

Alongside the main hero, there typically is a group or team of sidekicks who help the hero and get caught up in the action. The characters are usually in mortal danger from sometimes unusual animals, machines, and monsters or by villainous characters. They’re also usually located in exotic settings or in the middle of nowhere such as jungles or deserts.

The use  of close-up shots are used to show the audience the expression on the actors face, this is usually accompanied by fast paced editing which creates a sense of involvement for the audience, but  also makes the scenes more dramatic. The action is always fast moving however there are also lots of setbacks which stand in the way of the hero. There are also usually predictable chain of events such as the hero fighting the villain to save the heroine/ damsel in distress. The chain of events re portrayed as causes and effects.

Examples of Action Films:

• Casino Royale
• Predator
• The Matrix
• Commando
• Iron Man
• Taken

Analysing the opening scene of ‘Now You See Me’

Analysing the opening scene of ‘Now You See Me’:

(Analysis starting from 1:11)

In the opening scene of ‘Now You See Me’, the three of the main characters are introduced. The first character introduced, is introduced with an extreme close up shot, with bright lighting on his face, however shadows are formed because of his facial features. These shadows symbolise mystery and shadiness, which then makes the audience feel curious about the character and his personality. The mise-en-scene used is a deck of cards. The deck of cards implies simplicity to an extravagant and astonishing magic trick. Throughout this scene, there are diegetic sounds such as dialogue, chatter within the crowd and the flick of the cards. The flick of the cards is exaggerated to show the important of this prop, as it has lots of meaning.

When the trick finishes, the camera uses a medium shot to show the crowd and the magician, however it is still clear to see the facial expression of the magician, he is very concentrated and serious. The magician then throws the cards up in the air and this is shown from the medium shot which then pans to a low angled shot of a building. The building represents the setting of a big city from which you can infer is an iconic location, this is later on proved within another scene as another character is on a taxi boat on the Hudson as you can see iconic buildings surrounding.

During the card trick, and throughout the whole of the opening scenes, non-diegetic sound is used. This non-diegetic sound used is in the form of music/film score. The film score is parallel to the scenes as it is quick up beat with a medium tempo, the tempo then increases as the action begins.

When the second character is introduced, the scene begins with the character’s face of a board, the camera shot is an extreme close up which then zooms out to a medium shot. In the medium shot you can see the action and characters, however you can also see the setting around. The setting shows a lobby of a hotel or a building which is very busy, the scene camera however focuses on the three characters acting.

Throughout this scene there are different camera angles used such as close ups, over the shoulder shots and medium shots. The over the shoulder shots put the audience in the position of one of the character, therefore this makes them feel as if they’re in the scene with the characters. There is also diegetic sounds, the diegetic sounds are dialogue but also the sound of rain as it seems to be raining outside the building. The rain sound is exaggerated as it opposes what is being said by the character about Sunshine, cocktails and Florida.

The narrative events are magic tricks to different audiences, making them confused and then conning them, for example taking their money. The magicians do this through blackmail and stealthy actions. In the opening scene it is very hard to tell what genre the film is, however it becomes apparent through the action which takes place and their ‘conning’ that is it a crime adventure film.

Analysing the opening scene of 'The Woman In Black'

Analysing the opening scene of 'The Woman In Black':

The woman in black opens with eerie and unsettling music which is non-diegetic sound, combined with a close-up shot of a children's tea party, this highlights to the audience that the film is part of the horror genre. The scene creates several enigma codes for the audience as music creates a sinister atmosphere whereby the audience suspects that something dramatic and unsettling is going to happen at the tea party.

The mise-en-scene includes a playful innocent image of three young girls having a tea party which turns into something creepy, and conventional of horror films, as they approach three windows at the end of the room. The audience follows the girls through a tracking shot. This further creates an enigma as the audience wants to know what the girls are looking at and doing. Match-on-action is used to show that the girls open the window. This creates tension and suspense as this is highlighted as a significant action.

The three girls jump out of the window and shockingly die, this is conventional of a horror film. This is followed by a medium shot of the empty bedroom creating an eerie and unsettling scene. The sequence is silent, except for the non-diegetic horror score that drives the scene, until we hear the off-screen diegetic sound, a scream of the children's mother, as we cut to a startlingly quick close-up shot of a creepy looking doll.

Analysing the opening scene of 'The Guardians of the Galaxy'

Analysing the opening scene of 'The Guardians of the Galaxy':

In the opening scene of 'The Guardians of the Galaxy', it begins with a close-up shot of a tape player, it then zooms out to a medium shot of a boy sitting with headphones on. There is diegetic music as he is listening to it through headphones. Hearing the music as an audience too, makes you feel as if you're inside the boys head. The shot then zooms out to a long shot, of the boy sitting on the chair in a hospital, he's all alone. The audience can see down a long corridor and at one point they see someone walk past, however the quietness of the hospital gives the impression that this scene is at night. Another character appears in the long shot, which the audience would presume is the uncle. The shot is zoomed out so they're merely subjects in a large setting, this would make the audience focus on the two actors.

There is then diegetic on-screen dialogue from one of the characters. The camera then reverts back to a medium shot, this gives a better view of the relationship between the two characters. The diegetic music stops when the actor as the 'uncle' takes the headphones off the little boy. The shot then changes to a medium shot which tracks the small boys movement as he walks into a room.This shot shows the emotion within his face.

The shot then changes to a panning shot of a hospital room which is filled with people surrounding a bed, this symbolises to the audience that someone is ill or could be dying therefore an emtional time. Non - diegetic music plays lightly in the background. The camera shows a close-up shot of one of the actors lying in the hospital bed, then it changes to an over the shoulder shot of the boy, this shows the perceptive of the character. Diegetic dialogue is then exchanged.

There is then a close-up of the woman's hand, this symbolises affection as she tries to hold it out for the little boy. The little boy refuses which creates enigma as to why he refused. Another enigma would be why the woman was in hospital.

The shot then changes to a long shot as the boy is carried out of the room away from the dying woman. There is then a slow motion tracking shot of the uncle like figure walking away. The non-diegetic music gets louder as the close-up of the emotional boys face, zooms out.  This creates sympathy towards the little boy from the audience.

The shot then changes to tracking as the audience watches the little boy run away. As the boy emerges out of the double dorrs, there is a high angled shot to show vulnerability. The shot again changes to an extreme long shot of the boy running through an outside deserted space in the middle o the night. This creates mystery for the audience as they don't know where he's going. The extreme long shot also makes the boy look very small which symbolises vulnerability as he is very small in this shot.

In the last twenty seconds of the scene, the little boy is on th ground crying showing his emotions. He is in the middle of the grass, portrayed in a medium shot, when a bright light hits him. the light is from the space ship. this creates enigma as the audience questions why the spaceship is there, however the sudden bright light could symbolise a brighter future ahead.

An extreme long shot, shows the humongous spaceship and underneath the audience can see the little boy who seems so much smaller as he is now being compared to a gigantic ship.

Special effects are used alongside the non-diegetic music and the on screen diegetic sounds from the spaceship and from the boy screaming. The special effects are used as there is a swirl of light around the boy as the spaceship 'beams' him up into it. The view the audience have is from a high angle shot which shows how scared the boy is.

Genre Conventions

Genre Conventions:

Genre is a style or category of art, music or literature. It is based on similarities in either the narrative or emotional response to films.

What are genre conventions and why are they important for films and audiences?

Genre conventions are elements of the films that the audience expects as they've been used many times in previous films from their genre. The genre film conventions are important for films and audiences because it is then clear to see by the audience what genre the film is.

Genre:	Genre Conventions: Narratives and Characters	Genre Conventions: Micro-elements (Sound, mise-en-scene ect)	Examples:
Action	Chase scenes, villains and heroes, conflicts and fight scenes, explosions	Guns, gadgets, iconic settings (cities), fast paced music, fast paced editing	James Bond Mad Max: Fury Road Dark Knight Rises
Adventure	Heroes, who are typically the main character, Heroines, typically damsel in distress, these characters are usually very resilient	Deserts, fast paced music, frightening situations against unusual animals or machines	Indiana Jones Lord of the Rings Avatar
Romance	Young couple, always a problem ( a character who disrupts the relationship) then a resolution	Iconic locations (cities), slow music, low lightings to create a romantic feel/atmosphere	Love actually Ghost The notebook
Comedy	Idiotic characters who are usually accident prone Sarcastic commentary	Light music, bright places, high school or small town or bar settings	The hangover Ted Grimsby
Horror	Supernatural, innocent victims, murder or living dead, monsters	Isolated locations, dramatic music, dark lighting, small communities, dark streets Historical settings or abandonment	Woman in black Conjuring Lights out