Sound Presentation

Link - You are not alone - Michael Jackson- www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAyKJAtDNCw

Film Noir Lighting

In Film Noir, Low-key lighting is used to create moody, dark and dramatic atmospheres. Film Noir has been described as a world of night and shadows, therefore, Low-key lighting captures this world perfectly, allowing directors to create a world of mystery, uncertainly and suspense. This has been done nicely in the clip below, from the film, Sin City.

Technically, this clip is from a neo-noir film, but neo-noir films use the same aspects of lighting as Film noir does because it is influenced by the genre, the only difference being, that it was made after the 1960's, the modernized storyline and the technology used to make it. In this clip, it shows one of the main protagonists, Marv, fighting Kevin, who killed Marv's sweetheart.

The use of Chiaroscuro lighting in the clip is significant to identify it as a form of film noir. This also creates a mysterious and tense atmosphere. Through this use of low-key lighting, a heightened sense of alienation which is felt by the audience. It is hard to depict whether it is day or night as Low-key lighting is used similarly throughout the film. They are able to create an ambiguous world through their use of Chiaroscuro lighting, portraying characters in the clip as morally ambiguous, specifically, the protagonist to show that even heroes are always flawed. In order to attain low-key lighting, less to no fillers are used, with one key light and a back light, which have been used here. A back light has been used for illumination and silhouettes, in order to depict the fast paced movement of the characters. Only a small amount of filler lights have been used in order to depict the aggressive (Marv) and absent (Kevin) expressions of the characters.

Film Language: Lighting

 

The image depicts an example of low-key lighting as the left side of her is over-exposed, dramatically contrasting with the darkness of the rest of her face. This implies that the key light is situated on the left. There is backlighting in the image and minimal use of filler light. The backlighting appears to lighten the background and the filler light is used to soften the shadows on her face and to lighten the background of the shot. The smoke consuming the woman in the image is lightened through the use of back or filler light. 

In the shot, low-key and top lighting is used to glamorise the subject matter of the image. You can clearly notice the use of low-key lighting due to the extremely dramatic contrast of light and dark as she is literally surrounded by darkness. The top lighting is the key light and the light to the side of the character comes from a filler light. The use of top lighting allows the audience to depict her features and facial expression clearly. However this also allows the character to appear more glamorous, but also slightly angelic to the audience. It also creates dramatic shadows under certain features of her face, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. 

The high-key lighting in this shot is used to create a realistic image of the main character as it seems more natural, to make it appear as though he is outside in broad daylight. Especially, since the lighting is top lighting, to make it appear as though the light is beaming downwards, as if from the sun. Apart from the key, top lighting, there is quite a lot of back and filler lighting used. Shadows under the characters eyes are created to highlight his sinister features through the use of top lighting in order to affirm that he has power and authority. However, it could also be interpreted that he is villainous, wicked or perhaps, aggressive from the accentuation of his frown.

The low-key lighting depicts an unrealistic visual image of the main character. This is an example of lighting used in film noir. However, though some may feel that it is film noir due to the lighting, it appears to be neo-noir since it is quite modernised, it also seems to have comic book like aspects. Top lighting is used in the image from the right-hand side to create a mysterious atmosphere. There appears to be more than one light lighting up the main character and his props as a small amount of filler light used in it, mainly to highlight the rain and the features on the gun. Baclight is used to light the background of the shot. They feel the need to highlight his gun to portray the character as a protector.

The image uses low-key lighting, to portray that the movie is a horror, as they often play with low-key lighting to show the unrealistic nature of the scene. It is definitely low-key lighting due to the dramatic outcast of the main character, using Chiarocuro.The shadow could be the result of a doorway behind the lens, or perhaps it could be whatever she is running from. We can tell that she has been cornered by whatever is chasing her, as she is near a wall where her shadows are cast on and, therefore, has been caught, which is supported by her facial expression and demeanour. This shows to the audience that it is a horror. The backlighting with minimal filler lighting is used to softens her skin tones and the backgrounds, yet doesn't affect the shadows. Due to the positioning of the shadows, the key light would have to be situated to the left.

The shot uses high-key lighting. Despite the dim lighting in the image, it is high-key lighting due to the natural light coming from the open shutters of the window - most likely from the sunlight. The backlight and exposure of the image, on top of the natural light from the window, creates a realistic atmosphere. Not to mention, the fact that the main characters in the image are kissing, making it appear romantic and realistic as if they wanted you to believe that their love was real. The lighting is also quite ambiguous. 

The stark silhouettes in the image are created through the use of low-key lighting. The overexposed background of the shot indicates that the backlight is the key light. This creates a mysterious atmosphere. The use of only one light from behind the characters means you don't know who they are, further emphasising the mysterious and uncertain nature of the film.

The shadow of the character on the wall shows that the image uses low-key lighting. We also know this because of the fact it filler or backlight isn't used in the shot. The one key light is on the left side of the shot and allows you depict some of her facial expressions which appear tense and petrified. This creates an unrealistic and mysterious atmosphere, suggesting that the horror she isn't facing is unrealistic.

The image has used high-key lighting with hardly any shadow in the shot. The lack of shadows is down to the multiple back, key and filler lights in it. This creates an angelic and realistic atmosphere, which is supported by the posture and facial expression of the character, allowing us to see that she is praying.

From the sinister low-key lighting, the movie is shown to be a horror to the audience. The dark and dim lighting in the image makes it hard for the audience to see clearly. The only thing they are able to make out is the figure at the top of the stairs, holding a giant kitchen knife. Due to the elevation of the character, and the shadow of the bannister on the right of the image, we can tell that there are stairs and that the victim of the serial killer may be at the bottom, looking up. The scene is portrayed  as unrealistic due to the lighting. The audience will feel frightened at the use of the dim lighting because they can not see and most humans fear the unknown, and what lurks in the dark. However, it also allows the audience to focus on the exposed areas of the scene, such as the top of the stairs, where the figure waits. This is to keep them on the edge of their seat as well as keep them unaware, which will make it easier to achieve good jump scares. 

High-key lighting is used in the image, however, it is quite dim. It is natural appearing. This use of lighting allows the audience to perceive the scene as dim yet realistic, suggesting a romantic tone to the image. However, the gun in the image contradicts this and suggests he is a protector instead, having saved the woman. and she is grateful. Nevertheless, the audience will be able to notice that it is an intimate moment. 

Mis en scene

Still Image:

Scott Pilgrim Vs the World

The main character in this still is Scott Pilgrim, from Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim Vs the World. With him in the shot, is what appears to be one of the first several villains in the film while two of his band mates look on, holding guitars. The still was taken only a small amount of time into the movie, during the battle of the bands. The setting of the still is on a stage as there is equipment scattered around the room. This is also supported by the rigging in the back and the stage lights.

The characters appear to be wearing, everyday average costumes, that the audience would wear. This may be the director's attempt at allowing the audience to relate to the Protagonist, allowing you to feel sympathy for him throughout the rest of the film when facing difficulties.

Immediately we are drawn to the comic book illustration aspects of the movie. The bright white text is an electric and bold font, one of the key aspects of comic book text - it is used as an onomatopoeia. Here, the sound comes from the protagonist punching what appears to be one of the first of the seven villains of the film. 

Around the protagonist's fist, are smoky circles, presenting the power, effect and movement of the punch, similar to that in comic books. The villain, appears to be flying backwards from the power of the punch. he radiates white light, which further impacts how powerful the punch comes across. 

Despite the fact it features some aspects of low-key lighting, it is in fact high-key, using bold lights and colours. This creates a comic-book-esque scene as it boldness means it appears in your face and stands out, as well as through the use of light and dark contrasting. Perhaps, the director was trying to allude that the unrealistic could be real. 

Film Extracts:

Guardians of the Galaxy clip

The advanced technology of the setting in the scene, suggest that they reside on a space ship, however, it does not suggest whether it is set in the future or present. The characters vary in the clip, most appearing extra-terrestrial-like. The only normal humanoid appears to be the main protagonist, who is garbed in a red ravager jacket, blue top and jeans - making it appear as though he is from earth. The other two, more peculiar humanoids are the green girl, with dark and purple hair, dressed in a tight futuristic assassin's clothing and the blue man with red carvings in his body, who is wearing just trousers. The other to beings in the scene, resemble a tree-like being (groot) and a racoon (rocket). Groot appears to be wearing nothing and rocket is wearing a small futuristic suit. This suggests that they are from space or at least have been bio-engineered. The characters are sitting in a circle, and their angry, frustrated and yet humourous facial expressions, dialogue and body language indicates that they are arguing about a plan to defeat the main villain of the film, Ronan the accuser. Their argument brings a humorous element to the clip, like it does to most of the film, which will appeal to comic book fanatics who enjoy that aspect of the guardians of the galaxy comics. The lighting is low-key, pointing towards the unrealistic nature of the film and it's storyline.The dim lighting causes the colouring in the scene to be mainly dark or appear to be so.

Mad Max: Fury Road

The scene starts at a quick pace and is located in a desolate desert filled with dunes. The main character is driving a vehicle which appears to be dystopian, as it is dirty and damaged, seemingly undesirable, like the setting. It shows that perhaps, the people who live in the world have lost hope and some have even lost their sanity. The characters are being chased by other people on similar looking bikes, trying to bomb the car, causing it to catch a light. Inside the main car, is a bunch of female sitting in the back of the vehicle, dressed in decrepit clothes that have worn away, and the main female in the front with a gun and prosthetic arm, and the main character driving. The use of the gun suggests that it is a thriller, not just a dystopian post-apocalyptic movie. The makeup on their faces suggest that they haven't cleaned themselves in ages as it is essentially dirt, which links back to the theme of the dystopian society, where nothing is the same and people are trying to kill you, so your main concern wouldn't be your hygiene. They also have added quite a lot of scars to their faces, showing the audience they have been through a lot. The lighting is high-key due to the natural light source from the sun, implying that it is realistic and therefore, the director wants the audience to believe that this could happen in real life and could be our future when oil runs out. Their facial expressions and body language vary. The girls in the back of the car appear apprehensive and scared, whilst the two in the front appear more serious, protective and aggressive. This implies they are protecting the girls. 

Dreamgirls

By the style of clothes the characters in the scene are wearing, you would be able to infer that the movie is set during either the 1960's and 70's. The main focus is on the characters on stage, who are performing at a theatre, showing that they are R&B performers or want to be. This would make sense since the 1960's and 70's were key moments in the history of R&B, specifically for African-Americans as they started the genre. It is suggested that it is a talent contest since there are judges just in front of the stage, who seemed extremely impressed by the vocals and talent of the girls. All three girls have afros and are wearing classy clothing and make-up, supporting the fact they are performing. The man behind stage, has slicked back hair, and his dress code is very formal, suggesting he is a business man, and most business men who are at these types of shows are scouting talent, which the audience can imply he is doing. The lighting is quite dim through the rest of the setting, except for the stage to allow the audience to focus on them. The girls are putting a lot of effort into their performance due to the amount of dancing (body language) they are doing. The girl in the middle is the main focus of attention in the clip, because she appears to be the centre of the group and the main singer, which is emphasised by the arrangement of them.

Introduction to Film Language

Blade Runner

Immediately from looking at the poster, you can tell from it's futuristic iconography that it is a science fiction film. However, the low-key lighting created in the poster, with dramatic shadows across the characters faces, allows the audience to understand that it is also a neo-noir film - it wouldn't be a film noir, since it is new and 'neo' means new. It has certain aspects of film noir, but not all of them, which for me, is another reason why I would consider it neo-noir. When I see this combination, I always think of Cyberpunks, which it definitely has an element of - possibly one of the earliest explorations of this. Yet at the same time, the motion of the futuristic transportations at the bottom remind me of an action film, which is essentially another thing this film is. The main focus of the poster is on the protagonist - Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, whose name appears above the film title. He has been positioned  at the top of the poster, with light streaks pointing outwards from his face, emphasizing that he is the star of the film. He has his arms above to his right, holding a gun close to his face, while looking towards the light. The prop of the gun, also indicates the science fiction aspect of the film. It also suggests that he is after someone, or some people. His arm is covering another character, a female. She appears to be smoking a cigarette. Another reason the film appears to be a film noir to me, is due to the femme fatale aspects of the female. Either a villainess or a love interest for the protagonist, more likely a love interest. She appears too normal to be a villainess in a science fiction film. I'm going to pretend I've never seen it before and guess that the movie is about runaways, who are running from the law. The key is in the name for me - 'blade runner'. And with the fact that it appears that Ford's character may be determined to find something (with the prop gun to suggest his and his facial expressions), it is likely that he is hunting people who are on the run. However, in the top right-hand corner, there is copy text, which says "Man has met his match...Now it's his problem." This makes me believe that the film is focused on some types of robots, maybe a bio-engineered beings/androids, perhaps. That means Ford could be after these beings. The setting looks to be to a dystopian futuristic future, up high in the sky, where the futuristic cars and trains flew, surrounded by buildings. Ford's facial expressions are easily depictable, and the audience would be able to see his determined yet apprehensive. He seems to be sweating, which can be easily seen due to the illustration aspect of the poster, appearing painted, This, however, points towards the action in the film. Perhaps, he does a lot of running. I believe the target audience will be around 16/17 - 30-year-olds. I believe the younger adults of the target audience will enjoy the actions aspects of the film and the science fiction, whilst some of the older adults will enjoy the neo-noir aspects and the violence. 

Scary Movie 2

 

From the absurd film poster and the many horror movie reference, it is easy to infer that the movie will be a Horror comedy as it is a parody/spoof. It is specifically more of a comedy, due to the lighter colour scheme than that of a normal Horror film. The copy text under the title, suggests this as well, making the film appear to be a ridiculous horror comedy since they depict it as being "More merciless." and "More shameless." With a film like this, the distributor's don't need to give away the plot, since they don't matter. What they know matters to the audience is the hilarious horror references, meaning they put those in the poster instead. In the mise en scene, the characters appear to be sitting in a theatre setting, most likely to watch a film, referring to the many hilarious references across different horror films they have used, not actually relating to the plot. The only things that relate to the plot are the characters themselves, specifically the ones at the front, who appear more significant and important to me than the ones behind them. The characters display a range of comedic facial expressions, with each of their costumes different, according to the reference. The review that specifies how hilarious the film is, further emphasizes on the comedy genre, which is the most important part of the film. You know that it is a franchise through the tagline copy text and the title of the movie, and that the film has improved since the last. I would say that due to the comic appeal and ridiculousness of the film, young adults and teenagers would primarily be the target audience, yet also include people even older as it is a comedy film that can be enjoyed by all mature people, so certainly no children. Especially, since the movies will just keep getting more shameless than the previous one.

 Uzak

A lot less is given away by the poster, but the first thing I pick up on is the fact that is a foreign film, which would be it's genre. This suggests that it would be shown in small art house cinemas as it's target audience would be a niche market. The second thing is the reviews, depicting it as "Profoundly Beautiful....A Real Masterpiece." and "A Joy." This suggests that it is quite a moving piece to watch. The high-key lighting makes it appear quite realistic, alluding that something like what happens in the film could happen in real life. The dim and dark atmosphere created by it's grimy colour scheme. The central image appears to be that of a long figure in the foreground looking towards a distant city in the background. It has an enigma code, as the audience will wonder who the figure is, as you can not see there face or facial expressions and also wonder where it is set. It is obvious to tell that the setting is a foreign desolate looking country, but yet is hard to know exactly where, therefore it is hard to know the plot. The use of a wide shot is prominent as, typically, they are used to create tense, dramatic and in this case, desolate and isolated atmospheres. 

I'm Not Scared

In the central image of this poster, a boy is depicted looking down a enormous hole in the ground, with the title stating directly underneath "I'm not scared." This alludes that the film may surround around the hole and the boy finding it. They only want to give away a little bit of the plot, and those two aspects happen to be the vaguest part of the plot. This is why they have used a wide shot, which is has been tilted upwards Despite the shadows on his face, and the darkness from the hole, this is high-key lighting due to natural light from above, to perhaps, portray the movie in a realistic light. Even with contrasting shadows on his face, you can clearly see that his facial expressions and body language resemble that of a mixture of curiousness and apprehensiveness. The tension created in the image, suggests that the movie could be that of a thriller mystery. The films target audience could be teenagers - adults, ranging from ages of 16 to 30 year olds. This is because thriller mysteries are not usually suitable for young children and children.

Sin City

In this image, the low-key lighting immediately gives away that the genre of the film is neo-noir. It uses a small amount of filler lights, to highlight the rain. This may be a form of pathetic fallacy as it gives the feel of melancholy off whilst still remaining bold through the characters and text. It would not be film noir, due to the stark redness of the title, and it's bold and daring font. The chronic use of the prop guns, allude that the film is about criminality, suggesting a neo-noir crime film. Whilst the five characters at the top cover the majority of the poster, the audience attention will be focused at the bottom of the page, noticing the mysterious silhouette of a man walking towards them. This would suggest that he may be the focus of the film, perhaps, either the villain or the protagonist. The key to the narrative is in the title name it self, as the city itself may be corrupt, filled with the sins of the residence of it. This is supported both by the fact that all male characters at the top are carrying guns and that the females are represented in a sexual light, essentially turning them into sex objects. This alludes that the females may be prostitutes, however, they appear quite bold, perhaps they may be involved in the war fare themselves. The director may have being trying to show a patriotic ideology in the movie.  However, they may do this to catch the audience off guard in the movie, because it could be the opposite view of patriotism. This is supported by the fact that the colour scheme of the poster is predominately grey and black, allowing the blood red colour to stand out. This conveys the idea of murder and sin and a general dark atmosphere. I can presume that the target audience for the film would be comic book fans, who will have interest in the neo-noir comic aspects of the film. They would be 18-35, as the feminine and sexual atmosphere of the two female characters suggest nudity and prostitutes. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead man's chest

The most obvious aspect of the narrative that has been given away by the poster is that it involves pirates, due to the title and the portrayal of pirates and the wreckage of a ship destroyed by what appears to be a kracken in the central image. From the title, we can tell that it is a franchise, and that it has had multiple movies before. It would have to involve a dead man's chest in the narrative. The genre would have to a fantasy swashbuckler movie, as it is set when pirates were around, but adds a fantasy and myth aspect to them. The target audience of the movie would be for all ages, mainly 10 - 30, however, it is typically a family film to be watched at home. It would be enjoyed by the pre-teen demographic, whose parents would take them.

Bride and Prejudice

I assume that the movie has a similar narrative to 'pride & prejudice' due to the way it has played with the name of the film. The two main protagonists appear in the central image will be the 'Mr. darcy' and 'Elizabeth' of the film as they appear to be a couple, alluding the film has something to do with love and relationships. On the right hand side, the Taj Mahal is seen, which would be the females background and on the left hand side, a there is the skyline of a western country, which would be his background. This suggests that there is culture differences, creating a conflict between the two lovers, which would be the main source of problem in the film. Perhaps, instead, it suggests the merging of cultures and how they bond over time. The genre would be romantic comedy, suggested by the reviews at the top of the poster. I would say that the target audience is 15 - 35, and mainly a female demographic.

Million Dollar Baby

Due to the low-key lighting and dark colour scheme, it create a unrealistic, dramatic and slightly grimy atmosphere, connoting danger. Hilary Swank appears in the central image, alluding that she is the protagonist of the film. The dark atmosphere suggests that she goes through struggle in her efforts to  get where she wants to be. The fact that she is wearing a sports bra, suggests the film is not only a drama, but also a sports film. Her posture suggests that she has dominance, with her shoulder turning towards us, and looking over her shoulder - a typical representative of dominating women in films. However, it subverts from the general stereotype of weak women in films, appearing toned and boyish. Though, this stereotype is becoming less prominent across the years, as more and more films appear to portray females in this manner each year. This suggests she is a fighter, and perhaps, does a fighting sports such as boxing. It is hard to tell but the man on the right appears to be wearing boxing gloves, further supporting the sports and boxing aspect of the film. She may have trouble in her efforts to be a boxer, with harsh things happening to her, due to the harsh colour scheme. The target audience would be from 15 - 35 due to the posters harsh colour scheme and atmosphere. I believe sport enthusiasts would enjoy the film, especially female ones. Anyone interested in feminism would also find the film interesting, I believe. However, the demographic appears to be fairly mixed.