A2 Work

Explanation of 4 phases

(1)    By experimental we mean the phase of early films which explored and experimented with horror themes in its narrative

-        
  Films such as Caligari (1919) and Nosferatu (1922)

This is because they helped formalise the narrative conventions of the horror film in its earliest phase.

(2)    By Classic we mean the phase of films which established the narrative and conventions of the horror genre in its most successful & defining period.

(3)    By parody we mean films that have mimicked the horror genre in some comical way.

-          Films such as Scary Movie (1998) Carry on screaming (1968)

(4)    Deconstruction – maigmating intro sub-genres and supernatural horror

Christian Metz

Research into existing products

Music videos

3 types of music videos

1. Performance based music video – bands – u2/The rolling stones etc.

2. Narrative based music video – Ed Sheeran (A Team)

3. Astract/Artistic – Surrealists – Somebody I used to know

Around 1978 new techniques evolved.

Evaluation

Q1. In what way does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real life media products?

My film challenges the form and conventions of my chosen film type which is film noire. I feel as if I have succeeded in challenging the codes and conventions of a typical film noire because of a few little aspects.

The first one being the fact that the Detective in my film is black, and the usual stereotyped Detective is usually white; another film which challenges the codes and conventions of a Detective kind of film is Se7en where Sir Morgan Freeman plays the role of a Detective alongside Brad Pitt. The film se7en is about Two detectives, William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and David Mills (Brad Pitt) search for a serial killer who bases each kill on one of the seven deadly sins, it a long film which leaves the audience on edge throughout however in the end the truth is exposed.

However, the only difference between my film and Se7en is that my film is a film noire movie and is connoted to be based in the 1970’s and Se7en is based in the modern times and has an old Detective working with a young Detective. Straight away as soon as the film starts I illustrate the Warner Bros lion to suggest that my film is going to be a film noire and to show that I understand the codes and conventions of a film noire because I understand that the Warner Bros were massive in the film noire industry.

The fact that my Film is a mixture of Film Noire and Detective thriller shows that I understand how to make the perfect Detective film which has elements of both action and aspects of a Film noire with the Femme Fetale and the typical setting which in this case will be an office with shadows rooming around the room and all the props such as a hat and a suit I have to show the realness.

 

 The two screenshots below show the similarities between my Detective and the Detective in se7en, in my opinion there is a massive similarity; the way we are both dressed formally, with hats a suit and tie. This screenshots shows my understanding of Detective films. It shows that my film was influenced by the film se7en. I feel this is a positive aspect because the similarity works well; although my film has a different story to se7en.


Secondly, another aspect in my film which uses a form of codes and conventions of real life media is the way that I have the Warner bros logo at the beginning of film, I did this to show that my film is based in the older days (1920's) and I have tried to imply how Detective's were back in the older days. The logo is also effective because it connotes that I understand how the film film noire works and what it symbolises in a film. The logo helps the audience understand that the film is based in the older days as it is created by the Warner Bros. The Warner Bros were brothers who filmed back in the 19's. They had a small studio meaning that they made their settings dark so that the audience couldn't see their surroundings. The Warner Bros were very successful and had a massive contribute towards the upbringing of film noire. Which is why i am maintaining their success by basing my film on them and their work.

The words used by Detective Fortune are very modern film noire statements with words such as 'sweetcheeks' 'sweetheart' etc. I have used these words because they signify that I understand and have tried to develop the conventions of a film noire film where the Detective and the femme fetale are verbally seductive towards one another. I feel this is beneficial and impacts the film because it maintains the genre of the film as well as keeping it entertaining. The words are also used because the Detective feels as if he has to be the comfort barrier for the femme fetale who supposedly is darkened by the absence of her sister and her husband. I feel I have used this technique very well.

Production feedback

You use an appropriate production logo for Warner Brothers with accompanying jazz music which indicates the genre.  You have made your own music track using garage band which shows commitment and a desire to explore the available software.  I think a visual logo rather than an audio sting for the ‘Shadow production’ would be more appropriate but it shows creativity and the shot of a shadow of the detective in black and white is an arrestingly visual opening. The film title is intriguing and the voice-over adds another element of intrigue. The codes and conventions of the genre are followed clearly using music and mise-en-scene.  A range of camera shots are used and a script allows you to plan and storyboard a scene that is conventional for the genre.  An exterior scene ends the sequence which shows development  of the narrative   There are a range of transitions and creativity has been shown in the use of shots. There are elements of excellence in the production which suggest that this meets the criteria for the lower end of level 4 49/60

Final feedback

Fortune, you have worked methodically on the film building up a variety of layers to your edit which has taken time but you have endeavoured to explore the possibilities of the software.  there are a number of very good element to your planning such as the script which shows an awareness of codes and conventions of the genre.  There are still some gaps, however which you can rectify now so that you do not lose marks.

Answer all the evaluation questions fully and ensure all research and planning is evident.

Complete and publish

My Name is Fortune

Final Cut

Coursework feedback

You have been making steady progress with the film and now need to complete an edit so that I can mark a a final copy.  Your attention to detail is commendable. Ensure that you manage your time effectively to achieve the deadline.