Film class started off with the discussion of the analysis of the clips of films we chose last class. Two students were then chosen to give a short presentation on the clips that they chose. The first presentation was done by Brigitte Ng, on the last scene in the movie Wanted (2008), directed by Timur Mekmambetov. I found this clip particularly interesting as the director made good use of camera movement and the types of shots to create suspense and tension. We were told that one of the shots of the camera slowly moving across the room to the 'supposed' main character was a tracking shot, done with a steadycam. Steadycams are one way to create a track shot and it is an apparatus that is extremely difficult to operate, so that there are professionals specifically trained to operate such a camera apparatus. Various close-up shots were also discussed throughout the scene and were explained how the successes of close-ups could be used to signify the tension progressing throughout the scene. At the end of the scene, a bullet-time effect could be seen, a bullet shot by the main character through a sniper, striking the antagonist of the film in the back of his head.
In popular film culture, Blade (1998) was the first film to use bullet time, when a character in the film dodges around the bullets fired at him. In the 21st century, bullet-time then evolved and appeared in the Matrix Trilogy (2000), a popular action film, which is how most people know this effect.
The next clip was of a scene in Memento (2000), directed by Christopher Nolan, discussed by Stephen Shao. It was shown in the clip that the main character, Leonard was trying to find the killer of his wife through notes and tattoos. This scene was especially interesting when Leonard was driving in the car, and he closes his eyes and flashbacks occur. Christopher Nolan builds up tension in this scene by using a slight crescendo in music, the tighter frame around the subject's face, and the fact that Leonard is driving with his eyes closed. The tension is then released when Leonard brakes and stops in front of a tattoo shop.
Towards the end of the lesson, Miss Rosati took out a camera and a tripod and explained its basic features and uses to us, such as the lens, the memory card, the battery, the tripod stand etc. We were then given time to familiarize ourselves with the functions of the camera to better prepare ourselves for the challenge shoot next class.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
24/8/11
Today was the first day of our film class in year 11. As usual, we were introduced to all the basic rules and regulations of the media lab. We were also asked to talk about some of our favorite films and why we have chosen film as a subject. After that, we were given a task to pick out a video clip that we liked and analyse it.
Analysis of LOVEFIELD - by Mathieu Ratthe (0:00 - 2:18)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4meeZifCVro
The short film starts off with an establishing shot at a high angle, covering an area of a wheat field. The camera then slowly tracks down towards the ground. All the while, the sound of violin strings play in the background, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The shot then cuts to an old road sign swinging creakily with a crow perched on top of it. Then the shot cuts to a close up of the crow. This then further adds on to the feeling of dread, as the crow is a symbol of death. There are then a success of shots all focusing on the crow and the noises that it is making, all the while building tension.
The camera then tracks across the ground of the wheat field, covering a mobile phone, money, a bag, and the sound of a woman wailing could be heard. This then creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and curiosity, as these objects lead the audience to wonder the reason they are being shown. So far into the film, the feeling of suspense and dread has been conveyed through the various shots the director has made and also the sounds in which the director has incorporated into the film. The next action in the shot is of a hand holding a knife stabbing down into the ground. Right as this action was made, the feeling of horror was then added to the feelings conveyed in the film, as a bloody knife usually signifies something sinister.
The director has manipulated the audiences emotions very well through the shots that he has made, especially during the closeups of certain subjects, such as the crow, the ringing telephone, the bloody knife etc. The director has truly lead you to believe that whatever comes next in the film would be something morbid and macabre.
Analysis of LOVEFIELD - by Mathieu Ratthe (0:00 - 2:18)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4meeZifCVro
The short film starts off with an establishing shot at a high angle, covering an area of a wheat field. The camera then slowly tracks down towards the ground. All the while, the sound of violin strings play in the background, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. The shot then cuts to an old road sign swinging creakily with a crow perched on top of it. Then the shot cuts to a close up of the crow. This then further adds on to the feeling of dread, as the crow is a symbol of death. There are then a success of shots all focusing on the crow and the noises that it is making, all the while building tension.
The camera then tracks across the ground of the wheat field, covering a mobile phone, money, a bag, and the sound of a woman wailing could be heard. This then creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and curiosity, as these objects lead the audience to wonder the reason they are being shown. So far into the film, the feeling of suspense and dread has been conveyed through the various shots the director has made and also the sounds in which the director has incorporated into the film. The next action in the shot is of a hand holding a knife stabbing down into the ground. Right as this action was made, the feeling of horror was then added to the feelings conveyed in the film, as a bloody knife usually signifies something sinister.
The director has manipulated the audiences emotions very well through the shots that he has made, especially during the closeups of certain subjects, such as the crow, the ringing telephone, the bloody knife etc. The director has truly lead you to believe that whatever comes next in the film would be something morbid and macabre.
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