Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Film industry going into a meltdown
Meltdown
"Directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas are warning that the film industry is in danger of "meltdown".
"Directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas are warning that the film industry is in danger of "meltdown".
They say it will become increasingly difficult for them to get smaller films into theatres because Hollywood is relying on big budget releases.
In a speech reported by the Hollywood Reporter, Spielberg said Lincoln was nearly made for TV network HBO because of struggles getting it in cinemas.
Lord David PuttnamOur job is to satisfy the customers. I think a perfectly legitimate requirement is that they can see the film that they want to see and where they want to see it
"The pathway to get into theatres is getting smaller and smaller," he said.
"You're gonna have to pay $25 (£16) for the next Iron Man, you're probably only going to have to pay $7 (£4.50) to see Lincoln."
George Lucas added that he could see a model similar to theatre pricing, where fewer films were released, they stayed longer in the cinema (up to a year) and ticket prices increased depending on the film.
In an interview with Newsbeat, the president of the Film Distributors' Association, which represents the UK distribution arms of Hollywood studios, Lord David Puttnam, agreed that change was needed."
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Microanalysis of Girl Interrupted
The micro fundamentals are vital to hold a film together as they allow a sequences to flow naturally. They work together to make the infrastructure within a sequence, as this is significant to the meaning. The main types are mise-en-scene cinematography, editing and sound. I have selected ‘Girl Interrupted directed by James Mangold in 1999 for my analysis. The scene in which I am going to focus on is the Strong scene, where we see the two main protagonists, and the death of their friend. I will be concentrating closely on how editing and the sound help to generate a meaning to the audience.
This scene is taken from midway through the movie where we are already familiar with the characters and their personas. The editing plays a key part in the microanalysis as the camera shows the two binary opposite characters, (Lisa and Daisy) the most through a series of close ups and mid shots. By doing this we have already established that some conflict will happen between the two as this will later on be important. The non dietetic western, cowboy sound that appears behind the two extreme close ups of Lisa and Daisy’s eyes staring into each other also show that some kind of showdown is going to happen. Not only does the close up shots of Daisy’s face allow us to see her emotions, but it also tells the audiences about her mental state and how she is always being portrayed as imprisoned and confined, along with her dialogue she uses. With Lisa on the other hand who is very aggressive, and loud, larger and long shots of her are also used to show this. Lisa has aggressive and interrogative tone, builds onto her careless character, which comes across as a bully, while Daisy is seen as exactly a pushover and tries to avoid the subject. To back this tension up even more, a sinister strain of non-dietetic music plays in the background while Lisa grills Daisy to really show her power and the camera tracks closer to her face. The lack of speech in Daisy’s voice shows her as the weak one in this battle.
Mangold continues to use music as a suspender, however this time it is diegetic as an old fashioned song is playing in the house on repeat. The song replays over and over again, which can be a interoperate as the constant struggle of Daisy’s life and how it follows a cyclic pattern of never ending. There is no dialogue here as such which adds to the tension of what is to happen next. The use of long drained out cuts builds to this as the audience is left hanging on what is to happen next. Cleverly the music appears to be cheerful, which eases us to think that nothing bad will happen, however this juxtaposes with the door at the end of the room being shut, which is a stereotypical sign seen in many other movies for danger. The sign of the black cat standing just by it also adds suspense as we now know that danger is just behind the door. Even before we see what has actually happened, the sound of Susan gasping tells us everything. The sound is a key element as it lets on hints even before they had happened, as with the music playing and now also with the characters dialogue. This is then supported by the wide shot used to show only a part of Daisy hanging with blood dripping down her arm. Using Levi Strauss theory of binary opposite characters in this scene creates the audience to not feel as worried as they should. As here again we have the calm, chilled out Lisa, who doesn’t show much interest in Daisy, compared to the panic, screaming Susan who is on the floor with emotions. This creates an unbalanced and confused impression as one shot is of Susan on the phone in a mess, cuts to another of Lisa casually looking at daisy in an odd fashion. We expect some level of indecency with Lisa, as this is shown as she takes Daisy’s money while she is hanging there. The way in which Mangold has edited it closely in sync with the sound, allows this scene to give off a different affect as to what you would normally expect. The upbeat music still carries on the background while everything happens. Towards the end it soon fades into another non diegetic empathetic stringed music as Susan is left alone with the dead Daisy and Lisa has left her.
The micro fundamentals are vital to hold a film together as they allow a sequences to flow naturally. They work together to make the infrastructure within a sequence, as this is significant to the meaning. The main types are mise-en-scene cinematography, editing and sound. I have selected ‘Girl Interrupted directed by James Mangold in 1999 for my analysis. The scene in which I am going to focus on is the Strong scene, where we see the two main protagonists, and the death of their friend. I will be concentrating closely on how editing and the sound help to generate a meaning to the audience.
This scene is taken from midway through the movie where we are already familiar with the characters and their personas. The editing plays a key part in the microanalysis as the camera shows the two binary opposite characters, (Lisa and Daisy) the most through a series of close ups and mid shots. By doing this we have already established that some conflict will happen between the two as this will later on be important. The non dietetic western, cowboy sound that appears behind the two extreme close ups of Lisa and Daisy’s eyes staring into each other also show that some kind of showdown is going to happen. Not only does the close up shots of Daisy’s face allow us to see her emotions, but it also tells the audiences about her mental state and how she is always being portrayed as imprisoned and confined, along with her dialogue she uses. With Lisa on the other hand who is very aggressive, and loud, larger and long shots of her are also used to show this. Lisa has aggressive and interrogative tone, builds onto her careless character, which comes across as a bully, while Daisy is seen as exactly a pushover and tries to avoid the subject. To back this tension up even more, a sinister strain of non-dietetic music plays in the background while Lisa grills Daisy to really show her power and the camera tracks closer to her face. The lack of speech in Daisy’s voice shows her as the weak one in this battle.
Mangold continues to use music as a suspender, however this time it is diegetic as an old fashioned song is playing in the house on repeat. The song replays over and over again, which can be a interoperate as the constant struggle of Daisy’s life and how it follows a cyclic pattern of never ending. There is no dialogue here as such which adds to the tension of what is to happen next. The use of long drained out cuts builds to this as the audience is left hanging on what is to happen next. Cleverly the music appears to be cheerful, which eases us to think that nothing bad will happen, however this juxtaposes with the door at the end of the room being shut, which is a stereotypical sign seen in many other movies for danger. The sign of the black cat standing just by it also adds suspense as we now know that danger is just behind the door. Even before we see what has actually happened, the sound of Susan gasping tells us everything. The sound is a key element as it lets on hints even before they had happened, as with the music playing and now also with the characters dialogue. This is then supported by the wide shot used to show only a part of Daisy hanging with blood dripping down her arm. Using Levi Strauss theory of binary opposite characters in this scene creates the audience to not feel as worried as they should. As here again we have the calm, chilled out Lisa, who doesn’t show much interest in Daisy, compared to the panic, screaming Susan who is on the floor with emotions. This creates an unbalanced and confused impression as one shot is of Susan on the phone in a mess, cuts to another of Lisa casually looking at daisy in an odd fashion. We expect some level of indecency with Lisa, as this is shown as she takes Daisy’s money while she is hanging there. The way in which Mangold has edited it closely in sync with the sound, allows this scene to give off a different affect as to what you would normally expect. The upbeat music still carries on the background while everything happens. Towards the end it soon fades into another non diegetic empathetic stringed music as Susan is left alone with the dead Daisy and Lisa has left her.
Independent research
News on the film industry
Film industry
Before going to film school I worked for a year as a runner and camera trainee on a variety of productions ranging from music videos to feature films. On set I'd talk to the other runners and younger crewmembers and when I told them I was thinking of going to film school they all said the same thing - "Don't go!". The general consensus seemed to be that film graduates never end up in the film industry. They explained to me you have to start from the bottom and work your way up, climb the ladder and the sooner you hop on the better. Why waste two or three years doing a degree?
I can't quite remember why I ignored their warnings, maybe I was looking for something more stable than random days of work or maybe I was sick of making cups of tea in polystyrene cups for curly haired commercials directors. Either way, I signed up to the Met Film School in Ealing Studios and did their two-year BA in Practical Filmmaking.
So I suppose the question is do I think the two years I spent at film school benefitted me more than the two years I would have spent climbing the ladder? The answer is a resounding yes.
10 top films
10 top films
1) Fight club
This has to be one of my top favourites because of its concept. The film is really different to others in the way it tells its narrative, as nothing quite makes sense until you see the ending. Which has to be my favourite part, as it releases new concepts about mental disorders and the disfigurement in which we see things. The film also starts three of my favourite actors, Helena Bonham Carter, brad pit and Jared Leto.
2) Girl Interrupted
Mainly because of the overall narrative and themes of dis-functional and uncomfortable topics. I like the way the story follows throughout the film and dosent get boring, as each part keeps you on your toes.
3)Requiem for a Dream
This ties in with the first two themes and genre of movie as this is what I am most interested in. the topic choice of genre, drugs and all negative things which destory a person are projected in this film and make it appealing towards me. As there is not simple narrative, its more twisted and confusing.
4)Perks of being a wallflower
Has two of my favourite actors, emma watson and logan lerman. Again focusing on teenage problems, experiences and also about mental health and a twisted background to it.
5)Nightmare on elm street
Both the original and the remake are compatible as they produce the same level of interest for me. However the remake does seem better due to its affects and image. It has a great storyline, which is original but also slightly scary. It is also a classic for me and i never get bored of watching it.
6)The life before her eyes
This is more of a drama genre film, which includes inits of thriller in. It was based on a real life event of the columbine massacre which is a great deal to me. The movie is in my favourites because it talks about important topics and also sends across a meaningful message to others, as i think it also educated the view as well as entertains as it is fully gripping.
7)Sleep Hollow
This is a classic Johnny Depp film, which i love as it has a historical, witchcraft twist to it which i find of a great interest. The actors play a good role, and follows the unpredictable story line well, towards the end where again you find more shocking discoveries.
8)Chatroom
This isnt a big hollyowood film, however a British one, but I still find it very interesting as again it focuses on teenagers and their own problems, which includes a series of very twisted concepts which are hard to understand but also makes it challenging.
9)The Secret window
This is another film where Johnny Depp stars in, i like it because it involves more of a psychological theme and genre in which I am most interested in, with disturbed scenes and violences, its a cleverly conducted film.
10) Shrooms
One of my favourite horrors which I had seen many years ago and still love. It involves young characters who go on their usual camping trip gone wrong, this all then leads to their death. The end is a plot twist as you find out what you were watching wasn't really true, which puts more excitement into the viewing.
This has to be one of my top favourites because of its concept. The film is really different to others in the way it tells its narrative, as nothing quite makes sense until you see the ending. Which has to be my favourite part, as it releases new concepts about mental disorders and the disfigurement in which we see things. The film also starts three of my favourite actors, Helena Bonham Carter, brad pit and Jared Leto.
2) Girl Interrupted
Mainly because of the overall narrative and themes of dis-functional and uncomfortable topics. I like the way the story follows throughout the film and dosent get boring, as each part keeps you on your toes.
3)Requiem for a Dream
This ties in with the first two themes and genre of movie as this is what I am most interested in. the topic choice of genre, drugs and all negative things which destory a person are projected in this film and make it appealing towards me. As there is not simple narrative, its more twisted and confusing.
4)Perks of being a wallflower
Has two of my favourite actors, emma watson and logan lerman. Again focusing on teenage problems, experiences and also about mental health and a twisted background to it.
5)Nightmare on elm street
Both the original and the remake are compatible as they produce the same level of interest for me. However the remake does seem better due to its affects and image. It has a great storyline, which is original but also slightly scary. It is also a classic for me and i never get bored of watching it.
6)The life before her eyes
This is more of a drama genre film, which includes inits of thriller in. It was based on a real life event of the columbine massacre which is a great deal to me. The movie is in my favourites because it talks about important topics and also sends across a meaningful message to others, as i think it also educated the view as well as entertains as it is fully gripping.
7)Sleep Hollow
This is a classic Johnny Depp film, which i love as it has a historical, witchcraft twist to it which i find of a great interest. The actors play a good role, and follows the unpredictable story line well, towards the end where again you find more shocking discoveries.
8)Chatroom
This isnt a big hollyowood film, however a British one, but I still find it very interesting as again it focuses on teenagers and their own problems, which includes a series of very twisted concepts which are hard to understand but also makes it challenging.
9)The Secret window
This is another film where Johnny Depp stars in, i like it because it involves more of a psychological theme and genre in which I am most interested in, with disturbed scenes and violences, its a cleverly conducted film.
10) Shrooms
One of my favourite horrors which I had seen many years ago and still love. It involves young characters who go on their usual camping trip gone wrong, this all then leads to their death. The end is a plot twist as you find out what you were watching wasn't really true, which puts more excitement into the viewing.
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