Juxtaposition on Psycho Shots

In the two shots above we see the transition between a plug whole and a eyeball. In using these two shots together, we can see the relation of cylindrical object and how the audience can use both images as windows to completely different places. For example, the plug whole leads down to darkness and hell, whilst the eyeball acts as a window to the human soul.  

Cinematography Analysis on a Sequence From V for Vendetta

Within one of the sequences from V for Vendetta there are many different aspects of cinematography which can be explored. This includes things such as shot types, lenses, film speed, movement and angles. All of which are used to communicate a message or atmosphere to the audience,  in some cases segments of the plot are revealed through cinematography.

In the beginning of the sequence there is a frame which shows V standing in front of the Old Bailey on a building. It is a long shot and uses a low angle capturing V in the foreground and the Old Bailey in the Background. Having the Old Bailey situated on the left draws the audience to the building, so that they are more inclined to focus on the building before the explosions. Using a low angle helps convey the structural strength of the building, reinforcing the idea that it is a key piece of London.

Another moment in the sequence that can be analysed is when the lettering inscribed on the Old Bailey begins to explode. A medium closeup is used and is displayed in a shallow focus, allowing the plane bearing the lettering to remain sharp and clear. In filming this specific part of the building incorporates the use of levels within the frame. It also shows the destruction of the lettering from left to right, which could reflect on the new status of the building's structural integrity.

The third frame I have captured shows a medium long shot of the Old Bailey during it's demolition. This is used to show detail, but also that damage is taking place across the entire building, not just the bottom of the structure where the inscription is located. With this in mind it helps to communicate the scale of the event to the audience.

In the sequence there is also a couple of long shots which help in the communicating of scale. They allow for the audience to compare the destruction of the Old Bailey to the rest of London located in the background. In using this as a comparison features helps convey a message to the audience. It can refer to the fact that the explosions are creating damage, but the brightness of the flames in the dark city can relate to liberation, freedom and the idea of emerging hope in a city of corruption.

          

The next frame I have captured shows a low angle over the shoulder shot of Evey. She is looking up towards the sky, witnessing the creation of the letter V in fireworks. This reinforces the idea of hope, and that Evey and the rest of society are looking up for a better future. By showing the letter V as a visual aid allows the audience to associate with the protagonist. This causes the audience to predict his next move, therefore establishing an enigma. From here it cuts to a low angle long shot brining the audience closer to the action taking place in the sky. This brings about the idea of heaven and the importance of faith to individuals in the transition stages of revolution. 

When the sequence moves on to the discussion between the Chancellor and his henchmen, a closeup is used on the Chancellor's face. This is done to install a sense of fear  through the used of frontality to act as a direct address to the audience. It also brings about the question who he is talking to, resulting in the audience wanting to watch more in an attempt to answer their questions. 

In two other frames his henchmen are filmed looking up towards the Chancellor when talking to him. In these frames both shots are medium closeups. Doing this displays authority among characters, linking to the use of the enlarged chancellor's face on the projection screen to convey his high status. By engulfing the henchmen in darkness empathises each branch of evil the Chancellor owns. This shows the Chancellor's power of manipulation towards others, but also his similar qualities to historical dictators such as Stalin and Hitler. In the shot with Mr Creedy a shallow focus is used to bring the audience's attention to his face, which bears an emotionless expression turning the atmosphere very negative and sinister.                

   

To help communicate the scale of the room a long shot and a medium long shot were used in the sequence, having the same desired effect when filming the Old Bailey. It also puts the Chancellor in proportion to everyone else, representing his authority and status as much larger and above all others. It can also be seen as a fairly literal translation, that he is very big headed in comparison to his henchmen. 

In the following three frames the Chancellor's henchmen are grouped together. The first image is a high angle medium long shot, with a wide angle lens. It shows the lack of power the henchmen have other the Chancellor by representing his gaze looking down onto his employees. The other two are medium long shots. In these shots we can see how they appear the same to each other representing the same level of authority, and how they have all conformed to society.  

         

Alice in Wonderland in the Style of Alien

After looking at several set designs and images from the Alien quadrilogy, I now have a good understanding on the style used throughout Alien. To show my understanding I have taken different segments of various photographs and incorporated them into my Alice in Wonderland drawing. 

Around the table edge there is a tube like design to replicate the Xenomorph spinal cord. In the centre of the table I have drawn a symbol, which bears the silhouette of a Xenomorph in the early stages of its life. The legs of the table have the design of the Xenomorph tail cut into them. This is symmetrical on both sides. For the feet of the table I have tried to use the same design as the Xenomorph’s face, with the rounded top and protruding pointed face. This helps convey a sinister feel with the use of small sharp teeth in each table foot. 

Some additional features I have added are the many tubes around the set and also the design of the “drink me” potion. Using tubes gives a futuristic outlook on the picture, helping to convey the alien theme. On the “drink me” vial I have taken the lettering style used to show “Alien” in the title sequence of the film. To help mimic a room from the Nostromo spacecraft, I have used the same door design.                 

For the scenery I have used an Alien wall design, taken from an alien nesting area. This uses many curves and straight ridges similar to some of the Alien sets. For the flooring I have used a diamond pattern effect, so the viewer can still relate to some of the layouts in Alice in Wonderland. In some of the big segments of scenery I have incorporated triangle shapes, following the large spaceship set designs. To make the image more realistic I have drawn a shadow, which is cast by the large table. This does not ruin the dark low-lit scene as I have used gothic colours such as black and grey. In addition to these colours I have also used a light and dark blue around the edge of some of the shapes, to help in communicating a night like atmosphere. 

In designing Alice I have kept some original features such as the dress, hair and bow. To show Alien themes I have given Alice a Xenomorph tail, arms and face. Alice’s hair also looks more jagged and rough, the opposite of its normal appearance. The arms and tail have been taken from a generic Xenomorph, but as inspiration for the face I have used an image of the Alien/Human hybrid.

The Good The Bad and The Ugly ︻┳═一

Genre

The film is set in the wild wild west. It fits the stereotypical Spaghetti Western genre but will always bring a sense of magic to the film community, being a well known classic. The genre is easily determined straight from the offset, through old gun sound effects and pictures capturing conventional western characters and scenarios. For example, the group of cowboys gathered around the encampment performing various actions such as playing the flute. As a fan of Westerns, I would say the film meets my expectations in both plot and the way it is filmed.
     

Style

The film has a very unique style. It follows three main characters which link with key words of the title "The Good" , "The Bad" and "The Ugly". To help communicate the important characters to the film there are several moments when the screen freezes. In freezing the screen the audience is able to take in different features being displayed, such as costume, characteristics and the characters present scenario.

     
A key moment in the film that conveys the thought that has gone into filming is when one of the characters is standing in a doorway. There is a large amount of light that passes through the doorway which casts a silhouette of the man in a tall dominant pose, when compared to the seated man at the other end of the hallway. This helps show who is in control of the situation and the more feared character. In doing this also draws the audience to the character, making him the focus of the frame.
      

Throughout the film many moments of high suspense are created. This is accomplished through the use of the slow soundtrack, eery environment, long pauses and the actions of characters. An example of this is in one of the beginning scenes. Two cowboys ride into an isolated abandoned town at the same time as another cowboy, who is located directly in front of them on the other side of the road. They dismount from their horses and begin to move to each other slowly which helps build the suspense by causing the scene to last longer. This also allows the audience time to take in all the features, and the spooky atmosphere generated from the high dust being kicked up from the ground.

     
The entire film feels Western, and one of the main contributors to this is the lighting and colour used. The desert appears to have a yellow glow conveying the hot intensity of the sun. This is met by a calm blue sky creating a contrast. In doing this allows the desert to become a place of relaxation, peace, suspense and action depending upon the situation.

         
Messages and Values

In my opinion the film has several messages and values to be considered and applied to modern day life. In the world there are good, bad and ugly people. However, good people are capable of bad acts and bad people are capable of good acts. What matters is what path you choose to pursue and the ratio of good deeds to bad deeds that determines whether or not you are a villain or hero.

It also gives us an insight into the time period it is set, displaying large amounts of historical content. It becomes apparent that society had less laws and was more chaotic. The film shows how people were violent and often used this type of behaviour to achieve what they wanted.
       

Themes

A very large theme throughout the film is the desire for money and wealth. This is shown through situations such as the pursuit for the gold, and all the gold the bad character collects in the beginning prioritising his job first over all else. At one point we even see the good protagonist falling victim to greed after betraying the ugly character and leaving him in the desert. There is also reference to the civil war which conveys a cynical theme of violence throughout.

 

James Bond Analysis (Comment Board)