'Kill Bill' essay

'Kill Bill Volume 2'

'Kill Bill' volume 2 shows the bride in two different ways, either as a heroine or as a victim. Through using camera, lighting sound and mise en scène the bride is shown as strong when she bursts through the ground to freedom. However these settings can also show her in a very weak light when she is screaming trapped in darkness.
In scene one she is breathing shorter and quicker indicating that she is scared whereas in scene two she takes deep breaths to signify calmness. Both scenes use non-diegetic music. In scene one the music is western which juxtaposes with death whereas in scene two the music matches the screen action. There are increases in tempo and uplifting music plays, which informs us that she is more likely to survive. In scene one the nail banging is emphasised to highlight that she is being locked in. The sound of the car leaving shows that she is alone and left to die. The sound of the soil is exaggerated when it is thrown on the coffin; the sound is violent and cacophonous. In scene two the sound synchronises diegetic sounds at breaking through the coffin and the earth (as she is metaphorically reborn) and triumphant music is playing. The music stops and returns to diegetic sound starts again (the bride gasps for air).

The scene starts with the bride lying on the ground with an aggressive man looking down at her where she looks weak and bruised. However in scene two her facial expressions indicate a determination to escape; she is calm, thoughtful - this is signified through her ability to find a knife and cut herself free.The coffin reinforces her being buried alive and her being tied up and helpless signify she's going to die. In scene two her determination, punching the coffin with blood coming off her hands, represents strength and focus to escape. In scene one the setting of the graveyard reinforces the fact that the scene is desolate. When the bride's fist pumps out of the ground it shows she is liberated from the coffin ending the scene.

The lighting in scenes one and two differ with strong lighting which makes her look brave and feeble lighting which makes her look weak. In scene one the lighting is dark before the bride goes into the coffin and it stays dark when she is inside the coffin; it is lit up only by torch light. But there is no lighting when she is being buried and there is only sound to emphasise that she is stuck. In scene two the lighting is brighter and has a glow which suggests that she will escape and is no longer scared. When the bride escapes there is key lighting on her.

The camera starts with a close up of the bride face looking angry before she is put in a coffin. The camera shows a close up of the nail and the hammer showing that she is actually trapped. The camera then closes up on her eyes which look terrified and then films the aggressive man as he closes the coffin. There is then darkness and we can only hear, which is a good effect to highlight that she won't get out.  In the second scene the coffin seems larger indicating she will escape. The camera pans along her body as she is escaping- when she gets a knife out . The camera films her eyes again but now they are no longer scared.  The camera does a crane shot to highlight where she is, in a graveyard.

In conclusion, contrasting settings are used to portray her both as a heroine and a victim. The same is true of the music and the sounds which accompany the shots. These two scenes show very clearly how editing can change our perception of character during filming.

'Hanna' film

'Hanna'

The scene starts with diegetic noise of ordinary life. The door opens and closes and we hear the sounds of footsteps. There is a conversation about how  the room in the scene is a 'safe place'. There is then crying. When the wheel spins non diegetic noises start. Music starts that sounds like a heart beat; this adds tension to the scene. Breathing is amplified which also adds tension. Gun shots are also fired in this scene to emphasise the fact that it's not a 'safe place' at all. There is now a mix of diegetic and non-diegetic sound including shouting, blasting and the music becomes more upbeat as Hanna is escaping. The music changes when Hanna finds papers in  a medical room; it is less upbeat. There is then scratching along the walls when Hanna is climbing. There is then silence when Hanna escapes.

Refuge review

Sound

The sound effects for the first scene is the radio which shows that it is everyday life happening. The music is suddenly darker in the bomb making scene and continues during the kitchen scene with the family, suggesting something dark will happen to them. High pitch violins are used to create a more dramatic effect and then fade away. The organ is then played to give a sinister effect. The music becomes louder again to show that something terrible will happen. The music fades out again when the film ends.

Camera

The camera focuses on the family in the opening scene in a very light room. It shows a nice shot of the dad when he says hello to the baby and kisses it on the head. There is a sudden change when the scene changes to a dark room where the camera zooms in on face and hands; the colours drain out. The light changes as the camera zooms out and focuses on the bomb maker’s actions. The camera cuts back to the light and airy kitchen scene. The camera focuses on the mother putting on the baby’s hat. There is then an immediate cut back to the bomb maker and the camera pans across the desk and you see full detail.

Mis-en-scène

There are three sets, the first is an ordinary kitchen with mum doing family tasks. There are everyday objects in the foreground. There is a contrast between the homely objects in this scene and the sinister ones in the second bombmaking set. In this one there is an absence of light and little colour except for the components. The third set shows the car outside.The light is cold and we see forest in the background, which makes you think they live in an isolated place. The inside of the car is dark; the only colour we see is the pink of the baby’s dummy, shoes and the ‘Piglet’ car freshener hanging in the front. These innocent , gentle objects make what we know is about to happen all the more horrific. The film’s title is clearly an oxymoron as the car and the home are no longer places of refuge; they are no longer safe.

Why we know it’s a thriller 

This is mainly because of the music which builds up and fades throughout, increasing the feeling of tension and the sense that something bad is about to happen. The cut-aways from the homely to the bomb-making scene and the final scene where the two come together add to the effect.

What didn’t work well

 The zooming in on the soldering iron did not work well as the image was very blurry.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQUjjl4DAqQ

'Children of Men' poster

'Children of men' 

The poster shows a broken glass or a window that a man is looking through. The man who is looking through looks sombre and looking into the distance, suggesting something bad is coming. The poster uses a contrast of colours. The poster uses mostly darker colours suggesting something sinister might happen. The poster uses contrasting colours effectively. The title is in white writing which symbolises innocence. The poster also uses hints of red conveying danger. There is an eye that contains a red image of the world, suggesting that the end of the world is happening. The year in the film is 2027. The film is a hybrid film, as it can either be action, thriller or violence.

How to use a film camera

How to use a film camera

How  use a tripod - A tripod is a three legged frame; the tripod helps to provide stability for when filming. To reach a certain height for filming extend the tripod legs and then turn the locks on each leg when the tripod is at the right height for filming. To rotate the head, loosen the knob on the base of the head and spin the head into the chosen angle that is right for filming.

Bubbling – It is useful for tilting the camera. You have to get the air bubble in line with the marked circle for a good level.

White balance – Cameras often have problems with light – this is called a white balance. Use a white balance screen to improve the light setting for filming. You have to hold the white balance screen up to the camera to correct it.

Exposure – Is the amount of light that reaches the camera. If there is not enough light the frame is underexposed or if there is too much it is overexposed. The settings on the camera aperture diameter and shutter speed will help the exposure for the camera.

Framing – This refers to different camera shots in each frame of the film. For example a close-up would show the detail of what’s happening in the film. A long shot would show the area in the frame. A wide shot allows the actors room to move around within the shot, without the camera having to follow them. Wide shots are often split by medium shots and close-ups to vary the pace .

How to operate the camera – the rule of thirds: when the frame is divided into three parts. This is important in framing. The 180 degree rule: this involves two characters in the scene. The camera should only be on one side of two people and it has to be in line with them. Shots can be intercut from one camera to another as long as they are  positioned on the same side of the imaginary line.

What I learned during the lesson - I found filming the close-ups and wide shots easy. You have to remember to bring a white balance with you to compensate for changes in light that may take place during filming.

'The Shining' Poster


'The Shining'

The poster shows a photograph of  a terrified woman and a crazed man. The picture shows many contrasts between the man and the woman; the woman is surrounded by white suggesting inocence to emphasize that she is the innocent one. The man is surrounded by darkness showing that he is evil. The man, who looks menacing, is holding a big axe that is smashing through the door whereas the terrified woman is holding a small knife.The poster shows that the man is crazed as he has deranged eyes and he's almost smiling.



'The Conversation' Poster

'The Conversation'

The poster of this film shows a couple with a camera target focussing on them which suggests that they are the targets in the film. However there is a picture of a man who is looking downward, maybe out of a window looking at the couple perhaps; which suggests that he is an agent or an assassin.The poster also shows the San Francisco bridge. The poster also uses a contrast of colours as the pictures are in black and white and there is some red in the title which gives out a sense of danger 
although 'conversation' is written in white 
suggesting innocence; as if someone who is
innocent might be harmed.

About myself

About me

My name is Holly. I'm studying at Hurtwood House. I am studying art, media and textiles. My favourite subject is art. I chose media as I am interested in media and it would be a good subject to do. I like seeing my friends, photography and fashion. My favourite television progamme is 'Revenge'. My favourite photographer is Tim Walker. My favourite designer is Christian Louboutin. My favourite films are 'Mean Girls' and 'Bridesmaids'. I am looking forward to  studying media especially helping with costumes, set and how to use a film camera.