Learning Aim A

Learning Aim 1

Be able to analyse codes and conventions of fictional film.

In this learning Aim you will need to present an analysis of the narrative and stylistic codes and conventions of fictional films from more than one genre, the two genres should be contrasting e.g. horror and western or horror and science fiction. It must include an analysis of a horror product in one as this is the genre you will be working in for the production. You will need to illustrate the points you make using examples and where applicable images.

Vamers-Vamers-Voice-5-Things-Horror-Movies-Have-Ruined-For-Us-Horror-Movie-Compilation

 

Task 1

Macro Analysis

Analyse a horror film of your choice. The analysis must cover all of the macro elements of the film as listed below:

 

  • Format – Identify the type of film this is and the running time. Is this a feature film, short film etc.
  • Genre – what is the genre and / or sub-genre of the film?
  • Purpose
    • What is the purpose of the film?
    • Why was it made, consider how it makes money?
    • The film is a certain genre consider what it needs to be successful in that genre? If is a horror film does it need to be scary and make the audience jump to be successful?
    • Is the film designed to raise awareness or deal with ongoing themes and issues?
  • Generic Conventions and Characteristics
    • What are the rules of the genre and how are these followed or subverted within the film, consider the impact that this has?
      • E.g. Slasher films have rules about what characters do that result in them dying, consider the rules of the sub-genre you have selected.
      • Refer back to the rules of the horror film such as isolate the victim or curiosity kills.
    • What stereotypes are used within the film?
      • In Slasher films you have a constant set of stereotypes such as the girl next door, the best friend, the bad boy, the promiscuous blonde.
    • What key Iconography is there within this film, how is it tied to the genre?
    • Propps Character Theory – This is a theory that states there are seven broad characters that can be applied to all narratives.
  1. The villain (struggles against the hero)
  2. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
  3. The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
  4. The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
  5. The false hero (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)
  6. The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
  7. The hero or victim/seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess.

Can these character types be applied to your film?

Also consider in horror there are often stereotypes based on desires, do those apply as well, sin equals death.

  • Narrative Structures including application of narrative models and theory and use of characterisation.
  • What type of narrative is being used:
      1.  Linear – narrative that moves from beginning to end.
      2. Non-linear – narrative that mixes the chronology of the narrative.
      3. Circular – begins at the end and then returns to the beginning.
      4. Episodic – a narrative told in chapters.
      5. Multi-stranded – variety of actions happening simultaneously.
      6. Single stranded – follows a singe plot thread.
    • Is it using a traditional three act structure where appropriate. If not why not what is is using and why?

Todorov’s Narrative Theory

  • Apply Narrative models to the film:
  • Todorov’s Narrative theory is divided into five sections that identify the main plot points and the impact these have upon the narrative progression.
  1. Equilibrium – The beginning of the film, establishing the normality of life.
  2. Disruption (of equilibrium) – The conflict that breaks the normality.
  3. Recognition – The protagonists realise the problem / conflict.
  4. Attempt to repair – This is the first attempt to stop / repair the problem/conflict, this is unsuccessful and increases the tension from the problem/conflict.
  5. New Equilibrium – The protagonists resolve the problem/conflict and create a new normality.

The below images show the steps of this theory and apply is to the Sam Raimi directed original Spiderman (2002).

 

  • Audience Expectations and Interpretation
    • Who is the audience? Identify the target audience using age range, gender, socio-economic grouping and Rubicams 4 C’s.
    • How does the film match or subvert the expectation of the audience? How does it follow the traditions and expectations of the genre does it alter and change any expectations to surprise the audience?
    • Does it use the bus technique (build for a jump and then use a second none jump after the initial fake jump scare like in Alien), how does it use music to build suspense. When there is a scare does the audience expect it.
    • Do the same characters you expect to die, do these fill the stereotypes of the characters that die in film.
    • What is effective with this film, as a horror film?
    • Is there anything you would improve and why?

Here are some powerpoints to assist with identifying audience.

 

Task 1b

Micro Analysis

You will need to analyse an extract from the film considering  how it makes meaning for the audience. This scene should be a minimum of five minutes but can be longer if needed due to the reaching a sequences end, like the opening of Scream which is longer than five minutes.

  • Mise-en-scene
    • Location – Where is the film set, how does the location look and what does it convey about the location you will need to consider the use of decor, colour and
    • Lighting – consider what is not lit as well as what is, often shadow is as important as the areas being lit, also the us of lighting colours being used?
    • Costume – Consider what is worn and the colour and what it connotes?
    • Props – What are used and why?
    • Movement of actors – how are they moving and why why? What does it suggest about the characters?

–Also additional consider iconography and genre.

■Sound

  • Diegetic sound, what is being used in the world and what is it conveying, sound effects are very important.
  • Non-diegetic are additional sounds what are they conveying, consider the use of voice over and the atmosphere created by the music?

■Camera

  • What are the important camera frames? How is the camera moving and why?
  • Also consider how is it moving such as whether the movement is smooth or whether shaky and the effect this has?
  • Consider the range of options for moving the camera and how these are used like tracking shots, hand-held, steadicam, jib and crane.
  • When looking at framing also consider the position and angle of the camera. Are any of the shots on low or high angles? Does the film use any cantered angles and if so what does this suggest about the world or characters?

More advanced camera movements.

 

■Editing

  • What is the editing pace?
  • Does the pace remain constant or does it change, if the pace changes consider why it has changed and what the effects of this could be? Could be changing to build tension or atmosphere.
  • Are there any transitions used and if so what is the impact of this effect? Do they move you from one place to another?
  • Are there any visual effects – CGI, used? Why are CGI used rather than using practical effects on set?

Note

Use images to annotate the points you are making from the film scene you are analysing.

 

Methods of Submission

There are a variety of methods to completing the task, you can complete a written essay using images or a powerpoint or a combination of powerpoint or Prezi style presentations.

 

Task 2

 Micro Analysis Short Horror Film

You will need to analyse and compare the first analysis you have conducted for the horror film with another short horror film of a different horror sub-genre:

  • Slasher
  • Monster Movie
  • Found Footage
  • Torture Porn
  • Sci-Fi / Horror
  • Action Horror
  • Italian Horror
  • J-Horror

It must be a different sub-genre than the first film you selected to analyse. There are a variety of short films on the short film tab at the top.

Complete a micro analysis of the short film. Remember this is a much shorter film so the analysis can be more concise. Use images to identify these elements throughout.

  • Mise-en-scene
    • Location – Where is the film set, how does the location look and what does it convey about the location you will need to consider the use of decor, colour and
    • Lighting – consider what is not lit as well as what is, often shadow is as important as the areas being lit, also the us of lighting colours being used?
    • Costume – Consider what is worn and the colour and what it connotes?
    • Props – What are used and why?
    • Movement of actors – how are they moving and why why? What does it suggest about the characters?

–Also additional consider iconography and genre.

■Sound

  • Diegetic sound, what is being used in the world and what is it conveying, sound effects are very important.
  • Non-diegetic are additional sounds what are they conveying, consider the use of voice over and the atmosphere created by the music?

■Camera

  • What are the important camera frames? How is the camera moving and why?
  • Also consider how is it moving such as whether the movement is smooth or whether shaky and the effect this has?
  • Consider the range of options for moving the camera and how these are used like tracking shots, hand-held, steadicam, jib and crane.
  • When looking at framing also consider the position and angle of the camera. Are any of the shots on low or high angles? Does the film use any cantered angles and if so what does this suggest about the world or characters?

■Editing

  • What is the editing pace?
  • Does the pace remain constant or does it change, if the pace changes consider why it has changed and what the effects of this could be? Could be changing to build tension or atmosphere.
  • Are there any transitions used and if so what is the impact of this effect? Do they move you from one place to another?
  • Are there any visual effects – CGI, used? Why are CGI used rather than using practical effects on set?

Additional Task complete the questions below.

To complete this task answer the questions below considering the micro and maco elements you have already analysed for the short film and the feature film.

  • Be specific about which is more effective and why?
  • Consider whether it is aimed at the same audience or not?
  • What are the differences between the narrative and character developments, are they using the same narrative structures and character types apply Propp’s character theory and Todorov’s and compare.
  • Are both films using the same representations and symbolism or due to the different sub-genres are these different.
  • Does it use the bus technique (build for a jump and then use a second none jump after the initial fake jump scare like in Alien), how does it use music to build suspense. When there is a scare does the audience expect it and is this the same or different from the first film analysis?
  • Do the same characters die are they the same representations and stereotypes?
  • Which of the two films is the more successful use evidence from the micro-analysis to justify your opinion also consider the purpose and explain how the one you have selected as being the most successful achieves its purpose?

 

Task 3

Macro and Micro Analysis

 

You will need to complete a second analysis from a contrasting genre from task 1. This could include films from the genres:

  • Western – Django Unchained, The Searchers, Unforgiven.
  • Science Fiction – Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek.
  • Period Dramas – Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Atonement.
  • Superhero – Avengers Assemble, Dark Knight, Kick Ass.

The genres should have very identifiable codes and conventions some film genres this is not as obvious such as Comedies, Thrillers or Action and so will make this task more difficult to complete.

 

  • Format – Identify the type of film this is and the running time. Is this a feature film, short film etc.
  • Genre – what is the genre and / or sub-genre of the film?
  • Purpose
    • What is the purpose of the film?
    • Why was it made, consider how it makes money?
    • The film is a certain genre consider what it needs to be successful in that genre? If is a horror film does it need to be scary and make the audience jump to be successful?
    • Is the film designed to raise awareness or deal with ongoing themes and issues?
  • Generic Conventions and Characteristics
    • What are the rules of the genre and how are these followed or subverted within the film, consider the impact that this has?
    • E.g. Slasher films have rules about what characters do that result in them dying, consider the rules of the sub-genre you have selected.
    • Refer back to the rules of the horror film such as isolate the victim or curiosity kills.
  • What stereotypes are used within the film?
    • In Slasher films you have a constant set of stereotypes such as the girl next door, the best friend, the bad boy, the promiscuous blonde.
  • What key Iconography is there within this film, how is it tied to the genre?
  • Propps Character Theory – This is a theory that states there are seven broad characters that can be applied to all narratives.
    1. The villain (struggles against the hero)
    2. The donor (prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object)
    3. The (magical) helper (helps the hero in the quest)
    4. The princess (person the hero marries, often sought for during the narrative)
    5. The false hero (perceived as good character in beginning but emerges as evil)
    6. The dispatcher (character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off)
    7. The hero or victim/seeker hero, reacts to the donor, weds the princess.
  • Can these character types be applied to your film?Also consider in horror there are often stereotypes based on desires, do those apply as well, sin equals death.
  • Narrative Structures including application of narrative models and theory and use of characterisation.
    • What type of narrative is being used:
        1.  Linear – narrative that moves from beginning to end.
        2. Non-linear – narrative that mixes the chronology of the narrative.
        3. Circular – begins at the end and then returns to the beginning.
        4. Episodic – a narrative told in chapters.
        5. Multi-stranded – variety of actions happening simultaneously.
        6. Single stranded – follows a singe plot thread.
      • Is it using a traditional three act structure where appropriate. If not why not what is is using and why?
  • Todorov’s Narrative Theory
    • Apply Narrative models to the film:
    • Todorov’s Narrative theory is divided into five sections that identify the main plot points and the impact these have upon the narrative progression.
    1. Equilibrium – The beginning of the film, establishing the normality of life.
    2. Disruption (of equilibrium) – The conflict that breaks the normality.
    3. Recognition – The protagonists realise the problem / conflict.
    4. Attempt to repair – This is the first attempt to stop / repair the problem/conflict, this is unsuccessful and increases the tension from the problem/conflict.
    5. New Equilibrium – The protagonists resolve the problem/conflict and create a new normality.
  • Audience Expectations and Interpretation
    • Who is the audience? Identify the target audience using age range, gender, socio-economic grouping and Rubicams 4 C’s.
    • How does the film match or subvert the expectation of the audience? How does it follow the traditions and expectations of the genre does it alter and change any expectations to surprise the audience?
    • Does it use the bus technique (build for a jump and then use a second none jump after the initial fake jump scare like in Alien), how does it use music to build suspense. When there is a scare does the audience expect it.
    • Do the same characters you expect to die, do these fill the stereotypes of the characters that die in film.

Task 4

Compare and contrast the different codes and conventions being used in the two different genres.

To achieve this task you need to compare the different film techniques being used by the three films you have already analysed. You should consider when analysing:

  • Who is the audience and what do they expect? Does this effect what codes and conventions are used?
  • What micro elements are similar and different consider the editing pace and the use of camera movement does this change between the three films again link back to the audience? Also consider the use of effects and mise-en-scene between the two films and the impact on the viewer?
  • What generic conventions and stereotype representations are used? Are there similarities or differences between the three films is this due to the audience you have identified?
  • What are the narrative structures applied and does the narrative theory apply to each? Which has the more complicated plot and narrative structure why is this and are the audience older or younger with the that identified film?
  • Do all films have the same purpose?
  • Do all films have underlining themes and meanings. Also consider if they are trying convey important images about society or raising awareness, could this also be a reason why it was made?
  • In your opinion justify which film you consider to be the most effective and why?

Grading Criteria

To achieve the criteria you must show that you are able to:

P1 – Explain the narrative codes and conventions of a fictional genre film.

P2 – Explain the stylistic codes and conventions of a fictional genre film with reference to its target audience.

M1 – Compare the narrative and stylistic codes and conventions of fictional films of the same genre.

D1 – Analyse the narrative and stylistic codes and conventions of different film genres using detailed examples to illustrate points.

Additional Resources Created for Delivery of this learning Outcome.

intro-to-single-overview-unit-10

micro-analysis

shot-types

 

 

Film Booklet

This booklet was produced by Canal+ and gives a detailed background to film structure and business models, well worth reading.

http://imgur.com/a/q1ej8

This is an excellent website that clearly identifies camera shots and movement and explains why they are selected by the director and what they convey to the viewer. You can use this resource to help you explain the camera shots within your chosen clips. The whole website is a very useful resource for identifying shots and camera movement and well worth looking through however I have added links to the key section.

Link to the website

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-camera-shots/