Thursday, 22 April 2010
Inspiration: Guy Ritchie
His second feature film was Snatch, released in the year 2000. Originally known as Diamonds, it was another caper comedy, this time backed by a major studio following the previous success of Lock, Stock. The cast featured such Hollywood big names as Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro and Dennis Farina, along with the returning Vinnie Jones and Statham. Similar to "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" in featuring a complex and inventive storyline in which the characters weave in and out of each others' lives, the film also plays with time, depicting events from various perspectives. It currently has a rating of 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, being widely viewed as too similar to his debut in both thematic content and performance, with Roger Ebert noting: "I don't care if he returns to the kind of material that worked for him the first time around. I just want him to get organized, to find the through line, to figure out why we would want to see the movie for more than its technique."
ANALYSIS OF FILM POSTERS
There are two versions of the scarface film and film poster. This poster was released in 1983 following the remake. We see the poster split in two one side black the other white. Its simple black,white and red coloring has a number of possible meanings. The character in the middle is Tony, directly split between the two it could be that black represents the dark side of the law. Or as Tony is posed with a gun, it could be just life and death.
At the top of the poster the actors names and the title are given equal billing. The use of only the actors surname also embeds this. there is also a lot of writing on the poster but it does not take away from the main picture.
The large ring on Tony’s hand could represent the riches he has as a result of his gangster lifestyle, which we know by the presence of a weapon.
The main titles are in bold red. This gives the impression that blood is an irrelevant substance, especially when we see that Tony is posed below with a weapon by his side so casually.
The lack of gradients in the poster, apart from Tony’s face could also mean there is no in between, you’re either in or out of a situation.
The text on the black background gives the viewer an insight into the story. The synopsis talks of the American Dream and mentions he characters name Tony Montana. However, his nickname is emphasized by being used in block capitals ‘…SCARFACE’. It suggests that he is not a nice person.
Lower down the poster the text says ‘ He loved the American Dream. With a vengeance’
The opposite side of the poster lists the credits in black on a white background.
ANALYSIS OF CONVENTIONS OF TEASER TRAILERS
Teaser trailers are usually very short in length compared to normal film trailers, they are usually between 30 and 60 seconds long, and usually contain little, short clips from the film.
Teaser trailers are only normally made for big-budget and popular themed movies. The main purpose of a teaser trailer is to let the audience know that a movie is coming up in the near future, and to how them small snippets of the genre/content/plot.
Teaser trailers are often made while the film is still in production or being edited. As a result of this the teaser trailer may contain scenes that are actually not in the film as they did not include that scene when editing the film.
Some teaser trailers for films are released or have appeared a year or over before the movie’s release. E.g. the teaser trailer for The Incredibles was advertised in May 2003 with Finding Nemo, which was a full 18 months before The Incredibles was actually released.
Teaser trailers are only normally made for big-budget and popular themed movies. The main purpose of a teaser trailer is to let the audience know that a movie is coming up in the near future, and to how them small snippets of the genre/content/plot.
Teaser trailers are often made while the film is still in production or being edited. As a result of this the teaser trailer may contain scenes that are actually not in the film as they did not include that scene when editing the film.
Some teaser trailers for films are released or have appeared a year or over before the movie’s release. E.g. the teaser trailer for The Incredibles was advertised in May 2003 with Finding Nemo, which was a full 18 months before The Incredibles was actually released.
textual analysis : sight and sound vs empire
EMPIRE: DECEMBER 2007 - GOLDEN COMPASS SIGHT AND SOUND: AUGUST 2009 - PUBLIC ENEMIES
DIRECTED BY Chris Weitz DIRECTED BY Michael Mann
Sight & Sound Magazine is one of the best selling monthly film magazines in UK. Published by the British Film Institute and carries the entire world of cinema at your doorstep. There are wide varieties of in depth and informative features which covers various aspects of film world. Sight & Sound Magazine brings cinema history to life. Each issue of this magazine comes with features on past, present and future cinema’s. Some of the issues cover foreign cinemas, its directors, and other information. On the whole this magazine is a valuable resource for all cinema lovers. All the features are well written and presented professionally. In common with most British film magazines, Empire is populist in both approach and coverage unlike less irreverent and more 'serious' magazines such as Sight and Sound. It reviews both mainstream films and art films, but feature articles concentrate on the former whereas sight and sound tend to cover only niche films.
As well as film news, previews and reviews, Empire has some unique regular features. Each issue features a Classic Scene, a transcript from a notable film scene.
The regular Top 10 feature lists Empire's choice of the top ten examples of something film-related. For example 10 Best Chase Scenes or 10 Best Movie Gags in The Simpsons. Readers are encouraged to write in if they disagree with the choices made.
These acclaimed magazines are both successful in engaging their target audiences through different styles and methods. 'Empire' magazine is initially directed at the mainstream audiences of the cinematic world. Mainstream audiences tend to consist of people who may be less educated about what the film industry actually is, what it entails and it methods and processes in regards to all aspects and areas of the film industry. Empire tends to advertise films that are big budget hollywood stylized - conglomerate blockbusters. For example in the issue december 2007 the cover film Golden Compass- the article takes a behind the scenes look at the making of the film (populist approach). Whereas 'Sight and Sound' advertises more independent, lower budget, niche films catered more towards middle class society and those who may be working within or interacting within he film industry itself. An example of a film advertised in sight and sound - Public Enemies - photographed on the cover.
The noticable feature of Empire front covers is the contrast between text and imagery. The text completly complements the images and gives brief statements encouraging the audience and cosumer to read on. Aswell as having one main story they also offer many sub stories that may also appeal to the reader as a commercial product with a need to make money.
What is also noticable is the constant mention of popular actors and directors to further entice the audience to consume the product. The general format is simple but at the same time due to the use of colour it appears busy and almost gives the effect of bursting with 'you' want to read and hear about.
The inclusion of article in film magzines boosts the potential success of a film massively as the ratings go up because of another branch of unforced advertisement. It comes across as impartial but realistically it only displays the film that are believed to be sucessful.
The date is in quite small print, which gives the impression that it is not the most important thing on the cover, it just follows the normal conventions. The price is small too, which, the same as the date, follows conventions and is not seen to be the main importance on the cover of the magazine. The image of somebody flying reinforces the fact that it is a fantasy film and links to the word fantasy on this cover. The word magic adds to the fantasy of the film. It is also shown in the same colours as the ones used for the title of the film, making the two link together. All the text on the cover is gold/white to follow the theme of the film, which shows the importance, as even topics that are not involved with the film are in hose colours. The compass in the back- ground is one of the main focus’s of the cover, which links to the narrative and the title. The little girl is slightly more forward and is holding the compass, which shows that she most likely has the main part in the film. She also looks innocent which leaves you wondering what the compass is going to do. The dominant look is a contrast to the little girls innocence and vulnerability, adding to the narrative. The image of somebody flying covers the title of the magazine, making the film the most important thing. The gold dress also links with the ‘golden’ of the film. The blue back-ground has a sense of mystery to it, as you can vaguely see objects /shapes but not enough to know what they are. The top bar of the magazine gives more information about the film and advertises it. ‘ Collectors edition’ shows that it is different from any other edition, therefore it is unique.
In comparison the date is slightly bigger with the price around the same size (its more expensive) again indicating that the price is not important because generally speaking to pick up the magazine in the first place you would already be intending to buy it and would do so regularly. The main object in the picture bar the famous face is the gun showing the readers that the genre would be crime/drama possibly thriller shown through the wardrobe - trilby hat and long black coat along with the signature gangster leather gloves. If these obvious factors didn't indicate a gangster film the block print 'GANGSTER SPECIAL' splashed across the middle of the page just might. Also the use of several different fonts for different pieces of information draws attention individually to each piece of writing. Johnny Depp is the only character displayed on the cover suggesting he is the main character in the film and is also a familiar face in the film industry attracting his fan base unaware of the feature film. The lack of visual information gives a sense of mystery in comparison with the empire magazine where several characters of the film are displayed along with symbolic images indicating the narrative of the film in detail and all different themes in the film whereas the image of Johnny Depp and a gun does not.F
The advertisements and films in sight and sound follow the theme of less commercialized products although there are some exceptions. For example the film 'Coco before Chanel' which has received huge publicity is reviewed in the magazine alongside 'Charles Dicken's England' which is less known. The articles provide a synopsis of the film, list of the cast, credits and an overall review of the film itself. The picture to text ratio on a randomly chosen page but generally follows this pattern throughout the magazine is never really more than 20% in comparison with Empire magazine where it would never be less then 20% on average. General advertisements in both magazines differ. Films festivals are often advertised in both magazines an example of a film festival advertised in both would be the cannes film festival as it is an acclaimed film festival. Other smaller film festivals such as Edinborough film festival would most probably be advertised in sight and sound as it is less commercialized. General advertisements in other words sponsors for the magazine appear much more frequently in Empire magazine. Sight and sound advertisements are for critically acclaimed films rather the daily mail review, sunday times ect reviews in Empire. Other advertisements in the magazines - in sight and sound are for books or courses for film studies courses and little of them - in Empire magazine there are regular adverts for such things as cameras themselves ( e.g Dison, Canon) along with drinks and food advertisements. Thus indicating that sight and sound may be a more successful magazine that does not need a lot of sponsors.
When referring to color schemes in both magazines they are somewhat quite similar however sight and sound would be less busy in different and contrasting colors whereas Empire doesn't really follow a color pallet from page to page. The language/vocabulary used in sight and sound is that of a more technical style using specialist language when referring to films. An example of writing style reviewing the film 'Mesrine: Killer Instinct' - 'Of course, there's an ethical issue at stake here: despite the film makers admirable reluctance to be judgmental, its nigh on impossible not to side with our antihero, whom we last glimpse sauntering into the sunset, swag-bag in hand' key words - 'nigh, reluctance, whom, sauntering'. In Empire on a review of 'Cemetery Junction' - 'At the heart of the movie is a portrait of three friends — cool, good-looking Freddie, troubled (but good-looking) Bruce and group idiot Snork, so named for his close resemblance to a Banana Splits character — captured at a time when the friendship is evolving.' key words - 'cool, good-looking, idiot'.
EMPIRE: DECEMBER 2007 - GOLDEN COMPASS SIGHT AND SOUND: AUGUST 2009 - PUBLIC ENEMIES
DIRECTED BY Chris Weitz DIRECTED BY Michael Mann
Sight & Sound Magazine is one of the best selling monthly film magazines in UK. Published by the British Film Institute and carries the entire world of cinema at your doorstep. There are wide varieties of in depth and informative features which covers various aspects of film world. Sight & Sound Magazine brings cinema history to life. Each issue of this magazine comes with features on past, present and future cinema’s. Some of the issues cover foreign cinemas, its directors, and other information. On the whole this magazine is a valuable resource for all cinema lovers. All the features are well written and presented professionally. In common with most British film magazines, Empire is populist in both approach and coverage unlike less irreverent and more 'serious' magazines such as Sight and Sound. It reviews both mainstream films and art films, but feature articles concentrate on the former whereas sight and sound tend to cover only niche films.
As well as film news, previews and reviews, Empire has some unique regular features. Each issue features a Classic Scene, a transcript from a notable film scene.
The regular Top 10 feature lists Empire's choice of the top ten examples of something film-related. For example 10 Best Chase Scenes or 10 Best Movie Gags in The Simpsons. Readers are encouraged to write in if they disagree with the choices made.
These acclaimed magazines are both successful in engaging their target audiences through different styles and methods. 'Empire' magazine is initially directed at the mainstream audiences of the cinematic world. Mainstream audiences tend to consist of people who may be less educated about what the film industry actually is, what it entails and it methods and processes in regards to all aspects and areas of the film industry. Empire tends to advertise films that are big budget hollywood stylized - conglomerate blockbusters. For example in the issue december 2007 the cover film Golden Compass- the article takes a behind the scenes look at the making of the film (populist approach). Whereas 'Sight and Sound' advertises more independent, lower budget, niche films catered more towards middle class society and those who may be working within or interacting within he film industry itself. An example of a film advertised in sight and sound - Public Enemies - photographed on the cover.
The noticable feature of Empire front covers is the contrast between text and imagery. The text completly complements the images and gives brief statements encouraging the audience and cosumer to read on. Aswell as having one main story they also offer many sub stories that may also appeal to the reader as a commercial product with a need to make money.
What is also noticable is the constant mention of popular actors and directors to further entice the audience to consume the product. The general format is simple but at the same time due to the use of colour it appears busy and almost gives the effect of bursting with 'you' want to read and hear about.
The inclusion of article in film magzines boosts the potential success of a film massively as the ratings go up because of another branch of unforced advertisement. It comes across as impartial but realistically it only displays the film that are believed to be sucessful.
The date is in quite small print, which gives the impression that it is not the most important thing on the cover, it just follows the normal conventions. The price is small too, which, the same as the date, follows conventions and is not seen to be the main importance on the cover of the magazine. The image of somebody flying reinforces the fact that it is a fantasy film and links to the word fantasy on this cover. The word magic adds to the fantasy of the film. It is also shown in the same colours as the ones used for the title of the film, making the two link together. All the text on the cover is gold/white to follow the theme of the film, which shows the importance, as even topics that are not involved with the film are in hose colours. The compass in the back- ground is one of the main focus’s of the cover, which links to the narrative and the title. The little girl is slightly more forward and is holding the compass, which shows that she most likely has the main part in the film. She also looks innocent which leaves you wondering what the compass is going to do. The dominant look is a contrast to the little girls innocence and vulnerability, adding to the narrative. The image of somebody flying covers the title of the magazine, making the film the most important thing. The gold dress also links with the ‘golden’ of the film. The blue back-ground has a sense of mystery to it, as you can vaguely see objects /shapes but not enough to know what they are. The top bar of the magazine gives more information about the film and advertises it. ‘ Collectors edition’ shows that it is different from any other edition, therefore it is unique.
In comparison the date is slightly bigger with the price around the same size (its more expensive) again indicating that the price is not important because generally speaking to pick up the magazine in the first place you would already be intending to buy it and would do so regularly. The main object in the picture bar the famous face is the gun showing the readers that the genre would be crime/drama possibly thriller shown through the wardrobe - trilby hat and long black coat along with the signature gangster leather gloves. If these obvious factors didn't indicate a gangster film the block print 'GANGSTER SPECIAL' splashed across the middle of the page just might. Also the use of several different fonts for different pieces of information draws attention individually to each piece of writing. Johnny Depp is the only character displayed on the cover suggesting he is the main character in the film and is also a familiar face in the film industry attracting his fan base unaware of the feature film. The lack of visual information gives a sense of mystery in comparison with the empire magazine where several characters of the film are displayed along with symbolic images indicating the narrative of the film in detail and all different themes in the film whereas the image of Johnny Depp and a gun does not.F
The advertisements and films in sight and sound follow the theme of less commercialized products although there are some exceptions. For example the film 'Coco before Chanel' which has received huge publicity is reviewed in the magazine alongside 'Charles Dicken's England' which is less known. The articles provide a synopsis of the film, list of the cast, credits and an overall review of the film itself. The picture to text ratio on a randomly chosen page but generally follows this pattern throughout the magazine is never really more than 20% in comparison with Empire magazine where it would never be less then 20% on average. General advertisements in both magazines differ. Films festivals are often advertised in both magazines an example of a film festival advertised in both would be the cannes film festival as it is an acclaimed film festival. Other smaller film festivals such as Edinborough film festival would most probably be advertised in sight and sound as it is less commercialized. General advertisements in other words sponsors for the magazine appear much more frequently in Empire magazine. Sight and sound advertisements are for critically acclaimed films rather the daily mail review, sunday times ect reviews in Empire. Other advertisements in the magazines - in sight and sound are for books or courses for film studies courses and little of them - in Empire magazine there are regular adverts for such things as cameras themselves ( e.g Dison, Canon) along with drinks and food advertisements. Thus indicating that sight and sound may be a more successful magazine that does not need a lot of sponsors.
When referring to color schemes in both magazines they are somewhat quite similar however sight and sound would be less busy in different and contrasting colors whereas Empire doesn't really follow a color pallet from page to page. The language/vocabulary used in sight and sound is that of a more technical style using specialist language when referring to films. An example of writing style reviewing the film 'Mesrine: Killer Instinct' - 'Of course, there's an ethical issue at stake here: despite the film makers admirable reluctance to be judgmental, its nigh on impossible not to side with our antihero, whom we last glimpse sauntering into the sunset, swag-bag in hand' key words - 'nigh, reluctance, whom, sauntering'. In Empire on a review of 'Cemetery Junction' - 'At the heart of the movie is a portrait of three friends — cool, good-looking Freddie, troubled (but good-looking) Bruce and group idiot Snork, so named for his close resemblance to a Banana Splits character — captured at a time when the friendship is evolving.' key words - 'cool, good-looking, idiot'.
ANALYSIS OF FISH TANK TRAILER
before making my teaser trailer research was necessary to find out about different styles associated with different genres. although fish tank was a different genre to my film it was very helpful.
the initial shots are the girl doing her make up, drinking vodka and an establishing shot of what seems to be her living establishment - a council estate. This is introducing the viewers briefly to what her life revolves around. We then assume she is lower class and typically has nothing else to do. Next the girl begins to argue with other girls on the estate - showing she is confrontational and brave as she is on her own challenging a group of girls. there is also dialogue in this scene further indicating her social class. this is followed by another argument scene with what seems to be her mother broken by a quick shot of her dancing with light reflecting in the camera almost signifying its her haven from her life.
Next shot is introducing the award winning director attracting the audience along with a change in music to a percussionist melody raising tension towards a climax this followed by the introduction of a new character and her facial expression and stare shows her interest and curiosity of her mums new boyfriend. Followed by her prancing around in her knickers in front of him causing conflict between the mother and her while he gives her a look up and down suggesting there may be more of their relationship to come. throughout the trailer there are several shots of him behaving in a parental manner towards her showing her love that her mother doesn't. Scenes with both Mia and Connor in seem to monopolize the trailer showing little things that happen between them all with a sense of comfort and sexual tension. The last few scenes consist of the girl dancing, taking a breath and dancing some more indicating this is her escape from the fish tank the basis for the film. all the dancing takes place in an abandoned flat with large windows overlooking the city which could be her in a fish tank, very strong imagery.
SYNOPSIS
synopsis
Three foolish young male friends all familiar with crooks and bad guys place a bet in a card game and lose. The problem is they didn't have the money in the first place and now have a big mobster on their back to get his money. The guys have no idea how they' re going to do it but dirty money is the fastest and easiest money. One of the three Joel friends is beginning a new relationship with a girl he met in a bar. The girl (Alice) is from a wealthy descent and is highly skilled in theft and deceit working as a safe code breaker for some years.
His initial intentions were good but on discovering her background and abilities, being desperate and fearful for their lives the other two men Bobby and Jack make a plan and convince Joel. Having spent weeks planning the heist and Alice being chilled and laid back asked not to be bored with the details just wanted to know when and where was fine with the boys. During this time Joel is falling for alice and has preservations constantly but there is no other option. Closing in on the day of the attack hours before the heist Alice discovers that the building they are about to rob is her estranged fathers and her and Joel form an alliance with her father and set up the other boys in a 'police sting'. But her father turns joel in as well however paying off his debt. Ending set outside of a prison where alice is waiting for joel to go on and live a happy life with the money her father left in his will after being run-over tragically, but what happened to bobby and jack......
Three foolish young male friends all familiar with crooks and bad guys place a bet in a card game and lose. The problem is they didn't have the money in the first place and now have a big mobster on their back to get his money. The guys have no idea how they' re going to do it but dirty money is the fastest and easiest money. One of the three Joel friends is beginning a new relationship with a girl he met in a bar. The girl (Alice) is from a wealthy descent and is highly skilled in theft and deceit working as a safe code breaker for some years.
His initial intentions were good but on discovering her background and abilities, being desperate and fearful for their lives the other two men Bobby and Jack make a plan and convince Joel. Having spent weeks planning the heist and Alice being chilled and laid back asked not to be bored with the details just wanted to know when and where was fine with the boys. During this time Joel is falling for alice and has preservations constantly but there is no other option. Closing in on the day of the attack hours before the heist Alice discovers that the building they are about to rob is her estranged fathers and her and Joel form an alliance with her father and set up the other boys in a 'police sting'. But her father turns joel in as well however paying off his debt. Ending set outside of a prison where alice is waiting for joel to go on and live a happy life with the money her father left in his will after being run-over tragically, but what happened to bobby and jack......
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Director : Guy Ritchie
Date of release : September 1st 2000
Genre : Comedy Crime Thriller
The film Snatch is the one of my all-time favorites and so decided to produce a film similar to it. Guy Ritchie is a great director who has made a name for himself with a couple of original, character-driven, uniquely shot flicks filled to the brim with witty dialogue and smooth editing. Some of the characteristics i would like to interpret into my own work.
Franky Four Fingers - Benicio Del Toro
Avi - Dennis Farina
Bullet Tooth Tony - Vinnie Jones
Mickey O'Neil - Brad Pitt
Boris the Blade - Rade Sherbedgia
Turkish - Jason Statham
Brick Top - Alan Ford
Doug the Head - Mike Reid
Vinny - Robbie Gee
Sol - Lennie James
Mullet - Ewen Bremner
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