Nicole's Film Blog

  My storyboard portrays a surreal uncomfortable visualisation of mental health struggles that I face daily. It consists of one of the main and most overwhelming scenes from my film displaying what it feels like to live with anxiety. A huge influence for the horror/ disturbing genre was The Grandmother by David Lynch. When I first saw this film I particularly idolised his use of non diegetic and diegetic sound in the place of dialogue to alienate the families relationship. I used this technique in my film where there is minimal dialogue except distant talk of children because anxiety feels like the loudest voice is the one in your head. I chose not to do a monologue on her thoughts because I wanted to focus on the physical effects of anxiety. I also wanted to make Robin the only person physically visible in the film to portray how isolated and lonely anxiety can make you feel. Lynch also uses sudden unpredictable cuts to create tension and to frighten the audience. Id use this tech...

Pulp Fiction displays a range of techniques that challenges conventional films. However I feel as though Tarantino's experimental techniques are more stylized to him compared to experimental filmmakers who focus on nonconformist ideologies and abstract surreal concepts.  Tarantino uses a separation method in the “don’t be a square” scene where Mia draws a “square” with her fingers in which a dotted white box is edited over the top. I feel that this is to remind us we’re watching a movie in an artificial LA but also it’s a reference that dates back to the 40s. The term square originates from the upcoming of jazz music to describe someone who was out of touch with the music. It makes sense that this reference was cleverly used right before entering a 50s themed restaurant which is also packed full of  intertextual references of high and low culture such as staff dressed as Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Although unusual, I don’t feel as though editing the artificial box defines ...

 Human Traffic is a classic example of a post modernist film, from the lack of plot to the unrealistic scenery and mis-en-scene, this indie movie definitely ticks the boxes for postmodernism. Firstly the film is very stylised with bright unrealistic colours that really help to translate that 90s vibe. Whether it’s filmed this way from the perspective of the junky drug induced teens or simply for aesthetics, it really helps to convey what the 90s rave culture was all about. Theres a scene in which the workers at a fast food restaurant are literal robots, which is entirely hyper realistic but also metaphorical to reality and how such workers are perceived. We then meet the disgusting sicko manager, covered head to toe in slimy sweat whispering perverted creepy comments into employer Ninas ear. We are made to feel just as Nina does in this situation as the perception and performance of the manager is entirely exaggerated to the extent that the audience can feel equally as uncomfortabl...

Silent comedies in 1920s America had a significant impact on society and the chaotic world of the roaring 20s as it provided many a joyous escape from reality. It was a universal attraction, for people of most classes (costing around 25 cents or less) to gather and socialise in an upbeat environment. Due to the films having no spoken words, all cultures and people from different backgrounds could understand the plots and enjoy the stunts, overall contributing to the boom. Buster Keaton is a prime example of a filmmaker who referenced key cultural contexts and helped the succession of early film production.  Keaton often embraced or even mocked upcoming technology in his films, from a bed that turns into a piano to a sink that transforms into a sofa. During the opening of Keaton's short film The Scarecrow, a multi-purpose table is seen in wide shot. This space-efficient and labor-saving device is a clear reference to the great joke of Rube Goldberg's comics which was published i...

Non- narrative and Non- linear Most conventional films follow a narrative which strictly follows a linear sequence, or at least one that can be followed with ease. However, experimental films tend to have little to no structure when it comes to narrative or follow one that is more symbolic. Structure in experimental films can be found in recurring themes, popular in surrealist films such as “An Andalusian Dog” which expresses themes such as death and decay, sexual harassment and male dominance. However, there is still a feeling of disconnection and contrast as these themes often jump from one to another, frequently juxtaposing each other to add further confusion and overall WTF!!! This film also follows dream logic which means there is little to zero correlation between scenes and all rules of logic disappear. Visuals and Sound One film that uses a wide range of unconventional visual effects is “Light is Waiting” by Micheal Robinson. At first we see the beginning of an innocent family ...

 Teacher calls out students name and student awakes from her sleep on the desk. When she realises she fell asleep in school her cheeks become red and the student apologises. Her leg begins to bounce as she feels the stares of her classmates grow and their whispers become louder. A fisheye lens is used on classmates faces to amplify her social anxiety. Classmates voices become distorted and indistinguishable. The camera zooms into her face as she becomes more distressed and her breathing starts to increase. We also hear the beating of her heart increase accompanied by ominous non-diegetic music. We see mushrooms begin to rip through her skin and she tries to cover them with her sleeves from her perspective. She grabs her bag and runs out of class, it then cuts to the bathroom where she splashes her face with water. When she looks into the mirror, the lighting switches to red as she sees her body being consumed by mushrooms. She tries closing her eyes but the pain becomes excruciatin...

 One Week  Released: September 1, 1920 One Week is centred around the newlywed couple, played by Buster Keaton and Sybil Seely. We follow them on their misfortunes and comedic attempt to build their very own flat pack house which results in a dysfunctional mess due to the jealous sabotaging of Hank, whom was rejected by Sybil. After Keaton pieces the mismatched house together it can be seen to reflect cubism due to the diagonal inharmonious lines which is very relevant to the 1920s since Picasso was booming along with the economy.  Buster discovers Sybil painting a pair of hearts on the wall of their house and kisses her, then runs away almost lovestruck like a little boy. This evidently shows how unconditional their love is and although this was not the conscious goal, the relationship shared between the couple is very loving and equal. This could possibly support the improvement to women's individuality and freedom in the 1920s as they were able to join speakeasies with...

-Mushrooms in dreams represent emotional/physical distress. They also grow in wet humid and dark places- metaphor for emotions Brief Plan or Ideas or just pure bs Teacher calls out students name and student awakes from her sleep on the desk. When she realises she fell asleep in school her cheeks become red and the student apologises. Her leg begins to bounce as she feels the stares of her classmates grow and their whispers become louder. A fisheye lens is used on classmates faces to amplify her social anxiety. Classmates voices become distorted and indistinguishable. The camera zooms in to her face as she becomes more distressed and her breathing starts to increase. We also hear the beating of her heart increase accompanied by ominous non diegetic music. We see mushrooms begin to rip through her skin and she tries to cover them with her sleeves from her perspective. She grabs her bag and runs out of class, it then cuts to the bathroom where she splashes her face with water. When sh...

Wallace & Gromit "The Wrong Trousers" is a stop motion short film that portrays an evil penguin, Feathers and his manipulative plan to steal a prized diamond. The film opens with non-diegetic slapstick like music which prepares the audience for a comedic story. Gromit is seen to be reading the newspaper which instantly introduces the audience to the surreal and artificial characters. The dog neatly folds his newspaper which gives the audience insight into his personality which is developed later on through his expression as he is a mute character. His personality is almost sophisticated and human-like bringing to life how dogs are part of the family and is a dear friend of Wallace which is later challenged. When we are introduced to Wallice we are given insight into the duo's routine When Feathers, the evil penguin, is introduced, non-dietetic creepy suspicious music is played which helps the audience grasp who the bad guy is. Feathers shows little emotion through...

How far are the characters in Trainspotting a product of their political and social environment? The characters are partially influenced by the ideologies of Thatcherism and New Labour 

The audience are instantly aligned with Renton as we see him on a chase from which seems to be security. A wide range of different angles and camera shots are used to enhance the chaos and fast pace. The camera looks to be handheld to make the audience feel as though they are in the chase with Renton and Spud. It also helps to keep the watcher engaged as it makes the scene more exciting and enhances adrenaline. The audience are made to infer why they are on a chase which engages us further.

We are introduced to the scenery through two establishing shots of a semi well lit forest/woodland area. The soundtrack consists of trees swaying and a mountain stream to connect the audience with the surroundings. We're then introduced to a deer which later on leads to the introduction of the

No Country For Old Men- opening scene -Ed Tom Bell monologue -Sun set still shots- aware of rural surroundings- - natural- not man made- almost abandoned, deserted -foreshadow, cloud creating shadow, darkness awaits - wind picks up- drama -pan shot - Chigurh- unearthly- doesn't fit in with environment- almost extraterrestrial - kept in darkness- unable to see face////

Cinematography  ( use of camera angle, movement and framing ,lighting and colour ) Editing  ( transitions, order of shots and sequences, layering of images) Mise-en-scene  ( setting ,key props/objects , costume etc.) Sound   ( music, sound effects and spoken word) Performance   ( body language, posture, gesture,  tone, emotional impact etc.) The opening scene of AN opens a very complex and metaphorical introduction to the main character Captain Marlow (CM) played by Martin Sheen. We are instantly captured by the still frame of tropical trees swaying in the distance in complete silence with the beating sound of the helicopter propeller repeating in the background sounding almost extraterrestrial. Yellow thick smoke arrises from the bottom of the frame, maybe almost symbolising how nature was destroyed by human presence as they invaded. The only voice to be herds Jim Morrisons "The End" reflecting the mental state of CM himself. The camera...

The beginning of Casablanca helps to build-up to the introduction of the main character, Rick. This is done by quick shots of people mentioning him briefly and close-ups of Rick's movements until he is finally revealed as a sinister lonely miser. It also to introduce the audience to the surroundings and the desperation in the people stuck on the island of Casablanca. The introduction to Casablanca is a documentary-style to make the film more realistic and to intrigue the watcher. It also helps to inform us about context as Casablanca was made during WWII. From the start of the introduction to the island, the importance of the documents are highlighted. The mise-en-scene is significant in this scene as a man is shot in front of a French propaganda poster as a reminder of the French colony. The sound is also significant as it helps to set the mood of the intense chaotic atmosphere but also the desperation of the people of Casablanca. The rich can be seen to be taken advantage...

Casablanca character analysis personalities, desires, goals, previous history, feelings and how they interact and feel about the other characters. How do they develop during the film? Rick Blaine played by Humphry Bogart is the main protagonist in Casablanca. His development through the movie is significant when he's first introduced as a poker-faced melancholy bar owner as he drinks and plays chess alone. He seemingly does not attempt to make friends nor any enemies as he remains impartial in order to live his wealthy life in peace as war occurs around him. But as the movie progresses we see his passion and love for the love of his life Ilsa when he prioritises her future over his. He lets her go and sends her to America with her Husband whom he felt she chose over him. Although Rick is on the Nazis hit list and his escape from the island is vital for his future he still fights and struggles for his love Ilsa Ilsa Lund played by Ingrid Burgman fell in love with Rick in Paris...

Bram Stokers Dracula released 29th January 1993 tells a Gothic horror tale based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. The historical fiction directed by Francis Ford Coppola takes us through an emotionally twisted love story of the well-known bloodthirsty Count Dracula (Gary Oldman) on his path to have eternal life avenging his late wife, Elisabeta whom he lost through the lies of men. As well as his search to find her soul in Mina Harker (Winoner Ryder.) But his search for his heroine lady is not straight forward as Dracula comes face to face with obsessed vampire hunter Van Helsing played by iconic Anthony Hopkins. Dracula's bloodlust destroys and possesses many unfortunate women on his journey through London for souls to fuel his love. But to me, this story is not just about the blood-sucking creature of the night, but a tale of deep suffering and sorrow. Dracula and Elisabeta's love was eternal and time could not diminish his love and pain felt for this woman that he adore...

key words Cinematography: The use camera and lighting to create effect. E.g. camera angles, shot types, movement and manipulation of the camera lens. Cinematography is important to filming as it creates maximum effect on the audience and is a great asset to the plot and the audiences entertainment. Editing: The relationship between shots and the technique of assembling them to follow the plot. E.g. cuts, fades and montages. Mise-en-scene: This is what is visual in the frame. E.g. actors, props, makeup, costumes and lighting. This is important to make a film interesting and captivating. Sound: The use of dialogue, music and sound for effect. Sound is important as it lets the audience get to know the characters, surroundings as well as the depth of a plot.