1. CallumWallace
PR4: How do we analyse film?
There are multiple ways to analyse film, among many there is the use of Lacey’s repertoire
of elements to analyse genre. The theory defines genre using 5 key areas; setting, character.
Narrative, iconography, style. We analyse these areas and look at the codes and
conventions use and then we use the analysis of each area to establish the genre of the film
with reasons as to why the filmis placed in that genre. Also there is the use of auteur theory
to analyse a filmmaker and see if he fits the characteristics of an auteur in relation to; if they
demonstrates a particular line of style throughout their films, a filmmaker who
demonstrates innovation, a filmmaker who demonstrates artistic merit, a filmmaker who
uses similar themes throughout their films to put their mark on a genre, amongst many
other characteristics.
For example an established auteur and beloved filmmaker is
Martin Scorsese he fits multiple characteristics to become
an auteur such as, a certain style which has adopted the
name ‘Scorseseisms’. This is the use of certain filmmaking
techniques/conventions in his films such as the use of
voiceover, freeze frames, tracking shots, the use of the
setting New York and usually the main character is a white
male who’s pride is ultimately is his downfall.
Film analysers use Lacey’s repertoire of elements to
analyse and look in depth into the genre and
conventions of a film. So for example I applied Laceys
repertoire of elements to the ‘A walk among the
tombstones’ trailer and established multiple
conventions of an action thriller film for example the
use of the setting New York which is iconic of action
thrillers because of its use throughout many action
thriller and its reputation as a crime filled city that
never sleeps. Also the characters are very conventional
of action thrillers, I wrote in my analysis “Protagonistis
conventionalto Acton thrillers. A strong cold figurethat
really is softon the inside.Who is hunting afterthe unknown
antagonistorgroupsof antagonists.Theantagonistshave
killed oneof his client’s wives who playstherole of the
victim. The husband of thevictimscharacteris originally
shown ascaring butthen seemsmore shady when wehear
thathe doesn’twantthemkilled he wantsthatbroughtto
2. CallumWallace
him. This suggestsheis a morecomplex characterand maybeinvolved in the plotmore than
originally thoughtand hasthe potentialeven to be a secondary protagonistorantagonist,wedon’t
knowyet.” There isalsomanyother conventionsinthe othersections;narrative andtechnical
codes. Briefly,the narrative usesthe conventionsof avigilante/hero,inthiscase a private detective
whois tryingto save the female victimandtobringthe antagonisttojustice.Withinthe technical
codesthe misen scene andlightingthroughoutisverydarkandominoustokeepintactwiththe
genre of actionthriller.There isnota single highkeylightingshotthroughoutthe traileruntilwe see
a womanwho assume isthe victimthatthe protagonististryingto save.It isusedto try and convey
the innocence of the victimbyusingthe highkeylightingandmakingherlookangelicespeciallyin
comparisontothe restof the shotsused.
An example of twoseeminglyverysimilarfilmsbeingcompletelydifferent
conventionallyisalmostall of the JamesBondfranchise andLeon.One of them
perceivedasthe workof an auteurand the other beingperceivedasverygeneric
usingformulaicmethodstocreate the film. Forexample one of the maindifferences
isthe portrayal of womeninbothfilms. Inbond,womenare portrayedasa
distraction,assistantorsomeone tosleepwith.Neverreallya mainfocustothe
storyand if theyeverare givenabiggerrole theirprimarycharacterarch isthat they
didn’tletBondsleepwiththemstraightawayandit’sBondchasingafterthem.
Subjectsact (JamesBond) Objectsare actedupon(Bondgirl),thisis almostevery
instance of JamesBondchasingaftera girl.
WhereasinLeon we got a strongermore independentfemale characterinsurprisingperson,a12
yearold girl.InLeonalmostthe entire plotandconflictcentresonthe youngfemale character
insteadof beingaside character as a damsel indistress.She seeksrevenge againsther family’s
killers,corruptpolice officers,bytrainingwithhernextdoorneighbourwhohappensto be atrained
assassin. Where asinJamesBond the assassinwouldbe the mainfocal pointinthe movie the young
girl and herdesire forrevenge isthe mainfocal point.Thisisan example innovationfromLuc
Besson,he couldhave justmade a filmwhere there isabeautiful olderwomancompanionand
make the filmmore genericbuthe decidedtobe more innovative andhave the plotof anassassin
movie base arounda strong12 year oldgirl wantingrevenge. Thisisone of the reasonshe couldbe
consideredanauteuroverthe likesof anyotherJamesBonddirector.
Alsothe portrayal of the ‘trainedkiller’ineachmovie isextremely
differentinJamesBondwe get a suave,sophisticated,secretservice
agentthat alwaysgetsthe girl and inLeon we getan isolatedloner
character who’sclosestthingtoa relationshipishisemployerwhosends
himto kill highupdrug dealersandhisplant.Thisisobviouslyanother
conventiondefierfromBessonandsecuresthisfilmevenmore asthe
workof an auteurdirector.
