Conventions of Film

1. Film Conventions
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2. Settings
• Settings are used for a number of
purposes.
• They might be used to create
verisimilitude, atmosphere, or be of
symbolic importance to the narrative. For
example, a storm could represent the
inner turmoil a character is experiencing.
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3. Characterisation
A narrative might use:
• Sympathetic characters - with whom the audience
strongly identifies with. They may share qualities and
values.
• Unsympathetic characters - audience dislikes them and
may increase sympathy to main character.
• Stereotypes – can reinforce existing ways of thinking
about certain groups – appeal to the prejudices of the
audience.
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4. Plot
A narrative might use:
• A liner narrative – events occur in chronological order.
• Manipulation of time – flashbacks, as in the films of
Sergio Leone eg. “Duck, You Sucker”
• Suspense – it is hinted something dramatic is going to
happen.
• A climax and resolution (equilibrium restored) – main
problem occurs, comes to a head and is sorted out.
• A sting in the tail – ending is a complete surprise and
unexpected.
• An open ending – loose ends – audience left wondering
as the story seems not complete.
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5. Casting
• The appearance of actors can have a big effect on how a
character is perceived by the audience. Also, previous
roles an actor has had can influence our reaction.
Bryan Cranston as Walter White (meth cook)
•Why? He does not look like the average drug –
interesting because he's way out of place.
•What? He represents the “average” family man who
will do anything for his family.
•In his previous role as 'Hal' in 'Malcolm in the
Middle', he played a caring father who was
dependent on others. As Walter White, he rejects
handouts and 'earns' his own money as a meth cock.
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6. Performance
This also affects the way an audience responds. Elements
of performance include facial expressions, body
language, and delivery of dialogue.
Javier Bardem as 'Anton Chigurh'
•Blank facial expression
•Occasional intimidating 'evil' laugh
•Tall, big build.
•Soft voice showing no empathy.
•Kills without thinking – abrupt.
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7. Costume
Costume affects our interpretation of characters. For
example, a character's costume may conform to a
stereotype – assuring our perception of them. It may
make them look out of place – Walter White in Breaking
Bad. Costume is of paramount importance to portray the
time period the film is set in. Westerns typically feature
duster coats, cowboy hats, revolvers, spurs etc.
Futuristic films tend to have neon coloured tight all in one
suits, lasers etc.
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8. Cinematography
• Cinematography is absolutely essential is creating meaning.
• Frequent use of close-ups can encourage the audience to identify
with a character.
• Wide shots can establish a scene, or can emphasise the beauty of a
scene or even give a sense of emptiness.
• Different angles can make characters appear powerful and
threatening, such as low angles, or weak and frightened, such as
high angles.
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9. Lighting
• Soft and harsh lighting can manipulate a viewer's attitude towards a
setting or character.
• As an example, the house on the light is perceived as quiet and
friendly and it could easily be placed in a family comedy. However,
the lighting has been changed on the right and it turns into a dark
and gloomy house that could easily be placed into a drama
thriller/horror.
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10. Sound
• Sound builds up the atmosphere.
• A scary horror scene – creepy low pitched music in background,
creaking door, footsteps becoming increasingly loud as someone
gets closer etc.
• Sad scene – slow and emotionally powerful music.
• Happy scene – laughter, joy, upbeat music.
• Serious scene – may use silence to enhance the atmosphere.
• Types of sound include;
Editing
-ambient
-synchronous/asynchronous
-sound effects
-diegetic/non-diegetic
• Certain uses of editing can be
used to convey excitement and
chaos, or slow editing with long
takes can be used to create
suspense or emotion.
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