2. Conventional information
The start of the films that I have analysed use
ident's at the start. An ident is a short
sequence shown before a film identifying who
produced the film. Usually the ident is adapted
to suit the genre of the film, for example a
horror film would use sharp red
writing, possibly with the use of blood dripping
off.
The films also have credits at the start. These
can give the information of the
producer, studio and the names of the main
and important actors in the film.
3. ..Continued
I have also learned through analysing these films that
using conventional content throughout films is
important for the audience to identify what genre the
film is. This can be done through the use of mise en
scene, shots, sounds and editing. For example a
horror film would be set in a secluded area, such as
an abandoned house, and include the use of props
such as knives, and make up such as blood. Shots
such as high angle looking up at the antagonist to
enhance their power over the victim. These are all
icons of the genre, and therefore makes the films
genre easily identifiable to the audience.
4. Mood/ atmosphere
To create the required atmosphere non diagetic sound
and incidental music is used.
Non diagetic sound is sound that the characters
cannot hear as it isn’t part of the imaginary world of
the story. This type of sound effect tells the audience
when something important is about to happen, i.e
orchestral music is increased in volume until a
crescendo when someone dies
Incidental music also adds atmosphere to the
film, this is non diagetic sound which adds
atmosphere to the action or revelation. This creates
and enhances the relevant atmosphere which enables
the audience to tell what genre the film is
5. Titles
For each of the films I have analysed, the
relevant title is used for each genre.
For example, for the horror movie ‘Insidious’ the
titles were a sharp red, which flickered like they
were on fire. The colour red is associated with
horrors as it represents danger.
The typography of the text can also suggest what
the film is about to the audience, for example, red
soft typography could be a romance, as the
colour red is also associated with romance and
love.
6. Ambient sounds
This is the background sounds present in the
films location. The use of ambient sound
emphasies the mood, and enables the audience
to understand what mood should be felt during
this scene.
For example, during an action thriller, the sound
of harsh waves crashing against the rocks sets
an intense atmosphere
7. ..Continued
Lighting also adds the relevant atmosphere to the
scene. For example, a romantic movie would use
either a bright filter, or include high key lighting to
accentuate the stereotypical ‘perfect’ atmosphere
and set the happy mood that is felt during a
romance.
8. Technical construction
The first shot of the scene is most commonly an
establishing shot, as this establishes the scene.
A close up shot is typically a head and shoulders
shot of the person. It is commonly used to show
the expression or emotions of that character, and
enables the audience to feel that emotion with
them.
9. ..Continued
The use of high angle and low angle shots enable
the audience to feel a certain way towards that
character.
For example a high angle shot suggests that the
character is dominant and powerful as the
camera looks up at them.
And a low angle shot suggests that the character
is weak and vulnerable, as the camera looks
down on them.
