lamb to the slaughter. titling practise and analysis
Project, opening title sequence of Lamb to the slaughter, produced and directed by Jessica Millson, Alice Hooley, Tope Sidjuae, and Sophie Cambell.
In my opening title sequence of lamb to the slaughter, we used different aspects to show different moods and tones and introduce the viewers to the storyline. The sound used was very interesting, the lyrics 'only you' show the love related theme, this also shows the relationship between the two characters, as there is only 2 characters introduced during the sequence, it shows the love between the two characters. Also we chose this song as it was traditional and old fashioned, so it shows the time period the story is set in. The song being traditional, also links to the older-traditional themes, as the lady in the film is kept at home, keeping the house nice and ready for her husband who is out making a living for them both at work. This song is also smooth, and peaceful, which is contradicting the ending of the novel, as we as viewers are un-aware of the horrific ending.
The titles throughout also introduce the characters, but very briefly, this is intentional as it is keeping the viewers wondering, and wanting to find out about the characters, and what it is that is being kept secret.
Also the font used is very plain and simple, which again doesn't show too much about the story. We decided as a group to leave the viewers questioning what is yet to happen.
When shooting our characters, we discussed mise-en-scene and took time in choosing the outfits of our characters. Miss Maloney was wearing old fashioned traditional clothing, which again gave the viewer a better idea of the time period it was set in, whilst also showing their class. A downfall whilst choosing these characters were their ages, we found it hard to find people of the appropriate age for Mr and Mrs Maloney.
Lighting was also used to create a dim atmosphere, at the beginning and end of the titling. The last scene where Miss Maloney is shown blowing out the light, and turning the room to black was used to signify the 'dark' and not so happy ending at the end of the overall story. The ending of the light, blown out by Miss Maloney was used to show the ending of life, as Miss Maloney takes the life of her husband at the ending of the overall story. This is not too obvious, so it gives an idea to the viewer, but can be seen as a small sign.
We chose to do our titling sequence as a montage so it lacked continuity, this could be an improvement area, as it may help to create a storyline that is easier to follow, and will give the viewer a greater knowledge of the overall story.
Overall, our Lamb to the Slaughter project for opening titles and sequence could be highly improved, methods such as editing, and camera shots & angles could have been used more to show the mood and atmosphere we were trying to create in our introduction.
In my opening title sequence of lamb to the slaughter, we used different aspects to show different moods and tones and introduce the viewers to the storyline. The sound used was very interesting, the lyrics 'only you' show the love related theme, this also shows the relationship between the two characters, as there is only 2 characters introduced during the sequence, it shows the love between the two characters. Also we chose this song as it was traditional and old fashioned, so it shows the time period the story is set in. The song being traditional, also links to the older-traditional themes, as the lady in the film is kept at home, keeping the house nice and ready for her husband who is out making a living for them both at work. This song is also smooth, and peaceful, which is contradicting the ending of the novel, as we as viewers are un-aware of the horrific ending.
The titles throughout also introduce the characters, but very briefly, this is intentional as it is keeping the viewers wondering, and wanting to find out about the characters, and what it is that is being kept secret.
Also the font used is very plain and simple, which again doesn't show too much about the story. We decided as a group to leave the viewers questioning what is yet to happen.
When shooting our characters, we discussed mise-en-scene and took time in choosing the outfits of our characters. Miss Maloney was wearing old fashioned traditional clothing, which again gave the viewer a better idea of the time period it was set in, whilst also showing their class. A downfall whilst choosing these characters were their ages, we found it hard to find people of the appropriate age for Mr and Mrs Maloney.
Lighting was also used to create a dim atmosphere, at the beginning and end of the titling. The last scene where Miss Maloney is shown blowing out the light, and turning the room to black was used to signify the 'dark' and not so happy ending at the end of the overall story. The ending of the light, blown out by Miss Maloney was used to show the ending of life, as Miss Maloney takes the life of her husband at the ending of the overall story. This is not too obvious, so it gives an idea to the viewer, but can be seen as a small sign.
We chose to do our titling sequence as a montage so it lacked continuity, this could be an improvement area, as it may help to create a storyline that is easier to follow, and will give the viewer a greater knowledge of the overall story.
Overall, our Lamb to the Slaughter project for opening titles and sequence could be highly improved, methods such as editing, and camera shots & angles could have been used more to show the mood and atmosphere we were trying to create in our introduction.
british films-research.
Codes and conventions of the British Drama:
1) Gritty mood/atmosphere
2) Establishing/focusing the working class
3) Usually includes violence
4) Ironic/dark comedy
5) Characters are usually different to the average person, normally have an interesting twist.
6) The location of the film is usually focused on, a run down area, or major city prone to poverty.
7) In a British film, sensitive issues are often dealt with, for example drugs or sexuality,
8) Diagetic sound is often used to show the reality of the situation.
9) Some actors usually linked with the Genre are Danny Dyer, Ray Winson, Michael Caine, and Vinne Jones.
10) Characterisation is also highly focused on in British film, for example the protagonists are introduced at the beginning of the film, which usually shows where they are from, their social status, the amount of money they have, and they are usually seen to be under lots of pressure.
11) Mise-en-scene is also a key factor in British film, as it helps with characterisation, and the reality of the story, making it easier for the viewer to relate to the protagonist.
1) Gritty mood/atmosphere
2) Establishing/focusing the working class
3) Usually includes violence
4) Ironic/dark comedy
5) Characters are usually different to the average person, normally have an interesting twist.
6) The location of the film is usually focused on, a run down area, or major city prone to poverty.
7) In a British film, sensitive issues are often dealt with, for example drugs or sexuality,
8) Diagetic sound is often used to show the reality of the situation.
9) Some actors usually linked with the Genre are Danny Dyer, Ray Winson, Michael Caine, and Vinne Jones.
10) Characterisation is also highly focused on in British film, for example the protagonists are introduced at the beginning of the film, which usually shows where they are from, their social status, the amount of money they have, and they are usually seen to be under lots of pressure.
11) Mise-en-scene is also a key factor in British film, as it helps with characterisation, and the reality of the story, making it easier for the viewer to relate to the protagonist.
This is England opening analysis
I chose to analyse the opening of This is England, a traditional British Film. In one of the first shots during the titling, there is a master shot, over a group of run down flats, covered with graffiti and litter. This shows the area it is set in, and suggests information about the characters in it, it shows poverty, and a run down deserted area. This sort of area is also the kind of area which is commonly linked with crime, and is a place where crime rates are high, which shows the viewer straight away things they will be dealing with in this film.
Throughout the opening there is many shots of hooligans causing trouble, getting into fights and being anti-social, again this is widening the viewers knowledge of what the film is going to include.
The song used over the top was quite a fast beating tone, with the words 'I wouldn't do that' repeating throughout, suggesting confusion, maybe that the characters are questioning their own actions, or just to show that they are getting into the wrong things, linking again to anti-social behaviour and crime.
There is also characters introduced throughout the opening, so the viewers feels more aware, and is introduced to the characters quickly, so they can relate to the characters and story sooner.
Overall. throughout the opening of the film, there is not too much revealed about the story, this is clever as it makes the viewer more curious about the story, as it sets a mood and atmosphere, but doesn't show too much.
One of the last shots also shows people coming together at the sign of danger and helping each-other, where people are getting injured and there is always someone shown to help.
Throughout the opening there is many shots of hooligans causing trouble, getting into fights and being anti-social, again this is widening the viewers knowledge of what the film is going to include.
The song used over the top was quite a fast beating tone, with the words 'I wouldn't do that' repeating throughout, suggesting confusion, maybe that the characters are questioning their own actions, or just to show that they are getting into the wrong things, linking again to anti-social behaviour and crime.
There is also characters introduced throughout the opening, so the viewers feels more aware, and is introduced to the characters quickly, so they can relate to the characters and story sooner.
Overall. throughout the opening of the film, there is not too much revealed about the story, this is clever as it makes the viewer more curious about the story, as it sets a mood and atmosphere, but doesn't show too much.
One of the last shots also shows people coming together at the sign of danger and helping each-other, where people are getting injured and there is always someone shown to help.
rom-com research
Conventions of a Rom-Com
-In a Rom-Com there is always a 'blockage' between a relationship.
-Its usually a funny movie/play/television programme about a love story that ends happily
-Sometimes two characters meet and have to confront challenges
-Or sometimes the protagonists are hesitant to become romantically involved because they believe they do not with one-another because one has a partner, or due to socail pressure
-Although there are always clues to show they are alike and attracted to eachover
-And there is usually a 'meet-cute', this is an awkward and humuorous moment where the two charachters first meet, there is usually a clash or personalities and/or accidental identity.
-In a Rom-Com there is always a 'blockage' between a relationship.
-Its usually a funny movie/play/television programme about a love story that ends happily
-Sometimes two characters meet and have to confront challenges
-Or sometimes the protagonists are hesitant to become romantically involved because they believe they do not with one-another because one has a partner, or due to socail pressure
-Although there are always clues to show they are alike and attracted to eachover
-And there is usually a 'meet-cute', this is an awkward and humuorous moment where the two charachters first meet, there is usually a clash or personalities and/or accidental identity.
Friends with Benefits anaylsis:
As you can see from this small clip, Rom-coms focus on not just humour but they are also based on love and lust. Close ups are used to show emotion on the more serious parts of the clip, so we can empathise with the protagonist.
For sound most lines by the cast are 'short and sweet' keeping the viewer engaged, and also encouraging humour through their blunt responses. Throughout the scene many cuts from characters are used, and they are only one on character for a few seconds, this keeps the mood up and exciting whilst linking the two further protagonists.
From this small scene we are unaware of what is yet to happen but it is obvious there is a link somewhere between the two dumpees of the relationship. Rom-coms also have a very 'fun' tone, and are normally very lively and busy. In this scene the high tone up beat music keeps this fun effect and shows that there may be good out of their breaking up.
There are many over the shoulder shots so as the viewer you feel as though you are experiencing it through the receivers point of you whilst also showing the shoulder to show who they are speaking to and to show any movement etc.
There is also a sense of humour though the repetition of the words from each of the protagonists, saying they both 'want to be friends' as it seems unrealistic and it is the stereotypical thing to say when breaking up with someone.
As you can see from this small clip, Rom-coms focus on not just humour but they are also based on love and lust. Close ups are used to show emotion on the more serious parts of the clip, so we can empathise with the protagonist.
For sound most lines by the cast are 'short and sweet' keeping the viewer engaged, and also encouraging humour through their blunt responses. Throughout the scene many cuts from characters are used, and they are only one on character for a few seconds, this keeps the mood up and exciting whilst linking the two further protagonists.
From this small scene we are unaware of what is yet to happen but it is obvious there is a link somewhere between the two dumpees of the relationship. Rom-coms also have a very 'fun' tone, and are normally very lively and busy. In this scene the high tone up beat music keeps this fun effect and shows that there may be good out of their breaking up.
There are many over the shoulder shots so as the viewer you feel as though you are experiencing it through the receivers point of you whilst also showing the shoulder to show who they are speaking to and to show any movement etc.
There is also a sense of humour though the repetition of the words from each of the protagonists, saying they both 'want to be friends' as it seems unrealistic and it is the stereotypical thing to say when breaking up with someone.
horror research
Conventions of Horror;
-Jumpy shots
-Foolish curious characters
-Anonymous 'baddie', constantly waiting to see their face
-Makes the viewer feel uncomfortable as it is too twisted
-Normally based on an event in the past/history
-Music is very important in a horror (As you can see from our project Horror where we used a black screen and just sound to create a scary and gloomy atmosphere and it created suspense, and managed to frighten the viewers purely from the sound.)
-Horrors are very popular because people like the thrill, as it is edgy and exciting.
-Jumpy shots
-Foolish curious characters
-Anonymous 'baddie', constantly waiting to see their face
-Makes the viewer feel uncomfortable as it is too twisted
-Normally based on an event in the past/history
-Music is very important in a horror (As you can see from our project Horror where we used a black screen and just sound to create a scary and gloomy atmosphere and it created suspense, and managed to frighten the viewers purely from the sound.)
-Horrors are very popular because people like the thrill, as it is edgy and exciting.
The ring;
During the ring slow-mo is used to create tension during the scene, the sound effects are also very exaggerated and loud, so they are focused on by the viewer, and as they create suspense to the actions, and shows how powerful this 'evil subject or soul' is.
The protagonist a Horror is usually a young attractive, and venerable girl, this is also used in The Ring which helps us to relate the young girl and emphasise with her as she is very vulnerable and hopeless.
There are also shadows used, which keeps the baddie anonymous, whilst showing that their is definitely a creature, but we are unsure of what is is so keeping the suspense high throughout. During the scene the camera zooms in on the protagonist from behind, this creates the feeling that she is being watched, and the enemy is getting closer, ready to cause harm to the young girl, and it makes the viewer feel as if the young girl is being followed. This makes the viewer feel uncomfortable as we can see that the young girl is unaware of the enemy following her, and there is nothing we can do to warn her, or stop her being so oblivious to the matter.
During this clip the protagonist further stresses how naive she is through blaming the noises, and the peculiar happenings on her sister, or someone she thinks is in the house, this helps to add to the tension and suspense as horror is mostly about the build up and being on edge, rather than seeing obvious scary faces everywhere, and it becoming predictable.
This also makes the story seem more realistic, as the young girl does no suspect it is something bad straight away, and it takes her a little while to work out that this is something and abnormal that has come to her for a reason.
During the ring slow-mo is used to create tension during the scene, the sound effects are also very exaggerated and loud, so they are focused on by the viewer, and as they create suspense to the actions, and shows how powerful this 'evil subject or soul' is.
The protagonist a Horror is usually a young attractive, and venerable girl, this is also used in The Ring which helps us to relate the young girl and emphasise with her as she is very vulnerable and hopeless.
There are also shadows used, which keeps the baddie anonymous, whilst showing that their is definitely a creature, but we are unsure of what is is so keeping the suspense high throughout. During the scene the camera zooms in on the protagonist from behind, this creates the feeling that she is being watched, and the enemy is getting closer, ready to cause harm to the young girl, and it makes the viewer feel as if the young girl is being followed. This makes the viewer feel uncomfortable as we can see that the young girl is unaware of the enemy following her, and there is nothing we can do to warn her, or stop her being so oblivious to the matter.
During this clip the protagonist further stresses how naive she is through blaming the noises, and the peculiar happenings on her sister, or someone she thinks is in the house, this helps to add to the tension and suspense as horror is mostly about the build up and being on edge, rather than seeing obvious scary faces everywhere, and it becoming predictable.
This also makes the story seem more realistic, as the young girl does no suspect it is something bad straight away, and it takes her a little while to work out that this is something and abnormal that has come to her for a reason.
thriller-research
Thrillers are typically 'all about the thrill', they focus on adrenaline, and raising the pulse of the viewers.
-They are supposed to be exhilarating and make the viewer feeling on edge, unaware of what is yet to come.
-Horror and thriller are often mistaken as the same genre, although they are completely different, horror is based on being terrified and scared, whereas thriller is more based on the mystery,and anxiety.
-They are supposed to be exhilarating and make the viewer feeling on edge, unaware of what is yet to come.
-Horror and thriller are often mistaken as the same genre, although they are completely different, horror is based on being terrified and scared, whereas thriller is more based on the mystery,and anxiety.
Open Grave analysis
In this scene of the open grave, lots of eerie background music is used, this creates suspense and puts the viewer on edge. It shows a lack of the protagonists surroundings, as we cannot hear many noises such as people nearby, or cars and vehicles, this could suggest no one is around him and he has been put here for a reason.
At the beginning we are unaware of where the protagonist is, but he just looks dirty, and hopeless. This creates the 'thrilling' tension as we and him are both unaware, so anything could happen to him, and we are unable to help, or interrupt.
The surroundings are chosen carefully, as he turns the lighter on, it only shows a little bit of light around him, so he is unable to light up and see all of his surroundings, and suddenly as viewers we see dead bodies around him, and can begging to work out that he is in a grave, but are still completely unaware of what is around him. This is a very clever choice of lighting as it helps to emphasise the fact that the truth is being unfolded, as the light grows, and we will slowly find out where and why the protagonist has woken up in this place.
Heavy breathing of the protagonist is also exaggerated as it makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, and on edge, because we can see the protagonist is terrified. Heavy breathing also suggests that the protagonist is feeling tired and worn out, this means he may be less capable of escaping and getting out of this mess, which creates more tension and thrill for the viewer.
This clip shows the protagonist being weaker than the antagonist, so it follows the conventions of a usual thriller. It also follows the conventions of the story open with a mystery, and a near death experience, and the story is based on the revealing of the story behind this situation the protagonist has been put in.
Diagetic and Non-Diagetic sound is used throughout the scene, so the score can be used to emphasise the mood and atmosphere, for example the eerie atmosphere. And the Non-Diagetic sound can be used to emphasis the protagonists actions, and things such as his breathing to help us as the viewer to relate to how he is feeling.
Jump cuts are also used throughout as it constantly makes the viewer jump when cutting suddenly cutting from one shot to another, this helps to create the mysterious effect, whilst helping the viewer to have that 'thriller' effect they admire.
In this scene of the open grave, lots of eerie background music is used, this creates suspense and puts the viewer on edge. It shows a lack of the protagonists surroundings, as we cannot hear many noises such as people nearby, or cars and vehicles, this could suggest no one is around him and he has been put here for a reason.
At the beginning we are unaware of where the protagonist is, but he just looks dirty, and hopeless. This creates the 'thrilling' tension as we and him are both unaware, so anything could happen to him, and we are unable to help, or interrupt.
The surroundings are chosen carefully, as he turns the lighter on, it only shows a little bit of light around him, so he is unable to light up and see all of his surroundings, and suddenly as viewers we see dead bodies around him, and can begging to work out that he is in a grave, but are still completely unaware of what is around him. This is a very clever choice of lighting as it helps to emphasise the fact that the truth is being unfolded, as the light grows, and we will slowly find out where and why the protagonist has woken up in this place.
Heavy breathing of the protagonist is also exaggerated as it makes the viewer feel uncomfortable, and on edge, because we can see the protagonist is terrified. Heavy breathing also suggests that the protagonist is feeling tired and worn out, this means he may be less capable of escaping and getting out of this mess, which creates more tension and thrill for the viewer.
This clip shows the protagonist being weaker than the antagonist, so it follows the conventions of a usual thriller. It also follows the conventions of the story open with a mystery, and a near death experience, and the story is based on the revealing of the story behind this situation the protagonist has been put in.
Diagetic and Non-Diagetic sound is used throughout the scene, so the score can be used to emphasise the mood and atmosphere, for example the eerie atmosphere. And the Non-Diagetic sound can be used to emphasis the protagonists actions, and things such as his breathing to help us as the viewer to relate to how he is feeling.
Jump cuts are also used throughout as it constantly makes the viewer jump when cutting suddenly cutting from one shot to another, this helps to create the mysterious effect, whilst helping the viewer to have that 'thriller' effect they admire.
Effective shots we should include in our British Film Project
Here are 6 shots I have researched and found in other British Films and research which I think should be included in our British film project:
Here are 6 shots I have researched and found in other British Films and research which I think should be included in our British film project:
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[0.10] A high angle shot being used to show how the protagonist feels about himself, although by others he is looked upon as foolish, he himself believes he is living the high life and enjoys what he does. This also shows he is naive. This is also showing how the rest of the group view the main protagonist, as the main leader of the group.(Trainspotting opening) |
[0.26] Extra close up shots of the protagonists faces after they have committed the crimes to show their emotions, for example close ups of them laughing and freeze frames to focus on their features and inner feelings. Also we will use titles here to introduce the names of the protagonists, whilst using a voice-over to tell the viewer small parts about the protagonists, giving them nicknames. This will help in the process of the viewers getting to know and relating to the protagonists, as it is very important the viewers can like the protagonists to create the atmosphere desired. (Trainspotting opening) |
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[35.15] Low angle shots to show how the viewers can see that the protagonists are foolish and up to no good. Although the protagonists think otherwise. Shows they are in-powerful and not superior. (Trainspotting opening) |
[0.04] An establishing shot at the beginning of the British film should be used. This will help to 'set the scene' and will make it clear to the viewer the environment that the film has been set in. This will also show lots more about the characters and will help the viewers to identify more about them. |
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[0.04] Wide shot should be used such as the wide shot in Cass, which shows the viewer more about the area around the protagonists, and when there is lots of action, you can focus on more than one protagonist at a time. This should be used in the montage of the protagonists when they are committing the crimes. |
[0.16] The last shot that should be used is a close up shot straight on from the protagonist. This should be done when the young boy Gary sits up from laying down on the bed, and the title comes across his body. This will be effective as the focus in entirely on the young boy who is the main protagonist of the story, and it shows his emotions as he knows he has been let down because he doesn't get the outcome he expected and wanted. This makes the viewer emphasis with the protagonist. |
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