Chiaroscuro Lighting in Film Noir
Chiaroscuro is used in film, particularly film noir and other styles of black and white film, to create distinct areas of light and dark. Chiaroscuro is a technique most commonly found in films from the early film noir period. However there are several modern films that use chiaroscuro lighting. For example the film 'Sin City' uses this type of lighting through out. Chiaroscuro lighting can be used to establish the mood and feel of a scene. If the scene is very light with only small patches of dark this could be a technique to representation good, if the scene was primarily dark this would be a representation of evil. Instead of having a whole shot completely light, small areas of dark are used to emphasise the light and visa verse with dark and light; this is another technique using chiaroscuro common in film.
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Friday, 18 December 2009
femme Fatales
Femme Fatales translates as deadly woman or killer woman and originates from female vampires in early film. Femme fatales are commonly used in film and were especially common in film noir.
Females are most commonly represented in two ways in film noir. They are either represented as a stereotypical housewife. They are loyal, honest, trustworthy and loving. The second type of female represented is the femme fatale. They are very seductive and use their looks to get their own way. They are shown as very manipulative, dishonest, cold and unloving but are very desirable for the male character(s).
A few films that have a femme fatale as a leading character are ‘The Third Man’, ‘The Naked City’ and ‘They Live by The Night’.
Females are most commonly represented in two ways in film noir. They are either represented as a stereotypical housewife. They are loyal, honest, trustworthy and loving. The second type of female represented is the femme fatale. They are very seductive and use their looks to get their own way. They are shown as very manipulative, dishonest, cold and unloving but are very desirable for the male character(s).
A few films that have a femme fatale as a leading character are ‘The Third Man’, ‘The Naked City’ and ‘They Live by The Night’.
A Discussion of the use of voiceovers in the opening scenes of 'Lock stock and two smoking barrels' and 'Sin City'.
A Discussion of the use of voiceovers in the opening scenes of 'Lock stock and two smoking barrels' and 'Sin City'.
Both ‘Lock Stock…’ and ‘Sin City’ use voiceovers in their opening scene. They are used to set the scene of the film and establish the mood for the audience.
Lock Stock’s use of voiceover has plays more than one role in the first scene of the film. Firstly it is used to introduce the characters. Instead of just having one constant voiceover however, it is broken up with dialogue between characters. This makes the film seem more interesting, helps the audience make more of a connection with the characters and keeps them wanting to watch the film. In the first five to six minutes of the film all of the main characters have been introduced to the audience. Firstly each character is introduced just to the screen, doing their everyday life things, then the picture either pauses or the sound is stopped so that the voiceover can introduce the character and tell the viewer a bit about them. This is a clever technique that makes the viewer feel as if they know the character and helps them establish an opinion about them
Sin City also uses a voiceover in the opening scene, and, just like Lock Stock it is used in between parts of dialogue between the characters. However it differs from Lock Stock because it’s actually one of the characters shown in the scene talking to the viewer. Just like Lock Stock, Sin City uses voiceover to captivate the audience and make them want to keep watching. Sin City uses a different technique to do this though. Instead of using it to introduce characters or what is going on, it does the opposite. Very little is said to the viewer about the situation or the characters, it goes straight into the film without any explanation. This means the audience aren’t fully aware of what is happening and why. Using this method makes the viewer want to keep watching so they can find out what has happened and what is going to happen in the rest of the film.
Both films’ use of voiceover is a very clever way of captivating the audience to keep them watching despite the fact that it is used in entirely different ways.
Both ‘Lock Stock…’ and ‘Sin City’ use voiceovers in their opening scene. They are used to set the scene of the film and establish the mood for the audience.
Lock Stock’s use of voiceover has plays more than one role in the first scene of the film. Firstly it is used to introduce the characters. Instead of just having one constant voiceover however, it is broken up with dialogue between characters. This makes the film seem more interesting, helps the audience make more of a connection with the characters and keeps them wanting to watch the film. In the first five to six minutes of the film all of the main characters have been introduced to the audience. Firstly each character is introduced just to the screen, doing their everyday life things, then the picture either pauses or the sound is stopped so that the voiceover can introduce the character and tell the viewer a bit about them. This is a clever technique that makes the viewer feel as if they know the character and helps them establish an opinion about them
Sin City also uses a voiceover in the opening scene, and, just like Lock Stock it is used in between parts of dialogue between the characters. However it differs from Lock Stock because it’s actually one of the characters shown in the scene talking to the viewer. Just like Lock Stock, Sin City uses voiceover to captivate the audience and make them want to keep watching. Sin City uses a different technique to do this though. Instead of using it to introduce characters or what is going on, it does the opposite. Very little is said to the viewer about the situation or the characters, it goes straight into the film without any explanation. This means the audience aren’t fully aware of what is happening and why. Using this method makes the viewer want to keep watching so they can find out what has happened and what is going to happen in the rest of the film.
Both films’ use of voiceover is a very clever way of captivating the audience to keep them watching despite the fact that it is used in entirely different ways.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
LA noir
A discussion of the conventions of ‘LA noir’
La noir does not actually exist as a genre or even a subgenre. It is a style of film noir set in Los Angeles. LA Noir shares many of the same conventions and styles and regular film noir. However it does have certain differences that set the two apart from each other.
Just like film noir La noir is themed around the idea of the corruption of humanity, suffering and evil. LA noir addresses these issues in Hollywood style America instead of Europe which is often a preferred setting for regular noir films. The films draw attention to the underlying themes of evil behind the glamour and glitz.
Noir films are known for their use of dark lighting and shadows, this is where LA noir differs. As apposed to dark lighting it uses bright light, this makes every detail apparent and creates an almost ironic feel to the film due to its dark themes. ‘LA confidential’ is an example of a film that uses this. Despite this, both styles of film frequently use chiaroscuro lighting.
The use of binary opposites occur often in LA noir films. The film ‘The Black Dahlia’ is a great example of this. The opening scene of the film is a riot which includes several binary opposites. For example, there are two groups of people who are rioting against each other; one group is dressed totally in white and the other in black. This could be an interpretation of racial dispute which was very common at this time in America, and in some places, is still an issue.
LA noir is used almost, to expose certain aspects of American society which is sometimes overlooked. This is because it is themed around corruption, perhaps in the police, and crime, something which many people would not readily admit too. Just like film noir, LA noir looks past things in everyday life and draws attention to the darker side of human nature.
La noir does not actually exist as a genre or even a subgenre. It is a style of film noir set in Los Angeles. LA Noir shares many of the same conventions and styles and regular film noir. However it does have certain differences that set the two apart from each other.
Just like film noir La noir is themed around the idea of the corruption of humanity, suffering and evil. LA noir addresses these issues in Hollywood style America instead of Europe which is often a preferred setting for regular noir films. The films draw attention to the underlying themes of evil behind the glamour and glitz.
Noir films are known for their use of dark lighting and shadows, this is where LA noir differs. As apposed to dark lighting it uses bright light, this makes every detail apparent and creates an almost ironic feel to the film due to its dark themes. ‘LA confidential’ is an example of a film that uses this. Despite this, both styles of film frequently use chiaroscuro lighting.
The use of binary opposites occur often in LA noir films. The film ‘The Black Dahlia’ is a great example of this. The opening scene of the film is a riot which includes several binary opposites. For example, there are two groups of people who are rioting against each other; one group is dressed totally in white and the other in black. This could be an interpretation of racial dispute which was very common at this time in America, and in some places, is still an issue.
LA noir is used almost, to expose certain aspects of American society which is sometimes overlooked. This is because it is themed around corruption, perhaps in the police, and crime, something which many people would not readily admit too. Just like film noir, LA noir looks past things in everyday life and draws attention to the darker side of human nature.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Conventions of Film Noir
Conventions of Film Noir
Film noir first started in the 1940’s just after the second world war. The films are themed around corruption, depression, alienation, pessimism, and shows the dark side of human experience. Film noir literally translates too ‘black film’ or ‘black cinema’, this is because of it’s dark themes and settings.
Most film noir settings are generally run down, old and dreary places such as old cobbled streets, warehouses or apartment blocks. In the film The Third Man a setting that occurs more than once is the use of dark, shadowed, cobbled streets that are deserted. This is used to give the effect of isolation and alienation.
Iconic props and costume are another convention of film noir. There are certain items or props that are very typical of this type of film. Things such as cigarettes and guns are very common. There is a style of dress that is also very typical of film noir. The clothing is often very dark and formal, including trilby hats and smart, dark coloured suits. Female characters are likely to be seen in very seductive clothing such as long flowing dresses.
These films frequently feature what is known as a ‘Femme Fatale’. These women are very seductive but also carry an heir of danger with them. They can be predatory, double crossing, and manipulative. The other type of Femme Fatale is trustworthy, loyal, and loving It is common that they are close to the main character or the main character themselves.
Voice over’s are used a lot in film noir along with flashbacks. In The Third Man a voice over is featured at the very beginning of the film over old news footage. The film Sin City also has a voice over at the very beginning. These voice over’s are often used to set the scene or to let the viewer know a little more about what is happening. It is also used to set up the viewers expectations of the film, grab their attention and draw them into the film. A voice over gives the effect that the narrator is talking to the viewer which helps them connect better and puts the film on a more personal level.
Camera and lighting in film noir is very defining. Tilted camera angles can be seen a lot in film noir, this is used along with certain visual schemes to disorientate the viewer. Techniques like this make the style of film far more interesting and exciting. Often there is just a single source of light which gives a very gloomy, isolated feel to the scene. Along with this contrasts between bright light and extreme dark are used.
Double Indemnity (1944), The Third Man (1949), The Woman in the Window (1944), Dark Passage (1947), and Out of the Past (1947) are just a few well known film noir’s. Well respected directors of film noirs include people such as Orson Wells, Billy Wilder, Otto Preminger, and John Huston. A well renowned and popular style of film, film noir has exceedingly interesting conventions and styles which are still incorporated in film today.
Film noir first started in the 1940’s just after the second world war. The films are themed around corruption, depression, alienation, pessimism, and shows the dark side of human experience. Film noir literally translates too ‘black film’ or ‘black cinema’, this is because of it’s dark themes and settings.
Most film noir settings are generally run down, old and dreary places such as old cobbled streets, warehouses or apartment blocks. In the film The Third Man a setting that occurs more than once is the use of dark, shadowed, cobbled streets that are deserted. This is used to give the effect of isolation and alienation.
Iconic props and costume are another convention of film noir. There are certain items or props that are very typical of this type of film. Things such as cigarettes and guns are very common. There is a style of dress that is also very typical of film noir. The clothing is often very dark and formal, including trilby hats and smart, dark coloured suits. Female characters are likely to be seen in very seductive clothing such as long flowing dresses.
These films frequently feature what is known as a ‘Femme Fatale’. These women are very seductive but also carry an heir of danger with them. They can be predatory, double crossing, and manipulative. The other type of Femme Fatale is trustworthy, loyal, and loving It is common that they are close to the main character or the main character themselves.
Voice over’s are used a lot in film noir along with flashbacks. In The Third Man a voice over is featured at the very beginning of the film over old news footage. The film Sin City also has a voice over at the very beginning. These voice over’s are often used to set the scene or to let the viewer know a little more about what is happening. It is also used to set up the viewers expectations of the film, grab their attention and draw them into the film. A voice over gives the effect that the narrator is talking to the viewer which helps them connect better and puts the film on a more personal level.
Camera and lighting in film noir is very defining. Tilted camera angles can be seen a lot in film noir, this is used along with certain visual schemes to disorientate the viewer. Techniques like this make the style of film far more interesting and exciting. Often there is just a single source of light which gives a very gloomy, isolated feel to the scene. Along with this contrasts between bright light and extreme dark are used.
Double Indemnity (1944), The Third Man (1949), The Woman in the Window (1944), Dark Passage (1947), and Out of the Past (1947) are just a few well known film noir’s. Well respected directors of film noirs include people such as Orson Wells, Billy Wilder, Otto Preminger, and John Huston. A well renowned and popular style of film, film noir has exceedingly interesting conventions and styles which are still incorporated in film today.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Analysis of a Print Advertisement.
Conceptual Analysis of a Print Advertisement Rooted to 4 Key Media Concepts.
The image I have used is of a man modelling for United Colors Of Benetton.
The picture of the model has been taken against a white background drawing all of the viewer’s attention towards him. The model is pulling a very ‘bad boy’ pose which makes the product(s) being advertised seem exciting. It also makes the person looking at the advert think the product is adventurous/dangerous.
The clothes being modelled are typically western and very upper middle class. The target audience appears to be gay males in their mid to late twenties, due to the style of the clothes and the way the model is standing. The model is looking directly at the camera instead of slightly to the side or totally away from it. This makes it easier for the viewer to relate to the model and makes the advert seem more personal.
Some people may even find this advert offensive as it is very stereotypical representation of homosexuality. This may have been done intentionally to either provoke a reaction or to draw in the target audience. If people are annoyed by this advert they are more likely to talk about it or the company which intern gives it more publicity.
The advert is also quite glamorous and makes the products seem like good quality and high class. They have been presented in such a way that all the products the model is wearing are very easy to see. Although it seems more than one product is being marketed in this ad the bags appear to be the main thing trying to be sold. Both the models hands are holding them and they are protruding. This draws the most attention to them.
I think that although some very good techniques are used in this advert the colour is rather bland. This surprises me a little and I find it rather ironic because the company is called “United Colors of Benetton”. This may have been intentional because it confuses the viewer and makes them think about the advert more.
Overall I think the advert is very effective and although I don’t apply to the target market I think it has done a good job at appealing to it. If I did fall into the target market I think that I would be tempted or provoked by the advert.
The image I have used is of a man modelling for United Colors Of Benetton.
The picture of the model has been taken against a white background drawing all of the viewer’s attention towards him. The model is pulling a very ‘bad boy’ pose which makes the product(s) being advertised seem exciting. It also makes the person looking at the advert think the product is adventurous/dangerous.
The clothes being modelled are typically western and very upper middle class. The target audience appears to be gay males in their mid to late twenties, due to the style of the clothes and the way the model is standing. The model is looking directly at the camera instead of slightly to the side or totally away from it. This makes it easier for the viewer to relate to the model and makes the advert seem more personal.
Some people may even find this advert offensive as it is very stereotypical representation of homosexuality. This may have been done intentionally to either provoke a reaction or to draw in the target audience. If people are annoyed by this advert they are more likely to talk about it or the company which intern gives it more publicity.
The advert is also quite glamorous and makes the products seem like good quality and high class. They have been presented in such a way that all the products the model is wearing are very easy to see. Although it seems more than one product is being marketed in this ad the bags appear to be the main thing trying to be sold. Both the models hands are holding them and they are protruding. This draws the most attention to them.
I think that although some very good techniques are used in this advert the colour is rather bland. This surprises me a little and I find it rather ironic because the company is called “United Colors of Benetton”. This may have been intentional because it confuses the viewer and makes them think about the advert more.
Overall I think the advert is very effective and although I don’t apply to the target market I think it has done a good job at appealing to it. If I did fall into the target market I think that I would be tempted or provoked by the advert.
Student Questionnaire
Year 12 Media Studies Student Questionnaire
NAME: Daniel Norgrove.
GCSE RESULTS:
English Literature: B
English Language: C
Maths: C
Year 10 Science: B
Year 11 Science: C
German: C
Food Technology: C
CBV: C
Sociology: D
Geography: D
History: D
ICT: F
HOBBIES:
All of my hobbies revolve around music. I enjoy playing in my band, it is currently very fun as we are recording our first demo CD. I also greatly enjoy going to gigs and go to see local bands frequently. Recently I went to a festival as well which was great because loads of my favourite bands played.
PRINT MEDIA:
I don’t really ever read news papers or look at the news on the internet simply because I never get round to it. I do, on the other hand, read magazines fairly frequently. I am subscribed to ‘Metal Hammer’. I read this because it is one of the only magazines to cover the genre and sub-genres of music I listen to and want to know about. It contains reviews on gigs and albums, interview with bands and notifications of up and coming shows.
RADIO MEDIA:
When I do listen to the radio, which is not particularly often, I listen to stations on iTunes radio because none of the main-stream radio stations appeal to me. I listen to stations such as Droidlocks, DubStep.FM, Metal Hammer radio or Death.FM.
MUSIC INDUSTRY:
I enjoy a large variety of music but my favourite genre is metal. Along with this I listen to things such as Dubstep, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Reggae, Trance and 80’s rock.
I do belong to a band and I am the vocals. I have been in various bands and music based projects for about a year and a half to two years now. I access a lot of music via the internet using things such as youtube and Last.FM but I thoroughly disagree with the illegal downloading of music. It is not fair on the artists who are trying to make a living through music and if people continue to illegally download music the artist they like will simply go out of business. As someone who wishes to go on to a career in music I am strongly against it. The music industry definitely influences the way I dress as I always wear a band t-shirt and dress in the same style as many of the bands I listen to. As to whether if affects my attitude, it may slightly but I don’t think it has a massive impact on the way I act as a person.
VIDEO GAMES:
I generally don’t play video games but when I do it is round my friend’s house. The games I usually play have a fairly violent theme because I find them the most enjoyable. Video games, such as ‘Grant Theft Auto’, may have a negative impact on attitudes to gender and the solution of conflict. People who frequently play games such as this may think that women are simply there as sex objects and that you can treat them how you want. They may also think it is acceptable to use violence as a means to resolve and argument or disagreement with another person.
NEW TECHNOLOGY:
New technologies have helped increase my understanding of the world because it means I have access to the internet. I can search anything I want, within reason, and end up with pages and pages of internet sites containing information on my chosen subject, it is also possible to access news websites such as the BBC via the internet to see what is currently happening in the world. New technologies have also increased my ability to communicate with others, for example mobile phones and computer programs such as Windows Messenger. It is now easier than ever to access films, television programmes and the music industry with free movie websites, television catch up programs like BBC iPlayer and websites such as youtube.
TELEVISION:
Out of the five main television channels broadcasted my favourite is channel four. This is because it shows a variety of programmes including comedy, drama, documentaries as well as showing films. My favourite television genre is comedy because I love watching things that make me laugh or things that are just generally amusing. I have not recently seen many TV advertisements that I genuinely enjoy but the last one I found amusing and clever were the series of adverts for the phone company ‘Orange’. I found them very witty and I think they were written in a very clever way. As someone who doesn’t watch a vast amount of television it is hard to list a television programme or programmes that I consider memorable but if I had to choose one I would choose ‘Shameless’. I found that programme quite memorable because it is amusing, sarcastic but also relates to a part of life in Britain that very much exists, even if it is a bit over exaggerated.
FEATURE FILM:
My favourite genre of film is probably action. This is because more often that not they are very exiting and get your heart racing, you always want to know the ending. Three films I find extremely outstanding are ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Out of these three ‘Pulp Fiction’ has to be my all time favourite. This is because it has an amazing story line but hasn’t been made like an ordinary film, it is filmed as a series of stories about different characters that link into each other and the first story seen links into the very last, to make this even more interesting the stories aren’t in order. I like the contrast between action/gangster, thriller and a bit of comedy. I also believe that the acting is extremely good. When I do watch films I prefer to see them at the cinema with my friends but when this is not always possible I access them via the internet or watch them at friend’s houses. Although I find The Odeon at riverside far more comfortable it is cheaper to watch films at Vue in the Castle Mall and as it is not particularly uncomfortable I generally go there.
CONCLUSION:
I decided to choose media studies as an option because it looks very enjoyable and both my parents have a career in media so I have been exposed to it since I was very young. If I were to construct a media text I think I would wish to communicate the message about the condition of England, perhaps a film focused on those most affected by the “credit crunch”. So far I have enjoyed the media studies lessons and I am looking forward to taking part in all of the activities that the course revolves around such as shooting the opening to a thriller and writing my blog.
NAME: Daniel Norgrove.
GCSE RESULTS:
English Literature: B
English Language: C
Maths: C
Year 10 Science: B
Year 11 Science: C
German: C
Food Technology: C
CBV: C
Sociology: D
Geography: D
History: D
ICT: F
HOBBIES:
All of my hobbies revolve around music. I enjoy playing in my band, it is currently very fun as we are recording our first demo CD. I also greatly enjoy going to gigs and go to see local bands frequently. Recently I went to a festival as well which was great because loads of my favourite bands played.
PRINT MEDIA:
I don’t really ever read news papers or look at the news on the internet simply because I never get round to it. I do, on the other hand, read magazines fairly frequently. I am subscribed to ‘Metal Hammer’. I read this because it is one of the only magazines to cover the genre and sub-genres of music I listen to and want to know about. It contains reviews on gigs and albums, interview with bands and notifications of up and coming shows.
RADIO MEDIA:
When I do listen to the radio, which is not particularly often, I listen to stations on iTunes radio because none of the main-stream radio stations appeal to me. I listen to stations such as Droidlocks, DubStep.FM, Metal Hammer radio or Death.FM.
MUSIC INDUSTRY:
I enjoy a large variety of music but my favourite genre is metal. Along with this I listen to things such as Dubstep, Drum ‘n’ Bass, Reggae, Trance and 80’s rock.
I do belong to a band and I am the vocals. I have been in various bands and music based projects for about a year and a half to two years now. I access a lot of music via the internet using things such as youtube and Last.FM but I thoroughly disagree with the illegal downloading of music. It is not fair on the artists who are trying to make a living through music and if people continue to illegally download music the artist they like will simply go out of business. As someone who wishes to go on to a career in music I am strongly against it. The music industry definitely influences the way I dress as I always wear a band t-shirt and dress in the same style as many of the bands I listen to. As to whether if affects my attitude, it may slightly but I don’t think it has a massive impact on the way I act as a person.
VIDEO GAMES:
I generally don’t play video games but when I do it is round my friend’s house. The games I usually play have a fairly violent theme because I find them the most enjoyable. Video games, such as ‘Grant Theft Auto’, may have a negative impact on attitudes to gender and the solution of conflict. People who frequently play games such as this may think that women are simply there as sex objects and that you can treat them how you want. They may also think it is acceptable to use violence as a means to resolve and argument or disagreement with another person.
NEW TECHNOLOGY:
New technologies have helped increase my understanding of the world because it means I have access to the internet. I can search anything I want, within reason, and end up with pages and pages of internet sites containing information on my chosen subject, it is also possible to access news websites such as the BBC via the internet to see what is currently happening in the world. New technologies have also increased my ability to communicate with others, for example mobile phones and computer programs such as Windows Messenger. It is now easier than ever to access films, television programmes and the music industry with free movie websites, television catch up programs like BBC iPlayer and websites such as youtube.
TELEVISION:
Out of the five main television channels broadcasted my favourite is channel four. This is because it shows a variety of programmes including comedy, drama, documentaries as well as showing films. My favourite television genre is comedy because I love watching things that make me laugh or things that are just generally amusing. I have not recently seen many TV advertisements that I genuinely enjoy but the last one I found amusing and clever were the series of adverts for the phone company ‘Orange’. I found them very witty and I think they were written in a very clever way. As someone who doesn’t watch a vast amount of television it is hard to list a television programme or programmes that I consider memorable but if I had to choose one I would choose ‘Shameless’. I found that programme quite memorable because it is amusing, sarcastic but also relates to a part of life in Britain that very much exists, even if it is a bit over exaggerated.
FEATURE FILM:
My favourite genre of film is probably action. This is because more often that not they are very exiting and get your heart racing, you always want to know the ending. Three films I find extremely outstanding are ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Out of these three ‘Pulp Fiction’ has to be my all time favourite. This is because it has an amazing story line but hasn’t been made like an ordinary film, it is filmed as a series of stories about different characters that link into each other and the first story seen links into the very last, to make this even more interesting the stories aren’t in order. I like the contrast between action/gangster, thriller and a bit of comedy. I also believe that the acting is extremely good. When I do watch films I prefer to see them at the cinema with my friends but when this is not always possible I access them via the internet or watch them at friend’s houses. Although I find The Odeon at riverside far more comfortable it is cheaper to watch films at Vue in the Castle Mall and as it is not particularly uncomfortable I generally go there.
CONCLUSION:
I decided to choose media studies as an option because it looks very enjoyable and both my parents have a career in media so I have been exposed to it since I was very young. If I were to construct a media text I think I would wish to communicate the message about the condition of England, perhaps a film focused on those most affected by the “credit crunch”. So far I have enjoyed the media studies lessons and I am looking forward to taking part in all of the activities that the course revolves around such as shooting the opening to a thriller and writing my blog.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Sin City opening scene.
Analyse how the opening of Sin City uses film noir conventions and how it sets up audience expectations.
The opening scene to the film Sin City has many characteristics of film noir despite the fact it has recently been made. The directors Robert Rodrigues and Frank Miller, who wrote the graphic novels that the film is based upon, send the message to the audience of the films dark theme using conventions of film noir.
Before even seeing the very first shot the viewer is exposed to the sounds of the city, traffic and police sirens. This is a very clever technique because without viewing anything the audience can very quickly guess that the film is in a city and due to the sirens, one that is full of crime.
The lighting in this scene is very typical of film noir. There is a contrast between bright white light and extreme dark. One example would be the light from the inside of the building being very bright and the balcony outside being very dark. This gives the effect that the two characters on the balcony outside are isolated, cut off or in a totally separate world. A second example is the contrast between light and dark on the male character’s face. Half of his face is hidden in darkness as if to suggest he has a dark side or is two faces. It also makes the character look far more sinister.
The female character featured at the beginning of the film is very typical of a film noir femme fatale. She is wearing a long red dress which draws the audience’s attention to her because it is the only thing in colour against the black background. Just like in most film noirs the female character, with the roll of the femme fatale, has an air of danger and mystery about her. Just like the woman in this scene is seemingly typical of film noir so is the man. He is wearing a smart but stylish black suit but has no colour on him what so ever. This makes him appear more hidden and less noticeable to the viewer, as if he doesn’t want to be noticed.
Guns are very typical props used in film noir.
The props used in this scene are iconic, stereotypical ones that are used in film noir all the time. The cigarettes are used as a connection between the male and female character, the male is very flirtatious about the way he lights the woman’s cigarette. This lures the viewer into thinking he is genuine about what he is saying.
The camera angles are also used to create a connection between the characters. A lot of close ups are used focusing on the characters eyes, this gives the effect that both the characters are looking very closely at each other and is also very flirtatious. There are also close ups on the props such as the gun and the lighting of the cigarette to draw extra attention towards them.
The use of film noir conventions in the beginning of this film has a great effect on the audience and the way it sets up their expectations of what is about to happen and for the rest of the film. Both directors have done very well in achieving this in my opinion and I think it is a fantastic opening.
The opening scene to the film Sin City has many characteristics of film noir despite the fact it has recently been made. The directors Robert Rodrigues and Frank Miller, who wrote the graphic novels that the film is based upon, send the message to the audience of the films dark theme using conventions of film noir.
Before even seeing the very first shot the viewer is exposed to the sounds of the city, traffic and police sirens. This is a very clever technique because without viewing anything the audience can very quickly guess that the film is in a city and due to the sirens, one that is full of crime.
The lighting in this scene is very typical of film noir. There is a contrast between bright white light and extreme dark. One example would be the light from the inside of the building being very bright and the balcony outside being very dark. This gives the effect that the two characters on the balcony outside are isolated, cut off or in a totally separate world. A second example is the contrast between light and dark on the male character’s face. Half of his face is hidden in darkness as if to suggest he has a dark side or is two faces. It also makes the character look far more sinister.
The female character featured at the beginning of the film is very typical of a film noir femme fatale. She is wearing a long red dress which draws the audience’s attention to her because it is the only thing in colour against the black background. Just like in most film noirs the female character, with the roll of the femme fatale, has an air of danger and mystery about her. Just like the woman in this scene is seemingly typical of film noir so is the man. He is wearing a smart but stylish black suit but has no colour on him what so ever. This makes him appear more hidden and less noticeable to the viewer, as if he doesn’t want to be noticed.
Guns are very typical props used in film noir.
The props used in this scene are iconic, stereotypical ones that are used in film noir all the time. The cigarettes are used as a connection between the male and female character, the male is very flirtatious about the way he lights the woman’s cigarette. This lures the viewer into thinking he is genuine about what he is saying.
The camera angles are also used to create a connection between the characters. A lot of close ups are used focusing on the characters eyes, this gives the effect that both the characters are looking very closely at each other and is also very flirtatious. There are also close ups on the props such as the gun and the lighting of the cigarette to draw extra attention towards them.
The use of film noir conventions in the beginning of this film has a great effect on the audience and the way it sets up their expectations of what is about to happen and for the rest of the film. Both directors have done very well in achieving this in my opinion and I think it is a fantastic opening.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
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