FA: Extended Writing Activity

Film Language - Black Swan

How does mise-en-scene convey meaning in this sequence?
How does camera shot size, movement and angle convey meaning?
How does sound anchor the images?
What do we learn about the characters through dialogue and non-verbal language?
What other visual techniques does the director use and why?

• costume is used to highlight the role of the protagonist - a ballet dancer
• low key lighting to contrast the 'innocence' of ballet with the plot and genre of the film (psychological thriller)
• props - empty, dusty room conveys mystery and a sense of spookiness or ghostliness
• locations - bedroom, hall and dining room, all old and also convey secrecy and a sense of the unknown with low key lighting and shadows
• establishing shot framed in LS showing Natalie Portman as Nina in the empty room
• ECU of ballet point shoes, enhancing the character's complexity
• non-diegetic sound - orchestral score to match the ballet dance
• diegetic sound - protagonist's speech 'I had the craziest dream last night', ending with 'she kills herself'
• montage of people's voices, reflecting the psychological 'insanity' of the genre

Media Audiences - The Hunger Games

Who is the target audience?
What are the probable and possible audience readings of the text?
How do you, as a British teenager, read and evaluate the text?
To what extent is your reading and evaluation influenced by your age, gender and background?

• target audience - males and females aged 12-24
• both males and females within the target audience are likely to follow the general readings of this film
• target audience are most likely to follow a subjective view
• older viewers are more likely to follow an objective view
• some parts of the demographic of viewers, for example older males might not be interested in watching a film like this, as they may be 'put off' by the female protagonist, but may turn out to be pleasantly surprised at this particular film
• viewers need to begin watching this film with an open mind, older males in particular

Institutional Context - Skyfall

Has a star been used in this film?
Why is this important?
Which studio produced this film?
Is it an industrial or independent film?
What strategies were used to market the film?
Is the institutional context evident in the production values of the opening?

• Daniel Craig - has been in previous James Bond films, and films such as The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; this brings in audiences of these other films as they may be wanting to just see his work and increases the franchise's fan base
• Dame Judi Dench - has also been in previous James Bond films, has worked for the National Theatre Company, and was appointed Dame of the British Empire for her acting skills, bringing in a wider audience
• studio production company - Eon Productions
• industrial film
• marketing:

1. theme song sung by Adele, also bringing in a larger audience as she is a well-known artist and may entice her fans too
2. advert for Sony starring Daniel Craig promoting Skyfall
3. advert for Heineken starring Daniel Craig and Bernice Marlohe (co-star in Skyfall)
4. symbiotic partnership made between Skyfall and Coka Cola/Coke Zero
5. short 30 second preview during the 2012 London Olympics