Analysis of Opening Techniques

Rock 'N Rolla:

Titling: The initial titles (production and distribution companies alongside the directors name- 'A Guy Ritchie Film') appear on the dark, grotty walls of what we make out to be a wear-house. It is important that the directors name is mentioned at the very beginning of the titles as audience's make connections between the British film genre and director Guy Ritchie, as he has produced some of the best know and most successful films in that genre. The text and logos appear slowly and are sprayed onto the surface in white, as though from a spray canister. This style is similar to that of graffiti artists and allows audiences to make connections as to the urban setting of the film. There are no further titles until after a small section of footage that introduces us to the theme of the film. The titles that we see later display the actor’s names, alongside a graffiti style image of the actor/character, once again this relates to the setting of the film, as well as the time period in which the film is set as this stenciled style of urban art work is relatively modern and associated with our streets in today’s society. The titles are surrounded by other graffiti art, although in black not white making the text stand out, the images of city buildings and urban areas, once again informing the audience as to the urban areas we will see in the film.

Camera Movement: As we are shown the first titles in the wear-house the camera swoops and spins erratically, stopping abruptly to focus on a wall where the title will later appear. This wild movement of the camera installs a sense of excitement and energy, perhaps even adrenaline, informing us that the film will be filled with fast paced action and drama. We later move to a shot that zooms slowing in on the only on screen character, his back to us. The camera moves from one room and through a doorway, bringing us closer to the character, stopping when we are placed directly behind him. The gradual, effortless movement of the camera reflects the slow paced, sexy music and monologue that is being played over the shot. This camera movement creates a contrast as we move rapidly into sharp, jerking, fast camera movement in the following shots and titles, making the later footage more animated and exciting.

Camera Angles: Few angles are used in the opening of this film, most footage being shot either at a medium close up or medium long shot, allowing audiences to recognize and become familiar with characters or actors and to allow them to gain a better understanding of emotions via facial expressions. This can be seen in particular when we the actors are introduced to us via titles, the majority of the images are medium long shots or medium close ups allowing audience/actor familiarity. A long shot is used when we are introduced to the first on screen character that is stood with his back to us, this causes him to appear mysterious enticing audiences. Also as a result of this long shot we can make connections between his surroundings and the character himself –the untidy, broken down room he is standing in suggests to us a physical representation of himself. This connection is later verified when the camera angle moves to a close up shot of the characters lower half and it is made apparent that the character in question is a drug addict, from the large pipe, or bong, that he is holding and lighting.

Mise-en-scene: Colour: The colour scheme seen in these opening titles involves dark, dull shades of grey, black, teal, brown, beige, blue and other muted colours. This colour scheme can be related to the urban setting of the film, as dull, muted colours are often associated with the dirty, soiled streets of industrialized areas and large cities. The dark theme may also be linked to the shady businesses that the characters are involved in (crimes, corruption etc).

Lighting: lighting is used with particular effect when we are introduced to the first on screen character in the run-down room. Bright white light pours through gaps in the wall in streaks, casting an eerie atmosphere over the room and causing elaborated shadowing the emphasizes the destitute state of the room in which the character is stood. This form of lighting also expands upon the mystery of the character as it causes him to become a silhouette, making it difficult for audiences to gain a clear view of who he is, therefore intriguing them and maintaining their interest/curiosity.

Props: props are used in order to convey messages to us as an audience as to what we can expect from the film as it progresses, the themes will will be confronted with and the nature of the characters involved. Firstly there is a reoccurring theme of weapons, such as baseball bats and in particular, guns that many characters hold throughout the first 2 minutes of the opening titles, this suggests to the audience that violence can be expected from the movie and when further analyzed can be linked to the organized gang crime that the characters are involved in.

Also, we are shown a large pipe (bong) that one character has lit and is smoking from. By including this prop the director is informing us that drugs and drug abuse are themes that are involved in the story line of the film and that important characters are connected to this -the man smoking from the pipe is the first character on screen, symbolizing his importance and the pipe connecting him to using drugs.

The Football Factory:

Green Street:

Titling: Opens with plain black screen, titles are written in thick white font on top (production & distribution companies etc) There are no more titles after this.

Camera Movement: Over the shoulder shots are used during the conversation between the two opposing groups. The camera is unsteady and shaking (hand-held) giving the audience the effect that they are involved and present during the action. Camera remains unsteady and hand-held for the rest of the opening and through the opening fight. The camera moves with the on screen violence –fast and jolting as it follows the fight. The camera zooms in and out of focus and moves erratically. This movement indicates and emphasizes the chaos on screen.

Camera Angles: Long shots are used to begin with in order to establish the setting and where our characters are, here being a train station. Over the shoulder shots become involved when the two groups face up to each other, making the footage intimate and the audience feel involved.

This intimacy also emphasizes the distance between the two opposing groups- shows our audience that they are on opposite sides. Close ups are used during the fight scene, the actors move in and out of frame, often slightly cut out giving the footage an unsteady and chaotic feel. Extreme close ups are also used, distorting the footage occasionally as the camera looses focus, again this links to chaos.

Mise-en-scene: Setting: long shots used in the immediate opening of the footage allow the audience to establish where the characters are. Here the setting is a train station, the logo for ‘Transport for London’ can be seen indicating that the film is set in London (England). The area is also very urban and grimy.

Costume: the men/boys on screen wear jeans, trainers (most of which are white), anoraks, zip up jackets, coats, much of the clothing is of a designer make e.g. Burberry, Stone Island and ADIDAS. All of the lads on screen also have short ‘masculine’ hair. This use of costume will allow audiences to familiarizes themselves with the characters as the costumes they wear are urban and recognizable. These costumes also drastically emphasize the characters masculinity.

Colours: no bright colours are used, all tones are muted and all colours are neutral, dark and dull. This coincides with the urban setting.

Props: there is a can on the floor of the station, one of the lads kicks the can about the station as though it were a football. This indicates the theme of the film and what the lads interests are. It also once puts emphasis on their masculinity, making them appear as typical ‘blokes’. Objects from the street are significant as they are not only used in the fight, but also allow audiences to identify that the film is set in London once again as a red telephone box, that is associated with London town, is used in the fight. This perhaps suggests a connection between London and violence.

Editing Directions: Cutting from one shot to another is of a standard, necessary speed at first. There are no real complicated editing techniques used. We cut from shot to shot, following the dialogue between the two groups. As the fight between the men becomes apparent, the cutting becomes more and more frequent, almost hasty. The editing follows the action of the fight footage, cutting manically in order to increase adrenaline.

Sound Techniques: Opens with the lads singing a faint football chant from off screen –connections and hints to theme of film. Before fight begins the two teams each begin a different football chant that increases in volume as a train passes. The two sounds clash horribly creating a loud aggressive noise as the two groups defend their teams. As fight erupts heavy metal music fades in- Down With the Sickness by Disturbed. The guitar is heavy and fast. The drumming and base is rhythmic and powerful. The music creates an atmosphere, is energetic and aggressive.

Snatch:

The Krays:

Titling: Opens with a plain black background and bold white font, although contrasting to the other opening titles examined, the font style is not bold and rounded, it is thin and angular with connotations of class. The credits continue this way for the first two minutes of the opening, without any footage or colour, except for a flash of red underneath the title. The use of this colour in particular is effective as red has connotations of danger, and the slashed shape it forms underneath the title resembles a bleeding wound. The production/distribution companies, names of the actors, directors etc are displayed in this way, roughly 5 seconds apart.

Sound Techniques: The only sound used in these opening titles is a piece of piano music. The music has a sinister tone to it, this creates an eerie feeling of anxiety and suspense. As the music progresses a lower tone is introduced that coincides with this. Later a high pitch, wailing, I assume is a violin, is introduced emphasizing the suspense and installing a sense of panic.

Camera angles, camera movement, mise-en-scene and editing techniques cannot be applied to the opening of this film as the only on screen action is the credits, with no footage. Although 'They Krays' is a British film focusing on gang crime, it is completely contrasting to the other films studied. This may be a result of changes in target audience and the generation in which it is set. Films such as 'The Football Factory', 'Green Street' and 'Snatch' are more modern films and aimed at younger audiences (18+), therefore their opening titles are made with the intention of grasping their audiences attention immediately, reeling them in and keeping them entertained with fast modern music and energetic, exciting shots. 'The Krays' on the other hand is aimed at a more mature, older audience, that already have an initial interest in what the movie is about and therefore do not need to grab and maintain their attention with fast camera movement, exciting music and flashing images. This opposition in style can also be connected to the time period in which the films are set and made -older films portraying class and simplicity, while more modern films are vivid, violent and energetic.

Preliminary Task Evaluation

Shot Quality:

All clips were filmed with a handheld camera, by hand. Although the majority of the footage is relatively steady there are moments of shakiness or times in which shots cut out the action of the clip slightly. We had to film the shot in which we see the interviewer walk into the room several times, as in our first few takes the footage was jolting and unsteady. I feel that to avoid this problem in future filming using a tri-pod to make sure that work is steady and smooth would be most effective.

Framing Quality:

Good, a variety of framing was used when appropriate, from close ups to long distance shots. I feel that we should have captured the footage from a few more angles in order to provide further variety when editing. Also in some shots the actors or action of the clip is cut slightly, it would have been beneficial to re-shoot or have more than one or two takes. The same example as above can be used here: as the interviewer walked into the room the camera was unsteady and did not follow his movement at the necessary speed, cutting him out half way through.

We re-shot this in order to get the desired footage. In future we need to ensure that all shots are framed well, capturing the necessary footage in future make sure that the camera man has a run through with actors and gains the approval and opinions of other team members before actually recording the material.

Quality of Shooting Material (appropriate to task set):

The content of our footage is appropriate to the task set. I feel that we met the requirements with our initial ideas and planning. When we came to shoot we followed our set plan and had all necessary clips, angles and shots needed when the time came to edit the clips together. We made sure to retake the majority of our clips from different angles so that when we came to edit we had a variety with which to experiment and work. We must continue to meet set goals and achieve the appropriate footage. Further research my chosen film genre and make notes on what requirements need to be met so that everything we film will be appropriate.

Quality of Mise-en-scene:

Mise en scene was problematic as we only had a refined space and small amount of time to work with. Appropriate props were used, for example the clipboard, desk and chairs. Some aspects of the mise en scene were less than satisfactory in my opinion, such as the costume of certain characters and the setting. For example the costume of the interviewer did not suit the character, as it was too casual: as you can see he is wearing a leather jacket and trainers.

Although I feel that the costume of the interviewee was more appropriate. The setting was found at the last minute, by chance and although was relatively fitting, I know that if we had been given the opportunity a better set would have been found. To avoid problems such as inappropriate costume or setting as a result of bad planning or lack of time, I think that we would benefit from planning all filming in advance, perhaps even creating a time table. Also allocate particular costumes to specific characters to make sure that their dress is suitable for the role they are playing. Finally, it may even be worthwhile to scout for locations in advance and gain any necessary permission to film there before we go to shoot.

Quality of Editing:

I feel that the editing was successful in portraying the meaning of our text to the audience. We were able to express that the two characters on screen were having a conversation as we cut from one to the other when dialogue became apparent. Character emotion was revealed to audiences by showing them what was happening privately off screen. For example we revealed to audiences that one of the characters was nervous by cutting away from other action and showing that he was tapping his feet uneasily and agitated. (Shot can be seen below)

We must maintain successful and relevant editing that indicates the desired meaning to audiences by taking into consideration what needs to be shown to audiences, when it will be relevant and what type of editing may be necessary. Also make sure that the footage flows smoothly and that no clips look odd.

Quality of using Sound:

No additional sound, such as music or sound effects was used in this piece, as they were unnecessary to the task. The dialogue is the only sound used in our footage; the advantage of this allows audiences to focus on what the characters are saying without distractions. It is important that we only involve additional sound when and if it is necessary to the text.

Quality of Group:

Despite meeting our target as a group, I feel that better organization and planning will be necessary in the future for a more successful piece as with this task we planned very little aside from the script and camera angles/shots. We would benefit more from ensuring that all plans are made and that each member of the group is aware of our targets in advance before we go to film. I also feel that I worked well with those in my group and we were compatible. Each person made efforts be involved with each task, even if they were not completing the task themselves they offered help, opinions and support. Work was divided evenly between those involved. I intend to continue to support the team members in my group accordingly and receive the same support in return, split the work loads evenly and be honest with one another while working.