Codes & Conventions

Titles:

The opening titles of the films I studied have many similiarities in their titling, creating a conventional style that I feel would benefit our work, provided we keep to the style. In each of the 6 openings I have examined the titles are often presented in either the simplistic stlye of a plain black backround and bold white font or in a way that connects to the urban theme and setting of the film, e.g. graffiti art, depending on the target audience. It was apparent that in the films aimed at younger audiences the titles were more detailed and animated, whereas those aimed at older audiences were less of a spectacle and more boldly simplistic.

For example, the opening titles to The Krays are simple, bold and to the point, targetting older audiences.

The order of the titles is often similiar, first the distribution and production companies, the director's name is sometimes seen after this, depending on their success and popularity. For example Guy Ritchie's name is always one of the first titles to be shown as he is a well known and popular director.

After the director, production and distribution companies come either those in charge of costume, makeup, sound and production or the names of the actors. The actors names tend only to come first if there are big stars or recognised actors in the film.

Sound:
Similarities can also be seen between the genre of film, the music that can be expected to accompany the footage and the target audience. Fast paced, adrenaline and enegetic music tends to be included in the titles of newer films, aimed at a younger audience. This is done in order for the audience to recognise the music and maintain interested as a result of this.

This music is also representative of the wreckless, fast paced lives of the characters, who are always involved in some form of organised, semi-organised or un-organised group/gang crime. In older films, once again, such as The Krays, the musical accompaniment is softer, less energetic with an eerie feel to it. This music will appeal to the targeted older audiences as it has classier connotations, contrasting to the music used in newer films, such as Drum and Bass or Alternative music, that is linked to the youth culture of today.

Camera Angles/Editing:

Each film involved a large variation of camera angles in their opening titles that was accompanied by rapid editing from one shot to another. Once again this links to the hectic, fast paced lives the characters lead and the action on screen, which is often either a fight or some act of violence. By cutting rapidy from one shot to another, filmed in a different angle, a sense of chaos is provoked. Close ups are used to this effect, for example in Green Street there is a graphic fight scene which is distorted and the chaotic atmosphere heightened as it is filmed predominantly in either close ups or extreme close ups of aggressive expressions or acts of violence.

Mise-en-scene:

Mise-en-scene was used effectively in all of the films studied to successfully portray the working class or criminal lifestyle that is being presented and is key to the British film genre. Setting in all films is in an urban, working class area. Items such as litter, barbed wire, boarded up buildings, graffiti and warehouses complete the look, all of which audiences will associate with the working class. Coloring is often dull, muted tones coincide with the urban areas associated with the film.

The costumes of the characters tend to be clothing that our audiences will recognize: Brand names such as ADIDAS, Nike, Stone Island, Burberry etc. are worn by the characters, the clothes themselves often tracksuits, jeans, trainers and jackets. This style of clothing is stereotypical to the working class and football fans, in particular Stone Island clothes.

Audiences will be aware of these connections and will therefore understand the type of character they are watching, their lifestyles and the setting of the film.