Standard operating procedure

standard operating procedure

Standard operating procedure is a crime/war documentary made in 2008 and directed by Erroll Morris. This documentary explains the criminal activity used by the military and the procedures of the military police in an American prison in Iraq called Abu Ghraib. throughout the documentary several guards and interrogators in the prison were interviewed and there was a montage of pictures used showing and explaining a deeper understanding of the going on inside the prison; including reconstructed flashbacks/events of specific occurrences giving the audience a deeper understanding of what happened.

cinematography is used throughout the film to develop meaning, whether it be during the interviewing or in the re-enactment. during the interviewing a lot of close ups are used to show explicit emotion within the soldiers that lived within Abu Ghraib especially with General Lynndie England, they used specific close ups of certain facial features as in some cases she became intense with emotion. In the reconstructed scenes they also used a lot of close ups of hands or feet, so that the audience don't see an actors face who had nothing to do with the case, or to make sure they don't make accusations as to who did certain acts. however even though we didn't understand who the characters were they still managed to tell the story of what had happened. lighting was also used to good effect for example in the interviews the room was very dimly lit with what seemed to be only one harsh light on the interviewee, giving the affect they were still at Abu Ghraib.

editing was used a lot throughout this film to help explain what went on, for example the in the reconstructed scenes slow motion was used in the edit to make these events seem more dramatic and tense to the audience. also again in the interview with Lynddie England when she raised her voice or became slightly angry they would increase the speed of the cuts to show she was an important woman and to emphasise her emotions. the editing also helped to tell a story from the amount of photos recovered from the prison, for example the way they edited the photos into a story line and linked each photo with the camera it was taken with making it clear when the photos were take, in what order of events it happened in and who took the photo crystal clear to the audience.
 Furthermore editing was also used to show the audience the vast amount of picture evidence taken from Abu Ghraib by crating a black background with loads of pictures flying into the shot and filling the screen.

Mise en scene was used brilliantly in the film to really give an affect that these reconstructed scenes to really give the idea that it was real footage. They did this by adding everything we could see in the photos ,whether it be obvious or in the background, into the scene. for example the close up of the guy in the box's hand with the wire wrapped around it looking identical to the way it was in the picture, the same with the use of the box making it seem like the same box actually used.
in conclusion Standared Operating Procedure does a brilliant job at explainging what went on in Abu Ghraib through the use of Cinematography, using subtle close ups to not give away to much. Also in editing to show emotions and laying out the evidence clearly for the audience to see. alos finally in Mise en Scene being extremely carefull in reconstructed scenes not to ruin continuity.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ is a romantic drama directed by Woody Allen, starring Rebecca hall and Scarlett Johansson. The film is the tale of two Friends with clashing personalities that escape from their normal life and head for Barcelona. Once there an exotic painter comes into place along with his crazy ex-wife. The themes that are shown in this film are love, friendship, betrayal, art, lies, and money. The director uses different techniques to tell this story through mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound and editing, also adding to the effect and impact of this film.

Sound is used in this film to tell a story and construct meaning especially through the narrative, where by parts of the story are explained through a background voice of someone we do not know and isn’t related to the story of the film. This creates an effect on the audience where they take a step back from the film and don’t get as engaged as they usually would to therefore appreciate the plot of the film and specific details that occur. Sound is also used in the film to express characters emotions through the use of specific music for example on Juan and Vicky’s date there was the traditional Spanish acoustic guitar playing in the background to show that there is romance between the two.

Mise-en-scene is used in this film to construct meaning and tell a story in many ways. For example the prop of the pistol used at the end of the film to symbolise why that three way relationship between Juan, Cristina and Maria was so important in stabilizing Maria. The gun represents Cristina destroying what the couple had by leaving them. The Gun is also used to show the vast contrast between Vicky and Juan and explains to the audience why they are not meant to be together. Also the use of art shown in the frames of the film also tells a story and constructs meaning as we see from whoever painted it what they are internally feeling at the time. For example when Maria was painting before the threes relationship, we could see from the stroke of her brush and the look of the painting that she was very angry and tense, showing us that she therefore didn’t like the relationship between Juan and Cristina. Also the costume is also used to construct meaning and crate characters, for example Juan’s red shirt symbolises his fiery, foreign personality giving us an insight as to what might happen.

Editing is also used to construct meaning and tell the story in this film. For example right at the beginning of the film with the two lines of action between the two girls on the phone, both on their way to the airport. This use of editing instantly gave the audience the idea that these two girls are completely different, one liking to explore and live and the other wanting to settle down.

Cinematography is also used in many ways, for example  with the shots through Cristinas camera we get a true understanding of what photos she’s actually taking and how good she is at it. also the high angled shot of Maria taken from upstairs, while she is painting gives us a sense of empathy as we feel how she feels like Juan and Cristina are looking down on her after she tried to kill herself.

deal

re-make of last years film:better costume suited to characters, better props-money in a bag, briefcase for the gear, appropriate location-abandoned quite, do it in day time for better lighting. advanced shots- long shots, high angled etc... more cuts while deal occurs, a planned and written script. better performances of characters empathetic understanding in audience. cahnge in story, no chase at the end-instead armed police come at the end, don't start the film straight from the deal-show background of characters before the deal ocours, there every day life personalitys expressed. two lines of action o the build up of the deal, between the two sets of groups, making there way to the deal 1-2 mkinute sequence of this, builds uo tension to the actual deal
genre-Crime
themes-betrayal, anger, violence
characters:4 characters,
setting: abandoned area, quite, dingy-working class area
reprsentation:
Plot:
narrative:

the last day of my life

the audience know its the last day of the main characters life, as the beginning sequence is him being killed or dying (this sequence will be the only bit with dialogue and natural sound in the rest of the film will be a silent film with no dialogue, tension and emotions expressed through the music) we then flash back to the beginning of the day of the last day of his life, we follow him around what occurs in this the audience already knowing what is going to happen to him at the end.lots of dark sinical  shots. he gets shot or stabbed at end, and we find out here with the entrance of sound and dialogue that he accidentally killed this mans younger brother, and the hole day he has been rejoicing this sin. black and white?
genre-drama
themes: sadness, rejoice, revenge, sorrow, regret, faith, friendship, family 
characters:only one character, we don't find out his name. at begining of film we know nothing about him as the day goes on we find more and more about him, making his death at the end of the film impact alot more on the audience then at the beginning 
setting: center of London, allot of traveling. dark, tall, old, overpowering buildings foreshadowing his death
representation:
Plot: the plot of the story begins with the character being killed, stabbed. even though the audience find this out from the beginning there will be a flash back leading up to th explanation as to why he has been shot. we see him visit a grave yard, a church
narrative:circular narative finishes how it begins with the man dying going to use the same scene, the flash back of his day- starts in the morning when he wakes up, he travels to visit a grave lays flowers, spends most of day walking round depressed, his day ends with him being stabbed and dying

story board
beginning first shot: high angled shot of character lying in pool of blood, slow motion, moves into close up of lifeless face, coloured with background sounds
flashback-black and white
first shot of flashback close up of him asleep similar to him when he was dead he wakes up and the camera follows him
pan shot of room stopping at picture of him and friend, he enters frame picks it up, we then have low angled medium close up along the floor of him getting dressed, he leaves shot. shot through door of him leaving house he then opens door. train station purley oaks-quiet medium long shot of him from opposite platform train stops obstructs view of him and he gets on. montage of film sped up of train journey.  exits train low shot of feet walking off follows him. long shot acrosss grave yard he enters shot, goesd to colose up of flowers bacl to same long shot watches him put flowers on grave medium close up of braking into tears.
 Ending
medium-long shot side on to character walking, trolley following him walking medium some one bumps into him, shoulder shoulder shots as two talk, cuts become quicker as agression builds, long shot in narrow ally with two characters placed perfectly at the end of frame we see other character drag him in to ally, quick close up to the hand of other character holding a knife side on medium shot see a sharp stab close up of his face on the guys shoulder the guy moves away and he falls resort back to same image we saw at the beginning.

small scale research project, catologue draft

Catalogue draft: does Ryan Gosling create meanings within his films?

Films

Item 1:
half nelson produced in 2006 dir. Ryan Fleck.
https://zimbofilms.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/half-nelson-ryan-gosling-3800890-400-222.jpg
image of Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson
this is relatable to my area of topic as it shows how ryan gosling creates meaning through his performance as he clearly shows the two sides of his character the role model teacher figure and the drug addict struggling to fight his temptation.

Item 2:
drive produce in 2011 dir. Nicholas Refn.
This item shows how Ryan Gosling uses his performance to create meaning as throughout the hole film he is doing this to give the audience an understanding.


Item 3:
crazy stupid love produced in 2011 dir. Glenn Ficarra, John Requa.
this is a good item to show how Ryan gosling creates meaning through his performance as within the film he through his performance he shows to the audience that his character Jacob has fallen for Emily as his performance is different to when he's with other girls.

Books/Articles

Item 4
Empire, in cinemas: Half Nelson by Angie Errigo. Issue 215 may 2007 page 52
This relevant to my area of topic as it shows that Ryan Gosling created meaning through his performance in half nelson by expressing two sides of the character clearly the cocaine addict and teacher. Also he was nominated for an Oscar showing his performance in this portraying meaning to the audience was remarkable.

Item 5
QandA by Rebecca Carroll in the independent film and video monthly volume 28 number 7 September 2005.
This is sportive of my question as it shows Ryan Gosling creating relation between his acting role and experiences in real life in the film 'the believer' giving him a deeper understanding to his character and role, therefore showing he creates meaning through real life emotions he has actually experienced.

Web-links 

Item6
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/jan/09/ryan-gosling-blue-valentine-film
Article on Ryan goslings life by Alice Fisher
it stats that in the 10 films he's appeared in, he's been nominated for 32 different awards. it also explains is a cross over star, who critics and audiences love. The fact that he sticks to a lot of indie films that are challenging roles and expresses his apparent love for acting, and shows even though they are challenging roles he still creates meanings as he has been nominated for 32 awards.



Item7
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-gosling-named-coolest-person-of-year-274671
this item supports my statement as it stats that he won two golden globes for his performances in crazy stupid love and ides of march, it also shows that even with a extreme pressure Ryan gosling doesn't crack as he made 4 films in 2011 being drive, blue valentine, crazy stupid love and ides of march (all Hollywood blockbusters) and in each of them different meanings from his variety of his performances. Gosling was not over exposed as in all performances he was different.



Item8
http://screenrant.com/interview-ryan-gosling-drive-rothc-131693/
this article is relatable to my area of topic as it states that Ryan gosling has not only pursued, but also actively developed, films that challenge the audience to engage with characters and circumstances showing he creates meaning through his performance to creates a strong engagement with audiences. the article also talks of him choosing small scale projects, he makes these small scale films into blockbusters with his apparent love from audiences. the fact that he also chooses different roles within completely different films also makes him flexible with performances.



Item9
http://collider.com/ryan-gosling-crazy-stupid-love-interview/
this item also supports my question as in the interview we find out that Ryan Gosling did research to make his character Jacob in Crazy stupid love real as he learnt and practiced how to make cocktails or his role and also practiced in a band. Showing Ryan Gosling practiced his performances to suit and create meaning with his character.







YouTube clips
Item 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oXIzkqJ484
interview with Ryan Gosling for crazy stupid love
explains he did research for his characters pick up lines to create meanings through his performance and that the clothes he wears for specific roles and the cast list help a lot while acting.
Item 11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdqbdEKeJ_4
extract of performance from opening scene of drive relevant as it is from my supporting film and also shows how he creates meaning through his performance, useful as it is primary coming straight from the film.
Item 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGZzWyt-YG0
Extract from half nelson.
shows clearly his performance constructing character through showing his conflicting sides. Part of my focus film, primary source coming straight from film.




Three items I didn't include in my catalogue were:
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls058052066?ref_=nm_rls_5
I have excluded this item from my catalogue as it disagrees with my statement as it believes in a rating of best actors and actresses Ryan Gosling comes at 34.





http://www.vulture.com/2014/05/illustrated-comprehensive-history-bio-biography-ryan-gosling.html
the complete history of Ryan Gosling by Annie Silman is relatable to my topic of area as it gives a complete history and background of all the films and shows Ryan Gosling has appeared in, including the awards he was nominated and ones he won for all my focus films.




Filmmaker volume 14 issue 4 July: check your head by Ross Mathews
this item is relevant to my topic of area, however it mainly repeats what has been said in some of my other items and it isn't necessary to involve it in my catalogue.

The Intouchables

The untouchables is a French film directed by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano in 2011 about the tale of two people of different ages from juxtaposed backgrounds finding friendship In the most unlikely way. There are many themes, representations and uses of symbolism shown through the use of mise en scene, editing and cinematography all used to add impact and affect to the film.

there are many themes throughout this film, the main theme being friendship shown through the use of representation of lower class black subcultures in Driss and the stereotypical aristocrat shown in Philippe is used very well in this film to create a comedic affect. This stereo type is specifically shown through mise en scene with the use of costume specifically Driss wearing a baggy coat and jeans and Philleppe wearing stereotypical aristocrat clothing with a shirt and handkerchief. This emphasises the juxtaposition between the two through the difference I close they wear and really creates an impact of how un likely yet symbolic their friendship is. The difference in class is also shown through location with Driss living in a Council estate and Philepe living in a closed off mansion. Friendship is also shown between the two through miss en scene and the prop of the picture which Philippe gives to Driss expressing to the audience that Driss wasn't just his carer and it wasn't just a working relationship.

Another theme shown, also shown through the use of location, in this film is power between Philippe and Driss. We see the power of money with Philippe having a lot of money and Driss having little to nothing, the power is shown through the location as Philippe lives in a considerably larger house and is also waited on hand and foot. This power through location is symbolised in Omar's performance as he is amazed and belittled by Philippe's house. its Also shown through the use of little props like glasses of water as Philippe demands for water and Driss obeys showing who is in charge. Philipe's power is also shown in the end of the film when they go parachuting this is shown in the editing with Driss saying he want go on it even though Philipe demands, but then a harsh cut is shown of Driss ending up strapped in, showing Philippe gets what he wants. However this then changes as Driss is physically stronger, shown by the deliberate use of the character that parks outside Philippe gate. Driss' power is shown through cinematography with high angled shots looking up at him in this scene.

Another Theme shown in this film is family, this is shown between Driss' relationship with his brother and Philippe with his daughter. the theme and message of family means everything is shown with miss en scene and the medium shot of driss walking with his family at the train station and the bags being used as props showing Driss' love when he helps his aunty carry them.b Philippe and his daughter also pot ray this message through Philippe's performance with him raising his voice at her seeming like he's being harsh, but really he's trying to care for her.

in conclusion the film Intouchables is a well rounded film showing important messages through the use of miss en scene, cinematography and editing.  adding comedic values to a drama through they stereotypes of Driss, this being don with his costume and his performance with the way he moves and speaks, which is then counter acted with the way that he cares for Philippe.

compare and contrast La Haine and City of God

Compare and contrast core texts La Hain and City of God.

City of God directed by, Fernando Mierelles, Katia Lund in 2002, and La Haine directed by, Casa Veti in 1995, are two very similar films in the locations they are set in, the background of the characters and the messages they portray; even though these two films are shot and set in different countries. The genre of the films are also the same as they are both urban crime films. La Haine is a film based in a working class estate in France and is influenced/based on the events of the riots which took place in France around the time the film was made. It is a tale of three friends both involved in a power struggle to be top dog of the group, but also seek revenge for the people who brought brutality to their estate. City of God is located in the favelas within Brazil and follows the life of a young man seeking to find a living through photography even though gang crime and drugs is all that surrounds him.

There are many similarities within the themes between the two films, the main one of these being poverty, shown through the location that both films are set in one being a council estate and the other being the favela. Poverty is also shown through the main character in La Haine as when we are first introduced to Vinz the use of a pan shot round his room is used and mise-en–scene with posters of wrestlers and Marilyn Monroe to tell us that he shares a room with his sister showing his family are too poor to afford a house with separate rooms for them.  Another theme shown in both films is revenge shown through the performance of the main character s and the use of props especially guns to portray power and anger for example the gun used as power in La Hain in the end scene when we see the conversion of power between Vinz and Hubert when Vinz hands over the gun. Another similar them that is shown in both films is the urge to escape from poverty, we are shown this in La hain with a crash zoom on to Vinz’s bright gold ring, suggesting to us he likes to give the appearance that he is not poor meaning he doesn’t like to be poor. It’s also shown in La Haine through the mise-en-scene in Vinz’ room with a picture of a sunny beach paradise along the wall by Vinz’ bed showing he wants to escape to paradise. This theme is also represented in City of God through the prop of the camera; Rocket is intent on having the camera because he knows it is his ticket out of poverty.

There are also similarities between representations of both films. In both films police are seen as crocked or brutal, we see this in city of god in the very end scene where we are shown from shots of rockets camera and through the use of props, these being the money and the box, that the police are crocked because they are paid off by li’l Ze. We also see crocked and brutal police in La Haine, which we are shown through a medium room shot of Hubert and said being beaten up by the police.

Both films are also similar in the fact that they both use real life events to base their films around, la haine using the riots in Paris and City of God using the gang war in the favela. The audience know this because in La Haine they use real life hand held footage of the riots to start of the film and in City of God they use a close up news interview with the actual ‘Knockout Ned’ to finish the film.

 However there are differences between the representations of young people in both films, this is because in La Hain young people are represented as being disrespectful and lazy this is suggested through Siads performance when he shouts at the old man and also through the close up of Vinz sleeping when it is clearly midday. Where as in City of God young people are shown as respectable and hardworking only with rocket though, as at the beginning of the film the fish stall shows us that rocket is hardworking as he is selling fish from a very young age. Furthermore there are also massive differences between the endings of both films these being the fact that in La Haine we see Vinz get shot in the head and we are left with a medium shot of hubert and the policeman pointing guns at each other than a crash zoom to Said and a blackout in synch with a gunshot, leaving us unsure of what has happened and the main characters in a horrible situation. Where as in City of god we are told by monologues on screen that rockets pictures gave him a job in photography leaving us knowing the main character lived happily.

In conclusion both of these films are very similar and in truth havge very little differences apart from in some cases like representations and what they leave the audience with.