Unit 10: Learning Aim A Film Genre Analysis.
Unit 10: Learning Aim A Film Genre Analysis
I have been asked to analyse a range of film
clips, or short films, from different genres in preparation for a series of
programmes on fictional film genres.
My critical analysis of the purpose, format,
narrative structure, visual storytelling, genre and audience of my chosen
films, and genres, will be used by the production team for a new series to
inform the content of one or more of their programmes. I have been asked to
present the outcomes of my analysis to the production team.
A fictional film is a film that tells a story or
narrative. Fictional films are produced in different formats; a big budget
Hollywood film would appeal to a large target audience, would have a large
budget and would be produced by ‘the big six’ - the world's leading motion
picture conglomerates, such as 20th Century Fox. Another film format
is an independent film, this film format would appeal to a much more niche
target audience, would likely have a smaller budget and would be produced by an
independent production company. Another film format is a short film, this film
format would also have a very niche target audience, likely a very small budget
and a small running time. There are many different film formats, and a certain
film format would be chosen by a film producer or creator for particular
reasons.
Budget is a substantial element to consider when
choosing a film format, for example, having a small budget would mean a film
producer or creator may produce a short film or an independent feature length
film and having a large budget would mean a film producer or creator would
likely produce a feature length film, such as a Hollywood big budget film. A
film format may also be chosen due to the availability of resources. A
Hollywood big budget company would have access to many resources and would
therefore produce a feature length film compared to an independent company who
would most likely not have access to many resources and would either produce a
short film or a feature length film using the resources that they have. Also,
an independent film production company may be competing in a film festival or
competition and choose to produce a short film or feature length film depending
on the brief.
Not only are there different formats for
fictional film but there are also many different purposes for fictional films.
A film may be produced for the purpose of providing entertainment for an
audience, for political reasons (political filmmaking), for showcasing and
introducing new talent, for creating a product that appeals to a certain target
audience, for personal enjoyment and for making a profit. A film producer will
create their film according to their purpose and often they will have multiple
purposes. For example, a ‘big six’ production company may want to create
something entertaining, that appeals to their target audience to ultimately
make a profit.
Fictional films also have many different genres.
A film genre is a category of a fictional film which has certain codes, conventions
and audience expectations, they are also fluid and have developed over time.
Steve Neale declares that “genres are instances of repetition and difference”
and adds that “difference is absolutely essential to the economy of a genre”
which means that films of a particular genre will always have differences as
mere repetition would not attract an audience as they would get bored watching
essentially the same film repeatedly. There are many film genres because they
help audiences to define and categorize similar films or different types of
film. Also, they are useful to help audiences seek out films they know they
will like and also genres are used by film producers or creators to produce a
film that appeals to their target audience.
In addition, genres can blend together to create
hybridity an example of this is ‘World War Z’ that is an action and horror film
or ‘Ready Player One’ that is a sci-fi and adventure film. Hybridity widens the
potential target audience (increasing profit) and will make the film more
innovative and therefore more entertaining as it has elements of multiple
genres. Hybridity is increasingly becoming more common, and the post-modern
theory suggests that genres are blurred and are merging together. Arguably,
there are multiple people who create genres. Postmodernism suggests that
meaning lies within the audience and not the creator. Society's and culture’s influence
on genres is reinforced by Carolyn Miller’s statement “the number of genres in
any society … depends on the complexity and diversity of society”. An example
of a complex society is in Western culture where many genres exist throughout.
A complex society is a society that contains many different sub-cultures within
itself and is more openminded about many different views, ideologies and
cultures and therefore creative freedom is more present and people are more
able to express themselves artistically. However, it is widely accepted that directors,
producers and people in the industry are involved with the creation of genres.
There are many genres, some widely known genres
in the UK and the USA are sci-fi, thriller animation, romance, action, comedy
and family. The conventions of a thriller are fast paced editing, low key
lighting, quick jump cuts, close ups to show emotion, tension, tension music, a
restoration of equilibrium (Todorov’s Narrative Arc), the use of mise-en-scene
to portray the protagonist and antagonist (often, the protagonist will wear
bright or ordinary clothes whilst the antagonist wears dark clothes), a disturbing
plot driven by the villain who creates obstacles for the hero, violence and
death. Whilst watching a thriller, audiences expect to be engaged within the
narrative, they expect to feel a rush of emotions, tension, anxiety and they
expect entertainment (Uses and Gratifications theory by Bulmer and Katz).
Another popular genre is sci-fi (science fiction) that also has many
conventions associated with the genre. The conventions of a sci-fi are a
restoration of equilibrium (Todorov’s Narrative Arc), otherworldly characters
such as aliens or robots, the use of mise-en-scene to create an alternative
universe, the use of colour (often blue) and special effects to enhance a
futuristic/ dystopian/ strange universe and the use of establishing shots,
futuristic music, slow paced editing and the presence of a protagonist and
antagonist. In a sci-fi, audiences expect to be engaged within the narrative,
excitement, escapism and entertainment (Uses and Gratifications theory by Bulmer
and Katz).
Mise-En-Scene
Mise-en-scene is a French word and means ‘everything
placed in a scene’. It includes the use of lighting, props, costume, location
and setting, characters (in terms of body language, proximity, facial
expressions), depth of space and graphics. Mise-en-scene is used by film
creators to create significant meaning, especially whilst establishing a
certain genre by reinforcing or subverting to genre conventions. This is
because it encodes different messages, including the film creator’s preferred
message, and meanings that the audience decodes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz_khIAn1zQ
In ‘Avatar’, the conventional use of mise-en-scene
is significant for the audience whilst establishing its genre as science
fiction. Firstly, the film producer uses costume to portray the conventions of
the genre. A notable costume that has been used in this shot is the body armor
that the human man wears. The suit has connotations of very futuristic technology
which suggests that the character is from the future where technology is
advanced or from an alternate version of the world that is unknown to the
viewer. The portrayal of strange technology in a dystopian universe is a
conventional feature that is found in many science fiction films which is what
makes the film so easily identifiable as a sci-fi for the audience. Furthermore,
throughout the film, the film creators use the conventional sci-fi colour of
blue which is shown in this shot as it denotes a bright blue species that do
not look human. This creates meaning for the audience as it has connotations of
extraterrestrial life or aliens and the inclusion of this sci-fi convention combined
with the use of the colour blue (a colour that is typical of the genre) creates
a film that is easily recognisable as a science fiction piece. Clearly, the
film creators have used many genre conventions to establish ‘Avatar’ as a
sci-fi film. Typically, in a sci-fi humanity defends themselves against an alien
or robotic species, however, in ‘Avatar’ there is a role reversal which is
portrayed in this shot. The film creators have used depth of space to position
the man to look larger and therefore more dangerous than the alien species. In
addition, his technologically advanced costume features very dark colours which
connotes a dark and evil nature about him. This connotes his invasion of the
alien’s world and depicts his as the villain. However, the film creators use of
depth of space conveys the female of the strange species as the hero. This is
because she is positioned to be in front of the man, connoting her as more
important than him within the narrative where the hero's story is typically the
focal point. Also, she is a much brighter colour than the man which connotes a
good nature about her. The final factor that depicts the alien woman at the
hero is that she has defeated the man which is denoted by how he has been shot
with an arrow and she is holding a bow. This role reversal is unconventional
for a science fiction and therefore offers the difference element from Steve
Neale’s theory: Repetition and Difference, as a way to attract an audience. In
conclusion, ‘Avatar’, like may sci-fi films uses many conventional elements of
science fiction within the mise-en-scene which establishes the genre for the
audience, whilst also subverting to genre conventions, which increases the
films appeal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75oqvMlXXE
Similarly, to ‘Avatar’, ‘The Beacon’ is a
science fiction short film that also uses mise-en-scene conventionally by
encoding messages within the shot in order to establish its genre. The film
creator has created a dark feel to the film, this has been created from the
dark background in this shot. This connotes that something foreboding or
strange is about to happen, reflecting its genre. The science fiction genre is emphasized
by the bright blue present within this shot, the audience's attention is drawn
to it as it covers most of the shot and is placed in the center. This reflects
the genre as blue is a conventional colour for a sci-fi film and makes the
setting seem otherworldly, like also shown in ‘Avatar’. Moreover, the film
creator has placed the character inside some strange futuristic invention. The
inclusion of alternate technology is a conventional element for sci-fi films
and an element that audiences expect, and this therefore helps to establish its
genre. In addition, the character is placed in the center of the shot and are interacting
with the strange technology, connoting they are the main character or ‘hero’
(Propp’s character functions). The hero character is conventionally male in science
fiction films and they typically encounter an alternate world, this convention is
present within this shot which further reinforces the short film’s genre. In
this shot the film creator has conformed to the conventional use of
mise-en-scene and encoded multiple symbolic codes that are very conventional
within the science fiction genre and the audience can decode these conventions
to be able to establish and recognize the genre. In conclusion, within ‘The
Beacon’, the film creators do not seem to subvert to any science fiction conventions
which contrasts to the feature length films ‘Avatar’ and ‘Us’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YDqiuyaOU
Similarly to ‘Avatar’, ‘Us’ is a Hollywood
feature length film where the film producer conventionally uses mise-en-scene
to establish it genre. The main character is wearing bloodied clothing, this
connotes that she has been through a lot and survived a lot of danger, whilst
also implying the presence of a villain within the narrative. The element of
danger is an easily recognizable convention of thriller that the film creator
has chosen to conform to so that the audience can easily recognize the genre.
Another genre convention that the film creator has chosen to conform to is the
presence of a villain throughout. This villain is established in this shot as he
is placed in the center, connoting his relevance to the scene like a villain
would. The character is also wearing red, connoting an evil nature and
reinforcing his position as villain. The villain is wearing a mask that hides
his face, connoting mystery and a sense of fear of the unknown, which therefore
creates an eerie and unnerving feel within the consumer. This feeling is part
of the audience’s expectations whilst watching a thriller film and therefore
has been used by the film creator to reinforce the genre. Whilst the presence
of a villain is a genre convention repeated throughout many thriller films, the
villain itself is unconventional and offers the audience something different
from other thriller films (Steve Neale’s Repetition and Difference theory). The
villain is a child which subverts to genre conventions as a child would
normally connote youth and innocence but within this shot connotes wickedness,
this emphasizes the scene’s tension as the use of a child as a villain is so
unexpected and unfamiliar to the audience. Another convention that the film
creator chose to subvert to is that the main points of tension within the
narrative arc, such as within this scene, do not occur at night as expected,
but during the day. This creates a sense of verisimilitude as it gives the
impression that the dangerous events taking place can happen to anyone at any
time. A sense of suspense is still created despite it not occurring at night
because there are multiple elements of danger present such as the fire located
within the center of the screen within the background and the presence of a
weapon shown. In conclusion, within ‘Us’, the film creator has chosen to both
conform to the thriller conventions to reinforce its genre and to subvert to
the conventions, creating elements of difference within the film that makes it
stand out from all of the other films of the same genre.
Overall, different film creators can choose to
conform or to subvert to genre conventions by using mise-en-scene. Typically,
in Hollywood feature length films, the film creators will do both and have
instances of ‘repetition’ where they conform to genre conventions and
‘difference’ where they subvert to genre conventions (Steve Neale’s Repetition
and Difference Theory). Both ‘Avatar’ and ‘Us’ are feature length films where
the film creators have chosen to conform to multiple genre conventions. This is
because many film creators want to create a product that is not too different
from others so that audience expectations are met, and it is easily
recognizable as a certain genre so that their target audience will want to
watch it and not be deterred by how abstract it is and therefore make little
profit. But, since ‘Avatar’ and ‘Us’ are both Hollywood big budget films, they
can take the risk of also subverting to multiple genre conventions and create
something more unique because they already have a large target audience gained
through film promotion who expect to see ‘difference’ in order to be
interested.
However, typically in short films the film
creator may choose to conform to a lot of genre conventions and not subvert
many. This is because they may want their film to easily be recognized as a
certain genre within their small target audience. ‘The Beacon’ is a short film
that doesn’t subvert to many genre conventions and uses mise-en-scene in a very
conventional way. This is because short film creators usually have a small
budget and can view it as risky to create a really unique film which may not be
successful, and therefore waste their money. Instead, they may focus on
conforming to conventions in order to gain as much popularity as possible and meet
audience expectations.
Camerawork
Film creators use camerawork to position the
gaze of the audience in order to create meaning and reinforce the genre of the
film. It includes the use of framing which can provide essential information about
a scene for the audience depending on the position of the subject within the
shot. It also includes the use of camera positioning which can provide
essential information about different characters, setting and narrative
depending on the angle and height of the camera. Film creators can also use
camerawork to conform to or subvert to the film’s genre conventions depending
on the preferred message they create for the audience to decode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75oqvMlXXE
Throughout the short film ‘The Beacon’,
camerawork has been conventionally used by the film creator to help the
audience to identify the genre. The film creator has used multiple shot types
to conform to the conventions of science fiction and therefore reinforce the
film’s genre. As an audience, we expect to see a strange and unfamiliar world
on screen whilst watching a science fiction film and the film creator conforms
to this expectation as we see multiple wide shots used that help to establish a
setting and introduce us to this alternate reality. Within the opening
sequence, we are introduced to a conventional sci-fi element when we are transported
into space and a futuristic planet, providing us with ‘escapism’ from our
everyday lives (Bulmer and Katz Uses and Gratifications theory) as we can leave
our everyday lives and immerse ourselves with a different world. This is a
typical expectation for a sci-fi film and establishing shots are essential for
this to happen as we are given vital details and context about the setting
within the narrative such as the inclusion of unfamiliar technology and infrastructure
that is shown within the establishing shots used throughout ‘The Beacon’. In
addition to the conventional use of establishing shots, the film creator also
conforms to the conventions of science fiction through the use of closeup
shots. Multiple closeup shots are used conventionally to portray the emotions
of the different characters as they interact with the world that is unfamiliar
to the audience. Throughout the start of the short film, a series of closeups is
used to focus on the facial expressions of two characters. This is conventional
for science fiction films as the technology and setting portrayed on screen is
often so strange so the audience can learn a lot about narrative and characters
depending how they interact with their surroundings. The close ups are only
used for two characters and through this the technical code, the audience can
understand their position within the narrative as protagonists. The facial
expressions that the film creator chooses to show within the protagonists are
never abnormal or strange but instead completely ordinary. This connotes how
they are used to living in this world and interacting with the futuristic technology
and therefore the audience can expect that the technology shown throughout is
not the antagonist or negative in any way. In conclusion, within ‘The Beacon’,
the film creator has chosen to conform to the conventions of science fiction
through the typical use of camerawork in order for us to establish the genre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YDqiuyaOU
Similarly to the short film ‘The Beacon’, ‘Us’
is a feature length film that also uses typical camerawork techniques to
conform to the conventions of its genre. Despite not being a science fiction
film, ‘Us’ is a thriller that uses camerawork in a conventional way to reinforce
the genre. Firstly, ‘Us’ includes the use of technical codes like ‘The Beacon’
and also uses them for the same reason. The conventional use of establishing
shots used within this thriller extract are essential for providing the
audience context of the scene and setting as it allows the presence of fire and
a villain to be denoted. These vital details about the surroundings that the
protagonist finds herself in connotes the danger that she is subject to. The
element of danger is an important part of a thriller and this is a convention
that the film creator has chosen to conform to in order to reinforce the genre.
This inclusion of danger therefore creates a feeling of drama and suspense
within the audience as we understand that the ‘hero’ character could
potentially be harmed. These feelings are part of the audience’s expectations
when watching a thriller and could not have been created if the film creator
had not encoded meaning within the setting that is portrayed through the establishing
shots used. Another technical code that the film creator conveys is the use of
closeup shots. Closeup shots are often used within thrillers to conform to the
genre conventions. In this extract, the film creator uses close ups to focus
the audience’s attention on the facial expressions of the characters central to
the narrative. There is a closeup of the young boy's face at the start of this
extract and his emotions connote his anxiety towards the dangerous situation
his mother has found herself in. When roles are reversed and the young boy is
in danger, there is a closeup of his mother's face where her facial expressions
connote her being scared for the life of her son. This emotion is a
conventional element of thriller films and the film creator has chosen to
conform to this for many reasons. Firstly, it allows for the audience to understand
the motivation of the protagonist as she progresses through the narrative and
that is not only to protect herself but to protect her family from the main antagonists.
Secondly, it helps to establish the genre for the audience as we expect to see a
character's reaction to danger in order for tension to be created, like in typical
thriller films. The tension we feel is also enhanced through the film creators
use of a dolly in to focus the gaze of the audience to be only on the different
character’s extreme emotions at this dramatic moment. Another camera movement
used to reinforce this tension is the film creators use of a pedestal that
moves the camera downwards to reveal the highly flammable car fuel that acts as
a potential danger for the protagonists. This camera movement is conventional
for thrillers because often, there are important details revealed that are not
always seen at first in order to shock and thrill the audience. In conclusion, like
‘The Beacon’ the film creator uses similar shot types within ‘Us’ to conform to
the conventions of the film’s genre and does not seem to use it to subvert to
any. But within ‘Us’, the film creators use of camera movements are more
significant and hold more meaning for the audience.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/11/25/whiteout/
In contrast to ‘Us’, ‘Whiteout’ is a thriller
short film that does not always use camerawork in a conventional way. The
camera movements are not used to create any meaning or help the audience to
establish its genre. Instead, the film contains significant use of framing and
shot types to conform to the conventions of the genre. For most of the film,
the same shot type is used. The film creator’s conventional use of a wide shot
positions the gaze of the audience to only be on what is in ahead of the car.
This reflects the perspective of the two protagonists who are doing the same.
This therefore makes us feel as if we as an audience only know as much about the
current events as they do. This also creates a linear narrative within the
story, hinting to the audience that we will continue to follow the events in a
cyclical pattern and encounter the points of tension at the same time as the protagonists,
making us feel the same emotions as the two characters at the same time. The
lack of different shot types is unconventional but prevents the audience from
seeing the surroundings within the scene. This creates a hermeneutic code
(Barthes 5 Narrative Codes Theory) as we question what essential details could
be within the setting that we cannot see. The lack of information available to
the audience creases a sense of fear of the unknown. This creates suspense
within the audience, an expectation that we have when watching a thriller film
because often, we are used to knowing more information about the narrative than
the characters do. This tension, a conventional element found within thriller
films is reinforced when the strange man appears, and we do not know if there
is any way that the protagonists can escape. Within the wide shots often shown
throughout the short film, the film creator has used framing to place the
review mirror within the center of the frame. This is conventional because
often, details are placed purposely in a shot to give the audience hints about
the narrative. The review mirror allows the audience to view the man's facial
expressions whilst also seeing the setting through his perspective and without
the use of a closeup. His emotions often connote fear and frustration towards
the strange man on the road this reveals a lot about his character function.
Clearly, his position within the narrative is to act as a villain (Propp’s
Character Functions Theory) as the man views him as something to be cautious
of. The presence of a villain is a conventional element of a thriller film and
therefore helps to establish the genre of the film. In conclusion, the film
creator both conforms to and subverts to the conventional use of camerawork
within ‘Whiteout’ in order to create tension and meet the audience’s expectations
that are associated with a thriller film.
Overall, the use of conventional use of framing
is consistent within different genres of film and often different shot types
are used to conform to the conventions of the film’s genre. This is because in
all genres it provides essential information about the subject. However, the
use of camera movement can vary between different genres and different film
formats. This is because different film creators may want to encode meaning in
different ways. For example, in ‘Us’ the film creator conforms to the typical
use of camera movement to reveal details about the narrative but in ‘Whiteout’
the short film creator subverts to the typical use of camerawork because they
do not want to reveal details about the narrative.
Editing
Film creators can create meaning and establish a
film’s genre through film editing. It includes the sequencing of shots and
audio within the final product of a film that have each been selected and
assembled separately after any necessary modification. Film editing can create
different meanings depending on the technical codes created by the speed of the
sequence and the order of the sequence. Editing can be used to conform to or to
subvert to a film’s genre conventions depending on the narrative sequence
constructed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u5SiCCmVv0
In this extract of ‘Avatar’ the film creator’s
use of conventional editing is significant for the audience when establishing
its genre as science fiction. One way that the genre can be established in this
extract is through the pace of the sequence. The editing was faster paced when
the protagonist was struggling for oxygen and close to dying. This connotes the
sense of urgency and panic that the characters feel within the situation and
creates a feeling of tension within the audience at this dramatic moment. The
film creator has created this suspense to highlight the obstacles that humans
can face when encountering an alternate world. The editing was much slower
paced when the danger is overcome, and the protagonist is reunited with and saved
by the alien. This conventional use of pace is used to highlight how the film
creator has chosen to subvert to science fiction conventions and portray the
alien species as heroes within the narrative. Another conventional use of
editing is the film creators use of a crosscut/parallel editing. The shots are
cut between the different characters in this intense moment to connote that
their actions were both happening simultaneously. Whilst the main character was
in danger and trying to save himself, the secondary character was panicked and desperately
trying to think of how to save him. This connotes to the audience the abnormal
but strong relationship between the man and alien. In conclusion, the film
creator of ‘Avatar’ uses editing in a conventional way to develop the narrative
and portray the story of the two different species.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YDqiuyaOU
In contrast to ‘Avatar’ within this extract taken
from ‘Us’, the film creator has chosen to conform and to subvert to the
conventional use of editing in order to reinforce the genre of the film as
thriller. This scene takes place within a key moment of tension within the film
and the editing reflects that. The speed of the editing within this scene is
quite slow placed. This intensifies the drama for the audience as we anticipate
what may happen between the hero and villain as the come face to face. The slow
pace also seems to create a very eerie feeling within the audience which is
conventional within a thriller as we expect to see a dark atmosphere throughout.
In addition, the slow pace gives the audience time to think about the creepy
events of the scene and the enigma code (Roland Barthes Enigma Code Theory)
that has been created as we are left confused at creepy actions of the villain
and left guessing about what may happen next, which is common within many films
of the genre. The film creator has also chosen to use the 180° rule in a
conventional way, having the actions denoted within the scene occur when the
camera is placed in the same imaginary semi-circle besides the hero and the
villain in their interaction. The film creator has chosen to conform to this
rule because it maintains continuity and makes the scene appear more real. This
is essential within a thriller because the sense of verisimilitude that is
present within many typical thrillers enhances the disturbing rush of emotions
created. However, the film creators have used a shot/reverse/shot in an
unconventional way in order to reinforce the genre and meet audience
expectations. Typically, a shot/reverse/shot is used by a film creator during
dialogue as the camera cuts back and forth between two characters as they
interact in order to push action forwards. In this extract, a shot/reverse/shot
has been purposefully used unconventionally to increase the tension that the
audience already feels. Throughout this scene, there is no dialogue between the
hero and villain which is unconventional within this sequence of shots but has
been subverted to in order to make the interaction seem even more strange and
therefore enhancing the suspense that the audience may feel when the narrative
is pushed forward by the creepy villain as he poses as a threat to the protagonist,
which is common within many films of the genre. Suspense is also created by the
binary opposites present within this scene (Levi Strauss’ Binary Opposites
Theory) because the opposing hero and villain significantly contrast, creating
tension within the story. In conclusion, the film creator has been able to
reinforce the genre as thriller by conforming and subverting to the conventions
of editing.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/11/25/whiteout/
Similarly, to ‘Us’, ‘Whiteout’ is a thriller
film that both conforms to and subverts to conventional editing. In Whiteout,
different meanings are created through the film creator’s use of editing and
all contribute to how the genre is established for the audience. The duration
of a shot is a technical code that can create meanings for the audience
depending on the message that is connotes. Within this short film, a wide shot
is used within the sequencing of shots and the duration of the wide shot lasts
for a very long time. Conventionally, the average shot length used in film is
around 3 seconds before it cuts to another. However, in this film, the wide
shot is sequenced to begin near the start of the film and lasts for around ten
minutes before a jump cut takes us to a black blank screen. The duration of
this shot is very unconventional but is used for many reasons. Firstly, it
allows the audience to work out the emotions of the two main protagonists based
on their facial expressions as they find themselves within this terrifying
situation and helps us to establish the genre as thriller as often thriller
films are plot driven and negative emotions are a conventional element within the
genre. Secondly, it allows the audience to have the time to focus on small
details and when we discover there are no hints that could possibly foreshadow
what may happen left, we are left with feelings of suspenseful with our lack of
knowledge or guesses. Thirdly, we are also given time to focus on the setting
and the one present only intensifies the drama and tension present because we
can see no possible escape for the protagonists. Finally, the film creator has
used this one shot for so long because it focuses on the single narrative
present, and therefore preventing the audience’s attention to be elsewhere and
any tension that has been created to be lost. However, the film creator has
also used editing in a conventional way as well. They have chosen to conform to
the 180° rule which maintains the films continuity and therefore makes the
events seem more real, almost like we as an audience are there with the
protagonists, and thus making the viewing experience more thrilling. In
conclusion, ‘Whiteout’, like ‘Us’ not only conventionally uses editing to meet
the audience's expectations of wanting to feel on edge when watching a thriller
but also subverts to conventions in order to fully immerse ourselves in the
dramatic event taking place.
Overall, editing is a technical code that can be
used in many ways to reinforce a film’s genre. In science fiction films, it
appears to be used more conventionally compared to thriller films where editing
is used unconventionally as well. Film creators may want to subvert to editing
conventions when creating a thriller because it can allow for the emotions that
the audience expect to feel whilst watching a thriller, such as suspense and
tension to be enhanced at the unfamiliar unconventionality. However, in all
genres there seems to be significant use of continuity editing, this is used to
make the events occurring seem more real and therefore makes the sequencing
appear more smoother to follow or understand.
Sound
A film creator’s use of sound is essential when
creating meaning within a film and establishing its genre. For example, it can
reinforce narrative, character functions, mood, themes, and influences the
audience’s emotions or feeling towards something. The sound used in a film can
be diegetic or non-diegetic. Diegetic sound is any sound that is created within
the fictional world of the film and can be heard by the characters within the
narrative. Non-diegetic sound is any sound that does not exist within the
fictional world of the film but outside and can only be heard by the audience,
such as soundtrack. The key types of sound used in film include music, sound
effects, dialogue and silence. Film creators use sound to conform to or to
subvert to conventions and audience expectations of a genre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75oqvMlXXE
Within ‘The Beacon’, sound has been used
conventionally by the film creator to establish an atmosphere common within
science fiction films. Within the opening scene, non-diegetic sound has been
used as we can hear a very tense and ominous sound. This sound is used when we
as an audience are placed within space. This reflects the science fiction genre
as we are given a sense that something otherworldly and suspenseful will occur
within a place alternate to our own. This foreboding feeling is part of the
audience’s expectations whilst watching a sci-fi film because we expect to
encounter the typical elements of the genre such as strange worlds, strange
beings or strange technology. In addition, the film creator has also used
diegetic sound to create a sense of verisimilitude for the audience as they
watch the film. Sound effects such as rain have most likely been edited in
during the post-production, but it still counts as diegetic sound because the
characters within the narrative can also hear it. The film creator has chosen
to include rain within the opening of this film because it is something
familiar to the audience and therefore makes the film more realistic to them,
allowing them to fully immerse themselves within the narrative. Furthermore, it
foreshadows that something ominous is yet to come and creates tension within
the audience. This is because rain has connotations of negativity and is often
used in film to reflect a dark atmosphere or mood. Furthermore, diegetic sound
is used to give the audience details about the narrative. Near the start of the
film, a robotic or A.I like voice can be heard within the setting of the scene.
The sound does not originate from anything placed in the shot, but we
understand that it originates from outside the shot and holds significant
importance because of how loud it has suddenly become. The voice foreshadows
the events of the narrative and states “start a new life today on tier 2
planets”, this hints that the motivation of the main protagonists may be to
reach one of these planets. In conclusion, sound has been conventionally used
by the film creator of this short film to foreshadow events within the
narrative and to create a certain atmosphere typical within the film’s genre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YDqiuyaOU
Similarly, to ‘The Beacon’, the film creator of
‘Us’ has used sound in a conventional way to create a certain mood. Within this
extract, the non-diegetic music is significant and used within the point of
heightened tension when the villain poses a danger to the protagonist and
threatens to set fire to her car and possibly injure her family. Within this
intense moment, a very eerie singing voice can be heard which emphasises the
tension and creates a very dark feel to this scene. In addition, a dramatic
thumping sound can be heard which further builds suspense and heightens the
audience’s feeling that something bad is going to happen. Because of this
feeling, as an audience we can only assume that even more disruption of the
equilibrium (Todorov’s Narrative Arc Theory) is going to occur, and that the
danger is not quite over yet. The purpose of a thriller is to thrill and excite
an audience and the audience expects this to occur as we anticipate more drama
to unravel as the narrative develops. As well as using non-diegetic music in a
conventional way, the film creator of ‘Us’ uses diegetic music in a
conventional way as well by adding sound effects. The fire is a sound effect
that most likely was added during post-production but can be heard by the
characters in the fictional world and by the audience and has most likely been
used to reflect and highlight the danger present within the scene but also to
create a feeling of verisimilitude for the reader. This sense of realism has
been created because we can hear exactly what the characters can and therefore
it can feel as if we are involved in the narrative in some way. In conclusion,
sound has been conventionally used within this film extract to create elements
of tension and danger. These elements are also typical for a thriller film and therefore
the film’s genre is also reinforced.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/11/25/whiteout/
Like ‘Us’, ‘Whiteout’ uses sound in a
conventional way which allows for elements of tension and danger to be created,
therefore reinforcing the film’s genre as thriller.
At the very start of the film, the film creator
uses diegetic sound to create tension within the audience. The audience can
hear wind howling loudly as the setting is introduced. This has connotations of
extreme or dangerous weather and here the film creator could possibly be
encoding a message for the audience to decode (Encoding and Decoding Theory by
Stuart Hall) a perhaps it is being foreshadowed that later, the weather may
pose as a threat for the protagonists. This diegetic sound also acts in a
similar way as the rain does in ‘The Beacon’ as it sets up the mood that is
maintained throughout the entirety of the film to be very dark and cold, which
is typical within a thriller film. Most likely, this is the preferred reading
(Reception Theory by Stuart Hall) that the film creator wanted to create because
it helps to reinforce the genre in a way most people will understand. In
addition, non-diegetic sound is used conventionally within the film as
non-diegetic music can be heard by the audience soon after the sound of the
wind howling is heard. The music used is very suspenseful and ominous, giving
the impression that something very bad is going to happen. This therefore
creates tension within the audience as we expect some form of danger to occur
within the narrative. The music also helps to emphasise the dark atmosphere
that the wind sound has already established because of the eerie feel that it
gives the audience. In conclusion, the film creator of ‘Whiteout’ conforms to
the typical use of sound in order to meet the audience’s expectations of a
thriller and does not seem to subvert to any conventions.
Overall, the use of sound appears to be used
conventionally between the different film genres and types of film.
Non-diegetic sound is most often used to reinforce a certain mood and
atmosphere and subverting to the conventional use of sound may damage the
particular mood that they wish to create. In addition, non-diegetic music is
used by film creators to make their film more appealing because it offers more
entertainment, allowing the audience to fulfill their needs and gratifications when
consuming media (Uses and Gratifications Theory by Bulmer and Katz). Diegetic
music is often used to reinforce narrative and create a sense of realism and
therefore by using it unconventionally, the film creator may damage the sense
of verisimilitude created or create a confusing narrative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the different short films and
film extracts that I have explored tend to conform to the conventions that are
associated with their genre than subvert to them. Feature length films such as
‘Avatar’ or ‘Us’ tend to subvert to genre conventions more than short films
such as ‘The Beacon’ and ‘Whiteout’ do. However, most films within a particular
genre will most likely not conform to all genre conventions and genre
conventions may be crossed to create hybridity. This is because genre is fluid
and has developed over time. Postmodernism
suggests that genres are merging and that the codes and conventions of any
genre are in fact determined by the audience of a film and not the creator.
Genre fluidity is shown through the film creators use of mise-en-scene within ‘Avatar’.
The film subverts to typical conventions of sci-fi because the hero within this
shot is an alien species whereas the villain is the human. However, this
subversion is appreciated by the audience because it makes the film more
appealing and reflects how in society, our view of who the hero and villain
should has changed over time. In addition, genre fluidity is shown through the
film creator’s use of camerawork within ‘The Beacon’ as we see wide shots used
to establish a setting and context within a narrative, this is also shown
within the film editor’s use of camerawork in ‘Us’ despite being different
genres. Furthermore, genre fluidity is shown through the film creator's use of
editing in ‘Whiteout’. In this short film, the conventional use of editing is
hugely subverted to and contrasts to the editing used in ‘Us’. Despite this,
they are both viewed as thriller films. Finally, genre fluidity is also shown
through the film creators use of sound within ‘The Beacon’ and ‘Whiteout’
because both films are different genres, yet both use diegetic sound to create
a dark atmosphere throughout the short films. Overall, it is clear to see that
genre conventions are not fixed but can be repeated throughout different genres
or purposely subverted to. Often, genre conventions are subverted to on purpose
because it makes a film more appealing if it holds instances of ‘repetition’
and ‘difference’. Furthermore, a film can also belong to lots of different
genres, making it more interesting to lots of different people and therefore a
bigger target audience will be gained.
Bibliography
Extract 1 ‘Avatar’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz_khIAn1zQ
Extract 2 ‘Avatar’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u5SiCCmVv0
Extract 3 ‘The Beacon’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75oqvMlXXE
Extract 4 ‘Us’ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YDqiuyaOU
Extract 5 ‘Whiteout’ - https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2019/11/25/whiteout/
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