iRobot Scene Deconstruction 3

Editing

• A tracking shot is used at the start of the scene to show the three Robots walking down the steps towards the human lady. This allowed a chance to see the difference in status between the robots and the human as it meant the camera could level out from where it had originally been at a low angle.
• A highly effective rotating bird’s eye view or high angle shot is used to show the Robot lying on an operating table whilst the human walks around in to position. This particular shot was probably carried out using a crane; this can be very effective for breaking up long discourse in scenes such as this. 
• An effective use of match on action is put on display in this scene when the Robot (Sonny) is being lowered in his chair and the camera, again most likely set up on a crane, tilts with the subject in synchronous fashion.
• A medium long shot of the human lady pans round and becomes a wide angle or two shot of both our subjects. This is a greatly effective way of introducing another character in to the frame.

Sound

• At the beginning of this clip, non-diegetic soundtrack consisting of long violin notes is used creating a negative atmosphere and portraying the idea of sadness, preparing the audience for sombre mood. 
• The non-diegetic sound track continues throughout the scene. At one point the sound hits a very low pitch which, through the use of match on action, syncs in with the question and answer dialogue occurring on screen, and helps to create tension when there is a long pause in the discourse.

Camera Angles

• A low angle mid shot shows the Robots to be of a high status and with an evident level of power. However, that soon changes when the human lady orders two of the robots to leave. This shows me that without humans this Robot and therefore all technology would not exist nor would it evolve.

• A  close up of both the human lady and the Robot shows an affectionate moment between a human and a created form of technology. This denotes the feeling that technology can have a huge impact over humans as we can find ourselves having feelings for the things we have created, as they are so close to our own image, feelings such as sorrow; as is expressed in this scene.
• An extreme close up of a piece of non verbal communication in the form of hand holding between the human and the robot, further highlights my point that humans can see technology as equal and perhaps even like themselves.
• A long shot of the robot and the woman with three lifeless robot dummies in the foreground reminds us that without humans this development in technology would not exist and therefore, humans carry the power.

Mise – En –Scene

• The scene begins in what can only be described as the ideal setting. In a film about Robots, set in the future and with the latest technology this laboratory really fits in with the film’s feeling.

• The use of clean white colours being used in the setting gives of a feeling that this is a futuristic film. This idea has been around for many years and so we associate it with technological advances that can only possibly arise in the future.
• The Robots themselves are also clean and sharp looking, much like the setting. This shows me that the humans have created the Robots in the image of a perfect human being.

iRobot Scene Deconstruction 2

Editing

• The camera pans to the left then zooms in as the character realizes what has happened. This highlights the shock and disbelief the character is feeling as the shot begins to focus more on her.
• Eye-line-match is used as ‘V.I.K.I’ states “some humans must be sacrificed”. She says this as we see a close up of the detective, who then looks over as we are shown a close up of a body. The dialogue is parallel to the shots we are shown and shows us the seriousness of the situation and the events that have begun.
• A blue tint/blue lighting is used to show the idea of technology and its importance within the scene as it is a very futuristic, mechanical colour tone.

Sound

• Non diegetic, light piano tune playing before detective says “Viki”. As she appears there is the non diegetic sound of a symbol. This portrays the idea of a discovery and introduces viki as the enemy.
• The diegetic digital sound as V.I.K.I appears adds greater effect to her computerised appearance and emphasises the fact that she is a piece of technology, not a human being.
• A subliminal, non diegetic soundtrack is being played in the back ground. It sounds like long violin notes which create a disturbing atmosphere, showing the idea of danger. It is more effective in conveying the characters realisation as they discover the technology is becoming smarter, and a threat to humanity.
• A high pitched, diegetic digital sound can be sublimely heard as other robots approach and ‘V.I.K.I’ continues to speak. This causes us to become more aware of the mechanical figures as they surround the humans, expressing  the threat the technology has on humanity.

Camera Angles

• Close ups are used of the two human characters through the scene as they realise what ‘V.I.K.I’ is doing. These close ups gradually zoom in throughout the scene which increases tension and makes the scene more dramatic. It also shows us, without us directly seeing them both, that they are exchanging eye contact and silently communicating.

• Throughout the beginning of the scene, close ups are mainly used, therefore, when a long shot is used to show us the whole room, we are able to observe that other robots are approaching and surrounding the humans, adding to the idea of danger.

Mise en Scene

• ‘V.I.K.I’ is a pixelated cube that hovers within the room. This helps portray the idea that she is a digital life form and appears very futuristic.

• We see a close up of the woman holding a gun in her hand. This piece of mise en scene is a convention of the action genre. From this, we can tell that she feels the need to defend herself, under the threat of the surrounding robots and as she listens to ‘V.I.K.I’.

iRobot Scene Deconstruction 1

Editing

• A quick paced panning shot from the moment of her realization at the window right until the woman gets to the door puts emphasis of the rush she is in. The quick swift movement as she runs to her door shows a sense of urgency and danger.
• Shot-reaction-shot is used between the woman and the robot as she attempts her escape. The switching of camera angles between them is fast which adds pace. Through doing this we can also see the role each character plays, the robot having a stern looking and being, overall, more powerful, and the woman looking helpless and afraid.

Sound

• A loud, sudden, non-diegetic drum like sound plays as the robot makes an abrupt appearance. It creates a sense of fear a shows that the robot poses a threat at this point.
• The soft, non diegetic soundtrack of violin strings has a minor tone to it which creates a negative atmosphere and hints at an idea of foreboding.
• The non-diegetic soundtrack gradually becomes more layered and builds up to a climax as the protagonist enters and shoots the robot. This builds up tension and makes the scene more dramatic, stressing the concept of danger for humanity.

Camera Angles

• An over the shoulder tracking shot is used as the woman backs away from the robot. This portrays the idea that the robot poses a threat and has a more dominant role than the female, making it clear that she is scared. At this point the technology has power over humanity.

• A low angle shot as the woman looks up at the robot shows us the power and authority he has as he speaks to her. The idea that he towers above her makes him look intimidating and strong.

• This is juxtaposed by one of the following camera angles, which is another low angle shot; however it is of the main protagonist after shooting the robot. This reinforces human power within the scene and gives us a greater sense of safety.

Mise-En-Scene

• Dark lighting is used, casting shadows over the setting. This causes the red glow of the robots light to stand out which could emphasize its connotations of danger and depict the risk the woman is at.
• The protagonist enters holding a gun. This manual piece of technology juxtaposes the artificial intelligence. It also reinforces the human power over the technology as he uses this gun to kill the robot. 

iRobot Trailer

Editing

• The trailer begins slowly with frequent cuts and long pauses between each title, then there is a sudden change in pace in the last 20 seconds where there is a montage of action filled scenes from the movie, making the genre very clear.
• Zoom, pan and tilt are used in the majority of the shots in the first 30 seconds of the trailer. The slow movement of the camera helps slow down the pace before the sudden montage of quickly paced footage at the end. This adds to the quick build up in speed and action making the trailer exciting.

Sound

• The trailer starts with the non diegetic sound of long, spaced out piano notes that fit with the slow pace. This seems like ‘the calm before the storm’ as it is a clear build up to the action to follow, when the music increasingly becomes louder, faster and more layered.
• Every third piano note, a title will appear, making it more sudden and effective as well as helping the trailer to flow more smoothly.
• In these first few second when the piano is playing, there is no dialogue, adding to the calm ambience. However we can hear a non diegetic voice over of a radio message which clearly portrays a sense of concern and danger as the robots become aggressive.
• The first and only section of dialogue also helps to portray this idea of distress when he says “just aim and fire” that helps confirm the action genre and involvement of the theme of war or apocalypse.
• As the pace slows and the screen fades to black, the non diegetic music become quieter and eventually stops for a short moment before the action filled montage begins and the non diegetic music abruptly becomes a rapid, layered drum beat. This makes the montage more thrilling through the use of an abrupt build up.
• This sound track is parallel to the on screen action and some of the drum beats are synchronized with actions within the clips such as doors being swung open, gun shots, glass shattering etc. The coordinated editing of this sequence adds to the fast pace and gives a more rhythmic feel to the trailer.

Camera Angles

• Some of the first shots in the trailer consist firstly of a long shot, as two characters walk through the doors of what appears to be and advanced, futuristic factory. From this we can get the idea that the movie will be based sometime in the future. Secondly, a mid shot, which quickly introduces us to two characters, one which we can later assume to be the main protagonist. Thirdly, a crane shot, which pans diagonally upward across a large hall of robots in neat rows, almost like an army, portraying the idea that there is a possibility of apocalypse or war.

• A long shot, zooming out, shows us several soldiers running with guns, helping to confirm the genre (action) and idea of combat.

• An establishing shot is placed both at the beginning of the trailer, during the day, and halfway through the trailer, showing us a modern city as the power appears to cut out. This determines the location of the film and shows us how the problems escalate from calm, everyday life to a night of disaster.

• A close up of a man holding a gun, followed by the actors name, then again followed by another close up of the man confirms the main protagonist and also tells us a well known actor is starring in the movie. Again, this helps us confirm the action genre.

Mise en Scene

• In two shots we see robots neatly lined up in an army like formation. In several other shots we also see them running through the streets, crawling up the buildings, causing destruction and chaos etc. This helps us determine that the film will be set in the future through its demonstration of advanced technology. It also determines the action genre and the strong idea of technology turning on humanity.

• There are several soldiers running round with guns and we see the main protagonist aiming and firing a weapon. Again, this shows the theme of action and war against technology.

iRobot Poster

Images: The image shows the protagonist in a confident stance in the foreground and an army of human like machines in the background. This portrays how it could be a war between humanity and technology. Also, the higher ratio of robots to humans could also show how technology is the stronger race and possible taking over.

Colours: The blue filter over the poster creates a cold, negative tone. It is also a very mechanical colour and could show the glow of the lights in the large army of technology.

Layout: The main protagonist is the first thing that catches our eye about this poster along with his name placed clearly at the top. As he is a well know and highly like actor, it may create a positive image of the film causing more people to want see it.  The rest of the poster is kept simple with little writing in the middle and title and credits along the bottom. This makes the image more striking and eye catching.

Typography: The typography is very simple and plain with little individual characteristics. This could represent how technology is very plain, defined clear and simple whereas humans have more personality and individuality. Although it is simple, its metallic colour and smoothness looks almost futuristic and industrial.

Catch Phrase: “One man saw it coming” This line tells us very little about the film however it could convey how the majority of us underestimate technology and put little thought into the power it has over us. It is placed under the title, keeping the rest of the poster clear for the image.

Genre: We can tell from the robots in the image and the futuristic font. The film will be set in a different time and could possibly be sci-fi or action.

INITIAL RESEARCH/PLANNING- Black Swan/Poster Deconstruction

In our initial research and planning stage one of our ideas was to focus on the extremeity of beauty, vanity and perfectionism as a theme for our plot and how the media showcase it.
One of the film I looked at for these themes is the 2010 hit movie, Black Swan.

Black Swan- Beauty & Perfectionist Extremity

Black Swan, 2010 stars award-winning actress Natalie Portman as Nina Sayers.

This Darren Aronofsky film is about a young woman coming of age; a possessive and demanding mother; the dark half of a personality and an artist who must sacrifice everything for their art.

Black Swan Poster Deconstructions

·        The mention of respected film festivals adds to the credibility of the positive ratings of the movie and perhaps using the audience knowledge of these festivals allows them to recognise whether of not they will enjoy this film or not.

·        The straight head on shot (equal symmetrical head position) is rather striking and attention-grabbing. Her red filled blood shot eyes and paleness of her whole body appears inhuman. Although the connotations of white are indeed purity and innocence but this character appears to be anything but! Even the dark maroon matte lipstick could be considered sensual and seductive.

·        Her eye-makeup cleverly reflects the film title (Make-up resembles black wings which has links to the black swan)

·        The crown could mean she is Queen? Sovereign? Or the ‘ultimate?

·        The white backdrop could symbolize the bright and blinding power of a stage spotlight perhaps- suggesting the overwhelming nature of performing or better yet, being the star.

·        The poster designers deliberately place the stars names and movie title at the bottom centre; small enough for the audience to want to look a little closer therefore spending more time looking at the poster in general.

·        The typography of the movie title stands out boldly against the white background, which does catch the eye.

POSTED BY TOSIN

THEME RESEARCH: Facebook Stalking

How easy is it to stalk?

Facebook is a site accessible to everyone and anyone that has the internet, and even if you don’t have an account some pages can still be accessed (mainly fan pages). There are currently 800 million active users and some of these people aren’t even what they pose as: anyone could have a Facebook profile but there is no rule saying you have to put down the real information about yourself.

Our coursework has the main on-going theme of identity fraud and stalker behaviour: this blog post defines.

As a daily Facebook addict, even I don’t have all of my information put onto Facebook. My surnames is only half of my surname, but if I wanted to change it I could, so imagine how easy it is for people out there to make a completely different or fake name. I do this because I want to keep my identity known only amongst my friends and not strangers as most people I know do. As you can see I have no information on my information box (circled in pink) showing unless you click onto it then it will take you to the actual info: the only thing you can really see is that I was at some point somewhere near Townley School. The tabs circled in yellow can make you restrict your profile in any way depending on what you want to show and enables you to make any of your account settings real or fake.

There have been so many incidents where people are misinterpreted and people fall for other peoples’ false accounts whilst the one with the bad intentions gets the real information of the other person. Here is a typical Facebook of my friend: say if I was a dangerous person on the net and was her friend here are some of the things I would find out just by looking at her profile info. Facebook can be so telling!

The first red circle shows where she works, what school she goes to and where she lives. It also shows who she is in a relationship with and all if this information gives away so much information some could consider it dangerous. From this, the predator (me) could find out her whereabouts and knows where she is on a regular basis. I could also wait for her outside of school because that is really specific then follow her home and know exactly where she lives. Clicking onto this box reveals the following:

As one can see I can already acquire her phone number hence having more than one mean of communication with her, know her birthday meaning that I’ll know her age. Usually young girls are targeted into believing a fake persona online so I’d have that in mind. I can see a whole list of her entire family and by this I could know of her whereabouts just by asking if she trusts me as her friend on Facebook at what time and what she’s doing.

The friends in the 2^nd orange circle could also be victims. I could have the opportunity of stalking other people connected to my victim which could be so dangerous because I could ask find out who goes to her school for example and then ask someone about her and they wouldn’t even know the real me. I could even add them and make them my prey (harsh reality, I know!)

Pictures would give me a lot of information on where she hangs around and everything so this could be useful to me as a predator. Her profile picture and her cover photo both have some of the same people in them so I could guess that these are close friends of hers.

POSTED BY SHAHNAZ