Thursday, May 14, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Hidden figures - Film Questions.
Hidden Figures: Film Questions:
1- State how costume (as an element of mine-en-scene) makes us as an audience feel an emotion/opinion of/for/about a particular character in the film you have chosen. Throughout the film we see that Katherine chooses to wear bright coloured dresses. This contrasts perfectly to all of the men in the film, who all wear plain white shirts, black trousers and black ties. This shows how unique it was for Katherine to be in that position and her clothing symbolises that. This shows the audience that no matter how much the men at NASA are distasteful of her, Katherine won't stop wearing what she likes to fit in and wants to show off her true self. This can make an audience feel nervous as they aren't sure if she will be harassed for it, but the audience also feels strength and proudness for her.
2- How is the micro element of sound used in the opening 2 minutes of the film? Your answer should include key sound terms such as diegetic/non-diegetic/ambience etc. The first opening two minutes cut between various shots of Katherine as a girl going through her education. The scene is accompanied by Hanz Zimmer's non-diegetic score, which builds up throughout the scene. It has a very upbeat tone which makes the audience feel happiness, which is also created when we see Katherine solve the equation on the board. That scene and score at the beginning makes us feel so happy for a young Katherine despite knowing what is going to happen when she gets older.
3- Discuss how cinematography creates meaning in a particular scene of your choice. You should use key cinematography terms in your answer. Throughout the film thee are scene which show Katherine as she has to go back and fourth between her desk and the coloured toilets. This scene is re-occurring and often uses the same shots. Some of the most interesting shots, is the wide high angle shot as well as multiple wide shots to show the lengths that Katherine has to run just to pee. This shows how hard it is for coloured people to do simple things when they have extreme boundaries put on them.
4 - Discuss the use of editing in the opening scene. How does this create either meaning or spectator response? Your answer should include key editing terms (as in the attached KO) The opening scene uses lots of cuts between Katherine counting acorns, identifying multiple shapes and solving an equation. These shots are ordered in a way that shows Katherine being able to do easy counting as well as complex equations despite her age.
5 - Apply Narrative theory to the film you have chosen. Your answer should include Todorov's theory of narrative equilibrium, Vladimir Propp's character roles and functions and Claude Levi-Strauss' binary opposites Todorov: The three women start the film as being looked down on and having to deal with harassment from their white co-workers. They then all get new assignments which requires them to have to deal with men with more power. The three women have to deal with harassment but eventually are able to prove themselves and end up being given more respect by their higher-ups. Claude Levi-Strauss' binary opposites are also easily applicable, the main two being: Black vs White and Men vs Women. These opposites are exactly what the women in the film, as well as the audience, want to take down.
6 - What genre is the film you have watched? Your answer should include Daniel Chandler's conventions of content theory. The film is a drama on it's own, but it also is a biopic film, as it focuses on real-life characters and events. The films is quite clearly a drama, as it although it has a sense of humour, the film is very serious and deals with very serious themes of segregation and sexism.
7 - How did the film make you feel at the end? You should make reference to Blulmer and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory. Were you entertained? Were you informed and/or educated? Did you feel a personal relationship form with any of the characters? Did you feel any identification with the plot, a character of general them of the film? At the end of the film I felt happiness and proud for these women as through hard work they are able to get the recognition and respect that they deserve. The film can be used for entertainment and information but also, people who have experienced the troubles that the film highlights, will have an emotional relationship with both the characters and different events. I found myself enjoying the film for what it is, but also became educated about these real women and their amazing feats.
1- State how costume (as an element of mine-en-scene) makes us as an audience feel an emotion/opinion of/for/about a particular character in the film you have chosen. Throughout the film we see that Katherine chooses to wear bright coloured dresses. This contrasts perfectly to all of the men in the film, who all wear plain white shirts, black trousers and black ties. This shows how unique it was for Katherine to be in that position and her clothing symbolises that. This shows the audience that no matter how much the men at NASA are distasteful of her, Katherine won't stop wearing what she likes to fit in and wants to show off her true self. This can make an audience feel nervous as they aren't sure if she will be harassed for it, but the audience also feels strength and proudness for her.
2- How is the micro element of sound used in the opening 2 minutes of the film? Your answer should include key sound terms such as diegetic/non-diegetic/ambience etc. The first opening two minutes cut between various shots of Katherine as a girl going through her education. The scene is accompanied by Hanz Zimmer's non-diegetic score, which builds up throughout the scene. It has a very upbeat tone which makes the audience feel happiness, which is also created when we see Katherine solve the equation on the board. That scene and score at the beginning makes us feel so happy for a young Katherine despite knowing what is going to happen when she gets older.
3- Discuss how cinematography creates meaning in a particular scene of your choice. You should use key cinematography terms in your answer. Throughout the film thee are scene which show Katherine as she has to go back and fourth between her desk and the coloured toilets. This scene is re-occurring and often uses the same shots. Some of the most interesting shots, is the wide high angle shot as well as multiple wide shots to show the lengths that Katherine has to run just to pee. This shows how hard it is for coloured people to do simple things when they have extreme boundaries put on them.
4 - Discuss the use of editing in the opening scene. How does this create either meaning or spectator response? Your answer should include key editing terms (as in the attached KO) The opening scene uses lots of cuts between Katherine counting acorns, identifying multiple shapes and solving an equation. These shots are ordered in a way that shows Katherine being able to do easy counting as well as complex equations despite her age.
5 - Apply Narrative theory to the film you have chosen. Your answer should include Todorov's theory of narrative equilibrium, Vladimir Propp's character roles and functions and Claude Levi-Strauss' binary opposites Todorov: The three women start the film as being looked down on and having to deal with harassment from their white co-workers. They then all get new assignments which requires them to have to deal with men with more power. The three women have to deal with harassment but eventually are able to prove themselves and end up being given more respect by their higher-ups. Claude Levi-Strauss' binary opposites are also easily applicable, the main two being: Black vs White and Men vs Women. These opposites are exactly what the women in the film, as well as the audience, want to take down.
6 - What genre is the film you have watched? Your answer should include Daniel Chandler's conventions of content theory. The film is a drama on it's own, but it also is a biopic film, as it focuses on real-life characters and events. The films is quite clearly a drama, as it although it has a sense of humour, the film is very serious and deals with very serious themes of segregation and sexism.
7 - How did the film make you feel at the end? You should make reference to Blulmer and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory. Were you entertained? Were you informed and/or educated? Did you feel a personal relationship form with any of the characters? Did you feel any identification with the plot, a character of general them of the film? At the end of the film I felt happiness and proud for these women as through hard work they are able to get the recognition and respect that they deserve. The film can be used for entertainment and information but also, people who have experienced the troubles that the film highlights, will have an emotional relationship with both the characters and different events. I found myself enjoying the film for what it is, but also became educated about these real women and their amazing feats.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Spirited Away-Task 13: How are elderly witches represented.
How are the two elderly witches represented differently:
Yubaba is the evil witch and is represented as evil and cruel towards children, which is shown in her first interaction with Yubaba. We see that she uses her magic to zip up Chihiro's mouth to stop her from talking. Children watching this film would be scared and feel bad for Chihiro as they are seeing someone just like them be tormented and punished. We see through Chihiro's facial expression that she is scared that she has been treated like this. This fits in with the elderly character stereotypes like being cruel and wicked, especially towards children. At the end of that scene, we see Yubaba threaten to work Chihiro to death. This might be used by the director as a way of making parents not work children too hard and to instead, let them have a bit of fun and freedom.
Meanwhile, Zeniba is very kind towards Chihiro as well as Chihiro's friends. This might be used by the director to calm the younger audience and let them realise that not all members of the elderly are and and harmful. Zeniba portrays the other side of elderly stereotypes like being gentle, nurturing and peaceful. This is shown when Chihiro goes to meet with her, and her dialogue is much softer compared to Yubaba, who talks a lot more aggressively with Chihiro. Another example of Zeniba's and Yubaba's differences is their settings. Zeniba's house uses much brighter colours compared to Yubaba's dark office which shows how Zeniba has a much brighter personality.
Yubaba is the evil witch and is represented as evil and cruel towards children, which is shown in her first interaction with Yubaba. We see that she uses her magic to zip up Chihiro's mouth to stop her from talking. Children watching this film would be scared and feel bad for Chihiro as they are seeing someone just like them be tormented and punished. We see through Chihiro's facial expression that she is scared that she has been treated like this. This fits in with the elderly character stereotypes like being cruel and wicked, especially towards children. At the end of that scene, we see Yubaba threaten to work Chihiro to death. This might be used by the director as a way of making parents not work children too hard and to instead, let them have a bit of fun and freedom.
Meanwhile, Zeniba is very kind towards Chihiro as well as Chihiro's friends. This might be used by the director to calm the younger audience and let them realise that not all members of the elderly are and and harmful. Zeniba portrays the other side of elderly stereotypes like being gentle, nurturing and peaceful. This is shown when Chihiro goes to meet with her, and her dialogue is much softer compared to Yubaba, who talks a lot more aggressively with Chihiro. Another example of Zeniba's and Yubaba's differences is their settings. Zeniba's house uses much brighter colours compared to Yubaba's dark office which shows how Zeniba has a much brighter personality.
Spirited Away-Task 11: Zeniba vs Yubaba
Zeniba and Yubaba character study
Description from memory:
Yubaba:
Yubaba acts very harshly towards Chihrio at the begining and doesn't want to help Chihrio at all. It shows how the elderly look down on children who appear to be lazy or slightly disrespectful. She eventually becomes kind and helps Chihrio when they clean the 'Stink spirit' but by the end of the film, she tries to trick Chirhio, so that she looses her parents.
Zeniba:
She was nothing like her sister and instead was very kind and nurturing when Chihrio and her friends arrive at her house. She shows her differences from her sister, when she forgives Haku showing how she can be quite kind when she wants.
Description from scenes:
1st scene:
Yubaba:
Impatient, despite what people are doing or think. She is intimidating and makes children feel scared. Harsh as she keeps plays tricks like zipping chihiro's mouth shut. She called Chihiro a 'Stinking, useless weakling.' which shows how she treats people she considered less than herself. Considers humans as lesser beings. She threatens children and takes pleasure from it. She is extremely mean to Chihiro, going as far as to threaten her with death. However she is juxtaposed when she goes to care for her own baby.
2nd scene:
Zeniba:
She is a lot more gentle then her sister by comforting Chihiro and her friends and trying to make them feel at home. She calls herself the exact opposite as Yubaba. She is very nurturing towards the young and is happy to help them.
Description from memory:
Yubaba:
Yubaba acts very harshly towards Chihrio at the begining and doesn't want to help Chihrio at all. It shows how the elderly look down on children who appear to be lazy or slightly disrespectful. She eventually becomes kind and helps Chihrio when they clean the 'Stink spirit' but by the end of the film, she tries to trick Chirhio, so that she looses her parents.
Zeniba:
She was nothing like her sister and instead was very kind and nurturing when Chihrio and her friends arrive at her house. She shows her differences from her sister, when she forgives Haku showing how she can be quite kind when she wants.
Description from scenes:
1st scene:
Yubaba:
Impatient, despite what people are doing or think. She is intimidating and makes children feel scared. Harsh as she keeps plays tricks like zipping chihiro's mouth shut. She called Chihiro a 'Stinking, useless weakling.' which shows how she treats people she considered less than herself. Considers humans as lesser beings. She threatens children and takes pleasure from it. She is extremely mean to Chihiro, going as far as to threaten her with death. However she is juxtaposed when she goes to care for her own baby.
2nd scene:
Zeniba:
She is a lot more gentle then her sister by comforting Chihiro and her friends and trying to make them feel at home. She calls herself the exact opposite as Yubaba. She is very nurturing towards the young and is happy to help them.
Spirited Away-Task 11: The Elderly
The Elderly
Elderly stereotypes:
Vulnerable
Wise
Cruel
Weak
All-knowing
Mean
Evil
Kind
Nurturing
Helpful
Sensible
Caring
Mysterious
How characters meet these stereotypes:
Kamaji: Kind, Nurturing, Wise, Helpful
Yubaba: Evil, Cruel, Wise/All-Knowing, Mysterious
Akio: Kind, Caring, Vulnerable
Yuko: Kind, Caring, Vulnerable
Zeniba: Wise/All-knowing, Smart, Kind, Helpful, Mysterious
Kamji- Kamaji is presented as a mysterious character at first that appears to be mean, but is actually quite kind and nurturing to Chihiro, showing how the elderly are often seen as evil but are actually quite kind and gentle. During the boiler room scene, the mise-en-scene helps him appear evil but we actually see by the end of this scene that he helps Chihiro at trying to get a job
Akio- Akio is Chihiro's father and we see, at the beginning of the film, he acts quite recklessly, as he drives down a treacherous road at a fast speed and despite his daughter's fear he still eats from the buffet showing how, in this case, the elderly are actually more irresponsible than the children.
Yubaba- Yubaba appears as cruel and cunning from the very begining, especially towards Chihiro, showing how the elderly are cruel towards the younger generations for being too lazy. The director wants to make the audience feel immediately bad for Chihiro and tries to make the viewer go against Yubaba.
Elderly stereotypes:
Vulnerable
Wise
Cruel
Weak
All-knowing
Mean
Evil
Kind
Nurturing
Helpful
Sensible
Caring
Mysterious
How characters meet these stereotypes:
Kamaji: Kind, Nurturing, Wise, Helpful
Yubaba: Evil, Cruel, Wise/All-Knowing, Mysterious
Akio: Kind, Caring, Vulnerable
Yuko: Kind, Caring, Vulnerable
Zeniba: Wise/All-knowing, Smart, Kind, Helpful, Mysterious
Kamji- Kamaji is presented as a mysterious character at first that appears to be mean, but is actually quite kind and nurturing to Chihiro, showing how the elderly are often seen as evil but are actually quite kind and gentle. During the boiler room scene, the mise-en-scene helps him appear evil but we actually see by the end of this scene that he helps Chihiro at trying to get a job
Akio- Akio is Chihiro's father and we see, at the beginning of the film, he acts quite recklessly, as he drives down a treacherous road at a fast speed and despite his daughter's fear he still eats from the buffet showing how, in this case, the elderly are actually more irresponsible than the children.
Yubaba- Yubaba appears as cruel and cunning from the very begining, especially towards Chihiro, showing how the elderly are cruel towards the younger generations for being too lazy. The director wants to make the audience feel immediately bad for Chihiro and tries to make the viewer go against Yubaba.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Spirited Away-Task 10: Questions
Questions:
1. How does the Director of Spirited Away blend realism with fantasy?
The main setting is the Bathouse and Chihiro is very quickly sent to work. We are shown multiple workers, and places like a kitchen or the boiler room. These are all real places that would be included in a Bathhouse, but the director uses their real setting but, uses fantastical characters like the spirits that visit the bathouse or the workers such as Kumaji. This gives the audience a chance to see a mundane real location, turned magical.
2. What life lessons does Chihiro learn from her experience?
Chihiro evolves to not needing to rely on her parents and instead she becomes responsible and becomes determined to save her parents as well as look after everyone in the bathhouse like Haku.
3. Even though the setting is fantastical, what everyday struggles does Chihiro face?
Chihiro still has to go through the struggles of finding and maintaining a job all on her own. She has to do a lot of mundane work. She also has to deal with people controlling her and being a boss and controlling her.
4. Pick out three conventions of 'Coming of Age' films that are present in Spirited Away and explain how they are used in the film.
- Chihrio has to spend time without their parents, which allows her to have to deal with her problems dead on.
- Chihiro goes through character growth and changes the way she acts and approaches difficulties.
- Chihiro has to go through a challenging event that allows her to evolve.
5. What message do you think director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to send to young girls?
He wanted to show that girls don't always have to rely on other people and that they can do anything along as they believe in themselves.
1. How does the Director of Spirited Away blend realism with fantasy?
The main setting is the Bathouse and Chihiro is very quickly sent to work. We are shown multiple workers, and places like a kitchen or the boiler room. These are all real places that would be included in a Bathhouse, but the director uses their real setting but, uses fantastical characters like the spirits that visit the bathouse or the workers such as Kumaji. This gives the audience a chance to see a mundane real location, turned magical.
2. What life lessons does Chihiro learn from her experience?
Chihiro evolves to not needing to rely on her parents and instead she becomes responsible and becomes determined to save her parents as well as look after everyone in the bathhouse like Haku.
3. Even though the setting is fantastical, what everyday struggles does Chihiro face?
Chihiro still has to go through the struggles of finding and maintaining a job all on her own. She has to do a lot of mundane work. She also has to deal with people controlling her and being a boss and controlling her.
4. Pick out three conventions of 'Coming of Age' films that are present in Spirited Away and explain how they are used in the film.
- Chihrio has to spend time without their parents, which allows her to have to deal with her problems dead on.
- Chihiro goes through character growth and changes the way she acts and approaches difficulties.
- Chihiro has to go through a challenging event that allows her to evolve.
5. What message do you think director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to send to young girls?
He wanted to show that girls don't always have to rely on other people and that they can do anything along as they believe in themselves.
Spirited Away-Task 9: Coming of Age in Spirited Away
Spirited Away is a Coming of Age film:
- Chihiro has a massive change in character from the beginning of the film to the end, such as her determination and responsibility.
- Chihiro is put on a specific mission which allows her character to grow.
- Chihiro is accompanied by specific character types like: a mentor (Kamaji), a best friend (Haku) and a villain (Yubaba).
Spirited Away isn't a Coming of Age film:
- The film doesn't have as many obvious Coming of Age conventions as it does Fantasy.
- Chihiro has a massive change in character from the beginning of the film to the end, such as her determination and responsibility.
- Chihiro is put on a specific mission which allows her character to grow.
- Chihiro is accompanied by specific character types like: a mentor (Kamaji), a best friend (Haku) and a villain (Yubaba).
Spirited Away isn't a Coming of Age film:
- The film doesn't have as many obvious Coming of Age conventions as it does Fantasy.
Spirited Away-Task 8: 'Coming of Age' movies.
'Coming of Age' are films that focus on the growth and transition of children and teenagers, who go through an event that changes them.
Famous 'Coming of Age' films:
1. Juno
2. The Breakfast Club
3. The perks of being a Wallflower
4. Ferris Buller's Day off
5. Rebel without a Cause
Ferris Buller's Day Off:
Conventions of Content:
-Ferris is a Rebe and cool-kidl- character type
-Cameron is the best friend- character type
-Sloane is the love interest- character type
-Mr Rooney is the opposite of a supporting teacher- opposite character type
-Settings of: A school, a car, a city, a house.
-Props: The Ferrari
-Story: Three teens skip school in order to enjoy their childhood and have fun in the city.
Sloane and Ferris repeatedly discuss their future and what they will do after school.
Famous 'Coming of Age' films:
1. Juno
2. The Breakfast Club
3. The perks of being a Wallflower
4. Ferris Buller's Day off
5. Rebel without a Cause
Ferris Buller's Day Off:
Conventions of Content:
-Ferris is a Rebe and cool-kidl- character type
-Cameron is the best friend- character type
-Sloane is the love interest- character type
-Mr Rooney is the opposite of a supporting teacher- opposite character type
-Settings of: A school, a car, a city, a house.
-Props: The Ferrari
-Story: Three teens skip school in order to enjoy their childhood and have fun in the city.
Sloane and Ferris repeatedly discuss their future and what they will do after school.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Spirited Away-Task 7:Assessment
How are young female characters represented in Spirited Away?
At the beginning of Spirited Away, Chihiro is represented as a timid and scared little girl who clings to her parents for everything. This is shown as when she moves into the tunnel, the camera is a close up on Chihiro which is kept at her eye level, cutting off her parents head. This shows that they are a lot more powerful than her as they are posed higher up than her. This is reversed by the end where her parents can be seen in full, symbolising her no longer having to rely on her parents.
At the beginning, we hear dialogue between Chihiro and her parents about how she is nervous about starting a new school and moving house. This shows how she is scared and it implies that children are often scared about having to start a new life and not having much confidence. But by the end, the last line in the film is 'I think I can handle it' showing how she has grown braver and more confident over the film, which represents how young people get braver with time.
Throughout, the film we see her get more and more confident and do more dangerous activities without the need of her parents, but we also get to see her care for others, which challenges the stereotypes of teenagers being a bit arrogant. For example, at the beginning Chihiro dislikes her school without ever going there and sticks her tongue out at it, showing her displeasure with it, but by the end she is focused on trying to save Haku after being injured, (accidentally) setting Haku free from Yubaba and even going as far as to meet with Zeniba, to ask her to forgive Haku for stealing her seal. As well as that we also see her care for Boh and Yubaba's bird while they are in animal form.
At the beginning of Spirited Away, Chihiro is represented as a timid and scared little girl who clings to her parents for everything. This is shown as when she moves into the tunnel, the camera is a close up on Chihiro which is kept at her eye level, cutting off her parents head. This shows that they are a lot more powerful than her as they are posed higher up than her. This is reversed by the end where her parents can be seen in full, symbolising her no longer having to rely on her parents.
At the beginning, we hear dialogue between Chihiro and her parents about how she is nervous about starting a new school and moving house. This shows how she is scared and it implies that children are often scared about having to start a new life and not having much confidence. But by the end, the last line in the film is 'I think I can handle it' showing how she has grown braver and more confident over the film, which represents how young people get braver with time.
Throughout, the film we see her get more and more confident and do more dangerous activities without the need of her parents, but we also get to see her care for others, which challenges the stereotypes of teenagers being a bit arrogant. For example, at the beginning Chihiro dislikes her school without ever going there and sticks her tongue out at it, showing her displeasure with it, but by the end she is focused on trying to save Haku after being injured, (accidentally) setting Haku free from Yubaba and even going as far as to meet with Zeniba, to ask her to forgive Haku for stealing her seal. As well as that we also see her care for Boh and Yubaba's bird while they are in animal form.
Spirited Away-Task 6: Questions.
-How is the score of Spirited Away to portray Chihiro?
The score often reflects Chihiro's amazement, for example when she is working to clean the 'stink spirit'. The score is very upbeat and fast tuned, which mirrors the on-screen magic and wonder that Chihiro is facing.
-What is the most Significant change in Chihiro's character? How does the director, convey this.
Chihiro goes from being a scared girl who heavily relies on her parents, to a strong brave girl, who is able to do things without needing help from others, including her parents. Hayao Miyazai uses sound and the score to try and signal when major changes in her character happens, for example when she tries to clean the 'stink spirit' on her own, or when she first meets Kamaji.
The score often reflects Chihiro's amazement, for example when she is working to clean the 'stink spirit'. The score is very upbeat and fast tuned, which mirrors the on-screen magic and wonder that Chihiro is facing.
-What is the most Significant change in Chihiro's character? How does the director, convey this.
Chihiro goes from being a scared girl who heavily relies on her parents, to a strong brave girl, who is able to do things without needing help from others, including her parents. Hayao Miyazai uses sound and the score to try and signal when major changes in her character happens, for example when she tries to clean the 'stink spirit' on her own, or when she first meets Kamaji.
-Give one example of cinematography used to present Chihiro’s character? Make it clear what scene it is in, and explain what the director intended to do. As Chihiro, throws the piece of coal into the fire, in the boiler room scene, the shot is a low-angle shot and it gives Chihiro a sense of power for the first time in the film.
-Give one example of editing used to present Chihiro’s character? Make it clear what scene it is in, and explain what the director intended to do. When she is trying to clean the 'stink-spirit' there are lots of shots that cut between Chihiro, and the workers who all pull together to help her, which shows how she has inspired them all to work hard.
-Give one example of mise-en-scene used to present Chihiro’s character? Make it clear what scene it is in, and explain what the director intended to do. Chihiro's facial expression and movement shows the bravery and ressiliance that she has developed throughout the film, for example her determination, to try and help save Haku.
-Give one example of editing used to present Chihiro’s character? Make it clear what scene it is in, and explain what the director intended to do. When she is trying to clean the 'stink-spirit' there are lots of shots that cut between Chihiro, and the workers who all pull together to help her, which shows how she has inspired them all to work hard.
-Give one example of mise-en-scene used to present Chihiro’s character? Make it clear what scene it is in, and explain what the director intended to do. Chihiro's facial expression and movement shows the bravery and ressiliance that she has developed throughout the film, for example her determination, to try and help save Haku.
Spirited Away-Task 5: Annotating key scenes.
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Scene 1: In this scene Chihiro and her family are moving to a new house. We see that Chihiro isn't happy about starting a new life, but ...
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Kim dances in snow: Mise-en-scene In the scene where Kim dances in the snow, the lighting is quite bright and she is really well lit. ...
