Mixtape,
directed by Luke Snellin in 2009. Found and watched on Virgin media shorts as
it was the grand prize winner of 2010.
Mix tape is about a little boy and his
fathers records. When he wants to catch the attention of the girl next door, he
decides to flatter her with a mix tape. This film caught my eye because Bill Milner
stars in it, after watching it i loved it because it was a cute childhood romance
story. I also liked the 90's britpop soundtrack that is featured throughout.
Representation
- ·
Featured in the film are the
roles of males and females. The boy represents a young fickle boy that has a
crush on his next door neighbor His manners and his well spoken accent tell
me that he is perhaps middle class I know he isn't upper-class because we see
his and next doors
- · The social realism I identified was a realistic portrayal of British society. I picked this up from his well spoken London accent, the way he is dressed in a shirt and most of all the music he listens to, which is associated with the 80s era of British culture.
- · It’s not clear whether he’s an Eighties kid or a modern child reluctant to get with the technological programme.
- · The main character is a young boy named Ben, who is obviously very fond of the girl next door, our first stereo type. Just like most romances it is the boy that chases the girl by offering her a gift. The gift being his dad’s music, this is typical of a young boy in envy of his father perhaps. Once he hears Lily, on the other side of the wall, listening to his mixed tape he is thrilled, I know this being of the big smile on his face. Another way that Ben represents his masculinity is in the dancing scene, he seems to jump up and down rather than twirl like lily does.
- · Our second main character, Lily, is stereotyped in the sense that her mother said she is out dancing, which is associated with femininity. She is represented as being a traditional female, when we see her listening to the mix tape, her posture in lent in a ‘dreamy’ way against the wall, hugging her pillow, stereotypical of a young girl. We also see her dance; this is different from bens way of dancing as she spins and twirls. Lilies clothing also represents her femininity, not only is she wearing a skirt but it is also pink.
Narrative
- · The narrative used relies upon archetypal characters, the shy young boy in love and the girl next door. Due to the short amount of time the film has to communicate the narrative to the audience, the audience has to be absolutely sure on each character's purpose immediately.
- · The narrative also covers a short amount of time and is shot in two settings, representing a 'vignette' in the lives of the two characters; this high level of focus on the protagonists communicates to the audience that they are to be sympathized with, this is also supported by camerawork
- · Iconography that I gather from this film is the boy and girl. This leads me to believe that the genre of this film in a romance. However, categorizing media texts can prove quite difficult, as categories are not fixed and in most cases films that belong to more than one genre, are called hybrids.
- · I believe Rick Altman’s theory applies to this short film. Rick uses the semantic and synthetic approach, this means the genre is based on iconography, symbolic and repeated props, moreover the common narrative features that are typical plot development. For example with this short film the boy typically fancies ‘the girl next door’ and attempts to woo her, in this case he gives her a mix tape.
- · The appeal of using genre codes and conventions in short films, is simply the fact of the director doesn’t have very long to tell the story to the consumer, therefore by adding common iconography this helps the audience to understand the type of film so that they can enjoy.
- · However where no specific genre is identifiable, based on content and style, this is where Steve Neale’s theory, from 1980, he concluded that genres are ‘instances of repetition and difference’. What was meant by this was, codes and conventions in common, however new genres are discovered that have similar elements.
Audience
- · Mixtapes unique selling point is the boy starring in the film, is played by Bill Milner of Son of Rambo; this draws audiences that enjoyed other movies he was in to watch this short film.
- · I found the film in the 2012 shortlist on Virgin Media Shorts. It says ‘Championing undiscovered talent’. This suggests that the website is for new film developers, for people such as students, or just generally people who are interesting in making a career out of film making. Virgin Media Shorts seems to look like a starting point. Therefore, I would expect the audiences of these films to be new film makers looking for inspiration and ideas. On the other hand some films are viewed by audiences in picture house cinemas.
- · Age – I wouldn't say there was a particular age for this film as it would appeal to many audiences. Young children, however, may not understand this, and from the ages of the two characters, I wouldn't expect it to be aimed at an elderly audience.
- • Gender- In my opinion I think it is more of a women’s film as women are typically known for enjoying romances more than men are. Many men, however, may enjoy this, but I think it is more aimed at women.
- · Mixtape has won two awards. Firstly Mixtape went on to be nominated for a 'Best Short Film' BAFTA and picked up awards at Landcrab and Purbeck Film Festivals. High on the success of his debut film, Luke didn't waste any time getting his next short made with the UK Film Council. A sort-of sequel to Mixtape.
- · I also found Mixtape on http://vimeo.com/13617792, underneath it reads all of the above nominations and awards.
- Media language
- · At the beginning of the film we see the boy listening to his mixed tape, we then have a close up shot of the tape with the directors name on it, i thought this was really creative and fitted with the theme well and proved very effective.
- There are several interesting uses of camerawork, mise en scene and editing in the short film. Firstly, I feel the closing shot really emphasizes the narrative concept behind the entire film. It is a form of two shot, but covers two settings, encapsulating the relationship between the two. It also clearly highlights the body language of both characters and suggests that both are thinking of the other. I would like to include a shot like this in our piece as it is a simple shot to shoot yet effective and it contributes a significant amount to the narrative.
- · Sound also enforces the connection between Ben and Lily; after receiving the mixtape, Lily is shown singing to it, followed by parallel editing showing them both dancing to the same song - this creates the impression of their unity as they are both listening to the song at the same time.
A comedy, featuring two old ladies on a quest for adventure, in the English
countryside, with a comical twist. This short film meets and breaks stereotypes
of the older generation; I loved it because of the unexpected ending that I
found highly amusing.
1.
Representation
- · Featured in the film is a representation of age. The two main characters are females of the older generation possibly retired. At the beginning they appear to be stereotypical grandmas, discussing cheese sandwiches, using well-spoken educated language, and their costumes, grey hair, the tartan scarf and the glasses all portray the stereotype of ‘old people’.
·
- · Their well-spoken language I identified as social realism of old English British society, as this is how the older generation would have been bought up.
- ·
Hillary’s
role out of the two is the more serious. I distinguish this because she is
promptly on time for the walk, she shows the audience she is anxious to get
going and that she is waiting for someone by checking her watch with an
unimpressed expression on her face and lastly the sigh of relief when
- ·
- · I believe this is a positive representation of the older generation, as it represents them in a different light to how they are normal viewed, showing them as not just straight forward boring old people that go bird watching but in fact, are naughty and like spying on the young males changing. I believe the demographic shaped this representation as young people would find this comical and intriguing as it breaks a certain stereotype.
2.
Narrative
- · The narrative firstly shows archetypical characters, the older generation figure. However there is a twist that breaks the archetypical characters, I believe they did this to achieve a comical angle, to break the stereotype and to appeal to the younger generation.
- · There is a linear structure throughout this gives closure at the end. Roland Barthes theory applies. The story has its enigma code, questions are raised, and for example what are they late for? What are they going to see? And it also has a action code, a prediction by audience, for this short film it would perhaps be they are going bird watching.
3.
Genre
- ·
Iconography- I can gather from this film is
- · I believe Rick Altman’s theory applies; his approach was the semantic and syntactic approach, a more sophisticated explanation of the codes and conventions. He found that films of a single genre have things in common with each other. The code in this film is the character that is considered daft, and the stern character, we see a contrast between the two. clearer
- · However I also believe Steve Neale’s theory applies as he concluded genres are “instances of repetition and difference”. He argued that ‘difference’ is essential to the ‘economies’ of genre; audiences pleasure in genre depends partly on getting what they expect and partly on getting something surprising and new. This applies to the genre as firstly we believe they are going bird watching and then the difference is that there is a funny twist that portrays the grandmas as peeving on younger males.
- · The appeal of using film codes and conventions in short films, is simply the fact of the director doesn’t have very long to tell the story to the consumer, therefore by adding common iconography this helps the audience to understand the type of film so that they can enjoy.
- · It was nominated for The Newcomer Award at Rushes Soho Shorts last year & for the Best Female Character Award at last year's London Short Film Festival. It has also been shortlisted for various other awards but this is the first one it has actually won.
4.
Audience
- · I found the film in the 2012 shortlist on Virgin Media Shorts. It says ‘Championing undiscovered talent’. This suggests that the website is for new film developers for people such as students, or just generally people who are interesting in making a career out of film making. Virgin Media Shorts seems to look like a starting point. Therefore, I would expect the audiences of these films to be new film makers looking for inspiration and ideas.
- · Age, In my opinion I would say that it appeals to all ages. I believe younger generations would find it amusing because it breaks the normal stereotype of their grandmas that are commercialised to be good and proper. In contrast I also believe the older generation would find it amusing also because the two main characters are of the same age group and are representing them.
- · Gender, I believe it could be more of a females film as most females, whatever age, can relate to the film. I also think that the fact that the main characters are females that this may also appeal to them more.
- · I also found ‘Coasting’ on http://vimeo.com.
5.
Media language
- · Personally this was one of my favourite shots. The long shot is taken from point of view, where they finally reveal what they have come to watch. To add to effect there is almost a frame around the image to make it appear as we are looking through the woman’s binoculars.
Signs, directed
by Patrick Hughs in 2009. Found and watched on virgin media shorts.
An Australian
production, a simple short film about communication.
Representation
- Roles of both male and female
social groups are represented in the film. The main characters are
represented as shy; I believe this because throughout the whole film there
is barely any dialogue and non between the main characters.
- The film deals with the issue
of social realism. The male character, Jason, is represented top feel alienated
in the big city. The picture above is a medium shot that captures Jason’s
facial expression representing him as timid and shy, he looks this way as
he has just been caught looking in a woman direction. Costume wise he
appears smart, however the grey suit and the dull facial expressions
throughout says he is bored and lonely.
- The
two main characters are a young male and a young female, who work in opposing
buildings. The female is represented in a tradition way as she dresses
typically feminine, for example her dress and long hair. However has more modern
traits; she makes the first move and introduces herself first, moreover
she is working in an office, and therefore a modern representation as traditionally
a woman wouldn’t be represented as equal to a male.
- Jason, the main male character isn’t represented in a traditional way, in fact quite the opposite, he is represented as timid and quiet, perhaps hence why there is no dialogue, furthermore he doesn’t make the first move.
Narrative
- The narrative is a typical love
story, which relies upon the stereotypical, boy meets girl storyline.
- Despite the short only lasting
for 12minutes by the end of it we feel that we have overcome all the ups
and downs a 2hours love story would and it is still as effective.
- Jason, is a shy character that
appears isolated in the big city. Whilst at work he comes across a woman
working in the opposite building. The two love struck characters meet eye
contact and begin to write one another messages from each of their
buildings. However during the middle of the film the female moves offices,
Jason dreads the thought of not seeing her again; this is a representation
of Todorov’s theory, as this is the disruption, however he does see her
again.
- I think they used the
chronological order in the short film so that the audience can make more
of a connection to it, the fact that we see their romance unfold is
effective. We also get to know our male character a little bit before we
meet the female; this builds up our emotional attachment to him.
Genre
- Genre is a clear romance, which
is prominent throughout the boy meets girl story line.
- Rick Altman’s theory of
semantic and syntactic applies as the story is based on iconography,
symbolic and repeated props, furthermore the common narrative features
that are typical the romance development. For example, the loves at first
sight approach.
Audience
- The film was part of the Schweppes Online Film Festival, an ad campaign
- I believe the audience this love film would relate to are females
that might find the idea of fate and the idea of love/romance endearing, which
can result in them watching the film and falling in love with the likable
characters.
- I believe the age this film would appeal to is 16+ as they will be
able to relate to the main characters.
Media language
- Firstly what I thought was
extremely effective was the timing of the takes. At the beginning where we
first see Jason, the takes are long and slow, this represents Jason’s dull
life. The takes then become progressively faster as Jason engages in the
relationship with Stacy, representing his sudden excitement that builds
and builds until he thinks that she has gone, were they become long once
again to represent his emotions.
- The limited amount of dialogue
is very effective as it almost represents Jason’s shyness. Setting the
mood is relied upon by the non diegetic music that represents the characters
thoughts and feelings throughout.
- The first shot we see of him is
the id-shot of Jason lying on his bed; with an alarm noise over the top
that represents his routine every morning. The shot is looking down on
him, this makes him appear as if he isn’t of much importance and therefore
not a traditional powerful man with status. We later go on to see that
this is an accurate representation of him.
- Jasons moods were represented
well throughout. Shot in narrow depth of field, Jason is the only one in
focus which draws the audiences attention to his depressive sad state.
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The Black
Hole, produced by Philip Sansom and Olly Williams that together are called “futureshorts”
in 2008. An ordinary office worked stumbles across a black hole whilst photocopying
and uses it to his advantage.
Representation
- The social realism relevant to
the film is the powerful message that it sends out about the danger of
greed.
- The mise en scene represents
the main and only character as a stereotypical worker, due to the costume,
shirt tie etc. his body language and facial expressions tell us he is
bored of his job and wants something new to happen. the grey tones
throughout the film, which is based in an office, represent the dull
atmosphere.
Narrative
- The narrative firstly shows
archetypical characters, the stereotypical office worker, which is fed up
with life and is longing for a miracle to happen and sure enough his miracle
happens in the form of a black whole. However it brings out his dark side
and uses it for greed. The film ends with an effective cliffhanger.
- Todorov’s theory can be applied
in this short, the equilibrium at the start, where the man is using the
black hole to his benefit, ends up inside of a locker and different
equilibrium to the first.
Genre
- I don’t believe there is a
particular genre that it comes under, however I do think It is partly a
thriller because of the eerie sound effects and fast pace clips.
- Steve Neale’s theory can be
referred to in this short as the thriller genre is repeated and the
difference is the narrative; Neale argued “instances of repetition and difference”
- Often films that don’t fit into a particular genre category are class as sub-genres
Audience
- Age and gender- I believe there is a huge age range that
this film would appeal to, firstly older males will have a instant
connection with the character as they may feel the same at their work
place and secondly most I’m sure can relate to what the character did with
the black whole. Secondly I believe younger boys will enjoy this as the
film uses CGI which is like heaven for younger boy’s imagination.
- http://vimeo.com/15759511
- http://shortsbay.com/film/the-black-hole
Media Language
- I found the editing interesting
in this short; by cutting the takes to determine the pace, they could use
them to represent the mans thoughts and feelings. For example at first the
cuts are very long, representing the mans boredom, after he find the black
hole the cutting pace become much faster showing his excitement.
- Another aspect I found intriguing
was the sound effects. The eerie noise that appeared every time the man
came in contact with it would have the audience on edge. I also thought
the sound of the photocopier in the background was effective and added to
the setting of the office.
- The opening pan intrigued me as
the man appeared isolated, I also thought it was effective as we had a
good view of the setting, the typical grey office environment.
Very good work Mia. Well done!
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