Wednesday 23 November 2016
Tuesday 22 November 2016
Monday 21 November 2016
Hotel Babylon 2
Improved Essay
The editing in this clip is very simple. This is because they do not use very many techniques and it is all very basic. This could be used to signify the lack of that the immigrants have as a stereotype. The first shot is a short reverse shot; this is used when the character is shown to be looking back at the police. An establishing shot is then used in the first 30 seconds to show the audience whereabouts the character going, this helps build suspense. This makes the audience feel like they are in the same situation and builds up tension. Because the police are in the clip and are shown to be hunting for someone, this can imply a lot. Alvardo's theory says that ethnic groups can be seen as dangerous and this is shown in this clip because the police are after them. This is very stereotypical but also it is the dominant ideology as it’s the ‘mainstream’ idea.
In this clip there are a lot of different ethnicities. An example of this is the kitchen staff as they are all from different backgrounds but everyone assumes that they are all the 'same' just because they are immigrants. A theory from Leon Festinger can be used to back this up. This is that the audience will not change their attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence of immigrants. The stereotype is that any ethnicity other than the ones that we are, are discriminated against. The director has done this to reflect the harsh truth and to hopefully get the audience to change some of their views. The director has done this in a good way because it is very realistic and lots of viewers will be able to relate. And when you can relate, you will know you need to make a change.
Fast Paced editing is used to show the immigrants rushing around the hotel. This shows the audience the panic they are going through; it puts the audience in their shoes. Lots of non-diegetic sound is used as music in the background which helps build tension. It represents their emotions as it is fast paced and could represent their hearts beating. Tracking shots are used to follow this sequence. This also signifies that the immigrants have no high power in society just because they are different ethnicities. Whereas in the hotel lobby, it is all peace and calm; just because they are from a different ethnic background. This is mainly aimed at white people who do not get discriminated as often as other backgrounds.
A close up shot of the immigrants is used when they are all crammed in the cupboard. It brings a sense of community as they are all trying to help each other out. The most powerful message came across when an immigrant used dialogue to say that he ‘wasn’t always a cleaner’. This is because he is shown to be helping a friend out. It shows that he is highly skilled, yet he is still getting discriminated against and seen as low skilled. The director used this to establish that they are not what we think they are and tried to add a sense of realism to it. The director also did this to try and stop with the stereotypes and try to stop xenophobia from the audience.
But, the white immigration team are storming around the hotel lobby with stern faces. A tracking shot is used to follow this and it can signify that they are the antagonist as they are a danger to other human beings. This is breaking the stereotype as usually the white people are the protagonists. But, it shows that they have a lot more status than the immigrants and that they are more important. But, the director has tried to make the audience feel sympathy for the immigrants and tried to make them change views for immigrants and stereotypes overall. Once the team capture at least one of the immigrants, they leave. This is because they only needed someone to bring back to their boss. This makes the audience feel as if the team have some feelings for the immigrants as they do not want to take them away, but they have to. This could be seen as unconventional as usually white people do not want any immigrants at all.
The editing in this clip is very simple. This is because they do not use very many techniques and it is all very basic. This could be used to signify the lack of that the immigrants have as a stereotype. The first shot is a short reverse shot; this is used when the character is shown to be looking back at the police. An establishing shot is then used in the first 30 seconds to show the audience whereabouts the character going, this helps build suspense. This makes the audience feel like they are in the same situation and builds up tension. Because the police are in the clip and are shown to be hunting for someone, this can imply a lot. Alvardo's theory says that ethnic groups can be seen as dangerous and this is shown in this clip because the police are after them. This is very stereotypical but also it is the dominant ideology as it’s the ‘mainstream’ idea.
In this clip there are a lot of different ethnicities. An example of this is the kitchen staff as they are all from different backgrounds but everyone assumes that they are all the 'same' just because they are immigrants. A theory from Leon Festinger can be used to back this up. This is that the audience will not change their attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence of immigrants. The stereotype is that any ethnicity other than the ones that we are, are discriminated against. The director has done this to reflect the harsh truth and to hopefully get the audience to change some of their views. The director has done this in a good way because it is very realistic and lots of viewers will be able to relate. And when you can relate, you will know you need to make a change.
Fast Paced editing is used to show the immigrants rushing around the hotel. This shows the audience the panic they are going through; it puts the audience in their shoes. Lots of non-diegetic sound is used as music in the background which helps build tension. It represents their emotions as it is fast paced and could represent their hearts beating. Tracking shots are used to follow this sequence. This also signifies that the immigrants have no high power in society just because they are different ethnicities. Whereas in the hotel lobby, it is all peace and calm; just because they are from a different ethnic background. This is mainly aimed at white people who do not get discriminated as often as other backgrounds.
A close up shot of the immigrants is used when they are all crammed in the cupboard. It brings a sense of community as they are all trying to help each other out. The most powerful message came across when an immigrant used dialogue to say that he ‘wasn’t always a cleaner’. This is because he is shown to be helping a friend out. It shows that he is highly skilled, yet he is still getting discriminated against and seen as low skilled. The director used this to establish that they are not what we think they are and tried to add a sense of realism to it. The director also did this to try and stop with the stereotypes and try to stop xenophobia from the audience.
But, the white immigration team are storming around the hotel lobby with stern faces. A tracking shot is used to follow this and it can signify that they are the antagonist as they are a danger to other human beings. This is breaking the stereotype as usually the white people are the protagonists. But, it shows that they have a lot more status than the immigrants and that they are more important. But, the director has tried to make the audience feel sympathy for the immigrants and tried to make them change views for immigrants and stereotypes overall. Once the team capture at least one of the immigrants, they leave. This is because they only needed someone to bring back to their boss. This makes the audience feel as if the team have some feelings for the immigrants as they do not want to take them away, but they have to. This could be seen as unconventional as usually white people do not want any immigrants at all.
Friday 18 November 2016
Stereotype Assumptions
Tessa Perkins
A stereotype of illegal immigrants is that they have little skills and will always be doing to simple jobs for the smallest wage. In Hotel Babylon, all of the immigrants are either shown to be working in the kitchen or cleaning. This slightly counteracts the stereotype as some of the immigrants are working in the kitchen which you have to have some skills for. But, the majority of immigrants are not white and are from a different background. This establishes that it is the minority groups that are being stereotyped. It also implies that they are less powerful. But, the stereotype is overcome and made positive at one point. This is when one of the immigrants has fallen ill and another person saves them. This is because he was once a doctor and is highly skilled, but most people assume that they all have little skills. This helps to position the audience to feel differently and have sympathy for the immigrants. Tessa's theory said that it can not be held about one's own group which is represented in Hotel Babylon as the illegal immigrants are all from different parts of the world.
Leon Festinger
He can be used to explain the popularity of similar TV dramas like Hotel Babylon. These shows were popular because they used the general stereotypes that were around and they were what everyone agreed with and believed. Festiger's theory was that people resist to adjust their attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence against it. In Hotel Babylon it confirms those views because they show the stereotype of illegal immigrants and ethnicity. It also identifies that the police who are taking away the immigrants are the antagonists when they should actually be the protagonists because they are 'heroes' in society.
A stereotype of illegal immigrants is that they have little skills and will always be doing to simple jobs for the smallest wage. In Hotel Babylon, all of the immigrants are either shown to be working in the kitchen or cleaning. This slightly counteracts the stereotype as some of the immigrants are working in the kitchen which you have to have some skills for. But, the majority of immigrants are not white and are from a different background. This establishes that it is the minority groups that are being stereotyped. It also implies that they are less powerful. But, the stereotype is overcome and made positive at one point. This is when one of the immigrants has fallen ill and another person saves them. This is because he was once a doctor and is highly skilled, but most people assume that they all have little skills. This helps to position the audience to feel differently and have sympathy for the immigrants. Tessa's theory said that it can not be held about one's own group which is represented in Hotel Babylon as the illegal immigrants are all from different parts of the world.
Leon Festinger
He can be used to explain the popularity of similar TV dramas like Hotel Babylon. These shows were popular because they used the general stereotypes that were around and they were what everyone agreed with and believed. Festiger's theory was that people resist to adjust their attitudes unless faced with overwhelming evidence against it. In Hotel Babylon it confirms those views because they show the stereotype of illegal immigrants and ethnicity. It also identifies that the police who are taking away the immigrants are the antagonists when they should actually be the protagonists because they are 'heroes' in society.
Monday 7 November 2016
Ex_Machina Research
producer
DNA Films and Film4
director
Alex Garland
distributor
Universal Films
cast
Alicia Vikander, Oscar Issac, Domhnall Gleeson, Sonoya Mizuno
budget
$15 million
locations
Norway and England
technology
No green screens, a costume made of grey mesh
number of screen - opening weekend
1255 (USA)
number of screens - peak number
2004 (USA)
box office figures
$36.9 million
the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;
Ex Machina was produced by two British production companies. These are both well established, but they are not as popular as others. Also, some people believe that British companies do not make films as good as American production companies (such as Paramount and Warner Brothers). Another issue is that the film had a very low budget compared to other films. People may be put off to watch a film with a low budget because they think it will not be as good as a higher budget film. An example of this is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This had a budget of $306 million, which exceeds Ex Machinas budget of $15 million. Ex Machina was not able to have a larger budget because it was produced by two smaller companies.
the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;
The two companies that collaborated together were Film4 and DNA Films. This was in hope to make a bigger profit from the budget that they had. They marketed the film in many different ways, the stand out for them was using Tinder. Tinder is an online dating app where you can find people around you. At the SXSW Festival in Austin, users of Tinder had seen a woman called Ava. She is a character in the film, so not actually a real person. The people who swiped right for her started to have conversations with her, thinking as if she was a real person. She asked questions just how she did in the film, but the majority of users did not suspect it was not real. This was used to promote the film and encourage the users to go and see it.
DNA Films and Film4
director
Alex Garland
distributor
Universal Films
cast
Alicia Vikander, Oscar Issac, Domhnall Gleeson, Sonoya Mizuno
budget
$15 million
locations
Norway and England
technology
No green screens, a costume made of grey mesh
number of screen - opening weekend
1255 (USA)
number of screens - peak number
2004 (USA)
box office figures
$36.9 million
the issues raised by media ownership in contemporary media practice;
Ex Machina was produced by two British production companies. These are both well established, but they are not as popular as others. Also, some people believe that British companies do not make films as good as American production companies (such as Paramount and Warner Brothers). Another issue is that the film had a very low budget compared to other films. People may be put off to watch a film with a low budget because they think it will not be as good as a higher budget film. An example of this is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This had a budget of $306 million, which exceeds Ex Machinas budget of $15 million. Ex Machina was not able to have a larger budget because it was produced by two smaller companies.
the importance of cross media convergence and synergy in production, distribution and marketing;
The two companies that collaborated together were Film4 and DNA Films. This was in hope to make a bigger profit from the budget that they had. They marketed the film in many different ways, the stand out for them was using Tinder. Tinder is an online dating app where you can find people around you. At the SXSW Festival in Austin, users of Tinder had seen a woman called Ava. She is a character in the film, so not actually a real person. The people who swiped right for her started to have conversations with her, thinking as if she was a real person. She asked questions just how she did in the film, but the majority of users did not suspect it was not real. This was used to promote the film and encourage the users to go and see it.
Ex Machina Review
I recently watched the film Ex Machina which I surprisingly enjoyed. I say surprisingly because I was sceptical due to its low budget. The budget was $15 million which is low if you expect the film to be good. The film does not contain many roles as it is a maximum of four people on screen at a time. These characters included actors Domhnall Gleeson (Caleb), Oscar Issac (Nathan), Alicia Vikander (Ava) and Sonoya Mizuno (Kyoko). None of these are A List stars so this lowered my expectations for the film. But, for the budget and cast, this film is outstanding. The box office it gained was $36.9 million, which is huge for a small budget film.
It is a very futuristic based film which can give viewers an insight of life in the future. It is creative in the making of the robot that is featured throughout the film, her name is Ava. She is sexualised in the film which some viewers may disagree with as she is a robot, but this makes it seem more realistic. A reason why the film is so stunning is due to the fact that it was filmed in Norway. Norway is a beautiful place and really suited the aesthetic to this film. A stand out feature that surprises many viewers is that no green screens were used to create the amazing visual effects. This also adds to the setting as Nathan's house is actually there. Nathan is one of the main characters and he "controls" Ava. He is her creator and has total possession of her. This makes the audience feel a connection with Ava, even though she is only a robot. But this makes you feel emotion for her, and leaves you thinking if robots do actually have feelings.
The film starts off the action when Caleb arrives at Nathan's luxury house, this is when it really grabs the audiences attention as you do not know what will happen. You will gain different feelings for Nathan as you just don't know whether to trust him or not. He seems like a nice character but you can just tell he has some dark secrets. This is why I enjoyed the film as I started to realise what the characters were like, it made me feel as if I personally knew them and that I was the "lucky winner". It also made me connect with Ava the robot and made me be on her side. This is the beauty of this film.
Overall I believe that this film is for any ages as the ideas are complex but simple to understand. As soon as the film is over you will be left wondering what life would be like with robots as it is very realistic. Lovers of Sci-Fi and lovers of the complete opposite will be engaged with this film and enjoy it. The way the Garland directed this film is simple yet so effective, this is due to the fact that he can make a whole engaging storyline, with three main characters. He is known for his classics; such as 'Never Let Me Go' and his famous novel 'The Beach'. But I personally believe that this is his top creation so far. I've never seen anything else like it. Also, as it was made in 2015, it can give them audience on a feel for the future in a creative way which is actually believable, I think that this was Garlands aim.
I give this film 4/5 stars.
It is a very futuristic based film which can give viewers an insight of life in the future. It is creative in the making of the robot that is featured throughout the film, her name is Ava. She is sexualised in the film which some viewers may disagree with as she is a robot, but this makes it seem more realistic. A reason why the film is so stunning is due to the fact that it was filmed in Norway. Norway is a beautiful place and really suited the aesthetic to this film. A stand out feature that surprises many viewers is that no green screens were used to create the amazing visual effects. This also adds to the setting as Nathan's house is actually there. Nathan is one of the main characters and he "controls" Ava. He is her creator and has total possession of her. This makes the audience feel a connection with Ava, even though she is only a robot. But this makes you feel emotion for her, and leaves you thinking if robots do actually have feelings.
The film starts off the action when Caleb arrives at Nathan's luxury house, this is when it really grabs the audiences attention as you do not know what will happen. You will gain different feelings for Nathan as you just don't know whether to trust him or not. He seems like a nice character but you can just tell he has some dark secrets. This is why I enjoyed the film as I started to realise what the characters were like, it made me feel as if I personally knew them and that I was the "lucky winner". It also made me connect with Ava the robot and made me be on her side. This is the beauty of this film.
Overall I believe that this film is for any ages as the ideas are complex but simple to understand. As soon as the film is over you will be left wondering what life would be like with robots as it is very realistic. Lovers of Sci-Fi and lovers of the complete opposite will be engaged with this film and enjoy it. The way the Garland directed this film is simple yet so effective, this is due to the fact that he can make a whole engaging storyline, with three main characters. He is known for his classics; such as 'Never Let Me Go' and his famous novel 'The Beach'. But I personally believe that this is his top creation so far. I've never seen anything else like it. Also, as it was made in 2015, it can give them audience on a feel for the future in a creative way which is actually believable, I think that this was Garlands aim.
I give this film 4/5 stars.
Friday 4 November 2016
Doc Martin Regional Identity
Editing
The type of editing used throughout this scene is continuity. This is because it helps the audience follow what is happening and make it easier to understand. This helped follow the sequence when the plumbers are fixing the sinks. This showed regional identity by them taking a long time to do a simple task for them. This is a stereotype because people from the Cornish area tend to be "backwards". This means that they are not up to speed with the latest technologies and do not have good skills. Also, one of the workers is shown to be using a telephone with a cord. This shows regional identity because most people use smart phones nowadays because that is the latest technology.
A cut is used to join to the next scene. This is when Doc Martin is walking the dog in an angry matter. It uses cuts to follow where he is pacing to. Continuity editing is used once again to follow the conversation of the policeman and Doc Martin when he enters. It then cuts to Doc Martin walking down the street while a lady approaches him. The street is very narrow and has lots of small buildings surrounding it.
It then cuts to him walking down the street where continuity editing is used. When Martin is shown walking down the street and stops, reverse shots are used. This is to show him and the lady staring at each other.
Camera
The camera is firstly placed at a low angle so the viewer can see what the plumbers are doing. It also shows them a bigger picture of the room they are working on. The room is very dark and dull with no stand out features. This is because they live in an area where nothing is unique and everyone is stilling living in the past. This is because they have no modern features or brightness like other parts of the regions. The camera shot is a mid shot so the viewer can see all three of the characters talking. The camera then zooms onto the larger man so the audience can focus on him, but then turns to Doc Martin to see his response. The audience can tell that Doc Martin is not from around here because he is not interested in the area that they are talking about. But, the two workers from the area are interested because they live there.
While Doc is taking the dog to the police, a tracking shot is used to follow where he is going. It also shows the audience the small village town that they live in. This is a typical Somerset area where everything is slightly outdated. When Doc Martin appears in the police station, an establishing shot is used to show the policeman cleaning the floor and then to see what he looks like. The station is outdated just like the house and is full of dull colours. This is because they are from the Cornish area where it is not very modern.
When Doc Martin has left the station and walking down the street, a tracking shot is used to follow him. Shallow focused is used to focus on the lady that approaches him. This shows the viewer that she is the focus on the next scene. While they have the conversation a tracking shot is used to show her closing her car door. The car is very old, so it once again shows that they live "backwards". The tracking shot follows the conversation that they are having and to once again show the area. The walls are cobbled like an old English village which is not modern, this shows regional identity as a stereotype.
A wide shot is used while Doc is walking down the long slanted street next to the school. The camera then zooms to a close-up of a teacher in the school window. It then keeps zooming onto to her. This signifies that she is important in this scene. Depth of field is used while the old lady and Martin communicate. This represents regional identity because they are placing fresh vegetables in boxes. The stereotype of the Somerset area is that they are rural and are "backwards". This shows that because most modern areas do not grow their own crops. A mid shot in then used to show them entering the building.
Sound
Throughout the scene, diegetic sound is mainly used (dialogue). It represents regional identity by the two plumbers talking in a Cornish accent. They are very talkative and it is not relevant to what they are supposed to be doing. They are all very calm while Martin is showed as angry. Synchronous sound is used at this point because the dog in the scene is barking and Martin is shouting.
When it cuts to the next scene, non diegetic sound appears. This is because music plays in the back. This is used to build tension while he is taking the dog away. This is because the audience doesn't know where the dog is being taken to. The policeman who is cleaning stops the non diegetic sound by using a non-modern hoover. This fits in with the regional identity because they do not have the newest technology. The music then plays quitter in the background, which has added more tension. When Martin is walking down the street, you can hear the sound of seagulls and the waves which represents that it is a seaside village.
The music starts again once it cuts to the next scene. The music is used to be tension which it succeeds this and hints that Martin may encounter a problem. It then changes once he has spotted the lady in the window, this creates more tension as it fades in and becomes louder. It then stops when the lady calls him over, which signifies he has lost his attention to the lady.
Mise-en-scene
The dark room with the sink shows that the building is old, just like the village. The room is dull and not functional, this is because the plumbers are trying to fix it. This location does not have much character to it as it is colourless and empty, it is also dirty. Doc Martin is shown to be wearing a suit which is not the regional identity to this area. This is because no one dresses up smart around there. This makes him stand out. The larger plumber is impractical as he messes up the job and all he does is eat. While the other is not doing the job to the best standard so is also impractical. This is because the regional identity of the area is that they are not up to date with modern jobs etc.
The location of the village is very dated as the cobbled streets are very small and windy which signifies that it is an old town. The shops are narrow just like the houses. Also, all the buildings are attached and look extremely similar. This shows that people from this region are not up to date with the modern world and are living an outdated standard of living. This is different from regions such as South England as they are known to be very classy and modern.
The type of editing used throughout this scene is continuity. This is because it helps the audience follow what is happening and make it easier to understand. This helped follow the sequence when the plumbers are fixing the sinks. This showed regional identity by them taking a long time to do a simple task for them. This is a stereotype because people from the Cornish area tend to be "backwards". This means that they are not up to speed with the latest technologies and do not have good skills. Also, one of the workers is shown to be using a telephone with a cord. This shows regional identity because most people use smart phones nowadays because that is the latest technology.
A cut is used to join to the next scene. This is when Doc Martin is walking the dog in an angry matter. It uses cuts to follow where he is pacing to. Continuity editing is used once again to follow the conversation of the policeman and Doc Martin when he enters. It then cuts to Doc Martin walking down the street while a lady approaches him. The street is very narrow and has lots of small buildings surrounding it.
It then cuts to him walking down the street where continuity editing is used. When Martin is shown walking down the street and stops, reverse shots are used. This is to show him and the lady staring at each other.
Camera
The camera is firstly placed at a low angle so the viewer can see what the plumbers are doing. It also shows them a bigger picture of the room they are working on. The room is very dark and dull with no stand out features. This is because they live in an area where nothing is unique and everyone is stilling living in the past. This is because they have no modern features or brightness like other parts of the regions. The camera shot is a mid shot so the viewer can see all three of the characters talking. The camera then zooms onto the larger man so the audience can focus on him, but then turns to Doc Martin to see his response. The audience can tell that Doc Martin is not from around here because he is not interested in the area that they are talking about. But, the two workers from the area are interested because they live there.
While Doc is taking the dog to the police, a tracking shot is used to follow where he is going. It also shows the audience the small village town that they live in. This is a typical Somerset area where everything is slightly outdated. When Doc Martin appears in the police station, an establishing shot is used to show the policeman cleaning the floor and then to see what he looks like. The station is outdated just like the house and is full of dull colours. This is because they are from the Cornish area where it is not very modern.
When Doc Martin has left the station and walking down the street, a tracking shot is used to follow him. Shallow focused is used to focus on the lady that approaches him. This shows the viewer that she is the focus on the next scene. While they have the conversation a tracking shot is used to show her closing her car door. The car is very old, so it once again shows that they live "backwards". The tracking shot follows the conversation that they are having and to once again show the area. The walls are cobbled like an old English village which is not modern, this shows regional identity as a stereotype.
A wide shot is used while Doc is walking down the long slanted street next to the school. The camera then zooms to a close-up of a teacher in the school window. It then keeps zooming onto to her. This signifies that she is important in this scene. Depth of field is used while the old lady and Martin communicate. This represents regional identity because they are placing fresh vegetables in boxes. The stereotype of the Somerset area is that they are rural and are "backwards". This shows that because most modern areas do not grow their own crops. A mid shot in then used to show them entering the building.
Sound
Throughout the scene, diegetic sound is mainly used (dialogue). It represents regional identity by the two plumbers talking in a Cornish accent. They are very talkative and it is not relevant to what they are supposed to be doing. They are all very calm while Martin is showed as angry. Synchronous sound is used at this point because the dog in the scene is barking and Martin is shouting.
When it cuts to the next scene, non diegetic sound appears. This is because music plays in the back. This is used to build tension while he is taking the dog away. This is because the audience doesn't know where the dog is being taken to. The policeman who is cleaning stops the non diegetic sound by using a non-modern hoover. This fits in with the regional identity because they do not have the newest technology. The music then plays quitter in the background, which has added more tension. When Martin is walking down the street, you can hear the sound of seagulls and the waves which represents that it is a seaside village.
The music starts again once it cuts to the next scene. The music is used to be tension which it succeeds this and hints that Martin may encounter a problem. It then changes once he has spotted the lady in the window, this creates more tension as it fades in and becomes louder. It then stops when the lady calls him over, which signifies he has lost his attention to the lady.
Mise-en-scene
The dark room with the sink shows that the building is old, just like the village. The room is dull and not functional, this is because the plumbers are trying to fix it. This location does not have much character to it as it is colourless and empty, it is also dirty. Doc Martin is shown to be wearing a suit which is not the regional identity to this area. This is because no one dresses up smart around there. This makes him stand out. The larger plumber is impractical as he messes up the job and all he does is eat. While the other is not doing the job to the best standard so is also impractical. This is because the regional identity of the area is that they are not up to date with modern jobs etc.
The location of the village is very dated as the cobbled streets are very small and windy which signifies that it is an old town. The shops are narrow just like the houses. Also, all the buildings are attached and look extremely similar. This shows that people from this region are not up to date with the modern world and are living an outdated standard of living. This is different from regions such as South England as they are known to be very classy and modern.
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