5. How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
Throughout the film 'Princesas', produced in 2005, we're shown the harsh reality of the culture in Spain of the people within/below the poverty line, as women resort to selling their bodies for money through prostitution. It is apparent that some of the footage taken of the night life on the street in Madrid is actual footage of the women doing what they call 'business'. The opening scene introduces the city of Madrid and the life within as the handheld camera, of the scenic environment within the city, out the car window. The fast side tracking, long-shots of the slums and the condensed, dirty buildings highlight it's real life elements and conveys the poverty setting the scene of the characters. Then the camera shows us a mid shot of Caye highlighting that she is looking out the window at the city in which she lives. The sequence then cuts to a shot from inside a hospital looking out at the Caye as she walks through the entrance doors. This has been done to signify that there is always something in the middle of the camera and Caye, indicating a separation from Caye and the audience viewing insinuating she is very different to us and lives a very different lifestyle. As we realise Caye is entering a hospital, due to the diegetic sound of announcements for the patients and doctors, this would give us the impression she is visiting a family member or friend due to the high level of drugs and violence from society. From this moment, our impressions of Caye being a typical female, inferior, and polite, change due to her assertiveness with the group of lads. She instantly takes control of the situation and tells them what is going to happen and what definitely isn't going to happen without a price. This reinforces her dominance over the lads as she instantly puts them in their place, further highlighting her confidence which conveys she has done this before. This is shot as a mid-shot, naturally framed by the door frame, this puts all focus on Caye as we also find out her occupation as a prostitute. Moreover, the mise-en-scene of the hospital room is very enclosed as the group of lads fill the room making it more compact along with the drown curtains, blocking out the sun and the freedom outside. This all suggests the that Caye is trapped, specifically in her deprived, working class and the society in which she lives in.
Tuesday 24 January 2017
Thursday 8 December 2016
Presentation Scrip
Presentation Script- Lucy Carr
Can James Cameron be defined as an auteur with the theme of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre?
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "Brief introduction of an auteur and its possible connection with James Cameron"
SPEAKER: My research explores the capability of James
Cameron existing an auteur. The aim of an auteur is the ability to distinguish
the recurring theme throughout their films, whether they play on a genre or a
specific theme. I believe James Cameron follows a significant theme of 'humans
against technology' within his suggested preference of the Science Fiction
genre (item 15).Can James Cameron be defined as an auteur with the theme of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre?
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "Brief introduction of an auteur and its possible connection with James Cameron"
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "The Preparation" (Choosing the three main films)
- The expectations of the genre 'Science Fiction' …(small para) done
- How Cameron interprets the genre…add a scene from each films where this is shown (big big big para of each film) 2/3
- James Cameron's influences for this genre… talk about his childhood (small para) Done
- The advance of technology throughout Cameron's films show through each films (small para) done
- Further information on the Auteur Theory and Cameron's capability… what links between each focus film would imply this (big para)
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "Production"
PROJECTOR: "The Science Fiction Genre"
SPEAKER: The Sci-fi genre is a "visually and technically stunning"
(item 9) performance that
cinematography provides to the screen. It often contains the optimum level of
advanced technology within the narrative to give a sense of verisimilitude.
Traditionally we would expect the typical science fiction film to challenge
science influencing a passive audience to believe it is actually possible.
Science Fiction originated in 1925-1930, although there were isolated signs of
its use in the 1850's, as the texts often included the use of imagined advanced
technology and a non-linear narrative that are conventions of a Sci-fi film.
However as science and knowledge has developed it creates "that magic, that other world kinda
dream-like quality" (item 9),
but also changes attitudes and the growing understanding of time and space
and our positioning within the universe, establishes a major influence on
global thought because our developing of technology is on-going, allowing us to
find a link between science fiction and reality within the film plot.
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "James Cameron's
interpretation of the genre"
PROJECTOR: The Terminator (1984 (item 2)
SPEAKER: The Terminator is one of James Cameron’s first big
films where he enhances his skills within the Science Fiction genre and clearly
portrays its individual conventions. Firstly, the setting of the film is made
up to believe the film is set in the past, being our present day, and the
Terminator and Kyle are from the future who have come back in time through a
portal. This plot absorbs the audience in the mission as they’re instantly
indicated the intentions of the Terminator giving us the assumption he’s going
to complete his mission or there will be a disruption to his equilibrium, as if
"everything was always going to play
out exactly the way it did" (item
8). Additionally, the non-linear narrative and the possibility of an
alternate timeline, allows the audience to see the narrative from a more
neutral perspective as they’ve never experienced this before. The Terminator
illustrates the narrative theme of good vs. evil throughout as we see a clear
conflict between the machine and the humans, further reinforcing the ‘humans
against technology’ theme. This has been done in the way to make the robot seem
dangerous, like an unstoppable weapon, as his human body disguise allows him to
seem completely normal. This theme symbolises the conflict within society and
the relations between different cultures and countries. Although the overriding
theme within the Terminator is the passage of time, as its “impact of the past on the present, of the
present on the future and….the effect the future can have on the past” (item 14), is a main convention of the
horror genre, because of its leading to the non-linear narrative structure.
During the action car chase scene after Kyle throws the bomb into the exhaust
of the truck, there is a mid-shot of the front window on fire
naturally framing the Terminator inside the truck reinforces how he doesn’t
belong in the present day. The sequence cuts to a close up shot of the
Terminators melted face mask revealing his metal frame and the piercing red eye
prominently shining through. This shot emphasises the futuristic/scientific
technology and its importance within the plot. Therefore has been used to gain
more of an impact on the viewers as they may start believing the image they’re
seeing on the screen as possible for our near future. This then leads to the
audience’s arising rhetorical question "Do alternative universes exist?" (item 8), as their scientific imaginations develop, allowing them to
visualise the possibility of new technology taking over mankind.
PROJECTOR: Avatar (2009 (item 1)
SPEAKER: Avatar is set in the mid-22nd century,
when humans invade Pandora to mine for minerals, however the expansion of
mining jeopardises the existence of the local Na’vi tribe. The name ‘Avatar’
comes from the genetically engineered Na’vi body, created by the humans, used
for interaction between humans and the natives. This is my focus film due to
the way in which Cameron interestingly places the humans to turn against each
other enflamed by the increase of intimacy between the Avatar and a female from
the Na’vi tribe. This resulted in the humans fighting against the technology in
which they created, supporting the key theme within Cameron’s films, being ‘humans
against technology’, as this film conveys these contrasting rivalries. More so,
the humans fighting against the local Na’vi, who are alien-like and from a
different planet, also illustrates a clear convention of the Science Fiction
genre as it further leads the audience to speculate the existence of life on
other planets. Therefore the plot instantly “absorbs us in a mission before it involves us in an adventure” (item 6), this is due to the original
reason for landing on Pandora was to mine, not knowing the physical obstacles
in the way, such as the natives fighting back. This is evident in the scene
where the humans plan to invade the Na’vi lands with all their machinery and
aircrafts to destroy home tree and the natives ambush their arrival into their
forest. This sequence is filled with fast cuts of shot-reverse-shot between
low-angled, close ups of the Avatars and the Na’vis faces illustrating their
reactions to the human’s intentions. Cutting to high-angled, extreme-long shots
of the space crafts to portray the way in which they don’t belong in the world
of Pandora as the mise-en-scene of the colourful scenery contrasts with the
grey mechanical machinery belonging to the humans. Within the narrative, we are
constantly reminded of the new technology being constructed, leading the
audience to question the ability of science in the future. James Cameron has
done this to indicate a sense of verisimilitude creating a dialogue between
these new ideas and the technological/scientific imaginations of the viewers.
This then symbolises the futuristic elements within the film such as the
cartoon-like appearance of the Na’vi, as "it was only a matter of time before it [the technology] became mature
enough as an art we [James Cameron and producers] could begin the avatar
process" (item 10). Cameron
decided to delay the production of the film by 10 years as the wait for our
technology to advance, in order for the film to capture more high quality,
visual features, lead to very successful imagery, for example the facial
animation. James Cameron’s use of CGI and special effects was to help make the
environment more realistic, enhancing the imaginations of the audience, this
further reinforces the futuristic look about the planet as Cameron’s “revolutions in special effects technology
have seared themselves into the cultural lexicon” (Item 4) consistently challenging what cinemas are able to deliver.
PROJECTOR: Aliens (1986 (item 3)
SPEAKER: Even though ‘Aliens’ is classed as a hybrid, mixing
fantasy/thriller, I argue it carrying more elements of a Science Fiction genre.
This is because the environment in which the film was set, being outer space,
is a common location used within the Sci-Fi- genre. James Cameron has done this
due to the audience not being able to relate to life in space, therefore allows
them to see the narrative on a more neutral level. Aliens is about a women who
returns to a planet to where she previously encountered with the alien
creature. Discovering that, after their departure, an alien was living in the
pipes of the space ship and one-by-one killing the humans. This plot is typical
for Science Fiction as the “apocalyptic
scenarios and human endurance" (Item 4) show key conflicts between good
and evil, reinforcing the ‘humans against technology’ theme, as this new form
of life, highlighting the possible existence of life on other planets,
symbolises futuristic elements. This has been done to make the viewers believe
the story they’re being told, as they use familiar elements of technology in a
fictional way, helping to make connections between fiction and reality. This is
evident in the scene when they plan to kill the aliens in their ship and we’re
instantly drawn into the film, with a close-up shot of a man’s face as if we’re
standing next to him within the tight space. Additionally there is a red tint
within the screen conveying their strong emotions of pride and strength to
fight against the aliens, also illustrating a warning, as if something bad is
going to happen. Cameron has done this to build tension as we couldn’t imagine
being in their situation. Within the dialogue, a man is counting down the detected
distance in which the aliens are to them as we’re shown a close-up of his
nervous sweaty face while he stares at the big mechanical doors. Failing to
realise the aliens were actually approaching from above, this reinforces the
fear of "things that can jump
out of the dark and kill you" (item
6) highlighting the danger in which they’re in and their suggested
inevitable fate. This further builds suspense as the human’s endurance, waiting
as expecting the aliens to strike at any moment, is emphasised by the dialogue
as it appears like a countdown to a possible death. This film is the sequel to
the original ‘Alien’ 1979 directed by Ridley Scott and the main element carried
out between both films is the use “of
strong women and driven men” (item 4).
The typical female character role in Sci-Fi films is stereotyped as naïve and
introvert, whereas the Alien franchise portray a fearless women, eager to fight
and defend themselves. This is evident the way in which Ellen Ripley (Sigourney
Weaver) is protecting the young girl within the fight scene I previously
mentioned portraying the strengths to put her body at risk for the young girl,
in order to protect her. This could illustrate a theme within each film, of
expected character roles changing, however illustrates Cameron’s style as he
incorporates this more dominant female character within Avatar (item 1) and the following Terminator
films.
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "James Cameron's influences for his
preference to the Sci-Fi genre"
SPEAKER: From a very young age, Cameron has been surrounded
by the arts and science, claiming his uncool status as a "science geek" (item 12). His father being the more the 'hands-on', engineering
type and his mother being a nurse and an artist gave him the familiarity of
creativity, this could've lead to his imagination progressing into futuristic
technology and the science behind it. Cameron was always encouraged by his
parents to work on his strengths at his optimum level, his favourite hobbies as
a child were “doing art and exploring”
(item 12), he would explore the
local woodland area. Using his imagination, this would have helped its
development, resulting in his artistic revelations today and his skill of “trying to create a window that draws you
into a reality” (item 10). The
ultimate turning point for James Cameron was the first time he watched ‘2001 A
Space Odyssey’, as it was the first time he thought of cinema as a piece of
art. Also, he doesn’t recall there being other films that had “a making-of book that was highly, highly detailed”
(item 12) soon after, he found
himself making little space ships and galactic backgrounds, stealing his
father’s camera and essentially creating a mini film. Cameron’s skills then
grew resulting in his futuristic science and beautiful artistic themes within
his film and the endurance of humans within the ‘other world’ environments.
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "The advance of technology
throughout Cameron's films"
SPEAKER: As Cameron’s creative imagination and technological
visions have improved through experience, it is also visible throughout his
films as the graphics become more realistic, for example "the Terminator removing its eye, a woman
encased in the loader fighting an alien mother... [and] the terrifying last
moments of RMS titanic” (item 4).
These are all highlighting the evolution of film effects technology and James
Cameron’s way of using it to create successful imagery as his scientific
creativity constantly challenges the ability of cinematography. Furthermore, it
is said that “Avatar 2 will be shot
underwater, which presents its own set of problems that the
infamously perfectionist director is no doubt working to overcome"
(Item 7). This further depicts
Cameron’s determination to create a film exactly the way he imagines it,
perfecting every little detail, reinforcing the persistent pressure on
technology to meet what James Cameron entails. Therefore highlights the
improvement of verisimilitude within Cameron’s films due to the advance on
technology.
TITLE ON PROJECTOR: "Auteur Theory and Cameron's
capability"
SPEAKER: The Auteur theory is the personal expressions of
ideas/themes and incorporated into films however further following this
particular theme throughout all films as it is the main personal interest.
James Cameron’s films are dominated by his particular concerns with vision, “whether
they are visions of the past or the future…of heroism and villainy” (Item 4). With Cameron’s childhood being surrounded
by science and art, would have an effect on his work today as he still carries
these interests. Cameron’s vast imagination as a child grew more mature and
creative, as his thoughts on science and technology already existed, he then
had the required mind to create a visually impressive image as he is
“forever altering what cinema is capable of" (item 4). Therefore, I believe James Cameron is an auteur as his
preference to the Sci-Fi genre is foreshadowed through his unique style in
filming.
Sunday 20 November 2016
Practise Question 'Chungking Express'
5. How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
Within the film ‘Chungking Express’, we’re revealed two stories, first about the night life and the second about life in the day. We see similar themes within both anecdotes as the males, (Cop 223 and Cop 663) from each story, are hung up over their ex’s and are heartbroken for their separation. I believe the most distinctive scene that uses quality film techniques is when the waitress tells Cop 663 that a women (his ex) had left him a letter. Prior to her breaking this news there’s a recurring mid over-the-shoulder, two-shot of them together. This concealing shot cuts out the big counter that physically separates the two characters leaving us to believe they’re closer and more intimate. Within the mise-en-scene the waitresses clothing of a big love heart on her t-shirt is placed within the centre of them bringing the possibility of them being love interests. However as this love heart is blue, it could symbolise how Cop 663 is cold hearted and still upset over his ex and hung over what happened in the past and he is frozen in time thinking only about her. Moreover the diegetic song in the background from her stereo is blasting out ‘California Dreaming’ by the Beatles, this has been used to illustrate the mix of cultures within Hong Kong but the domination of Western culture, this is further conveyed through the mise-en-scene as this mid-shot reveals a Coke machine.
Moving on, as the waitress turns the music off it leaves the atmosphere in the air more serious as the Cop rejects the letter. Then the scene cuts to a wide angle, eye-level shot of the Cop facing away from the counter and the waitress looking at the Cop. Also the mise-en-scene reveals the big counter between them emphasising how the mood has become more intense, this has been done to suggest he knows what the letter contains and that he doesn’t want to face its content. Throughout this shot, a film technique called ‘smudge motion’ is used and it gives the impression of time speeding up as if the focus point, Cop 663, is still stuck in the past. This technique has been used to portray how he can’t get over his ex-girlfriend and that he may not even notice the waitress, let alone think of her as a possible love interest. Therefore this film does benefit for its vast use of film techniques.
Within the film ‘Chungking Express’, we’re revealed two stories, first about the night life and the second about life in the day. We see similar themes within both anecdotes as the males, (Cop 223 and Cop 663) from each story, are hung up over their ex’s and are heartbroken for their separation. I believe the most distinctive scene that uses quality film techniques is when the waitress tells Cop 663 that a women (his ex) had left him a letter. Prior to her breaking this news there’s a recurring mid over-the-shoulder, two-shot of them together. This concealing shot cuts out the big counter that physically separates the two characters leaving us to believe they’re closer and more intimate. Within the mise-en-scene the waitresses clothing of a big love heart on her t-shirt is placed within the centre of them bringing the possibility of them being love interests. However as this love heart is blue, it could symbolise how Cop 663 is cold hearted and still upset over his ex and hung over what happened in the past and he is frozen in time thinking only about her. Moreover the diegetic song in the background from her stereo is blasting out ‘California Dreaming’ by the Beatles, this has been used to illustrate the mix of cultures within Hong Kong but the domination of Western culture, this is further conveyed through the mise-en-scene as this mid-shot reveals a Coke machine.
Moving on, as the waitress turns the music off it leaves the atmosphere in the air more serious as the Cop rejects the letter. Then the scene cuts to a wide angle, eye-level shot of the Cop facing away from the counter and the waitress looking at the Cop. Also the mise-en-scene reveals the big counter between them emphasising how the mood has become more intense, this has been done to suggest he knows what the letter contains and that he doesn’t want to face its content. Throughout this shot, a film technique called ‘smudge motion’ is used and it gives the impression of time speeding up as if the focus point, Cop 663, is still stuck in the past. This technique has been used to portray how he can’t get over his ex-girlfriend and that he may not even notice the waitress, let alone think of her as a possible love interest. Therefore this film does benefit for its vast use of film techniques.
Monday 7 November 2016
Practise Question 'City Of God'
5. how far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
In the 'City of God' we see many situations where the characters are forced to make a choice, although their decisions are never listened to. In particular, a scene that conveys this is when a group of young kids are squashed-up, the mine-en-scene reveals them sitting in a fenced pig sty, as if they're locked in like animals and trapped. This is shown using hand held camera as they're dominating that area although the close-up, high eye level shots of the individual children emphasising the extent of they restriction, further suggesting it symbolises their whole life style, that the people living in the favelas are always going to be trapped and whoever tries to leave are doomed. During the kids group conversation, we're shown individual close up shots of the children's faces as they're talking, to emphasis the verisimilitude of them being trapped and their freedom gradually decreasing as the camera reveals cut in shots of Lil'Ze and his entourage approaching. This builds suspense as their swift walk to the young children allow the audience to assume something bad is going to happen to them. Soon after the hand held camera cuts to a high angled establishing shot of the children jump in shock, running as fast as they can from Lil'Ze, illustrating his power and how everyone has leaned to fear him as he's become more dangerous, the older and more defensive he's got. The casting of the children specifically were given to those already living in the favelas and the tears and fear shown from the younger boy, who was scared and intimidated, was his true reaction as he may have experienced that type of violence, or seen it, prior to the film. Therefore this highlights the sense of realism 'City of God' was aiming to connote as the shock factor, of the level of violence, impacts the film making it increasingly engaging.
In the 'City of God' we see many situations where the characters are forced to make a choice, although their decisions are never listened to. In particular, a scene that conveys this is when a group of young kids are squashed-up, the mine-en-scene reveals them sitting in a fenced pig sty, as if they're locked in like animals and trapped. This is shown using hand held camera as they're dominating that area although the close-up, high eye level shots of the individual children emphasising the extent of they restriction, further suggesting it symbolises their whole life style, that the people living in the favelas are always going to be trapped and whoever tries to leave are doomed. During the kids group conversation, we're shown individual close up shots of the children's faces as they're talking, to emphasis the verisimilitude of them being trapped and their freedom gradually decreasing as the camera reveals cut in shots of Lil'Ze and his entourage approaching. This builds suspense as their swift walk to the young children allow the audience to assume something bad is going to happen to them. Soon after the hand held camera cuts to a high angled establishing shot of the children jump in shock, running as fast as they can from Lil'Ze, illustrating his power and how everyone has leaned to fear him as he's become more dangerous, the older and more defensive he's got. The casting of the children specifically were given to those already living in the favelas and the tears and fear shown from the younger boy, who was scared and intimidated, was his true reaction as he may have experienced that type of violence, or seen it, prior to the film. Therefore this highlights the sense of realism 'City of God' was aiming to connote as the shock factor, of the level of violence, impacts the film making it increasingly engaging.
Tuesday 1 November 2016
Practise Question 'La Haine'
5. How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
Throughout the film 'La Haine', we see a consistent theme of the three French teenagers and the environment in which they live being a very Westernised culture. We're constantly reminded of the juxtaposition of what we expect of France and what we're being shown of their poverty culture. For me the distinctive techniques used in 'La Haine' are in the scene where a youth is blasting music out from his window, I believe this scene does justice for the opposition. We're revealed a mid shot of the lad mixing two significant songs. This shot reveals some of the mise en-scene highlighting the mixing table and the very large speakers suggesting he's about to be disruptive towards the neighbourhood. Leaving us to further assume where he got the money to pay for this equipment, resulting in committing a crime. He continues mixing the song 'Sound Of The Police' which is iconic as there is a recurring motif of the diegetic police siren throughout the film conveying what their cultures is used to crime and seeing so much violence as the 'norm'. The camera then cuts to a forward tracking, low-angled establishing shot while the music is the background. This is significant as it is emphasising where this particular life style, this class comes in society, which is at the very bottom on the socio-economic scale, also known as the underclass. This establishing shot reveals the emptiness and dirt of their culture as its something we don't expect France to be like. Mixing this typical gangster song with the old traditional song 'Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien' by Edith Piaf creates a clear juxtaposition as this French song is what we would expect more so of the French culture rather than what this film depicts as a whole. This distinctive use of songs portrays the contrast and the symbolic initial expectations of French culture shown through the traditional song by Piaf, and how La Haine reveals what really happens in the underclass class of society and successfully highlights the level of violence that occurs through the film techniques and the use of the 'Sound Of The Police' song.
Throughout the film 'La Haine', we see a consistent theme of the three French teenagers and the environment in which they live being a very Westernised culture. We're constantly reminded of the juxtaposition of what we expect of France and what we're being shown of their poverty culture. For me the distinctive techniques used in 'La Haine' are in the scene where a youth is blasting music out from his window, I believe this scene does justice for the opposition. We're revealed a mid shot of the lad mixing two significant songs. This shot reveals some of the mise en-scene highlighting the mixing table and the very large speakers suggesting he's about to be disruptive towards the neighbourhood. Leaving us to further assume where he got the money to pay for this equipment, resulting in committing a crime. He continues mixing the song 'Sound Of The Police' which is iconic as there is a recurring motif of the diegetic police siren throughout the film conveying what their cultures is used to crime and seeing so much violence as the 'norm'. The camera then cuts to a forward tracking, low-angled establishing shot while the music is the background. This is significant as it is emphasising where this particular life style, this class comes in society, which is at the very bottom on the socio-economic scale, also known as the underclass. This establishing shot reveals the emptiness and dirt of their culture as its something we don't expect France to be like. Mixing this typical gangster song with the old traditional song 'Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien' by Edith Piaf creates a clear juxtaposition as this French song is what we would expect more so of the French culture rather than what this film depicts as a whole. This distinctive use of songs portrays the contrast and the symbolic initial expectations of French culture shown through the traditional song by Piaf, and how La Haine reveals what really happens in the underclass class of society and successfully highlights the level of violence that occurs through the film techniques and the use of the 'Sound Of The Police' song.
Thursday 13 October 2016
'La Haine' words
Bleak
This word reminds me of their lives as they have no real intensions to start their day, they have no interests in life other than to pass time doing simply nothing. As society looks down on them, being at the bottom of the economy, they start to believe their worthless efforts and live up to their plain lives and getting up to no good through boredom.
Enjoyably
This expression describes their thrill of getting up to no good. They enjoy making mischief as it is all they've ever known. The film shows their efforts of making the world their own, however continuing to fail and being treated like a bane of everyone's life.
Real
This word describes the intensions of the director, Mathieu Kassovitz, as he wanted the film to reveal what happens to people who live on the poverty line, in these estates. He had Saïd, Vinz and Hubert live in the conditions of this environment for 6 months prior to the making of the film in order for them to get more of an insight to the emotions of the characters.
Menacing
The way in which the three youths purposely create mayhem when they get bored as if they have nothing better to do with their time. They enjoy pushing their limits with authority and fulfilling their desire to be known. This results in the exclusive evidence of corrupt authority.
Tense
This film is very intense as we're introduces to their culture straight away conveying how different it is to our lives. This film emphasises a sense of realism as we see an array on eye level shots, this causes a more shock factor as they're used to the poverty lifestyle. Moreover, the intensity is increased through the inevitability of violence throughout the film and accentually their lives. Their desensitisation of crime and violence cause tense within the audience as it isn't something we expect people to be used to.
This word reminds me of their lives as they have no real intensions to start their day, they have no interests in life other than to pass time doing simply nothing. As society looks down on them, being at the bottom of the economy, they start to believe their worthless efforts and live up to their plain lives and getting up to no good through boredom.
Enjoyably
This expression describes their thrill of getting up to no good. They enjoy making mischief as it is all they've ever known. The film shows their efforts of making the world their own, however continuing to fail and being treated like a bane of everyone's life.
Real
This word describes the intensions of the director, Mathieu Kassovitz, as he wanted the film to reveal what happens to people who live on the poverty line, in these estates. He had Saïd, Vinz and Hubert live in the conditions of this environment for 6 months prior to the making of the film in order for them to get more of an insight to the emotions of the characters.
Menacing
The way in which the three youths purposely create mayhem when they get bored as if they have nothing better to do with their time. They enjoy pushing their limits with authority and fulfilling their desire to be known. This results in the exclusive evidence of corrupt authority.
Tense
This film is very intense as we're introduces to their culture straight away conveying how different it is to our lives. This film emphasises a sense of realism as we see an array on eye level shots, this causes a more shock factor as they're used to the poverty lifestyle. Moreover, the intensity is increased through the inevitability of violence throughout the film and accentually their lives. Their desensitisation of crime and violence cause tense within the audience as it isn't something we expect people to be used to.
Tuesday 4 October 2016
Annotated Catalogue
Subject of Study: Director
Focus of Study: James Cameron
Resources:
Title: Can James Cameron be defined as an auteur with the theme of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre?
Focus Film, item 1: Avatar (2009)
I have chosen Avatar as the focus film for my work as we see clear features of the sci-fi genre in his film making. The vast use of CGI within this film convey a futuristic effect of advanced technology within the film of the communication between humans and another species, Cameron even had to delay the production of the film by 10years waiting for our technology to advance so he could capture more high quality, visual features within the film, for example the facial animation. The CGI brings the detailed facial features of the fictional Avatars character and their worlds to look realistic and really portrays Cameron's passion on the genre, Science Fiction. This is useful as we know the Avatars aren't real as it is beyond the science we have today therefore is a key feature of the typical Sci-Fi genre and compliments my research whether James Cameron is an auteur. Moreover, we see a clear rivalry between the humans trying to destroy home tree for money and the avatars protecting it as its their home this plays on the theme of humans against technology, however as an active audience we side with the avatars as we gain sympathy for their loss.
Item 2: The Terminator(1984)
I have selected this film as it carries an elements of the Science Fiction genre within the storyline, plus the use of CGI to make the Terminator more realistic. The storyline however, definitely contributes to key features of the Sci-Fi genre, as it's about a human-like machine from the future, time travels to the past, being the present day, to kill a women. This is a useful example as the science behind the robot is beyond the technology we have today therefore highlights the futuristic elements to the film. Therefore allows me to use this film to support my investigation as it conveys a clear use of the Sci-Fi- genre possibly making Cameron an Auteur. Finally his clear use of humans opposing machines emphasises his interest in the science fiction genre as we see many action scenes revealing the controversy between the two.
Item 3: Aliens (1986)
I believe this film is a useful example highlighting Cameron's use of the Genre Sci-Fi as we see many of its features within this film. Firstly the use of time travel through universes, is typically used within science fiction films as it is not real. Moreover the protagonists being in a hyper sleep emphasises the fiction within the film as it reveals Cameron's vivid imagination and his creativity through his ideas. Additionally the use of harsh high-key white lighting compliments the futuristic themes among this film. Finally, aliens are an old stereotypical character in a Sci-Fi film, although to this day aliens aren't and may never be real, there is no scientific proof. Therefore Cameron has used them as the villain making the viewers question their existence as it can't be proved this genre highlights that anything can happen. Therefore this film supports my research as James Cameron has shown clear links to the Sci-Fi genre and this implies his capability of being an auteur. Additionally Alien has a clear message of humans against technology as the science fiction alien ends up dominating them and gradually killing all the humans in the spaceship. Suggesting the controversy of who the most superior race.
Theory(books)
Item 4: The Films of James Cameron- Critical Essays by Stephen McVeigh and Matthew Wilhelm Kapell
This essay summarises Cameron's approach to film making as a focus on strong characters, whether from past or future, thrown into extreme situations and how they strive to endure it and survive. This is a useful example as this typical non-linear storyline upon the narrative and time travel is common in a Science Fiction film. Therefore argues for my research as it suggests Cameron's comfort towards this genre possibly making him an auteur. Most importantly, this endurance to survive is testing their strengths to avoid dehumanisation as a humans natural positive qualities are challenged.
Item 5: Film Studies: The Essential Guide by Peter Bennett
This book has information on Auteurs and the Auteur theory and is helpful for answering my research. This is a useful source to use as it defines the theory and the key ideas behind it using extracts from the original Auteur Theory (Une Certain Tendency Du Cinema Francais) by Francois Truffaut. I will be able to accumulate quotes from this source and place them within my presentation script, and it will allow more evidence towards James Cameron being an auteur through his use of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre.
Websites
Item 6: www.rogerebert.com
According to film critic Roger Ebert, Cameron more than delivered for the blossoming sequel to the original 'Alien' by Ridley Scott. This website compliments Cameron's rendition and his further fortune in his creation of the 'Alien' franchise. I have chosen this as an item as it highlights his capability of making a gipping Science Fiction film. In contrast Ebert has a review of Titanic where he highlights Cameron's ability on story telling because everyone already knew the fait of the ship. This positions James Cameron as a strong director who can succeed with historical and futuristic movie. Although Titanic doesn't contain a theme of humans against technology, more like humans against time, therefore this argues against his possibility of being an auteur as this is the Titanic is historical fact not fiction.
Item 7: www.consequenceofsound.net
This source promotes Cameron's intensions to release another three films forming a franchise for Avatar in consecutive years beginning in 2018. This emphasises his rapid succession and the determination to make this happen, highlighting his passion for film making in the style of science fiction. This is a useful example as it conveys to this day his ongoing pursuit of the perfect Sci-Fi movie and carries on the theme of human's against technology as our curiosity of the narrative increases. Therefore compliments my research as his preference of this genre highlights features of an auteur.
Item 8: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/terminator-genisys/timeline-franchise/
This source discusses the use of time travel in 'The Terminator' and how this confusing feature is used increasingly throughout the franchise. However this isn't the only focus within the first film as there is a growing relationship between the characters Kyle and Sarah. This spontaneous relationship encourages a wider audience as the theme of romance makes the film more thrilling. This is a useful example as Cameron is bringing together different features of other genres, for example romance, although still keeping within the Sci-Fi genre. Therefore argues for my research as it suggests his increasing creativity within his story telling allowing his films to be a bigger success.
Interview
Item 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx9v9pf_2n0
This interview from America TV show 'TODAY' reinforces Cameron's position as one of the most successful directors ever because of his repeated box office results. This is a useful example as it reveals his inspiration for 'Avatar', being the theatrical performance, Cirque du Soleil. He enjoyed their story telling through performance and the creation of another, magical world with dream-like quality. With this mystical theme being a key feature to the science fiction genre, it is no surprise that Cirque du Soleil wanted to create something in the light of Avatar. However Cirque du Soleil's efforts of transforming themselves into the creature of an Avatar implies dehumanisation because they're adaption to a fictional human-like alien means taking away all human qualities in their performance. This suggests Camron is biased towards the edge of science and logic therefore shows qualities of an auteur.
Item 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt-XCDjyDNs
Within this interview about the film 'Avatar', Cameron focuses on the level of CGI used to make the visuals so effective. He explains how he had to postpone the making of the film as he wanted to wait for our technology to develop as he believed it wouldn't have been so visually successful due to the film being so futuristic and beyond our science today. I use this item as a clear example of the lengths James Cameron will go to, to make a film look exactly as he pictures it, therefore highlighting his passion for the Sci-Fi genre. More over is a useful example for my research investigation as his repetition of this genre suggests features of an auteur.
Item 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIi36H5lvxY&spfreload=5
This item as reveals Cameron focusing more on the story of the Titanic, for example the history and the romance within the storyline between the two main characters, instead of his use of CGI to form the whole image of the boat. The computer generated imagery (CGI) is a typical tool of Science Fiction, it is less prominent within the film, this allows us to focus on other aspects, suggests Cameron has intended to follow different style. This argues against my research because it's not in the genre of Science Fiction therefore this could suggests he's not just an auteur.
Documentary
Item 12: 'Inside The Actors Studio'- James Lipton
This item is very successful as we are informed the background of James Cameron and the nurturing of his parents. Cameron explains how his father is an engineering scientist and pushed him into doing science from a very young age, this could've lead to his imagination progressing into futuristic technology and the science behind it. Moreover he mentions his mother being an artist, therefore he's adapted her creativity improving his ideas to a much more advanced level allowing him to come up with fictional stories. Later following his fathers footsteps in studying Physics at university, however soon dropping out proceeding his passion in film making. Therefore is a useful example as I can use it to support my research as it suggests his main two influences of preferring the Science Fiction genre.
Item 13: Visionaries Inside The Creative Mind: Writer/Director James Cameron's
This source is about Cameron and his life as a director. I believe this is a useful example as he discusses what stories he likes most, to which he reveals is about the discovery of heroism within us beings. What I found most interesting and significant about this source was when Cameron gave a quick example of his personal preference being to get on a rocket and go to another planet. This almost brings out the inner explorer, as James Cameron highlights his passion of going to different extremes of life, whether it's into space or deep under the sea to unreachable depths. Suggesting it may be brought out into his film making as he his interests and passions may be incapable. Therefore the Sci-Fi genre allowing these extreme lengths to come true, as he's creating his passion instead of experiencing them.
Magazine/Newspaper
Item 14: On the website 'www.empireonline.com' from April 2009, there is an article where Cameron admits for his ruthless editing and his realisation of him being more comfortable with action rather than intimacy. This is evident as extra scenes of Reese and Sarah, together, are only seen on the Definitive Edition DVD. I have chosen this as an item, as his comfort in action scenes may result in them being more frequent within his other films as the Sci-Fi genre carries out many action scenes. I will use this for my research as it reveals his preference in features of this particular genre, therefore is a useful example in discussing whether Cameron is an auteur or not.
Item 15: 'Hotdog' May 2003 talks about his future plans of filmmaking, after The Terminator, and that they're big life affairs instead of taking a rest and doing a $2million budget family drama. However Cameron admits to the boredom he'd feel whilst directing this genre. This being because of his preference to exciting, thrilling, Science Fiction films as he can progress his creative imagination within this genre. Also allowing him to experiment with themes, in particularly the rivalry between human and machine, as Cameron plays on the development of technology and its dominance over humans it holds. Therefore I believe this is a useful item as it reveals how he feels about the other genres and that it may not only be the Drama genre he finds boring. This information allows me to investigate further whether he purposely makes films in the style of Sci-Fi.
Item 16: The Telegraph 15th April 2016 talks about Cameron's film 'Avatar' and how it was based from his fascination and love for the environment, history, philosophy and science fiction. His curiosity for the natural world stems from childhood, and how he has dreamt of being a scientist to investigate all its mysteries. This item is successful as it implies Cameron's long-life fascination has effected his film making, so instead of investigating the mysteries, he is creating them himself with his imagination. I will use this to argue for my research as his curiosity for the natural world may be his inspiration for creating an unnatural, fictional world, therefore suggests he could be an auteur.
Rejected items:
Titanic (1997) has been placed into the rejected section as I believe the purpose of this film was to show the history of what happened to the Titanic. Throughout the film there were CGI used to make the section of the boat, which they build full size, match the rest of the boat done on computer, making it more realistic, being their aim. However I believe the main focus of the film was to put across the history of what happened, plus the romance between Jack and Rose, within the storyline. Therefore isn't as useful as there were many more factors to the film which the audience focus on.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/547063
I have rejected this source about the Terminator as it focuses on the romance within the film between the two main characters and the social situation within society of authority. This isn't useful to my work as it doesn't focus on any features of the Sci-Fi genre within Cameron's work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QoGw1jNsLo
I have rejected this source as it's an interview discussing the Titanic museum in Belfast and the historical information it holds. However as this shows no elements to the Sci-Fi genre, it isn't useful to my research.
http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/siryan/Screen/Auteur%20Theory.htm
Whilst this item makes some relevant points to the auteur theory, such as when and who it was created by and the main intentions of the theory. I have rejected it because it is mainly focused on Alfred Hitchcock and his style as a director.
Focus of Study: James Cameron
Resources:
Title: Can James Cameron be defined as an auteur with the theme of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre?
Focus Film, item 1: Avatar (2009)
I have chosen Avatar as the focus film for my work as we see clear features of the sci-fi genre in his film making. The vast use of CGI within this film convey a futuristic effect of advanced technology within the film of the communication between humans and another species, Cameron even had to delay the production of the film by 10years waiting for our technology to advance so he could capture more high quality, visual features within the film, for example the facial animation. The CGI brings the detailed facial features of the fictional Avatars character and their worlds to look realistic and really portrays Cameron's passion on the genre, Science Fiction. This is useful as we know the Avatars aren't real as it is beyond the science we have today therefore is a key feature of the typical Sci-Fi genre and compliments my research whether James Cameron is an auteur. Moreover, we see a clear rivalry between the humans trying to destroy home tree for money and the avatars protecting it as its their home this plays on the theme of humans against technology, however as an active audience we side with the avatars as we gain sympathy for their loss.
Item 2: The Terminator(1984)
I have selected this film as it carries an elements of the Science Fiction genre within the storyline, plus the use of CGI to make the Terminator more realistic. The storyline however, definitely contributes to key features of the Sci-Fi genre, as it's about a human-like machine from the future, time travels to the past, being the present day, to kill a women. This is a useful example as the science behind the robot is beyond the technology we have today therefore highlights the futuristic elements to the film. Therefore allows me to use this film to support my investigation as it conveys a clear use of the Sci-Fi- genre possibly making Cameron an Auteur. Finally his clear use of humans opposing machines emphasises his interest in the science fiction genre as we see many action scenes revealing the controversy between the two.
Item 3: Aliens (1986)
I believe this film is a useful example highlighting Cameron's use of the Genre Sci-Fi as we see many of its features within this film. Firstly the use of time travel through universes, is typically used within science fiction films as it is not real. Moreover the protagonists being in a hyper sleep emphasises the fiction within the film as it reveals Cameron's vivid imagination and his creativity through his ideas. Additionally the use of harsh high-key white lighting compliments the futuristic themes among this film. Finally, aliens are an old stereotypical character in a Sci-Fi film, although to this day aliens aren't and may never be real, there is no scientific proof. Therefore Cameron has used them as the villain making the viewers question their existence as it can't be proved this genre highlights that anything can happen. Therefore this film supports my research as James Cameron has shown clear links to the Sci-Fi genre and this implies his capability of being an auteur. Additionally Alien has a clear message of humans against technology as the science fiction alien ends up dominating them and gradually killing all the humans in the spaceship. Suggesting the controversy of who the most superior race.
Theory(books)
Item 4: The Films of James Cameron- Critical Essays by Stephen McVeigh and Matthew Wilhelm Kapell
This essay summarises Cameron's approach to film making as a focus on strong characters, whether from past or future, thrown into extreme situations and how they strive to endure it and survive. This is a useful example as this typical non-linear storyline upon the narrative and time travel is common in a Science Fiction film. Therefore argues for my research as it suggests Cameron's comfort towards this genre possibly making him an auteur. Most importantly, this endurance to survive is testing their strengths to avoid dehumanisation as a humans natural positive qualities are challenged.
Item 5: Film Studies: The Essential Guide by Peter Bennett
This book has information on Auteurs and the Auteur theory and is helpful for answering my research. This is a useful source to use as it defines the theory and the key ideas behind it using extracts from the original Auteur Theory (Une Certain Tendency Du Cinema Francais) by Francois Truffaut. I will be able to accumulate quotes from this source and place them within my presentation script, and it will allow more evidence towards James Cameron being an auteur through his use of 'humans against technology' within the sci-fi genre.
Websites
Item 6: www.rogerebert.com
According to film critic Roger Ebert, Cameron more than delivered for the blossoming sequel to the original 'Alien' by Ridley Scott. This website compliments Cameron's rendition and his further fortune in his creation of the 'Alien' franchise. I have chosen this as an item as it highlights his capability of making a gipping Science Fiction film. In contrast Ebert has a review of Titanic where he highlights Cameron's ability on story telling because everyone already knew the fait of the ship. This positions James Cameron as a strong director who can succeed with historical and futuristic movie. Although Titanic doesn't contain a theme of humans against technology, more like humans against time, therefore this argues against his possibility of being an auteur as this is the Titanic is historical fact not fiction.
Item 7: www.consequenceofsound.net
This source promotes Cameron's intensions to release another three films forming a franchise for Avatar in consecutive years beginning in 2018. This emphasises his rapid succession and the determination to make this happen, highlighting his passion for film making in the style of science fiction. This is a useful example as it conveys to this day his ongoing pursuit of the perfect Sci-Fi movie and carries on the theme of human's against technology as our curiosity of the narrative increases. Therefore compliments my research as his preference of this genre highlights features of an auteur.
Item 8: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/film/terminator-genisys/timeline-franchise/
This source discusses the use of time travel in 'The Terminator' and how this confusing feature is used increasingly throughout the franchise. However this isn't the only focus within the first film as there is a growing relationship between the characters Kyle and Sarah. This spontaneous relationship encourages a wider audience as the theme of romance makes the film more thrilling. This is a useful example as Cameron is bringing together different features of other genres, for example romance, although still keeping within the Sci-Fi genre. Therefore argues for my research as it suggests his increasing creativity within his story telling allowing his films to be a bigger success.
Interview
Item 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx9v9pf_2n0
This interview from America TV show 'TODAY' reinforces Cameron's position as one of the most successful directors ever because of his repeated box office results. This is a useful example as it reveals his inspiration for 'Avatar', being the theatrical performance, Cirque du Soleil. He enjoyed their story telling through performance and the creation of another, magical world with dream-like quality. With this mystical theme being a key feature to the science fiction genre, it is no surprise that Cirque du Soleil wanted to create something in the light of Avatar. However Cirque du Soleil's efforts of transforming themselves into the creature of an Avatar implies dehumanisation because they're adaption to a fictional human-like alien means taking away all human qualities in their performance. This suggests Camron is biased towards the edge of science and logic therefore shows qualities of an auteur.
Item 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt-XCDjyDNs
Within this interview about the film 'Avatar', Cameron focuses on the level of CGI used to make the visuals so effective. He explains how he had to postpone the making of the film as he wanted to wait for our technology to develop as he believed it wouldn't have been so visually successful due to the film being so futuristic and beyond our science today. I use this item as a clear example of the lengths James Cameron will go to, to make a film look exactly as he pictures it, therefore highlighting his passion for the Sci-Fi genre. More over is a useful example for my research investigation as his repetition of this genre suggests features of an auteur.
Item 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIi36H5lvxY&spfreload=5
This item as reveals Cameron focusing more on the story of the Titanic, for example the history and the romance within the storyline between the two main characters, instead of his use of CGI to form the whole image of the boat. The computer generated imagery (CGI) is a typical tool of Science Fiction, it is less prominent within the film, this allows us to focus on other aspects, suggests Cameron has intended to follow different style. This argues against my research because it's not in the genre of Science Fiction therefore this could suggests he's not just an auteur.
Documentary
Item 12: 'Inside The Actors Studio'- James Lipton
This item is very successful as we are informed the background of James Cameron and the nurturing of his parents. Cameron explains how his father is an engineering scientist and pushed him into doing science from a very young age, this could've lead to his imagination progressing into futuristic technology and the science behind it. Moreover he mentions his mother being an artist, therefore he's adapted her creativity improving his ideas to a much more advanced level allowing him to come up with fictional stories. Later following his fathers footsteps in studying Physics at university, however soon dropping out proceeding his passion in film making. Therefore is a useful example as I can use it to support my research as it suggests his main two influences of preferring the Science Fiction genre.
Item 13: Visionaries Inside The Creative Mind: Writer/Director James Cameron's
This source is about Cameron and his life as a director. I believe this is a useful example as he discusses what stories he likes most, to which he reveals is about the discovery of heroism within us beings. What I found most interesting and significant about this source was when Cameron gave a quick example of his personal preference being to get on a rocket and go to another planet. This almost brings out the inner explorer, as James Cameron highlights his passion of going to different extremes of life, whether it's into space or deep under the sea to unreachable depths. Suggesting it may be brought out into his film making as he his interests and passions may be incapable. Therefore the Sci-Fi genre allowing these extreme lengths to come true, as he's creating his passion instead of experiencing them.
Magazine/Newspaper
Item 14: On the website 'www.empireonline.com' from April 2009, there is an article where Cameron admits for his ruthless editing and his realisation of him being more comfortable with action rather than intimacy. This is evident as extra scenes of Reese and Sarah, together, are only seen on the Definitive Edition DVD. I have chosen this as an item, as his comfort in action scenes may result in them being more frequent within his other films as the Sci-Fi genre carries out many action scenes. I will use this for my research as it reveals his preference in features of this particular genre, therefore is a useful example in discussing whether Cameron is an auteur or not.
Item 15: 'Hotdog' May 2003 talks about his future plans of filmmaking, after The Terminator, and that they're big life affairs instead of taking a rest and doing a $2million budget family drama. However Cameron admits to the boredom he'd feel whilst directing this genre. This being because of his preference to exciting, thrilling, Science Fiction films as he can progress his creative imagination within this genre. Also allowing him to experiment with themes, in particularly the rivalry between human and machine, as Cameron plays on the development of technology and its dominance over humans it holds. Therefore I believe this is a useful item as it reveals how he feels about the other genres and that it may not only be the Drama genre he finds boring. This information allows me to investigate further whether he purposely makes films in the style of Sci-Fi.
Item 16: The Telegraph 15th April 2016 talks about Cameron's film 'Avatar' and how it was based from his fascination and love for the environment, history, philosophy and science fiction. His curiosity for the natural world stems from childhood, and how he has dreamt of being a scientist to investigate all its mysteries. This item is successful as it implies Cameron's long-life fascination has effected his film making, so instead of investigating the mysteries, he is creating them himself with his imagination. I will use this to argue for my research as his curiosity for the natural world may be his inspiration for creating an unnatural, fictional world, therefore suggests he could be an auteur.
Rejected items:
Titanic (1997) has been placed into the rejected section as I believe the purpose of this film was to show the history of what happened to the Titanic. Throughout the film there were CGI used to make the section of the boat, which they build full size, match the rest of the boat done on computer, making it more realistic, being their aim. However I believe the main focus of the film was to put across the history of what happened, plus the romance between Jack and Rose, within the storyline. Therefore isn't as useful as there were many more factors to the film which the audience focus on.
https://muse.jhu.edu/article/547063
I have rejected this source about the Terminator as it focuses on the romance within the film between the two main characters and the social situation within society of authority. This isn't useful to my work as it doesn't focus on any features of the Sci-Fi genre within Cameron's work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QoGw1jNsLo
I have rejected this source as it's an interview discussing the Titanic museum in Belfast and the historical information it holds. However as this shows no elements to the Sci-Fi genre, it isn't useful to my research.
http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/staffhome/siryan/Screen/Auteur%20Theory.htm
Whilst this item makes some relevant points to the auteur theory, such as when and who it was created by and the main intentions of the theory. I have rejected it because it is mainly focused on Alfred Hitchcock and his style as a director.
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