Analysis of a Film Poster: 'Sunset Boulevard'

Sunset Boulevard

The first thing that strikes us is the red rectangular block in the centre of the page. The colour red is a very emotionally intense colour and connotes danger, anger, passion and blood; which could suggest that there is violence or death in the film. Out of the red background comes out a woman’s head who is looking down with an angry and vengeful expression. Her lips are the same colour as the red in the background which suggests that she is evil and that perhaps her words are spiteful and aggressive. Her thick black eyelashes break the red background and makes her stand out. The heavy black eyelashes connote that there is a darkness to the film. The strong and stark colours used on her face suggest from the beginning that she is a strong and malevolent character.

The use of the mise-en-scene, character positioning, is used effectively in the poster to establish relationship and status. The largest thing in the poster is the daunting woman in the front looking down. The size of her face hints that the plot of the film centres around her. She is looking down the poster, so it gives this idea that she watches everything and everyone, she has control over people. The woman is higher in positioning than the two other characters, which  implies that she has a higher status than both of them. She looks down at the two characters who are embracing; the way they are holding each other suggest that they are in love. The man is at the bottom holding the smaller woman and is protecting her head, which suggests that he is a strong male lead and possibly the protagonist. By positioning him, closest to the large scary woman, implies that he has a closer relationship to her and that he is more involved in the plot. The two characters at the bottom are a reddish sepia tint, they are neither red nor white, which connotes that they are good people, mixed in this evil world. In addition, the red rectangle in the middle of the poster is surrounded by a larger white rectangular, this emphasises that the characters are entering a more extreme world than their plain (white) normal world they’re used to; they are caught in this evil woman’s world. The couple at the bottom look up at the large woman in fear and shock, the mise-en-scene, facial expression, conveys the characters emotion to one another and their fear of the woman.

The title of the poster is set in a black film strip, the black contrasts the red and makes the poster visually striking. The mix of the red and black, highlights the theme of danger, death, violence and anger within the film. The film strip is twisted, superficially, this element makes the poster more interesting, however beneath the surface it connotes that there is a major twist and that the plot is unpredictable. Furthermore, the knot of the film strip is located just below the woman’s head, with her expression included, it creates the illusion that she is being strangled and that the film is tense and gripping.

The film strip, the title ‘Sunset Boulevard’ and the tag line ‘A Hollywood Story’ connotes that the film is set in Hollywood. The title ‘Sunset Boulevard’ has the colour yellow that fades to white in the lettering, to symbolise a sunset. Additionally, the reference to ‘Hollywood’ and the film strip, connotes that the film has something  to do with film and acting (a film within a film). The mise-en-scene, especially colour, facial expression and character positioning help in setting the tone of the film from the beginning. The cumulative elements in the poster strongly suggest that this film is a hybrid genre of thriller and drama and that the key demographic are older adults.

Camera Lesson No.2

The 180 Degree Rule says that when you have two characters in a frame they should have the same right and left relationship to each other. If you break the 180 degree rule, it breaks up the scene and disorients the viewer. When the rule is broken, the character who was  facing left in a scene now faces right, and vice versa. 

  

The camera is free to move and position itself in any angle as long as it doesn't cross the 'imaginary' 180 degree line. Especially in a dialogue, by crossing the line it confuses the audience and visually changes the actors positions. However, depending on the genre and plot, the filmmaker can intentionally cross the line so that it can trick the audience and make the scene unpredictable.

Filming an entire scene for full length:

By filming a scene in full length it gives the editors some leeway to cut down the clip into smaller sections. It is easier to cut down a  long sequence than to extend a short scene.


Wide/Long shot:

Filmmakers usually shoot most scenes in a wide/long shot, this is effective in capturing all the events in the frame and to use it as a reference point when doing close-ups and other camera angles.It is also economical, because in case the cast and crew run out of time on set, they always have a wider shot of the entire sequence, which is better than many detached close ups of the characters and props.

Not shooting at eye level:

If shooting at eye level, the sequence may be too boring because it is displayed from one shot the entire time. Placing the camera at a certain height and angle gives the scene meaning and is more visually interesting for the audience.

Camera Lesson No.1

Media: Camera Lesson:

During our first camera lesson in Media, my group and I used the Canon 5D Mark 3. In the lesson, we learnt how to use the Focus,White Balance, Bubbling the tripod, Zoom, Pan and to tilt the camera on the tripod. 

Focus:

The camera we used ,the Canon 5D Mark 3, had to be manually focused. However, the challenge with the Canon was that it didn’t have zoom, in order to focus on an object. In order, to correct the focus, we needed a tape measure to measure the distance from the camera to the object. On the Canon there is a symbol on top of a circle with a line running through it, that was the marker to place the tape measure. My colleague measured the distance from the camera to the object (which was a wall), the distance was 6ft so on the camera lens we twisted the lens until it the distance no.(6ft) matched to the marker. This is the method in which to focus a camera that doesn't have zoom.

Zoom:

On the Sony NX5, the zoom was digital and it was easy to use, it only required to adjust the zoom by pressing a button. On the Canon, the process of zooming was slightly more complicated. You needed to turn the lens so that you could zoom in or out.

White Balance:

This was the first time I learnt of white balance, we used the Sony NX5. When filming, depending on the lightning whether man-made or sunlight it changes the colour temperature and can alter the colours of the things you are filming. To change this and make what you’re filming more natural in colour you need to adjust the white balance. We aimed and zoomed the Sony NX5 on a white reflector, then we pressed the white balance button on the side of the camera. The camera than re-adjust the colour and creates a new colour temperature. After the colour has changed, we zoomed out and the colours in the room were more natural and vibrant. Before the colour change, e.g. Blacks appeared grey and after the white balance black objects appeared black.

Bubbling a tripod:

At the top of the tripod, just below where the camera sits, is a knob that can be loosened and tightened to centre the camera or release. To know if the camera has been centred, you need to look at the top of the tripod where there is a glass circle filled with a fluorescent yellow liquid, that holds a single clear bubble; in the centre of the glass circle is a smaller black circle, if the clear bubble is within the small black circle the camera is centred and if not it is not centred. By loosening the knob at the bottom of the camera you can move the head of the tripod so that you can centre the camera and then tighten the knob when it has been centred.

Pan and Tilt: 

Lastly, probably the most important use of the tripod was to effectively use the Pan and Tilt. 

On the side of the tripod is a large switch that if loosened allows the mobility for the tripod to tilt up and down; If it is tightened it will remain in its position. Besides tilting, there is also another switch that can be opened or closed to allow the tripod to pan freely, its mechanics are exactly like the tilt switch.

This lesson, revealed to me some techniques I didn’t know and as well built on my knowledge of what I already knew about using camera’s for filming.

Sony NX5 focusing on wall, while Matt explains White Balance.

The Tripod

Bubbling the Tripod

Canon 5D Mark 3 focusing on wall

Tanisha adjusting Tilt

Focusing at wall with the Sony NX5

Canon 5D, Tanisha trying to be a photographer

 

Canon 5D starting up, as you can see at the bottom of the camera there is a fluorescent yellow circle, this was the indicator that helped us centre the camera, when we were bubbling the tripod.

                                                      Canon 5D Mark 3 screen

This is the Canon we used in our group, equipped with lens

                                           All three cameras in their briefcases

In the centre of picture, near bottom is the White Balance button on the Sony NX5

Canon 5D Mark 3

I Love Tanisha!!!!

Tanisha is Vogueing it!

This is the Canon 5D Mark 3 when we first took it out

Matt pointing at the Sony FS 1000

Analysis of 3 Opening Movie Sequence

Analysis of 3 Opening Movie Sequence 

The Conjuring:

It begins with an extreme close up of an old ventriloquist doll ‘Annabelle’. This is the first frame of the movie and it is really effective in scaring the audience and setting the tone of the film by making it unpredictable and frightening. The camera zooms out
of the dolls eye to reveal the rest of the face this gives a more detailed look at the actual doll and provokes a chilling atmosphere. 

The camera then cuts to a Mid Long Shot (M.L.S.), in the frame there are 3 character, a guy and two girls, by displaying their torso in the frame, the audience can see their clothing and get a sense of the time period the film is set in (The film is set in the early 70’s). The people sitting are discussing to two demonologists about the possession of the doll. 

As they are informing the demonologist, the camera slowly zooms out, giving the impression that there is something bigger than them.  The camera zooms out to an ‘Over the shoulder shot’ of the two protagonists talking to them. 

During the discussion, the film starts to show flashbacks of the demonic episodes. In the first flashback, the girls enter the house, the camera tracks them as they walk towards it. By filming it with the light behind them it made them appear as silhouettes, which contributes to this idea that the film is dark and menacing. 

While they walk down the corridor, the camera cuts to a P.O.V shot. This immerses the audience in the story and makes us feel vulnerable. While the camera is in P.O.V. we see the doll at the end of the hall lying on the ground. The camera is shaky which makes the entire scene unsettling, for the audience as we are left in a constant state of fear. From the structure, and filming of the opening sequence I could tell this film would ‘CONJURE’ some terrifying moments.

Halloween:

The entire beginning sequence is filmed in a P.O.V. shot. 

This makes the experience more intimate as if the audience is walking around. We are also seeing the P.O.V. from the killers perspective, which makes the audience feel extremely uncomfortable because you are forced to watch. The movement has some minimal shaking, which gives a more natural movement to the scene and makes the sequence even more unsettling.

Start of sequence, symbolism of pumpkin with 'Halloween'

Killer Stalking and peering through the window

After peering through the window into the house, there is a panning movement where the killer looks from right to left, before proceeding to the front of the house. 

Pan to the right of house, the movement is very sudden and adds tension.

When he stares at the front of the house, there is an upward tilt, when the killer looks at the upstairs bedroom window. 

Some of the frames, like when he reaches for a kitchen knife are out of focus, making it more confusing and ambiguous. 

I thought that the use of P.O.V. in the killers perspective, made it very nerve-wrecking for the audience, because it blocks the peripheral vision, which makes the viewer feel vulnerable. The entire opening moves quite slowly, which I think is effective because it builds on the tension and makes the climax even more powerful.

 

When he puts on the mask, the blackness at the edge of the frame, makes the audience feel they are being engulfed into a terrifying and dark world.

Blue Jasmine:

It starts with an Establishing shot  of a plane flying, this gives the audience assurance of the environment and to establish setting. 

The camera, cuts to a Mid Long Shot of the protagonist Jasmine (Cate Blanchett the best actress alive!!!) speaking to an older woman beside her. To use a Mid long shot helped in framing the dialogue between the two women and also to exhibit Jasmine’s clothing, which is very expensive and sophisticated. 

The frame then moves to a tracking shot of Jasmine still speaking to the old women along a conveyer belt in the Airport; the frame starts with a Long shot of Jasmine and the old women but as they move closer to the camera the frame changes to a Mid Shot. 

Start of frame, is a long shot, Jasmine at the back.

End of frame, Jasmine at front, Mid Shot.

The next frame is of them riding down the escalator, this connects the previous frame where they are on the conveyor. This gives the impression that it's one long journey and she hasn't stopped talking. And by the connotation of the old woman's expression, she is clearly annoyed. 

Later on the luggage carousel is in the frame and the camera slowly tilts upwards revealing Jasmine still going on about her life to the old woman. 

I found this opening quite funny because the camera kept cutting to new areas in the airport and the movement was quite slow, and in each frame is Jasmine still speaking, which hints to the audience about her compulsive and chatting behaviour.

One last picture of Cate Blanchett.

Just because!

The reason I chose these opening sequences, was because I thought that the camera angles and movements used in each one were unique and effectively expressed the tone and genre of the film in just the few minutes. Some of the films were more complicated than others, such as 'The Conjuring', which used many camera movements such as zoom, tracking, P.O.V, over the shoulder and close up. On the other hand, the entire of Halloween was a P.O.V. , although both these films are horrors, I realised that the filmmakers use of the camera depends on the plot.In 'The Conjuring' it uses various and elaborate camera techniques because the plot itself deals with themes of demons, supernatural and is itself complex; whilst in Halloween, the plot is much linear and it follows a serial killer, so the camera use is very simple. 

In 'Blue Jasmine' the camera techniques established a calm and slightly comedic quality. The movie centres around the character Jasmine, so the filmmakers decided that simple camera angles and movements were the best way for her character to come to life and be more realistic. Most of the shots ranged from Long shots to Mid shots, anything further and it would have been harder for the audience to connect with the characters and anything closer and it would have made the film uncomfortable and tense. The distance between the actors and the camera is extremely important for a film of this genre, because the relationship we form with these characters are dependent on their proximity to the audience.

I found that the camera use in all three films were effective in assisting the audience to connect and understand the plot.

After reviewing these 3 films, 2 which were Horror whilst one was a Dramatic, Rom/Com, I have discovered some interesting ways that camera use can affect which genre a movie is categorized in. In the 2 horror films, there was a clear theme of ambiguity and unpredictability. For example, from the beginning of 'The Conjuring' the first frame was a sudden image of the dolls face, which is frightening. And in 'Halloween' we do not know from who's perspective we are looking until we see the killer reach for a knife, but before then we only have sound and camera movement to indicate that there is something wrong and that there is a building of climax. On the other hand, in 'Blue Jasmine' We start with an Establishment Shot that gives indication of the setting and comforts the viewer in feeling secure in the atmosphere of the film. Furthermore, we see Jasmine in the next frame, and by the choice of lighting and angle it is evident she is the main character, this assures the audience that there is no drastic and dramatic twists in the plot. However, in the 2 Horror's the main protagonists are not really established, which casts' doubt and insecurity for the audience. It is clear from the first 2 minutes in each movie there are differences and similarities. In the Horror movies the camera angles and movements are constantly teasing the audience and are edited in a way that makes the audience feel unsettled; whilst the Rom/Com is simple in its camera use and is mainly focused on establishing the main protagonist and creating a tranquil atmosphere. Therefore any drama in the Rom/Com plot can be emphasised later on. These comparisons have shown me how different genre's use different camera techniques to set the tone for the film in just the first 2 minutes.

What's in a Thriller: Thriller Analysis

Media Film Analysis:

Vystrel

Film info/ How do we know:

The film I watched was Vystrel, which is Russian for shot. The film centres around a briefcase, which contents are unknown to the audience, the briefcase has something that the woman and hitman want. We know this because, in the beginning, there are close shots of her holding the briefcase tightly and protecting it; she also becomes anxious and begins running (when she gets suspicious of someone following her). Ultimately, she is shot (Vystrel) by a Man who steals it from her.

How do they build tension:Music/Sound:

-  As soon as the Camera shot moves to the girls hand holding the briefcase, the music becomes louder and more dramatic. This creates a sense of tension, as it emphasises that there is something important in the briefcase and the audience does not know what’s inside.

 "Whats Inside the Briefcase?" 

-  The sound of her heels hitting the pavement, produces a metronomic clacking sound that gets louder and more frequent as she runs faster. This builds the climax as it makes the atmosphere more intense.


-  There was no dialogue, which leaves room for interpretation and mystery, as there is no clear indication of what’s happening.


-  In the same way as her heels are used to create tension, the pace of her breathing increased which hinted at the growing tension. In addition, when she get in the car, her breathing relaxes which eases the tension and makes the final climax even more poignant.

- she exhales and applies pressure on the steering wheel, she feels she has regained control of the situation.

Lighting:

-   The white lights in the elevator and parking lot, made the scene even more cold and bleak.

Camera angles:

-          The close up of both the woman and mans clenched fist in the beginning build the tension by making the audience feel as if there will be a fight between them. We anticipate that the man will harm her; when he doesn’t it  is an anti-climax, which makes the audience ensure of the upcoming events.

 - This is the moment the Woman bumps into the Man by the Elevator, you can see the apparent fear and surprise in her reaction. 

-          In the car the camera films her  from behind the back, and we see the man rise from the seat. This makes the audience extremely uneasy, because she is completely vulnerable, and we know what’s going to happen before her.

Characters:

- Woman:

She is the main focus in the opening sequence, the audience believes that she is the protagonist until she is shot. We are supposed to feel empathy  for her and be worried for her safety. For example, we see her put on her earphones in the beginning, this makes her more relatable to the audience as she is exhibiting normal behaviour. In addition, she is young and well dressed, which makes her appear  more approachable and safe. Subconsciously, we think because she is a woman, she wouldn’t be as dangerous and we assume she is the victim from the start. She is blonde, so we assume she is in trouble, because it plays on our prejudice that blonds are dumb. Furthermore, she is wearing heels, which are feminine and we associate femininity with fragility. However, the reason she is killed is because of her briefcase which then makes us suspicious, whether she really is a victim.

- Man by Elevator

We first see him in the elevator sequence, he is waiting for it. The camera takes a shot of his clenched fists, which immediately makes us believe that he will harm the woman. He is wearing all black, making him look menacing and he has a hood covering his head which implies a deceptive nature. The filmmakers used him as a tool to create a climax, in the beginning so to set the tone for the entire piece. We fear him in the beginning because of  the music and camera angles used to represent him as a threatening figure.

- Man in Car

His first appearance, is in the woman’s car where he waits for her in the back seat. Due to his entrance, (creeping out of darkness) we get this idea that he is a malevolent character. Doesn’t give warning before shooting her, which makes his presence even more shocking. He is wearing all black, which we associate with death and darkness. He is also wearing a thin red tie that presents him as a sleek figure that creates bloodshed (association, Red=Blood). The red also symbolises warning and danger.

 - The fact that the camera is out of focus emphasises that his character is ambiguos.

What I think the rest of the plot line would be?

After having shot her, he takes the briefcase back to his partner. They are expecting to find the bank codes for major hedge fund managers in the world. However, when they open it they see that it requires a fingerprint DNA scan of the woman he killed. They go back to the parking lot to find her body, but are too late and the body has been taken by someone else. The entire film is the Man who killed her trying to find her body. At the end he breaks into a morgue and steals her body. Finally, as he is about to place her finger on the scanner, he is shot by someone in  the back of the head, and the briefcase is once again closed. And we never find out what’s really inside.

This is the entire film, for you to enjoy