Film Noire

Film Noire Genre and Analysis

(Film: Goodfellas)

The word "noire" is a cinematic term which is traditionally used to describe stylish Hollywood Crime and action dramas. These crime dramas are mostly based within a specific period, ranging from the 1940's to the late 1950's. These types of films are often used with low-key lighting and are seen to be very monochrome (black and white visuals). Throughout the years of Hollywood's creation of its first noire film many critics define this specific category as 'retrospectively'. Before film noires were widely adopted by audiences, many classic noirs were referred to as melodramas and there was a ongoing debate (between scholars) if this is classified as its own genre. The visuals of film noires are deeply influenced by German expressionisms.

Presentation feedback/learner response

My feedback and learner response 

Teacher feedback on presentation: 

* Great cinematic music- works brilliantly with the space theme and great consistency to the parallel presentation.

* Contrapuntal collage is a trickier one- I think they potentially are also parallel. What images could have worked as a truly contrapuntal effect? 

* Addition of the video clip is a brilliant bonus- really helps to illustrate the links between sound and editing. 

My feedback:

WWW: 

* Contrast of the sound along side the parallel images create a great link and fit in nicely with the music.

* Great use of contrapuntal images such as gin violence and images of death and negativity.

* The addition of the clip, really correlates to the contrapuntal music and gives a clearer viewpoint of     what its meant to deliver to the audience/class.

EBI:

* Change some of the images in the contrapuntal collage as some of them do give off a sense of parallel music and does match/fit in with the song.

* Could have used 2 different songs. One that is contrapuntal to the images and one that was parallel to the images in the collage.

Powerpoint comparison:

1) Alan - Sound/music chosen matched the way he was trying to describe the musics effects and relations with the images which was something I needed to improve on.

2) Taranjit - Although the contrapuntal images he selected weren't seen relevant; his justification was what really come to terms with the connection he is trying to explain between both the music as well as the images.

3) Ammar- The music choice did what it was meant to. Meaning it was both contrapuntal to the images and parallel.

Film Language: Sound

Presentation: 

Powerpoint:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LenN-0HU0WOkNG8a1krhxgavSEEsiXpxY18woROZyz8/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

Music for both collages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iZu--FXM5g

Film Language: Lighting

Film Lighting Analysis

1) The still image is a low-key lighting effect. This is because the image creates dramatic shadows across the characters face to give off a sense of mystery as well as a crime setting. Furthermore, the low-key light shown in this image gives off the impression that the character could be the villain due to the light blocking half of her face which reveals a sense of criminal setting.
2) The lightings used in this still image is a "top lighting" and "background lighting". I believe this because the right side of the characters face has more light than anywhere else in this shot. Moreover, the light is contrasted from the top side of the image to get a clearer visual of the characters face and to give off a sense of crime. The background lighting in this shot is used to give off a little bit of the background as well as making the smoke appear more visual.
3) The image gives off a crime genre effect as the consumer of the image seems put-off with the direct mode of address on the characters face (looking straight at the audience). Moreover, the lighting is more dark and the light only is shown on the characters face which gives off a sense of suspense etc.



1)  This scene is made up of low key lighting as it mostly gives off the key light which is the most influential and isn't a source of natural light. This means that to the audience the light doesn't seem to be natural and seems to be stage lights.
2) This scene is obviously "top lighting" because the lights direction is coming from the top of the shot and shines down upon the protagonist directly on the face. Also, there are no other sources of light visible from this scene as we don't see no back lights or even underlining light. However, we do see light visible on the background slightly but, this can be the positioning of the top light.
3) The lighting in this image gives off the effect of importance of the protagonist in this scene as well as a sense of a noire type genre due to the colour of this scene being monochrome (consisted of black and white).



1) This shot is of a 'high key' lighting as the lighting seems to be natural in this setting. The lights are present all around this scene except the facial features of the character which gives off the impression that the light visible is the Sun which makes it a high key light.
2) This scene contains all three of the lightings; top, under lighting and back lighting. This is because the multiple lights scene in this shot is to fit into the setting of where the scene is taking place which seems to be outdoors. As a result, the lights kind of show to the audience that it is the Sun light which makes this shot look natural.
3) The lighting gives off the effect of a villain as the under lighting seems to be placed in a specific angle in which it gives off the facial shadows on the characters face. This gives off the sense of non-identity or of a murderer as the eyes are completely darkened out. Furthermore, eyes are on the most significant parts of a scene which interacts to the audience what type of character they are and in this scene it gives off a negative background to the consumer of the scene.



1) This shot is of a 'high key lighting' as the scene gives off a natural element and doesn't give off any shadows which a low key lighting does. In addition, the light gives off natural look as the lights used seem to be of street lights which fits in with the scene of this image being out in the open.
2) This scene has 'back lighting' as well as, 'top lighting' . The reason why I think that this scene has a back lighting is because the rain which is visible in this scene is very visible in a dark setting. Realistically, rain isn't visible unless light in shown on it and this gives off a clear indication of the back lights presence as well as, the background of this scene being very well light up. The reason why I think that a top light is visible in this scene is because the main source of light seems to drop on top of the characters face and makes its way down to the bottom half of the characters body and also shows the gun in detail.
3) The lighting used gives off a sense of mystery and noire as it has guns and also a sense of violence due to the tone that the lighting gives off with lighting key features of this scene such as the gun as well as showing the expression of the characters face.



1) The lighting in this shot is a low key shot. This is predominately because there is a big shadow visible in this scene which only a low key lighting does/gives off. In addition, this scene gives off dramatic shadows which low key lighting is best known for doing.
2) There seems to be mostly under lighting on the characters left had side as well as, a little bit of back lighting.. This is because there are no other types of lights in other positions, instead there seems to be only two.The light is positioned below the character which is where a under lighting takes place. In addition to that, there is no light that is visible above the character therefore there is no top lighting. However, there seems to be a bright source of light visible on the left hand side of the character. The arm of the characters right arm seem to be very well lit up than compared to other parts of this shot which justifies the presence of the background light, to give off a silhouette.
3) The lighting in this shot gives off an effect of fear and  mystery as we (the audience) do not know what's going to happen to the character. Moreover, the way that the light evens out the colour of the character shows how the tone of the scene is; crime.



1) This shot is obviously a high key light. This is because the use of the window blinds being stretched down in a daylight scene gives off the impression that the light being emitted from outside is the Sun light which is a natural source of light to the consumers.
2) The type of light used within this scene sees to be a background light as well as,  top light. I think that top light has made an appearance in this image because the male characters face is more lit up from the top part his head than compared to the girl which seems to replace the sue of the interior houses lights. In addition, the reason why I think that the use of back lighting is present in this scene is because most of the setting/background is well lit for the viewer to know the setting of this scene and wouldn't be visible without a back light.
3) The lights in this scene give off the effect of warmth and romance as the light seems to be glowing more on the couple, showing there significance.



1) The lights seen in this shot in low key. This is because the light doesn't seem natural in the location it is set in as there aren't no sunlight etc. Moreover, the light is purposely there to give off a certain mood of these characters.
2) This shot has only one type of lighting which is 'background lighting' because the only light visible in this shot is mostly background shot and it produces silhouettes in front of the 4 characters.
3) The lighting shown in this shot gives off the effect of fear as well as criminality as they seem very strong together and dangerous due to the silhouettes precieving the characters as dangerous and intimidating.



1) The type of lighting shown in this scene is high key. Although this image has a shadow, the shadow could be from the outdoor sunlight shining on the characters face. This means that high key lighting can also have shadows in order to be seen as one.
2) The type of lighting in this shot is mostly under lighting as well as top lighting. The reason why I think that this shot has a top light is because the face is more lit than the rest of the body. Moreover, the position of the shadow would have been faded or even tilted if it was just a under lighting. Moving on, I think that the use of under lighting is used as well in this shot as the light seems to be seen from blow the character to shine on her shoulders and to even out the position of the shadow.
3) The lights give a key effect to this shot. The lights give the effect of danger and horror as the light kind of creates a silhouette that ins't of the character but of another character (a serial killer)?



1) The type of light shown in this shot is a low key light. This is because the light seems unnatural and very "chicaroscaro" as light and dark colours are mixed in this shot to give off a sense of  unidentified character/personality.
2)  This image seems to have two main lighting effects. One of which is the top lighting as the light is very visible as it details the top half of the character. In addition, the second light used in this shot is background lighting as there are no shadows present as well as, giving off the full colour and visuals of the background of this scene.
3) The lighting in this particular shot gives off an effect of someone's significance as well as, their status as the tone of the shot seems like a biography book cover of a famous person.



1) The lighting in this shot seems to be of a 'high key lighting' due to the fact that there aren't any shadows visible in this shot as well as, any source of light that may seem unrealistic. Furthermore,  the light source that is seen in this shot seems to be the reflection of moon light as it is quite bright and isn't as bright as a normal light.
2) This shot has mainly back lighting as well as two variations of under lighting. The reason why I think that this shot has two variations of under lighting is because there are two different lights visible from the side of the character (light coming from downstairs and from the balcony). This suggests that under lighting was used in order to light up these areas of the shot. In addition, I think that the use of back lighting was used in this shot as well. This is because the light seems to act like the Moon and is shining behind the character which makes it a back light.  
3) The lighting in this shot gives off a horror style effect. This is due to the low amount of light given in this shot and how, the character wears a mask in the dark gives off the type of shot this is. In my opinion, this shot seems to be of a character who has broken in to a house. The light gives off the fact that the setting is at night and that the character is wearing some sort of disguise.

 

1) The lighting in this shot is low key lighting. This is due to the light seeming to purposely be there in this shot and isn't trying to look natural. The reason why I think this is because there are shadows being the couple (on the wall) which seems that the Director wanted them to appear there due to the position of the light and how it creates the effect.
2) The type of lighting used would be an under lighting. as well as a little but of background lighting. This is because the background lighting is visible above the male characters shoulders (on the left side) which also seems to give off more light on the couples face. Secondly, the reason why I think that an under lighting effect was used was because most of the right is coming from below the shot which can represent a fire place however seems to be purposely there to fit in to the scene.
3) The lighting gives off a romantic effect. This is because of the positioning of the characters (being centralised and posing) however, the light can represent a fire place to some viewers which fits in with the romantic feel.

Film Language Mise-en-scene

Film Language Analysis

Still Image

Interstellar

The main character is known as Cooper who is seen in this shot wondering about on an unknown planet due to the clothing. The location of this shot seems to be not on earth as the visuals of the ground is not of snow or of Earth elements and therefore cannot be in a country on Earth such as Iceland and seems to be setted on another planet consumed by ice and an extremely sold climate. The character Cooper is seen wearing a space suit which shows that his surroundings is not known to him as well as being extremely cold climate. The facial expression on the characters face seems to be of surprise and as if he hasn't seen anything like this before. The position of the character seems to be in a slow and unsteady position as the character is unaware of what to do and what to do. The lighting seems to be more visual from the background to show the nature of the setting as well as the colour of the image is mostly of white and grey to show the look and feel of the place that the scene is set in. The colours white and grey signify that the setting is cold/freezing or of cold climate and is a planet surrounded with cold atmosphere and seems to be no source of life. The costume tat Copper is wearing is a space suit which refers to the genre of the film as well as the use of the character still having his helmet signifies that the air in the setting is unbreathable or dangerous. Finally, the position of the character in this scene is in the middle of the shot which can reveal that the character is about to find something important in this scene as he is the only one in this scene which also suggests that his role; that he's the leader of the astronauts. 

Film: Man of Steel (Genre- Science Fiction)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlINHSnUx9k

Mise-en-scene

The character is viewed as a non-human (alien) due to the different characteristics that the character had such as, flying and super strength. The character known as Superman seems to have unlocked how to fly and in this scene, struggles to do so. The setting of the scene seems to be in the Antarctica (at the beginning of the scene) due to the landscape being full of snow and icy conditions however, Superman flies to other destination such as the ocean as well as Africa as we see a herd of animals in a hot climate and finally, we see Superman fly into outer space . The props used within this scene would most likely be pieces of rock as well as snow to fit in with the background. I think this because the character is holding the item and therefore is considered a prop for the scene. The lighting of the scene was mostly on the main character as we see optical flares from the sun and also, we see the light focus more on the character through this scene such as, when he looks up (light is glared on his face) and when he is in space (light is shown more on the body of the character as he flies down to Earth). The colour of the scene is of various types of colour. At the start of the scene, the colour scheme was mainly of white and grey to show the icy/cold climate however, as the scene progresses we see more colour when the character flies upon different locations such as Africa which shows a colour scheme of brown and orange to signify the heat of the location. Superman is wearing his signature costume which is of two main colours which is blue and red. The costume has a cape which correlates with  Superman's flight capabilities. The facial expression of the Superman in this film is serious but, also very exciting as he has learnt to fly. He gives a very serious look when trying to harness his power however, as the scene progresses he begins to change mood towards being more happy. The position of the character through out this scene is mostly in the centre as he is the centre of attention and is what the consumers want to see. This shows the significance of the character through this film.

Film: Tron Legacy  (Genre- Fantasy)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GBLtnxxtzQ

Mise-en-scene

The character is seen as a person who is not from the same world as other characters in this film as the characters call the main character known as 'Flynn' a "user" which suggests that he is not from the same world as them. The scene is set in a game judging on the vehicles used as well as the fatalities that some of these characters go through. The characters who are seen dying in this scene turn into pixels which gives away the type of world the film is based on which seems to be a video game. The main type of props used would be the 'bike stick' as it is a tangible object in which the actor has to use in this scene. Another prop scene in this film is the helmet that each character has which is a tangible object and is interacting with the actor. Furthermore, the lighting within the scene occurs various times as the film revolves around different lights. However the light is shown more clearly on the main character bike as he has a bright light to separate him from the rest. This shows how the lighting was used to show the significance of the main character compared to his team mates and, same applies to the villain in the scene who is seen having orange colour whereas his team members have a red light. There is also many type of colours shown in this scene as previously said. Due to the film being set in a game it shows off many colours to relate to it. Colours such as red, orange, blue and white show often in this clip to differentiate the characters. Moving to my next point; costumes. Costumes signify the setting in which the scene is based in and, shows how futuristic the scene. The costume is of black base but has white lights around to give off some attention to other people in the same scene as well as show the genre of the film is based on; a type of futuristic based setting. The protagonist gives off a serious but also a natural impression and tone of the character. The character is seen to be not serious but, natural in the sense that it fits in with the type of scene it is. The position of the character through this scene is mostly centralised and is the centre of attraction in the audiences eyes. 

Film: Goodfellas (Genre- drama/thriller)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI-VY5cC2jk

Mise-en-scene

The character known as 'Henry' is seen as violent as he pulls out a gun to seek revenge on what appears to be his neighbour. The character is seen as a gang member due to the type of clothing he is wearing as well as his appearance. The vehicles shown in this clip seems to show the setting of the time period in which the film is set in which is 1950's America. In addition, the type of cars seen in this clip are very classic which shows to the audience that it is based in a classic American period. The main types of props used is a gun, whine case, jewellery on all character and possibly the cars. Furthermore, the lighting in this film isn't shown  as being significant however, it plays the part of the daylight in this scene to show off the normal life the couple have. The costumes in this film signify the type of film this is as well as the type of character wearing those clothes are. The character Henry is seen (in this clip) wearing a matching leather brown suit with jewellery around his neck. This shows that the character may be from a gang related background due to the sheer violence as well as the appearance and weaponry that this character has. This type of clothing can connote to a 'Mafia' type background as the style of the hair and the posture of the character movements signify a prestige person which can correspond to a gang member etc. The colours shown in this film seem to be of many type of colours as this scene is set on a street which can have a variety of colours and there is not a specific type of colour code in this film however, the colour of Henry's clothes do seem to be of brown combination. The character gives of an aggressive mood towards the other character symbolising the characters frustration as well as dominance over other members of the public. The position of the character is mostly at the centre of the scene however, there are some shots where he is sharing a scene with another character e.g his neighbour.   

Aarun's Film Poster Analysis

Film Poster Analysis (8 Posters)

1) Based on the visuals of the poster I can tell tat the poster has a lot of futuristic imagery such as flying vehicles and also the buildings have a futuristic setting to it. In addition, the tag line states 'man has made his match' which could suggest some sort of robot or cybernetic setting in the film.
2) The genre seems to be a Science Fiction film due to the futuristic feel that the poster gives. In addition, the poster does have the appropriate title as well as imagery of a science fiction film such as, containing guns as well as futuristic objects.
3) I believe that this film is based at a teenage audience due to it containing various features which most teenagers would consider in a film which are a source of action (in this case its a weapon in the poster) and also contains a futuristic theme. Overall, I think that this movie is targeted for the ages of 16-30. 

1) I think that this movie is a parody of past horror movies as the poster gives off many different references from past horror films however, with a sense on comedy within it. Another reason why I think that this is a comedy film because the reviews above the poster states that the film is "absolutely hilarious".
2) Judging from the review and the nature of the characters within the posters as well as the atmosphere, the film seems to be a comedy horror/parody.
3) Due to most horror movies being of a high age rating I do think that this movie does possess similar actions that of a horror movie as well as a sense of comedy. In addition, the characters positions as well as appearance seems to be aimed for a much older audience. Overall, I think that this movie is rated 18-40.

1) I think that this movie is about a man who has survived the breakthrough of a war and has now returned to his homeland where there is nothing but the remains of the buildings that once stood. I think that this is what the  movie is about due to the poster having a serious atmosphere and shows more dull colours which the setting of a war gives. In addition, the poster has many destroyed buildings which show the destruction of  the war.
2) I think that due to the visuals of the poster it seems to be a dramatic film as it doesn't show much colour and seems more serious than other posters which is what a drama film is.
3) I think that the target audience are the elderly as they are more likely to have witnessed the outbreak of wars and have experienced it in their past and fits in to being a target audience for this type of film (much more serious type of film).

1) This film seems to be about a young boy who is afraid of discovering things that may seem odd or even dangerous and doesn't quite know why. Furthermore, it could be about a boy who discovers a hole in which lies a different world and he tries to over come his fear. I got this interpretation because the title of the film "I'm not scared" suggests that the character was scared at one point through this film however, decides to conquer his fear by discovering what lies within the hole.Moreover, the character looks puzzled as if he has seen something that isn't usual.
2)  I think that the genre of the film is that it is a thriller as the poster has a sense of horror within it due to the title of the film being "I'm not scared" suggesting that the protagonist is going to be face to face with what he fears the most. As well as, the tone that the poster gives is more than just a hole but a hole that can contain anything in it which shows a bit of suspense.
3) Due to my conclusions of this film being a thriller I would rate the age group/ target audience of this movie to be around the ages of 15-25 as thriller mostly attracts a younger age group however, the protagonist in this film seems to be a boy who looks around 16 years old which would attract members of his own age group.

1)  I think that this movie is based around a noire theme as the colour of the movie is dull but mostly grey. In addition, most noire setting are themed around a dull and grey background  featuring gins and violence. This film seems to be very violent as many of the characters have weaponry in their hands as well as the title seems to show a city with negative citizens
2)  I think that the film is based around a action-thriller genre. This is partly because of the nature of the poster being grey and containing violent objects such as guns. Moreover, the atmosphere shown in the poster in quite negative as it is raining and the background is black showing that the scene of the movie isn't quite pleasant.
3)  Due to the sheer nature and visuals of the poster being all action and violent, I would rate this movie a 18+ as it does give away a source of heavy violence which younger aged groups may not find pleasing. 

1) This film seems to be about pirates who seek a special type of object containing  a precious item of an individual who will stops at nothing until he gets back what's rightfully his...the chest. This is shown as we see a pirate holding  a gin in which fires gun powder as well as we see a ship which seems to be fighting with another ship.
2) As the film stars Johnny Depp, which is an actor who is best known for his portrayal as an actor for family films, I think that this film is no different and is of a family genre.
3) I think that this film can be aimed at the ages of children as well as teenagers which would be rated at PG. However, I think that the film is aimed at the ages of 8-18 as it does contain a little bit of violence but is an all round family film and can be viewed by anyone. 

1) The film seems to be about a typical man who goes clubbing and hangs out with his friends most of his time however, there is a girl who is from a tradition Asian background who's parents want her to get married and find a suitable man for her. When these two protagonists find each other they have trouble with each others background and things go wrong.
2) The film is seen to be of a romantic genre and comedy. This is because the tag line states "spectacular, romantic, funny and so sexy" shows the review of the movie being of a comedy romantic background. Furthermore, the nature of the background seems to be a love related film due to a male and female being back to back and an Asian family throwing a celebration which indicates the sign of marriage etc.
3) I think that the target audience is mainly based/targeted at the ages between 25-60 because at the age of 25 is were most of marriages begin and I chose the age 60 as it couples at a much older age still find romantic films entertained however, doesn't get much attraction to the older audience  above the age of 70.

1) The film seems to be about a woman who is seeking revenge on a man who has exploited her or her family in such as way, that her life has been turned upside down. This leads the woman going on a killing spree by killing anyone in relation to the man who wronged her and to get her revenge.
2) The film seems to be of a serious and violent nature due to the ton e that the poster gives off. The lighting as well as the colour scheme shows how violent the film is and the use of 3 main characters seem to show a source of a villain. In addition, it Overall, the genre of the film seems to be an action thriller due to the sheer tone that the poster gives off and the colour scheme used to portray the genre of the film.
3) I think based on the genre of the film and the interpretation of the poster, the film would be targeted at the ages of 16- 35. This is because 16 year-olds are more into violent films and that the love for action related films are mostly viewed by a younger audience due to the content that the film gives such as being graphical etc.