Monthly Archives: September 2018
Filters
Set Deigin
Box Office Analysis
What does the top 2018 movie list tell us about the formula for a successful film. Firstly, one should explain that since this list is “international” there are many different film industries from different countries however Hollywood is by far the largest film industry on this list. The top eight out of the top 10 films are Hollywood films. This tells us that film is a a huge part of western culture. The last two on the list are both from the Chinese industry so one can infer that film is also very popular in the eastern culture, partially because of the sheer amount of people living in china.
Additionally, looking at the genre of film can help determine the formula for a successful film. Many films such as “Avengers: Infinity War”, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” and “Black Panther”. This implies that the action genre is very popular in the film industry, especially in western culture. Therefore using a popular genre is a key part in making a film successful.
Not only that, but bankable stars are very important. having your favourite actor in a film can attract you to it before you have even seen the trailer. People are more likely to see a film with a good/popular actor as they will assume the film is going to be good just because of that actor/actress
Finally, occupying the bottom of the list are two Chinese films, this reveals that China has a very large population and a very large cinematic audience and therefore can make this list whilst only being viewed in one country.
Titanic – Great use of Mise-En-Scene
One amazing example of mise-en-scene in a film is in “Titanic” (James Cameron, 1997) the set design was incredible. This is because a full size replica was created just for this one film. Although initially the replica was full size, some parts were removed since they did not contribute to the scene e.g could not be seen at all.
This film was incredibly well made and has left audiences in awe even watching it today due to the intricate plot and terrific set design.
Example of good costume in a film
Example of costume:
The example of good costume design in a film i will be using is Captain Americas ‘nomad’ costume in Avengers: Infinity war.
This is a good costume due to the contrast it has to his regular outfit.
As seen below, the later costume is worn, weathered and aged, all whilst missing the signature star that is usually sported on the front of his chest. This change of costume is significant as it is symbolic to Captain America’s character development, as he goes from being loved by the american people and government, to being wanted and having to be in hiding from the government on the run hence the name being the ‘Nomad’ outfit, this is shown in his costume by the lack of the regular patriotic look, red white and blue gone, missing star and shield being replaced etc. This symbolism in the costume is what makes this a good costume design.
Additionally, him gaining long hair and a beard add to the idea that he has been on the run and not settled or maintained.
costumes in movies
A good costume from a movie I remember is Darth Vader from Star Wars, directed by George Lucas. The black gas mask creates an intimidating impression with the audience due to the black design showing the audience his evil nature and it as well giving him a robotic and larger than life impression on the audience.
As well the unique design that looks nothing like any of the other costumes in Star Wars help to elevate his significance in the story to those watching. As well a eluding to his powers with the force.
Lastly the costume helps to signify his part in the empire by its pristine look. Since everything associated with the empire in star wars is well designed and clean. His suit having that quality as well as its similarity to a storm trooper suit helps to associate him with them.
Lastly since most of the backgrounds hes in are either grey or white, it has a nice contrast off them
Lighting Example
I think that the lighting used in The Conjuring (dir. James Wan, 2013) is very effective and well thought out. This is because, in scenes like this one, there is only one main light source, which increases the amount of darkness that the scene contains. The audience will find that this helps them to see things from the main character’s point of view, and it could make them scared of what could be hiding in the shadows. Using little lighting works well in horror films like The Conjuring, as it creates a tense atmosphere, and adds lots of suspense for the viewers.
Costume Design
I have decided to choose this costume design from Marie Antoinette (2006 ) (dir Sofia Coppola) example because the dresses are aesthetically pleasing and the colors are bright and have pastel tones and this creates a happy and upbeat tone. Furthermore, costumes are very important to this movie because it is about someone who was famous for the clothes that she wore.
Lighting
I think ‘Lights Out’ (by David Sandberg, 2016) is the best example of lighting techniques demonstrated in film. The movie plot is based around lighting and darkness, which leads to many dark scenes only using limited light but in very effective ways as displayed below. I think the movie is effective as centralizing the significance of light because it manages to use shadows and mainly low-key lighting to create an eerie atmosphere.
Costume Example
I think that Bilbo Baggins’ costumes from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (dir. Peter Jackson, 2012) are incredible, as they are so detailed and clearly reflect Bilbo’s personality and the difficulties that he faces while travelling to face Smaug. For example, this shot shows the comfortable lifestyle that Bilbo is used to living. This contrasts to the clothes he’s wearing at the end of the movie, which are dirty and torn. As the movie goes on his costume become more ruined, it makes it seem more genuine for the audience, as it shows how he has been travelling on the road the entire time, without chance to stop and properly get cleaned.