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What makes a film good ?
film which is also called a movie, or moving motion of pictures, is a work of visual art that stimulates experience and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings or atmosphere through the use of moving images. An opinion on a film will change over a wide range of people; this could depend on the genre, the actors and actresses. So the big question is what makes a film ” good”. Normally a film is good by someone’s opinion however these opinions are based on 2 elements. These are micro and macro elements. A micro element is based on editing, mise en scene, sound, and cinematography. A macro element is based on genre, messages and values, representation, narrative, style, authorship and them. A film doesn’t have to be perfect for it to be good, the film has to connote these elements and entertain people while doing that. While making sure lighting and sound is good while filming and making sure the editing is good the most important element is the messages the film conveys. The message the film delivers to the viewers will create a sense in the mind to only think or feel that message making the film feel intelligent, enigmatic and a good watch as it makes viewers see the film through a different light. This may be important but in order to create a film that can otherwise communicate meanings, it it’s important that the micro and macro elements are up to a good standard. For example making sure the genre links throughout the film is the same and the film showcases that specific genre eg romantic, horror, action. Making sure the sound is right, for example sad music in a sad scene or silence in a scary scene. Making sure the representation and the aspects of society eg age, gender and ethnicity are represented to the audiences in a correct and friendly manner. These elements contribute massively to a film and making sure it is contributed correctly will make a film good. Evidently, The human mind assumes because one person likes something we all like that something (reciprocal liking )however we all have our own opinions and not be afraid to like something different. Not everyone likes the same good film but we all know why we like a good film So in conclusion, although the micro and macro elements are important in reasoning why a film is good, it is also very important to understand that our personal opinions and judgements are what makes a film good. The opinions come from the micro and macro elements.
Trainspotting – 1996
First Response –
Director – Danny Boyle
I give a rating of 8/10. For me throughout the whole movie, it felt like you where watching a true story of the group of people. This feeling was created by the actors, who’s acting was very talented and quite emotional to watch. The acting created the feeling of a realism of social issues in life.
The most memorable scene for me was when Renton is in his locked bedroom and is having withdrawal symptoms. This is the most memorable scene for me because I though the acting from Ewan McGregor made the scene very memorable and unforgettable. I also though the sound that was used was amazing because as the music got quicker and louder the more Renton got more fidgety and angrier.
Trainspotting – Micro elements
Sound – my favourite seen that used sound amazingly was when he was having withdrawal symptoms in his bedroom. I liked the way they used sound because as Renton was getting more and more fidgety and anxious and increasing with his symptoms the music/ Sound get faster and slightly louder over the time of this scene
Editing – In this scene the use of adding a title of the names of each character help the audience to understand each character individually and instead of guessing which character is who you already know who they are from the use of editing. This creates a sense of being knowledgeable as you don’t have to go finding in the film who is who.
Mise En Scene – In this scene I thought the mise en scene used showcased the scene perfect. There is a group of old people playing bingo and Renton is just sat in the middle of the gathering feeling uncomfortable and wanting to get out of the situation he is in. In this scene it creates a sense of the two different life’s that Renton and his parent have; Renton’s life – unsettling and upsetting, Parent’s life – fun and a social life.
Cinematography – in this seen, the camera is a birds eye view of Renton laying on the floor. This creates a sense that Renton is feeling week and appears to be needing help, as the audience we are looking over him creating a sense that we are watching him get defeated by drugs. This scene get quite disturbing and upsetting when there is a a shot of Renton looking up with a rectangle frame creating a sense that he is in a coffin and he is dying.
Sound
The difference between the role of a Sound Editor and a Sound Mixer
The sound editor finds the sound sources. They are responsible for the finished sound in Films. Th process involves selecting, polishing, and assembling three primary elements – recorded dialogue, sound effects, and music- into a complete, integrated soundtrack.
The sound mixer is the process where the raw materials assembled in sound editing process are combined and balanced into a coherent soundscape. The sound mixer takes the edited products and hones it during post- production.
The Shephard Tone
A Shephard Tone is a sound consisting of a superposition sine wave separated by octaves. When played with the bass pitch of the tone moving upward or downward, it is referred to as the Shepard scale. This creates the auditory illusion of a tone that seems to continually ascend or descend in pitch, yet which ultimately gets no higher or lower.
Diegetic vs Non – Diegetic Sound
diegetic sound – is any sound that the character or characters on screen can hear.
non-diegetic sound – is any sound that the audience can hear but the characters on screen cannot.
In this scene, Arthur and Thomas Wayne are having conversation. This is an example of Diegetic sound as they can both hear each other while being on the screen. You can additionally hear the bathroom door swinging open and shot which creates the sense of the audience knowing what is happening in this scene not just the characters
In this scene, where Arthur is on the bus. This is an example of Non – Diegetic sound as there is a background music ( composed by Hildur Guonadottir ) creating an intense emotion within this scene. This is Non- Diegetic sound because the character on screen cannot hear it however the audience can hear it.
Needle Drop
Synchronous sound is sound that is matched with the action and movements being viewed
Asynchronous sound is not matched with a visible source of the sound on screen.
A needle drop is when a pre-existing song is used in a film to underscore a particular scene. This can be a powerful tool for filmmakers, as the emotions and associations that we have with a particular song can enhance the emotions and associations that we have with a particular scene.
Sound Effects
Sound effects are artificially created or enhanced sounds that are used in artistic works to emphasise or express an action, mood, or feeling. Sound effects were initially used in radio dramas, but can be observed more often today in podcasts, theatre, films, and television shows
Many genres of films use sound effects but the main genres are Science Fiction, Horror, Action and Adventure genres where the soundscape is enhanced to increase dramatic tension.
A Foley Artist
A Foley Artist adds in sound effects to the movie in Post-Production. They make the sounds in a sound studio.
They make sounds like the sound of breaking bones, creaking floors, squeaking doors, footsteps, falling bodies, fire and basically any sound that is not dialogue or music, is Foley
Leitmotif
A leitmotif or leitmotiv is a “short, recurring musical phrase” associated with a particular person, place, or idea.
There is a leitmotif for settings, emotion, Character , evolution
Settings – Harry Potter shows when they are going back to Hogwarts and the surrounding there.
Emotion – In UP the musical phrase changes within different emotions
Character – Jaws, you know when Jaws is coming as the musical phrase is heard whenever the shark is near.
Evolution- Imperial march from star Wars.
Jcut & Lcut
A sound bridge is a type of sound editing that occurs when sound carries over a visual transition in a film.
Voice over/ Narration
Sound device where in one hears the voice of a character and or narrator speaking but the character in question is not speaking those words on screen.
Narration can be first person or ” voice of god ” style.
Score / underscore
Score – the score for a film is the ( theme ) music composed especially for it to enhance the mood / themes of the visuals which appear on screen.
Underscore – the underscore is music which is played ” under ” sequences to enhance mood and this often mixed with dialogue and/ or sound effects.
Sound Perspective
Sound Perspective refers to the apparent distance of a sound source, evidenced by its volume, timbre, and pitch.
If we didn’t know the sound of things we wouldn’t know the climax of the story.
Activity 8
My favourite soundtrack is Mamma Mia 2 as it help brings the emotions more to life when adding the sound to the film. Sound helps the movie shift between emotion through the music and sound effects. Sound helps establish a reality within the film by making it seem more intense and
Moonlight – Cinematography Examples
Moonlight – Shot distance.
In this close shot of Juan and Chiron, you are Made to feel like you are there using a low shot angle. By seeing them and seeing the water it captures the surrounding of what it will feel like to be in the water with them in that moment.
In this medium close shot, it gives the perspective from Chiron’s mother. The close shot helps emphasise what emotions Chiron is feeling in this moment. As there isn’t much background is showing the intense and fierce conversation/ confrontation from the mother’s part.
In this long shot of Chiron’s mother. The perspective is from Chiron, this long shot helps emphasises the distance and how isolated the relationship between Chiron and his mother, and how they are not close at all as they grow up.
Shot angles –
In this scene of Chiron and Kevin, the shot angle being used is of a low shot angle. This almost makes them seen as superior and in power. It also shows the growth and how growing up as made them more inferior from any others.
In this high shot angle of Chiron laying on the ground after pretending to fight with is friend Kevin. The high shot help show the defeat that was made and to help show the tiredness and worn-out state that Chiron is in making him seem smaller and less strong to his friend.
In this almost eye level/ low shot of Chiron swimming on his own it helps capture what it would be like to be in the water with him, the use of slapping in the water it creates a sense of panic and like you have no control of the water.
Camera and lens movement-
In this scene the camera zooms in and then zoom out. Chiron’s mother backs away as the camera zooms out to show how she doesn’t care about Chiron’s feelings and to show how selfish and show how she doesn’t not act very maternal for her son.
In this scene the camera tilts down then tilt up. It starts off with the camera tilting down to show the gun in Juan’s hand and it is also a slight enigma code as we are not sure just yet who the guy is. However, when the Camera moves up, we see that it is Juan, in this scene Chiron enters his house without warning this make Juan seem paternal as he is trying to look after him and his family.
In this scene the camera pans left to right to show the anger and pace of Chiron who is about to throw the chair over a boy. The camera pans left to right to show the speed of Chiron walking and the intense moment of this scene.
Joker – Mise En Scene
Joker – Mise En Scene
In the scene below of Arthur and Murray at the talk show studio, Mise En Scene can be seen through this scene very well. For example, the use of makeup for Arthur. You can clearly see that the makeup shows the joker and represent who the joker is. The use of costume is well represented as you can see the iconic suit for the joker- the use of yellow and red could connote clown and how Arthur used to work as a clown. Furthermore, the way the Murray has been dressed it shows that he is more professional and cleaner and takes his job very serious. The set design is of Murrays studio for his talk show. From the props being used like desk and chairs, you can tell that it is an interview for a talk show. The backdrop of the city is made to look like you are in a building and outside is this amazing view whereas it isn’t. You can easily tell that this has been created by people however it looks very similar to other famous talk shows which shows us that this part of the movie is quite relatable for people as many people might watch talk shows. In the scene you can see that there is space but not much. Most of the space has been filled with props like furniture for the show e.g., sofa, desk a few plants, a small table. Is this scene you can see that Murray franklin is Infront of the others telling us that he is the host but also making him seem more superior and more powerful in this moment. In this scene the lighting is high key lighting suggest that the talk show will be a comedy, and it bring a happy and upbeat mood however all the other scenes in joker the lighting is low key suggest the film is quite dark and the genre is more of a thriller and crime movie. The composition of this scene is quite balanced. You can see why the director may have chosen to film this scene from the angle and view it show who is superior and who is he guests. The aspect ratio of this scene shows that the way this has been filmed is a widescreen, this helps to capture the whole scene and shows the essence that the scene is trying to prove. The film stock has been shot in colour which really help to understand outfit choices and lighting, perhaps that why they chose to make the joker suit red and orange. Red could connote death and blood but also danger.
In this scene it captures one of the main mise en scene categories, makeup. On his face he has been painted in white and there is red strike splattered on him from when was killing his friend. The use of red blood shows danger, blood and death. It helps emphasises what has just happened in the scene before. Normally the colour white connotes cleanness and innocence. However, most of the white face paint has been covered in red which could imply that Arthur is no longer innocent and clean. The might make the audience start to realise that he is turning into the joker.
In the scene where he is applying his make up the lighting used is very low-key lighting this could suggest to the audience that the film is very dark, and the genre of the film is thriller and crime. The low-key lighting helps emphasises that Arthur is very depressed and sad and that he perhaps views his life as a sad, dark place. The depressing light is the starting to show how the joker is quite depressed which shows the audience that this film is about him being quite sad.
In the Scene of the interview with Murry, the set design being used is of a studio. I like this seen for the set design because it looked very real. On the right there is a camera showing that this interview is being filmed. It looks like the set design has been made and built as it would be hard to find a place to use to film this seen, especially with a shooting seen. I really liked the use of props like a desk, sofa and table- this made the seen come alive as it looked very verisimilitude. This helps the audience to feel like that this will being a real interview even though they know something will happened at any time.
The use of costume in this seen shows that there is a bit of happiness in the scene. We can see that Arthur is dressed in bright colour and is dancing for the children at the hospital. Through this scene you can see that Arthur seems to be innocent and is just trying to make the children smile by being a clown, however this contrast of how is normally. The scene might show the audience that he has a slight bit of innocent and wants to make those kids happy.
In this scene, Arthur has just been fired from his job and is leaving the premises of his job. The tight and dirty space kind of represents Arthur as he is in a tight living crisis as he can’t afford many things and lives in an old apartment. This might make the viewer feel bad for him as that is how he lives. There isn’t much in this scene except for some stairs and a sign that say, “don’t Forget to Smile”. However, Arthur rubs out forget to which starts to show his true joker self.
The composition in Joker shows the arrangement of lighting, for example in the scene where Arthur is performing to be like a comedian. The lighting he is being used to make it look like he is on the stage with all the lights on him. The blurry background almost make it seem overwhelming for Arthur and it is quite hard trying to be a comedian. As the audience it makes you feel quite sorry for Arthur as it must be hard to be a comedian.
Aspect ratio in this scene is used to create a tight space, in this scene the kitchen is quite messy showing that the joker is messy. This might show the audience that Arthur is quite enclosed and has not have the power to be more open and perhaps keeping his feeling quite close to him.
Moonlight First Response
Moonlight – 7/10
I rated this movie a 7/10 because I like how the story came from the same person however from 3 different times in his life for example when he was a child , teenager and from when he was in adulthood. However , when it changed from teenager to adulthood I got a bit lost as there wasn’t much that showed the viewer that it changed from teenager time to adulthood.
My favourite scene was when Chiron found comfort in Juan and Teresa. Juan and Teresa felt more like they where his real parents than his actual one has they cared for Chiron more. It made me feel that Juan and Teresa had a parental and kind side to them.
Y12 FS – S.S
What does Monaco mean by the term “The Spectrum of The Arts”?
Monaco idea of “The spectrum of the arts” simply suggests the wide range of art and artist out there, it also suggest the distinctive styles, ideas, and message throughout art. Monaco states there are many types of art for example creative art, or spoken art, or written art an even other art like history, poetry, comedy, tragedy, music and dance, and astronomy.Those are 7 activities that are seen as art. However, astronomy and geometry are no longer consider art in this century
To understand how the recording arts set up their place in the spectrum of art, Monaco implies it is necessary first to define some of the basic concepts of that spectrum. Furthermore, there is a wide range of factors that interrelate to give each of the classical and modern arts its own personality, resulting in some elaborate aesthetic equations. Two ordering systems, one nineteenth- century in origin, the other more contemporary, suggest themselves at once.
There are many differences between the unique forms of art. For example, drama performance vs film is two similar arts in terms of acting however they are also very unique and different. A drama performance is performed on a stage which consists of not as many people acting and not as many props being used in the performance while in a film there is a lot of actors whether it is in the background in a film or help produce and direct it. When performing a drama performance if you mess up you cannot just cut that scene and start it all over again, you must hide you mistake by acting confident.
Joker First Response
Joker First Response
Joker – 2019, Todd Phillips
Rating – 7/10
I gave it the rating 7/ 10 because the story of the film was well perceived throughout the whole film. I think the actor for Joker, acted extremely well and was very memorable and took the storyline of the film to another level through his acting. The location and lighting of the film was amazing and help contrast the idea of the joker through sound and location.
The most memorable scene for me was when Arthur Fleck (joker) was in the train when the three guys start fighting with him. At first you felt quite bad and for Arthur and through his acting he made it seem like he was innocent and in the need of help. However, as that scenes progresses you realise that he is not that innocent has he shoots the three men. Through this scene you can see the role of Joker increase.
Categorising Films
| Art Film | Mainstream Film | Historically Significant Film |
| The Shape of Water – A lonely woman comes across an amphibian creature in a research lab from 2017. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Romantic Fantasy. | The Breakfast Club – Extremely popular film from 1985. Directed by John Hughes. Comedy and Drama. | Wizard of Oz – came out in the 1930s and has had a significant impact on films. Directed by Victor Fleming. Musical. |
| Fitzcarraldo – Film from 1982 about an Irishman that has dreams of opening an opera house. Directed by Werner Herzog. Musical and Action. | A Bug’s Life – Very popular film from 1998 about an army of ants. Directed by John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton. Animation and action. | Battleship Potemkin – 1925 Soviet silent film which commemorates the Revolution of 1905. Directed by Sergei Eisenstein. War and Silent film. |
| Alphaville – About an American secret agent that is sent to a futuristic city on another planet. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Noir and science-fiction. | The Magnificent Seven – 1960 Western about a gunslinger and a group save a Mexican village from bandits. Directed by John Sturges. Western and action. | The Seven Samurai – Japanese film about a veteran samurai protecting a village from 1954. Directed by Akira Kurosawa. War and action. |
| Love Simon – 2018 film about a man keeping his sexuality secret but is being blackmailed. Directed by Greg Berlanti. Romance and comedy. |
Historically significant films are very valued within society because they are talked about so many years later and have been watched by multiple generations. For example, the Wizard of Oz is a treasured musical that is still being adapted and watched by many people.