- Summer Task – what makes a good film
- Categorising Films – genres
- Monaco article – ‘Spectrum of the Arts’ What does it mean to you?
- Joker – 1st Response
- Moonlight – 1st Response
- Joker – Mise en scene
- Moonlight – Cinematography
- Sound – what is it in film and how does it work?
- Trainspotting – 1st Response and micro elements
- Representation – definition and examples from Trainspotting
- This is England – 1st Response
- This is England – micro elements
- This is England – Representation
- Story Board Practical Task. (Miller and the Chimney Sweep)
This is England 1st Response
Critical score – 9.5/10
In my opinion ‘This is England’ is the best movie that we have watched on our course so far. I loved the setting the movie was based on in the mid 80s. I also liked how the sets where real places each time. Nothing was made or set up for the movie. I liked how accurate it felt as well. I know i was not alive in the 80s. Not even close. Although the movie felt as if the director Shane Meadows was really accurate of how lower class England looked in the 80s.
One of my favourite scenes was near the beginning as Sean was reading a comic and the shop keeper took it off him. I like the way Sean was dealing with it with not a care in the world. Wanting his cola cubes.
Over all this was a great film to watch and I highly recommend it to whoever has not seen it.
THIS IS ENGLAND FIRST RESPONSE.
| SCORE OUT OF 10 | MEMORABLE SCENE | OVERVIEW OF THE FILM |
| 6.5/10 | When Shaun is at the beach and throws away his England flag. I liked this scene because it was representing Shaun denouncing the hate that he was taught by combo | I did like this film, but I feel like there was something missing, like a bigger climax or more insight in to how racist attitudes affected a wider audience in the north. Meadows also relied too heavily on comedy to carry the plot. Many characters and scenes were not necessary |
THIS IS ENGLAND REVIEW
| This Is England (Meadows, 2007) | CRITICAL SCORE: 9/10 My first initial thought of the film was that the story line was interesting and easily captivated me but also how everything was realistic and believable. | Memorable Scene: I think the most memorable scene for me was when Milky and Combo were having a conversation about Milkey’s family and how he’s grown up. The way you can see the happiness on his face (Milkey’s) when he’s talking about them is so believable, it felt as if it was real. However, this scene really shows the psychotic side, the instant change as he says, “you have anything don’t you”, you could hear the jealousy and anger in his voice. |
Representation
All aspects of film form including narrative contribute to the representations of cultures and societies (gender, ethnicity and age) including the ideological nature of those representations.
Ideology: a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
Films create meaning and creates response though mise en scene, cinematography, sound, editing and performance.
Performance
- Age
- Ethicity
- Costume
- Facial expressions
- Body language/ gestures
Stereotype: A widely held, fixed and oversimplifies image of belief of a particular type of person or thing. For example, all black people are criminals.
Countertype: An attempt to create an opposite, or different idea or view compared to their stereotype that is already in place, for example a black or female president instead of a white man.
Sarah Connor Representation
Sarah Connor was a stereotypical American, girl next door waitress at the start of the film (terminator 1). She is presented as weak, frantic and slightly unbothered as she is bad at her waitress job, seen when she spills drinks and gets orders mixed up.
In the follow up movie (Terminator 2) Sarah becomes a countertype and her new character almost juxtaposes her previous role as she is now shown as a fearless heroine, she has gained a lot of strength and confidence and is no longer the innocent waitress viewers have previously seen.
Trainspotting Representation
WHO IS DOING THE REPRESENTATION?
Danny Boyle, the director
WHO IS BEING REPRESENTED ? (Identify specific social groups)
Drug addicts (specifically heroin addicts), Scottish white males, younger generation
WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE OMITTED FROM THE REPRESENTATIONS?
Characters of colour, upper class, non-addicts, diverse women
WHAT MESSAGES ABOUT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS ARE BEING CONVEYED?
That drug addicts are negative and irresponsible (seen when the baby dies of neglect as everyone was too high). The little amount of women are presented as promiscuous.
WHICH CHARACTERS OR SOCIAL GROUPS HAVE POWER WITHIN THE REPRESENTATIONS?
In the film the male characters predominantly have more control over the female characters as they are only shown in relation to the men. Overall, there is little control between the different generations of the characters as they are rarely shown. However, when Renton overdoses his parents do take control and lock him in his room but this is one of the few signs of control.
DO THE CHARACTERS ADHERE TO OR CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES?
They adhere to stereotypes as the characters all present addiction accurately, as well as the women in the film conforming to the gender stereotypes of the time period.
ARE THE CHARACTERS TYPICAL OF FILMS IN THAT GENRE?
The genre of the film is dark comedy and because of the many young male characters I think they do fit the genre as their humour and stories are quite similar
WHAT DO REPRESENTATIONS TELL AUDIENCES ABOUT SOCIETY AT THE TIME THE FILM WAS MADE AND/OR SET?
That there was a lot of drug use between that stereotype of person when the film was set. For example, many drug addicts such as Renton, his friends and in Scotland.
HOW ARE ELEMENTS OF FILM FORM (MISE EN SCENE/PERFORMANCE/SOUND/EDITING/CINEMATOGRAPHY) BEING USED TO CONTRUCT THE REPRESENTATIONS?
Film form is cleverly used during Renton’s withdrawal from heroin after his overdose. He experiences vivid hallucinations which have been well edited and the matching sound used to put them into Renton’s head as they experience the sights and sounds he does. This creates sympathy for Renton as the use of film form creates a clear representation of heroin withdrawal.
Representation
All aspects of film form including narrative contribute to the representations of cultures and societies (gender, ethnicity and age) including the ideological nature of those representation.
Ideology is set ideas
Performance
age
ethnicity
costume
facial expression
body language
Stereotype
Ideas that aren’t progressive and confining certain types of people into set categories based on gender, race, class etc.
Countertype
The idea of braking away from set ideas and breaking harmful stereotypes. Example: a black president of America.
Sarah Conner Representation
Sarah Conner in terminator one is represented as a young ditsy waitress, falling in the the stereotype that all women are girly and aren’t fit to do action and violence. however in the second film she transformed into nan action heroine to be a powerful woman with ability’s and skills to yield weapons and kill bad guys, this countertype wasn’t common for the release date of the film. you can see the difference between the two images and can see the large difference between the character in the two films, number one being her dressed in pink with soft feminine makeup, and number two her holding large weapon in a harsh black tank top showing her new muscular build, with her hair pulled into a messy ponytail with visors on showing her to be ready for action and combat.
Trainspotting representation
1.WHO IS DOING THE REPRESENTATION? (DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT)
The director, Danny Boyle is choosing who and what is being represented.
2.WHO IS BEING REPRESENTED ? (Identify specific social groups)
There is representation of poor working class, representation of Scotland in the 1980s, representation of drugs, representation of drug addicts, representation of friendship, representation of sobriety.
3.WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE OMITTED FROM THE REPRESENTATIONS?
There is very little representation of women positively as they are shown in not very positive light, no representation of any different races or different ethnicity’s other than white people, there is no representation of any lgbtq characters.
4.WHAT MESSAGES ABOUT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS ARE BEING CONVEYED?
It is conveyed that people who live in poverty throw their life’s away for drugs sex and alcohol, it shows that the poor will continue to be poor as they don’t try to achieve goals.
5.WHICH CHARACTERS OR SOCIAL GROUPS HAVE POWER WITHIN THE REPRESENTATIONS?
the characters in authority in this movie are the police, the parents, and the drug house runner. this shows that the only time people are in power are people who have something the characters want *(drugs) or have a higher social ranking.
6.DO THE CHARACTERS ADHERE TO OR CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES?
the characters adhere to stereotypes such as. women are only there for a relationship or sex. that all drug addicts are dirty and grimy. that people with addictions are irresponsible and do nothing but do drugs.
7.ARE THE CHARACTERS TYPICAL OF FILMS IN THAT GENRE?
the characters id say for a “black comedy” all act reasonably to fit the genre, as they still keep the film heavy and emotional yet still having the right comedic timing.
8.WHAT DO REPRESENTATIONS TELL AUDIENCES ABOUT SOCIETY AT THE TIME THE FILM WAS MADE AND/OR SET?
It shows within society that drugs where too normalised and by realising the film they shown people what drugs does to peoples lives.
9.HOW ARE ELEMENTS OF FILM FORM (MISE EN SCENE/PERFORMANCE/SOUND/EDITING/CINEMATOGRAPHY) BEING USED TO CONTRUCT THE REPRESENTATIONS?
The use of mise en scene depicts the reality of low class Scotland in the 1980s by showing their homes and the crack den to be mostly unpleasant. the performance of the actors shows the look and tries to convey the feeling of drugs to the audience. the editing in times shows the hallucinations of the main character, Renton.
Representation in Trainspotting
All aspects of film form including narrative contribute to the representations of cultures and societies (gender, ethnicity, and age) including the ideological nature of those representations.
Performance
Can cover: age, ethnicity, facial expression of character and body language, costume.
Stereotypes = A stereotype is a fixed general image or set of characteristics that a lot of people believe represent a particular type of person or thing.
Countertype = An opposite type or a parallel or corresponding type.
An example of a countertype in film would be the character of Sarah Connor in the Terminator I and II. In the first film she is the typical stereotype of a clumsy American actress, however she has a drastic change in the second film where she becomes a typical action movie heroine sort of character.
Representation in Trainspotting
1. WHO IS DOING THE REPRESENTATION? (DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT)
Renton and his group of friends – By Danny Boyle.
2.WHO IS BEING REPRESENTED ? (Identify specific social groups)
They are being represented as a group of delinquent white Scottish men that are addicted to drugs- specifically heroin. Also: the lower class, parents, adults.
3.WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE OMITTED FROM THE REPRESENTATIONS?
People of colour, the upper class and women.
4.WHAT MESSAGES ABOUT PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUPS ARE BEING CONVEYED?
The message of how an addiction to drugs can ruin a persons life, and the power and influence of it. It’s a social commentary that shows the unglamorous part of drugs that is not often shown.
5.WHICH CHARACTERS OR SOCIAL GROUPS HAVE POWER WITHIN THE REPRESENTATIONS?
The characters that provide them with the drugs such as “Mother Superior” Swanney (Peter Mullan). Also the police force and Renton’s parents.
6.DO THE CHARACTERS ADHERE TO OR CHALLENGE STEREOTYPES?
I’d say that yes, Renton and his friends represent the typical stereotype of a drug addict very well and this is supported by the mise en scène, the setting, the costumes and the cinematography.
7.ARE THE CHARACTERS TYPICAL OF FILMS IN THAT GENRE?
The main genres of Trainspotting is crime/drama and to an extent the character subtype of a drug addict could be typical for it.
8.WHAT DO REPRESENTATIONS TELL AUDIENCES ABOUT SOCIETY AT THE TIME THE FILM WAS MADE AND/OR SET?
Representations such as gender, age and race can tell the audience a lot about the time was made/set because of the way they behave, the stereotypes they adhere to (like women being housewives in the 1900s) and the way others react to them. It helps make the film feel real when there is a specific date to its timeline. Certain representations, such as working class people vs higher class people can also tell a story about the society within a film and tell the audience how their world works.
^ In this image older people are being represented. More specifically, Renton’s parents. The audience watch as Renton is being almost infantilised as his parents tuck him into his own bed and take care of him. This presents them as responsible and neat, they are the target type of “adult” that Renton and his friends should aim to be instead of drug addicts. And for their outfits, they are dressed all smartly and clean amidst Renton’s dark and shabby room while he is dressed in clothes from the day before- this shows the stark difference between them and the lives they both live.
Trainspotting
Initial response: 6/10
This movie is raw and real showing the realistic effects of drug abuse with out glorifying it, that is why I believe it is good. However I found it difficult to stay focused as the plot line seemed a little weak, however I understand that its necessary for it to be like that for this movies subject. It shows getting clean from substance isn’t a straight road to recovery and becomes repetitive much like the movie.
Sound
During the beginning of the movie the main character Mark Renton runs along the streets of Scotland reciting the iconic “choose life” monologue accompanied with “lust for life” by Iggy Pop. The diegetic monologue is upbeat and positive, opposing the contents on the movie by this it adds more interest within the viewer.
Mise-en-scene
The use of the colouring in this film is unique and interesting, as this photo not only depicts lots of colours of all the apartment curtains, yet it still manages to be so glum and drained of life, almost allowing you to see the world the way mark does. The lighting in this is dull and lifeless incorporating more into the depressing vibe the movie gives off. The set on this movie depicts the reality of the working class in the 1980s.
Editing
The use of editing in this film is crucial to represent what Renton feels and sees when he is high. This creates a connection between the audience and Rendon by taking a look into his mind while he is in euphoria.
Cinematography
the use of cinematography in trainspotting is crucial within this movie to create affect for the audience. The use of this medium close up eye level shot allows the reader to see Renton and get a better grasp of his emotions.
Trainspotting Macro Element
SOUND-In the opening scene of Trainspotting director Danny Boyle decided to use the song “Lust For Life” by Iggy pop. This is a fast paced song that matches well with the characters running from the police in Edinburgh’s streets. The title “Lust For Life” coincides with Renton’s monologue about choosing a normal life over heroin.
Cinematography- In every scene we see Swanny, also known as Mother Superior there is a halo of red light around him (2:30) This red light is only present in the drug den. This red glow is representative of the life style that the men live while they are under the influence of their addiction. Red is a universal colour in trainspotting that represents sex, drugs, death and all other things that won’t help Renton “Choose life.
MISE-EN-SCENE- (34:27) The set design of the drug den also holds important representation. The drug den has overwhelming shades of brown and dark, dirty colours with used needles and burnt spoons, But. Scattered around the den are muted vibrant colours, on the walls and carpet. These subtle vibrant colours represent the euphoria that the characters go through when they inject heroin, but the darker browns and greys represent the decay and disease that their addiction creates.
EDITING- (1:20) In this scene we see a freeze frame of each important character. The effect of this editing style tells the audience that each person we see is important to the plot and will be reoccurring.
Trainspotting Representation
Young People-
They feel alienated from traditional paths like stable jobs, marriage, or consumerism, instead embracing a chaotic and self-destructive lifestyle as a form of resistance. Their drug use and disregard for authority reflect a broader rebellion against societal expectations and norms. Many of the young characters prioritise pleasure and instant gratification, which is often pursued through heroin, alcohol, and casual sex. he male characters frequently conform to toxic ideas of masculinity, such as suppressing emotions and engaging in risky behaviors.
Working Class-
The working class in Trainspotting is depicted as trapped in a cycle of poverty, addiction, and disillusionment, with little hope for change. While the film critiques their self-destructive behaviors, it also portrays them with empathy, highlighting the systemic failures and societal neglect that contribute to their struggles. This nuanced representation offers a commentary on the economic and social realities of the time, making the film both a character-driven story and a broader critique of class inequality.
Addicts-
Addicts in Trainspotting are depicted as deeply flawed yet human individuals, caught in a web of personal choices and systemic failings. The film presents addiction as a devastating and multifaceted issue, blending moments of dark humor, tragedy, and raw honesty to challenge stereotypes and provoke empathy.
Scottish People-
Scottish people in Trainspotting are depicted with honesty and complexity, balancing critiques of societal issues with an acknowledgment of cultural resilience and humor. The film offers a raw, unvarnished portrayal of life in Scotland, highlighting both the struggles and the spirit of its people.
Older people-
Older people in Trainspotting are depicted as symbols of traditional values, societal stagnation, and generational disconnect. While some are shown as caring and concerned, they are often powerless to address the systemic issues faced by the younger generation. Their portrayal underscores the broader societal critique at the heart of the film, examining how intergenerational dynamics contribute to the struggles of addiction, poverty, and hopelessness.
Men-
Men in Trainspotting are depicted as deeply flawed yet human, caught in a cycle of rebellion, addiction, and disillusionment. The film critiques toxic masculinity and societal expectations while exploring themes of vulnerability, friendship, and the struggle for identity. This nuanced portrayal highlights the complexities of masculinity and its role in shaping the characters’ lives.
Women-
Women in Trainspotting are largely represented as secondary characters who serve to reflect and influence the male protagonists. While some, like Diane, show agency and assertiveness, the film primarily explores the struggles and experiences of its male characters. The female characters often embody themes of vulnerability, objectification, and exploitation, with their roles largely shaped by the male narrative. This portrayal is a reflection of the film’s critique of societal norms, including gender dynamics, but it also highlights the limited space for women within the world of Trainspotting.