A2 Advanced Portfolio Research

1. A2 Advanced Portfolio Research Brief I am to produce a Promotional Package for a new film, to include a teaser trailer (DVD), together with 2 of the following: A website homepage for the film A film magazine front cover, featuring the film (A4) A poster for the film. (No larger than A3) By Brandon Jewell

2. Genre Theory Genre is French and means ‘sort’ or ‘type’ and basically refers to the sort/kind of film or media product and what categories it falls into. Genres are made up from conventions, themes and ideas which films and media products include. Using these common conventions and stereotypes we can categorise films in different groups. Stereotypically in the past mainstream Hollywood always used the same fixed concepts of genre. More recently much more challenging sets of conventions are used in certain films. This results in sub-genres, hybrids and much more complicated forms of Genre. An example of a sub-genre is Film Noir, a sub-genre of gangster/crime and thriller, including dark minimalistic sets and lighting. One very successful noir film, ‘Double Indemnity’ Written and Directed by Billy Wilder.I will be looking into to different genres and what elements I want to work with for my film, and its trailer. Genre hybrisation, and theory on the industries domination: Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer – German sociologists, philosophers and musicologist (Adorno Only), known for there (similar) critical theory’s of society in the 1960’s. The theory’s also relates to Postmodernism and the cultural issues of the time, seeking out ‘the truth’.They mainly looked at the industry (Hollywood), and cultures and there influence on the population. Believing that the industries’ domination, influenced peoples ideas of art, and looked away from the ‘difficult’ and challenging art forms which might have lead to people questioning social life.This highlighted their idea of using less fixed genres and themes in films, encouraging much more complex conventions to do with genre, narrative etc. Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer

3. Postmodern Theory Postmodernism as a generalisation is very complicated to define. Postmodernism – This theory overall is based around challenging the ideas of film on a whole, and appears to follow on from Modernist thinking.Modernism – Originated in the 1960’s - introducing and working on ‘new ideas’, with the main intentions to forward progress/ and to seek out ‘the truth’.‘Postmodernism’ reflects much more on attitudes, images and social, cultural ideas of the current time.It focuses more on globalisation and using ideas from all places and forms, especially from the past and then including them within film. The Postmodern Condition – Represents our digital age, (current era) where the media’s domination and diversity creates a mix of cultural beliefs, attitudes and arguably a confusion. Postmodernists borrow previous ideas/themes and combine them into hybrids to try make sense of our current times.Some of the most recognised postmodernists in film are Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie, Quentin much more so. They also see each other a rivalry in each other as directors. Both of these have made some massively iconic films that separate them from the rest of the film world. “I steal from every movie ever made.”- Quentin Tarantino. Guy Ritchie Quentin Tarantino

4. Example: Snatch One good example which includes postmodernist ideas is the film Snatch, which was very successful. Directed and written by Guy Ritchie Crime narrative: Group of criminals tracking down a stolen diamond.Comedy elements (fairly taboo comedy?): German insults, witty remarks on gypsy culture and accents etc. Which is arguably offensive, and is a risk.Spaghetti Western Genre elements: Stylised music and editing, stereotypically associated with Classic western (shootout type scenarios e.g. Scenes from the film: A Fistful of Dollars) Complex Narrative: Anti-narrative/time remapping moments pausing action on screen. Does not follow classic conventions of narrative and is more complex to follow. In terms of Crime films Snatch I feel has brilliant ideas and themes to look at, and its unique postmodernist ideas; genre hybrids and elements are what have made it so successful. Because of this crime has definitely gripped my attention as a genre to consider for my film.

5. Postmodern Usage In Media • Challenging narratives, themes or representations. Whether they follow conventions and challenge current stereotypical ideas in films. • Non linear/Anti-narrative/Meta Referencing – Non Linear narratives are narratives where the events are out of chronological order or ‘disjointed’.Anti-narrative, similar to linear is a narrative that does not follow the classic conventions of narrative. E.g. Plot/ending is incoherent. One example: ‘Pulp Fiction’, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.Meta Referencing, is most well known as, ‘breaking the fourth wall’. It simply involves characters breaking the illusion that the audience are watching a film, and addresses the audience about the situation they are in or something that they need to say.These 3 challenge conventions and complex the film making them arguably harder to watch. • Hybridisation – Themes and conventions from a few different genre’s are present resulting in a film having a mixture of Genre’s, creating hybrids. • Intertextuality – Making references to other media texts for effect, for pleasure, or for respect:One form of intersexuality in films is a Pastiche. A pastiche is taking an idea/themes from another piece of media but to mark respect/celebrate, rather than mocking (parody).Parody/Satire – This is almost the opposite of Homage and is mocking someone’s past work or humiliating the work.E.g. Quentin Tarentino’s films are famously known as being Pastiche’s. One especially: Kill Bill (2003) has many throughout. One example in the film is Uma Thurman’s yellow jumpsuit – Pastiche of Bruce Lee’s jumpsuit in ‘Game of Death’.Bricolage – Bricolage refers to creating a piece of work with the materials that are available at the time. Using specific iconography. Homage – Paying respect or appreciation to someone’s work/ideas. very upfront about that. But the best examples of film homages are the ones that directors take and end up making their own. E.g. Jack Nicholson's "here's Johnny" scene with him wielding an axe from The Shining, was inspired by ’The Phantom Carriage’, the 1921 silent horror movie: In the film the main character of David Holm is forced to confront sins from his past, and one incident involves when he was infected with the dreaded tuberculosis disease. David's wife ends up locking him in a small room so that he will not end up infecting their family with the same affliction. But in a drunken rage (just like Jack Torrance years later), he finds an axe in the room and uses it to smash the door to pieces. The Shining , ‘Here’s Johnny’ Scene. ‘High Art’ editing/camerawork – Time remapping. Changing the time frame, slowing down/speeding up shots. E.g. Harry’s Poker Scene, in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. • Simulacra or hyperreality - Audience is aware of a false world or artificial mise-en-scene. The Phantom Carriage.

6. Narrative Theory Narrative in terms of film literally refers to the storyline and events that occur and are played out within the film. Narrative also consists of different formats, layouts and the plot - which refers to the order of which things happen and how the narrative is shown/carried out. Vladimir Propp – Vladimir was Soviet Scholar that analysed the basic plot elements for Russian Folk tales. His work is now seen to apply to that of mainstream film narratives not just folk tales.The theory consists of a series of characters: • The hero or victim/seeker hero - Embarks on quest • The villain - Struggles against the hero • The dispatcher - Character sends the hero off on his quest • The donor - Prepares the hero or gives the hero some a tool/object to help • The helper - Helps the hero in the quest • The princess – Often marries hero at the end of quest, (sometimes sought for during the narrative). • Princess’ father – Who rewards the hero for his efforts • False Hero – Character who tries to divert the hero from his quest These are the main characters in Todorov’s theory. Some characters are far less likely to appear in modern day film narratives but many of the principles can be seen in many mainstream film narratives. Tzetan Todorov – Todorov is Franco-Bulgarian philosopher. His theory on narrative is probably the most relatable to modern day mainstream movies.Todorov suggested that there are 5 stages in a narrative: • Equilibrium – Everything is normal/unsettled. • Disruption of the Equilibrium – A problem occurs. • Recognition that there is a disruption. • Attempt to resolve disruption – Often the climax. • New Equilibrium – The problem has been solved, normal again. These stages in the narrative are very mainstream and can be seen in many examples. Sometimes films are based on this theory as it is seemed as successful and is simple.Examples of Todorov's Theory being used: ‘Transformers’ – Sci-fi Action Adventure, Directed by Michael Bay. • Average Teenager Sam Witwicky, lives a normal teenage life with family. His father agrees to buy him a car but he gets a second hand car instead. • After believing his car is being stolen and chases after it, it turns out his car is a transforming alien robot and has come to earth to look for the Allspark (an all powerful alien device), as other evil aliens are looking to find and destroy it. • Sam realises this is extremely serious and attempts to join the rest of the Autobots in finding the Allspark. • Sam then fights along side the Autobots keeping the Allspark away from the Decepticons (evil transformers) while there is all out warfare going on. • Sam manages to destroy what he could of the Allspark and the Autobots fight back the Decepticons resulting in the world once again resting. This film is a big budget Hollywood directed (Michael Bay) film and throughout the film as well as its sequels also, it follows the Todorov Theory.

7. Crime Genre Crime films originated in the 1920’s when criminals and gangsters were seen racketeering. Each era of crime films is seen to reflect or work off of the current crime patterns or happenings/fears occurring at the time. The 1920’s was known as the Prohibition Era. Conventions of Crime genre: • Main ideas/themes – Robbery, Heist’s, Gun fights, Gang Rivalry, Money Scores, Drugs/gambling, Aggression. • Mise-En-Scene – Dark Low key Lighting, Guns, Suits/tuxedo’s, Expensive Cars, Dark settings. • Sound – Swearing, ‘wise guy’ language. • Characters - Alienated Hero, Boss’ (Don), Henchmen, Drug Dealers, Cops (Good and Bent), Assassins/Hitmen, Femme Fatales, Spy (Inside Man), Rivals.

8. Crime Timeline American FILM: 1930’s: The Original Gangster Films – Reflected the 1920 Prohibition Era. E.g. Little Caesar (1930) and The Public Enemy (1931). Starring James Cagney and Edward G Robinson. 1940/50’s: Film Noir – Studios maintained the dark lighting and minimalistic sets but updated the ideas and themes to go further into more sinister side of things such as wartime issues. They also introduced more complex narratives and more challenging characters like the alienated hero and femme fatales. E.g. The Big Sleep (1946)Key Largo (1948) Starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall 1960’s: Crime Capers – Crimes lightened up and looked more into the ‘ideas of the light hearted 60’s. A more economic and social look into things was used. E.g. Oceans 11 (1960) Starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr 1970/80’s: Gritty Gangster – Due to the 70’s economic depression state money issues were looked into through drugs, gambling etc.E.g. The Godfather (1972), Mean Streets (1973) and Scarface (1983). Starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. 1990’s: Postmodern Crime – Society today is so overloaded with many ideas and confusion we borrow past ideas and themes. E.g. Pulp Fiction (1994), The Usual Suspects (1995) and Get Shorty (1996) British FILM: 1940/50’s: British Noir – Similar to Film Noir copied ideas of looking into the darker side of society and concentrated on post-war anxieties. E.g. Brighton Rock (1947) and The Third Man (1949), Starring Richard Attenborough and Orson Welles. 1960’s: British Crime Caper – Mixed comedy elements and usage of ‘cheeky cockney’ comedy. The Italian Job (1969) 1970/80’s: Gritty British Crime –Looked into harsh situations on the time and the influence of gangland figures. E.g. Get Carter (1971) and The Long Good Friday (1981). Starring Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins. 1990’s: British Postmodern - Borrowing ideas/themes from past British Crime films. Looking into the ‘New Laddism’ of the 1990’s. E.g. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Sexy Beast (2000), Snatch (2000), Layer Cake (2004), London to Brighton (2006).

9. Dystopia Dystopia includes dystopian worlds – A negative world either rapped up or surrounded by everything unpleasant and bad. The opposite of a Utopian world (where everything is good and almost dream-like). Most typically there are 3 sub-genres of Dystopia. Horror - Often invasion or and infection that has consumed humans turned them into monsters or deceased. Fight to survive against the threat. E.g. Dawn of the Dead (1978), 28 Days Later (2002), I am Legend (2007), World War Z (2013) Science Fiction – Futuristic based worlds where science has ‘gone wrong’, and usually focuses in on current fears in technology or scientific findings. E.g. Metropolis (1927), Blade Runner (1982), The Terminator (1984), The Matrix (1999) Apocalypse – Natural disaster, or global wipe-out has occurred for reasons, leaving the world in a dystopic state. Survival of the fittest theme. E.g. Planet of the Apes (1968), Mad Max (1981), The Road (2009) Conventions of Dystopia: • Directly looks at postmodernism themes through its narratives, but often its narratives are complicated because of this. • Narratives take part during or the aftermath of a disaster. Whether it be world domination, plague, natural disaster or anything drastic that has put the world in a grim/dark place. (Most commonly the disasters are affected or caused by humanity in some way and are addressed during the film). • Usually the main themes are: survival, a new world beginning or re-birth, all of which involve typically the main Hero character working there way to see the succession of this through. Characters: • Protagonist (Post-modern Cowboy) – Stereotypically an ‘average Joe’ that ends up having to survive or conquer issues/events in extraordinary situations to reach the objective. Somehow overcomes everything. • Heroic Protagonist – Its down to them to reach the goal at all costs. • Group or Rivals which protagonist is attempting to survive against or overcome. (Aliens, zombies, tribes enemies etc.) • Survival Group – Group of survivor's in the same situation. Hero usually assists them into their safety. But hero feels comforted by their presence from the pre-dystopian world. Along the way usually member of the survived group are taken or decease along the way.

10. Dystopia Timeline • 1920’s: Pre War - Fear of mass production and totalitarianism. E.g. Metropolis (1927) • Post War – Post Apocalyptic fears and ideas of invasion, nuclear wipe-out. E.g. Planet of the Apes (1968) • 1970/80’s – Fears of technological advancements, genetic modification, robotic control. E.g. Blade Runner (1982), The Terminator (1984) • 90’s and now – Environmental disaster, viruses, genetics, cloning. E.g. 28 Days Later (2002), District 9 (2009)

11. Crime Film Trailer Aim: Promoting the feature film. • To establish the genre of film. • To hint at the narrative of the film, the characters and the themes etc. • Advertising acclaimed:Directors, Producers, Acting Stars, Film studios and Reviews. Teaser Trailer – Shorter than normal trailer and too tease audience into wanting to see more. Trailer Conventions: Portrays the Genre/Genre Hybrids and the Genre’s iconography. Voice Over/Narration – Highlights key points of the narrative or someone's characterisation. Mise-en-scene – Settings, Lighting, Time/Era etc. Sound/Soundtrack – Sets the mood and genre of film, adds effect. Screen Titles – Listing Narrative Points, Cast, Directors, Other acclaimed information/key information etc. Scarface Trailer (1983).

12. Pulp Fiction (1994)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtjI-KMTdhk Crime Trailer Examples Trailer Plot: 1. Rough introduction to the film narrative, characters and plot. 2 Hitmen, their Gangster boss, his wife, a boxer, and two diner bandits. ‘A tale of Redemption’. The Narrative is kept more complicated only introducing characters, not the overall part they play or the story they are involved in. Visual FX: Really playing around with movie clips, disjointed like the actually narrative of the film. Titles of the main themes of the trailer, (describing the narrative of the film). Sound: Upbeat Spaghetti western style music. Pausing music suddenly. Disco music. Gun sound effects.Voice overs from characters.Narrated voice overs of cast names and the director. (Stereotypical Deep American Voice).

13. Se7en (1995) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4YV2_TcCoE Trailer Plot: 1. Crime Equilibrium, the Detectives are currently not on an assignment. Summerset is retiring, and Mills has just joined the department and is trying to ‘get in’. 2. Disruption, Killer is discovered murdering using the seven deadly sins as there influence. The Detectives are assigned this task. 3. Star/main cast list (voiced over). Visual FX: Jumping Flashbacks. Clips of all different scenes from the film.Hints at Ending. Titles of Seven deadly sins. Sound: Tense music. Voice Over Clips from film audio.American Narrator Voice over.Gripping and mood affecting.

14. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hB3S9bIaco Trailer Plot:1. Crime Equilibrium. Man is accused of committing a crime and goes to prison. 2. Man has to get used to prison life and settle in. Speaks about hope to get out. 3. Star/cast list. Sound: Tense music affecting the starting mood of the trailer, gripping you. Changes into calming but inspiring Backtrack, flute violin etc. Voice Overs, narration from dialogue in the film. Visual Effects: Clips from the film, in order of how the narrative is plotted out. Titles of Stars/Cast and Distributers. Title of Film in big 3D effect.