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This is a slideshow explaining the opening sequence of Delicatessen. There are also examples and definitions of Media Terminology.
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DELICATESSEN BY ELLIS
What is Conventional? • One reason why the film is conventional is that there is a killer in the film, who is a human. This is a typical convention for horror films because there is a lot of death in horror films, so there needs to be a killer. Killers in horror films can be either dead or alive, the killer in Delicatessen is alive because he is a butcher. • There is a victim in the opening sequence which is another key convention to a horror film. We know that there is character who is a victim because they are locked in a room with no windows, so no one can see inside the room. • This character dies at the end because the butcher kills him with his butcher knife. This is another main convention to a horror film because death is extremely common in horror films. • During the opening sequence, the camera tilts up to show killer’s face. This type of camera angle is common in horror films because they are used to create disorientation. • Another camera shot that is popular in horror films is an establishing shot. An establishing shot is used during the opening sequence of delicatessen to show that the sun is rising, there’s a lot of mist and there’s a street. This shows the full location which the film is set. • There’s also a tracking shot used in the film where the killer is sharpening his knife. Tracking shots are used in horror films to follow to main characters steps • A point of view shot is used when the victim is in the bin trying to escape the killer. Point of view shots are commonly used in horror films so the audience feels as if they are the character so they can relate while watching the film and feel their fear. • Vulnerability is a common fear used in horror films and it is used during this opening sequence where the victim is locked in the room and he is weaponless. This shows that this character is vulnerable. • Sound effects such as creaky floorboards or door, are commonly used in horror films. During this opening sequence there is a creek sound effect when the butcher’s front door opens. • Finally, horror films generally include weapons associated with death, such as knives, swords and axes. During the opening sequence of Delicatessen, the butcher is sharpening his knife. This foreshadows that he is going to use it later whether it’s to chop meat or murder someone.
What is Unconventional? • Firstly, there are no extreme close ups during this opening sequence and extreme close ups are used to empathise the facial expression of the victim. • Also there is no music in the background of this opening sequence and music is a common feature used in horror films to empathize when something is going to happen.
Is the narrative of the film hinted? Yes, I think that the narrative for the film is hinted because the opening sequence involves a killer (the butcher) and a victim. Throughout the opening sequence, the victim is attempting to escape from the butcher by covering himself in rubbish (old newspapers) so he can hide in the bin and be taken away with the bin men. However, the butcher suspects something and he stops the bin men from taking that bin and he brings it back inside. He takes the lid off and kills the victim with one swing of his knife. The fact that no one suspected that the butcher was up to something implies that he is going to continue to kidnap people, keep them locked up for a few days and then kill them. After killing them he will most likely use their body parts and sell them to customers. He will hopefully get caught in the end.
Establishing Shot Definition:A usually long shot in film or video used at the beginning of a sequence to establish an overview of the scene that follows. Where is it used during the opening sequence: • It is used right at the very start of the sequence. There is a fade in which reveals a misty, mysterious street with an orange sky which implies that the sun is rising or setting. This shows where the film is set. It appears to be somewhere in London.
Tracking Shot Definition: A tracking shot is any shot where the camera follows backward, forward or moves alongside the subject being recorded. In cinematography, the term refers to a shot in which the camera is mounted on a camera dolly that is then placed on rails – like a railroad track. Where is it used during the opening sequence: • It is used at the start of the sequence when the camera first shows the butcher’s shop. The tracking shot is used to reveal the shop and give the audience a good idea of where the film is set. • It is also used to reveal the man sharpening his knife, indicating that he is the killer in the film.
Zoom In Shot Definition: Zooming in filmmaking and television production is the technique of changing the focal length of a zoom lens (and hence the angle of view) during a shot – this technique is also called a zoom. ... The speed of the zoom allows for a further degree of cinematographic freedom. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • It is used at the start of the film where the camera zooms in towards the front door of the butcher’s shop. • It is also used where the camera goes over man’s shoulder and zooms into a hole in the wall.
Tilt Definition: A camera tilt is a vertical movement in which the camera base remains in a fixed location while the camera pivots vertically. Tilting is useful for establishing shots that contain tall vertical scenery or introducing a character in a dramatic fashion. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • It is used at the start to show the butcher’s face
Close Up Definition:A type of shot that tightly frames a person or object. Close-ups are one of the standard shots used regularly with medium and long shots. Where is it used in the opening sequence of the film: • It is used where a man (the victim) is listening to what’s going on outside of the room and he hears the butcher sharpening the knife.
Shallow Focus Definition: Shallow focus is a photographic and cinematographic technique incorporating a small depth of field. In shallow focus, one plane of the scene is in focus while the rest is out of focus. Shallow focus is typically used to emphasize one part of the image over another. Where is it used in the opening sequence of the film: • It is used when the captured man is taking a deep breath and putting rubbish over his head
Low Angle Shot Definition: A shot from a camera angle positioned low on the vertical axis, anywhere below the eye line, looking up. Sometimes, it is even directly below the subject's feet. Psychologically, the effect of the low-angle shot is that it makes the subject look strong and powerful. Where is it used in the opening sequence of the film: • It is used when the rubbish is being emptied • It is also used when the butcher is opening bin lid and laughing whilst holding a knife
High Angle Shot Definition: A shot where the camera looks down on the subject from a high angle and the point of focus often gets "swallowed up". High-angle shots can make the subject seem vulnerable or powerless when applied with the correct mood, setting, and effects. Where is it used in the opening sequence of the film: • It is used when the captured man is screaming in fear
Handheld Shot Definition: A handheld shot is one in which the cameraman or -woman holds the camera and moves through space while filming. Where is it used in the film: • It is used when the man is in the bin hiding from the butcher and is being moved around.
Canted Angle Shot Definition: The canted angle, also known as Dutch tilt, canted angle, or oblique angle, is a type of camera shot which involves setting the camera at an angle on its roll axis so that the shot is composed with vertical lines at an angle to the side of the frame, or so that the horizon line of the shot is not parallel with the bottom of the camera frame. This produces a viewpoint akin to tilting one's head to the side. In cinematography, the canted angle is one of many cinematic techniques are often used to portray psychological uneasiness or tension in the subject being filmed. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • It is used when the butcher is smoking a cigarette
Fade In Definition:A fade is when the scene gradually turns to a single color (usually black or white) or when a scene gradually appears on screen. Fade-ins occur at the beginning of a film or scene. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • It is used right at the start of the opening sequence to reveal the location (the street).
Dissolve Definition: A dissolve is a type of film transition in which one sequence fades over another. The terms fade-out and fade-in are used to describe a transition to and from a blank image. This is in contrast to a cut, where there is no such transition. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • Dissolves at the start to show the shop and when getting closer to the front door • It also dissolves from entering the shop to behind the counter to reveal the man sharpening a knife
Cut Definition: A simple change from one shot to another Where was it used in the opening sequence: • Used to cut from the pipe to the man listening through the door • Cuts from he man listening through the door to the butcher sharpening a knife • Cuts back to the man in the room dressing himself up in rubbish or old newspapers • Cuts from butcher sharpening the knife to a vehicle pulling outside the butcher’s • Cuts to kidnapped man making his way down a staircase • Cuts to the bin men getting out of the vehicle
Sound Effects Definition: sounds that often don’t get picked up by cameras, but are added in anyway by a foley artist eg footsteps, squeaking doors, kettle boiling etc. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • Wind blowing in background at the start • Doorbell rings when camera enters the butcher’s shop • Noise of vehicle • Sharpening of the knife • The sound of paper being ripped • Man in bin is breathing deeply and heavily • And the sound of the knife slicing at the end
Low Key Lighting Definition: Low-key lighting is a style of lighting for photography, film or television. It is a necessary element in creating a chiaroscuro effect. Traditional photographic lighting uses a key light, a fill light and a back light for illumination. Where is it used in the opening sequence: • It is used in the entire opening sequence - from start to finish.
Props Definition: A prop, formally known as property, is an object used on stage or screen by actors during a performance or screen production. In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment. Props used in the opening sequence: • Butcher’s knife • Bins • Paper • Vehicle • Cigarette
Costumes Definition:Every garment worn in a movie. is considered a costume. Costumes are one of many tools the director has to tell the story. Costumes communicate the details of a character's personality to the audience, and help actors transform into new and believable people on screen. What costumes were used in the opening sequence: • Butcher’s apron/outfit • Outfit made out of paper/rubbish • Bin men’s outfits
Facial Expressions Definition: A facial expression is an aspect of an actor's craft. It's something you can do to create a performance. You need to look at every aspect that contributes to the overall performance whether you're evaluating your performance work or someone else's. What facial expressions were used in the opening sequence: • Scared - when the butcher lifts off the bin lid and finds the man in the bin - the man in the bin looks terrified that he has been found. • Happy - the butcher seems very happy when he finds the man in the bin. • Determined - when the man takes a deep breath determined to escape from the butchers.
Location/Setting Definition: A setting (or backdrop) is the time and geographic location within a narrative, either non-fiction or fiction. The setting initiates the main backdrop and mood for a story. The setting can be referred to as story world or milieu to include a context (especially society) beyond the immediate surroundings of the story. Where is the opening sequence located/set in: • The opening sequence starts in a street located in a city (looks like London) • It’s located in a Butcher’s Shop
The Butcher • We can tell that he is the killer in the film from the opening sequence because the first time that we see him, he is sharpening a knife and at the end of the sequence, he ends up killing someone. • He is a villain • He is a butcher, this is a job that mostly men do. • This character goes against Laura Mulvey’s theory
The Kidnapped Man • We can tell that this man is the victim from the opening sequence because the first time we see him, he appears to be locked in a room and the last time we see him, he ends up getting killed. • He is the victim and damsel in distress - this is counter typical because women are usually the character that needs to be saved. • This character doesn’t go against Mulvey’s theory
The Bin Men • We can tell that these characters are not important from the opening sequence because they have no lines or anything.
Why would audiences enjoy watching the opening sequence? They would enjoy watching the opening sequence because it represents the narrative of the film and what will happen next. The opening sequence is very tense, chilling and mysterious. This creates emotion for the audience. Also, before the film continues, there is a cliff-hanger and a black out. This will make the audience want to continue watching the rest of the film because they will want to find out what happens next, does the butcher get caught? Who’s the next victim? Etc. This makes the sequence engaging. The target audience is definitely teens and young adults because it’s a horror and thriller, these film genres are very popular with teens and young adults.
