Bleak House uses very low lighting throughout the clip. In the court in particular, it has been filmed so that the only soursce of lighting appears to be from the oil lamps that are positioned around the set. This reflects the sober and serious nature of the scene. The set design continues the idea of this ambience with the props and furniture being made of dark material such as oak wood.
The lighting is altered slightly when it begins to rain, as it looks like a blue filter has been put over the lense to emphasize the coldness. This is further backed up by the lack of lighting inside the house.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Monday, 9 February 2009
Rome :: Nero :: Completed
Nero is represented as a very smug and self indulgent man and feared by his people. He is positioned centrally is many of the shots and framed by other characters to show his position in society and his authority.
The beginning of the scene is a wide shot that pans down slowly from the sky to look over a larger city. This is an indication to the audience of how much control Nero has and how many people he has under his power. The framing also allows the audience to see Nero from different positions and from the perspective of other characters. The fact that his clothing is the same as the other characters suggests that he has a motive and that he doesn't wish to be recogonised. There is background throughout the entire clip to emphasise how busy the street is with everyone doing what they need to do on a daily basis. However, dramatic music is playing under the narrators voice when the characters are being introduced. This solidifes to the audience that these characters in particular are of particular importance. His entrance to the scene is very gradual, as he is revealed to be walking through the crown from a distance towards the audience. The camera work also shows the musicains posiions in comparison to Nero as he is always filmed to be above them, showing his status.
The editing is quite unintrusive to begin with, but becomes more so as the scene progresses to so building drama.
At times he is filmed from a slighly low angle to emphasise his authority over the other characters. The camera doesn't track his movements, instead cutting from character to characters to show interaction.
Diegetic sounds are used throughout the beginning of the scene to create a sense of verisimilitude (to be the truth). A Sound Bridge is used to carry the narrators voice from the opening shot to the street scene. This is used to draw the audience from scene to scene and ensure cohesion. Sound effects are used to emphasise the breaking of the vase over the musicians head. These are used to draw attention to the action that is being carried out and the force that has been used.
Dialogue is key in this clip as the audience has the oppotunity to establish character roles. Nero has a very forced tone pitch to his voice that helps to characterise him as unlikeable. A soundtrack is beginning to be established at the very end of the clip, when the action erupts and the characters are being introduced by the narrator. This dramatic music is likely to be used throughout this episode and the rest of the series. It is probabalbe that as events progress the pace of the music will change to encourage to audience to feel particular emotions. For example, at this point the audience should feel excited the action is taking place and the fast pace of the music reflects this. It is a convetion of period dramas to use classical music for their soundtracks to mirror the popular culture of the time.
In this clip, a majority of the characters have very natural make-up that covers their flaws but doesn’t emphasize any of their features. However, Nero has very obvious eye make-up. The black eye liner may be to emphasize his character, as the main theme of this clip is how eccentric Nero is. It could also be a reflection of the rumour that he was homosexual. At the beginning of the clip he is wearing a very obvious wig, which is an attempt to hide his appearance and therefore his identity. He is also wearing a large cloak that covers most of his body. It is a very colour and this could be a further indication of his attempt to disguise himself, especially since this scene is set at night. Even when the hood of his cloak is removed he is not recognised, but it is a glimpse of his ring that reveals his status to the other characters.
The street musicians have more of a comical appearance, perhaps to emphasize there purpose to entertain. They have red blusher on their cheeks to make them look happier and they are also wearing wigs similar to Nero’s. This may be more for comedy than to disguise their identity. The costumes are typical of the time period, they are wearing cloaks that are wrapped and pinned to drape over the body without much effort. They are quite dark colours, maybe to suggest they are dirty and emphasise the point that they are poor and that is why they are working as street entertainers for money.
The facial expressions of the characters changes continually throughout this clip, Nero in particular. When he is first introduced to the scene, he has quite a smug expression on his face, which reflects his description in the narration. His expression aggravates the street musicians as it makes him seem as through he is mocking them. Even when he has been insulted, he still has a slight smile on his face which shows that he sees his status and power as protection.
The street musicians have very bright and happy facial expressions at the beginning of the scene and this is complimented by their make-up. This also contributes to the entertainment factor and their role in the scene. Their expressions drop when they realise they have insulted the Emperor; they seem to be more in shock than sad about the situation. They still appear comical because of their facial expressions.
The lighting throughout the entire clip is quite dark to emphasise the fact that this scene is set in late evening or at night. There is light from various street lamps and torches. This also authenticates the scene as it is obvious they would not have had the luxury of electric street lamps. The lighting creates a lot of shadows, which makes Nero’s character seem more sinister. It compliments the fact that the main characters are dressed in cloaks making them mysterious. There is also a white light that highlights the features of the characters. This light is coming from above, therefore I assume that it is a representation of moonlight.
At the very beginning of the scene there is a long shot of the street which shows many of the extras carrying woven baskets. This authenticates the scene as this is what they would have used at the time that the scene is meant to represent. The streets themselves are very narrow, and nothing like the raods we have today. This emphasises the time period and how civilisation has developed.
The beginning of the scene is a wide shot that pans down slowly from the sky to look over a larger city. This is an indication to the audience of how much control Nero has and how many people he has under his power. The framing also allows the audience to see Nero from different positions and from the perspective of other characters. The fact that his clothing is the same as the other characters suggests that he has a motive and that he doesn't wish to be recogonised. There is background throughout the entire clip to emphasise how busy the street is with everyone doing what they need to do on a daily basis. However, dramatic music is playing under the narrators voice when the characters are being introduced. This solidifes to the audience that these characters in particular are of particular importance. His entrance to the scene is very gradual, as he is revealed to be walking through the crown from a distance towards the audience. The camera work also shows the musicains posiions in comparison to Nero as he is always filmed to be above them, showing his status.
The editing is quite unintrusive to begin with, but becomes more so as the scene progresses to so building drama.
At times he is filmed from a slighly low angle to emphasise his authority over the other characters. The camera doesn't track his movements, instead cutting from character to characters to show interaction.
Diegetic sounds are used throughout the beginning of the scene to create a sense of verisimilitude (to be the truth). A Sound Bridge is used to carry the narrators voice from the opening shot to the street scene. This is used to draw the audience from scene to scene and ensure cohesion. Sound effects are used to emphasise the breaking of the vase over the musicians head. These are used to draw attention to the action that is being carried out and the force that has been used.
Dialogue is key in this clip as the audience has the oppotunity to establish character roles. Nero has a very forced tone pitch to his voice that helps to characterise him as unlikeable. A soundtrack is beginning to be established at the very end of the clip, when the action erupts and the characters are being introduced by the narrator. This dramatic music is likely to be used throughout this episode and the rest of the series. It is probabalbe that as events progress the pace of the music will change to encourage to audience to feel particular emotions. For example, at this point the audience should feel excited the action is taking place and the fast pace of the music reflects this. It is a convetion of period dramas to use classical music for their soundtracks to mirror the popular culture of the time.
In this clip, a majority of the characters have very natural make-up that covers their flaws but doesn’t emphasize any of their features. However, Nero has very obvious eye make-up. The black eye liner may be to emphasize his character, as the main theme of this clip is how eccentric Nero is. It could also be a reflection of the rumour that he was homosexual. At the beginning of the clip he is wearing a very obvious wig, which is an attempt to hide his appearance and therefore his identity. He is also wearing a large cloak that covers most of his body. It is a very colour and this could be a further indication of his attempt to disguise himself, especially since this scene is set at night. Even when the hood of his cloak is removed he is not recognised, but it is a glimpse of his ring that reveals his status to the other characters.
The street musicians have more of a comical appearance, perhaps to emphasize there purpose to entertain. They have red blusher on their cheeks to make them look happier and they are also wearing wigs similar to Nero’s. This may be more for comedy than to disguise their identity. The costumes are typical of the time period, they are wearing cloaks that are wrapped and pinned to drape over the body without much effort. They are quite dark colours, maybe to suggest they are dirty and emphasise the point that they are poor and that is why they are working as street entertainers for money.
The facial expressions of the characters changes continually throughout this clip, Nero in particular. When he is first introduced to the scene, he has quite a smug expression on his face, which reflects his description in the narration. His expression aggravates the street musicians as it makes him seem as through he is mocking them. Even when he has been insulted, he still has a slight smile on his face which shows that he sees his status and power as protection.
The street musicians have very bright and happy facial expressions at the beginning of the scene and this is complimented by their make-up. This also contributes to the entertainment factor and their role in the scene. Their expressions drop when they realise they have insulted the Emperor; they seem to be more in shock than sad about the situation. They still appear comical because of their facial expressions.
The lighting throughout the entire clip is quite dark to emphasise the fact that this scene is set in late evening or at night. There is light from various street lamps and torches. This also authenticates the scene as it is obvious they would not have had the luxury of electric street lamps. The lighting creates a lot of shadows, which makes Nero’s character seem more sinister. It compliments the fact that the main characters are dressed in cloaks making them mysterious. There is also a white light that highlights the features of the characters. This light is coming from above, therefore I assume that it is a representation of moonlight.
At the very beginning of the scene there is a long shot of the street which shows many of the extras carrying woven baskets. This authenticates the scene as this is what they would have used at the time that the scene is meant to represent. The streets themselves are very narrow, and nothing like the raods we have today. This emphasises the time period and how civilisation has developed.
Friday, 6 February 2009
Rome :: Gladiator Scene
We looked at This scene to examine the different editing techniques used in television dramas.
Rome :: Ceasar's Speech to the 13th Legion
This a television clip from the BBC drama 'Rome'. From this I will answer the question 'How is Caesar represented through the camerawork & editing in this clip from Rome?'
There are various different factors that contribute to Ceasar's representation in this clip from Rome.
There are various different factors that contribute to Ceasar's representation in this clip from Rome.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Casualty :: Out With A Bang
Over the last week during Media Studies lessons we have been looking at the beginning of the Casualty episode 'Out With A Bang'. The aim of this was to look at the camera techniques and how they create meaning. After analysing the clip repeatedly I wrote up my findings.
The establishing shot is a panning shot of rock climbing helmets hanging from a wall and moving along to climbing ropes tied up neatly near to the helmets. This darkness and the lack of noise suggests to the audience that this is a children’s activity or adventure centre at night. The shot cuts to a medium close up of a child rolling over in their sleep, which confirms the audience’s initial idea of it being at night. A medium close up was used for this to show that the child is sleeping and therefore unaware of any of the events taking place around her.The slightly high angle of the shot creates the idea that the children are small and vulnerable. The framing of the shot shows that she is sleeping in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed, indicating that there are other children sleeping in same room, all unaware of any other events. The camera continually cuts to a low angle close up to the bottom of a slightly ajar door with a steady flow of smoke coming from down the hallway. This indicates to the audience that there is a fire in the building, however it has yet to reach where the children are sleeping. Because this shot is cut to so frequently tension begins to build, as the audience is aware there is possibly a fire in the building whereas the characters are totally unaware. This series of shots also have very limited lighting, therefore creating a mysterious ambience as it is initially unclear where the fire is coming from. The camera movement at this point is steady and paced, however becoming faster and faster therefore building excitement.
The establishing shot is a panning shot of rock climbing helmets hanging from a wall and moving along to climbing ropes tied up neatly near to the helmets. This darkness and the lack of noise suggests to the audience that this is a children’s activity or adventure centre at night. The shot cuts to a medium close up of a child rolling over in their sleep, which confirms the audience’s initial idea of it being at night. A medium close up was used for this to show that the child is sleeping and therefore unaware of any of the events taking place around her.The slightly high angle of the shot creates the idea that the children are small and vulnerable. The framing of the shot shows that she is sleeping in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed, indicating that there are other children sleeping in same room, all unaware of any other events. The camera continually cuts to a low angle close up to the bottom of a slightly ajar door with a steady flow of smoke coming from down the hallway. This indicates to the audience that there is a fire in the building, however it has yet to reach where the children are sleeping. Because this shot is cut to so frequently tension begins to build, as the audience is aware there is possibly a fire in the building whereas the characters are totally unaware. This series of shots also have very limited lighting, therefore creating a mysterious ambience as it is initially unclear where the fire is coming from. The camera movement at this point is steady and paced, however becoming faster and faster therefore building excitement.
The camera then cuts to an extreme close up photograph that has been stuck to the inside of a locker door. A hand then removes this, the shot then pans out to a medium close up show that this is the hand of a nurse and she is clearing out her locker. The fact that this shot began with the extreme close up of a photograph indicates to the audience that this is the reason that the nurse is clearing out her locker and is probably leaving her job. A medium close is used at this point to show the nurses facial expression as well as her body language. This is key, as another nurse enters the scene. The shot tracks the second nurse as he walks past the first in a casual manner. The camera tracks the second nurse until he reaches the far side of the room. The shot the cuts back to a medium close up of the first nurse (Roxy). The framing of this shot tells the audience that the characters are in a locker/ staff room. Through the door the audience can see can see a corridor and people at a vending machine. As these people are not dressed in medical clothing, the audience can assume that they are not staff. All this information indicates to the audience that this is a hospital and that these people that have been established as not being staff are either patients or friends and family of patients. The camera then cuts back to the second nurse. This is a medium close up of his hand, which is filling up a disposable cup at the water fountain. His hand is then tracked upwards to his face. The audience now has a clear understanding for his motive of coming into the scene. From this point onwards this scene is made up of eye level, over the shoulder, medium close up shots of the two nurses. Eye level is used to ensure that neither nurse appears superior to the other. The medium close up shows their facial expressions and body language. The audience can see that the two characters are friends but not particularly close as there is quite a distance between where each of them are standing and there is no physical contact.
The scene is then cut back to the scene of the sleeping children in the smoky building. The first shot is a spectator shot, showing the different bunk beds and all the sleeping children. There is very limited lighting therefore it is difficult to tell how many children there are or their specific positions in the room. At this point a woman, presumably working at the activity centre, bursts into the room waking the children. This becomes a long shot as the audience can now see through the door and down the corridor. The framing of this shot shows that the corridor behind her is full of smoke and there is an orange glow at the end of the corridor suggesting the presence of flames. The camera movement speeds up, and the camera cuts frequently to the children moving around the room. The concept of chaos is created as the combination of camera movement and the way the characters are moving around the room. This makes it difficult for the audience to understand what is going on apart from the fact that there is a fire and panic is rising. The panic is bought to a climax in a white flash explosion which then cuts to the next scene. This abrupt cut causes the audience the want to know how that scene is going to progress. The next scene is of two paramedics. The scene is predominantly made of two shots, which as shows the two characters interaction with each other. The body language is intimate and suggests that they are in a relationship. The shot then cuts to a spectators shot looking out from the back of the ambulance, between the two paramedics to the view through the windscreen. This shows the audience not only what the paramedics are doing, i.e. how they are interacting with each other, but also what they can see through the windscreen.
In conclusion the camera angles and editing are very influencial in terms of indicating to the audience what to feel and think, i.e. to feel paniced with fast camera movement and cutting.
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