Film Opening II! (Research)

This is a direct continuation of the previous blog, however in this one, I will be analyzing the opening to the Devil Wears Prada. Though this may seem outlandish, compared to the other films I have analyzed previously, there is a reason.

(2006) The Devil Wears Prada’s Film Opening

The purpose of this opening is to define and establish who the protagonist is before the story even begins (character-establishing). 

MISE EN SCENE

This opening includes multiple direct contrast between Andy and the other women, specifically how they carry themselves. Andy does not fit in with the other girls and her costume is the biggest signifier of this. In this society, women enact authority through the way they’re dressed visually, making their appearance function as status. Additionally, the other women act with purpose and move precisely whilst Andy moves more causally and is accidentally unaware of the space she takes.

All of this allows the film to visually tell us who Andy is immediately: someone who does not fit the expected version of femininity to belong in this world. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

Another women on the street

Andy walking on the street

During the outside montage shots. Cinematography is used to further separate Andy from the rest of the other women. For example, the other women on the street seemingly walk confidently, with a purpose. The camera follows this by gliding along smoothly with the women (usually at an eye level). This is used to show their posture, outfit, and their assertiveness/dominance. 

Meanwhile, Andy is shown through mobile/handheld and low-leveled/high-angled shots. It exemplifies her naivety in the world she has yet to enter. This additionally is used to invite the audience with her, further demonstrating how she does not fit in.

How will I incorporate this into my film? 

In my film, my idea is to reverse social/patriarchy roles. I want to borrow the visuals and characters conventions that mainstream media mostly uses to represent women. In the Devil Wears Prada, Andy represents how women are judged and valued based on how well they fit the socially constructed idea of femininity (graceful and perfect). At the start, she does not fit in visually since she does not conform, the film treats this as a flaw when comparing her to the other female characters. As Andy changes to fit the norms, the film treats her conformity as growth, revealing hidden misogyny many mainstream media carried.

By opening my film similar to the Devil Wears Prada, it allows the audience to settle into the assumption that feminism power relates to their beauty and how women often compete against one another. I plan on interrupting this belief . In short, I want to follow the stereotype in order to contrast this with further events in my film. Creating a sudden pivot that may throw off the audience’s expectations.

Film Opening I! (Research)

Context

In this and the next blog, I will be focusing on film openings I enjoy and would like to take inspiration or incorporate into my final production. I will be focusing on the Mise en Scene and cinematography aspects. 

By doing this we can see how films introduces itself. How it showcases the plot, characters, and ideas... Additionally, how effective it is. 

(1975) Jaws' opening

Jaws open by having a warm/inviting feeling that turns horrid after the first attack.

MISE EN SCENE

Still from Jaws (1975)

This shot relies on very little lighting. Creating an intimate and personal aesthetic. This message is further conveyed through its setting. It uses a friendly hangout at night by the beachside that may be familiar to the audience. Looking deeper in the mise en scene, the causal outfits, everyday items and guitars further expand on the friendly, cozy and free ambience. 

Still from Jaws (1975)

In this scene, there is plenty of negative spaces. Primarily, it draws the audience's attention to the girl and the buoy. But also, it can be use to demonstrate the endless sea and possibly agoraphobia/thalassophobia. The buoy signifies danger/cation and how she is too deep in this situation to get out. Evoking more of the fear element. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

At first, the filmmakers shot wide still and distant shots. This makes us feel outside and an "observer," like we're not included in the film and we cannot help.

As the girl stay in the water, the camera shots gets closer to medium to medium close-ups. This forces us to be more included in the scene, and thus feel how the girl feels, especially her fear. Additionally, the low leveled, high-angled POV shot adds onto the fear of being watched/predated, since she cannot see below. 

How will I incorporate this into my film?

First, I wanted to do a genre flip in my film using genres that (for the most part) contradicts one another. To recreate a soft intimate and inviting scene, I can make use of warm lighting, low exposure and familiar environments (in this case, it’s a hangout with friends at a beach). Using Mise en Scene and the rule of thirds, I can direct the audience attention to the most important part. While simultaneously, foreshadowing by using signs (like the buoy). 

Cinematographically, I can mirror Jaws by moving to large, establishing and “observational” shots to more tighter and restrictive framing. The wide shots allows audience to settle into the scene while the later close up shots reduces spacial awareness and create forced proximity with the audience and the character. This creates a scene of uneasiness. Additionally, I’d like to incorporate off screen deaths/violence. This leaves the audience to imagine what happened and further emphasize the “only reveal the monster until the last moment”, this builds anticipation and the fear of the unknown. 

Romance Genre! (Research)

This will be a second part continuation of my last post. I will still be looking at the cinematography and mise en scene aspects. However, I will be choosing to do the romance genre! The film I have chosen to represent romance is Her.

Romance Genre

A genre that focus on emotional connection and relationships between characters. It builds feelings like attraction, intimacy, love and vulnerability to make the audience emotionally invested in the relationship.

Her

When I first think of films with a romantic setting, the first thing that comes to mind is Her, oddly enough. The movie Her is notorious for its coloring, emphasis on a soft and intimate tone and feel. 

MISE EN SCENE

In this scene, it shows Theodore’s apartment. How it is full of personal items, furniture, and papers, making it feel authentic and not performative. It makes it feel safe which may invite intimacy.

It uses warm, muted tones (red, peach, beige, orange…), this helps to visually convey affection without words. It makes use of lightings from lamps which gives a warm and healthy glow.

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

In this scene of Her, it often uses medium to medium close-up shots of Theodore’s face, hands, and every micro-expressions/gestures. It mostly uses a shallow depth of field, which isolates the characters, blocking off the rest of the world and visually removing distractions. 

The camera slowly moves in, it eases in on the scene, making the movements comforting and inviting for the audience. 

How will I incorporate this into my film?

For the beginning of my film, I want it to have a warm, intimate and inviting aesthetic. I enjoy how in this scene, the filmmakers uses a red motif to signify romance and love. I want it to start out as something soft and romantic… which will contradict the later parts.

Similarly to my last blog, there are many ways I can take inspiration. Many ideas I’ve listed down below!

• Make the space feel lived-in and personal. This makes the setting feel intimate and inviting.
• Soft warm palette. Use reds subtly but keep the overall tones muted.
• Use slow, non-invasive camera moves. Makes the movement feel natural.
• Possibly use warm, diffused lighting.

Horror Genre! (Research)

Context

Before I begin my research for my foundation portfolio, I wanted to first research on genres I'd like to do. I have chosen two genres: Horror and Romance. By doing this, it will provide me a better understanding of both and how it is effective. Then, I would be able to implement this into my own film! 

Likewise, this blog will be solely on horror. Since I am the director and cinematographer, I will be focused on the Mise en Scene and the Cinematography. 

Horror Genre

A genre meant to evoke fear, tension and unsettling emotions by threatening the safety of the characters. Often through the fear of the known, violence, suspension and the loss of safety.

Black Christmas (1974)

This film was one that I thought fit the horror genre well and I can most likely incorporate into my film.

MISE EN SCENE

Though it is not evident in this still, there are warm domestic props (mugs, couch, cushions…) that creates a safe space. This is use to further make the danger more dramatic when it appears since it contrasts the safe environment. 

There is also a big usage of empty vertical spaces (stairs, attic, high ceilings). They unconsciously become “blind spots” and foreshadows a later revealing, creating suspicion and the fear of the unknown. 

CINEMATOGRAPHY 

There are many medium close up shots to exemplify and amplify the character’s reactions. Creating an intimacy with the character and the audience. This intimacy turns to vulnerability since the treats feels personal and quickly dangerous.

The shallow DOF is sometimes used to heighten the audience anxiety, if the character is focusing on the wrong thing.

How will I incorporate this into my film? 

Nearing the end of the first two minutes of my film, I want an unsettling and scary look, which completely disagrees with the beginning (I will elaborate in the next blog). 

Some of the many things this film did for the horror genre I’d like to take inspiration are:

• Making one normal object (like a knife) visually central. Isolating it to define its importance.
• Including empty vertical/general blind spots (open hallway, closed doors, stairwells). They become potential hid in spots.. adding onto the fear of the unknown.
• Isolate reactions with close-ups and shallow focus. It makes the audience share the character’s horror.

Hello World! (again)

     Hi everyone! This is my introduction post, but this time around, my blogs will count for the Foundation Portfolio for AICE Media Studies! My name is Apple and as my user goes, I am a huge Elliot Smith enthusiast. He is one of my favorite artists, but lately I have been listening to jazz. I've additionally been watching war movies, like The Ascent since taking this course but my favorite remains to be 2001. 

    For the Foundation Portfolio, I have partnered up with Tatlie Merie. Previously, I worked with them for the swede project. For the final film, I wanted to work with only one other person and they proved to be the most reliable in the group! Also, its more easier to work with someone familiar and already knowing their work style. My roles are director and cinematographer. Though I do not know exactly what I want to do, horror is my first choice for genre. I have learnt so much about filmmaking and I plan to learn more as I have so much to! So, I am excited for this semester of Media Studies. Best wishes to everyone.

-🍎🧃