My Continuity Sequence

 1) In my opinion, our sequence achieved partial continuity. This is because the beginning managed to achieve a narrative flow, predominately due to the transition between shots 2 and 3 of the ball being thrown down which provided a match on action, whilst, simultaneously presenting the accident from two different point of views. Ontop of this we also created a very clear master shot that, whilst setting up the audience's spacial awareness, also holds the viewers interest as it pans upwards and straight into the dialogue between Monica and I on the balcony. Finally, we were also successful in eliminating the chance of any jump cuts, which we were able to do by keeping each shot at least 30 degrees different from each other. Shot 1 to 2 is a clear example of this. Before the zoom at the end of shot 1, the frame is extremely similar to the beginning of shot 2 and could of potentially caused a jump cut. Therefore we intentionally included the zoom, to help preserve the continuity.

2)However, despite this success, some of the transitions were out of sync. This was seen in the transition between shots 3 and 4. The problem with this transition was that the beginning of clip 4 was far too long and therefore resulted in jump back in time, disturbing the narrative flow. I would have also edited out the second zoom in the first shot. This is because, unlike the first zoom which I felt was a good way to prevent a jump cut and also took us into the room, the second zoom blurs the shot and turns our attention to the walls and not the character. Ontop of this, I would have also edited out the beginnings of each shot or at least start filming slightly later, as the actors seem to be waiting for a cue to come into shot. Finally I think that shot 5 should be re-shot at a flatter angle. This is because, although we were trying to create a canted angle, I believe it is now too canted and therefore looks like a vertical shot now.

The Intouchables Film Opening

GENERIQUE "INTOUCHABLES" (EDIT) 2011

Film Name: The Intouchables
Made: 2011
Directed: Eric Toledano, Oliver Nakache.
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Setting: Paris (both suburbs and central)
Time Scale: The film is all a flashback to their past (time not specified)
Sequence:
-Prior to the sequence beginning, Driss is driving Philippe 's Maserati at high speed. They are then chased through the streets by the police, and eventually cornered. Driss claims the quadriplegic Philippe must be urgently driven to the emergency room; Philippe pretends to have a stroke.

-During the sequence the fooled Police are escorting the pair to the hospital.

-The order of events is significant to the story telling because despite the fact that you only see them driving to the hospital it is clear that there has been an encounter with the police escorting them prior to the sequence and highlights there must be a reasoning for this.

-During the sequence two main characters are introduced, Philippe the quadriplegic, which is highlighted through the actors movements, and Driss, who in the opening sequence is depicted as his helper due to the fact that he is driving Philippe, someone that is in need of help, around.

-Despite there only being one action during the sequence you are able to understand a lot about the scenario of the film. For example, through the juxtaposition of the upbeat lively music and the story on screen (disabled man being escorted to hospital) the audience can realise that the film is most likely to be a comedy not tragedy as otherwise the music would have been darker and much more serious to accompany the pictures on screen. Aswell as this, we can also see that Driss and Philippe have come from extremely different backgrounds due to their different ethnicities, clothes (Driss is wearing a hod die and leather jacket. Philippe is wearing a shirt and long formal jacket).

-However it is clearly withheld who's car it is and the reason as to why they are traveling to the hospital. But through breaking down the scene we can estimate that the car is most-likely to be Philippe, due to his possibly higher wealth status.

- I also think that the use of split screen is also extremely effective, especially when they are driving in the car as it enables the director to connote where they are going and who they are at the same time and also works nicely with the title graphics that come up on the black.

-The title sequences sets up enigmas for the audience as they have many questions left half answered and encourages the audience to carry on watching.

My Finding Nemo Still Analysis

Narrative
In this shot, 'Marlin', the orange fish and 'Dory', the blue fish are frantically swimming, whilst gripping on to each other for comfort. This panic and hast in connoted through their facial expressions and the seemingly in motion positioning of their fins. This suggests that these two characters are in danger or are at least scared by something. Bruce, the shark in the background, anchors this due to his large rows of sharp pointy teeth, demonic expression and cold blue emotionless colour which juxtaposes the fishes small warm and brightly coloured curves. Aswell as this, the positioning of Bruce in the frame is also key. He as been purposefully raised to the top of the still and the fish have been lowered to the bottom which highlights the sense of hierarchy and food-chain whilst amplifying the connotations of danger and intimidation.

Genre
The nature of this shot suggests that the film is possibly a horror, thriller or action-adventure film, due to the arrangement of the scene. However, because of the animated cartoon style of the film, the possibility of a horror is dramatically decreased and the likelihood of a kids action-adventure film becomes the most likely genre to suit. This is also anchored by the child friendly nature of the shot as it has carefully censored any blood, violence or gore to keep the overall film rating 'U'.

Audience
Due to the empty blue sea that surrounds the characters and the very tight framing of the shot, the intensity of the fear is increased as it causes the audience to feel as there is no escape whilst also highlighting the petrified expressions on Dory's and Marlin's faces. Also, because of the juxtaposing sizes of the protagonists and antagonist the audience immediately become sympathetic towards the small helpless fish and build up an emotional connection with these characters that highlights the audiences want for the seemingly innocent fish to survive.

My Film Still Analysis Homework

Analyse your chosen shot and identify in what way it could be described as signifying your chosen genre?
 In this shot the character is pumping her fist in the air. This movement connotes that she may have achieved something or at least is happy about something, therefore highlighting the positive, upbeat nature of the shot. This positive emotive energy in the shot suggests the genre could be either drama, teen, romance or possibly even comedy. However, the wide framing of the shot creates a less attached and weaker emotional connection with the audience that would have been created if the film was a romance or drama. Therefore due to the less intense, yet still emotional connotations and school-like background signifies that a teen comedy is the most likely genre for this film.

What did you actually do to achieve the effect?
We achieved the clear representation of a school field through the props used in the scene (the football pitch and goal posts) and made sure her fist pump was clear to connote her positive mood.

How did you intend the audience to read or interpret your still – what meanings did you attempt to communicate?
I intended to communicate, to the audience, connotations of victory, pride and happiness through the fist pump. I also attempted to emphasis the school based narrative through the football field setting which is strong iconography of teen films.

Identify what is successful about your shot?
I think our shot is successful in connoting the school-like atmosphere through the use of a football field with pitch markings, the football post to the right of the shot and the football goal in the background.

What would you do slightly differently in hindsight?
 If I could redo the image I would choose a slightly tighter frame as I think that too much of the emotion on her face is lost due to the wide angle. Instead I would make it a long shot as that way you could keep her enough of her facial expressions without loosing the atmosphere of the location. Furthermore, I would make her fist pump more exaggerated and emphasize the excitement that she feels and would also brighten the lighting of the image dramatically as the mood is significantly dampened by the overcast sky.