Analysing Conventions Of An Opening Sequence

Use Of Themes In British Social Realism

What is the link between British Social Realism themes and the real world?
British Social Realism films take inspiration from the real world and apply it in their films as a theme. They do this to portray to the audience what life is really like. For example, in Fish Tank Mia aspires to be a dancer. However, her lifestyle restricts her from escaping and achieving her dreams. Her mother is a bad single parent that parties and doesn't care for her children. This has led to the children being corrupted as they smoke, alcohol and Mia experiences under age sex. So, this film deals with many themes, that occur in the real world, such as aspirations/ escape, corruption of youth, parenthood, class and many more. Therefore their films hold truths of our society unlike Hollywood films that concentrate on providing entertainment, that lets the audience escape away from the real world. In addition proof that themes of british social realism link with the real world, are evident through the successful british director Shane Meadows. Many of his films are based for experiences and situations that have occurred in his real life. For example Dead Man's Shoes (2004), was inspired by a close friend of his, that had been bullied, therefore developed a drugs problem and later killed himself. He used this situation as themes and re created them through his film. This shows how themes are inspired by real subject matters that occur in our world.

   

What is unique about how themes are explored in British social realism films?

Themes in British Social films are explored in such a unique because they are represented as very raw and truthful to the audience, unlike Hollywood who portray their films in a glamorous manner. Themes are established through many ways, one of which is mise en scene. An example of this is Looking For Eric. His costume is rough, connoting he does not look after himself. His house is messy and his family is dysfunctional, signifying that he is out of touch with his children and is incapable of being a good parent. The lighting is natural, therefore creating to a gritty atmosphere. Overall the mise en scene comes together to portray themes, such as poverty and dysfunctional families.

Is there any themes which are essential to all British social realist films? What are they? Why are they essential? 
The themes poverty, childhood, petty crimes, aspirations/escape, corruption of youth, sex, class, religion and politics, I think are the most important themes British Social Realism films contain because they are contemporary to our modern society and the audience can understand and relate to them as they are popular and we are bombarded by these in the news. For example, A baby died after receiving methadone as a substitute for Calpol by his heroin addicted parents and died due this. Similarly the film Trainspotting touches on these themes. The characters are heroin addicts and take heroin with a baby next door. Themes are essential because they portray the honest truth to the audience of the type of world we live in. Furthermore, taboo themes are what make a british social realism films the way the are.

Evaluation Of Past Students Work

British Social Realism Timeline

Project Log - Week 1

Lesson 1: I was introduced to the mark scheme and brief for my course work. This task made me aware of how you can gain marks but also how marks can easily be lost. I gained a lot of knowledge by assessing previous work by other students, which had many strengths, as well as weaknesses. I learnt that I have to make sure to keep my work relevant to the brief set. Also, I have learnt to keep everything simple yet creative, by using good graphics, making it age relevant, good camera language/ editing and most importantly a good story that will raise enigma codes. Moreover, I want to make sure I keep on top of things by time keeping and being organised. Also, there is little difference between each level on the mark scheme, therefore I must keep consistent, pay attention to detail and not make stupid mistakes like using copyright music. Lastly, many the past students made the mistake of using trailer conventions  for example putting the title last. This lost them many marks as it didn't meet the brief of making an opening sequence. I will now try to avoid making this mistake when its my turn to make my opening sequence.

Task - Evaluation of past students work

Lesson 2: This lesson we focused on Social Realism and how it has changed over the decades. I learnt that the social norms of our society has changed and through the films this is evident. For example, Kids seem much more delinquent, disrespectful and rebellious now, then before. We know this is true because in Kidulthood (2006), the young generation are represented as mischievous trouble makers. However in Kes (1969) children were represented as misunderstood and ambitious. In addition, I also have a better understanding on British social realism conventions. For instance, I know that the films touch on themes like dysfunctional families that occur in the real world. Therefore, when it comes to making my opening sequence, i want to include themes that social realism films would touch, for example dysfunctional family. This will ensure me high marks as in the brief it states to stick to the conventions of social realisem. Lastly, by looking at past films i have learnt many things, like how the footage is drained of colour a bit, to give it that unvarnished look. So maybe in my opening sequence i will make the footage slightly grey, to give it that gritty feel.

Task - Defining Social Realism & Social Realism Time line

Lesson 3: Lesson was cancelled, however I was given the task to observe opening sequences and comment on what liked about them and what made them successful. This task inspired me to be very creative when it comes to my turn to do my opening sequence. Especially with the graphics, because I never knew you could be so imaginative with them and make the relevant to the film. I know, now that graphics can give clues to what may happen in the film, therefore its important when its time to do my work i pick a font/ style that really connotes what my film represents. For example, i may use graffiti to connote that my film will by about teenagers, gangs etc

Task - Inspiring Title Sequences

Lesson 4: In this lesson we went into greater detail of what conventions make up a films opening sequence. I learnt that graphics, mise en scene, main characters, sound, themes/ideology, setting, non linear start, smash mouth beginning, montage and animation are all possible aspects that could used in opening sequences. Moreover, I have learnt that its important to raise as many enigma codes at the start in order to grab the audiences attention. This has given my idea's for my own opening sequence and I will make sure I keep my audience interested by adding fast paced cuts and a variety of shots that show reactions and movement, that engage my audience and keep the assertive.

Task - Analysis Of An Opening Sequence

Inspiring Title Sequences

An Education-http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/an-education/

What did I like about this opening sequence?
I liked the music, I thought it linked in with the title and was very playful, which you associate with school. I really liked the graphics, because they all connoted elements of school eg. Skipping rope and school equipment. Lastly, I liked how the montage of school activities as it really emphasised school life and got me interested.

What made it a successful?
I thinking the most successful thing about this opening is the camera language and editing. While we see a variety of shots of the girls in school, it cuts to another girl walking in the snow in the same school uniform. Instantly it rasies enigma codes to why she is not in school with everyone else. Moreover it also connotes that she may be the main character as she's by herself and also that she is the odd one out, making us pity her.

The Number 23-http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-number-23/

What did I like about this opening sequence?
I really like the music. It is sychnrnous with the movement of the shots, as it varies from slow to fast pace. It builds up suspense and really makes me pay attention and has the ability to make me feel quite scared.

What made it a successful?

The most successful thing has to be the graphics. They are so creative and keeps emphasising the importance of the number '23', therefore making me think, why is it so important. It keeps me assertive and eager to find an answer to mý questions. The red, hints out there may be blood involved and there are historical phrases like 'declared war in germany' that connote it may involve political issues.

This Is England-http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/this-is-england/

 

What did I like about this opening sequence?

I like the graphics, they seem gritty and sets the audience up for a gritty film. Moreover the music cuts to the beat of the footage and also has element of a smash mouth beginning. Therefore creating a chaotic and rough atmosphere, that kept me very assertive.

What made it a successful?
The most successful thing has to be the use archive footage of british history. It is very realistic. Also it set up a bleak place ( the riots) but contrasts with iconic culture ( the royal wedding), so for the audience part of that age group, it can cause them to reminisce but if you are not part of the age group then it provides an insight of what england used to be like.

Defining Social Realism

What is Social Realism?

Social Realism is a genre that is based on subject matters that are present in our society, which is represented by different dominant ideologies. They usually have themes, for example dysfunctional families, drugs and sex. Also they may touch on controversial matters such as religion, class and politics. These themes are very realistic, as they all occur in the real world now.

What are the forms and conventions of Social Realism?

Social realist films use unknown actors, this is because it makes it more realistic to the audience, as it shows them it could be anyone, making it easier for them relate (U&G). Moreover, the actors are usually teenages from around 12-20, for example Kidulthood. Social realist films are usually set in urban areas, for instance run down areas or council states. Social class is very important as the films deal with the working class, for example, in Fish Tank, Mia and her family lived in a chavy and urban council estate. In addition, social realist films deal with real subject matters, like homosexuality and poverty.

Who are Social Realism films targeted to?

The target audience for social realist films vary depending on the film and its content. Some films like Kidulthood are specifically targeted at the younger audience of 13-25, as the cast and the themes such as drugs and school are matters that the modern young audience may have experienced, therefore its more easier for them to relate and understand. However, earlier films like Spare Time (1939), would appeal to an older audience of 40- Over, as its a historical documentary, that is targeted at an intelligent and active audience.In addition some social realist films are generally not targeted at the family audience, as the themes are not appropriate, as there may be foul language and strong drug references. However there are some films for families like Billy Elliot.

Fish Tank Analysis

Analysing Fish Tank

Summary

Fish Tank is a social realist film about a girl called Mia who lives on an estate with her tarty mother and rude little sister. She is thrown out of school and is waiting for admission for referrals but till then she has a weird relationship with Connor, her mothers boyfriend, who encourages her dance interest.

 

Below I have analysed fish tank by making points that I believe keep up with the conventions of social realism.

Mise - En - Scene

The main location is the block of flats, in a city, which conveys its a social drama. Moreover we associate flats with being a dangerous, loud and chavy environment. Also shows the working class people's way of living.

The lighting is all natural and varies from low to high key lighting, this in turn creates a dramatics and moody effect. No special effects are used, emphasising that they had a small budget.

Mia's costume consists of a grey tracksuit, gold jewellery and old trainers. This signifies to the audience that she is chavy and cheap. She wears this though out the whole film, connoting she is poor, dirty and is incapable of looking after herself.

In my film I would use the location of the council estates as it adds to the preferred reading I would like to give off, which is a rough, poor and troubled environment.

 

Editing

There is not much use of continuity techniques, instead it consists of lots of cuts. This emphasises the bluntness of social drama's. Cuts are used when she is being tormented by the boys. The cuts are fast paced, keeping up with the action and as an audience keeps us assertive and interested.

In addition shot reverse shot is used when the mother and Mia are dancing. This shows the relationship between the two and connotes they are getting along and having a special moment. Moreover SRS normally tells us who is dominant and this judged by the amount of talking time a character gets but in this case it goes against the normal conventions as they are both silent, therefore causing the audience to sympathise with them and cherish the moment.

I would use the idea of lots of cuts and less continuity because its emphasises the roughness of the situation and really grabs the aspect of harsh reality.

Sound

There is not any non diegetic sounds, they are mostly diegetic. For instance ambient sounds of kids playing and birds can be heard in the background, therefore adding verisimilitude to the atmosphere.

There are many tracks played. Me and You by Cassie is played when the group of girls are dancing to it. It's a very modern and urban song that people would recognise.

In addition, in the last scene a song by Naz is played. He is rapper that went through life's struggles and it is shows through his lyrics, ' life's a b**ch and then you die, that's why we get high'. A parallel can be drawn to Mia and her family and how they are trying to survive the daily grind.

I would use popular urban music that my mostly young audience would recognise ( U & G) as its entertaining and gains interest. Moreover some songs can really help explain situations.

Dialogue

Taylor uses foul language. She uses words like ' butters', 'bitch' and ' tramp'. These are negative and very rude. Her lack of proper vocabulary connotes how she is uneducated girl, living in poverty and is not cared for.

Mia also uses phrases such as ' your such a d**k' and ' let's get wasted'. This connotes how she is trouble maker. Moreover, she is underage and results to drinking to have fun.

Mia also says 'Lemme borrow a fiver' to Connor. This connotes how she lives in poverty and is financially restricted and her mum does not care enough to give her money. Moreover, she tries to keep her pride by saying she'll 'borrow it', suggesting she does not want to seem weak and worthless.

I would make sure the characters use foul language as it just makes the film more realistic and true.

Camera

Most of the film is filmed in handheld. For instance when Mia is dancing in the empty flat, the camera follows her movements in a shaky and jerky manner. It connotes she has lots of energy. Moreover is makes the audience feel confused.

A high angle is used when Mia is offered a drink by Connor. Connor is emphasised as the authoritative figure who has power of Mia, who is weak and venerable. This scene deals with underage drinking and what's worse, the adult encourages it.

I would film a lot in handheld as its more exciting and conventional. Moreover it gains interest from audience to be more assertive and keep up, as it may cause disorientation and confusion.

Themes and Situations

The themes below are sensitive subjects and is very typical of social realist films to have because they are rough, gritty and are unvarnished pictures of the daily struggles that some British people have to face.

Corruption of youth: Mia's sister smokes and drinks alcohol. There is underage sex. Also breaking of the law.

Violence: Mia head butt's girl

Dysfunctional  Family: There is no family unity. There is no love and care within the family. Everyone does there own thing and is out of control. Eg. Swearing at each other. The poverty, social housing and single parenting families are foregrounded as audiences voyeuristically see the grim realism of South Essex 'chav' culture unfold.

I would include taboo topics like underage sex as a theme, as its conventional of social realist drama's and its something that happens in the real world, so no escapism.

Representations

Mia's mother is supposed to be caring, loving and responsible. However she is stereotypically portrayed as a single mother, who has finical problems, can't look after her kids etc. This is clearly shows when she throws inappropriate parties and swears at her kids.

Mia acts and dresses like a typical chav. She is very violent and is a troublemaker. She head butts a girl and breaks the law by stealing and breaking into a house.

Connor cheats on his family with Mia's mother and Mia. He reps rents the dominant ideology that men are desperate, can't be faithful and a sexually driven. We see this when he has sexual intercourse and seems to be leading a double life.

I would use stereotypical representations such as single mother stereotype, as people can relate more and it gets them thinking and questioning. Also it may challenge dominant ideologies.

Secondary Research into Fish Tank

Institutional background

Its and independent film. the writer and director is Andrea Arnold. The film was partly funded by BBC Films. It was produced by Kasander films. Additional funding came from the UK Film Council where the prints and advertsing funds cost £70,000, the new new media fund cost £644,000 and the develeopment fund cost £20,000. In addition, the film was distributed by Artifical Eye and had a very limited distribution budget, meaning it was realsed to 40 screens.

The film had a budget of $3 million and made $2,357,852 at the box office.

The film was nomiated for Palm D'Or at Cannes 2009. It won the jury Prize at Cannes. It also won the 2010 BAFTA, best british film.


Audience

'Fish Tank' is produced by Film 4 Production which straight away tells us that this film is targeted to a British Active audience. The audience that will watch this film be educated and understand the themes and situations that have been raised within 'Fish Tank'. The certificate for this film is 15. The reason it is 15 is because of the themes and situations that have been developed in the film, are aimed towards teenagers from the age of 15. British people would find it easier to understand the issues that have been raised within the film compared to people from other countries who may consider British teenagers to be very gritty and dirty. The film is specifically aimed towards females, due to the fact that the main character within 'Fish Tank', Mia is a female. Most of the issues that have been raised in this film are mainly got to do with females, so 'Fish Tank' audience in my opinion is British females. 

 

Marketing strategy

In the Fish Tank trailer and posters etc they put up all their achievements, in order to attract the audience interest and establish their success and that its a good film.

The trailer was released on YouTube and the film was available on DVD and Bluray from places such as Amazon and Lovefilms.com. Due to the budget of the film, the market strategy was basic meaning, only things such as the films trailer could be shown through YouTube. This trailer has only been uploaded onto YouTube as it is free.