Research & Planning: Highest Grossing Social-Realist Films

According to IMDB these are the most popular social realist films. It is proving quite difficult to find out the top grossing social realist films, so I will use these 5 as a guideline. 

1. Children of Heaven (1997) BBFC: PG

2. The hunt (2012) BBFC: 18

3. Grave of the fireflies (1988) BBFC: 12 (animated anime style) 

4. Harakiri (1962) BBFC: 15

5. Das boot (1981) BBFC: 12 

Research & Planning: Mise en scene Analysis:Whiplash

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My second social realism trailer still I will be analysing is from the 2014 film Whiplash. 

Lighting: In this still the lighting is centred around the two characters but lights the room as a whole very well. The light reflects off the drum kit to highlight the instrument. The light also casts shadows across both the characters faces in different amounts, the drummers face is clearly lit to show his determination, and the other characters face is heavily shadowed to show his power and rage. 

Colour: The colouring throughout the still is very natural, and quite dark and traditional. Both characters are wearing dark shirts, the brown walls look very upper class and dark. The spotlight contrasting with the dark walls gives a very professional and serious tone to the still.

Location & setting: In this still the two characters are situated in a dark rehearsal room, this fits with the musical theme of the film. There are seats in the background possibly meaning a larger audience is expected. There are photographs/paintings on the wall also showing performances, this could mean that the drummer is following in their footsteps. Adding prestigiousness to the film. 

Actors: This still contains 2 major actors. The drummer is young actor Miles Teller who made his name in the Divergent series, The fantastic four and Project X. He is experienced in portraying different characters, so a drummer wouldn't be something out of his comfort zone. The other actor is J.K.Simmons and he said s mainly known as a voice actor in many different Tv series'. As well as a voice actor he has been in Law & Order in over 40 episodes. On top of this he has appeared in Spider Man 3 and Juno. All these roles span a varied range of genres, so this role again would be of no challenge for him. Both actors are highly acclaimed in their own fields so piecing them together would create a buzz around the film on release.

Characters: It is clear to see from the still that the elder character has the power and dominance over the "student", so this follows the typical stereotype. Both characters are clearly male, which again follows the stereotype that the drumming "world" is very male dominant. 

Costume: The clothes the characters are wearing are very plain and casual. Dark shirts and jeans typical every day to day wear. 

Props: In this still the drum kit is the main prop, the whole film revolves around the drum kit so it is highly nessecary. The seats in the background show a possible audience could gather there in the future. The instrument cases at the back of the room again show the film is very music orientated. The old fashioned paintings/photographs show tradition, and prestigiousness like I already mentioned. This could mean that the building is well known or well off in terms of money and reputation. 

Research & Planning: Mise en Scene Analysis:Kes

Social Realism: Kes (1969)

Can you tell the genre from the mise en scene?

Lighting: In this still the only lighting used is natural from the windows on the right. This casts shadows amongst most of the kids faces. The use of natural lighting also means that no studio is needed therefore conforming to the conventions of the social realist genre.

Colour: This still creates a lot of blue tones, in the form of the clothing and in the background on the stairs, this adds a very dull, gloomy, depressing aspect to this one scene. Social realism films do include a lot of blue tones to reflect the mood of the film on a whole. 

Setting: This still is taken from a school full of kids from all walks of life. The school is an everyday place for characters of that age. Everyday settings are what make social realism films "realistic". This adds a sense of authenticity.

Location: As I previously said this still is taken from a school which is set on location in Yorkshire, without the use of a studio or special effects, therefore lowering the initial budget for the independent production company. The fact that no special effects were used and that the location is real again conforms to the social realism genre.

Actors: The actors in this still are all very young and unprofessional (lowering costs). The actors are age appropriate meaning that they don't need a high level of acting experience to portray characters older or younger than themselves. 

Characters: All characters like I said are very young, protraying the crowd of a school. Many of the children have blunt cut fringes showing the 1960's era throughout the film. (Costume) There is no set uniform at the school but all children are wearing smart clothing to show that they can and are in a school setting.

Props: In this still there are no props, in a school assembly type setting there wouldn't be any props to distract the children. The school isn't well funded and is only a small school so it wouldn't be able to afford much equipment, making the school a rather bare and bleak setting. 

Research & Planning: Genre Survey

I have created a survey monkey, I will post the results in due course.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-3QQVBY62/

Overall analysis of results:
22 people answered my survey
17-female
5-male
13 were17 or under
9 were 18-24

Favourite social realist film
Kes-1
This is England-12
Fish Tank-1
Others included Trailer Park Boys, Whiplash, Submarine(x3), Bullet Boy and One flew over the cuckoo's nest.

Colours used:
Black and White-9
Blue tones-10
Red tones-3

Certificate:
12-1
12A-3
15-17
18-1

Themes:
Drugs/alcohol-10
Mental health-8
Social Issues-4

Locations:
Domestic-3
Deprived-10
Everyday-4
Cities-4
Others-All of them-1

Actors involved:
Children-1
Teenagers-17
Adults-3
Elderly-0
Others-Any age range-1

Research & Planning: What is a trailer?

What is a trailer?
A trailer is a series of extracts from a film or broadcast, used for advanced publicity.


What are the key features of a social realist trailer?

- Shoot on location, no studio used, no special effects.
- Exploration of social issues (trauma, personal, illness etc.)
- Wide Shots
- Unknown actors/actresses
- Improvised scripts
- Black/white shots

Research & Planning: Film Genre Interview Questions

Questions:
1. What is your favourite film genre? Why?
Fantasy/Romance
2. What colour schemes would you relate to the social-realism genre? Why?
Black and white, deep tones to show depth and emotion and red to alert danger and anger
3. What certificate would you expect our film to be given?
15 for use of strong language and crime (Later on we changed the plot line so no crime would be involved)
4. Do you prefer a realistic plot line or a cliche one?
Realistic for social realism
5. Do you think our film relates to males/females?
Both
6. Why do you think our genre relates to both males/females?
The setting and plot is universally relatable
7. What locations would you expect to see within the trailer for our film?
Deprived areas and college settings
8. What features do you think most social-realist films include?
Industrial landscapes and scenery, and for our social realist film a British teenage life.

Research & Planning: Film Genre Interview Questions

Questions:
1. What is your favourite film genre? Why?
Fantasy/Sci-fi/Utopian because of the range of ideas that can be produced
2. What colour schemes would you relate to the social-realism genre? Why?
Black, blue toned for emotional purposes and red to contrast
3. What certificate would you expect our film to be given?
15 because of the strong language used
4. Do you prefer a realistic plot line or a cliche one?
Realistic because then it will have a unique selling point compared to other films within other genres
5. Do you think our film relates to males/females?
Both
6. Why do you think our genre relates to both males/females?
The plot line could in theory happen to anyone so conventionally the film is appealing to both genders
7. What locations would you expect to see within the trailer for our film?
Anywhere within Greater Manchester, alleyways to show a rougher background and a studio for the audition/interview process
8. What features do you think most social-realist films include?
Working class backgrounds

Research & Planning: Film Genre Interview Questions

Our genre for our trailer is social-realist. We asked people seven questions about our genre to explore their thoughts and opinions on the respective genre.

Questions:
1. What is your favourite film genre? Why?
Suspense/Horror. Films that keep you on the edge of your seat and ones you can't predict for example Jaws.
2. What colour schemes would you relate to the social-realism genre? Why?
Black and White filming, Dark and dreary settings casting shadows.
3. What certificate would you expect our film to be given?
Social Realism covers the whole spectrum depending on the content
4. Do you prefer a realistic plot line or a cliche one?
Realistic
5. Do you think our film relates to males/females?
Both
6. Why do you think our genre relates to both males/females?
Both genders can identify with the subject matter
7. What locations would you expect to see within the trailer for our film?
Working class, places of work, alleyways, terraced housing
8. What features do you think most social-realist films include?
Black and white production, industrial landscapes, familiar locations, diverse age range and one lead character

Research & Planning: Film trailer story board (existing trailer)

These are my storyboards for existing comedy/social realism film Submarine.

I looked at submarine for a trailer because the main character is a similar age to ours. A substantial bot of our trailer was inspired by this trailer, there is a continuous reel 

Research & Planning: Inside Out Film Trailer Analysis

Inside Out Official Trailer:

http://youtu.be/seMwpP0yeu4

Research & Planning: Suicide Squad Film Trailer Analysis

Suicide Squad: Official Trailer:

https://youtu.be/PLLQK9la6Go

Research & Planning: Genre (Film poster) : Horror

                                                 Science-Fiction/Horror: Alien (1979) 

                                       

Codes & Conventions: 

Main image

Title

Tag line

Main credits including producers, directors and main cast. 

Alien is a hybrid film of science-fiction and horror, the hybrid isn't uncommon. Sci-fi explores the unknown and the unknown to encounter anything. The encounter could be terrifying which is why it is so common that the horror genre is explored alongside. 

Other films in this genre include:

PROMETHEUS: (part of the alien franchise) 2012, BBFC: 15

THE THING: 1982, BBFC:18

THE FLY: 1986, BBFC:18

All these films have high BBFC ratings because the sci-fi/horror genre most of the time contains gore, explicit content and explicit language. So the Audience is rather limited to the older demographic.

Colours & lighting

The use of neon green on jet black shows a sharp contrast. The neon green colour is primarily related with aliens and extra terrestrial creatures. The glowing effect also shows something mysterious, something new and somewhat exciting. The darkness surrounding the egg also adds to the contrast, and reflects time and space.

Actors & actresses

Tom Skerritt and Sigourney Weaver are the main stars in this movie. They aren't shown on the poster so a representation of character would be guessing. However Tom Skerritt is known for being in a variety of films, so is talented across the board, and so is Sigourney Weaver, therefore making the pairing a great match to create a blockbuster film. 

Director

Sir Ridley Scott directed Alien. He is a highly acclaimed director, and has directed a variety of films ranging all genres, such as Blade Runner (dystopian sci-fi), Gladiator (historical drama), Thelma & Louise (crime drama). All this experience has given him the diversity to create any film thrown at him, and make it into a blockbuster. 

BBFC

The rating for Alien is an 18, like I mentioned before it includes, graphic gore imagery and explicit language, and disturbing imagery therefore the film has to be placed into the 18 category. 

Research & Planning: Genre (Film Poster) Western

Western - High Noon (1952)

Codes & Conventions:
Main Image
2 background images
Title
Tag Line
Actor/Actress credits

High Noon isn't a hybrid, but has a romance sub genre between the main character and his new wife.
Other films include:
Once upon a time in the west (1969) BBFC: 12 (Sub genre: spaghetti western)
Stagecoach (1939) BBFC: U
Cowboys & Aliens (2011) BBFC: 12 (Hybrid: Sci-fi/Western)

Original Western films like High Noon and Stagecoach are both rated as U films, meaning a wider audience. High Noon contains scenes of mild violence and smoking scenes meaning that it can qualify for a U film. However because the film is rather old and the genre appeals to an older audience, I meaning the demographic becomes slightly more limited. The poster is also styled differently to others, the poster has a sketchy/painted look also adding age to the film.

Colours & Lighting:
The poster is styled with bright yellow and red reflecting the hot atmosphere in the Western setting. Because the poster almost looks hand drawn/painted no real lighting can be used, however the style of painting casts shadows across the main characters face adding a sense of mystery to his personality. The black outlines contrast harshly against the yellow and red backgrounds, portraying action. 

Representation of characters:

One dominant character covering most of the poster, shows his importance and significance. The use of a gun also sets the scene and shows his reckless/violent personality. He is also wearing a Stetson which is typically associated with the Wild West.

Actors/Actresses:

Gary cooper is the starring actor in High Noon. He was part of the establishing classic Hollywood actors, and featured in many films across that period of time. He is known for always playing the hero role. 

Directors:

The director of High Noon is Fred Zinnemann, all his films prior to high noon were history related and based on novels. He is known for directing thrillers, westerns and film noir which made High Noon a perfect opportunity to make himself known. 

Research & Planning: Genre (Film Poster) Historical/Drama/Thriller

Historical/Drama/Thriller: The Imitation Game (2014)

Codes & Conventions:

Main image

Background imagery

Reviews

Title

Date

Main Credits

Starring roles

BBFC rating

The Imitation Game is a hybrid of three different genres that tie together perfectly. The historical element of the film brings a sense of reality, combining the past with the present. The drama and thriller aspect keep the film intense and interesting. 

Other films in this genre include:

Schindler's List (1993) BBFC rating: 15

Selma (2014) BBFC rating: 12A

Pearl Harbour (2001) BBFC rating: 12

JFK (1991) BBFC rating: 15

Along with The Imitation Game these two films have similar BBFC ratings, because of the concepts involved, strong language, violence and moderate sexual references. However all of these components are very mild and moderate meaning that the rating can be dropped, therefore opening up the audience demographic more. The Imitation Game does explore historical events and concepts, meaning that the audience would one have to be interested in history, and old enough and capable to grasp the historical story being told. 

Colours & Lighting:

Shadows are shown falling onto Benedict Cumberbatch's face showing a certain mystery around his character. The lighting also seems to act like a spotlight as the image fades to black at the left hand side making the reviews easier to read. 

Also the way the character is represented through his mise en scene follows a very neutral brown toned, creating an older fashion style representing the time period well. 

Actors/Actresses:

Benedict cumberbatch is the star of this film and he is a highly acclaimed actor. Cumberbatch is known for playing a wide variety of roles, but more often than not sophisticated upper class roles such as Peter Guillam in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and Major Jamie Stewart in War Horse (2011). Therefore he would fit right in playing Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. 

Directors:

The director of The Imitation Game is Morten Tyldum from Norway. He isn't very well known since he is a fairly new director, he has directed films such as Buddy (2003) and Headhunters (2011) which are both action thrillers, meaning The Imitation Game was a completely new direction for him and considered his "big break". 

Research & Planning: Genre (Film Posters) : Romantic Comedy

I'm A genre is a type/style/category of film,music,literature etc. that can relate to a certain audience.

Romantic Comedy: Pitch Perfect

Codes & Conventions in this particular poster:
-Main image
-Background imagery
-Title
-Tag line
-Social media link
-Date
-Distributor

The Pitch Perfect franchise is a hybrid of the romantic comedy genre and the musical genre. Their hybrid genre is the main selling point of why the movie is so loveable.
Although the musical aspect could be seen as a sub genre or equally the other way round where in the romantic element comes second.

Other films included in this genre include:
Rock Of Ages (2012)
Grease (1978)
Dirty Dancing (1987)

Audience
Romantic Comedy/Musicals  are often feel good films and can attract any sort of audience but definitely aimed towards the female gender and possibly a 15-30 age range. I do think that Pitch Perfect is aimed at a more younger audience because of the choice of young cast members.

Colours/Lighting
The colours vary throughout all the different posters for this genre, depending on the theme of the film. Pitch Perfect is supposed to be seen as slightly rebellious, so the dark colours contrast with the yellow projects a warning to watch out for them this year round. Again the lighting is mainly very dark but places the spotlight on them, which reflects how they would be lit on the stage performing to an audience.

Representation of Characters
Pitch Perfect shows an array of characters from all different backgrounds, embracing different stereotypes. Their mise en scene corresponds to how popular and how confident they are. For example the main character Audrey is wearing a mini skirt and a blouse and heels which represents the typical American popular girl. Their poses/stances also represents their personalities, for example Amy on the far left is swearing showing her rebellious side.

Actors/Actresses
The story revolves around the girls in the film which is why they are portrayed on the cover. They are all young but come from all walks of life to show their collaboration and teamwork.
Although the film does also show a male singing group too to which they have competition and relationships with, which corresponds with the romantic comedy genre.

BBFC rating

On this particular version of the movie poster the BBFC rating isn't shown but romantic comedies can vary depending on the use of sexual content and strong language. However Pitch Perfect is a 12, it is aimed at a younger audience in general but the use of strong language is there which means it has to be passed at a 12 rating (minimum).

Directors

Jason Moore directed Pitch Perfect, Moore previously directed musicals at the West End starting with Les Miserables in 1987. However Pitch Perfect was his film directing debut. The choice of director was key to the film, because a musical/romantic comedy hybrid is hard to put together, but the experience he had was bound to make the film a success. On this particular poster the directors name isn't credited. This poster was created seemingly for the purpose of social media, and spreading the word about the film, to others on different platforms.

Research & Planning: Poster Photoshop challenge

The Brief:

For this task I had to create a movie poster for any genre of my choice using pictures from the internet.

(Incomplete)

The codes and conventions of my poster include:

- A title

- A tag line

- A main image

- Background imagery

- A BBFC certificate

I got my poster to be peer assessed by two people in my class. Both students grasped that the genre was indeed a sci-fi movie. Both students also said that the blood splatter looked somewhat realistic and suited the genre really well. One of the students also said that The U.F.O's in the background and how they have been layered and re-sized worked quite well.

I also got one thing to improve on which was changing the text for the date at the top, to possibly make it thinner so that the attention isn't drawn away from the main title. 

I still had a few things to add to my poster and some rearranging to do, so if I had added the actors names and rearranged the date then the poster would look more complete overall. I'd also try putting my additions onto a black background and see if that looked more effective. Personally I do like the mix between the red and the green in the blood and how it covers most of the space but still leaves some gaps not to overcrowd the poster on a whole.