Genre film

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Genre Film Analysis Genre Codes and Conventions 1- The Silence of the Lambs (1991) 2- Primal Fear (1996) 3- Gone Girl (2014) Arthur Crossin

Transcript of Genre film

Genre Film Analysis

Genre Film AnalysisGenre Codes and Conventions1- The Silence of the Lambs (1991)2- Primal Fear (1996)3- Gone Girl (2014)

Arthur Crossin

The Silence of the Lambs

Overview

A young F.B.I. cadet must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer who skins his victims.

Directed by: Jonathan DemmeProduced by: Kenneth Utt Edward Saxon Ron BozmanScreenplay by: Ted TallyBased on: The Silence of the Lambsby Thomas HarrisStarring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted LevineMusic by: Howard ShoreCinematography: Tak FujimotoEdited by: Craig McKayDistributed by: Orion PicturesRelease dates: January30,1991 (New York City) February14,1991 (US)Running time: 118 minutesCountry: United StatesLanguage: EnglishBudget: $19 millionBox office: $272.7 million

Meeting Hannibal

Key Features: High Contrast lighting Dark and Bright lighting used to create shadows and highlights. This is seen when Foster greets Hopkins, here face is lit from one side and her face is shadowed. This seems to create the idea that even though she is confident, she still is fearful of the situation to come this also creates a realistic setting which is key to the Drama Genre.Costume The two have vastly different costumes. Hopkins wears a dark jumpsuit which identifies him as the antagonist in the situation as the darkness signifies evil. This composition of his costume is important for the audience to develop a relationship with Hopkins characterFacial Expression It is used in this scene to highlight Fosters agitation and fear towards Hopkins. This use of gulping shows that she is afraid which allows the audience to relate to the Protagonist and causes a sense of disgust towards the Antagonist.Character Relations We can see in this scene that the Protagonist is at the mercy of the Antagonist a key part of Thriller films, Hopkins has the ability to cause Foster to have a mental breakdown

A Final Farewell

Key Features:Movement Hopkins slow exit from the bar and his following of Healds character is once again quite sinister and builds tension within the scene This scene occurs at the very end of the scene and progresses into the credits in the actual film. Furthermore it develops a story that can be continued in a later installment or that creates a cliff-hanger. This action also allows for some of the drama codes to be utilized. For example; the use of Haiti as a location allows for a more realistic portrayal of the scene which is a key part of creating a Drama. This allows for the audience to find the story more relatable. Facial expression When viewing Fosters initial expression in comparison towards the one show towards Hopkins, we can see a distinct difference. She begins as happy and joyful at the party at the start of the clip, then the scene changes to her fear and shock towards Hopkins near the end. This final facial expression shows the use of the realization. Foster comes to realize that Hannibal has escaped and that she has to find him again. Furthermore, the cliffhanger is emphasized by the retreat from Foster repeating, Dr. Lecter!

Primal FearOverview

An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.Directed by: Gregory HoblitProduced by: Gary Lucchesi, Howard W. Koch, Jr.Screenplay by: Steve Shagan, Ann BidermanBased on: Primal Fear by William DiehlStarring: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Edward NortonMusic by: James Newton HowardCinematography: Michael ChapmanEdited by: David RosenbloomProduction company: Rysher EntertainmentDistributed by: Paramount PicturesRelease dates: April3,1996Running time: 130 minutesCountry: United StatesLanguage: EnglishBudget: $30 millionBox office: $102.6 million

The Murder of Archbishop Rushman

Key Features:Music Builds tension throughout the scene through the use of choir singing. Tension is built tracking the archbishop and creates a climax at the time of the murder. This use of non-digetic sound is a key part of the Thriller genre and like in other films such as; Pshyco and Gone Girl, produces a tense atmosphere that leads up to a key or scary moment. Furthermore to create such a scene the song needs to Gore Near the end of the clip the gruesome reaction and blood is the perfect climax and makes the scene even more dramatic. This reaction provides the audience with a successful end to the music build up. This scene uses flash cut to emphasize the movement of the knife as well which serves as the beginning of the climax, ending at the reaction of the Archbishop.

The Aftermath of the Trial

Key Features:Voice This scene begins with Norton utilizing a cool calm voice (innocence) that seems genuine, yet move to the return of Gere and his voice becomes fully sinister signifying a character change, furthermore Nortons quote on Linda shows that the innocent voice was just a faade for his real sinister demeanor. This section emphasizes the relationship between Gere and Norton and leads to the final realization that Norton has actually been faking the innocent demeanor.Gesture Slow clapping of hands shows sarcasm against Gere. This is an effective use of Diegetic sound as it brings the context of the entire story into perspective. This shows a tense relationship between Gere and Norton. Whilst Norton likes Gere it seems that Gere hates him as emphasized by his aggressive tone when talking with him. The use of a courtroom and prison makes the scene all the more realistic, thus enhancing the audience perception of Nortons Actions

Gone Girl

Overview

With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

Directed by: David FincherProduced by: Arnon Milchan, Reese Witherspoon, Cen Chaffin, Joshua DonenScreenplay by: Gillian FlynnBased on: Gone Girlby Gillian FlynnStarring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund PikeMusic by: Trent Reznor, Atticus RossCinematography: Jeff CronenwethEdited by: Kirk BaxterProduction company: Regency Enterprises, TSG EntertainmentDistributed by: 20th Century FoxRelease date: September26,2014 (NYFF) October3,2014 (United States)Running time: 149 minutesCountry: United StatesLanguage: EnglishBudget: $61 millionBox office: $369.3 million

Who are You?

Key Features:Lighting Dark Romantic setting that highlights the couples bond. We see that they interact quite well. This scene shows contrast to its content as even though the speech is calm and romantic the lighting seems sinister and leads to the idea of everything not being as it seems. More so we see the use of Shadows in the scene, which even though are meant to signify a more tense, more sinister scene, successfully create an uneasy sense of calm within the audience. Furthermore the use of low key-lighting brings focus onto the two and matches the composition of the remainder of the film.Voice The voice is calm and enforces the idea that the two are talking romantically about each other. Contrasts with the lighting whilst also suiting (romantic and sinister at the same time)

Nick at Desis House

Key Features:Shadow/Lighting The shadow cast over Affleck's face seems to show him as a sinister being, he is being quite confrontational towards NPH and that is reflected by the directors choice of lighting. In addition this creates the idea of an unreliable narrative. In this case the film is from the perspective of the husband with that of the wife placed in at random sections. Affleck seems, in his own opinion to be framed, however the way he is portrayed is different. Overall it seems that the story isnt being told correctly and that information is being with held. This lack of transparency within the storyline adds to the tension built within the film.Voice The use of voice in the scene show the duo to be suspicious and in distress with one another, this is reflected by both of their gestures and NPHs aggressive tone towards Affleck. The overall stress in this scene reinforces the idea that there is a lack of transparency in the film. However the scene can be interpreted differently the dialogue from Affleck reflects the idea that NPH is responsible, whilst his reaction to the questioning reflects guilt.