Still image anaylsis

STILL

IMAGE

ANALYSIS

PROJE

CT X (

2012)

In this analysis I have selected a variety of still images from

the trailer of Project X to show the different elements and

conventions of an action/thriller movie like the

one I intend to produce..

1.

CAMERA WORK

The camera work throughout the entire film is almost always filmed using the same point of view shot of one character (who's identity remains a

mystery through the entirety of the film). This camera is hand held and portrays features of an amateurishly-made, documented/diary type film, rather than a professionally directed films with lots of different special effects, camera work, etc. However this is effective in presenting the hectic atmosphere that is present through the movie, and trailer, as it

makes the audience feel as if they are involved in the action through this 'mystery' character.

In this shot, there is an over the shoulder shot of a character (the main character) standing on top of the roof. We are able to see this since it is a high angle shot looking over the crowds of people waiting for his to jump, and the swimming pool is in full view. A wide shot has been used here to

emphasize the amount of people there is at the party and to suggest things could get out of control. The party atmosphere is represented well

as the audience are able to see every thing that is going on and not missing out on anything.

MISE EN SCENEThe setting of this shot is shown as some one's back garden, including a well kept

swimming pool, trees, and the side of the house. This is a conventional setting to represent drunk teenagers, as the only places they are likely to get drunk is at

house/garden parties and communal gatherings like this.

The only source of light we can see is coming from the swimming pool and small sources through lamps on the side of the house, the lighting every where is very

dark due to the fact it is filmed outside, at night time (when most parties take place), which would add to the crazy atmosphere.

We are not able to clearly make out each individual person in the crowd due to the lack of lighting, however this is expected because of the amateur camera effects. It also adds mystery to the atmosphere and makes the audience view the crowd as one big montage, rather than each person as an individual. This adds to the effect of persuasion and encouraging the character to jump of the building, as it takes away the groups awareness of danger and alters their perception of the

consequences that jumping could cause. Despite this, seeing the people as one de-individuated group makes the audience also seem part of it, which means

they would be encouraging (subconsciously) the character to jump also.

2.

SOUND

The sound in this scene would most likely be the diegetic sounds of people chanting and

encouraging the character in focus to jump. The camera man is situated in the crowd, right at the front of the action, where the audience are able to see everything. This makes them

feel involved and due to the fact they become part of the crowd, they may feel as if they are

being de-individuated, much like the characters would be at this point (being the

reason they are encouraging a potentially fatal act of jumping), meaning they will also want the character to jump just for the fun of it.

CAMERA WORK




being de-individuated, much like the characters would be at this point (being the

reason they are encouraging a potentially fatal act of jumping), meaning they will also want the character to jump just for the fun of it.

MISE EN SCENE




being de-individuated, much like the characters would be at this point (being the reason they

are encouraging a potentially fatal act of jumping), meaning they will also want the

character to jump just for the fun of it.

3.

SOUND




being de-individuated, much like the characters would be at this point (being the reason they are encouraging a potentially

fatal act of jumping), meaning they will also want the character to jump just for the fun of

it.

CAMERA WORK




being de-individuated, much like the characters would be at this point (being the reason they are encouraging a potentially

fatal act of jumping), meaning they will also want the character to jump just for the fun of

it.

MISE EN SCENE

There is very low key lighting, except from a blue glow which is coming from the swimming pool, illuminating a small section of the crowd. This is effective as it shows how compact the crowd is and how people are standing

right next to the pool. The blue colour could also represent a somewhat 'innocence' about the situation,

that the fact of the story is that the characters are young adults in search of a good time, which no cruel or bad intentions. (Which we then find out is ironic towards

the end of the film).

The general atmosphere of this shot seems extremely busy and chaotic, with a large, compact crowd, with people

dancing, jumping, being overall energetic, which is conventional since the genre involves a lot of action and

excitement.

4.

CAMERA WORK

A mid shot has been used here to show the dog relatively up close, bouncing on the trampoline. The focus has been emphasizes because it is a

very comical and unique shot which reflects the conventionally wild/careless characters in the

film.

A mid shot has been used rather than a full close up to show some of the dogs surroundings and to show the contrast between the animal and

the people on the trampoline, emphasizing the fact that the dog is not meant to be there and that he is very out of place, also exaggerating

on the humor of the situation.

EDITING



film.




MISE EN SCENE



film.




5.

CAMERA WORK

In this shot there is a wide shot of a crowd watching someone jumping into the pool. A wide shot is used here to show the large

amount of people gathering around to watch this event and to emphasize on how far, and how high the boy has jumped. This

would excite the audience because they would feel like they are watching the

action from a distance, meaning they can see the entire action rather than just a

small section of it.

MISE EN SCENE

The lighting is very low key because it is filmed outside at night, however there are

still some sources of light coming from the house and the swimming pool.

The characters here are still portrayed in a large group, looking like they are enjoying

themselves watching someone, again, performing a potentially harmful act.

Which suggests every one is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, both

conventional features of an action/thriller.

6.

SOUND

The sound in this shot would be minimal since it is filmed underwater, wear sound cannot be heard very well.

However, there will be the effect of murmured music/speaking/laughing from above the water which adds to

the effect of a chaotic and busy environment. It also enables the

audience to feel like they are going underwater as well, since what they

hear will suggest that they have jumped into the pool and can no longer

hear what is around them.

CAMERA WORK

The shot is an underwater mid shot, not particularly focusing on

anything other than the bodies of the people in the pool. This reflects on how the character filming would

have had no control over the camera, suggesting he may have

been pushed into the pool with it by someone else - not forgetting that he too is part of the movie, and is not just an external camera man.

MISE EN SCENE

In this shot there is a female and male body exposed through the

costume use of a bikini and boxers (note that the male is not wearing proper swimwear - suggesting that jumping into the pool was a spur of

the moment idea, or that he was pushed in, under the influence of

alcohol or drugs, which are conventional elements of an

action/thriller)

7.

CAMERA WORK

This is a high angle shot showing a young female character wearing a bikini. This

character represents a typically 'attractive' female which are characters usually used to entice "male gaze" and sexual elements to a film. This has been portrayed as a point of

view shot to show the camera man is interested in the character, which also invites

the audience to look at her.

This is a wide shot to show the action and surroundings around the character, however

she is directly in the middle of the shot, which makes her the main focus of attention.

MISE EN SCENE

The character here is represented as an ideal attraction to the male audience. She is portrayed wearing a bikini, with tanned skin, long hair, and a slim body

to fit the norms of what the target audience would find appealing. This creates interest to the male audience in particular as she represents the male

gaze theory of sexual suggestions.

Not only does the shot entice the audience, but it is also a conventional element of an action/thriller. There is often females portrayed as "sexy" and

"attractive", rather than ugly and unappealing. This also reflects the stereotypical expectations of a real-life teenage house party; it is

conventional that girls under the influence of alcohol are likely to get into their underwear and flaunt their bodies which is what is being portrayed

here.

The setting shows a swimming pool which is placed in the main characters back garden. This shows he may be wealthy and likely to hold an eventful party. The props involved in this scene involve the inflatable shark which is visible in the foreground of the image along with a blow up ball in the background.

The lighting is again very low key because the party is being held out doors at night, however there is an artificial light source which is coming from the

camera focusing on the female character, which emphasizes the fact she is there and allows the audience to focus on her for a short time.

8.

SOUND

It is obvious that in this scene there will be music playing of the house/drum and bass/electronic genres, as these are the types of music conventionally played at a party

involving young people. We are able to tell their is music in this scene from the still because there is a wide shot of a large crowd of people dancing and raving. However, this music would not necessarily be diegetic (although it may seem it), because this would not allow the audience

to feel fully involved in the party action.

Instead, using non-diegetic music added in post production, allows the music to play over the scene, to not be obscured by external sound and to be the center

of attention. This also allows the audience to feel involved as the music they would be hearing is the same as what the characters would be experiencing while they

are in the scene.

CAMERA WORK

There is a high angle, wide shot showing the large crowd of people. A wide shot is used to emphasize the amount of people are in the

room to portray the exciting atmosphere that is being created. A high angle shot has been used

because the shot is also point of view, this suggests the camera man would have lifted the camera with the intention of fitting the entire

crowd into the shot. This handheld/point of view effect would be unconventional in a

professionally produced film, however since the filming has an amateur effect, this is the type of angle and shot an average 'camera man' would

shoot.

MISE EN SCENE

The lighting here is very low key although it has been filmed in doors. The audience know that it is night time,

but the fact the lights are not turned on inside also suggests the party has been taken into the house (which raises interest due to the fact there is more likely going to be trouble caused while inside). This emphasizes the fact that the character are reckless and wild. The use of

UV lighting through glow sticks is effective since UV lights are generally associated with night clubs, partying

and getting drunk. Even if you had not seen this film before, knew nothing about it, and didn't know what was going on, it is extremely clear that there is a rave/party

taking place.

The artificial light source from the camera is also visible again, which focuses on the middle of the crowd, making

it clear for the audience where to look in the shot.

9.

SOUND

The sound that would've taken place during this shot is predominantly diegetic, including the

sounds of the characters shouting/chanting to the central character. Non-diegetic sounds which often occur in scenes like this is the soundtrack to the film, which is usually quite heavy bass or

house music, to represent the party atmosphere. The use of the non-diegetic music playing over the scenes creates a more involved atmosphere

for the audience, as a pose to the music sounding as if it was coming from a background

source in the film. Instead they get to experience the different sounds the actual characters would

be experiencing which make the film more enjoyable and real.

CAMERA WORK

This shot is also filmed using a hand held camera. The person with the camera is filming this low-angle shot from a point of

view perspective. It is effective in coming across as a documented film since the audience are not experiencing a perfectly clear photo but are instead experiencing what an actual party situation such as this one would look like. For

example the head of the person in front and various arms/hands are obstructing the full view of the character in

focus, but none the less this is effective in making the audience feel involved - which is a convention of thrillers.

The camera is also showing a wide shot, this enables us to see the amount of people that are surrounding the central

character and to emphasize on the amount of chaos that is taking place. The extremely excited and enthusiastic

expressions of the other characters is also clear and so this reflects the wild and extravagant happenings in the scene.

MISE EN SCENE

The lighting in this image is again very dark to portray the night time/party atmosphere, since this is conventionally when parties take place, and when the

most amount of action takes place in an action/thriller. The setting is also conventional of this as it appears to be in someone's back garden, outside.

There is a certain focus of artificial light on the main character which looks as if it is coming from the camera being filmed on. This reflects the intentionally amateur

filming but also makes it clear who the audience should be focusing on.

In this shot we are also able to see the central character holding a can of alcohol, this prop represents partying, youthfulness, immaturity, all the elements which can be

related to classic teenage house parties.

We are able to see the clothing of a lot of the characters who are wearing casual, comfortable clothes, suggesting this is not a formal event and that they are only there to have a good time and get drunk, not look good. This is also conventional

as teenagers are often represented as sloppy, lazy and careless about their appearance, which is represented in this shot.

The behavior of the characters is portrayed as if they are chanting or pressuring the central character into doing something (most likely encouraging him to down his

drink - a common, well known party ritual amongst teenagers). This portrays their chaotic, out of control behavior which is foreshadowed throughout the entire film.

10.

SOUND

In this still image, the sound that would be heard involves diegetic sound such as

sirens, from police cars and fire engines, the sound of the helicopter (which this shot

would've been filmed from), people shouting, the sound of the flames burning

and general chaos.

Since this movie is entirely filmed from a hand held camera/point of view shot, it is

given a home-documented feel and therefore there is not a lot of editing,

involving non diegetic sound.

CAMERA WORK

This camera shot is an aerial shot which is taking from a helicopter,

the camera would've been handheld while in the helicopter so we are able to see a certain characters point of view. In this case, it would've been the news

reporters camera as this is second hand footage of a news report

within the film.

MISE EN SCENE

The lighting in generally low key since the scene is taking place at night, however there is fire visible in the shot

which is enhanced due to the darkness, and we are able to see the bright light being shone onto the scene from the

helicopter which makes it clear to the audience the shot is being filmed from a helicopter as a point of view, making

them feel like they are the ones filming and are involved in the action.

Within the scene the props are mainly cars parked along side the road. This suggests to the audience that the cars were

for the party and that there are a lot of people present. The fact they are still parked within the flames and the action suggests the chaos was so bad that the people

involved left without hesitation, not even thinking about collecting their cars. There are police cars parked in the middle of the road which emphasizes how out of control

the party got.

11.

SOUND

Since this shot is similar to the previous one, the sound elements will be the same -

diegetic sounds of sirens, flames burning, people shouting, possibly explosions. All of

these elements are conventional for an action film, however what is non-

conventional about the sound in this film is the fact there is very little non-diegetic sound such as slow paced music to build

tension. This is because this film is focused on portraying more of a documented style from one single characters point of view (using a handheld camera), rather than

creating a story.

CAMERA WORK

This camera angle is an aerial shot, which is filmed from a helicopter. It is made to look like a news report/documentary style shot and therefore an

aerial shot is conventional for these circumstances. An aerial shot is effective here as it portrays the feel of chaos as the "camera crew" cannot get to the actual catastrophe and therefore have to stay

above ground. This emphasizes the amount of trouble the party has caused and also adds a

comical element to it.

This angle is also a wide shot so the audience can see the entirety of the location and setting which

makes it clear of the amount of craziness that's taking place.

MISE EN SCENE

The use of mise en scene in this still is effective through the use of low key lighting to portray the scene is taking place at night, which is usually the time associated with partying, chaos and when trouble

occurs in a film. The lighting is also visually appealing as it contrasts against the bright flames of the fire which emphasizes the amount of damage done which would not have been as visible if this scene

was filmed in the day.

The setting, which (would usually be) is a quiet, normal, friendly street with a pleasant neighborhood, this is stereotypical to the film as it is based on a house party taking place and shows the contrast of the street in the day: a relatively normal neighborhood, and what the

street looks like at night; a chaotic series of events which has caused fires, explosions, injuries and more. This shot shows the

house catching fire with lots of cars parked outside, which reflects on the amount of people who are involved in the scene, creating a

more exciting and hectic atmosphere. A small section of the street is visible with some parts of the neighbors lawns, this shows the chaos has spread to effect other characters and yet again emphasizes the

trouble every one has caused.

Entertainment & Humor

Still image anaylsis