FILM NOIR

Film noir; Hollywood crime dramas. 1940's-50's


These films tend to include an antagonist who acquires a very cynical attitude, consequently there is also a protagonist who is stereotypically a dark haired, handsome man. His determination to resolve whatever crime or dispute has taken place is commonly driven by sexual motivations, as his mind is regularly occupied by a femme fatale; French for deadly woman. She is a seductive woman, who's charm can often drive a man to obsession and the inability to make rational decisions. She is definitely a dangerous character. In opposite to this, a femme fatale can also be a victim, caught in a terrible situation from which she cannot escape. An example of this is in the film, The Lady from Shanghai, 1947 film noir. 


Conventions of Film Noir
- filmed in greys, blacks and whites
  stylist lighting and high contrast
  lots of shadowing and obscurity
  dramatic angles


-they follow a dark, tragic narrative and style. 
  the plot structures are fairly twisted and complex
  non-linear - flashbacks
  non-chronological


- they often highlight issues such as economic depression 
  they also show the conflict between classes,
  romance difficulties; unrequited love and poor judgement
  and of course the central focus, crime, this can then be linked to assassination and death. 

STILL SHOTS; FILM NOIR

I AM LEGEND.

Conventional? Unconventional?
I was looking into what makes a opening title sequence OTS to provide me with information for when I come to make my own, which has to meet the film noir genre. Me and my group have to make important choices, and come to the decision of following conventions or breaking them. 

We watched the opening title sequence of I Am Legend, observed and examine intently on whether it wathes conventional or unconventional. As we watch the beginning and are exposed to the story, we meet a convention. This being the previous background information given to us, presenting us with an enigma. The news clip at the beginning provides with the idea that they have cured cancer, however the scene then switches to present time, which happens to be the post apocalyptic city. It is then that we are introduced to what we assume is the main character. There are still survivors? How is he still alive? What happened to everyone else? It is here that we are hooked. Another convention of an OTS. The mis-en-scene exposes us to New York city, signified by the yellow cabs, however unlike the busy, active city we're used to, it was completely deserted. We ask ourselves the question: Is this man the only survivor of New York City? What may have use to been unconventional is now seen as a convention in the modern film industry, this being a voice over - narrator. I Am Legend uses this post modern convention.
     Alternatively there are many features of the opening to this film which appear unconventional. For instance, no titles are displayed, meaning it was not this films interest to promote the directors or producers, they simply want to prioritise the audience, and didn't want to interrupt or prevent them from engaging with the film. The OTS, unusually contains no non-digetic sound, and the silence consequently amplifies the action. Unlike many other films, which will try to find suitable music as an attempt to create suspense and action through that. 
     This makes it apparent that an unconventional OTS can be just as interesting and effective as a conventional one. Both can engross and maintain a viewer. This has given me an insight as to what I could produce for my own project. 

MY FIRST PREZI WENT A LITTLE LIKE THIS..

ME AND MEDIA

As a GCSE student, I did both media and photography, and have grown a love for both. 

I've decided to carry on Media at AS, as I'm interested in creating a career in fashion buying and marketing. 

Consequently I have much interest in print work, such as design layouts, advertising, and I think my photography is a factor which will help me achieve in this.   

I'm without a doubt considering university, and a Fashion Marketing course is what I would absolutely love to pursue. 

Without seeming narrow minded or shallow, I believe my whole life - everyones life - revolves around the media. 

The obvious and most apparent factor of life would be appearance, as I think the media is what sets the standards for latest trends. Personally whenever I'm seeking for new, current fashion tips, I will turn to my favorite magazine for guidance. It does seems strange the amount of trust woman have in them, although I do find it comforting knowing that thousands of women do the exact the same thing as me, creating a reliance on high fashion magazines; Vogue, Elle. This being the reason why I want to be a part of the fashion industry, so I feel included in the 'trend setting'. 

On the other hand, more serious current affairs would not get to the public directly without the news; use of television and internet. These including such things as violence, war and political issues. 

I think media is such a vital part of life, and links all countries of the world together, as well as every single individual.