Wednesday, October 17, 2007

12-32 Gladiator H/W

19 comments:

anastasia said...

The mise-en-scene demonstrates a misty, deserted forrest at dawn, where stereotypically battle scenes or war scenes are generally taken place. The characters are not clearly visilble because of the early morning mist, which suggests a sense of uncertainty and obscurity for the audience.

There are frequent usages of zooming in on close-ups. In this case the camera movement is used during serious discussions in a scene, when the main character is speaking. This focuses the audience, so that they can witness the character's emotions,as well as becoming engaged with what the character is saying.
A crane shot is used of when a warrior shoots an arrow. The audience are them able to clearly identify where the arrow comes from; then being able to see where it ends up by the use of fast cuts, telling the audience where to look whilst the acting tells you what to look at. The director is giving the audience a feel of being in control, letting them know what is happening before the characters do.
During an explotion the camera cuts to a worms eye view. Whilst the huge explotion goes of in the forrest, the audience are placed in danger by the effect of the worms eye view; since we are under the explotion. The way the camera zooms into the explosion creates a larger effect, emphasising the explotion which leaves the audience feeling stunned and intentionally frightened.

The intense diagetic sound overpowers non-diagetic sound at certain points in the scene. During the fight scene the diagetic sound becomes immense; the indiscribable sound of cheers mixed with screams and emphasised sounds of arrows coincides with the deliberate chaotic battle scene. The chaos repesented here keeps the audience arroused and at the same time creates tension and heart beats racing as diagetic sound intensifies.
However the various indications of non-diagetic orchestral sound reflects on the seriousness of the scene. The low elemental sounds played in teh background when Russel Crow is talking signifies that this is a sollow moment. It also cannotes the importance of Russel Crows character and how he is seen as the grave leader. Although the orchestral non-diagetic sound suddenly turns high pitched which reflect his movement when he gets on the horse. The high pitch used here is building up to when the sound gets more manic.The sombreness of the non-diagetic sound encourages the audience to pay attention, it could also signify the importance of that particular scene and its relevence.

There are a lot of continious movement of the camera, whilst at the same time frequent cuts during scenes.This was mainly used during the fight scene because there is more action taking place during these scenes. In this scene different cuts were used leading up to the explosion; therefore it could be argued that numerous cuts on different things create confusion for the audience, whilst building up pace to lead up to a climax. The frequently used convention of fast paced cuts coincides with the action adventure genre. Leaving the result of the fighting sequence to look realistic and at the same time over-dramatised so that the audience are bewildered, because of the fast moving action.
During when Russel Crow is speaking, the background is blured. This makes the audience focus on just his character, demonstrating that he is the main significance in the scene.
The blured background could also be compared with the misty mise-en-scene, emphasising him from the grey murky background.

There are extreme injuries such as bloody stabbings or fire burns, which are created using the special effects make-up; this makes them look realistic adding to the intentional effect of the fighting scene as well as impressing the audience.
Fire balls and extreme close-ups of explosions are used to add to the effect and realism that it is an actual battle scene. The way the camera works in action with the explosions makes the audience feel as if they were in the explosion, again placing the audience in danger. The close-ups also demonstrate the exageration of the explotion, amazing the audience as well as leaving them on the verge of their seat.

Anonymous said...

Danni Ingram 12:3

There are countless times where close-ups are used. The close-ups in this scene are specifically used when main characters are talking between each other, this helps the audience see who is specific to this scene and the emotions the characters are feeling. When there are close-ups, the background is blurred out, so it is focused on the main character. The effect this gives on the audience is that he is the protagonist and when he talks nothing else around him is important.
In many Action Adventures there is a straight on shot, this is to give the effect that something is coming out of the screen straight towards you.
During the explosion the camera shot is at ‘Worms eye view’. This places the audience in danger, as the camera shot is right beneath the explosion making the audience look up.
There is also a long shot of all the warriors; this shows the audience just how many fighters there are.

There is a section at the beginning of the scene where you can hear low string instruments, which gives a serious effect to the scene.
The sound also starts to rise and get faster, when the hero is on the move. Having this effect show the audience that the protagonist is on the move and he is more important than anyone else.
You can also hear all they way through this scene a loud chaotic noise from all the warriors, this tells the audience that it is very busy and hectic.
When you see the protagonists it is very loud and noisy, but then is cuts to the antagonist and it becomes quieter again. This tells the audience that, they are further away from the opposing team and cannot hear the hectic talk.

During the build up to the fight there are fast cuts, this can either be showing you what the warriors are doing in different parts to get ready for the fight or help build the tension, and confusion.

The fireballs and explosions are used to add to make the battle even more realistic and make the audience believe they are there and in danger. There are also brutal injuries during this scene, which is done by make-up. This makes the whole scene more effective and realistic.

The mise-en-scene is almost always very misty, creating an early morning (dawn) effect. You can also see loads of trees and hardly any clear spaces. Showing they are hiding and getting ready for battle, and that they are in the forest.

xJOYx said...

In the extract of the clip “Gladiator” there are many camera shots one of which is close up shots, this was used many times in the clip, such as when they placed the camera on the men’s faces, so we can see there facial expressions, this is done because it lets the audience know how they are feeling, which makes the audience feel in the same position, scared and frightened. At the same time the audience is viewing the close up shot of the man we can see the background which is blurred, is it blurred on propose so that we can look at him in focus because he is an important figure. Also there is another close up shot of the dogs face to show the dog looking scared and something bad is going to happen. A long distance shot shows the audience everything that’s happening at once so they don’t become confuse, they show all the enemies running towards each other to fight a war. There is also a fast action shot of the horse looking like its coming out of the screen; this is good because it makes the audience feel that the horse is running towards them which creates tension. The camera moves around the battle fields so we can see what is happening from all different angels.
The sound used in the clip are switched from quiet to loud, this gets the audience excited. The music becomes intense as more of the characters are introduced, this tells the audience that there’s trouble coming, and something bad is going to happen. There are very low alimental sounds, this makes everything seem serious and solemn. There are barbaric sounds, like a crowd of people making a wall off noise; this lets the audience know there’s chaos.
The special effects are used when they make an explosion of fire, and there is a big deal made out of all the spears, the sounds of all the action/fighting happening, takes over the sound of everything else, this makes the film more interesting and keeps the audience forced.
The film is set in dawn, were it is all misty and grey, they are trying to set the scene of war, this is the “mis on scene”, this shows the audience, that the film is going to be an action film, mostly fighting, maybe set in the olden days.

ZainabNalla said...

In the four minute extract of “Gladiator”, many different camera shots, angles, camera movements, sounds and special effects are used. One camera shot that is used many times throughout the extract is the close up shot. One example of a time where a close up is used is of the man. This is effective as it allows us to see his facial expression which makes the audience feel like they are in his position. We are also made to focus on him as the shot has blurred out the background, so the only thing in focus is his face. This demonstrates to us that he is significant and ensures that we do not lose concentration to other things which are less important. It also highlights the fact that the atmosphere is misty and foggy.

Another camera technique which is used is a scene where the horse is running towards the camera. This makes it look like the horse is coming out towards us and therefore makes the audience jump and feel scared. This is effective as it makes the audience feel involved and helps to create tension for them.

There are many fast shots in the scene, which are placed one after the other and last for approximately one second. This speeds up the pace, emphasising the genre of the film, action, and also creates a sense of confusion. We know that something is going to happen as the pace of the shots becomes faster and faster.

When the arrow is shot, there are different shots which allow us to see where the arrow has come from and where it has ended up. This done by using close ups of the arrow, demonstrating danger, and fast shots to show the speed of the arrow and to show how sudden it is. Sounds of arrows and spears landing in things is used when the arrows are shot. These are made to seem diagetic, but the sounds are exaggerated to make the audience feel scared. The actors in the scene would not have been able to hear these arrows landing because of all the chaos that was going on around them, but as it was filmed using a close up, they made the sounds louder so we feel that we are close to the danger.

A worm’s eye view is also used in the extract. The camera is placed beneath the fire explosion so the explosion overpowers the audience as we are almost looking up to it. The camera is placed practically in the fire explosion so it seems more dangerous and big than it probably is. This makes the audience feel nervous and anxious. The fire explosion is a special effect, but gives the same effect as a real explosion would have as it looks very real.

Non-diagetic sounds are also used in the extract, such as the music. The music is very low and quick. This is effective as the quick music also helps to speed up the pace of the action, and the sound of the cello is very low and therefore resonates.

Other sounds in the extract which are diagetic are the sounds of horses running. This is very recognisable and adds to the effect of the chaos. There is also lots of screaming and shouting which makes the scene feel very loud and busy and helps make the audience feel like they are there.

The mise-en-scene also plays a significant part in this extract. The atmosphere is very misty, grainy and dark. The colours used are blues and greys to help make it look cold. These demonstrate to us that it was taken place early in the morning, around dawn. It helps to set the atmosphere, and as dawn is normally very quiet and peaceful, this is the opposite and instead is very loud and chaotic.

Natasha said...

The clip from ‘Gladiator’ is set in a forest/battle field. The film is trying to create a dull ‘mise en scene’ which represents dawn. Not only this but by the use of colours of clothing the characters are wearing it represents the whole idea of darkness.

There is a close up shot of when the fireballs are being fired and you also get things coming towards the screen. This is effective to the audience because it involves them and makes them feel as if they are in danger. There are close up shots of the hero. We the audience figure this out because the background has been blurred out so that the audience would be focusing on him and not what’s happening in the background.

There is a section in the clip where the cello is being used, it makes the film sound low and elemental which then gives the effect of everything sounding serious, At the point where both sides are about to fight the music gets louder and faster but when it goes back to the non-violent parts of the film the sound goes quieter and slow down. When the arrows are being fired, they also make a sound, this to the audience gives a sense of where is the arrows landing. As well as the arrows creating sound, so do the barbarians. They create a loud sense of noise.

The audience views bits of the clip that has been edited to show the preparation for the battle and when both sides are moving around. This adds to confusion by the quick changes of scenes. We get a bird’s eye shot where the arrow has been dropped, which makes the audience think that it’s falling on them. To create a sense of being trapped, there are arrows coming from both sides.

DG said...

Anastasia's H/W
You have carefully ensured that you have addressed all the criteria required and this is a good thing. The next step for you is to tighten up on the clarity of your expression and be more precise in how you use the relevant media terms. Appropriate and systematic analysis also needs to be sorted out.
Well done - we definitely have something to work on.

DG said...

DANNI INGRAM H/W
You need to develop a clearer form of expression-be more concise as this is getting in the way of your analysis. The second paragraph is a little meaningless and has no example to support it. The section about the Protagonist/Antagonist is not clear.
You do refer to the appropriate techniques and there intended impact but not in a clear or sustained manner.
Overall this work is not systematic enough. If you aim to develop a specific way of dealing with each technique you introduce then I feel you will be in more control and that you will produce more structured and coherent work.

DG said...

Joy's H/W
Expression is weak but your first point is a good one. Be sure to be specific when describing a shot - 'There is also a fast action shot of the horse looking like its coming out of the screen'-this is not an appropriate or accurate description of what happened at that point in the extract plus you repeat this description a few lines later.(talk to me about it in class)
Your references to nondiagetic sound is not very clear with some words that I am not familiar with are used. Towards the end-last two paragraphs- you are largely descriptive and not analytical.
Good effort-you are on the right track. Focus on your written expression. Well done.

DG said...

Zainab H/W
You refer to the 'man'-be more specific. Also, you talk about the use of depth of field without using the term. Your description of horse moving towards the camera could be more technically orientated. I am nort sure of the term 'fast shots'-do you mean shots of short duration? Again,in relation to the arrow sequence you are not writing in a manner that is technical enough. Interesting comment regarding the use of sound in relation to the audience.More detailed references to non-diagetic sound required. More detail required re diagetic sound.
Overall you have covered the bases but could be more analytical and make more of your points. This work shows that you have the capacity to get top marks by the time you reach the exam. Good work!

DG said...

Natasha H/W
Good opening-sets you up well. Be specific, avoid using phrases such as, 'you also get things coming towards the screen', as they are vague and not very convincing. You refer to depth of field without using the term. You refer to a good range of sounds but could and need to make a lot more of the sound. Patchy references to editing.
Although you refer to all of the required you do it in a very superficial manner. Much more detail is needed.

Anonymous said...

Halimo Geesey 12.6

The camera shots used in this extract, are extremely effective in making the audience feel that they are in the heart of the action, all the while exempt from danger. For example, the crane shot which tracks the arrow from it being released to it reaching its victim and the low-angle shot used to make the viewer feel like the horse was one gallop away from being in the audience, places the viewer in danger; resulting in the audience feeling jumpy and vulnerable. The main shot which is used throughout this extract is a close-up, however when the close-up is used on who seems to be the main character, a depth of field is used to establish the main characters importance and hirachy to the film. The depth of field shot blurrs everything else in the shot out, apart from its main focus (in this case Russel Crowe)so the figures in the back are reduced to silhouettes, letting the audience know that what he is about to say is significant and important. the close-up used on him allows us to feel his emotion and emapathise with him. Shots are also used to infrom the audience for example the mid-shot to show just how nig and organised the army is.
Before the battle comences non-diegtic sound is used, its ochestral and seems to mainly use a chello, portaying them as a serious group.
The diegetic sound is this extract is exaggerated, i.e. the horses hooves, which could be seen as a reflection of the audiences heartbeat and the sounds of arrows and catapults is made into a big deal and the transition from the solem quiet to the blare of mad barbarians over takes the non-diegetic sound; which is barely audible. This is done to add to the atmosphere of choas and the unorganisation. Creating anticipation.

The editing in this extract is used to show the preperation each team are undergoing for the impendng war, and so the duration of shots get shorter as the battle draws nearer. This adds to the confusion and builds up the battle and the tension within the audience. The editing is used to show every angle , keeping the viewer informed. The decreasing length in pace between each shot is a convention of action and the rapid cuts just as a scene is about to climax is a technique used to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The SFX is used in this extract to make the injuries look real and impress the audience, the explosion is emphasised through a low angle shot, once again making the audience feel that they are just as vulnerable as the audience, creating emapathy for the savagness that they are enduring.

The mise-en is misty forest at dawn where it is hard to make things out adding to the vulnerablity, and uncertainty of the characters, they are all on high alert.

Anonymous said...

KEMI ALAO

Camera
The way in the camera is used in the film is that there are alot of close-ups on the main character in the film and it gives the audience a feel like the emotions that is goin on with the character and it makes it feel more realistic and puts the audience in the postion of the character. there is a camera viewing from downwards of the men on the horses when they are about to attack their enemies. the background is blurred out so that the audience is focused on the main events thats happening in in the film.

The sound that is used is for the scene of the action is the keyboard playing the music gets faster and while their getting ready for the attack, the music gets louder and the reaction of the audience gets tense and gives the audience feeling of what is goin to happen. Barbarians make the screaming and string instruments playing like the base guitar gives the the mood of the audience a serious feel to whats happening in the atmosphere

The mise-en-scene shows thedark forest with trees surrounding evrythere a place where wars a seen horses and armour around very misty and blurred hores galloping around

farrah said...

There are a number of different camera angles used in the opening of Gladiator. Wide shots are used to show the whole scene and what is going on. There are a number of close-ups on Russell Crowe which suggests that he is the leader, and also shows that his side is calm as you cannot see any sense of panic through his expressions. On a number of occasions of a close-up on his face, the background is blurred out, whilst he is in focus. This again shows that he is the main character, and the most important. There are a number of wide shots used to show the barbarians and to show how they are all acting; and then a number of wide shots on the other side to show how calm they are in contrast to the barbarians. This then suggests which side is the good side and which is the bad. There is also a shot where the camera is facing upwards towards an explosion. This creates a sense of danger as it is placing the audience right underneath the explosion. This involves the audience in the battle, as if they are there. There is a shot of the horse running forwards, and it looks as if the horse is heading towards the camera, and towards the audience. There are also a number of fast-paced shots used to show how both sides are preparing for the battle. Since these shots are very fast, they create confusion as we do not know which side are doing what, and when. It also involves the audience as it is showing the build-up to the battle and not just the battle itself.

Both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used in this opening. The diegetic is mainly of the screaming and shouting by the barbarians. This creates confusion and chaos as the audience do not know what is going on, and they seem un-organised; whereas Russell Crowe is giving demands to his side, and there is not much shouting or screaming heard from them. There are also sounds of the spears, arrows and explosions which make the audience jump as they come at unexpected times. The non-diegetic sound used is very soft and slow at first. The music then begins to get more tense and there is a low orchestral cello sound which resonates the audience. The music then gets faster to the lead up of the battle, and the pitch rises. This mirrors the movements made by the people fighting as the shots used also then become very fast.

The mise-en scene is always misty, and grainy, dark film stock has been used to create the sense that the battle is taking place in dawn. It is very dark and gloomy, and the battle is taking place in the forest so there are trees. The misty background also suggests that it is very cold. Because there are so many trees, it is hard to see everything properly as it is quite unclear. The mist also makes it hard to see properly, and then suggests that everyone is hiding at first to prepare for the battle.

The editing is used in a successful way to show both sides of the battle and the preparation and lead-up to it. The editing shows how both sides are reacting at different moments, and the fast pace shots (which are short in length) create confusion and tension as it gets the audience’s heart beating as fast as the shots are.

Anonymous said...

REHAAAAANNNNAAAA

The clip of Gladiator uses camera shots and editing to great effect. To show the vastness of the scene that the audience first sees there is a wide shot indicating the nature of battle and the number of lives that are at stake for their cause. Tracking shots of arrows and other weapons are used showing the audience the two conflicting sides and how quickly everything happens. Close ups are used a few times on the main character Maximus signifying him as the hero. The camera angle teamed with the out of focus background with Maximus in all clarity tells the audience where they should be looking and showing the importance of certain characters. Maximus is also revealed to be the protagonist as when he goes into battle a specific motif is implemented in the score to create an epic and heroic sound. An important shot used (as in many action films) is when Maximus is seen riding towards the camera, he almost appears to be projecting himself out of the frame this makes the audience feel truly involved in what’s going on because if you were watching it on the big screen he would look extremely close.
The special effects used to gain a realistic view of the dangers and brutalities of the war are obvious in the forms of the explosions of fire. The point of view/ ‘worm’s eye view’ shot whilst the showering of burning arrows are raining down allows the audience to feel disorientated and scared as the people in the scene allowing for another inclusive method. The camera is at times so much in the action the audience can’t see what’s going on. The editing is fast in most parts indicating the quick paced battle ahead. They are very chaotic which adds to the confusion and tension. The edits also move the audience around the battlefield showing them the processes and layouts of war. There are lengthy shots at the beginning of the scene setting up what is to happen.
There is much silence in the scene until there is the use of the digetic sound of the barbarian army’s hysteria. The screams and shouts of this army creates an overbearing wall of sound. To music in this scene is very morbid and low especially at points such as when the Roman army’s messengers head is brought back. The music is elemental and it resonates within the audiences evoking different emotions, relating the seriousness of the situation.The mise - en- scene created is that of great danger the audience is alerted to this fact straight away because of the forest setting and the blue grey filtered background making it dusky and dark.

Anonymous said...

felicity jones

The mise en scene in the clip is of a grainy, overgrown forest, it is misty, and dark. This makes the battle scene more ominous, and makes the characters seem more vunerable.

There are quite a few close ups of characters, mainly of the hero, this helps the audience to relate to him, as we are seeing his emotions, and associating him with an audience. Another camera shot used is low angle shots of the fire. This puts us right underneath the danger, and makes us sympathise with the characters.

The sound is mainly diagetic, the voices shouting, and running. The music quitly heard is repetitive, and deep. Because we mainly hear the sounds of people fighting, this increases the realism of the clip.

The editing is quick to switch between both sides of the battle, allowing us to get more of an equal viewing of whats happening. This also shows is the devastation on both sides.

Special effects are mainly used to create fire, increasing the violence in the battle. People are also shown being shot, and killed. The special effects also help the realism of the scene, showing us not only the battle, but also the effects of it on the people fighting.

Anonymous said...

The mise-en-scene for “Gladiator” is set in a forest/battlefield. This creates a dull and misty look to the movie. The clothes that are worn in the clip are roman type clothing/clothing that would have been worn in battles. There are also swords being used. When the battle is going on, all danger is coming from both sides of the screen, this shows danger is in all the angles.

The sound used in “Gladiator” is diagetic and non-diagetic. As the pace increases of the movie, the music increases. There are quiet sounds which then move onto being loud, screeching screams. The sound changes throughout the clip, it becomes tenser and builds up the tension within the audience. There is orchestral music used. There is also barbaric sound which represents chaos. The music is not organised and sounds of the objects/weapons are exaggerated.

The lighting used is dark and dull, blue/grey to recreate dawn. This creates a specific mise-en-scene.

The editing is moving us around the battle field. It wants us to see everything. The amount of shots are 2sces, 1sec, 2secs; this adds confusion and builds up the pace to the battle rising.

The camera angles which are used are mid-shots, panning, close ups which are very powerful, point of view shots. The background is blurred out so that the audience focuses on the character and the audience view only the character and nothing else.

Anonymous said...

samira khan

The mise en scene creates a misty dull atmosphere that is isolated this build up suspension, which makes the audience aware of danger that is going to take place. The misty air represents coldness along with mist which makes it clear that it is dawn.

There are many camera shots used in the opening of ‘Gladiator’. One of the techniques used is a close up of Russell Crowe face and everything in the background is a blur so the audience only focus on the main character and his facial expressions. Another camera shot used is a low angle shot which is used to show the fire balls being thrown; this effect puts the audience in a danger position and makes them feel as if they are experiencing the same experiences like the characters in the scene.

The sound includes diegetic and non diegetic sounds. The non diegetic sound starts off as a soft sound track which is tranquil and peaceful which gradually changes into a high pitch sound to build up suspense. The diegetic sound includes the barbarians screaming and making a lot of noise this creates confusion and panic which also shows the barbarians are un organised.

The editing includes fast paced shots, which are short in length, which swap from two different sides of the battle which keeps the audience informed of what is happening on both sides of the battle. This also shows the audience the reaction from both battle teams when attacked.

The special effects used are for the explosion that takes place the special effects used are moving the position of the frame around to make the audience feel as if they are running along side the barbarians and this involves them into the film more.

mojo said...

the mise-en-scene is empowring as it brings an errie mythical presence to the battle because of the misty environment. this mist creates an early morning dawn effect which is rather stereotypically in war battles.
the camera seems rather cloudy as the characters are not in perfect focus.

the camera angles used are a lot of close ups as the are used to outline the movement and expressions on the faces of the main characters during speech. during these discusiions the camera zooms in into focus on the main character and blurss out the background, thus focusing the audinces attention on the main person in focus.

as the horses and hell galop down the mountain side a long shot is used to show how many warriors are in the frame. during the scene when the archer unleashes his arrow a crane shot is used to track the movement of the arrow and were it is coming from. but a tracking shot is used for when the arrows of the roman army blots out the sky and rains down on the savages lol. in the explosion a worms eye view is used to place the audience in the midst of danger as the are directly placed underneath the explosion from the camera angle which creates real fear. during the explosion the scene is edited in many ways to show the explosion from different points of view and enhance the effect of the blast.

during the fight scenes there is a lot of editing as there fights are shot from different views especially when two people get killed with the same arrow the camera catches the front and the sides to show how they are hit. digetic sounds are used alot especially when the soldiers are jeering and shouting and screaming their war cries. during this phase in the clip alot of ochestral music is used and the tempo of the music is gradually risen to empahaise the effect of the battle gore and make the battle seem more intense and massive and extremme. whn the music dims its seems rather sorrowfull as the soldiers take in the seriousness of what they are about to emabark on.

Anonymous said...

ermm omg sir were am i meant 2 put my work! ah well cant do it=]w8 is this mr gibbs?