Dredd Essay

Why Did Dredd Flop at the Box Office? by louishopkins

REPRESENTATIONS – COMMON STEREOTYPES

Video Analysis #2 (Superbad - Seth)

Camera Shots
The clip begins with an extreme long shot, showing Seth walking into the liquor store and setting the scene around him. A crabbing shot is then used to show him walking down the aisle to find the alcohol. An over the shoulder shot is used at the counter to engage you as if you were watching the action from inside the store. A low angle shot is introduced showing Seth looking at the bottle and at this point the security guard is hidden, however when the camera is tilted it reveals the security guard standing behind him. Overall, a lot of camera angles and movements were used during this scene.

Editing
The main editing is used for the part of the clip where the security guard uses the broken bottle as a weapon. Obviously, the security guard doesn't actually slit Seth's neck therefore special effects and editing must have been used to show this in the most realistic way possible. Also, all three scenarios are visions from Seth of what could happen in the next few minutes and this had to be shown clearly using editing.

Sound
To begin with the only sound is the music of the store and beeping of the cashiers. No music is introduces until 1:30 into the clip where the intensity builds up before the fight. The music gets more upbeat when Seth throws the bottle to show the seriousness of the situation. I also noticed that the music when from its loudest point to silence when Seth is walking out of the store empty handed.

Mise-en-scene
Out of the three main characters, Seth is the one to show off and be the 'big man' which is why he volunteers to go and get all of the alcohol for the party. However he also talks a lot of nonsense and it is therefore no surprise that he comes out of the store with no drinks. This scene sums up Seth perfectly.

Video Analysis #1 (Prison Break - T-Bag)

Camera Shots
The clip begins with a close up shot of Theodore Bagwell (T-Bag), it then zooms out as the gate opens and he is welcomed by his fellow prisoners. In the next clip it shows a mixture of long shot, mid shots and even a high angle shot which could be a POV shot from the second tier of cells. A few seconds, an over the shoulder shot is used to engage you in the action as if you were a prisoner. It is conveniently over the shoulder of T-Bag as it is showing that everyone is on his side. Also, a low angle shot is used to show the guards surrounded by prisoners and it portrays the feeling of isolation for the guards. Finally, an extreme close up shot is used to show an intense moment between T-Bag and one of the prison guards.


Editing
The editing is fairly basic, there is no use of slow motion or any other effects. Also, the clip is a combination of smaller scenes so it is not clear of any editing used inbetween.

Sound
The most notable sound is the tense music building up to when T-Bag speaks up for all the prisoners about the temperature. The only other sound shown in the clip is the jail door opening at the beginning. Also the sound of guards and prisoners shouting during the row.


Mise-en-scene
From the beginning of the clip it is obvious that T-Bag is the leader and the other prisoners look up to him. He's most certainly the leader of his group and this can be seen when he is transferred back to the cells at the start of the clip. Also, he steps forward to confront the guard and is then backed up by his crew. He is the one who sparks things up in the prison and causes controversy.

Film Production and Individual roles

Film Production and Individual roles

Writer

Screenwriters research and develop story ideas and write screenplays.

Producer

Producers are responsible for all aspects of a film's production, putting together a creative and talented cast and crew, and turning story ideas into profitable films.

Casting Director

Casting Directors organise the casting (selecting) of Actors for all film roles in a film

Director

Directors are the driving creative force in a film's production - visualising and defining the style and structure of the film, then bringing it to life.

Film Finance

Film Finance is a subset of project finance, meaning the film’s project’s generated cash flows rather than external sources are used to repay investors.

Camera Operator

Camera Operators prepare and operate the camera and all its equipment, working with the Director of Photography.

Editor

Film Editors work closely with the Director to craft the finished film.

Production Designer

Production Designers define and manage every visual aspect of a film.

Marketer

Marketing Executive – Marketing Executives promote their employer’s products or services or raise people’s awareness of a message.

Marketing Manager – People working in marketing are responsible for promoting products and services to increase consumer awareness and boost sales.

Exhibition

Exhibition is the distribution and promotion of the film before the film has come out yet. For example Film Festivals or general or advertising.

Representation of Myself

3 Groups

First of all I would put myself in the 'Young Alts' group. I enjoy listening to alternative music and browsing for new music. I'd like to think I am quite laid-back when it comes to the clothing that I wear and am not necessarily bothered about whether it is the fashionable thing to wear. I don't ever go into a certain shop and buy something purely for the brand however I do find myself wearing clothes that not a lot of people have and many would consider the clothing to be alternative. Saying that, I also wear clothes like Carhartt, Undefeated and The Hundreds which are now seen as fairly mainstream.

Secondly, I would put myself slightly into the 'New Casuals' group. This is mainly due to my love for football and watching the football on a Saturday. I would also associate myself with some of the clothes that are seen as casual. I wear brands like Fred Perry, Lyle & Scott and Adidas originals. However I certainly wouldn't label myself as a casual person, I just seem to have a lot in common with those that would. One thing that I don't have in common is the love of 80's music.



Finally, I would place myself in the 'Skater' group. Although I don't skate myself, I do have an interest in those that do and if I had enough spare time I would probably skate. I own clothes and shoes that are often worn by the typical skater e.g. Nike SB, Stussy and Vans. A few of my friends skate and I do think it would be good hobby to pick up.

3 Celebrities

One celebrity that I would look up to is David Beckham. I love his dress sense but sadly it is the style that someone of his character can pull off. He dresses himself very smartly and always looks his best. If I could choose any person to look like it would have to be DB. Style aside, Beckham's generous personality also adds to his appeal as he is often involved in charity events such as Sport Relief and this is something that I respect.

Another celebrity that I admire is Leonardo Di Caprio. As well as his legendary acting status, he also looks good all of the time. Although many think he looked his best in his younger years, I think that his looks have improved with age and he is definitely someone that I aspire to be like. The thing that impresses me most 

about Di Caprio is his perseverance. After being nominated for five Academy Awards, and not winning any, I feel that his career has not yet peaked and his performances and productions continue to improve unlike some actors where this may not have been the case.

And last but not least, I look up to the style of footballer Adam Lallana. He was recently revealed as the face of the clothing brand French Connection and, although I do not own any clothes of this brand, I admire their style and would most certainly buy a product if I liked it. Lallana, like many other footballers is determined to improve his ability and fulfil his potential. By coming through the ranks at Bournemouth and then Southampton as a youngster, he is now representing Liverpool and England and this is all down to the hard work that he put in to get to where he is now.

One or two people have mentioned that they think they see a similarity between me and Lallana, obviously without the beard. I don't see it myself however if I were to choose somebody with similar looks or dress sense it would be him.