In the late 80's in Ipswich, an unforgiving world there was a strong evil. The well-known notorious Mr Smith who is wealthy, well-protected, has alot of power and nothing gets in his way. His lover Miss Fox secretly hates the man but the origin of their relationship is a mystery, Fox believes the city would be a safer place for everyone if Smith was out of the picture.
At a sleazy bar located at the end of a dark alleyway, Fox searches for the once legendary ex copper Snake Plissken who has become a victim of the cruel society and now keeps to himself. Fox tells Plissken about the damage Smith has caused to the city and offers him cash to take out all possible threats that will help Smith. Snake agrees as money can win anyone over, corrupt police will be reluctant to bother catching murderers.
Plissken awaits Smiths henchmen and friends to exit their poker game from a seedy bar located downtown. First henchman exits to have a cigarette and is brutally stabbed in the back after Plissken had sneaked up on him. Following afterwards gang members are killed the same way until Plissken enters the bar and spikes Smiths no.1 guy Francis Leone. Plissken leaves the bar and disappears into the darkness.
Smith hires hitman Andrew Scott to take care of the problem that he has encountered. Plissken is at his crappy apartment working on a final trap to kill Smith. Plissken leaves the apartment to rig the trap at Smiths house unaware that Scott is approaching from the alleyway. Scott stabs Snake in the shoulder but luckily misses a vital organ, Snake then pulls out the knife and as Scott is about to pull out a revolver from his overcoat, a knife is seen thrown into his chest killing him instantly. Snake blacks out in the street as does the camera.
Smith is reading the newspaper which is headlined BLOODBATH ON ELM STREET and as he goes for the whiskey a stray bullet smashes trough the window hitting Smith in the head, killing him. Snake Plissken has done his job and is seen limping into the alleyway lighting up a cigarette with a calm look and a smile as he puffs away. Camera then fades to black.
Sunday 29 November 2009
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Se7en (A Neo-Noir example)
The narrative introduces the horror/thriller/neo-noir genre to the audience which subverts the crime/detective genre. During the whole story they are fighting crime so it obviously meets with the crime/detective genre. Some examples of generic conventions are noticable such as passing the torch, with freeman retiring and brad pitt hired. the trail of breadcrums in the form of clues at each of the crime scenes in the film. Interesting/striking elements of mise-en-scene are seen in the film such as the flashlights being the only light in a dark scene to really add tension to that particular moment in the film and also build up more of a dark film in the neo-noir genre. Camera angles capture Somerset & Mill's (freeman & pitt) reaction to the bloody crime and tense scene with almost complete focus on their facial expressions.
Sound plays a major part of the Mise-en-scene in this film as many effects are mixed in the the setting and performance to create more of a depressing, spooky sub-genre. Roaring cars, shop alarms and sirens are all heard in the background when the characters are inside and outside. High pitched sounds mix in with the tension building sound effects when somerset and mills are at a murder scene. Subway sound effect ruins the quiet dinner scene which keeps the harsh reality of the outside setting alive and strong. The excellent performance that also mixes in with the strong sound effects really alienates the characters from understanding the horrific encounter and makes it harder to deal with the experience. I noticed that the costumes worn are similar to the classic detective characters seen in 1940s film noir crime genres, such as the tanned overcoat worn by Somerset and the tweed style suit worn by Mills nearly throughout the whole film.
My conclusion is that this film Se7en is an excellent example of neo-noir as it is basically just the elements of film noir but with upgraded technology and more of a dangerous world to live in with also a bit of horror thrown into the neo noir genre.
Sound plays a major part of the Mise-en-scene in this film as many effects are mixed in the the setting and performance to create more of a depressing, spooky sub-genre. Roaring cars, shop alarms and sirens are all heard in the background when the characters are inside and outside. High pitched sounds mix in with the tension building sound effects when somerset and mills are at a murder scene. Subway sound effect ruins the quiet dinner scene which keeps the harsh reality of the outside setting alive and strong. The excellent performance that also mixes in with the strong sound effects really alienates the characters from understanding the horrific encounter and makes it harder to deal with the experience. I noticed that the costumes worn are similar to the classic detective characters seen in 1940s film noir crime genres, such as the tanned overcoat worn by Somerset and the tweed style suit worn by Mills nearly throughout the whole film.
My conclusion is that this film Se7en is an excellent example of neo-noir as it is basically just the elements of film noir but with upgraded technology and more of a dangerous world to live in with also a bit of horror thrown into the neo noir genre.
What is Neo-Noir?
Neo-Noir is often seen in modern motion pictures which uses elements of film noir but with updated themes, content, style and media that was not featured in the early ages of film noir. During the 1970s people considered neo-noir to be a totally seperate genre by its own definition for example, the neo-noir films are aware of the modern technology, risks and circumstances. The audience were helped to form a relationship with the hero in a film noir, however in neo-noir is quite the opposite as it keeps audiences waiting to become part of the story but the camera movements etc. reminds them that they are just watching a film instead of becoming part of the film.
Sunday 22 November 2009
Characteristics of Film Noir
"The primary moods of classic film noir were melancholy, alienation, bleakness, disillusionment, disenchantment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia." - www.filmsite.com/filmnoir.html
Storylines were twisting, narratives were complex, it was typically told through the use of foreboding background music, flashbacks and razor-sharp dialogue. Amnesia suffering characters was a common plot device as was the crumbling life of everyman who fell victim to being framed and tempted by the dark. Revelations were used to justify a characters cynical perspective of life.
Film noir movies were mostly shot in gloomy grays, blacks and whites. Typically showed the dark inhumane side of human nature with cynicism. They emphasized the brutal, shadowy, dark and sadistic sides of the human experience. An oppressive atmosphere of menace, suspicion, that anything can go wrong, dingy realism, defeat and entrapment were stylized characteristics of film noir.
Film noir films were marked visually by expressionistic lighting, deep-focus or depth of field camerawork, disorienting visual schemes, jarring editing, ominous shadows, circling cigarette smoke. Continuity Editing created more of a tension between certain characters in order to emphasise the moment alot more. Settings were often interior with low key lighting, Venetian blinded windows and rooms and dark claustrophobic gloomy appearances. Exterior settings were often urban night scenes with deep shadows, wet asphalt, dark alleyways, rain-slicked or mean streets, flashing neon lights and low key lighting. Story locations were often murky dark streets, hotel rooms or dimly lit low rent apartments.
Most of the characters in Film Noir were basically the usual Heroes and Anti-heroes but quite often characters were given more depth and meaning in order for them to appear more unique and interesting i.e. cops, gangsters or low lives from the shadows of the gloomy underworld of violent crime and corruption. Basically they were cynical, sexual, sinister and struggling to survive in the world. The way they are portrayed determines further what sort of i.e. Hero or Villain they are and what there outcome will be in the story.
Storylines were twisting, narratives were complex, it was typically told through the use of foreboding background music, flashbacks and razor-sharp dialogue. Amnesia suffering characters was a common plot device as was the crumbling life of everyman who fell victim to being framed and tempted by the dark. Revelations were used to justify a characters cynical perspective of life.
Film noir movies were mostly shot in gloomy grays, blacks and whites. Typically showed the dark inhumane side of human nature with cynicism. They emphasized the brutal, shadowy, dark and sadistic sides of the human experience. An oppressive atmosphere of menace, suspicion, that anything can go wrong, dingy realism, defeat and entrapment were stylized characteristics of film noir.
Film noir films were marked visually by expressionistic lighting, deep-focus or depth of field camerawork, disorienting visual schemes, jarring editing, ominous shadows, circling cigarette smoke. Continuity Editing created more of a tension between certain characters in order to emphasise the moment alot more. Settings were often interior with low key lighting, Venetian blinded windows and rooms and dark claustrophobic gloomy appearances. Exterior settings were often urban night scenes with deep shadows, wet asphalt, dark alleyways, rain-slicked or mean streets, flashing neon lights and low key lighting. Story locations were often murky dark streets, hotel rooms or dimly lit low rent apartments.
High angles were used to make a certain character appear weak and small to another character (main character) it is used basically so the audience can understand the position the characters in and the certain situation at that certain point.
CUs are used to show someones emotion it is used in various ways such as to show a characters vulnerability or reaction to a certain thing. These are excellent for building up suspense in a tense scene.
3 Examples of Classic Film Noir
Film Noir was coined by french film critics who noticed the trend of how dark, downbeat and black the looks and themes were of many american crime and detective films released in france following the war such as, The Maltese Falcon, Double Idemnity & Murder, My Sweet.
The Maltese Falcon (1941) directed by John Huston, is one of the most popular and best classic detective mysteries ever made, and many film historians consider it the first in the dark film noir genre in hollywood. It leaves the audience with a distictly downbeat solution and bitter taste. The low-budget film reflects the remarkable directorial debut of John Huston who efficiantly and skillfully composed and filmed this american classic with great dialogue, deceitful characters and menacing scenes.
A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette.
Double Indemnity (1944) directed by Billy Wilder, "this is the directors most classic film noir masterpiece – a cynical, witty and sleazy thriller about adultary, corruption and murder." - filmsite.com
This highly stylised story was urgently told and set in the local areas of greater los angeles to show the audience how Wilder can make a local place to them seem like a dangerous, dark area in the stroy.
The urgently – told, highly- stylised story was Wilders third film. Wilder effectivly used locales in the greater Los Angeles area: the Glendale train station, the Hollywood bowl, a night-time downtown office building, a spanish – style house, the protagonists apartment at the Chateau Marmont. An insurance rep lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigators suspicions.
Murder, My Sweet (1944) directed by Edward Dmytryk, private eye Phillip Marlowe hired by Moose Malloy to look for his former girlfriend who has not been seen for the past few years. The case is tougher than Marlowe expected which leads to a complex web of deceit.
Murder, My Sweet is a masterful early film noir, a brilliant mix of convoluted plot, hard boiled dialogue, nightmarish atmosphere and comically cynical narration.
The Maltese Falcon (1941) directed by John Huston, is one of the most popular and best classic detective mysteries ever made, and many film historians consider it the first in the dark film noir genre in hollywood. It leaves the audience with a distictly downbeat solution and bitter taste. The low-budget film reflects the remarkable directorial debut of John Huston who efficiantly and skillfully composed and filmed this american classic with great dialogue, deceitful characters and menacing scenes.
A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette.
Double Indemnity (1944) directed by Billy Wilder, "this is the directors most classic film noir masterpiece – a cynical, witty and sleazy thriller about adultary, corruption and murder." - filmsite.com
This highly stylised story was urgently told and set in the local areas of greater los angeles to show the audience how Wilder can make a local place to them seem like a dangerous, dark area in the stroy.
The urgently – told, highly- stylised story was Wilders third film. Wilder effectivly used locales in the greater Los Angeles area: the Glendale train station, the Hollywood bowl, a night-time downtown office building, a spanish – style house, the protagonists apartment at the Chateau Marmont. An insurance rep lets himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses an insurance investigators suspicions.
Murder, My Sweet (1944) directed by Edward Dmytryk, private eye Phillip Marlowe hired by Moose Malloy to look for his former girlfriend who has not been seen for the past few years. The case is tougher than Marlowe expected which leads to a complex web of deceit.
Murder, My Sweet is a masterful early film noir, a brilliant mix of convoluted plot, hard boiled dialogue, nightmarish atmosphere and comically cynical narration.
A seedy bar location is the perfect setting for the origin of a scheme or the introduction of a femme fatale character. The smoke effect creates light in dark areas to show a clash of evil and good etc. A bar location is frequently used in many film noir movies that is based on crime, gangster storylines.
Friday 20 November 2009
Mise-en-scene
Locations involve alot of night because it is good for the shadow effects. weather changes such as rain, mist adds more drama. Alleyways, dark rooms, seedy bars can help the viewer identify the area the villian is located.
Characters sometimes have makeup to emphasise his/her purpose in the story i.e. shadow facial effects. Alot of low key lighting (loads of black) is used for this type of character in the film mainly the villian. White halos are created for happiness and the good guys or the love interest (femme fatale)
Costumes include the main guy who is usually a private eye who always seems to wear a tanned overcoat over a tweed style suit. Femme Fatale wears alot of high heels and short skirts to attract the main character and gains his trust through seduction.
Sound effects such as trumpets playing when the attractive women enters the scene this instrument is used frequently to give this sort of character its own theme tune. Voiceover is a great sound effect to help the audience identify types of character. sound usually gets high pitched during a happy plot point and it gets low during a tension built moment in the film. Jazz music in the background of the seedy bar locations.
Characters sometimes have makeup to emphasise his/her purpose in the story i.e. shadow facial effects. Alot of low key lighting (loads of black) is used for this type of character in the film mainly the villian. White halos are created for happiness and the good guys or the love interest (femme fatale)
Costumes include the main guy who is usually a private eye who always seems to wear a tanned overcoat over a tweed style suit. Femme Fatale wears alot of high heels and short skirts to attract the main character and gains his trust through seduction.
Sound effects such as trumpets playing when the attractive women enters the scene this instrument is used frequently to give this sort of character its own theme tune. Voiceover is a great sound effect to help the audience identify types of character. sound usually gets high pitched during a happy plot point and it gets low during a tension built moment in the film. Jazz music in the background of the seedy bar locations.
Camera Angles Part 2
Dutch Tilts obscurrs normal shots in order to create awkward framing to bring out anxious emotions as it is a mysterious view to the fact that we cannot see the world this way. Blind technique when the camera films the actors shadow through the blinds which slices the image up and is uncomfortable to look at.
Shallow Focus is when the camera focuses on a specific character or object to gain the viewers interest from one thing to another.
Shallow Focus is when the camera focuses on a specific character or object to gain the viewers interest from one thing to another.
Camera angles of Film Noir
High angles and Low angle are good to add extra emotions i.e. high angles makes the persons emotions stand out more as it can make them feel small and weak. low angles can make a certain character appear big and important which makes it easier for the audience to understand the character more.
Deep Focus is used to emphasise the large field of view.
Extreme Close-ups were used alot at a silent moment in film noir when actors use the 180' rule during a tension built scene to put the audience into more suspense.
Deep Focus is used to emphasise the large field of view.
Extreme Close-ups were used alot at a silent moment in film noir when actors use the 180' rule during a tension built scene to put the audience into more suspense.
A History on Film Noir
Created in 1946 by a french person called Nino Frank. It took advantage of the emotions during the war i.e. anxiety and suspision. Society had alot of employment from women, immigrants and the jews while the men were fighting in the war. Immigrants and the Jewish people of eastern europe were fleeing the Nazis and ultimatly brought their ideas, ideals and stylistics to Hollywood. When the men came back and the war was over they all wanted their jobs back but nearly all the jobs in Society were taken. Film Noir involves alot of the crime genre which were all at low budget due to the aftermath of the depression. Hollywood was mostly taken up by film noir industry just a few years after it was created and became a success.
Pulp fiction (printed short stories) became extremely popular during when they were widely published between 1896 through to the 1950s, some of the genres introduced such as Western, Sci-fi and Crime were good examples of what to expect in Film Noir during this time, However WWII had a large impact on pulp fiction as paper was being consumed quicker and the business began to crumble. The loss of pulp fiction magazines helped Film Noir attract more of an audience.
After WWII, The Cold War started by fear and espionage by the Soviet Union almost immediatly due to MCcarthysm which accused americans of being communists. The primary target was the entertainment industry and many actor careers were ruined which had quite an impact on the industry, however the verdict was later overturned and the punishment to the entertainment industry was considered illegal.
Pulp fiction (printed short stories) became extremely popular during when they were widely published between 1896 through to the 1950s, some of the genres introduced such as Western, Sci-fi and Crime were good examples of what to expect in Film Noir during this time, However WWII had a large impact on pulp fiction as paper was being consumed quicker and the business began to crumble. The loss of pulp fiction magazines helped Film Noir attract more of an audience.
After WWII, The Cold War started by fear and espionage by the Soviet Union almost immediatly due to MCcarthysm which accused americans of being communists. The primary target was the entertainment industry and many actor careers were ruined which had quite an impact on the industry, however the verdict was later overturned and the punishment to the entertainment industry was considered illegal.
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