Action & Adventure
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
'Following the Normandy Landings during World War II, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.'
Describe the type of characters in this scene
There are two main opposition forces in the scene being the american soldiers and the germans of which both are full of brave soldiers willing to serve their country and sacrifice their life for it, in order to save others. Bravery is shown consistently throughout the scene through relentless shooting and fighting which inevitably would end in death of individuals. Innocent families are also portrayed in this particular scene which seems to show the effects of war on society. These characters all reflect the aspect of teamwork which makes the genre of war work.
Describe the location in this scene
The scene is that set in a particular war torn community which seems to have been reduced to rubbles over the recent period due to the ever ending battles taking place. It seems to show us that this community and town in which the scene takes place, has seen many recent battles and fights which have annihilated the towns buildings and citizens. This type of location is typical of a war genre film and is a convention of the genre which creates excitement and suspense for the intended audience watching.
What makes this scene exiting?
This scene is made particularly exciting by the countless and repeated times the camera switches between the two snipers trying to find each others position. The way the camera is used as if it is the scope of the sniper is extremely exciting as it not only seems as if we are looking through the sniper, but it creates a lot of expense because we have no idea what we are going to see through the other end of the scope. This aspect is shown as we finally notice the american solider through the scope, who the shots directly at the sniper we are looking through in which he then gets shot. This shot in the scene is one that is most suspenseful and unexpected.
What elements from the character and events sheet can you find in this scene?
Many elements can be noticed in cooperation with the characters and events that take place in the scene. This firstly includes how a hero is included, being the sniper in battle with the antagonist which in return is the german sniper. This shows the extreme contrast between both of the which in turn we notice and makes us support one of the forces being the americans. The element of victims and innocents is also shown via the young girl and her family who like many others, are a victim of war and are the ones who suffer the initial consequences. Another element that is repeatedly shown is one that is major and a necessity, close shaves and fast pace. These two elements are crucial as it creates excitement for the audience and means we concentrate extremely hard in order to keep up with the events rapidly taking place, meanwhile the close shaves maintain this excitement while watching.
Compare this scene to the Lara Croft scene looked at previously. What do they have in common?
This scene and that from Lara Croft have many aspects and elements in common, mainly being that they both included an adventure whereas Saving Private Ryan is more of a mission but still maintains the same aspect. Both heroes face villains that are included only to slow their mission down but not affect the end outcome of it. They also include the element of surprise being the shark and villains entering unnoticed and the rapid and deadly sniper shot killing the solider creating suspense and giving you a shock.
Describe the type of characters in this scene
There are two main opposition forces in the scene being the american soldiers and the germans of which both are full of brave soldiers willing to serve their country and sacrifice their life for it, in order to save others. Bravery is shown consistently throughout the scene through relentless shooting and fighting which inevitably would end in death of individuals. Innocent families are also portrayed in this particular scene which seems to show the effects of war on society. These characters all reflect the aspect of teamwork which makes the genre of war work.
Describe the location in this scene
The scene is that set in a particular war torn community which seems to have been reduced to rubbles over the recent period due to the ever ending battles taking place. It seems to show us that this community and town in which the scene takes place, has seen many recent battles and fights which have annihilated the towns buildings and citizens. This type of location is typical of a war genre film and is a convention of the genre which creates excitement and suspense for the intended audience watching.
What makes this scene exiting?
This scene is made particularly exciting by the countless and repeated times the camera switches between the two snipers trying to find each others position. The way the camera is used as if it is the scope of the sniper is extremely exciting as it not only seems as if we are looking through the sniper, but it creates a lot of expense because we have no idea what we are going to see through the other end of the scope. This aspect is shown as we finally notice the american solider through the scope, who the shots directly at the sniper we are looking through in which he then gets shot. This shot in the scene is one that is most suspenseful and unexpected.
What elements from the character and events sheet can you find in this scene?
Many elements can be noticed in cooperation with the characters and events that take place in the scene. This firstly includes how a hero is included, being the sniper in battle with the antagonist which in return is the german sniper. This shows the extreme contrast between both of the which in turn we notice and makes us support one of the forces being the americans. The element of victims and innocents is also shown via the young girl and her family who like many others, are a victim of war and are the ones who suffer the initial consequences. Another element that is repeatedly shown is one that is major and a necessity, close shaves and fast pace. These two elements are crucial as it creates excitement for the audience and means we concentrate extremely hard in order to keep up with the events rapidly taking place, meanwhile the close shaves maintain this excitement while watching.
Compare this scene to the Lara Croft scene looked at previously. What do they have in common?
This scene and that from Lara Croft have many aspects and elements in common, mainly being that they both included an adventure whereas Saving Private Ryan is more of a mission but still maintains the same aspect. Both heroes face villains that are included only to slow their mission down but not affect the end outcome of it. They also include the element of surprise being the shark and villains entering unnoticed and the rapid and deadly sniper shot killing the solider creating suspense and giving you a shock.
Action & Adventure Scene Analysis
Which of these three clips has the better location, props, costume and performances? Reference: Reign of Fire, Lord of the Rings and I-Robot.
While watching, reviewing and analysing these three scenes from these action and adventure films, I was able to analyse them in depth in order to review elements and aspects of them which I could compare with each other.
Overall, I came to the conclusion that I-Robot contained the best elements previously mentioned. Firstly, I-Robot contained the most futuristic location and set design which included a world only seen as utopia in which life was perfect and robots lived alongside humans peacefully. In comparison with Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings, both these films are developed in a different world and expanse making them hard to relate with each other. However, in some format both I-Robot and Reign of Fire show similar elements of the future including futuristic weapons and people etc. An audience would prefer to watch I-Robot due to it including various popular genres such as action, adventure and sic-fi which has become increasingly popular within all ages. I also believed the location was better because I felt it was more imaginative and diverse, meaning it wasn't similar to any other films whereas we could see various variations of Lord of the Ring and Reign of Fire. In contrast, the location and set design in I-Robot is more dangerous to a degree then the others and is over a greater expanse.
In terms of the costume, I-Robot also maintained its presence due to the costume matching the period it was set in and the set design including the lab and 'robot making factory'. The lab coats and detective coats worn symbolises the overwhelming power of the characters however this is underestimated by the us and the robots. An interesting aspect I have seen is the way the film makers have decided to include a face on the robot making them much more lifelike and along side humans, meaning we can in someway with the characters relate to them. This shows the imagination involved behind the film, compared to the stereotypical approach made by the other two film makers.
Also, I believe I-Robot contained the most interactive props being the robots which can also be seen as characters. Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings didn't bother on creating an atmosphere such as this in I-Robot through the use of props which is another reason why I concluded I-Robot was the best of the three clips. It also featured the most futuristic and imaginative aspects and objects such as the weapons used and the futuristic Audi that was evolved in order to create a more futuristic and elaborative response from the audience.
Lastly, In terms of acting and performances, I believed I-Robot maintained this best due to the way they incorporated human feelings into the robots in order for us to relate to them. This made us feel as if we could live alongside them and get along peacefully. On the other hand, this interactive act with the audience wasn't show in the other clips in terms of how the actors performed. Furthermore, Will Smith is seen as an overwhelming character which has more power then any of the others in Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings.
While watching, reviewing and analysing these three scenes from these action and adventure films, I was able to analyse them in depth in order to review elements and aspects of them which I could compare with each other.
Overall, I came to the conclusion that I-Robot contained the best elements previously mentioned. Firstly, I-Robot contained the most futuristic location and set design which included a world only seen as utopia in which life was perfect and robots lived alongside humans peacefully. In comparison with Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings, both these films are developed in a different world and expanse making them hard to relate with each other. However, in some format both I-Robot and Reign of Fire show similar elements of the future including futuristic weapons and people etc. An audience would prefer to watch I-Robot due to it including various popular genres such as action, adventure and sic-fi which has become increasingly popular within all ages. I also believed the location was better because I felt it was more imaginative and diverse, meaning it wasn't similar to any other films whereas we could see various variations of Lord of the Ring and Reign of Fire. In contrast, the location and set design in I-Robot is more dangerous to a degree then the others and is over a greater expanse.
In terms of the costume, I-Robot also maintained its presence due to the costume matching the period it was set in and the set design including the lab and 'robot making factory'. The lab coats and detective coats worn symbolises the overwhelming power of the characters however this is underestimated by the us and the robots. An interesting aspect I have seen is the way the film makers have decided to include a face on the robot making them much more lifelike and along side humans, meaning we can in someway with the characters relate to them. This shows the imagination involved behind the film, compared to the stereotypical approach made by the other two film makers.
Also, I believe I-Robot contained the most interactive props being the robots which can also be seen as characters. Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings didn't bother on creating an atmosphere such as this in I-Robot through the use of props which is another reason why I concluded I-Robot was the best of the three clips. It also featured the most futuristic and imaginative aspects and objects such as the weapons used and the futuristic Audi that was evolved in order to create a more futuristic and elaborative response from the audience.
Lastly, In terms of acting and performances, I believed I-Robot maintained this best due to the way they incorporated human feelings into the robots in order for us to relate to them. This made us feel as if we could live alongside them and get along peacefully. On the other hand, this interactive act with the audience wasn't show in the other clips in terms of how the actors performed. Furthermore, Will Smith is seen as an overwhelming character which has more power then any of the others in Reign of Fire and Lord of the Rings.
World War Z Scene Analysis
Camerawork- At the beginning of World War Z we wonder and try to develop our understanding of what is happening due to the contrast in camera shots such as close ups and establishing shots which have different effects. We begin to understand via the fast pace and quick cuts which begin to increase. The effect on the audience is that we are overwhelmed on the edge and are filled with anxiety. Furthermore, the fast pace creates the action packed scenes and close up's are used to show the heroes face which is extremely vital and a establishing shot is used to show the extreme significance of the wall protecting the community inside the walls.
There are many examples I have analysed in order to understand the reasoning behind different vital camera shots. Firstly, establishing shots are used throughout the whole film for example, showing the wall and city in order to show the audience the expanse of the situation and how everything on a large scale is going to be involved in some way or another. Secondly, close ups of the hero and his family are used in order to give us vital information we need to know and it also enables us to start carrying for them. This is shown via the contrast of camera shots while the whole family are talking. Emotions of the zombies are also expressed through the used of zoom out shots showing the emotion and power behind a specific individual. Thirdly, the handheld camera technique is repeatedly used in the film in dramatic and action packed situations in order for us to feel the tense and anxious atmosphere the characters would be feeling, along with the pace increasing. Lastly, the extreme/long shots dominate the scene in order to create panic and show the destruction on the whole scale.
One specific camera shot I decided to analyse in order to discover its significance was the low angle camera shot of Brad Pitt on the road which was used in order for the hero to be seen as vulnerable in a dangerous situation. This shot creates an effect of a distant world showing their emotions and anxiety.
In comparative, the laboratory ending scene and Israeli scene have some comparatives but also many differences. In the lab scene, more close ups and medium shots are used in order to show a relationship between the group of individuals and illustrate their teamwork. This scene is typical of all action and adventure film and often contains a hero along with their sidekick/s. In contrast, the Israeli apocalyptic scene was dominated by a range of shots such as close ups, low angle shots and establishing shots which all had significant effects on the audience. These shots were used to rise the tension and create an 'on the edge' atmosphere. Oppositely, the laboratory scene is much slowly but is suspenseful and has an equal amount of significance with the other scene. The suspense and tension is developed through slow moving shots that are steady but carry the mystery and tension the film is trying to express.
There are many examples I have analysed in order to understand the reasoning behind different vital camera shots. Firstly, establishing shots are used throughout the whole film for example, showing the wall and city in order to show the audience the expanse of the situation and how everything on a large scale is going to be involved in some way or another. Secondly, close ups of the hero and his family are used in order to give us vital information we need to know and it also enables us to start carrying for them. This is shown via the contrast of camera shots while the whole family are talking. Emotions of the zombies are also expressed through the used of zoom out shots showing the emotion and power behind a specific individual. Thirdly, the handheld camera technique is repeatedly used in the film in dramatic and action packed situations in order for us to feel the tense and anxious atmosphere the characters would be feeling, along with the pace increasing. Lastly, the extreme/long shots dominate the scene in order to create panic and show the destruction on the whole scale.
One specific camera shot I decided to analyse in order to discover its significance was the low angle camera shot of Brad Pitt on the road which was used in order for the hero to be seen as vulnerable in a dangerous situation. This shot creates an effect of a distant world showing their emotions and anxiety.
In comparative, the laboratory ending scene and Israeli scene have some comparatives but also many differences. In the lab scene, more close ups and medium shots are used in order to show a relationship between the group of individuals and illustrate their teamwork. This scene is typical of all action and adventure film and often contains a hero along with their sidekick/s. In contrast, the Israeli apocalyptic scene was dominated by a range of shots such as close ups, low angle shots and establishing shots which all had significant effects on the audience. These shots were used to rise the tension and create an 'on the edge' atmosphere. Oppositely, the laboratory scene is much slowly but is suspenseful and has an equal amount of significance with the other scene. The suspense and tension is developed through slow moving shots that are steady but carry the mystery and tension the film is trying to express.
Sound- Sound is a vital aspect of every film and is one that accounts for the fear factor many films try to posses. In World War Z, both diegetic and non diegetic sound is used in order to gain the representation the film makers want being to keep the audience on edge and full of tension. An example from the film used to do this is through the low rumble and distant screams which make the audience anxious and full of desperation to find out what is happening. The slow movements are translated into sound which is therefore expressed as quiet footsteps etc. which add to the tension in the atmosphere. Also, non diegetic sound is represented through the soundtrack which consistently changes and through the mysterious wind which is ambient sound, being the low but significant noise which in turn rises the atmosphere. Furthermore, the echo's heard can be diegetic and non diegetic however they still add to the tension and fear alongside the eerie violin which increases the overall atmosphere. Music is a vital part of this film which makes all the audience feel on the edge as it makes us even more frightened and jumpy then we already are. This contributes to the overall fear factor. The distant animalistic inhuman noises are special effects and are extremely inhuman. This makes us somewhat cringe and the creepy crackle and repeated screams of the zombies keep the tension high and us alert. Lastly, the dialogue is another vital aspect. For instance, the whispering adds to the fear factor and the repeated commands such as 'hurry up', are active commands which show the stress of the characters and the danger and significance they may be in. 'The stuff we need is in vault 139' shows the goal or destination of the film and is shown through the dialogue, therefore transferred to us. Overall, a running aspect is that when the fear factor rises, so does the speech and volume change when in danger and panic.
Iron Man 3 Scene Analysis
There are many significant and vital editing techniques shown in the house attack scene of Iron Man 3. The first aspect I noticed was that the shot duration of the takes was much slower at the beginning with active dialogue and shot reverse shots as the situation and context was much calmer and of less significance. However, as the helicopters neared and the missiles arrived, the take durations were extremely quicker and much more fast paced. This ensured the action packed quality of the scene stayed there and kept the audience watching and on the edge of their seat. A technique that was used in order to create excitement and hyper of realisation of the danger and destruction was the slow motion edited shot of Tony and Pepper being catapulted across the room by the explosion/pyrotechnics. This was extremely dramatic and made us see every detail of the scene including the flying debris, rising the excitement even more. There are many cross cross cuts of the interior of the not so safe house to the exterior of the apocalyptic bringing helicopters showing there diverse environments. Seeing the destructive helicopters makes us think of the catastrophic destruction waiting to fall upon them. This is also present as we cross cut to the weaponry which in turn accentuates the danger. Another example is the cross cut reaction shot of Tony on the floor as we need to see some emotion and suffering of the victim in order to care for them. Another aspect that was noticeable was how the takes of the helicopter were much quicker and prominent then the takes of the victims suffering being Tony Stark and Pepper. On the other hand, shot reverse shot is rarely used due to it being used in conversation however there is only small amounts of conversation consisting of active dialogue and commands.
Raiders of the Lost Ark Scene Analysis
In the scene from this film, there are many representations and stereotypes of the certain types of characters in this film and in Hollywood as a whole. This is firstly seen via the representation of the hero which is often as certainly is in this film, white and of a western nature and is always followed by his foreign and often scared sidekicks/followers. This is made obvious through the Mexican followers that are often always afraid and sometimes betray the hero which is present in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Also, it is made clear that the sidekicks are always more frightened then the less dominant hero who is not afraid of the unknown which is a clear and often used representation of the white western hero. What I also noticed is how the hero is always more tidier and dressed smarter then the others around him, which to the audience make him look more dominant. Another representation and skill that the hero has is how he is calmer, more knowledgeable and skill full in comparison to the dramatic sidekick. The sidekick isn't as patience and often ends up putting himself in danger and relies on the hero to rescue him which represents how the hero observes danger instead of running straight into it just as the sidekick would. On the other hand, the villain has a stereotype of being foreign, older and always one that is helped and surrounded by his henchmen, showing his self-weakness and vulnerability. The villain often wants to reign power over others and often has all the power at the beginning, but by the end will have lost in pity and subjected to the hero.