Analyse the documentary film text - Grizzly Man

Reflexive mode  - The scene with the coroner suggests a "staged" scene and questions the reliability of the scene. Herzog is a film maker who works both in fiction and non fiction film making. Set in a real location with natural lighting and a handheld camera with recreates authenticity. Herzog uses aspects of the mise en scene to add mock authenticity.

Expository mode - The voice over by Herzog gives a very strong bias. The audience are directed down one narrative path , the agenda and character assassination of  Timothy Treadwell is clearly evident.

Interactive Mode - You can identify Herzog's involvment clearly through dialogue such as questioning which shapes the interviews and scenes.

• Herzog cut a lot of the film which leaves the question what footage has he left out? Also why has he chosen what he did? This again supports the questionable reliability of the film.

• Herzog has constructed Treadwell's character, is it different to the one who actually existed? We only have Herzog's choice of footage to take our information from, and was Timothy Treadwell the same person he portrayed in his films?

• Herzog open about mixing fiction and non fiction techniques, which could have influenced the way he edited the footage and the selection of footage he used.

• There's a binary opposition between Treadwell who shows the animals in a Disney friendly way, talking to them and giving them names whereas Herzog has gone out of his way to show the dangerous side in his footage choice; purposely including his own extra footage of the more savage bears.

Short film synopsis - Kalopsia

 FIRST DRAFT

The film opens with a young couple who are unnamed, with them they have a picnic basket with a copy of Romeo and Juliet in. There is only diegetic sound and there is no dialogue. The film is set in outside on the coast. The couple are walking you see them hold hands and look into each other’s eyes. They are walking up a slope slowly towards a cliff face throughout the film holding hands. The young woman turns to go back for some reason we assume she has forgotten something. The young man pulls her back in a 'tender' but she trips and knocks her head, her hair then has small red flowers in where she hit her head. She looks up and smiles at the young man and they carry on their way, but he gives her a piggy back. they reach the top and admire the view. He then puts her down on the grass, and they both lie down watching the clouds. The man pulls her in and she has his head on her chest and she now has more flowers in her head and the number keeps growing and spreading as he strokes her hair. He kisses her forehead and then proceeds to walk towards the cliff edge. He stands on the edge facing her, they wave goodbye and lets himself fall off the edge as a single tear falls down her cheek. The camera does a 180 degree pan during which it recaps the journey. However it shows the reality of what happened her trying to run away when they are at the base of the cliff but he is violent in pulling her back and he throws her to the floor. She hits her head and appears unconscious we assume she's dead. Instead of flowers her head is bleeding. He then picks her up and starts to walk. He lies her down at the top of the cliff and she bleeding profusely covered in red. He pulls her into him and grips her to tight you can see marks / bruising. He gets up and walks to the edge again to jump but this time when he looks back it’s not a tear it’s a drop of blood from her mouth. He falls and it zooms in on the copy of Romeo and Juliet which has fallen out of the basket and is lying on an open page. You see one of the following quotes.

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.”

“These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder
Which, as they kiss, consume” 

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

The film ends zooming out into an ariel shot of the dead woman lying atop the cliff, in a pool of blood with red flowers.

Film response - Grizzly Man

Grizzly man is a Documentary made by Werner Herzog, known for making both fiction and non-fiction films. In this film Herzog looks at famous wildlife documentarian Timothy Treadwell and the footage he filmed on his final expedition before his death. Herzog focuses mainly on the character of timothy Treadwell and the way in which he portrayed himself on film, in a loveable Disney / Dr Doolittle way. In true Herzog style grizzly man explores the character of Treadwell and how his obsessive behavior and mental state contributed to his death.

The way Herzog has created and shaped the film is both evoking and captivating but the way he so obviously leads you down a certain path, creating biases leads to to ask if he's hiding more information than you first realise, as opposed to merely directing you with his opinions. By using Treadwell's original footage he creates a dual narrative within the documentary, you find yourself following both Treadwell's exploration of nature and the bears behavior as well as following Herzog and exploration of who was Timothy Treadwell and how did his time with the bears effect his grip on reality and his world back home.

Treadwell's Naivete is strongly portrayed in the footage chosen by Herzog, accompanying his Disney View of the natural world and the animals around him. However although this is the character Herzog has chosen to portray of Timothy, the audience still sees authenticity in his screen persona as opposed to another front for the cameras. Herzog appears sympathetic for Treadwell but simultaneously has an air of pity, highlighting his foolishness.

Treadwell's death was highly preventable, but many have taken from the audio footage recorded at his death that he didn't fight back. Some have even suggested that he wished to die the way that he did. Herzog manages to capture the desperation in Treadwell, the need to be noticed and known, even if that meant being foolish and risky with his life. How he detached himself from reality in order to attempt to create the reality he desired.

A hard hitting documentary that no matter your opinion on Herzog's true intentions is a must see.

Short film reviews

Farewell Charlie Power

A charming and quirky film made by postgrads at Leeds Met with an unconventional and fresh narrative. The story is based on a young man with mental health issues in an almost British realism style. The film is edgy and has a great twist meaning it's both comedic yet evoking and emotional. The performance from the actors manages to stop a very heavy subject from getting to deep and although comedy is lightly introduced it retains its sincerity. A must watch and triple threat; a great display of skilled filmmaking, skilled acting and skilled writing.

Indecision

This short film appears to have won many awards and despite this I didn't entirely rate it. The special effects are undoubtedly impressive, but when it comes to narrative and believability from the characters it severely lacks in quality. As suggested by the title, the film is about a young man deciding whether to stay or leave his girlfriend. The narrative however is unresolved, but this isn't done in a suspenseful way as films such as inception have done, it just appears to finish which is both incredibly unsatisfying and has so punch or after effect on the viewer. The poor narrative however is covered up by the great camerawork and special effects. If you're looking for something interesting to fill your time then you've made the wrong choice but however if you're looking to be inspired cinematography and effects wise then you've come to the right place. Here is your indecision.


The Forgotten Hit

A gripping short film with a unexpected plot twist that has the potential to still work as a feature length film. The use of flashbacks was very effective and creates almost a dual narrative within the film, also achieve through skilled and well thought out framing. Although the narrative and framing worked left the film somewhat uneventful, you followed because of the story as opposed to being excited visually. I'd still recommend watching though purely for clever narrative.

Documentary modes of address

Expository Mode -Voice of god

 

Often uses a narrator and has some kind of verbal commentary or logic. It assumes a logical argument and uses a direct address to the viewer. This mode of address is often associated with films such as nature documentary's, David Attenborough  

 

Poetic Mode

 

This is a documentary where the purpose is not necessarily to portray objectivity and reality, instead it is more focused on subjectivity and artistic expression; oaten used to show "inner truth". This mode of address is often associated with films such as Robert Flaherty's Man of Aran.

 

Observational Mode

 

This is when the filmmaker takes on the role of a natural observer often known as "fly on the wall" and attempts to capture reality objectively, and show the world as accurately as possible.

The film maker stays behind the camera and doesn't include themselves in the footage, or influence what they are filming. Nothing is staged and this kind of filming often comes across as looking amateur or roughly cut. This mode of address is often associated Cinema Verite or Direct Cinema, which emerged in the 50's / 60's.

Participatory Mode

This is when the film maker has direct contact with the surroundings and subjects within the film, they engage with the filming and often shape or bias the material captured as the become part of the events being filmed. The often place themselves as a character in the documentary and become part of the narrative. This mode of address is often associated with films by Michael Moor and Nick Broomfield.

Reflexive Mode

This is when the documentary acknowledges the fact that the filming is somewhat constructed and plays up to that, showing that it isn't necessarily the truth but is more a reconstruction of the truth. In this the construction of the documentary is exposed and the audience is aware of the fact it includes editing to sound, filming etc. This mode of address can be found in the film Man with a Movie camera by Dziga Vertov in the late 20's.

Performative Mode

In this mode again the filmmaker is a participant but it emphasises the subjective nature of the documentarian as well s accepting the subjective reading by the audience. This has the effect of emphasising the emotional and social impact upon the audience. This mode of address is found in the film Supersize Me by Morgan Spurlock and many say that it can be found with Michael Moore's films also.

 

Detail how props are used to create meaning and understanding in American Beauty

There is a constant use of roses and rose petals throughout the film American Beauty. At first they appear to represent the mundane "American Dream" style life that Spacey leads. Bening opens the film cutting red roses, symbolic of  her cutting the life force from their suburban home. The idea that the roses represent a life force gives Spacey's dreams a new meaning.Many would say that he has the perfect life, a good house, family etc. These are all things that are meant to be beautiful but to him are boring and ordinary, being cut down as soon as they start grow and peak.
 In his dreams about Suvari it represents how her youth and beauty has given Spacey back his life force. In their final encounter there is a vase of roses on the table, this is also when Spacey appears to living his life at the fullest. 

The video camera is used to see things through Bentley's view, which shows us a starker reality. It could be said that it  portrays the way Bentley see's the world and how juxtaposes Spacey's skewed view. Suvari appears to think she is central and she is seen as the stereotypical "American Beauty" and is always shown with the rose petals. Birch however doesn't think highly over herself yet she is always being recorded and is central to many of Bentley's videos.

To Thora Birch the video camera is used as somewhat of a confessional she always shows her true self and honest views. Bentley films the wind blowing a plastic bag around, in this scene he says he films things he thinks are beautiful and it adds a whole new spin on the life that Birch takes as dull and mundane. It shows how there is a beautiful side and drive behind everything in life. The bag itself is made symbolic through Bentley's video and represents the every day beauty in life that people take for granted, things that may at first come across as ugly; a description that is applicable to how the audience view Birch's character.

Film response - Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore

Another classic Michael Moore documentary focusing on the American attitude to Guns and what it was that drove the students of Columbine High school to commit the Columbine massacre in 1999. The documentary has an air of black comedy about it and manages ti stay entertaining whilst still accurate and thought provoking.

The film opens with Michael Moore opening a bank account and receiving a gun as a free gift with his account. He looks into the NRA and questions why it is that America has so much gun crime in comparison to other countries and explore the possible reasons, such as racism and fear withing Americans. He first looks at the more obvious reasons such as the availability of guns in America, but it then develops further and looks at the effect of the government and the media.

Moore has an obvious political agenda in the film and displays his left wing views which comes through as his main agenda further into the film. He highlights the distractions that the government have used to blame for their excessive gun use such as violent pasts, video games and rock music. It still comes across as clever and witty though as opposed to a cheap shot at the right wing government.

There is obvious manipulation within the film and that isn't particularly shyd away from, but the way he develops his train of thought hand his views are explained to the viewer instead of just giving you his view and you take it or leave it, you have the details to make and informed choice of your own decision.

This is a definite must see and brings in a whole new audience to the documentary genre.

Short film idea - Kalopsia/Romeo and Juliet

Summary : Boy has a dead partner but they have mental health issues, meaning they are imagining they're still alive. unknown to the viewer till the end of the film it is the girl / boys fault their partner is dead.
Possible Romeo and Juliet style, boy thinks they both want to die but in reality girl doesn't

Minimal / No speech in a dream like state
Only Romeo and Juliet quotes

Names: Ryan and June?

Maybe only diegetic sound

Goodfellas screenshots

After the film introduction Henry continues to voice over his past. The camera does an extreme close up of Henry's eye, which appears green with dilated pupils, similar to that of a cat eye. it demonstrates his intensity and absorption is the activity across the street, inciting the viewer and drawing them in with his line of focus. It zooms out to a close up and you see Henry looking through a set of slatted Venetian blinds, metaphorical of the separation his family home causes him in order to be a part of and in association with the gangster circle. As well as this there's the more obvious connotations between the bar like shadows cast across Henry and the illegal activity performed across the street that he wants to be involved with so much. During this shot Henry says "They did whatever they wanted" demonstrating binary opposition as he is trapped and blocked off at that moment from being a part of their world. However when he gets involved to him it appears to give him a sense of freedom although that gangster culture and lifestyle is, to many, seen as a form on entrapment in itself.

Henry presents himself to his mother in his new clothes, which symbolise him becoming fully ingratiated with the gangster organisation, she says "you look like a gangster" and it gives the impression that his smart suit holds a similar role to that of a uniform. This time he is outside of the family home, but he looks happy about this in comparison to the almost sour impression he gives off when in the house. Also his mother doesn't welcome him in, instead she keeps him outside like this has symbolised him moving away from her family and into the family of the gangsters. The camera tilts down when he says about his shoes as if his mother is looking down on them, even though they are what he is most proud and is metaphorical of her opinion on his gangster involvement.

Although Paulie is surrounded by people that he refers to as his family he doesn't appear to connect or talk to anyone and somewhat disconnects himself from the people there. He sits centrally at the BBQ but no one looks at him directly and he looks out not making eye contact, and poses somewhat like a deity which could be compared to painting of Jesus of the last supper; in which everyone at the table looks away from him and he looks out of the photo.

Film response - Biggie and Tupac, Nick Broomfield

Nick Broomfield accomplished documentarian stars and constructs in creating this documentary focused around the murders of infamous rap artists Biggie and Tupac.

Nick Broomfield creates himself a screen persona that is slightly scatty and bumbling which he uses to gain access with this sense of almost naivety which means people give him the benefit if the doubt as well as getting him out if trouble sometimes when he pushes boundaries.

When following up the conspiracies surrounding the murders Broomfield manages to gain insight into the music and gang culture that played a big part in the lead up to the death of stars Biggie and Tupac. By using his screen persona he coaxes many friends and family as well as officers involved on the cases, into discussing with him the allegations made as well as the truths behind the conspiracies.

Participartory mode is used my Broomfield to learn more about the subject as well as to gain an idea of what happened in the exact words of people who were present or involved. Although he comes of often scatty and bumbling once Broomfield begins his interviews he switches to very direct questions, although constantly polite, there is no where to hide or dodge once he starts asking questions which usually results in answers.

His bravery throughout the documentary is commendable and he places himself situations highly avoided by many, constantly pushing to try and attain answers epitomised when in the prison, in search of the infamous Suge Knight from Death Row Records.

Despite my usually low interest in the rap world and rare following It's a great documentary that has the viewer gripped in the story and just as keen on finding answers as Broomfield is. Definitely worth a watch.

Film Link
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/biggie-and-tupac/4od

Detail how costume & make-up is used in creating meaning and understanding in Water for Elephants.

In the film Water for Elephants you see the development and changes in the film represented through the use of the characters clothing. Jacob starts the film full of hope and with good prospects of finishing his degree reflected in his attire, well dressed in a semi formal suit and bow tie showing obvious wealth and a privileged background. When hears that his parents have died however the viewer begins to see an almost instant decline in his physical appearance, he looks shabby, dirty and makeup has been used to create a gaunt sunken in feel to his face.

Marlena however is first seen dressed in cream with sequins, and white blonde hair with simple silver based makeup. The colour palette used for her hair and makeup choices portray a celestial and angelic vision of her. Her costume is alluring and sexy (leotard), it also says something about her glamorous side, it has some is of sequins and glitter but not over powering, it has an overall honesty and simplicity about it.

Once Jacob is fully accepted into the circus he is seen often wearing a tuxedo presented to him by August, a physical representation of Augusts acceptance of Jacob as as well as his respect for him as Jacob appears better dressed than a many of the other circus members. It could be argued that the tux displays his social rank within the circus, he’s seen as higher up the social ladder than people such as Camel and Walter who are only seen in rough work clothes or costumes as but lower in Rank than Walter and Marlena who are always well turned out and rather glamorous looking.

The contrast between the flashy costumes and evening wear of the circus in comparison to their work clothes could be seen as portraying the economic distribution of wealth during the great depression which the rich still managed to live reasonably comfortably in whilst the poor were forced into even further poverty.

August’s physical appearance slowly starts to decline and he looks less well put together and scruffier as money issues with the circus worsen, however after the breakthrough with training Rosie you see him rapidly return to the sharply dressed man presented at the start of the film.

As Jacob falls deeper in love with Marlena you see his work clothes change from quite a clean cut shirt and trousers, well dressed for work clothes, into his original dirty and discoloured work jersey worn near the start of the film as well as becoming more unshaven. This shows how although he had thought he had found is place he has turned out to be just as troubled and alone as when he started off.

As well as this Marlena wears darker eye make up instead of the bright white and glittery makeup worn at the start of the film, combined with an increase in her wearing long black dresses instead of her short white numbers. These hint to the viewer the decline in her happiness with August as well as the ever more present dark and abuse side to her treatment, from August, being shown. 

Trailer Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6b2XhXkPpg

Detail how setting is used in creating meaning and understanding in Batman Begins.

Setting in Batman Begins:

From the skyline and streets of Gotham City, to the Chinese prison and Tibetan monastery, each setting in Batman Begins is recognisable as belonging to our world, or recognisable as being a part of regularly exposed cultures. This conveys the meaning that although Batman Begins is a superhero film, Batman’s world is governed by the same natural laws as ours which has the effect of making what we see performed by Batman an even stronger contrast and more impressive as well as informing the viewer about Batman’s character and that at heart he is the same as you and I unlike superheroes such as Superman.

Settings used in the film such as the early Gotham City and the grandeur of the Wayne house are used my Nolan to create a harsher contrast between Wayne’s wealth and the poverty stricken members of Gotham. Early on in the film this use of setting is used to create empathy and enhance the desperate measures that one of the characters is facing when he kills Wayne’s parents.

The oriental settings of the monastery and prison, to many western viewers, enhance the feeling of the unknown and “magic” that is being portrayed which makes what Wayne is seeking and learning appear to be ever more dangerous and unsettling, as the surroundings are so unknown to the viewer. It links back in with old ideas of the orient as being mysterious and also a lot more traditional.

Trailer Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vak9ZLfhGnQ

Film response - Misery

The film Misery is based on the psychological thriller written by Stephen King, starring Kathy Bates as Annie Wilkes and James Caan as Paul Sheldon. The narrative in Misery has potential to be dull and drag but in this film both Bates and Caan keep good pace on screen without overloading the viewer. Bates plays an excellent Annie managing to bring great depth to the character, a quality I think could exploited more by that of Caan's character. Although the viewer feels empathetic towards the character of Paul the viewer doesn't see many levels or much depth to his character, we only see the persona he puts forward to the character of Annie as opposed to delving into the psychological trauma and battle he must be going through. The way Bates plays Annie however easily affects the viewer, making them feel ever more uncomfortable by the way the character effortlessly and realistically slips between the lovable motherly figure and the psychopathic and often detached persona she takes on. This unnerving role makes it often difficult to watch even before the violence and is incredibly effective, especially how she manages to do this almost child like language as opposed tot he rather affluent and often dirty language of Paul.

Detail how the main characters (Annie Wilkes and Paul Sheldon) are established through the mise-en-scene in the film Misery (1990)

The film opens with protagonist Paul Sheldon sat typing at his desk. The order and ritual shown in his actions suggests that he is the one with psychotic tendencies as opposed to the character of Annie Wilkes, revealed later in the film, who comes across as somewhat scatty. This need for order from Paul is confirmed by the owner of the Silver Creek Lodge who says “He doesn’t like things to be out of the ordinary” and recalls the ritualistic approach Paul has to writing his books. Later on in the film when forced to write a new book by Annie he manages to write what she describes as “His best book yet” despite the change in circumstances and pressure he is under. 

When leaving the Silver Creek Lodge there is direct binary opposition in the choice of music playing, a rather upbeat ‘groovy’ song which is playing in the car when the blizzard starts and carries on when he crashes the car. Another example of binary opposition in the crash is the colour of Paul’s red shirt against the white snow letting the viewer aware that he’s badly hurt and in immediate danger.

Paul awakes in a homely yet isolated cottage which is when the character of Annie Wilkes is introduced. She portrayed as a stereotypical mother figure, dressed in rather motherly clothes and shown as quite ruddy. Although she says she’s a nurse she has an odd approach to showing Paul his legs, she appears to get glee and pride from the sight of his legs. What first seems to be empathy for Paul’s pain is questioned when she smiles and seems to focus on her handy work as opposed to his pain; she doesn’t shy away from showing him his legs. 

It’s made clear that she wears a cross as it’s always visible and on display, combined with her role as a nurse and her motherly way tending to Paul makes her seem quite charitable at first.
The bed with Paul in is placed centrally in the room and the cameras focus on him in the middle as if she has him on display the idea of her keeping him as a trophy is  supported whilst she’s shaving him and cleaning him up, as if she’s making him presentable for something. Annie uses a cut throat razor as opposed to a more modern day razor to shave Paul, the viewer is made to feel rather on edge through this by the close up on the throat.


She says “All done, like a baby” making him appear helpless and enhancing her motherly nature, the idea of binary opposition comes in to play here as she says how much she admires him and how great he is. He is obviously successful as his agent’s talks of his wealth at start of film, yet he is being cared for by this homely woman, living in small town; showing a strong and obvious power reversal.
The way she speaks to him, very subtle at first, is often quite commanding as in he should thank her, good thing she was there which as the film and her character develops turns into look what you’ve made me do as her psychotic side becomes more prevalent.

Mise en scene - Brighton Rock

Detail how the main character in Brighton Rock is established using mise-en-scene.

Costume: 

• Simple suits - classic gangbusters/ mobster like
• Slick
• Doesn't appear flashy but obviously not old or shabby 
• (Prop) Flickknife - more skilled and subtle than a gun, more traditionally ganglike

 Lighting:

• Dark with no main lighting (Only back lit) 
• Face rarely lit or highlighted - Either hiding or not important, also creates an air of mystey

 Figure:

• Front of funeral procession - Suggests key role but looked down upon by others
• Dominates people he doesn't know but is equally dominated by those close to him
• Name suggests small / insignificant (childish nickname)
• Torturing of the spider and harm to others - suggests a lack in empathy
• Goes on about traditional values - attempt to gain respect and display worth

 Expression:

• Harsh
• Intense

Setting:

• Dark
• Dank
• Holiday spot but shown as constantly dismal

Intro Questions

Favourite Film: The Dark Knight /Star Wars Saga
Favourite Actor: Robert Downey Jr
Favourite British Film: Atonement
Favourite Director: Ian Curtis

Why I have chosen to do film studies:
It uses and can develop a broad range of skills making it applicable to many other subjects as well as that it covers a virtually endless selection of topics such a politics, class etc