Textual Analysis Task

Here is the work from the lesson on Monday 17th February 

Discuss the ways in which the following are used in this extract from Pirates of The Caribbean:

• Camera Angle, shot, movement and position
• Mise-en-scene
• Sound

Consider the ways in which character, relationships, gender, age and status are enhanced through the technical elements

Your finished essay should be handed in after half term

Sound in opening of"Life on Mars"

In the lesson we discused the opening of Life on Mars, Series 1, episode 1, Here are some of the key points mentioned:

The use of music to create tension in the opening titles. The sound is almost "mechanical". This contrasts to the softer string instruments used in the score that are used when Sam and  Mia are talking later in the extract - this gives a sense of romance and emotion to the dialogue.

The strong use of diegetic sound - doors closing, sirens, the banging are prominent in the soundtrack (over amplification).

The use of non-diegetic sound (under scoring) to create tension and atmosphere throughout.

The use of asynchronous sound after the car accident to enhance the feeling of him going into a "dream like state".. well... a coma, anyway. These include heartbeat, medical operation sound effects, sirens, voices, distorted iPod sound and a sound effect that is representative of a defibrillator.

The use of music - Life on Mars - gives the 70s context and also has other meanings. There is a sound bridge as the music moves from non-diegetic to diegetic (car stereo) helps to bring us into the reality.

If you can, watch again and see how the sound works with the visuals to create meaning to the audience. How does it make you feel watching it?



This clip below shows the immediate impact of the accident and afterwards, including the sound bridge!

Sound - an overview

The two key sound terms you must be able to identify are: 

•Diegetic - that which “naturally” occurs in a scene

•Non-diegetic - that which is added for the viewer

Remember  that virtually all sound in a movie/TV programme has been deliberately put there, since most of the soundtrack has been compiled from a number of different sources, or just simply re-recorded 

The following video clips will give you a little insight into the work that goes into creating sound in movies in particular. You are not required to know the ins and outs of all of this but rather this is for your information and interest. Its really fascinating (i think so anyway) to see the level of detail that goes into making film sound. Of course TV has a much quicker turn around but they still use many of these techniques. 




SOUND DESIGN FOR KING KONG

Sound effects are recorded by technicians in the Foley Studio, using a wide number of techniques....

Sound effects editing and design: 

Dialogue often has to be replaced (ADR) - 

The score is often a vital storytelling technique: 

And of course the real work goes in when you mix it all together !

Key terminology - Sound

You need to ensure you understand the following key terms and include an explanation in your notes: 

Diegetic and non-diegetic sound; synchronous/asynchronous sound; sound effects; sound motif, sound bridge, dialogue, voiceover, mode of address/direct address, sound mixing, sound perspective.

Soundtrack: score, incidental music, themes and stings, ambient sound.

There are examples of each in the Life on Mars extract and in the work that is to follow.

Mise-en-scene analysis

Using the pictures below you need to analyse FOUR of the screen grabs in terms of Mise-en-scene. What is the connotation of the SETTING, COSTUME, LIGHTING, MAKE-UP, PROPS and EXPRESSION?

Key terminology - Mise-en-scene

This is the key terminology that you should be aware of :

MISE-EN-SCENE

Production design: Location, studio, set design, costume & makeup, properties (props)

Lighting; colour design

Mise-en-scene and Lighting

This is the presentation from the lesson:

Mise en scene

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