Macro and Micro film analysis -Task 13 (Research)

Macro and Micro film analysis of:

• Coraline
• Lolita (1997)
• Friday After Next
  
  
  Coraline
  The title sequence for Coraline is a very complex one, presenting a lot of themes and setting a lot of expectations, through the use of camera shots and angles as well as a very dynamic use of sound as well as mise-en-scene. Initially the storyline is not revealed or hinted straight away, however from the very eerie backing sound and the gradual build-up of the music, it is expected that towards the middle of the sequence the prop (scary doll) holds a lot of significance; it also simply suggests that the movie will build up itself mysteriously. Alongside this various camera angles such as close ups, extreme close ups as well as camera shots like panning and zooms are used effectively to empathise the very sinister yet playful tone of the title sequence and overall film. Generally, the props and colours of the setting carry a very dull tone that does not look very attractive and this all adds to the very creepy tone that the filmmakers are aiming to show through to the audience in the title sequence.
  
  
  Order of Title Credits
  The order of the title credits is very typical – The production company, the film title (Coraline), the main character (Dakota Fanning) followed by other supporting roles, lead animators and artists, supervisors, editors, music editors, director of photography, producers/ novelist.
  
  
  Lolita (1997)
  At first the pace set for the film, by the sound and the wide establishing shot of the deserted countryside, is very slow and slightly melancholy. The use of the props and the makeup such as the gun and the blood portray that the must have been a murder; from this the audience has made this first assumption of the storyline; we know that someone has died and this could essentially be the ultimate climax or pivotal moment in the film. From the title sequence we can also deduce the themes and ideas of the fil are lust, love and memories- this is presented by the first character we see, who we can guess is the main character of the film. Additionally, the title of the film Lolita also creates the expectation that there is a main character who goes by this name. in terms of social groups, we as the viewers of the film can only guess that the man we first see (possible main character) is of English decent; judging by his use of language, he is most likely upper class. However, I cannot make this abrupt judgement as the film is set in a very different era therefore classes are different. Furthermore, the camera angles are not very varied and I believe that this was for effect as the film makers probably intended for the audience to focus on the countenance of man driving the car as this is very important at stimulating a reaction in the viewer.
  
  
  Order of Title Credits
  Producers, Director, Main characters (Frank Langella), film title (Lolita), other supporting roles, casting director, music supervisor, music composer and orchestra.
  
  
  Friday After Next
  The title sequence for FAN is very unconventional in how it begins and introduces the characters, ideas and storyline of the film.  We are first introduced to the main characters in a fast paced scene where two characters get burgled by a rogue Santa. Already the audience is made aware of what the storyline will possibly revolve around. The theme of Christmas and festivities is presented to the audience form the onset- the first camera shot is a close up shot of Santa Claus roof decoration that zooms out to reveal the rest of the well decorated home. There are a range of medium close up shots that reveal characters such as a medium close up of the rogue Santa Claus, which also effectively creates the idea that the movie will be likely set around him. Moving further into the title credits and the visuals of the credits, it is an animation created separately from the film. It is a discrete title sequence so a little story is presented before the rest of the film. It is very colourful and vibrant using the theme of Christmas lights shadowing the season- the mood set is playful and comedic. Similarly to the colour of the animated settings as well as the settings of the film world, the soundtrack uses elements of Christmas hymns and song with the use of bells, but there is a beat added and one can tell the editing of the soundtrack is adapted to fit the urban theme of the film.
  
  
  Order of Title Credits
  Production companies, main characters (Ice Cube and Mike Epps), the film title (Friday After Next) supporting roles in order of appearance and importance, casting directors, costume design, music supervisors/ music, editors, production design, director of photography, associate producer, executive producers, producers.