Sam_ Kidson_HSFC_G321: January 2010

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Research into target audience and genra

Film Noir genre.
The word genre is used to refer to, in terms of film, the method of categorisation films are based under according to similarities between the films. Other types of film genre include comedy and horror. Some people would argue that film noir is simply a style of film rather than a genre. This is because it can be said that film noir is not defined like the western or gangster genres with the clear settings of conflict. Film noir is defined by more subtle qualities of tone and mood. Film noirs can be defined due to the setting, always usually in New York, and the conflict being solved visually rather than thematically. Film noirs do differ from gangster films however as gangster films usually focus on the heroes rise and fall, film noirs only focus on the hero/heroines fall.

In the genre of film noir several points are usually found defining the genre. Things such as the film noirs iconography, the streets o America, nigh time, rain, guns, trench coats, hats and cigarettes are all examples of iconography that are usually found in film noirs. Many film noirs also focus on promoting the message to the audience that crime does not pay as the police officers always come out on top. Film noirs usually have their specific characters visible in most movies, the femme-fatal and corrupt cop are common characters that help define the genre of film noir. I film noirs often irrelevant story lines can be found too, for example looking into the past of the characters lives and including tragic plot twists and the failure of romantic relationships. The film noir genre prefers its own style to any other genre of film, sticking to the dark/low key lighting, canted camera angles, and the use of indirect narrative portrayed in flashbacks or voice overs all help to define the film noir from any other genre of film.

Film noir history.
Film noirs were originally viewed in French theaters following the war. The main film noir period is seen to stretch from the 1940’s to the 1950’s and is the name given to describe Hollywood crime dramas focusing on cynical attitudes and sexual motives. This film era is associated with low-key black and white lighting visual styles rooting from German expressionist cinematography. The first film noir can be seen as the stranger on the first floor (1940), dicerted by Latvian born Borris Ingster. Most classic fim noirs from the classic period were modestly budgeted and featured unheard of movie stars. Film noir was seen more as visual experimentation that Hollywood film making at first as directors, writers and other people involved in the production of the films were free from the typical big picture constraints.

Film noir target audience.
Film noirs are seen to be aimed at the older generation rather than young children. This is due to the harsh and risky story lines that are exploed in film noirs such as sexual motives, drug use and gun crime. Also the dark lighting used in film noirs setting the depresing and unhappy mood would not be appealing to the younger generation. Also film noirs can be seen to appeal to those interested in crime and detectives as these are common factors founf in all film noirs.

Friday 22 January 2010

Individual analysis of film.

Seven

Seven (also know as se7en) was released on the 5^th of January 1996. The film is based somewhere during the 1950’s and includes famous actors such as Morgan Freeman as a retiring homicide detective known as William Somerset, and Brad Pitt as a recently transferred cocky young cop named David Mills. The two characters form together in order to investigate into the murders of 7 people, guilty each of one of the seven deadly sins (extravagance, greed, gluttony, discouragement, wrath, envy and pride). The film is a great example of a modern yet classic film noir and follows all of the required traditions required to create a film noir. I have analysed the opening sequence (the first three minutes) of this film.

The film starts off showing William Somerset (Freeman) dressing himself in smart clothes, shirt tie, and suit. This gives the impression at the beginning of the film that he has a good job due to his smart clothing. Policemen in film noirs are often seen to be wearing smart suits and Seven follows this image very well. Somerset follows to pick up his police badge and other essentials and places them in his pocket. This establishes to the audience that he is in fact policeman. We see an over the shoulder shot looking into a mirror showing Somerset fixing his tie, this shot looking into the mirror is again a classic convention of film noir's and is a technique used in many previous film noir's. Also Somerset dresses in a long trench coat and hat; these are again features of classic film noirs. We also see that most characters featured in the opening sequence, including David Mills (Pitt), are wearing these trench coats following the tradition of film noir. Low lighting is used in this shot also, this again helps to establish the setting for a film noir. It is a classic visual style used in film noir's to use low lighting.

The camera then jumps to be focused on a dead body and a tilt shot is used to show the audience the full extent of the murder. In the background police can be heard explaining what had happened to the man and it is heard that a gun was involved in the crime. We also can hear how the policeman is using very strong swear words. This again helps to follow tradition of film noir, as guns and blood are very iconic features of such films along with corrupt cops. As the other policeman talks about the murder it is made clear that he has no interest in the murder and simply just wants to acchieve results, again following the corrupt policeman role. The lighting used is very dim making it hard for the audience to make out clearly all aspects of the room in shot. This follows the visual styles originally used in film noir. By using the low lighting this creates many shadows in the shot again following the traditions of classic film noir. We also hear in this scene how the mans wife has been blamed for the murder, however as the film continues this is found to not be true. This again helps to stick to the themes associated with film noir’s including false suspicion, crime and betrayal.

We are then introduced to David Mills who is also sporting the smart clothing and iconic-gelled hair seen to be worn by classic film noir detectives. Mills also has a moustache which were very popular in the times Seven is based on. Mills seems to fit the character seen in classic film noir's of the typical hard boiled policeman with an arrogant attitude. The film is set in an unidentified urban city. This is a classic feature of film noir, the large cities including skyscrapers and grey depressing scenery. Also the constant rain that we are introduced to in the opening scene of the film again is a well know characteristic of a classic film noir. The setting always seems to be grey and depressing, this helps to follow film noir tradition.

Overall I believe that by watching the opening sequence of this film it is clear that the director of this film (David Fincher) has included many aspects from film noir's and has cleverly managed to create a exciting, enjoyable film noir. By including aspects such as the dimmed lighting and iconic features Fincher has created a modern film noir that follows all of the classic traditions. Fincher clearly was aware of the aspects required to create a film noir and followed them precisely. Also by including popular characters the film is able to appeal to many audiences in the modern day. This film helps to carry on the tradition of film noir's into the present day. I believe that Seven is a brilliant example of a modern remake of a classic film nor and would not be disappointing to classic film noir fans.