MICRO AND MACRO ANALYSIS
When it comes to analysing films or title sequences - it is split up into two types of analysis; micro and macro.
Micro looks at all the details that are bought together overall to provide a scene; it examines the Camera (incl. shot distance/angles/movement/framing), Editing (incl. cuts/speed/special effects/transitions), Mise-en-scene (Location/setting/costume/make up/props/performance & lighting), and Sound (musical score/sound effects/wild sound/Foley sound).
Macro examines the scene as a whole and depicts the plot, the characters, the stereotypes introduced and the message being portrayed.
THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123
MICRO ANALYSIS:
CAMERA
The scene starts of with a crane shot of the City, establishing the location immediately. We have a birds eye views of the chaotic streets of New York highlighting how the busy streets may be prevalent within the film. We are introduced to the main characters through the use of close ups. The 180 degree rule is used many times, for example when in the office - this creates a flowing conversation between two characters. A 3 shot is prevalent when we meet 3 of the antagonists; this establishes the fact that they're all part of the same group or connected somehow.
EDITING
The titles are carefully edited so they pull onto the screen then pull off almost like a train, making them parallel to the theme of the film. The titles are edited to the song in order to keep the audience engaged and aware. There is a contrast of speed when we meet each group; when we meet the antagonists its very fast paced and chaotic, however when we meet the protagonists its a lot slower. The city shots are edited by being speed up the emphasise just how busy the city actually is. Cross Cut editing is used to show a relationship between two situations and to highlight the fact that they're happing at the simultaneously.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The costume helps us as an audience to identify the contrast between the good and the bad. The smart business attire warn by the protagonists creates a warm, friendly, but also boring atmosphere; however the hats, jeans, leather and tattoos warn by the antagonists highlights a rebellious sense of nature. The sunglasses also warn by the antagonists gives the sense of mystery and lack of identity. The location is contrasted by the busy city and the calmer workplace.
SOUND
The scene opens with diegetic sound of a train screeching and cars beeping, which is typical of what you expect from New York. When we are introduced to the characters, Jay Z '99 Problems' immediately starts playing, which is fast paced song. The sound effects in the control room make the scene realistic. Many of the sound effects are parallel to the on screen effects; for example, when a title pull onto the screen like a train, a sound effect of a screeching train approaching would be prevalent. This adds to the overall tone and air of the film.
MACRO ANALYSIS :
WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE?
There are problems with the trains and as the people in the control room are sorting out and dealing with the circumstances, some characters who we assume are in contact with each other/have something in common, are walking around the city and one by one board the train.
IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORYLINE INTRODUCED?
Big city chaos is introduced.
Close up of who we assume is the antagonist walking through the street.
Cuts to men in an office environment.
Continuous back and forth between the antagonists and protagonists - with occasional shots of train workers.
WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED? HOW ARE THEY REPRESENTED (POSITIVELY, NEGATIVELY, STEREOTYPICALLY / USE OF BINARY OPPOSITION)?
The protagonists working in the office are presented as friendly, comfortable, but also quite boring - they lack excitement in their lives, may play it too safe sometimes.
The antagonists are presented as mischievous, risky, and up to no good. They look like they may cause chaos due to being comfortable in a busy city, the tattoos are usually linked with violence and brutality; sunglasses are worn to hide identity proving they see themselves higher than others as they can see people, but they can't be seen.
ORDER OF CREDITS :
1) COLOMBIA
2)COLOMBIA PICTURES AND METRO GOLDWYN MAYOR PICTURES
3)RELATIVELY MEDIA
4)SCOTT FREE/ESCPAE ARTS - PRODUCTION
5) TONY SCOTT - FILM
6)DENZEL WASHINGTON - MAIN ACTOR
7)JOHN TRAVOLTA - MAIN ACTOR
8)THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123
9)JOHN TURTURRO - ACTOR
10)LUIS GUZMAN - ACTOR
11)MICHAEL RISPOLI AND JAMES GENDOLFINI - ACTORS
12)FRANK WOOD, JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY, GARY BASARABA, RAMEN RODRIEZ - ACTORS
13)GHENA AKINNAGBE, KATHENRE SIGISMUD AND JAKE SICILLANO - ACTORS
14)ALEX ALUZHSKY, AUNJANUE ELLIS, TONYE PATANO, JASON BUTLER HARNER - ACTORS
15)DENISE CHAMLON, CSA - CASTING
16)RENEE EHRIICH KLAFUS - COSTUME DESIGNER
17)HARRY GREGSON WILLIAMS - MUSIC
18)LINDA FARICA, ANSON DOWNES - CO EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
19)CHRIS LEBZON - EDITOR
20) CHRIS SEEGERS - PRODUCTION DESIGNER
21)TOBIUS SCHLLESSER, ASC - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
22)BARRY WALDMAN, MICHAEL COSTIGAN, FRANK KAVANAIGH - EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
23)TODD BLACK, TONY SCOTT - PRODUCED BY
I AM LEGEND
MICRO ANALYSIS:
CAMERA
This opening scene begins with a birds eye view of skyscrapers and buildings and derelict streets; this is extremely effective as we see a red car racing down the street, allowing us as an audience to identify an usually quiet city. We meet the protagonist with a close of him picking up his gun - this immediately depicts the genre to be a thriller/drama. A wide shot is used to show the car racing down the road beside overgrown bushes and trees and abandoned vehicles to portray a strong sense of isolation. A P.O.V shot from the protagonist whilst he's driving through the streets allows us to feel more engaged to the scene as we are experiencing what he is, and for us to realise the derelict and destruction that has been caused. When the protagonist reaches some sort of dead end and stops the car there is an upwards panning shot - this shows the once lived chaos and havoc on the busy streets of New York and as an audience makes us wonder what happened and why it did.
EDITING
There is limited use of special effects and transitions used in this opening scene to make it seem more authentic to the audience. However, cross cutting is used when the protagonist is in the car about to shoot the rabid deer; theres a close up of him aiming his gun, then it switched to a mid shot of the deer running into lower ground, then it turns back to a close up of his reaction. This proves that each shot links in with each other and happen simultaneously. When the title appears on the screen its almost instantaneous and unexpected. The makes it eye catching and bold for the audience to grasp.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The first time we encounter the protagonist is by him speeding in a sports car, wearing leather and holding a gun - these definitely give him a sense of arrogance. The fact that the car is red makes it stand out amongst the dark and dreary debris and buildings which surround it. The location is contrasting as New York is known for being busy and manic, but this tranquil environment makes it seem like a very different place. This makes the audience familiarise themselves with the whole 'it seems quiet. Almost too quiet' scenario.
SOUND
Firstly, we are alert to the diegetic sound of a car speeding down the street - as this is the only sound it reminds us of a race track of some sort as there are no other cars prevalent. Throughout the whole opening scene, the only sounds we hear are of the car, wildlife, and a gun. This allows us to further identify the genre being a thriller/drama.
MACRO ANALYSIS:
WHAT IS THE KEY PLOT IDEA INTRODUCED IN THE TITLE SEQUENCE?
A man and his dog exploring the abandoned city of New York. From what we can see he is the only person there and there are many wild animals roaming the city and the protagonist is most likely in danger.
IN WHAT ORDER IS THE STORYLINE INTRODUCED?
Opening scene starts with derelict buildings and the protagonist racing down the road - giving us a sense of isolation. Close up of gun to show action and possibly danger. A herd of deer appear out of nowhere showing an usual amount of wildlife for the city. Speeding through the city and use of wide angle shots prove there is hardly no one - if anyone - around.
WHAT CHARACTERS ARE INTRODUCED? WHEN AND HOW?
We meet the protagonist in the opening as he is speeding down the road in a sports car. Then we meet his dog, Sam, seconds later as he is in the passengers seat of the car. We see other animals in this scene but we assume these are extremely minor characters as they make no real impact to the scene itself.
WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED? HOW ARE THEY REPRESENTED (POSITIVELY, NEGATIVELY, STEREOTYPICALLY / USE OF BINARY OPPOSITIONS)?
When we are introduced to the protagonist, he has a kind of sense of arrogance surrounding him. The is due to the fact that we see him speeding down the road in a shiny sports car, we are then show a close up of the gun he is holding and can see he is wearing leather. These three things have connotations of the protagonist thinking he is somewhat better than everyone else. However, as an audience are perception is quickly diverted as we see the protagonist stroke his dog and open the window to let him hang his head out. This creates an atmosphere of compassion. Empathy is also shown by the protagonist when he is about to shoot a lioness, until he sees her cubs trail after; and can't bear to think that the cubs would be left on their own. This changes our view on the protagonist, and makes us believe he may only kill if he believes it is just and necessary.
CREDITS:
The only credits we see are right at the end of the opening scene and they appear quickly onto the screen. It is white typography with a black background to make it eye-catching by showing contrast, it is also bold to the viewer as it takes us the whole centre of the screen. The title credit is completely separate from the film to show its significance.
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