Tuesday 29 October 2013

Dredd Essay: Improvements.

 The three ways in which I could've improved my Dredd Essay would be:
  • The lack of statistical knowledge on the movie.
  • Going into more depth when introducing my points.
  • The use of more evidence.

Thursday 3 October 2013

American Beauty-Scene Analysis.



This scene from the movie is the day Lester dies. Lester is getting his life perfect, working out and having a new overview of life. In this scene we see the change in Lester and the true Angela escape.
I have picked this particular scene from the movie for two reasons. The first reason would be the change within Lester's behaviour and attitude towards Angela's seduction. The second reason is the change within Angela's behaviour towards Lester's reaction.

The Mise En Scene created in this scene is different to the first kitchen scene. The Lighting has been manipulated so that Lester and the Dining Table are in the brightest lighting. We could connote this as Lester discovering who he is and is finally at peace within himself whereas Angela (who now is in the dark) has to hide underneath this façade. Also the two brightest are the two significant, drawing attention to the event that is almost foreshadowed in this scene.  In this scene, the lighting is darker probably connoting that things aren't the same as they were before; the tensions between Carolyn, Lester, Angela and Jane have increased and everyone's all suspicious of one another. This creates an eerie atmosphere, making the audience anticipate what's going to happen next.

Lester's choice of clothing has changed throughout the course of the movie, at first he was wearing baggy and dull coloured clothing; whereas now (in this scene) he is wearing a tight, bright coloured t-shirt. His actions and the way he replies is mainly monosyllabic words. Suggesting that he doesn't an interest in anything anymore. This connotes to the change in his personality, alongside his body language. As Angela approaches him in a seductive and confident manner; he just sits there perched on the side of the worktop like an adolescent would. This suggests that Angela doesn't 'excite' Lester anymore. When the camera did a close up on his face after the attempted seduction, it looked like there was a moment of realization that glimmered through his eyes. His reply almost seemed teasing, showing that Angela's just a teenager and he's the adult; implying that the tables have turned.

Additionally, the props within this scene play an important role, as the imagery of perfection is still maintained, as are the roses connoting passion. The audience can see this when Angela struts up to Lester, the dining table and the cleanliness  is shown. This could connote to Angela being similar to Carolyn as they behold the same qualities. Both have this perfected image about themselves, which is a façade to hide their true self, the tidiness of the kitchen could reflect the tidiness of Angela's appearance. The reaction of Angela to Lester's question gave the audience a glimpse of Angela being submissive and vulnerable. When she started slowly backing away, we connote this to be the dissection of Angela's true self.  The colour white connotes to innocence and purity which is completely corrupt at this point in the movie; bringing to the surface Angela's innocence and virginity.

American Blockbusters.

BATMAN
History: Batman was created in 1939 as a Comic Book Hero by Bob Kane. He is a fictional superhero, whose mission is to protect his hometown from evil. Originally he was referred to as 'Bat-Man' or as 'The Capital Crusader'.
Publisher: DC Comic Books published the first comic in May  1939.
Film: Batman (1966), the first film adaptation of the DC Comic Books. Based on the Television Series. Released by 20th Century Fox.
          Batman(1989) directed by Tim Burton. First instalment of Warner Bros.
          Batman Returns(1992), Batman Forever(1995), Batman and Robin(1997),
          Batman Begins(2005), The Dark Knight(2008), The Dark Knight Rises(2012).
Other Media: Comics.
                       Books.
                       Television Shows.
                       Musicals.
                       Radio Shows.
                       Board and Video Games.
IRONMAN
History: A fictional character who appeared in comic books. His character was created by Stan Lee. He made his first appearance in 'Tales of Suspense'( March 1963). Chest injury, made himself a  power suit of armour  to help him escape life and captivity. Later uses the suit as Iron Man and protects people.
Publisher:  Marvel Comics.
Film: The Invisible Iron Man(2007), Iron Man(2008), Iron Man 2(2010), Iron Man 3(2013), The Avengers(2012).
Other Media: Television Shows.
                       Video Games.
CAPTAIN AMERICA
History: Made his first appearance in 'Captain America Comics in March 1941 (cover dated). Was a Wartime Superhero for WWII, so he was the most popular superhero during that period.
Publisher: Marvel Comics.
Film: Captain America(1944), Captain America(1979), Captain America 2: Death Too Soon(1979), Captain America(1990), Ultimate Avengers(2006), Ultimate Avengers 2(2006), Captain America: The First Avenger(2011), The Avengers(2012).
Other Media: Novels.
                      Television Shows.
                       Video Games.
THE FLASH
History: Created by Gardener Fox and Artist Harry Lambert. Possess 'Super Speed, includes the ability to move incredibly fast and violate certain law of physics. First appeared in 'Flash Comics'(1940).
Publisher: DC Comics.
Film: The Flash(2016).
Other Media: Novels.
                      Television Shows.
                       Video Games.
GREEN LANTERN
History: The name of several superheroes of DC Universe, all of whom are characterized by power rings and ability to create solid constructs with the ring. The first Green Lantern was created by writer Bill Finger and Artist Martin Nodell in 'All American Comics' in 1940.
Publisher: DC Comics.
Film: Green Lantern(2011).
Other Media: Novels.
                       Television Shows.
                        Video Games.
THOR
History: First appeared in 'Journey Into Mystery' (1962). Created by Editor-Plotter Stan Lee, Scripter Larry Leiber and Penciller Jack Kirby. Based on the Greek God 'Thor' of 'Norse Mythology'(humanity-protecting God).
Publisher: Marvel Comics.
Film: Almighty Thor(2011), Thor(2011), The Avengers(2012), Thor: The Dark World(2013).
Other Media: Novels.
                       Television Shows.
                        Video Games.