Film studies notes/Exam prep.

How Does V for Vendetta Get Across its Message & Beliefs Through Its Themes

Theme 1- Revenge is one of the most important and noticeable themes in V for Vendetta, as V plots against the Government and their controlling ways, he seemingly is seen as an enemy to the government, and therefore is experimented on, his acts of rebellion and unlawful means are a show to us that he wishes to bring the people with power down, crumbling into nothing by dust, the overall outcome allowing people to govern themselves, but V also craves personal revenge due to the actions taken against him.

Theme 2- Terroism  is yet another theme displayed in the film, the actions of V are not perhaps that considered lawful and just, as much as people argue the character may be a villain, he is in-fact working outside the law and on his own accord, as if he has formed his own rule-book, yet V makes us question his actions, if they are correct and right, or simply wrong and evil, blowing up a Governmental building to make a stand and form a message could be considered a good deed, yet also an act of terroism and a wrong deed, this perhaps tells us that good people need to commit to bad things to get a positive and overall better result.

Theme 3- Realism is also another important message in this film, the severity of what is happening and the relevance of it to modern day happenings and how the Government work or may work. It allows us to understand that this is all reality, and a possibility in our own world, the rather normal settings, normal houses, this allows us to understand the time-frame in comparison to the film and present day isn't far apart.

Theme 4- Power is something strongly displayed in V for Vendetta, the power balance between the 

Government and the common people is far from even or fair, the Government do things how they please, and single out those who choose to disobey or make their own rules, V is an example of someone who stands up to those more powerful then him, makes a stand and attempts to have an outcome that will better the majority and not the minority, the people with power don't use it correctly, they only use it to better themselves.

Theme 5- Fear is shown in V for Vendetta as it's struck into the common people by default almost, as if the people are aware that going against the Government will only end up bad on their end, this tells us that perhaps the rights and wants of people are frowned upon and seen incorrect, that common thoughts and feeling about the way things are going should not be shared, and only kept to yourself, and if they are exposed publicly, you'll be punished, fighting against the fear is rarely seen, or simply some do not fear the Government, V being a good example.

Conclusion- The film gets across many messages, the list is rather endless, yet I feel as if the main and most striking message is that realism tells us this is all possible, it could happen in our modern day society, that it lurks on the horizon if things do not change quickly, the film allows us to understand that rules are put in place for people to follow, some choose to listen and others choose not to, V chooses not to thus he is seen as a threat.



Rough notes

In the clip shown Bradley cooper is evidently effected by the drug gives his performance a more energetic and determined vibe, his eyes are shining lightly perhaps a sign that his life has took a turn for the good, clothing is simple nothing fancy indicating he is perhaps a man of little wealth or simply Dosent care about his appearance, camera isn't focused on him specifically time overlaps to show his actions in the form of several people, giving us a positive and quick moving approach to things after the drug was taken

What is Dystopia

A dystopia is the idea of a society, generally of a speculative future, characterized by negative, anti-utopian elements, varying from environmental to political and social issues. Dystopian societies, usually hypothesized by writers of fiction, have culminated in a broad series of sub-genres and is often used to raise issues regarding society, environment, politics, religion, psychology, spirituality, or technology that may become present in the future. For this reason, Dystopias have taken the form of a multitude of speculations, such as Pollution; Poverty; Societal collapse or Political repression and Totalitarianism.

Dystopia theme




Camera shots
Space odyssey- close up of gorilla looking around to show how scared he is, when bone goes up the camera follows, to set the scene and atmosphere, low shots, high shots different angles. Tools (hunting). (Low angle = power ) narrative- Evolution (ape to man)  millions of years of evolution in one cut. Graphic match -bone- spaceship.



Evolution is going up and into different heights man kind is going into an unknown area, evolution has a connection to space, has to be a reason perhaps aliens? - Something to look out for is unusual shots.



Voyeurism - is the sexual interest in or practice spying on people engaged in intimate behaviour such as undressing, sexual activity, or other actions usually considered to be of a private nature. The principal characteristic of voyeurism is that the voyeur does not normally relate directly with subject of his/her interest. Secret photography can be described as stalking.

Main gaze- is a feminist theory, that was first developed by Laura mulvey, in 1975 the male gaze occurs

Deep focus- depth of field, is the measure that can be applied to the area in focus within the frame

Shallow focus- function of a narrow depth of field and it implies that only one place of the frame will remain sharp and clear.


Racking focus- filmmaker a can  change the focus of the lens to a subject in the background from the foreground

How the unusual shots give meaning and depth.

Shallow focus
Tracking shot ( following )
Close up of bad guy
Pov - point of view

Lots of close shots, getting the fear of the actors evident as batman takes them one by one.

Shallow focus is for added fear

Pov is to give us an idea of the surroundings and what is going on

Goodfella- panning, goes through back due to being more privileged, focus on two people following while way through.

Saving private Ryan - slow frames under water and no sound, close ups to display fear, camera is low down to show power, changes when they are shot, zoomed in close up slow motion. Extreme close up( nervous hand shaking)




Genres and messages/meaning

V for Vendetta

War
Science fiction
Action and adventure

Why does it fit into three genres?

Trying to make a wide audience base, based for male watchers , a mix of genders.

Is he a hero? Yes due to him solving peoples fears, yet can be argued, seen as a terrorist and criminal.

Story is about Evie, main character.

Thriller, Sci fi. Action, all masculine and make preferred male genres.

Why is it a science fiction?

It's not, set in the near future only sense of Sci fi, one of the main actors is a terrorist, things that are happening today and may happen in the soon future, democracy one leader, lack of freedom, realism separates it from the Sci-fi genre.

We experiment on terrorists, criminals, people who disagree with the Government, immigrants also a vulnerable target, disabled and weak, homosexuals. Stephen fry is black bagged after they find out he is homosexual.

What makes it a thriller?

Thriller- is a genre of literature, film, and television programming that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements.

Someone trying to catch V, investigator ( detective ) trying to stop him.  Film is shown from eveys point of view and also the detectives as he attempts to solve things, complex, mystery makes us question things.

Film spoilers, mystery.

Who is behind the mask, concentration camp, homosexual, criminal, religion, Goverment don't approve.

How it happened? Gases places secretively, saying they'd help it, blamed homosexuals, religion, created disease told everyone they could cure people see solution and flock to their side, Government get way.

Conspiracy theories.

Freedom for safety/protection.

Why/if is it an action?

Action elements, explosions knifes, weapons, smooth and entertaining, avoiding reality, V is skilled maybe trained? Superpowers?

Not a definable good or bad character V's actions are questionable, breaking the law, torture, perspectives.

Community of Villains, V destroys the Government building, symbol of corruption and a misleading factor, no Government means independence, personal responsibility, own choices.

Planet of the apes - Experiments, Money, Action, evolution

Tron 2- Science, futuristic, game, money and power.

Walle-e - Science, future, relationship,  struggle.

Conclusion for V for Vendetta 

V for vendetta represents reality in many ways showing us how the government can be corrupt misleading and controlling , the way in which this is presented is V the character and how he is a threat to the Government thus they see him as an enemy, terrorism is something that occurs in the modern day world, V is a terrorist and a criminal, change occurred quickly this can happen again and I think realism is a large part of this film a message perhaps, the way in which V is presented shows us that people could so well be like him in the future if the Government change in the way they did in the film, the setting is also in the soon future not the far future.

Themes:

Terrorism
Society
Governmental power
Rebelling
Power
Problem solving
Superheroes
Future



V is seen only a little bit the mask close up also, can be seen with the blades seemingly out to kill or harm, keep quiet and stay hidden.

Close ups show fear, always level and in the middle of the shot, shows separation and divide, the family shot shows disgust and disbelief due to lesbians, different= bad, rain scene focuses rain she is a blur, then slowly comes into focus.


Board work/Brainstorm

Cross-cutting

Cross-cutting is an editing technique most often used in films to establish action occurring at the same time in two different locations. In a cross-cut, the camera will cut away from one action to another action, which can suggest the simultaneity of these two actions but this is not always the case.
Suspense may be added by cross-cutting. It is built through the expectations that it creates and in the hopes that it will be explained with time. Cross-cutting also forms parallels; it illustrates a narrative action that happens in several places at approximately the same time

Example

How does V represent typical gender roles to communicate messages`/


Representation 1-  During the scene when V is tending for Evie in a caring and rather mother like manner, he appears to cook her breakfast, an activity associated with feminism and how a Mother would act, the usual hyper-masculine approach from V is seemingly tilted on its side in this scene, and his usual masculinity is questioned highly. The message behind this could be conveying what V was like in the past, before he was experimented on, perhaps he does have a caring and loving nature to him, the tendency to mother others, perhaps associating him with a homosexual way of living in his pre-life, but that changes when he seeks vengeance, bringing out a much bolder and more masculine side.

Representation 2- The Birthing scene in the film, when Evie walks out into the rain as V watches from afar represents V almost standing in her shadow, as if she was something he created and raised into this world, perhaps he is even proud of it. The altering scenes from V standing in the fire and Evie standing in the rain, separate the feminism and masculine between the two, the phallic image of the fire and the male figure standing tall and strong in it presents to us that he is far from a normal man, his Hyper-masculine nature shining through. On the other hand, Evie stands in the rain looking to the sky arms spread out, tears streaming down her cheeks, this symbolises the start of a new phase of her life and how she evolves as a person, perhaps embracing it also.

Representation 3- The scene where Evie appears to be having her hair removed shows the lack of power and how the masculinity dominates the femininity, giving her no choice nor say in what is happening. She dares not to question the occurrence and what is happening, this would certainly be because she is fearful and passive, afraid to stand up and do what she pleases, the Phallic roughness of the male cutting the hair with the razor certainly tells us about the lack of care and consideration for the female and her wants, the message this implies is the weakness of the feministic trait and how it is shadowed by the masculinity of males.

Representation 4- The birthing of a new revolution occurs when Evie pulls the lever to allow the explosions to make their way to parliament, the destruction of the decromatic government allows people to be free, the peaceful and feminist march is one of the only scenes where the people with the masculine dominance accept it, the army lower their guns and stand aside, this tells us that the movie supports peaceful movements, alongside the motion for change, as ultimately the end conclusion of the film is change and that it occurs when people stand up, V being the leading figure for this, being a father figure for the people of Britain guiding them to change.

2.2

Children of men and V for Vendetta Comparative Essay.

Children of men and  V for Vendetta are both dystopian based, both set in the not too far future, both having a corrupt government who run everything without any regard for the people. The two films are still different to one another one is based on the infertility of females and how it effects society, and the way things work. V for Vendetta shows us a corrupt Government run by a dictator who can use his power wrongly and in a way that suits him.

The clear and most evident similarity between the two is the dystopian like theme, the setting of both films is also the same, London. Both films have alike intentions for Jews, homosexuals  and most religious beliefs they want to see them gone or diminished in their own way. A clear message of the type of Government and the near future setting suggests that something like this might happen at some point, that the government will gain more power than it should, new laws will be enforced and people will no longer be able to enjoy what they had, or what they may of wanted. Children of Men was more of a unexplainable occurrence how the government got into the state it's in is something that needs to be questioned.

Another similarity would be revolution and that getting what you want has to come at a price, and also a violent means of acting in most cases, V for Vendetta supports this strongly, the scene where they all come out from their homes to unite and stand together unified as one. The actions were considered unlawful and rather terrorist like, their leader V being a large reason the parliamentary building turned into nothing but ashes, yet it also allows a fresh start something that evidently the people want, the old and seemingly corrupt government being forced out, something new can occur. Alike Children of men, a violent uprising to question the Government and how they were dealing with things occurred, they were given little to work with, and this is where the war started, the conflict began, the people had to first of all overcome the fear of the Government and what they might do in return.

Both films are similar, but the aims and objectives of the two films are reached in a different way, V in V for vendetta aims to reach his goal by destroying what controls the people, yet it's also a personal quest for revenge, people soon see that also, and from this he gains support, the people rise to face the Government and the wrong doings they inflict. In Children of Men there focus was infertility and why nothing was being done about it, as the problem is unexplained there is no real solution for the characters to aim for, making it a much more difficult situation to approach.
Both films are similar yet completely different the end objective varies for both films, the themes are very similar.

Children of men and V for Vendetta comparative Narrative Essay, how the directors create messages and meaning in the films.

In V for Vendetta the messages are brought across in a very sly yet obvious way, the clear and main message being about the Government, the possibilities of what it may become if things fail to change, where as in Children of men the message is much more obvious, the infertility of women is causing the Country to fall apart, yet they feel as if more can be done.

The scene in which we find Evey being shaved bald creates a strong and meaningful message in V for Vendetta, this is the moment she loses her femininity and gains masculinity, the director is telling us that with femininity comes no power, and the 'Women act men appear' phrase can be used, the way in which the message is brought across later supports the masculinity equals power statement when Evey is seen to be much stronger, making choices on her own accord. A comparison to this in Children of men would involve Kee, she serves no real purpose or role in the film before a certain event happens where she falls pregnant, from this point forward she is seen as something that needs to be protected, kept away from any possible harm, almost looked upon as a figure of hope, the way in which someone can be deemed useless and then deemed useful after a specific event is shown here.

In V for Vendetta the director strongly suggests thats those whom dare oppose the government are seen as a threat and therefore dealt with, religion is heavily frowned upon and a strong message that people are singled out for their beliefs and religions, the events leading up to V's death show us this, as himself as a character was experimented on, and seen as a terrorist, the director is trying to tell us that a government much like the one in V for Vendetta will dispose of anyone they deem a threat, they create a meaningful message by suggesting the main character is a terrorist whom eventually dies. Children of men show us a more violent and bloody protest scene, where guns are used and a variety of other weapons that can cause a great deal of harm, the director shows us a less peaceful protest and the possible outcome of a situation like this, where the Government are doing little to assist or guide, people will turn to violence.





2.4.1&2 Task: In depth plan for essay including all points, introduction and conclusion

Hypothesis: 'Defiance and Inglorious Bastards are both independent films.The representation of Jews and Nazis varies in both films, the directors both try to get across their own messages and beliefs'

Leadership:

The two scenes below show us the difference in Leadership between Inglorious bastards and Defiance, the two role figures give a speech to those present. Aldo Raine in Inglorious bastards is presented in a very disciplined and formal way, the men present allow him their full attention and respect, he speaks in a brutal and relentless manner, wanting to kill as many Nazis as possible, no matter the risk. Where as in Defiance Tuvia Bielski presents his speech to the people much differently, addressing the need for survival and the need for togetherness, he mentions little about slaughtering Nazis, just doing what is needed to stay alive. Furthermore he also speaks of the group of fleeing Jews to be like a community, stating how all are welcome. In comparison the American born Jews are presented as much more fierce and deadly figures, where as the European Jewish community are seen as more fragile, wanting to simply stay alive.

Micro: The Camera in both scenes is focused on the man speaking, briefly glancing to the others present in the scene at times, the focus remains on the speakers to simply imply that the two are of importance, powerful figures, the close up shots also back this up.

Relationships and conflict:

The scenes below allow us to compare the conflict and the relationships between the two leaders and their followers, the conflict in Defiance is an inner conflict, where as in Inglorious bastards its with the Nazi Officer. In Defiance an inner conflict erupts between siblings, two brothers whom don't see eye to eye, this allows us to understand the issues that occur within a group of people fleeing for their lives, mercy is shown by the victor of the fight, Tuvia Bielski restrains himself from killing his brother. On the other hand in Inglorious bastards the situation is much different, Aldo Raine finds himself in a situation where he does not need to fight for a dominant position, those who follow him have seemingly come to their leaders aid, yet in Defiance Tuvia Bielski fights alone without aid, once deemed useless the German Officer is killed, not by the hand of Aldo Raine, but one of his men, no mercy has been shown, and they seem to stay calm and collected during the situation, this follows the typical Hollywood style, a group of Americans remaining the dominant figures, pictured in the correct light.

In both scenes, the camera follows a power-like structure, especially in Defiance where the power switches between the two fighters, the weaker man always being looked down on from above, or in the concluding part of the scene where the camera is angled to look upwards towards the 'victor' of the fight. Inglorious bastards follows a much similar structure, yet the power is more fixated towards the Americans, the struggling Nazi Officer is seen in no 'shot of power'.

Professionalism:

In the two scenes below a real display of how the two films compare regarding killing and completing a goal or objective is evident, in Defiance the Jews are much more unorganised, they have no plan, where as in Inglorious bastards the organisation is planned, the American Born jews are all highly trained soldiers, where as in Defiance most of the men hardly know how to shoot a gun. Defiance represents the professionalism of the jews rather lowly in most situations, which supports its independent film structure as not all men are suddenly highly trained soldiers, where as in Inglorious bastards they are all trained and 'able', few of the men die during the process of the film, supporting the typical Hollywood styled film. Director Edward Zwick tends to follow a similar trend in his historic events based films, wanting to make them as 'realistic' as possible, a large reason for why the Jews in Defiance follow a low level of professionalism in the fighting sector.

In both scenes the camera gives certain close-ups to show power and dominance, the power shifts in inglorious bastards between the men around the table, as no real understanding of power can be settled, it's very much up in the air, as for Defiance the scene is shot from a distance, allowing us to see the whole fight, showing us that the fighting is balanced for the most part, and that power diverts towards the Jews once they gain the upper hand.

Hatred and revenge:

Both scenes below show us how the Jews take their revenge and the manner in which they do it, the lack of emotion in Inglorious bastards is evident, where as in Defiance the emotion shown when hate and revenge is released is different. The Scene in where the American born jews blow up the theatre filled with the German officers is a well planned movement, demonstrating the measures these men will take to see their foes fall, once the doors close and the American born jews open fire the lack of emotion is evident and very obvious. Where as in Defiance Tuvia Bielski is seeking revenge for his parents, yet the fashion in which it's carried out is much different, he finds himself emotionally blocked, and the hesitant nature to pull the trigger. The message the director is trying to get across in Inglorious bastards is the ruthless and non-emotional stance the American born jews take when confronting their hatred against the Germans, their revenge is far from a struggle to contain, they grasp the opportunity they are given, the director suggests that they are strong-hearted, tough and emotionless. In comparison to Defiance the two scenes are very different, the director of Defiance aims to suggest that the emotional struggle of approaching you're foes is tough, that the hatred and revenge is emotional, a struggle to an extent, the message clear and simple, as much as sating you're revenge is satisfying it comes at an emotional cost.

In both scenes the camera is directed towards those with power, in Inglorious bastards the camera looks down upon the struggling German officers, all trying to escape, weak and vulnerable in their current position, Defiance follows a similar idea, the camera is looking down onto the kneeling man, the gun pointed in his direction, the power and dominance pointed towards Tuvia Bielski, the lighting also above his head shining down on him, showing us the importance of his figure and stance.

Conclusion-

 In both films the way in which the jews are represented varies, Inglorious bastards follows the typical Hollywood narrative, showing us that American Born Jews are strong hearted, abled fighters and overall a more powerful figure. In Defiance the director sticks to a more independent style, playing out a clearer and more accurate set of events for what it would of been like in the past for fleeing Jews in Nazi occupied Europe.


Notes from Lessons

What to look for

• Independent or Hollywood
• Representation - Gender, race.
• Director interview (Past films, any patterns)
• Purpose, messages, critical responses specific to messages/meaning.
• Casting- roles associated.
• Micro-detail of scenes, same or different.
• Symbolism.
• Location, costume, casting.
• Production company, director, past relations.

Male gaze - Men act, women appear.

Hyper masculinity-Powerful objects (Phallic), loud noises, objects like guns and swords, competition.

Motherly-Caring role (Can be associated with yonic objects)

V for Vendetta/Children of men comparison notes

Opening scenes, V for vendetta she is sexualised, opening of children of men dressed professionally, not sexualised.

V for vendetta represents Evey dressed as a little girl, sexual object, dosent have any say, in children of men Kee is standing naked yet in a non sexualised way due to the situation.

Women are represented as hope and peace in Children of men, also natural mothers

Evey is vulnerable, gains power when masculine, the cutting of the hair scene resembles this, losses her femininity, confronting the typical Hollywood values, power = Masculinity, she can be seen as the mother of the revolution, when she sends the train and the explosions off.

Children of men - Hyper masculinity, opposite of giving life, nothing to rein them in, no dominance a balance play, feminist sub-play . V for vendetta- Symbolic and submersive.


Week one

Budget - production and marketing - appealing market, flocking to SFX based films, special effects.

Blockbuster formula, problems can occur, misleading.

Successful films, double production, SFX (Special effects), No comedy, popular star for example Brad pitt, (advertising use),  150+ million pound.