AY: Technical Analysis

The Dark Knight Rises (Nolan, 2012)

 

 

Technical analysis of The Dark Knight Rises showing shot length, type and the mise-en-scene.

DW: Technical Analysis

Batman: The Dark Knight (Nolan, 2008)

This is my technical analysis for Batman: The Dark Knight. (from 0:54 - 2:38):

Camera and Mise en Scene:

Sound:

The minimalistic non-diegetic sound track throughout the opening allows the diegetic sound to become emphasised; this is noticed in particular through the natural crescendo created by the zip line, emphasised in post-production to build tension and connote that something dramatic is about to happen. The non-diegetic sound that was used however, was minimalistic in a way that didn't deviate attention from the narrative and become over powering, but not so minimalistic that it was not at all noticed. The occasional sharp boosts of non-diegetic anchors the bits of drama in the opening, making the audience jump and informing them that this is a point of significance.

What Have I Learnt? 

In doing this technical analysis, I have taken much inspiration in the appliance of sound especially; but also the vast range of camera shots displayed in the 'Batman: The Dark Knight' opening seem to be integral in creating an effective and entertaining opening. If we can replicate the careful balance between non-diegetic and diegetic sound to convey emotion and anchor the audiences' attention to certain aspects of the opening, then our sound mix will be effective in complying to the crime-thriller genre if we use range of camera techniques displayed in 'Batman: The Dark Knight'. 

AA:Technical Analysis

The Sixth Sense 
The Sixth Sense - Youtube Link

2 notable shots:

Group: Concept Development

What Do We Want?

Having watched a few clips from movies of the genres, Crime Thriller and Psychological Thriller, there are a number of techniques and ideas that we wish to replicate in our piece; ranging from very basic shot types, to title animations; all of the aforementioned are key in emulating a thriller sequence accurately. Furthermore, we noticed that the director David Fincher in particular has created some very notable openings which, collectively, we have taken inspiration from.

For Example...

• Se7en (Fincher, 1995)

• We liked the edgy, quick-snap-moving titles that change every fraction of a second; the image to the right changes to the next design of the title within half a second, if that, of each other - building on the suspense and thriller 'feel' gained throughout the clip.

• Panic Room (Fincher, 2002)

• Making the titles interact or appear part of the surroundings was also an idea we liked; it anchors the urban surroundings we wish to set our piece in, and if combined with the quick snap titles mentioned above, it will allude fully to our crime thriller genre.

• The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Fincher, 2011)

• The simplistic close up shot at eye level, with a black colour wash makes this shot very effective; it's dark, mysterious, and gives the audience the impression that there may be more to the shot than is being revealed. Also, this is conventional of a film-noir style thriller which, we have discussed incorporating in our piece.

• Silence of the Lambs (Demme, 1991)

• The combined idea of having a faded shot laid over the top of a close up and the over the shoulder, unaware type shot is very appealing to us, as it allows the audience to know more than the character the audience is positioned with and also conforms to the 'creepy', 'edgy' style we aim to achieve.

Group: Genre Decision

Crime Thriller

• The dark and pycological themes of thriller appeals to the group and sparks ideas of dark streets in urban areas.
• We want to conform to sterotypes of "The narrative often involves a hero or protagonist who is the only person who can solve the puzzle laid out by the serial killer or antagonist. The solution is never or rarely supernatural and adds to the realism that creates the fear." As said in Alex's Genre Conventions post.
• The decision of crime is inspired by the sherlock holmes film and tv drama,and a film noir style would allow for us to practice lighting and camera positioning techniques.

• Film noir: A subgenre of crime fiction consisting of often a lone mildly rouge cop that solves the crimes.
• The key lighting technique used are using large amounts of contrast and spotlights and the classic stripped blinds effect.

AY: Generic Conventions

Horror

Nosferatu (F.W. Murnau, 1922)

 



•  Long casting shadows and silhouettes are used to create suspense
• Eery non-diegetic sound or silence is also used to build up tension
• Isolation of characters within the piece creates a sense of vulnerability
• The iconography of the vampire is stereotypical through costume by the image of him having large fangs, long nails and dressed in old fashioned clothing

Thriller

Inception (Nolan, 2010)

• Set in busy urban and surban areas create a sense of realism
• Lots of action scenes to create a fast pace and to engage the audience
• Involves a protagonist who has a problem to solve
• Conventional lighting of bright when the hero is present however it is more dark and sinister when the antagonist is seen creating the distinction between good and bad
• The soundtrack is upbeat and anchors the action through the use of crescendos

AA: Generic Convetions

Horror

Scream 4 (Wes Craven, 2011)

• Low key lighting is used to create moods and suspense as well as create a sense of isolation.
• Often considered "cheesy" the slasher horror model is adopted a lot with the conventions of a lone serial killer and a group of people being picked off one by one.
• Unlike usual conventions scream 4 is not set in an isolated area. But many parts have dark streets and alleys perfect for the slasher horror genre.
• Hand held camera shots are used to make it harder for the audience to see whats going on and to promote terror and panic.
• Slow paced editing is used to create suspense and sped up to create a frantic situation. 
• Non-diegetic music is used to create similar effects to the editing and diegetic sound of breathing or footsteps create suspense and anticipation. 
• Iconography is highly influential in promoting evil with colors such as red or black and mixed with the use of low key lighting or light emitting props such as touches or flares 

Thriller

The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991) 

• Set in busy urban and suburban areas to create realism.
• The narrative often involves a hero or protagonist who is the only person who can solve the puzzle laid out by the serial killer or antagonist. Such is shown by the young agent who is the only one who can stop Lecter.  The solution is never or rarely supernatural and adds to the realism that creates the fear.
• Much like horror low key lighting is used to create moods and suspense.
• Psychopathic protagonists are often and used to get into the minds of the audience.
• Film noir style lighting is used to create the dark and un-know aspects of the genre.
• Large amounts of violence occurs in the genre and blood and body dismemberment, stabbing weapons are used as they are more close and personal.