'Amelie'
A voice-over was used to explain the narrative from time to time throughout the film. Although at times this seemed irrelevant (such as when explaining when a man had learned something from a newspaper) it provided a useful insight into the life of Amelie, which I found interesting. Props were used extensively during the film and were also used to pull the narrative along and link events together (such as the photographs), which I also liked.
'American Beauty'
Although becoming cringe-worthy whenever Kevin Spacey's character has thoughts of his daughter's friend, this film turned out to have a rather enjoyable storyline - A man, clearly going through a mid-life crises, who decides to stand up and say he's tired of the fake, generic ways of what 'family' life should be like and re-invent himself. Spacey's neutral tone of voice during his voice overs also provided an element of humor, describing the misery of his life, but sounding like it's just part of the routine.
Thursday 8 July 2010
Thursday 24 June 2010
Less mainstream films
'Eastern Promises' 2007
'Tormented' 2009
'Garden State' 2004 - Director Zach Braff's ability to hand-pick a soundtrack so fitting.
'Good Burger' 1997
'Tormented' 2009
'Garden State' 2004 - Director Zach Braff's ability to hand-pick a soundtrack so fitting.
'Good Burger' 1997
Comments on 'Goodbye Lenin!'
'Goodbye Lenin!' tells the story of how a major political change can affect individuals and families. In this case, how it affects teenager Alexander, his mother, Christiane, and sister, Ariane.
The filmmaker manages to capture the emotion and circumstances that can have an impact on personal life brilliantly, from political issues to having a teenage crush (as displayed by Alex and his passion for Lara, a nurse). This is also applied through the major political changes going at the time: the protests towards the East German border and the rising stance of capitalism. The doctors tell Alex that any inch of excitement could cause his mother to have another heart attack (she had been in a coma for eight months) and put her life in danger. The valiant efforts that Alex goes through are shown with such precision and desperation that he has to capture the events of the past in an almost armature fashion, but this looks extremely professional.
Another factor I enjoyed about this film was the transition between shots of real historical events, clearly shown by a lower screening quality to the current film shots. This helps us to identify the differences. The same goes for the home movie footage, displayed at the start of the film.
The filmmaker manages to capture the emotion and circumstances that can have an impact on personal life brilliantly, from political issues to having a teenage crush (as displayed by Alex and his passion for Lara, a nurse). This is also applied through the major political changes going at the time: the protests towards the East German border and the rising stance of capitalism. The doctors tell Alex that any inch of excitement could cause his mother to have another heart attack (she had been in a coma for eight months) and put her life in danger. The valiant efforts that Alex goes through are shown with such precision and desperation that he has to capture the events of the past in an almost armature fashion, but this looks extremely professional.
Another factor I enjoyed about this film was the transition between shots of real historical events, clearly shown by a lower screening quality to the current film shots. This helps us to identify the differences. The same goes for the home movie footage, displayed at the start of the film.
Friday 18 June 2010
Comments on 'Run Lola Run'
Positives
This is defiantly one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen. This was due to the intensity and confusion caused by the frequent, over the top shots of running and real life to animation switch overs. The soundtrack, which contained a large number of highly synthetic dance beats helped me to stay on edge for the duration of the film. I also especially enjoyed the 'what if?' scenarios created by the end of each run to the super-market, it was as if the filmmaker was exploring the different possibilities of a situation if the slightest little thing changes, such as with the animated dog near the start of each run, can have massive effects on the overall outcome. Actress Franka Potente (Lola) was not allowed to wash her hair for several weeks during filming as the colour of hair would fade with each wash (imdb.com).
Negatives
As I stated above, the frequent shots of running from many different angles, was over the top. Whilst this added to the impact the film had on me, this did become tedious after a while. Lola's screams were also ear-piercingly loud, something that made me cringe slightly. The fact that this is not a US or UK film means we do not think of star factor as highly as we would normally - This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just that if people use star factor as a way into viewing a film, then it could be hard to get them to see this one.
This is defiantly one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen. This was due to the intensity and confusion caused by the frequent, over the top shots of running and real life to animation switch overs. The soundtrack, which contained a large number of highly synthetic dance beats helped me to stay on edge for the duration of the film. I also especially enjoyed the 'what if?' scenarios created by the end of each run to the super-market, it was as if the filmmaker was exploring the different possibilities of a situation if the slightest little thing changes, such as with the animated dog near the start of each run, can have massive effects on the overall outcome. Actress Franka Potente (Lola) was not allowed to wash her hair for several weeks during filming as the colour of hair would fade with each wash (imdb.com).
Negatives
As I stated above, the frequent shots of running from many different angles, was over the top. Whilst this added to the impact the film had on me, this did become tedious after a while. Lola's screams were also ear-piercingly loud, something that made me cringe slightly. The fact that this is not a US or UK film means we do not think of star factor as highly as we would normally - This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just that if people use star factor as a way into viewing a film, then it could be hard to get them to see this one.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Film Noir
1) Compare and contrast the main male and female characters in "Double Indemnity" and "The Last Seduction". How are they similar and how are they different?
A similarity between both the leading men in each film (Walter in 'Double Indemnity' and Mike in 'The Last Seduction') is that they both become head over heels for the women in each film (Phyllis for Walter, Bridget (or Wendy) for Mike). Both women devise the plan to have their husband's killed in order for money and want their new men to get involved and help them, but both Mike and Walter cannot at first do it because they find it to be morally wrong. They both however end up becoming involved, just so they can be with their women.
The difference, however, is that Bridget takes an office job at the insurance company where Mike works, while Phyllis is unemployed. Phyllis also has an obstacle in her way that Bridget does not - her husband's daughter, Lola, Which I find surrounds her and Walter's plans with more difficulty, compared to Bridget and Mike's.
2) How well do the female characters fit into the role of Femme Fatal?
I would have to say quite well. This is because both Phyllis and Bridget are able to use their seductiveness to win an innocent man over, make them become crazy for them and ultimately use them, frame them and get away with the entire plot. This applies especially to Bridget, who, in the closing minuets of the film, is able to make Mike appear guilty of murdering her husband (which she did) trick him into raping her and getting him to say that he did all of this during a 911 phone call, While she gets away scot free. There is a small difference to Phyllis, however. While she as well used the man who was crazy for her and ultimately gets him a death sentence, Walter is able to shoot her dead, and before this gets her to admit that she actually loved him (when she couldn't fire the second bullet).
3) How do the settings add to the sense of Noir within the films?
Streets, dark apartments, offices and bars all add to the noir look as they can create alienating and spooky feelings that surround the dark and immoral plots of both the films. Because of the the subject matter involved with the plots, its shows that innocence cannot be found in the world and their is a dark, savage beast underneath every person. The smoky, downtown, often at night settings capture this image really well - during broad daylight in the blazing sunshine simply wouldn't have the same effect.
4) How are light and shadows used within the film to create a sense of meaning?
Darkness and shadows are used to create a sense of mystery and danger - the silhouette approaching and getting larger at the start of 'Double Indemnity', for example, and the opening of 'The Last Seduction' also takes this approach (the smokey office, with the only source of lighting being the desk lights). Ultimately, darkness is a reflection of the mood of the characters and they create the impression that something dreadful is going to happen - when Walter is sat alone in his apartment thinking about Phyllis, the lights are off, but as soon as she arrives he turns them on.
5) Do you think that "The Last Seduction" is a good example of a Neo Noir? How far does it fit the conventions of Film Noir?
I would say yes to the first part of the question as 'The Last Seduction' is set many years later than 'Double Indemnity' which means there is a huge technological update e.g. the use of computers, telephones ect. but the plot and subject matter ties it in to the conventions of film-noir. However, the lack of a character telling the narrative, like in 'Double Indemnity' and less still-shots give it the potential to edge away from film-noir.
6) "Double Indemnity" is often described as the ultimate film noir, why do you think this is? How well does the film fit into the conventions of Film Noir?
Reading a handout which we received in class, I can understand why it is considered as the top example of film noir. Crime and corruption, in an urban setting, and the hero turned evil (Walter) by a corrupted love affair are all features that are present in 'Double Indemnity'. Walter was once a man of innocence, but by trailing after Phyllis his association with this word slowly fades away until it is no more. All of these key features make it fit into the genre's conventions.
7) What are the key themes explored within the 2 films? Please explore each film separately first
'Double Indemnity' -
Love
Crime
Sex
Uncertainty
Murder
Business
Manipulation
The Last Seduction -
Sex
Romance
Murder
Money
Crime
Manipulation
8)What are the common themes of both films
Romance
Sex
Murder
Manipulation
Money
9) How do the messages and values explored within the film reflect the times in which they were made?
A lot of the lighting in 'Double Indemnity' is stripped and dark, which could be related to the stripped-down economy during and after the 2nd World War. This leads to cuts in the sets, but the stripped-down office, apartment and bar locations all make film noir recognizable. Phyllis first appears in just a towel, which immediately catches the eye of Walter and introduces her as the sexy, dominant women who can get anything she wants with her looks, but possibly, this is her limit, in a time where men may have been more dominant in society, politics ect.
Bridget in 'The Last Seductions', on the other hand, has a lot more available for her because of the time period (nearer the present). She easily gets a job and is able to get to a new location easily. More money was available to spend on sets, props and lighting, which results in the combination of light and darkness and the increased use of technology (phones, computers, cars ect.). However, not a lot of ties in with the plot, unlike in 'Double Indemnity' where the dictaphone is used by Walter to drive the entire storyline.
Something that both the time periods have in common, however, is that both male characters first show disgust towards the plots towards murder due to it being immoral. Both men, however, give in and join in with these tactics so they can remain close to the women they are crazy for. However, the endings to each film show us that manipulation is something that has taken place for years, and that there some people out there who simply want to use you for their own devilish ways. Some people simply exist to screw you over.
A similarity between both the leading men in each film (Walter in 'Double Indemnity' and Mike in 'The Last Seduction') is that they both become head over heels for the women in each film (Phyllis for Walter, Bridget (or Wendy) for Mike). Both women devise the plan to have their husband's killed in order for money and want their new men to get involved and help them, but both Mike and Walter cannot at first do it because they find it to be morally wrong. They both however end up becoming involved, just so they can be with their women.
The difference, however, is that Bridget takes an office job at the insurance company where Mike works, while Phyllis is unemployed. Phyllis also has an obstacle in her way that Bridget does not - her husband's daughter, Lola, Which I find surrounds her and Walter's plans with more difficulty, compared to Bridget and Mike's.
2) How well do the female characters fit into the role of Femme Fatal?
I would have to say quite well. This is because both Phyllis and Bridget are able to use their seductiveness to win an innocent man over, make them become crazy for them and ultimately use them, frame them and get away with the entire plot. This applies especially to Bridget, who, in the closing minuets of the film, is able to make Mike appear guilty of murdering her husband (which she did) trick him into raping her and getting him to say that he did all of this during a 911 phone call, While she gets away scot free. There is a small difference to Phyllis, however. While she as well used the man who was crazy for her and ultimately gets him a death sentence, Walter is able to shoot her dead, and before this gets her to admit that she actually loved him (when she couldn't fire the second bullet).
3) How do the settings add to the sense of Noir within the films?
Streets, dark apartments, offices and bars all add to the noir look as they can create alienating and spooky feelings that surround the dark and immoral plots of both the films. Because of the the subject matter involved with the plots, its shows that innocence cannot be found in the world and their is a dark, savage beast underneath every person. The smoky, downtown, often at night settings capture this image really well - during broad daylight in the blazing sunshine simply wouldn't have the same effect.
4) How are light and shadows used within the film to create a sense of meaning?
Darkness and shadows are used to create a sense of mystery and danger - the silhouette approaching and getting larger at the start of 'Double Indemnity', for example, and the opening of 'The Last Seduction' also takes this approach (the smokey office, with the only source of lighting being the desk lights). Ultimately, darkness is a reflection of the mood of the characters and they create the impression that something dreadful is going to happen - when Walter is sat alone in his apartment thinking about Phyllis, the lights are off, but as soon as she arrives he turns them on.
5) Do you think that "The Last Seduction" is a good example of a Neo Noir? How far does it fit the conventions of Film Noir?
I would say yes to the first part of the question as 'The Last Seduction' is set many years later than 'Double Indemnity' which means there is a huge technological update e.g. the use of computers, telephones ect. but the plot and subject matter ties it in to the conventions of film-noir. However, the lack of a character telling the narrative, like in 'Double Indemnity' and less still-shots give it the potential to edge away from film-noir.
6) "Double Indemnity" is often described as the ultimate film noir, why do you think this is? How well does the film fit into the conventions of Film Noir?
Reading a handout which we received in class, I can understand why it is considered as the top example of film noir. Crime and corruption, in an urban setting, and the hero turned evil (Walter) by a corrupted love affair are all features that are present in 'Double Indemnity'. Walter was once a man of innocence, but by trailing after Phyllis his association with this word slowly fades away until it is no more. All of these key features make it fit into the genre's conventions.
7) What are the key themes explored within the 2 films? Please explore each film separately first
'Double Indemnity' -
Love
Crime
Sex
Uncertainty
Murder
Business
Manipulation
The Last Seduction -
Sex
Romance
Murder
Money
Crime
Manipulation
8)What are the common themes of both films
Romance
Sex
Murder
Manipulation
Money
9) How do the messages and values explored within the film reflect the times in which they were made?
A lot of the lighting in 'Double Indemnity' is stripped and dark, which could be related to the stripped-down economy during and after the 2nd World War. This leads to cuts in the sets, but the stripped-down office, apartment and bar locations all make film noir recognizable. Phyllis first appears in just a towel, which immediately catches the eye of Walter and introduces her as the sexy, dominant women who can get anything she wants with her looks, but possibly, this is her limit, in a time where men may have been more dominant in society, politics ect.
Bridget in 'The Last Seductions', on the other hand, has a lot more available for her because of the time period (nearer the present). She easily gets a job and is able to get to a new location easily. More money was available to spend on sets, props and lighting, which results in the combination of light and darkness and the increased use of technology (phones, computers, cars ect.). However, not a lot of ties in with the plot, unlike in 'Double Indemnity' where the dictaphone is used by Walter to drive the entire storyline.
Something that both the time periods have in common, however, is that both male characters first show disgust towards the plots towards murder due to it being immoral. Both men, however, give in and join in with these tactics so they can remain close to the women they are crazy for. However, the endings to each film show us that manipulation is something that has taken place for years, and that there some people out there who simply want to use you for their own devilish ways. Some people simply exist to screw you over.
Tuesday 20 April 2010
Living With Crime
What social scenarios are explored within each film?
'London to Brighton' - Kelly and Joanne are at first complete strangers to each other, but after going through so much trauma together, end up so close that they are much like siblings. It shows what 24 hours with someone you never met before can do.
'Sweet Sixteen' - the partnership between Liam and Pinball is what keeps these close friends together when selling drugs. When Liam joins the new gang, however, a strain is put on their friendship, which Pinball deals with by creating disastrous results.
'Bullet Boy' - Again, a strong friendship is clearly displayed between Rikki and Wisdom, but they as well clash over their differences. Wisdom often wants to deal with his problems with violent affairs, while Rikki can see because of his time in jail, violence is often not needed and often attempts to get him out of it. Wisdom causes trouble with a rival gang after shooting a gang member's dog, which comes back to haunt both Wisdom and Rikki.
How is crime portrayed in each film?
In 'Bullet Boy' Rikki's home town of Hackney, North-East London, is represented a city where crime is just around the corner, as the almost street brawl between Wisdom and the enemy gang members show. The smallest accident, like breaking the car-wing mirror, can result in violence if words are not chosen carefully. After his time in prison, Rikki knows that a brawl would result with him back in prison and therefore is smart enough to get himself and Wisdom out of it. 'London to Brighton', however, has crime as the driving force throughout the entire film, with Kelly and Joanne running away from crime from the start of the film. It seems that crime is the only way to gain money (Kelly's prostitution) and the result at the end of the film is only more crime and the effects it leaves on people. 'Sweet Sixteen' also displays crime as the only motive for gaining money (Liam's entrance into drug dealing) but his intentions are good (to raise money for the 'dream' caravan and to make his mother happy). However, it means that he has to do the dirty and dangerous dealing that come with selling drugs, much like Kelly in 'London to Brighton' with her prostitution, as her intentions are also good (raising the train fare for safety).
In what ways are people deprived in each film?
Rikki in 'Bullet Boy' has his chances of finding employment cut down heavily after gaining a criminal record. His restraining order also limits him to speaking and showing what is on his mind, for example, at the brawl of the start of the film, he has to get himself and Wisdom out of it because of what it could lead to - For all we know, he may have wanted to tell the enemy gang members how he felt with his fists. In 'Sweet Sixteen' teenager seems to only connect with his mother, who is in prison because of Liam's abusive stepfarther Stan's drug dealing. He is deprived here because he is not able to see his mother that much and has to deal with the anger from his stepfarther and earn money for himself, and not in the most convenient way (selling contraband cigarettes in local pubs). Much like Liam, Joanne of 'London to Brighton' also deals without the care of her mother and farther as she had ran away from her home. However, I feel that because of her young age, she also deprived of an understanding to what really circles around the events in the film.
What opportunities are available to the main characters in each of the films?
For each of the characters (Liam, Rikki and Kelly) I would say not a lot, if any, opportunities are available for them. This is because in each film, there is little, if any, mention of education. In 'Sweet Sixteen' Liam is 15-years-old - at this age you would expect him to be in school. However, when his mother asks him about it, he simple laughs and ignores the subject. Rikki's ('Bullet Boy') time in prison would have cut him off from education opportunities and Joanne ('London to Brighton') is in the same position because of running away from home.
How are criminals portrayed within each film?
Stuart Allen ('London to Brighton') appears as the upper-class, in charge of everything overall threatening criminal(dressed in white suit accompanied by henchmen, sat in a strip club answering a call). He puts fear into Derek by slashing his leg open as a 'taste' of whats to come, and Derek constantly tells Kelly of how much trouble he is in. 'Sweet Sixteen' and 'Bullet Boy' portray criminals as a team effort, but in 'Sweet Sixteen' new members must undergo a test to show that they have the guts to take part (Liam being asked to stab the man in the club). 'Bullet Boy' shows the unease that can be felt when surrounded by an enemy gang when alone (Rikki standing at the train station at the end of the film).
Can the protagonists escape from the situation they are in?
'Bullet Boy's protagonist, Rikki, is released from prison but with a probation order, and cannot get heavily involved in violent situations, as the early scene with Wisdom shows. His criminal record also slices his employment opportunities, so it is as if he is 'boxed in' from the actions that take place around him. Joanne and Kelly, at the end of 'London to Brighton' although they are safe from the previous night's events and be relieved that its all over, have to live with the guilt that they were the reason behind Stuart murdering Derek and Chum. in 'Sweet Sixteen' Liam emotional scars those close to him - his friend Pinball feel betrayed by him being sucked into the new gang and his mother cannot bare the thought of his earning from drug dealing getting them a new apartment. He also has to live with guilt.
What punishments do characters receive for their crimes in each of the films?
Joanne - For stabbing and leaving his farther to die, Stuart makes her pull the trigger on Derek, which will leave her emotionally scared for the rest of her life.
Liam - After spending more time with his new gang, Pinball becomes angered and sets Liam's dream caravan on fire, leaving it to burn to the ground. As an act of self-punishment, he also cuts his face right in front of Liam. Liam's mother, upset by how Liam has earned money, runs away to Liam's abusive stepfarther.
Rikki - Because of his younger brother, Curtis, finding and injuring a friend with the gun Wisdom gave him, Rikki is asked to leave home by his mother. However, it is ultimately Wisdom's crime of attempted murder that gets Rikki into trouble. At the train station, Rikki is shot dead by the gang member Godfrey, who Wisdom almost has a brawl with at the start of the film.
How is violence portrayed within each of the films?
'Bullet Boy' portrays violence as something anyone can easily walk into, even for the most minor accident. After seeing the brawl that could have taken place if Rikki didn't pull Wisdom back, I find it is easy to see how Rikki ended up in prison in the first place - violence, if not careful, can be found just around the corner.
'London to Brighton' and 'Sweet Sixteen' however, show how violence can occur for the business that the characters are in. for Liam, this involves the dangers that drug dealing can have (where he is beaten for his gear, but gets up again multiple times) and 'London to Brighton' keeps a reminder of violence throughout the film - Kelly's bruised, swollen face.
What social restrictions are evident in each of these films?
in 'London to Brighton' Joanne is found begging outside Waterloo station. When Kelly approaches her, at first she is instantly questioning and just wants her to leave. This indicates that because of not being at home and going to school, Joanne does not get the opportunity to meet and socialise with many people and her life on the streets forces to be rude. 'Bullet Boy' and 'Sweet Sixteen's protagonists, Liam and Rikki, are both shows to have social skills as they both have close peers (Pinball and Wisdom respectively) but they also show that the simplest misunderstanding, if not handled correctly, can make a long-lasting, incorrect impression.
How can the films be said to reflect aspects of contemporary society?
Firstly, I would like to draw attention to a scene in 'Sweet Sixteen' in particular. The scene where Liam is beaten by a rival gang because of selling drugs. The gang then take the drugs for themselves and Liam attempts to get them back several times, and with each attempt comes another beating. In life, the drug trade can often be a dangerous one and if cards are played incorrectly, beatings can happen. However, the realism of society reflected in this scene, I feel, is the simple act of bullying. The rival gang are obviously unhappy about his involvement in drug dealing and what he has to sell so, as an act of jealously, they steal his gear, beating him down to the ground in the process.
Next, I will look at the situation Joanne is put in in 'London to Brighton'. Joanne reveals that she has run away from home, at the young age of 12. Sadly, Joanne is representing an extremely realistic scenario in society. She tells Kelly that she ran away from home because she had 'nothing' for her there. Unfortunately, there are many children in Britain like Joanne who do the same thing because of the same reason, so society is well reflected in this aspect. The same applies for Kelly and her prostitution services. the seedy men she serves can be found all over the country, and so can prostitutes.
Finally, I will look at aspects of 'Bullet Boy' that are easily reflected in society. When finding the gun that his older brother had hidden, Curtis gives off a strong impression that he will follow in the footsteps of his older brother - footsteps that Rikki is desperate to erase. The comparison to society here is not necessarily related to crime, but the actions that younger siblings can imitate. The fear here is that if an older sibling makes a mistake, the younger sibling can repeat it and the actions of this mistake, no matter how serious it can be, will also be repeated. For Rikki and Curtis, this is ultimately a prison sentence, a restraining order, employment becoming harder to find and the emotional strain on the family.
What links can be made between the social situation of the films and the society in which we live?
'Bullet Boy' - Because of his probation order and criminal record, Rikki will now find it harder to seek employment, as his brother points out. Interviewers may find think that it will be harder to talk to him, which would be bad for a customer-friendly environment. His record makes him a figure to be intimidated by. On application forms, a company will often ask about if a person has a criminal record and for details about it, which means that regretful words will have to be written down on the paper: there is no way around it. Because of this, it is no surprise that Rikki begins to get upset when Curtis mentions it: he too will have a regretful stain on his application forms that he wishes wasn't there.
'Sweet Sixteen' - When Liam is initiated into the new drug-running gang and gains a new apartment, Pinball, his best friend, feels betrayed. He and Liam had been previously selling contraband cigarettes and entered the drug trade together, so he feels that when Liam begins selling as part of the gang, he feels he has been left behind. as an act of self-punishment, Pinball cuts his own face with the knife Liam had been given when joining the gang. the link to society here is the effect on drugs, but not taking them, still has on those close to you. When drugs are taken, there are bound to be family members and/or friends that become upset, but in this film, no one is seen taking them. The effects are still powerful though, with Pinball slashing his face and Liam's mother, Jean, running away after a 'welcome home' party. This goes to show that you don't have to take drugs to upset someone: it's just mentioning them or getting involved with them that can be harmful, and this links in well to society.
'London to Brighton' - Kelly is a prostitute, servicing anyone she can for money. No record of a previous education or employment is mentioned and she is in disgust with herself about what she does for a living. She feels as if there is nothing else for her, but her commitment and willingness to get Joanne to safety is strong. I think that this shows that her disgust for herself really could be unnecessary and this is the link to society. People often feel like there is nothing better they can do with their lives and pick the job at the bottom of the pile (for Kelly, this is prostitution) and because they feel there is nowhere else they belong. A lot of the time, there is the clear light that they really could be doing something better if they just put the effort in. Kelly shows this effort when protecting Joanne and getting her to safety, but sadly, she seems unaware of it, and so do many people who end up on the lowest step of the ladder.
'London to Brighton' - Kelly and Joanne are at first complete strangers to each other, but after going through so much trauma together, end up so close that they are much like siblings. It shows what 24 hours with someone you never met before can do.
'Sweet Sixteen' - the partnership between Liam and Pinball is what keeps these close friends together when selling drugs. When Liam joins the new gang, however, a strain is put on their friendship, which Pinball deals with by creating disastrous results.
'Bullet Boy' - Again, a strong friendship is clearly displayed between Rikki and Wisdom, but they as well clash over their differences. Wisdom often wants to deal with his problems with violent affairs, while Rikki can see because of his time in jail, violence is often not needed and often attempts to get him out of it. Wisdom causes trouble with a rival gang after shooting a gang member's dog, which comes back to haunt both Wisdom and Rikki.
How is crime portrayed in each film?
In 'Bullet Boy' Rikki's home town of Hackney, North-East London, is represented a city where crime is just around the corner, as the almost street brawl between Wisdom and the enemy gang members show. The smallest accident, like breaking the car-wing mirror, can result in violence if words are not chosen carefully. After his time in prison, Rikki knows that a brawl would result with him back in prison and therefore is smart enough to get himself and Wisdom out of it. 'London to Brighton', however, has crime as the driving force throughout the entire film, with Kelly and Joanne running away from crime from the start of the film. It seems that crime is the only way to gain money (Kelly's prostitution) and the result at the end of the film is only more crime and the effects it leaves on people. 'Sweet Sixteen' also displays crime as the only motive for gaining money (Liam's entrance into drug dealing) but his intentions are good (to raise money for the 'dream' caravan and to make his mother happy). However, it means that he has to do the dirty and dangerous dealing that come with selling drugs, much like Kelly in 'London to Brighton' with her prostitution, as her intentions are also good (raising the train fare for safety).
In what ways are people deprived in each film?
Rikki in 'Bullet Boy' has his chances of finding employment cut down heavily after gaining a criminal record. His restraining order also limits him to speaking and showing what is on his mind, for example, at the brawl of the start of the film, he has to get himself and Wisdom out of it because of what it could lead to - For all we know, he may have wanted to tell the enemy gang members how he felt with his fists. In 'Sweet Sixteen' teenager seems to only connect with his mother, who is in prison because of Liam's abusive stepfarther Stan's drug dealing. He is deprived here because he is not able to see his mother that much and has to deal with the anger from his stepfarther and earn money for himself, and not in the most convenient way (selling contraband cigarettes in local pubs). Much like Liam, Joanne of 'London to Brighton' also deals without the care of her mother and farther as she had ran away from her home. However, I feel that because of her young age, she also deprived of an understanding to what really circles around the events in the film.
What opportunities are available to the main characters in each of the films?
For each of the characters (Liam, Rikki and Kelly) I would say not a lot, if any, opportunities are available for them. This is because in each film, there is little, if any, mention of education. In 'Sweet Sixteen' Liam is 15-years-old - at this age you would expect him to be in school. However, when his mother asks him about it, he simple laughs and ignores the subject. Rikki's ('Bullet Boy') time in prison would have cut him off from education opportunities and Joanne ('London to Brighton') is in the same position because of running away from home.
How are criminals portrayed within each film?
Stuart Allen ('London to Brighton') appears as the upper-class, in charge of everything overall threatening criminal(dressed in white suit accompanied by henchmen, sat in a strip club answering a call). He puts fear into Derek by slashing his leg open as a 'taste' of whats to come, and Derek constantly tells Kelly of how much trouble he is in. 'Sweet Sixteen' and 'Bullet Boy' portray criminals as a team effort, but in 'Sweet Sixteen' new members must undergo a test to show that they have the guts to take part (Liam being asked to stab the man in the club). 'Bullet Boy' shows the unease that can be felt when surrounded by an enemy gang when alone (Rikki standing at the train station at the end of the film).
Can the protagonists escape from the situation they are in?
'Bullet Boy's protagonist, Rikki, is released from prison but with a probation order, and cannot get heavily involved in violent situations, as the early scene with Wisdom shows. His criminal record also slices his employment opportunities, so it is as if he is 'boxed in' from the actions that take place around him. Joanne and Kelly, at the end of 'London to Brighton' although they are safe from the previous night's events and be relieved that its all over, have to live with the guilt that they were the reason behind Stuart murdering Derek and Chum. in 'Sweet Sixteen' Liam emotional scars those close to him - his friend Pinball feel betrayed by him being sucked into the new gang and his mother cannot bare the thought of his earning from drug dealing getting them a new apartment. He also has to live with guilt.
What punishments do characters receive for their crimes in each of the films?
Joanne - For stabbing and leaving his farther to die, Stuart makes her pull the trigger on Derek, which will leave her emotionally scared for the rest of her life.
Liam - After spending more time with his new gang, Pinball becomes angered and sets Liam's dream caravan on fire, leaving it to burn to the ground. As an act of self-punishment, he also cuts his face right in front of Liam. Liam's mother, upset by how Liam has earned money, runs away to Liam's abusive stepfarther.
Rikki - Because of his younger brother, Curtis, finding and injuring a friend with the gun Wisdom gave him, Rikki is asked to leave home by his mother. However, it is ultimately Wisdom's crime of attempted murder that gets Rikki into trouble. At the train station, Rikki is shot dead by the gang member Godfrey, who Wisdom almost has a brawl with at the start of the film.
How is violence portrayed within each of the films?
'Bullet Boy' portrays violence as something anyone can easily walk into, even for the most minor accident. After seeing the brawl that could have taken place if Rikki didn't pull Wisdom back, I find it is easy to see how Rikki ended up in prison in the first place - violence, if not careful, can be found just around the corner.
'London to Brighton' and 'Sweet Sixteen' however, show how violence can occur for the business that the characters are in. for Liam, this involves the dangers that drug dealing can have (where he is beaten for his gear, but gets up again multiple times) and 'London to Brighton' keeps a reminder of violence throughout the film - Kelly's bruised, swollen face.
What social restrictions are evident in each of these films?
in 'London to Brighton' Joanne is found begging outside Waterloo station. When Kelly approaches her, at first she is instantly questioning and just wants her to leave. This indicates that because of not being at home and going to school, Joanne does not get the opportunity to meet and socialise with many people and her life on the streets forces to be rude. 'Bullet Boy' and 'Sweet Sixteen's protagonists, Liam and Rikki, are both shows to have social skills as they both have close peers (Pinball and Wisdom respectively) but they also show that the simplest misunderstanding, if not handled correctly, can make a long-lasting, incorrect impression.
How can the films be said to reflect aspects of contemporary society?
Firstly, I would like to draw attention to a scene in 'Sweet Sixteen' in particular. The scene where Liam is beaten by a rival gang because of selling drugs. The gang then take the drugs for themselves and Liam attempts to get them back several times, and with each attempt comes another beating. In life, the drug trade can often be a dangerous one and if cards are played incorrectly, beatings can happen. However, the realism of society reflected in this scene, I feel, is the simple act of bullying. The rival gang are obviously unhappy about his involvement in drug dealing and what he has to sell so, as an act of jealously, they steal his gear, beating him down to the ground in the process.
Next, I will look at the situation Joanne is put in in 'London to Brighton'. Joanne reveals that she has run away from home, at the young age of 12. Sadly, Joanne is representing an extremely realistic scenario in society. She tells Kelly that she ran away from home because she had 'nothing' for her there. Unfortunately, there are many children in Britain like Joanne who do the same thing because of the same reason, so society is well reflected in this aspect. The same applies for Kelly and her prostitution services. the seedy men she serves can be found all over the country, and so can prostitutes.
Finally, I will look at aspects of 'Bullet Boy' that are easily reflected in society. When finding the gun that his older brother had hidden, Curtis gives off a strong impression that he will follow in the footsteps of his older brother - footsteps that Rikki is desperate to erase. The comparison to society here is not necessarily related to crime, but the actions that younger siblings can imitate. The fear here is that if an older sibling makes a mistake, the younger sibling can repeat it and the actions of this mistake, no matter how serious it can be, will also be repeated. For Rikki and Curtis, this is ultimately a prison sentence, a restraining order, employment becoming harder to find and the emotional strain on the family.
What links can be made between the social situation of the films and the society in which we live?
'Bullet Boy' - Because of his probation order and criminal record, Rikki will now find it harder to seek employment, as his brother points out. Interviewers may find think that it will be harder to talk to him, which would be bad for a customer-friendly environment. His record makes him a figure to be intimidated by. On application forms, a company will often ask about if a person has a criminal record and for details about it, which means that regretful words will have to be written down on the paper: there is no way around it. Because of this, it is no surprise that Rikki begins to get upset when Curtis mentions it: he too will have a regretful stain on his application forms that he wishes wasn't there.
'Sweet Sixteen' - When Liam is initiated into the new drug-running gang and gains a new apartment, Pinball, his best friend, feels betrayed. He and Liam had been previously selling contraband cigarettes and entered the drug trade together, so he feels that when Liam begins selling as part of the gang, he feels he has been left behind. as an act of self-punishment, Pinball cuts his own face with the knife Liam had been given when joining the gang. the link to society here is the effect on drugs, but not taking them, still has on those close to you. When drugs are taken, there are bound to be family members and/or friends that become upset, but in this film, no one is seen taking them. The effects are still powerful though, with Pinball slashing his face and Liam's mother, Jean, running away after a 'welcome home' party. This goes to show that you don't have to take drugs to upset someone: it's just mentioning them or getting involved with them that can be harmful, and this links in well to society.
'London to Brighton' - Kelly is a prostitute, servicing anyone she can for money. No record of a previous education or employment is mentioned and she is in disgust with herself about what she does for a living. She feels as if there is nothing else for her, but her commitment and willingness to get Joanne to safety is strong. I think that this shows that her disgust for herself really could be unnecessary and this is the link to society. People often feel like there is nothing better they can do with their lives and pick the job at the bottom of the pile (for Kelly, this is prostitution) and because they feel there is nowhere else they belong. A lot of the time, there is the clear light that they really could be doing something better if they just put the effort in. Kelly shows this effort when protecting Joanne and getting her to safety, but sadly, she seems unaware of it, and so do many people who end up on the lowest step of the ladder.
Tuesday 6 April 2010
'London to Brighton' - Aspects of crime
Narrative methods
The story begins with the present - Kelly and Joanne bursting into a rundown toilet and deciding that they need to escape to Brighton. But what are they escaping from? This all made clear when flashbacks are used, showing why they needed to escape. This formula continues as they arrive in Brighton and as Derek and Chum turn up, and I find it is a winning formula. Questions constantly come, but they are answered.
Representation of poverty
Poverty is what essentially, I find, kicks off the trauma-infected events of the story. Joanne is found begging on the streets of London and it is Kelly who decides to take her to a nearby restaurant for food. It is Joanne, a young, homeless girl, that is wanted for Duncan Allen's sick schematics (to have sex with her) and in the event of her escaping with Kelly and killing him that leads on to have devastating consequences.
Representation of family relationships
It is revealed that Joanne's mother is dead and that her farther abused her, the latter of which being her reason for leaving home and heading for the streets. She says that there is nothing for her at home, which suggest pure hatred for her farther. Abuse can be a reason for many young children running away from home and face trouble on the streets, which is represented in the character of Joanne.
Representation of class
A mixture of class is displayed in this film. Kelly and Derek both come across as low-class - Kelly because she is a prostitute and it is her way of getting money throughout the film and Derek because he is a pimp, which gives his connection to Kelly. Joanne's class is somewhat mysterious - we see nothing of her home with family until she meets her grandmother at the end of the film. At an ever so brief glance, I would think that Joanne is somewhat middle-class at least. Duncan Allen represents the high gang class. This is seen clearly as he is accompanied by henchmen and appears in locations like strip clubs and wears a suit.
Representation of violence
Violence is the driving force behind the story. the film begins and ends with violent reflections, the beginning being Kelly's swollen face, which is a clear sign that she has been abused, and the ending of Derek and Chum being shot which suggest violence must be dealt with by more violence.
Representation of crime
12-year-old Joanne admits to stabbing Duncan's farther, Stuart, and as payback has Chum and Derek both shot dead, the latter of which Stuart makes Joanne pull the trigger for. Crime is dealt for with more crime, but I think this was not the method of Duncan's vengeance plan. I think that he felt really bad for finding his farther dead, so he wanted to make Joanne feel as bad as he did, and the best way to do this was to try and make her commit another crime. However, I found the shooting of Derek and Chum to be quite unexpected, but this could have been part of Duncan's method - someone has to pay, and it is the unexpected that do.
The story begins with the present - Kelly and Joanne bursting into a rundown toilet and deciding that they need to escape to Brighton. But what are they escaping from? This all made clear when flashbacks are used, showing why they needed to escape. This formula continues as they arrive in Brighton and as Derek and Chum turn up, and I find it is a winning formula. Questions constantly come, but they are answered.
Representation of poverty
Poverty is what essentially, I find, kicks off the trauma-infected events of the story. Joanne is found begging on the streets of London and it is Kelly who decides to take her to a nearby restaurant for food. It is Joanne, a young, homeless girl, that is wanted for Duncan Allen's sick schematics (to have sex with her) and in the event of her escaping with Kelly and killing him that leads on to have devastating consequences.
Representation of family relationships
It is revealed that Joanne's mother is dead and that her farther abused her, the latter of which being her reason for leaving home and heading for the streets. She says that there is nothing for her at home, which suggest pure hatred for her farther. Abuse can be a reason for many young children running away from home and face trouble on the streets, which is represented in the character of Joanne.
Representation of class
A mixture of class is displayed in this film. Kelly and Derek both come across as low-class - Kelly because she is a prostitute and it is her way of getting money throughout the film and Derek because he is a pimp, which gives his connection to Kelly. Joanne's class is somewhat mysterious - we see nothing of her home with family until she meets her grandmother at the end of the film. At an ever so brief glance, I would think that Joanne is somewhat middle-class at least. Duncan Allen represents the high gang class. This is seen clearly as he is accompanied by henchmen and appears in locations like strip clubs and wears a suit.
Representation of violence
Violence is the driving force behind the story. the film begins and ends with violent reflections, the beginning being Kelly's swollen face, which is a clear sign that she has been abused, and the ending of Derek and Chum being shot which suggest violence must be dealt with by more violence.
Representation of crime
12-year-old Joanne admits to stabbing Duncan's farther, Stuart, and as payback has Chum and Derek both shot dead, the latter of which Stuart makes Joanne pull the trigger for. Crime is dealt for with more crime, but I think this was not the method of Duncan's vengeance plan. I think that he felt really bad for finding his farther dead, so he wanted to make Joanne feel as bad as he did, and the best way to do this was to try and make her commit another crime. However, I found the shooting of Derek and Chum to be quite unexpected, but this could have been part of Duncan's method - someone has to pay, and it is the unexpected that do.
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