FILM CONVENTIONS

SETTING

Setting can be used for a number of purposes

It might be used for:

• Realism (Time and place of
setting is made known)
• Atmosphere
( Reinforce desired mood)
E.g. Horror movies
• Symbolism
• (Can be conveyed through
setting)
E.g. a storm can represent inner
turmoil
 CHARACTERIZATION

A narrative might use:

• Sympathetic characters- With whom the audience strongly identifies with. They may
share qualities and values.

• Unsympathetic Characters- Audience

dislikes. May increase sympathy to main
character.

• Stereotypes- Can reinforce existing ways

of thinking about certain groups- appeal
to the prejudices of the audience.
However sometimes stereotypes are
deliberately broken.

Mean Girls (2004)

 PLOT

A narrative might to use:

• A linear Plot
(Events would occur in the same order they would occur in real life)
• Manipulation of time
(E.g.. Flashbacks- X- MEN Wolverine)
• Suspense
• (It is hinted something dramatic is going to happen)
A Climax and Resolution
(Main problem occurs, comes to a head and is sorted out)
A sting in the tail
(Ending is a complete surprise and unexpected)
An open ending
(Loose ends left- audience may be left wondering- as story seems not over)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx9HudJ4sQI
 CASTING

The appearance of actors is often associated with personality.

Prior knowledge of the actor can influence our response.

Not HER!!

Hannah Montana

But lets think about it-

Why would they cast Miley Cyrus?

What image does she represent?
What image are they trying to portray?
What is the show about?
Who is the target audience?
 PERFORMANCE

This will also effect the way an audience

responds. Elements of performance
include facial expressions, body
language and delivery of lines.

Joker’s Performance-
•Crazy look in eyes
•Eccentric style
•Crazy and unsettled mannerisms
(Many actors do a lot of research and
preparation before a role)

Heath ledger locked himself away for 6 weeks -

making him within the realm of a psychopath
with zero empathy
Heath Ledger- Joker (2008)
 COSTUMING

This can affect our

interpretations of the
characters. For example it
may make a character
glamorous and attractive or
conservative or rugged etc.

 Costuming is also integral

to portray the period of
time that the film is set in
(Classical, War, Future
The Young Victoria (2009) etc.)
 PROPS, SETS LOCATIONS

Props, Sets and Locations can influence our interpretation of character as as

contribute to the atmosphere of the film.

Hurt Locker (2008)- Shot in Jordan just a few miles from the Iraq border.
 CAMERA WORK

Frequent use of close-ups can encourage the

audience to identify with a character.

• Wide shots can emphasize the beauty of a

scene or give a sense of emptiness.

• Different angles can make characters appear

powerful and threatening or weak and
frightened.

Batman- The Dark Knight (2008)

 LIGHTING
Soft and harsh lighting
Soft and harsh lighting can manipulate a viewer's attitude towards a setting or a
character.

The way light is used can make objects, people and environments look beautiful or
ugly, soft or harsh, artificial or real. Light may be used expressively or realistically.

 Backlighting. A romantic heroine is

often backlit to create a halo effect on
her hair.

300 (2007)
Princess Gorgo who addresses the Spartan
council.
 SOUND

Sound builds up the atmosphere

•Scary scene- creepy music in background, creaking door, footsteps coming

etc

•Sad scene- slow and emotive music

•Happy scene- laughter, joy, and upbeat music

•Serious Scene- May use silence to enhance the atmosphere

Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFXNcR4ZofA
 EDITING

Editing can convey a sense of excitement or pace

(E.g. opening scenes of Romeo and Juliet)

Watch: