1. Settings and locations
Setting and locations play an important part in filmmaking and are not just backgrounds. They can either be built from scratch or a great deal of time is spent to find a setting which already exists. Settings are able to manipulate an audience by building certain expectations and then taking a different turn. The location sets the scene and also mood of the film. For example if the setting of a film is down a street alley way with graffiti written on the walls and rubbish on the floor, you get the feeling there is something uneasy about the area, perhaps it is not completely safe and that something dangerous may be about to happen. Whereas if the location of the film was in a pleasant area which was clean, this suggests something totally different to the audience. There is no longer an element of danger present. – It represents a happier, safer environment.
The three act as an instant indicator to us of a character’s personality, status and job. It tells us immediately whether the film is set in the present and what society/or culture it will centre around. Certain costumes can signify certain individuals (i.e. black cloak for a vampire, spidey’s spiderman suit.) If a character is successful and career minded they may be dressed in a suit for example. If they are tidy and organized their costume will most likely be clean with their hair tied up perhaps. On the other hand, if a character is unorganized with a low paid job their clothing will most likely be scruffier looking and not looking expensive (no high end brands.) If a woman is giving the personae of being with various different men, she will wear more revealing clothing, showing her confidence and seductiveness. Contrastingly, if a character is shy they are unlikely to wear revealing clothes and probably will be dressed in darker colours with minimal make up in order to ensure they do not stand out from the crowd.
3. Facial expression and body language
Facial expressions and body language similarly to costumes, hair and make up also show a character’s personality. If a character likes another character they will show open body language as well as give pleasant gestures, such as gently touching their arm for instance. They may also mirror their body language. Smiling and nodding is also a sign you are intrigued in what another individual has to say and are open and liste ning to them, which shows you like them as well as the fact the character is polite and attentive. If a character shows closed body language (this could be crossing their arms or legs) it shows they either feel uncomfortable, are disinterested in what the person has to say, or maybe that they dislike the character or are angry/upset with them. Alternatively, they could be shy. Facial expressions state someone’s mood, i.e smiling – happy, crying – sad, frowning – angry. Whereas body language reflects a person’s mood, i.e happy – open body language, lots of hand movements. Sad – closed body language, arms/legs crossed, perhaps hand covering their face. Anger – shoulders wide, hands on hips to represent power and authority over the situation.
4. Lighting and colour
Lighting and colour reflect the mood of a scene, or emphasize a specific prop or character depending on how the lights are on them, and the either the colour of clothing they are wearing or the colour of the background compared to different objects within the frame.
Colour’s often represent good or evil and anger or happiness. The most common colour used to reflect a mood is probably black. Showing mysteriousness and danger. If a prop is a certain colour compared to the rest of the background it makes that specific prop stand out, so consequently the audience knows that it is significant. Similarly, if a character is dressed in a different colour uniform for instance, compared to the remaining characters it shows they are either or a high or lower status within their job compared to the others.
When it comes to lighting, if the lights are bright, it shows happiness, if they are dim it shows a more reflective, sad mood. Light of course, most obviously can allow the audience to differencaite between night and day.
Lastly, depending on how the light is captured on an actors face, it can enhance their facial expression.
5. Props
Props can be used to tell us information about a characters lifestyle, i.e. if they are reading a book, we get an image they are fairly intellectual and like to relax. If a character is using their mobile phone it could indicate they like to be social with others, or alternatively that they are busy career wise. Props can also give us a n idea of a characters class status. If the props in their home look expensive, then they are likely to be middle class and above. If there are few props in the background and the items that are are not very expensive looking this indicates they are more likely to be at the lower end of class status.
5. Props
Props can be used to tell us information about a characters lifestyle, i.e. if they are reading a book, we get an image they are fairly intellectual and like to relax. If a character is using their mobile phone it could indicate they like to be social with others, or alternatively that they are busy career wise. Props can also give us a n idea of a characters class status. If the props in their home look expensive, then they are likely to be middle class and above. If there are few props in the background and the items that are are not very expensive looking this indicates they are more likely to be at the lower end of class status.
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