Last week we looked at doing a more quirky, indie Rom Com which i really like.
CONVENTIONS OF A QUIRKY ROMCOM
Awkwardness!!! Lots of swaying back and forth on the feet, uncomfortable situations...
Pick up on tiny details, littlest things. The beginning of Amelie is a great example, like what each characters likes and dislikes are, iufortunately I cant find a decent clip of this anywhere.
Artistic
Ordinary looking people.
Down beat
Warm clothing seemed to occur a lot, winter time.
Indie music.. gentle
We looked at some indie rom com trailers... these were:
So its time to start our film opening and the brief I have chosen is: A ‘relationship’ comedy/drama made by an independent production company, aimed at young adults.
I'm pretty excited to get started however the group I am with, Zoe and Effie, have completely different ideas for the story. They are inspired by openings such as The Holiday with the non-diegetic speech of Kate Winslet, and Love Actually with all the couples together.
As much as I love the films I think its all a bit cliche and soppy, and because its an indie film i want it to attract both sexes. I want it to be just as funny as the romance.
I like the idea of having two contrasting protagonists that are the lovers for example in 'Knocked Up'.
I like the shots of "This is Allison's Life" and "This is Ben's Life" you can really see the contrast of the characters, having text like this in my opening is an idea I would like to consider.
I'm also inspired by this split scene from 500 Days Of Summer:
The faded edges and costumes give it that Indie, vintage feel and thats what I really like. Also using something like "This is ..... life" and having a split screen we can show the two protagonists getting ready for their day of work.. maybe the day they are going to meet.
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I am analysing Blake Edwards' "Breakfast at Tiffanys". I originally wanted to analyse '500 Days of Summer' opening but i couldnt find it anywhere at all! So I have settled for something I enjoy just as much, it may not be very exciting but I think it sets the film up brilliantly.
Shot 1 ELS
Shot 2 Low angle
Shot 3 MS
Shot 4 MS
Shot 5 MS/CU
Shot 6 LS
Shot 7 ELS
Shot 8 High angle
How are character types established?
Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is first seen in the first shot. Her clothing suggests she's an upper class socialite with money also this is portrayed by the way she holds herself. You can tell she's into expensive things like jewellery and in shot 8 you can see that she is running away from a man, suggesting she's mischievous.
How is the location established?
The location is also established in the first shot with the american style buildings and the shop of 'Tiffany & Co' show that it is set in New York. The cars and fashion also show that this was set in the '60s.
How is the narrative constructed?
The narrative of this is simply the question of who is this woman? Why is she trying to get away from this man? The beginning does not give too much away wanting you to watch on.
How does it reflect the genre of the film?
The calm music of the infamous 'Moon River' reflects the romance in the movie. There is no action in this scene which straight away shows that if you want action you're watching the wrong movie. When I first watched this film I was expecting it to be just a romantic film, but actually a few more shots in we see that it is also a comedy. Creating a hybrid genre of a rom-com.
Is the opening appropriate for the genre?
Yes, I think it is definitely appropriate, it is very unlikely that a calm slow opening like this would be used for any other genres.
How have the titles been used?
You can see in shot 4 that the font for the titles are golden and easy to read, this reflects the laid back elegance of the film. They are straight to point of who is the cast and crew and fits in with the main warm colours in the mise en scene.
Is the opening effective in your view?
I think that opening is effective, normally I don't really like a slow opening as it can drag on a bit. But because it is an older film and it runs smoothly into the actual film I do like it. Unlike for example the opening sequence in 'The Notebook' I think the music is too slow and drags on.
