Post Apocalyptic film success

This is the IMDb statistics that I found telling me the box office numbers for each post apocalyptic film I am looking at. This helps me as the film that made more money will be the one that audiences enjoyed the most and that I should use to take inspiration from.
The book Eli

Box Office

Budget:

$80,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,232,001 (UK) (15 January 2010)

Gross:

$94,822,707 (USA) (7 May 2010)

The road

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,502,231 (USA) (27 November 2009)

Gross:

$56,692 (USA) (11 May 2012)

28 Days later

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£1,500,079 (UK) (1 November 2002)

Gross:

$45,063,889 (USA) (24 October 2003)

I am Legend

Box Office

Budget:

$150,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$77,211,321 (USA) (14 December 2007)

Gross:

$256,386,216 (USA) (4 April 2008)

Maze runner
Box Office

Budget:
$34,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:
$32,512,804 (USA) (19 September 2014)
Gross:
$102,413,606 (USA) (23 January 2015)

Music

Sound Terminology

• Ambient sound-The sounds of the location e.g. water noises near a river, cows mooing in a farm etc.They tell us what kind of place we are in and if we see how characters react to these sounds it tells us a lot. Noisy cars, horns, people, traffic represent a region as being busy and urban, not very homely.
• Asynchronous sound- Is where the sound is either out of sync with the visuals or is unrelated to the visuals. Sound that is just out of sync would make the viewer feel disoriented and would make the characters and scene seem strange. Sound that is unrelated to the visuals may be there for emphasising something. For example, in the Godfather film, we see a man murdering people in cold blood, but hear the sounds of a priest christening a baby. This contrast emphasises the loss of innocent life.  
• Contrapuntal sound- Sound or music that seems strange in comparison to the scene we're seeing. For example in the film the shining, during beautiful scenes of winding roads and the countryside on a sunny day, we hear scary, ominous music. 
• Dialogue-The words the characters say. Usually thoughts and feelings, however because we can hear the character, we can hear their intonation e.g. If they speak softly it implies they are weak and emotional. Dialogue also helps the audience decipher where the character is from and if they are different to the other characters. 
• Direct Address (Breaking the 4th Wall)- Where the character talks to the audience directly.  This breaks the reality for the audience, however it helps us to see that character as an equal, a friend and someone to sympathise with.  
• Diegetic sound-Sounds that the characters can hear. This includes the words the characters say, background noises like traffic and crowds and even music, if it is through a radio or at a party/ club. Diegetic sound can set the mood of the scene, and can influence a characters behaviour and emotions.
• Non Diegetic sound- Other sounds that the characters can not hear and is added in, in the editing process e.g. The musical soundtrack, a voice-over etc. Non diegetic  music sets the scene, the time period, as well  as the atmosphere. A voice-over allows the audience to hear someones thoughts and empathise with them.
• Pitch-Low pitch described a sound that is deep and low(e.g. thunder) and high pitch describes a sound that is higher and lighter (e.g. a phone ringing).
• Rhythm- Describes the beat of the music. Sound or music with a slow rhythm is often used to depict calmness and peace. Sound or music with an irregular rhythm is used to confuse the audience and make them feel uncomfortable. 
• Voice-over- The use of a voice, over images, perhaps as an introduction, a linking narrative device for or to comment on action. It allows the audience to see inside the head of a character, helping us to empathise with them. 
• Sound Bridge- A portion of sound that covers a cut, normally to link two scenes together. For example, if you were to see a woman talking about how much she missed her boyfriend, and her voice continued  as a sound bridge on top of the shot of him, even if just for a few seconds, it emphasises that he is the man she was talking about. Sound bridges are usually from diegetic sound to Non diegetic sound or the reverse, however sometimes if the sound bridge connects two scenes together, it can also stay as the same medium of sound e.g. Diegetic and Non diegetic. 
• Sound Motif- Sound that represents a certain character e.g. The jaws theme tune for the shark.
• Sound Effects- A sound accompanying an action, sometimes musical. For example in the film psycho, short sharp violin noises accompany each stab of the knife during the shower scene. This emphasises the violence of each stabbing motion and makes it more dramatic. 
• Soundtrack- Music from a soundtrack (all the sounds) or the score (Just the music) emphasises the themes and emotions of a scene or character.for example high energy dance music with loud crashing tones will emphasise someones youth,  girly soft piano music will help us see a woman as stereo-typically delicate and feminine. 
• Synchronous sound- Is sound that is in sync with the visuals and was filmed at the same time. 

Camera

 Moving Image

• Using a tripod gives you stability. 
• Using a hand held camera gives you more flexibility, unnearves the audience , makes it look odd and unique

Camera Terminology

• Pull Focus- Describes a shot where one thing is on focus and then the lens is changed so that something else either in the foreground or background, stops being blurry and becomes in focus. Used to draw attention to a key element of the narrative and to show its sudden importance. 
• Canted Angle- A shot which is tilted to one side. This is often used to create a feeling of distortion. (Also known as a dutch Angle)Aerial shot (or crane)- A view from directly overhead to afford a clear view- sometimes used to emphasise the spectacle. A crane shot is usually necessary to achieve this (sometimes called a birds eye view).
• Close Up (and variations)- Close ups, including extreme, bid and medium close ups, are used to draw the viewer closer and to involve them in whats happening; they also observe reactions and emotions, such as happiness, elation or tension. These shots are often used to privileged the protagonist over the other characters and position the audience with him or her. 
• Crab shot- A type of shot which involves the camera being placed in a confined space e.g. A shot taken from inside a cupboard as the subject opens the door.
• Crane shot ( or Aerial)- A type of shot in which a camera is positioned on a specially designed crane, which can be raised and lowered at will. A crane shot is a high angle shot but the versatility of the equipment allows the director the start the shot from a high angle and then swoop down towards the subject at a ground level. 
• Deep Focus- A camera technique that allows objects both near and far from the camera to be in focus at the same time. 
• Establishing shot- The shot (usually wide or long), often used at the beginning of a programme or film or a new section within the film or programme, to establish the relationships between the characters and the location, also allowing the audience to see the whole view and get a better understanding of where the character is and how they might be feeling. 
• Hand-held shot- A shot filmed with the camera being held by the camera man and not being supported by a tripod, This makes the shots seem quite shaky and can make the audience more immersed into the action. for example, the moments when a figure of authority, walks round a house with a gun making sure there is no one around. The camera follows them. 
• High Angle- To provide a view from above the subjects, often making the subjects look vulnerable, isolated and or powerless.
• Low  Angle- A shot where the camera approaches the subjects from below eye level. Low angles can emphasise the size of the object being filmed, while giving it a sense of being powerful and in control of the situation. If this shot turns out to be a Point of view shot, it could make the character we are seeing through,seem small and weak. 
• Point-of-View Shot (POV or subjective filming)- A camera shot taken from the position of the subjects, used to enhance a sense of realism and the audience involvement in the action. 
• Long Shot- A distance shot where the camera is a long way from the subjects being filmed. A long shot can be effective as an establishing shot that sets the scene for the action. 
• Loose Frame- Describes a shot where there is a lot of room around an object or person. Usually used to show them as being isolated and alone or unimportant. 
• Pan- A camera action that involves gently moving the camera 180 degrees across the subject matter in a horizontal plane. 
• Rule or Thirds- Describes a technique used to make a shot look unique, rather than having the person or object central, they are placed on the left or right, perhaps showing whats happening behind them.

As we can see from this picture, The horizon is lined up with the lower third allowing for the mountains to be in the middle section and the sky in the last. Also within this photo is the tree that has been put in the right two thirds and pr=purposefully not in the centre. in order to show the mountains and the dry terrain. 

• Shallow Focus- Describes a shot where an object near the front is in focus, and everything behind is out of focus (blurry). Often used to make that key element stand out and show its importance.  

• Soft Focus- In images, the use of a special lens or filter to create a hazy light around the subject. Soft focus shots are associated with the romantic or sentamental treatment of subject matter. 

• Tight Frame- Describes a shot that is composed with the person or object given very little space around them. Often used to make them seem more important, or trapped. 
• Tilt Shot- A camera movement that involves moving the camera vertically up and down from a fixed position. 
• Tracking Shot-A camera shot in which the camera moves along rails to follow the subject. When rails are replaced by a moving platform on wheels, the shot is called a dolly shot.
• Wide Shot- This can be used as an establishing shot of a set location or to show a large crowd of people. They can also emphasise the isolation of a single figure. 
• Zoom/Reverse Zoom-The adjustment of the camera lens to allow the operator progressively to move in close off or to pull away from the object. 
• 180 degree rule- Where, during a scene featuring two people or more, we can imagine a line joining those people together. Adhering to the 180 degree rule would mean you would always ensure your camera was on one side of that line and the camera would never be crossed to the other side. Sticking to the 180 degree rule allows the viewer to feel comfortable, helps us understand the positioning of the characters and makes it feel like reality. 

Edits

Action Match

A shot that cuts to another, continuing a piece of action movement between shots and at different angles. An example of this would be walking through a door. 

Line of action 180 degree rule

Help the audience follow the action without confusion. Mostly used when filming a conversation between two characters. this is so the audience doesn't see multiple cameras and can fully immerse themselves into the film. 

Shot/Reverse Shot

Cutting between two people having a conversation. Has one camera over one of the characters shoulder in order to keep them in frame and show to the audience that this is a conversation happening between both characters, while focusing on the character opposite so we can see their facial expressions. 

Cross cutting/ Parallel editing

where the editor cuts between two separate scenes happening two separate locations at the same time. 

Jump Cuts 

The move from one shot to another can tell us many of things, for example it can draw our attention to key things in a scene: if a character is thinking about something, and then the editor cuts to another character or prop. It can be assumed that that was what the character was thinking about. 

-Jump cuts can also be used as a way to show time passing, an example of this would be in Hancock, we first see him getting out of bed, in the next clip we see him standing at the mirror. This would be classed as a jump cut, as we do not see him walk towards the mirror.

Fast pace cuts

To increase speed and exitment in an action scene. E.g a car chase.

Wipe

Used to move the action along without a jump cut making the edit seem smooth and calm. To do this you would have to cover the camera completely then change the shot or scene behind. An example of this is Jaws.

Dissolve

This is when the first shot is on screen and the second shot starts appearing on top of it until you can only see the second shot. 

Fade

When the screen fades from the action into a black or white screen- Blackout, a fade often used when time is passing. A fade into white often suggests a dream sequence or a peaceful death. 

Split Screen

When the screen splits to show everything that is happening at the same time. 

Graphic Match

A cut from one shot to another that look visually the same. They are used to show a link bwtween two sences. E.g a flame could then be matched with a sunset. 

Slow Motion

Used in editing process to slow down the action, showing key points in the scene.

Codes and Conventions of Post Apocalyptic films

• Damage to the environment
• Dull, lifeless atmosphere
• Quiet
• Ragged looking protagonist- well worn in clothes and possessions
• Lack of resources 
• Backstory often violent
• Male survivors 
• Always rumours of somewhere better, a haven or utopia
• Happiness only seen in flashbacks
• The need for company and a family

Something that is also prominent withing the Post Apocalyptic genre is Srauss's Binary opposites, as they can be seen between the reality and in the flash backs (Happiness in he flash backs, Dull sadness in reality, These are opposites and are easy to spot). The same can be said for the 'Protagonist' and the 'Antagonist' as usually they will be after the same object, or on the same journey, however, their need for the object they are after would be completely different. E.g in the book of Eli, Eli needs to make sure the book is not forgotten and is used for love and wisdom. Whereas the antagonist needs the book for power over the people. -Same journey, different purpose. 

The Book of Eli Documentary Q+A

1) What questions are posed by Post Apocalyptic films? 

How would we maintain our Humanity?
Who would guide us?
How would we rebuild the world?

2)What are the 'Walking Dead'? How have they been used in other films?

They are people who have been numbed, disconnected, not really using all of their emotions.
Zombies are a metaphor for losing our Humanity.

3)What might the key to survival in Post Apocalyptic film narratives?

Currency would be your possessions e.g clothes, food and water.

4)How far will Eli go to survive?

He will kill things that we would not think about killing to satisfy his hunger. E.g a cat.

5)What would survivors of the apocalypse ask?

They would ask if there is a God, many people blame religion, absence of faith have created the void.

6)In the Book of Eli, what has happened to the Bibles and why?

 All of the Bibles have been buried and destroyed.

7) How is Religion used in The Book of Eli? How is Religion used in reality?

Religion is used for power before and after the Apocalypse just like in real life.

8)How do societies in reality avoid catastrophes?

We band together and form groups.

9) Who will the future leaders be in Post Apocalyptic scenarios?

People who are good leaders, loud and opinionated.

10) What does Eli represent?

He represents Hope.

Background information on The Book of Eli

The producers of the film wanted the sky to become its own character. This is why establishing shots using the sky are so prominent throughout the film.

It is based in rural america

they employed comic book creators to draw the dystopia like scenery around Eli in order to create the set 

Eli

• He is a stereotypical hero, As he saved people because he HAD to.
• He is only violent when cornered, However when hes angry, the emotion takes over and it becomes difficult to stop or show mercy. 
• The character Eli took many months preparation before filming as, Denzel had to undergo weaponry training and fighting lessons in order for him to use these, god given skills within the film. 

The Road Opening

In lesson I had to analyse the opening to to 'The Road', I was commissioned to focus on the sounds in the opening and other sections of the class on the other parts ( camera, Mise en scene and edits).

Sound Analysis

• At the very start of the first scene you can hear sound effects, this being Birds and dogs barking. These represent life, and the beauty of the world before the destruction.
• Soft and low volume control almost like a calming lullaby, non diagetic sound. 
• The sound of the wind representing the fire, not noticeable at first just like the characters didnt notice the destruction at first- Diagetic sound
• Sound bridge of the running water, connecting the two scenes together- both diagetic sound.
• Futuristic sounds representing the end of his dream, volume control used to show the sudden awakening.
• Cracking, showing instability and maybe even representing what the world is like now, cracking and only just being held together. This also represents the desperate need for shelter as he's put himself and his son in danger by sleeping underneath an unstable cave. 
• Volume control- music stopped
• Back to non diagetic sound, piano music underneath the voice over, adding emotion but allows us to hear the libretto.
• Diminuendo of the piano, volume control. 

 Camera

• In the opening scenes of 'The Road' we see establishing shots depicting how life was before the natural disasters.
• Tracking shot of the bed room allowing the audience to see all of their belongings and how they live their normal life, however the orange glow that we see at the end of the shot does not go unnoticed. 
• There's a close up on both of their faces as they see the destruction outside their window, and when we pan downwards to show that she is pregnant and married.
• The close up continues on after the father wakes up from his dream, and shows his hand on his stomach just like she did before.
• Mid shot when we see him hanging up his socks and his son sat in the tent, proving to the audience they have collected many useful items to help them survive and how small the space they're living in is. 

Edits

• Graphic match- pink flowers on her jumper and then the flowers in her garden 
• Narration- gives expedition 

Mise en Scene

• Light and dark- showing contrast between the past and present, polar opposites.(High-key- before, Low-key-after)
• Teddy Bear, showing the boys innocence and age.
• Shopping trolley, only thing they could find to carry their belongings. Ironic because the use of a trolley is to collect more and new belongings, they are doing the opposite. 

 

Preliminary Task Ideas

Initial Ideas

• Kidnapping- A girl is taken from night club by a hooded figure, It seems as much as she tries to break free and call for help, no one can hear her scream. 
• Drug deal gone wrong- One man is in the lowest point of his life and is walking home from his mind numbingly boring day job, something that connotes his life perfectly as frankly he is bored. He decides to take the long way home as he would just be doing nothing with his life there as well. Though he is not a thrill seeker, when he hears the sounds of a heated argument he cant help but to get a closer look. This does not work in his favour however, as it becomes clear this is a gang meeting that is not going well. The protagonist being his clumsy self looses his balance and ends up falling from his sniper like view and ends up being the centre of attention for every gang member present. As his heart rate rises, he knows this isn't going to end well for him. 

Chosen Idea

I preferred the idea that the protagonist would be In the lowest point of his life, but over compensating with humour. Being a cathartic character for the audience as he's relate-able, but still gives them a sense of accomplishment as their lives are more successful than his. He would wear an un-ironed white or pale blue shirt to connote school boy innocence, could suggest his mother still buys his clothes or that he started his dead end job straight out of school. This in turn making him a young character that can play into the 'young and stupid' stereotype.  His hair would be unmade and just pushed back and finger brushed as he has overslept and not had time to look as presentable as he should.

Plot:

The protagonist called Jake is late for his office job as seen from when he checks his old watch and starts rushing to get out of the door. He sneaks in heading towards his desk while co-workers snigger showing this to be a regular occurrence for him.  Before he can sit down his boss calls him into his office. -This being the moment where I can film the match on action shot and the shot/reverse shot. His boss then proceeds to warn Jake that if he is late again he will loose his job and is sent home. It is at this point that we see Jake check his watch again and cut to a panicked look on his face, making the audience question why. I will then cross cut to a girl who's dressed for a night out in a white dress to connote innocence but draws attention to her because of its length and style. She already seems a bit tipsy as she must have taken part in drink before her decision to go out. She has curled hair which shows she has put effort into her appearance and converges with the female stereotype. -The goal with this character is to convey to the audience that she is sexual in nature and wants the attention, she likes getting into trouble and thinks she can handle herself shown by the fact she is walking the streets alone. However she has no social awareness and because of her niaveity thinks shes safe anywhere. This proves true until we see that she is being followed by a dark hooded figure. not being able to identify anything apart from its gender as he has a broad build and is tall, puts the audience on edge as it makes them ask the question what does he want with her? Is he going to kill her? He follows her into an ally where he grabs her and restricts her arms and covers her mouth so we only hear muffled screams. -I feel this would be a good opportunity to show close ups of the hooded man, as we see his clenching fists and his mouth smiling as we hear him breathing heavily. Its at this point when we crosscut back to Jake, we see him running urgently. hes sweaty suggesting hes been running at full speed for quite a while, intensifying the urgency of his task. as he gets closer to his destination it becomes clear to the audience that we've seen these streets before and hes running towards the hooded man and the woman. This is the moment that the audience will learn his life isn't as run down as they think, and that he maybe a secret vigilante. When he reaches the ally I believe that showing a birds eye view shot of them all will allow the audience to see the proxemics between all the characters. The final moment of this scene is when we see a mid shot of the hooded figure, he steps forward allowing Jake to see his mouth from the light from the ally light but the hood casting a shadow over the rest of his face.(This also showing that the Mise en scene is dark, shown by the lack of lighting and lack of colour in the costumes, not seeing the hooded figures face makes him ominous and doesn't give us much to go on about his intentions with the woman, who's the brightest coloured character on screen as her dress is white and her blonde hair would contrast with the black surrounding her, suggesting her innocence and her hope when Jake stumbled upon the scene. When the hooded man stepped forward he cut off her direct light which could depict when he speaks his only line she then looses all of the hope she had left). The hooded man speaks the words"What took you so long?" and then we switch to a close up on Jake's face where his panicked facial expression turns into a malicious smile. There would then be a fade into black and this would be the end of the video. The hope of those last scenes to change the audiences whole perception of Jake, and Myself trying to prove that one small action can change the way you look at a character.