Audience and Representation Theory

Total Film Review Notes

Page layout

-          Some reviews are longer than others, making it more text dense as opposed to picture heavy. Stills of the film are used as backgrounds, and limited in other aspects.

-          Typography; black text white background

-          Rating system on some of the film reviews

Written techniques

-          Formal writing style

-          Sums up the film; positives and negatives

-          Primarily critical

Short Film Research - Virus

 

Whilst watching 'Virus' the expanse of space surrounding the protagonist made his vulnerability and isolation apparent. It seems that this is a common convention of short horror films, using a big expanse of space to dwarf a victim not only makes an eerie tension in the film but also creates an atomosphere with the viewer. I also noticed a lack of dialogue throughout the film which helped with building a tension, this is because the audience cannot make a connection with the protagonist due to there being no speach or call for help. However, as the audience we know that something will happen due to the focus being directly on one person and the knowledge that we're watching a horror film. The concept of lonliness and silence is further emphasized by the phone line being disconnected which completely isolates him from the outside world or any means of help. This is a common code of short films which increases the tension and atmosphere throughout the clip.

Empire Film Review Notes

      Page layout

-          The majority of major films seem to be double page spreads

-          Stills from the movie occupy the majority of the page

-          Half of the page is text, other half is often used a picture, or the image is used as a background

-          Typography; mainly black text on white background

-          Colour is used in headings and subheadings for emphasis

Written techniques

-          Colloquial; starts with brief explanation along with history of theme, genre, director etc.

-          Moves onto interview style through use of quotes from actors and directors

-          Analysis of the effectiveness of the film; good and bad points

-          No ratings

Film Spider Diagram

Seven Poster Analysis

Blair Witch Project Poster Analysis