Reflection 27/11/12

   In today's class we read a chapter in the book From Word to Image by Begleiter, which explored the "interworkings of Text, Diagram and Image in the process of preproduction visualisation". After reading through the shot list terminology for scale, angles, camera movement and character blocking, we did an activity where we had to create a storyboard, shot list and an overhead diagram for a 10-shot scene.
   I chose Orson Welles' ferris wheel in The Third Man (1949), and through this activity, not only did I improve my pre-production skills and knowledge, I also revised and learned many useful terminologies such as High Hat shot ( a very low angle shot) and a zolly ( when the camera dollies in but zooms out at the same time). The video below is a famous zolly shot which evinces fear and suspense.

   Although I was unclear of how to draw a overhead diagram, I tried my best efforts and employed the shotlist and storyboard to help the reader understand how the actual film would look like.

The actual scene (first 52 seconds):

Feedback of our Film Noir 22/11/12

Feedback

• The story arc is coherent and flowing but ended a bit abruptly( with the black scene and dialogue).
• Script was well written, excellent voice-overs which supported the storyline.
• Comprehensive sound design (ambience sound in the restaurant scene)
• Sound levels are much more consistent (e.g heartbeat sound effect is no longer overwhelming)
• Still lacking in transitions; establishing shots could be employed to smoothen the continuity

As an IB learner, I took on the role of a communicator and consulted my peers for feedback on our film noir, particularly on the sound aspect since I am the sound designer. See below.

Reflection 22/11/12 Re-evaluating Film Noirs

   After fixing and editing our film noir shorts, we screened our shorts in today's class. As a reflector and thinker, I wrote down the aspects worthy of notice while watching our works:

Erik, Max, Charlotte, Annie:

• Inserted scenes (the voice over in the beginning) enhance the narrative and allows the audience to understand the plot fully.
• Dialogue is now audible but sound levels (stereo and mono) are still inconsistent. Wild sound was quite distracting at times

Angela, Allissa, Robert, Henry:

• Wonderful in every aspect (cast, plot, script, framing, etc) except for some scenes where the sound was muffled.
• Exhibited typical film noir characteristics and setting.

Wilson, Lawrence, Marisa, Star:

• Wild sound in opening scene overwhelmed the dialogue
• Phone ring sound effect was unnatural and disrupted the flow of the scene.
• Replacing vacuum sound effects with suspenseful music built up to the climax.
• Relationship between characters could've been established earlier to help the audience grasp the storyline.

George, Adrian, Travis, Jacob:

• Brilliant script and acting (hard-boiled protagonist of film noir)
• Uneven sound levels

Reflection 20/11/12

   We worked on our "Text to Film" task today, making a short film based on the poem "Poison Tree" by William Blake. Our director decided to take the more literal approach in adapting and interpreting the poem, while portraying the theme of betrayal and vengeance through the different shots and angles (e.g low angle was used to suggest the menace of the antagonist).



  As the editor, I assembled the footage onto the timeline in chronological order and cropped out certain clips to achieve continuity editing. Due to the limitations in time and resources, our footage was odd dimensional-wise and shaky (it was very narrow due to the camera settings of an iPhone and we could not borrow a tripod in the given time). However, I tried my best under the given circumstances, and used a variety of effects and transitions to enhance the footage. For example, a ripple dissolve was employed to foreshadow the flashback, while "vignette" and "defocus" was applied to the reminiscing sequences.

Reflection 13/11/12 Evaluating Film Noirs

   I spent the majority of today's class evaluating my peers' finished film noir shorts. After noting down the strengths and weaknesses of each film, I compared them with my own group's film noir. As an IB learner, I was a reflector today and pondered on how I could rectify some mistakes and improve the film by demonstrating archetypal film noir characteristics.

Angela, Allissa, Henry, Robert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJYo4A2hyuo&feature=share

   This film spanned over ten minutes, but its extensive exploration into Noir characteristics fully justified its lengthy duration. Good Woman, Femme Fatale, moral ambiguity and cynicism were all developed and employed in the film, while a flashback was also used to enhance the narrative. I thought that the editing was excellent, with smooth transitions and natural continuity. However, I felt that if the sound had been more comprehensive (better audio quality, more consistent sound levels) and it would have complemented the excellent visuals.

Adrian, Travis, George, Jacob:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0cw8BC4Iog&feature=plcp

   Although lacking a femme fatale-or any female characters-this is another great short that fully exhibits film noir traits. The script especially was written impeccably, the camera angles and framing very well executed as well. However, the locations in which it was filmed could be improved, as it was all based in the school. This resulted in undesirable ambient sounds and inconsistent sound levels. Overall, it was a wonderful film noir with an intriguing plot, tight acting and excellent script.

Thoughts on Memento (2000)

   Over the weekend I watched the film Memento, directed by Christopher Nolan (Batman Trilogy, Inception) in 2000. The main character, played by Guy Pearce, is unable to store new memories after his accident but seeks revenge for his murdered wife through hand written notes and tattoos. However, Christopher Nolan presented the film in a unconventional yet meaningful timeline: a sequences of scenes in black-and-white are shown chronologically but interwoven with a sequence of colour scenes shown in reverse order. The two sequences converge at the end of the film.

   Not only did this non linear narrative structure enhance the intricate and complex plot, it also mimicked the protagonist's helpless situation in which he is incapable of generating new memories. Thus, Nolan creates a masterpiece that is thrillingly haunting and at the same time, thought-provoking and ambiguous.




   Many film critics have classified Memento as a neo-noir film, as it manifests many of the typical noir characteristics (setting, femme fatale, moral ambiguity) while displaying modern themes of neo-noir films (identity, memory, revenge). The film is a must-watch for its innovative structure, brilliant acting and stimulating plot.

                              The protagonist's memory flaw is shown masterfully in this scene.
                              Caution: Outburst of profanity

Reflection 6/11/12 Responding to Feedback

   Today our film group screened our film noir "A Deceptive Detective" in front of the whole class. After watching the film a first time, our class and Ms Wong was quite confused due to the non-linear narrative structure. I explained the chronological plot of our film to the class, and they demanded to watch the film once more. This time they understood the complex and intricate plot although Ms Wong reminded us of a hole in the plot, as we had inadvertently reversed two scenes.
   Ms Wong gave us valuable feedback that would help us in improving our rough cut: the ambient sounds were excellent as they subtly contributed to the realism of the scenes. For example, the dinner scene was filmed in the living room, but due to the sounds of plates and knives clattering, the setting of a restaurant is established. However, the sound level throughout the film was quite inconsistent, where some scenes were significantly louder than others. In addition, although the background music was very noir-styled, at moments it was quite overwhelming and made the dialogue difficult to hear. I will make sure I balance out the sound levels and music, then test it by exporting the movie file and watching it. The voice-overs, on the other hand, were very well executed and not only let the audience understand more about the plot, but also fitted the film noir style very well.

                                                                 Rough Cut

Sound Plan

Scene	Dialogue	Diegetic	Non Diegetic (background music and voice over)	Equipment needed
Jail	Lance: It was a mistake, but the cruel thing was, it felt like the mistake was mine, for trusting you.	Jail doors clunking, guards yelling, long sigh,	Voice over, Transition to flashback	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Office	Lance: Detective Lance speaking Bank employee: Help! This is the United Bank and we’ve been robbed! Lance: Calm down madam, we’re on our way. Lance: Sherman, there’s been a robbery at the local bank, let’s get to investigating. Sherman: Yes sir.	Phone ring , Picks up phone, puts phone down, chair croaking, gun reload, door open and close		Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Bank	Lance: Sherman, make sure you interrogate her well. Sherman: alright mam, so can you tell me what happened? BANK EMPLOYEE: what do you think sir! we've been ROBBED! Sherman: mam, if you want us to catch the robber, you're going to need to calm down and tell us all the details. BANK EMPLOYEE: sorry. We were just having a normal day and suddenly a man, about 5 foot 7 came in with a gun and started threatening us. He said that if we didn't give him the money, he would kill us all. Sherman: Alright mam. Could you describe his face for me? BANK EMPLOYEE: well... He was caucasian, and looked so weak that you would never think of him as the robber. Oh and when he escaped the bank, i think i saw him head to the right. Sherman: Alright thank you mam. We will find this person and put him in jail.	crowd chattering		Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Streets	FEMME FATALE: Bit early in the day to smoke, don't you think? Lance: It’s never too early, for someone with a miserbale life . FEMME FATALE (laughs)Maybe i can make it better. Lance: Sorry Sherman, i've ran into something complicated (winks at femme) that I’ll have to deal with. Report back to me when I get back to the office. Voice over: This was no ordinary girl, she was beautiful, she was perfect. There was one problem though - she only liked rich men. And I knew a cop’s salary would never suffice.	light up flame high heel footsteps	When first sees femme fatale, background romantic music plays and intensifies. Voice over.	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Office	Lance: So, what did you find out? Sherman: Sir, i've found the thief and the money. The money is in the evidence room and the robber has been sent to jail. Lance: Good work son. (ponders awhile) Say, what about I let you off on vacation for a week? You deserve it. Sherman: Yes sir.	doorknob, put down gun		Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Restaurant		people chatting in restaurant sitting down	Romantic Music playing	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Apartment	Voiceover: I didn't know what to do. There was a huge risk if i were to do this. What if I got caught? But if I take the money, I’ll have everything in the world! (Calls femme fatale) Honey, pack your luggage and let’s leave this rotten place. We can go anywhere you’d like. FEMME FATALE: (shocked) umm...i'm not sure..... Sherman: Darling trust me. I’ll have all the money ready when we meet. FEMME FATALE: (hesitates) Okay, I’ll do as you say.	Phone Dial, hang up	Voiceover	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Office	Sherman: What are you doing sir.....? Lance: Get out of my way son. I have personal issues that i need to fix..., don't make this harder than it already is. Sherman: why... Lance: tell anyone, and this bullet will be in your skull before you know it. Sherman: ... You're going to regret this.	Gun reload, doorknob, rummaging through bag	Heartbeat	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Hotel		Blanket flipped out Door close	dogs barking	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones
Streets		Thunder, footsteps	Suspenseful music	Boom Mic, Boom pole, Headphones