past student work

The first BSR film I will analyse is titled 'Positive'.

At 00:03 denoted is a phone with text messages. The use of this prop (the phone) is successful because it clearly sets the storyline across to the audience. Reading the text messages between the two characters will lead the audience to understand they are discussing a party, which makes the film easy to follow straight from the start.

At 2:04 is the title graphic. Denoted is "positive" in white writing on a black background. The title graphic is rather dull and bland. To improve, I would change the color of the writing or the background and maybe add images or effects.

At 0:41, the camera work is successful. The shot denoted is a long shot. This shot is successful because it clearly establishes setting/location. It is clear to see that the character is denoted in an dark alleyway. The use of this shot helps the audience to understand what is happening.

 At 1:38 denoted is a tall, dark figure dressed in a gray hoodie, black jacket, oversized blue jeans and trainers walking off slowly into the distance. The mise-en-scence here is successful because the use of dark colors and the costume choice is very leading. The character is dressed in a way that has negative connatations; a hood, black clothing etc. and although it may only be a stereotype of how a "rapist" would dress, it appears very realistic.

At 0:58, I would improve the camerawork. This is because the rule of thirds appears to have been broken. The characters eyes are not a third of the way down the screen. To improve, I would film at maybe a different angle to make sure the rule is kept.

At 1;03, there is good prop use. Denoted is a packet of blue pregnancy tests. The use of this prop is effective because again, it aids the audience in helping them to understand the storyline and it clearly connotes that the character may be pregnant. Also the camerawork is good & because of the use of a high angle you can clearly see what is written on the packet.

The next British social realism film i will analyse is titled Disturbance.
At 1:42, there is excellent use of graphics. On the screen denoted is a girl typing on her phone and in the corner, a white box with a twitter profile and a status update.
This is extremely effective as it helps the audience to understand the characters thoughts and emotions and helps them to sympathise with her which makes it a good BSR film as it makes the characters life appear as tough & difficult. Also, it makes the film extremely realistic because it shows real themes and issues (islamaphobia), and how difficult it is to live with untrue representations of certain faith groups.

At 1:27, i felt that the acting made the scene poor. This is because i feel that the facial expression and body language of the actor could've been more dramatic to make it more vibrant and interesting but instead came across as dull. To improve, i would've made sure the actor exaggerated their facial expression more to clearly show the audience an insight as to how they feel about what is going on. This would've added realism and hopefully the audience would be able to place themselve in the characters shoes therefore making it a better BSR film.

Again at 0:57, the typography looked very basic and dull; white writing on a black screen. I feel that color and images or maybe animations couldve been added. Also, the title "disturbance" does not really add any mystery or excitement or help the audience understand what is going on/going to happen and therefore I feel it was not effective. To improve, I would've put more thought into the title and maybe named the film something that had a direct relationship to what could be seen on the screen.

Shown in the screengrab is the last scene in the movie "disturbance" i felt this could've been improved because there was not much action or things going on in between the opening sequence and the final scene therefore making it dull and suggesting it was unfinished. To improve, I would show add more scenes and show more of what happens in the day-to-day life of the character.

At 1:52, i feel that the camerawork needed improving. I did not feel it was effective to have the main subject in the corner of the screen. I feel as though a different shot type could've been used or to improve, they couldve used various shot types and edited it into one clip. I feel this shot was ineffective as it was not interesting and it was not particularly clear what the audience were meant to be looking at.

At 0:58, there is good use of mise-en-scence. The main character is adjusting her hijab. This costume choice is extremely effective because it is a realistic representation of how certain people of that faith would dress and clearly symbolises to the audience that she is a muslim.