Genre

Genre:
French for "kind" or "sort" from Greek "genos".
Genre is a loose set of criteria for a category of composition; the term is often used to categorise literature and speech, but is also used for any other form of art or utterance.


SCENE FROM ALIENS:

Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller

Overall emotional/audience response: fear, empathy, frustration, uneasiness

Main character: stupid, silly, naive, absent minded, weak


Mise en Scene:
Lighting:
Dark, gloomy, damp, dull, shadows
All of these contributed to the idea that the character is lost, isolated and are used to create the unknown, mystery, suspense and so the audience knows that something is watching and waiting for the man.
Acting:
There is little dialogue. There is lots of movement by the actor which is slow, short, unsure, cautious and involves him looking around a bit. The body language of the actor is shaky and he has tense muscles.
This acting style makes the audience feel sorry and fearful for the character and his situation.
Props:
- machinery which is unkown, mysterious and seems very technical and advanced which creates a sense of the unkown
- chains that were rattling makes it seem as though evil is lurking
- the man's hat created shadows over his face which created a sense of fear as it makes him seem vulnerable and as though he can't see
- the cat which was very aware and made the audience realise that something else was there
- skin that falls creates fear within the audience
Setting:
The setting is an old lab that is in an unknown location. It is very strange, creepy, rusty and unclean with lots of shadowed areas and is very mysterious.

Sounds:
**(There are 3 types of sound - music, dialogue and effects)
The sounds are very important in this scene. They create a sense of fear within the audience and build up at the end to create an even greater sense of fear. The sounds in this scene are of the man's heartbeat, footsteps and deep breathing, the sound of chains clanging, the running and dripping of water, echo of all noises, creaking sound, the man's loud echoing voice and scream and the screeching or growling of the alien.

Editing:
Cuts are used to create or show different view points or perspectives. They are used in this particular scene to quickly change between scenes to add to the mystery and suspense of it all.

Cinematography:
Camera Speed:
Slow camera speeds are used at first to create suspense. A fast speed is used for the event where the alien comes down and attacks the man to create confusion and fear within the audience.
Exposure:
The light hits things that the creators want you to see which will inflict fear. There is dark lighting on things they don't want you to see yet, which also creates fear. Dim lighting is used on the man's face with certain areas such as the eyes having light on them to further enforce the idea that the man is fearful and that also creates fear within the audience.


SCENE FROM SHANGHAI NOON:

Genre: Comedy/Action/Western

Mise en Scene:
Sound:
There are the sounds of the birds tweeting which indicates the time of day and gives the audience a sense of the place which is the country side. There is also the sounds of weapons which creates suspense and anticipation. The music was of country-western style and was quite fast paced.
Props:
There were horses, guns, knives and the clothing and hats indicated that the characters were in the country and trying to be cowboys. These props enhanced the comedy elements, especially that of clumsiness.
Setting:
This scene was set in the country which was indicated by the landscape which was a paddock, lake and timber shack. This enhances the serenity of the setting and creates a contrast which creates a comic element.
Lighting:
The lighting was very natural, sunny and warm. This further enhanced the setting.
Costumes:
The costumes are cowboy costumes. Jackie Chan has a plait which he is wearing to show that he is playing the part of a native Indian-American.
Acting Style:
The body language is pretty playful and relaxed. The dialogue is comic.

Editing:
Cuts are used.
Rhythm goes from slow to fast when playing with the weapons.
Shot types:
Over the shoulder, wide, long, low angle

Camera Speed:
The camera stopped, then it pans and it moves quite slowly. The subject of importance is always in focus while everything else is slightly out of focus.