Iron Man feature film analysis

Iron Man is about Tony Stark, a wealthy industrialist, who is forced to build an armoured suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.

The clip begins at 0:07, when the lead protagonist; Tony Stark is being escorted by soldiers to present his latest nuclear weapons to the army in a secret desert surrounding. The main protagonist, can be identified by the audience, as he is wearing a formal suit and glasses, as well as his formal appearance and hairstyle .As well as this, he is surrounded by armed military personnel in an armoured truck, the use of mise en scene is apparent, as the audience can identify with the scene , as the army are stereotypically dressed in camouflage, combats and are wearing protective clothing and are armed with guns. There is use of props such as guns, rockets, iron suit, glasses which connote violence and destruction; rockets seem devastating at 0:15 seconds. The protagonist's facial expression signifies seriousness and dexterity . There is evident use of a tracking shot, as the camera follows Stark, as he is jolted from a bomb during a terrorist attack. The camera uses quick flashes to develop the clip from 0:15 to 0:18 seconds to skip to the main details. There is use of non digetic sound when the characters are talking at 0:08 to 0:25 seconds and 0:30 seconds. There is also use of parallel sound when the bombs explode, dialogue begins.

The lighting within the clip focuses on the characters at the beginning, as there is high key lighting to highlight the weapons at 0:11 to 0:17 seconds, and the army officers. There is use of top lighting combined with high key lighting which gives a bold effect during 0:11-0:17 seconds. The is use of dark colours on clothing, rocket ignition and shadows seem to justify the characters and props. The use of colour and lighting is constant, as there is use of high key lighting which is constantly use, as the film is an action genre based film. Suddenly, there is low key lighting at 0:20 seconds, when the rockets blow up , which creates a quick dusty effect and conveys shocked facial expressions from the army of surprise and unease, as their hats are swept away, which connotes destruction and could be an action code within the film.

Furthermore, there is further use of low key lighting, set in the caves at 0:32 seconds, as Stark is taken prisoner by terrorists, the leader of the terrorists is shown through a close up shot, the camera revolves around him and there is use of tilts at 0:34 seconds when Stark is being interrogated and tortured and use of a burst of high key lighting, as the light focuses instantly on Stark’s face. The camera focuses on an extreme close up of Stark’s scarred face, his facial expression signifies hope and escape. The protagonists is shown in a medium close up shot and is identifiable by the audience.

The use of editing is apparent, as there is continuous use of wipes, fades and cuts which immediately lead to the next scene in the clip, e.g. 0:07 to 0:20 seconds when the dialogue transcends to action. Interestingly, there is use of continuity editing, as the scenes are placed in logical orders to create a narrative.

The use of low key lighting is blatant , during 0:43 seconds, when the Iron Man’s first birth is shown, as an action code of the Iron Man knocking on the door and dents on the door signify that action is to follow and mayhem is about to begin at 0:44 seconds in the clip. Gradually, the clip uses montage to show the aftermath of the destruction and equilibrium is seemingly restored, as the protagonist is shown with a relieved grin and other characters are shown to be merry and joyful, during 0:50 seconds when Stark is coming down from the plane; a sling bandage is used as a prop to connote that he has been involved in an accident. High Key lighting is restored at 0:53 seconds. The use of fade is followed and a change of setting is apparent ,as Stark is in his home and low key lighting and use of yellows and blues are used to lighten the mood at 0:59 seconds. The use of contrapuntal sound is used, as drums continuously play in the background at 1:03 seconds, the use of close up shots and medium shots and wipes suggest an enigma code, as the audience are not introduced to the refined Iron Man suit and hero. The use of panning and crane shots seem to follow the action wherever it is , as shown at 0:54 seconds and 1:07 seconds. Also, there is continual use of a steadicam sequence, as the camera follows the action carefully and the action is shown through various stages within the clip. Surprisingly, there is use of a jump cut ,as the audience are fixated on one scene but the scene changes suddenly for example at 1:03 seconds

Non digetic sound plays in the background, as drums continually are beating which could connote that something is about to happen which could be an enigma code, as the audience could be awaiting the arrival of the Iron Man. The use of medium shots and fades, wipes could connote violence and action, and show how the Iron Man is really Tony Stark

There is brief use of a point of view shot, as Stark puts on the mask of the Iron Man at 1:05 seconds, the audience identify with him, as he is the main character in all of the frames . There is use of key lighting in the clip, as the action is sporadic and loud from 0:07 to 1:53 seconds. The antagonists are introduced in the previous desert setting, the use of back lighting and dimmed lighting suggests that evil is emerging at 1:09 seconds, where the terrorists meet the manipulative mentor to Tony Stark. Their organisation in the frame suggest a meeting and their facial expressions suggest sinister, evil intentions .

The use of medium shot and wipe at 1:10 seconds show the terrorists constructing a rival, more powerful Iron Man, as they intend to get their hands on Starks nuclear weapons for their own misuse for world domination. There is swift use of fade outs, wipes and jump cuts, as the audience see the terrorists forming their own Iron Man , whereas Tony Stark is forming a better Iron Man to destroy evil. The use of digetic sound of dialogue and ignition sounds are enigma codes to what will be the equilibrium or result of the film and will Tony Stark’s Iron Man triumph over evil as shown through 1:10 seconds to 1:18 seconds. Stark’s facial expression connotes confidence and assurance, as his latest invention is tested through the frame for example 1:14 seconds to 1:20 seconds as he is testing his suit of Iron. The use of point of view shot and low key lighting connote success, as he manages to test his suit and flies around New York, however, this is short-lived, as use of non digetic sound e.g. shouting , dialogue and ignition failure sounds suggest his suit is still not ready, as his shocked , distraught facial expression denotes how his invention is unexpected to fail as shown at 1:42 seconds

Finally, point of view shots, medium shots and close up shots are used at 1:30 seconds to 1:53 seconds, as the audience gets a chance to see Starks’ blueprints for the suit and we identify with Stark who is building an improved Iron Man suit. However, the use of jump cuts, wipes suggest that audience are briefly deterred from the narrative.

At 1:36 to 1:40 seconds in the clip there are shift from medium shots to close up and extreme close up shots, as the audience get to see the Iron Man suit and high key lighting and filler lighting is used to draw attention on the important areas of the suit such as the integral blue heart of the suit which glows at 1:41 seconds and fades out to the next scene .At 1:42, Stark’s friend, Rhodey seems to look into awe at Stark's Iron Man suit , as it seems revolutionary and conceptual to him. Iron Man’s mask ‘s eyes seem to glow , which could signify how Stark's creation is animated and alive. Moreover, after the revelation, there is background rock music , which is like the contrapuntal sound, as we see Iron Man flying alongside jet fighters which could connote how Iron Man is the righteous superhero. During the frame at 1:43 there is use of filler and high key lighting which connotes peace and tranquillity, this could be seen to be the new equilibrium of the film and could show the righteous , bold stance of the Iron Man.

The audience get a chance to see the evil rival to Iron Man , a colossal contraption which evokes fear from Stark’s assistant Pepper Potts, who resorts to being fearful and anguished. The use of medium and long shots show the audience how large and overbearing the evil robot suit is. There are quick fades and jump cuts and a mixture of low key and high key lighting , backed with digetic sounds to convey destruction and chaos.

Eventually, the clip ends at 2:00 minutes, where digetic sound is used, as dialogue ensues between Stark and Potts ,an over the shoulder shot is used, which could show how the audience and Potts are shocked at seeing Stark in the Iron Man suit.The use of a long shot which includes Stark in the frame , uses filler light and high key lighting to emphasise the magnitude of detail conveyed on the suit and the intricacy of the suit, he shows an innocent expression and that of guilt , which is backed with the non digetic sound of drills and sounds of working machinery, which are operating on the suit whilst Stark is in it.

Analysis of Lighting: Night at The Museum 2

In this still image text, there is use of key light and back light, which are used to emphasis the protagonist in the still image, as the cameras are fixated on him. Through the use of this lighting, the audience could identify and have negotiated reading with him to be the lead protagonist as he is in an action pose within this frame and appears to be wearing a security guard's outfit and has a torch which could connote that he is therefore important within the film and the audience could identify the image being set in a museum setting, as there are polished floors, banners and fountains which could be stereotypical of museums. The use of back lighting and key light could signify that he is important and could denote he is ready for action, as well as his stern and composed facial expression.

Interestingly, the use of top lighting is implemented within the image, as the light appears to accentuate the features of the character and could make him look more influential and significant.

Most importantly, there is use of high key lighting, as filler lights are used to make the protagonist seem realistic and imposed. However, the use of binary opposition such as light and dark is less pronounced, as shadows are overwhelmed by the substantial amount of light which seems to be dominating the image and which could have been used to signify the importance of the character as being the hero, as high key lighting used on the prop which is the torch could connote how the film could be an adventure based genre and could potentially be voyeuristic

Analysis of Mise en Scene for a still image

This still image text is from the film Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Costume

The main protagonist is identified to the audience as Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), as he is shining a torch, which could show he is in command and his maturity could make him the lead protagonist. Indiana Jones is wearing his trademark stereotypical cowboy hat. Jones is wearing a beige suede jacket and matching beige trousers which seen to connote adventure, as brown signifies practicality and conservatism.

Also, the teenage character next to Jones is wearing a black leather vintage jacket and blue jeans, this could connote to the audience that stereotypically, he is a rebel, as well as his greased, low cut hair, which is associated with teenage boys.

Lighting

Within the image, there is use of key light, which is intended to focus on the two characters in the frame, in accordance, back light is used to impose the protagonists within the frame and to make the characters seem rounded. Most importantly, top lighting and low key lighting are used to accentuate the features of the two characters in the frame, as well as depicting the characters in a cave setting which tends to be dimly lit. The overall intentions are to convey a binary opposition of light (chiaro) and dark (oscuro), and shadows in balance with light are used to create a dramatic effect. High key lighting is used to convey the fact that torches are shining

Actors

In this image, the main actors are Harrison Ford and Shia LaBeouf

Make up

The actors seem to be wearing make up, as their faces and hands seem to be dirty, as they are on an adventure and are looking at an object or area in the floor which has some significance and could be an enigma code as the audience intend to find out what they are looking at.

Props

Both of the protagonists appear to be holding torches, as the image clearly signifies the characters holding torches and are pointing towards the floor as if they have discovered something, this could also be an action code. Most importantly, the props used could be Indiana Jones' hat, as it is stereotypical in all of the Indiana Jones films and in the narrative and could be associated with the genre of adventure and could be a dominant reading.

Setting

Generally, in this image, the protagonists appear to be in a enclosed cave setting, as the image clearly signifies the charcters in a dim light , the setting could relate to the genre of adventure, as it is about discovery and could lead to the pursuit of an object of substantial importance and value.

To a certain extent, by looking at the image, the film could be aimed at an D/E psychographic or socio ecomic group, as they enjoy the adventure genre and could be aimed at budding adventure film fanatics. As well as this, the film could be aimed at explorers or strugglers as they tend to be independent and want to seek escape.

Feature Film Analysis- Planet of the apes

Planet of the Apes Scene


The scene is introduced in a market place 'auction' type setting in a land where apes are superior and humans are inferior. The scene begins with the human slave dealer, the so called protagonist in this scene; who happens to be an articulate monkey, is dressed in a formal suit which defines his status and his ability to talk is fascinating . The use of digetic and non digetic sound is apparent, as dialogue is used by the character and at the same time
the background music plays which produces an effect.

The use of mise en scene is evident, as the protagonist's facial expressions connote how he values his status and by the way he is dressed could also signify to the audience that he is of superior status and therefore the audience could identify with him in this scene, as he seems to generate humour through his vague quips and witty assumptions . Also, the way he smirks and sardonically views the other characters could connote how he looks down on them and is desensitised by them, as he hates humans. Furthermore, as the scene begins, the character is composed , so that he is looking at the screen and possibly at the audience, this position is highlight through low key lighting and a close up shot of him. Also, the use of a soldier is evident , as the soldier seems to be dressed civilly and honourably and responds to the dealer using arrogant and angry tones .

Whats more, the scene progresses thorugh a fade and wipe after 28 seconds, as there is introduction to a girl through a long shot, she is wearing a gown and also seems to speak in a stereotypical childlike fashion. Similarly, the use of panning signifies the progression of the scene after 28 seconds . In addition, other characters such as the general and his fiancee are conveyed through a medium shot, the general appears to be stubborn and insighted by the dealer through his body language which signifies warmth, as he puts his arm over his fiancee's shoulder who seems aggrieved .

Interestingly, within the scene there is use of low key lighting, which raises the contrast of emotions and top lighting which is used to draw focus on the main character that is being signified. There is use of a tracking shot which intends to follow the main characters in the frame within the scene.

However, the general's mood is tensed and angered, as he threatens other characters through his grunt, halfway through the scene, this could signify that the general could be ignorant, stubborn and selfless. As a consequence, the dealer feels shocked and surprised, as his facial expression shows.

The dealer uses props, as he gives the little girl a collar, which could signify that she could keep a human as her pet. Her reluctance at seeing the belt, creates unease for the dealer ,as he is apprehended, as the scene shows though close up and medium shots. The scene uses monatge,as it quickly leads to the following scene.

The general's fiancee is threatened by one of the humans who happens to be the main protagonist in the film, he uses an iron rod and causes tension and panic amongst the primate superiors, the dealer's facial expression is that of anguish and fright, whereas the fiancee is calm but internally frigid, as she looks at him suspiciously, which could connote that he wants to escape as he is being confined by the dealer and resorts to seizing the woman as bait.

The scene fades and immediately leads to the dealer who is captured by the rebellious humans and is threatened with a gun by the human, his inital reaction is that if fright and fear, as his body language denotes he is fearful,as he is apprehensive and tedious. The use of irony is evident , as there is a reversal of fortune, as the humans are in control.

Analysis of Arthouse and Multiplex

Arthouse film- The Good, the Bad and the Weird


What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

The Good,The Bad, The Wierd could be an Korean spaghetti western spoof/ adventure genre based film, as the poster's font connotes a western theme, for example the bullet holes may connote violence. Evidently, the film is signified as a western, as the Korean protagonists are stereotyped as cowboys, as their poses suggest violence and the audience could identify with them, through the way they are dressed, what object they are showing, ie guns. Interestingly, this could raise the action codes within the film. The film could be about rival bandits fighting each other in a desert setting, from the title of the film we could suggest that three protagonists are identifiable by the audience. The tagline immediately denotes an adventure genre, "Three outlaws.. One map.. No prisoners, this could signify that the film is about a quest to find treasure and could be an enigma code within this film. The use of binary opposition " good vs evil " could be significant with the plot and could be a disequilibrium within the film.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

The film belongs to an action/adventure genre, as the tagline connotes adventure, as the use of a map could signify a possible adventure and use of binary oppostion of 'good vs evil' could suggest action.

Who do you think is the target audience?

The film's target audience could be adults aged 21 or above, as arthouse films tend to be aimed at an A/B socio economic group and an intellectual psychographic, as the film could be insightful and raise questions. This audience could be seen to be the negotiated reading as the creators intend to focus on this particular group, however it could be oppositional reading, as other audiences may catharsise themselves against the film, as it promotes violence and negative content and could raise moral panic. The film could be aimed at explorers as they seek discovery , but could also be aimed at reformers who seek enlightenment and change

Multiplex film- The Simpsons movie


What do you think the story is about and what might the story be?

The Simpsons movie is a hybrid of genres, as it is an animated comedy adventure, as the poster signifies the Simpson family in a long shot, who are in various action poses, for example Lisa is showing an inquisitive , curious expression, Bart and Marge are also both in action poses. The film could be linked to a scenario, as the film is associated with the television show. The film could be based around a multi strand narrative, as there are multiple protagonists who each have their own characteristics such as Homer, who fits into the typical male stereotype who drinks, eats and likes sports. Therefore, the audience could identify with any of the characters.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

The film poster connotes adventure,as the protagonists are in various poses. Evidently, the film is an animation, and could be seen to be a zeitgeist, as it could be an 'artificial version of reality'. As it is related to the popular television show, the film is a comedy, as it uses humour and sarcasm and transfers characteristics from the television show to the film itself.

Who do you think is the main target audience?

The film could appeal to a broad audience, with ages from 10 to 40,as the film's storyline and scenarios would be of interest to adults, as well as the humour and other aspects to the film. In terms of socio economic groups, the film would be aimed towards a C1/C2/D/E demographic, as the audiences would understand the plot easier in comparison to other films such s art house films. Also, the film would be aimed at strugglers, as they seek escape from the busy lifestlyle and possibly reformers who seek enlightenment and desire a change

Sin City


Sin City is a film that explores the dark and miserable town Basin City and tells the story of three different people, all caught up in the violent corruption of the city. The film could feature gangster stereotypes and could be a Crime Thriller as it focuses on serious issues such as violence drugs and other explicit issues.

Interestingly, the film's poster uses binary opposition and rough bold red fonts which connotes violence and death and could signify what the film could be about. The various poses seem effective as the characters are looking down, as if they are superior and are expressing strong emotions through their facial expressions. Also, the use of binary opposition:- black and white could relate to the film as being a film noir as it could relate to the setting of the film, which could be set in dingy, dark urban areas.

The film could be aimed at teenagers aged 15 and above and could be predominantly aimed at males ,as they are the key audience who watch action, violent films. However, other audiences such as parents could have oppositional readings to the film, as it could be promoting violence and therefore be too graphic, as a result they could catharsise themselves against the film and could encourage moral panic as the film encourages violent tendencies

Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest


Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest revolves around the main protagonist Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), who races to recover the heart of Davy Jones; a renowned, notorious pirate to avoid enslaving his soul to Jones' service, as other friends and foes seek the heart for their own agenda as well.

The film's genre is a fantasy/adventure, as it mentions pirates and clearly, from the poster insinuates that the film has some enigma codes, and action codes, such as the 'Dead Man's chest', as it is an important motif in the film and the audience could speculate on what is actually in the chest. The poster features three main protagonists within the film who are signified to the audience as pirates, as the poster connotes them wearing a buccaneer's hat,use of a vintage gun and shows a ship in the foreground and revolves around a multi strand narrative. Interestingly, as there are multiple protagonists, the audience could identify with each of the characters.

The film could be aimed towards a teenage demographic, aged between 12-30, who could be mostly mixed as it features graphic violence , as well as a captivating storyline which could be of interest to the older audience, as they could identify with the well known characters such as Johnny Depp. However, certain audiences may have oppositional readings to the film, as it could be unsuitable for young children, as there is strong use of gore and violence, and could therefore catharise against the film.