MISE EN SCENE - HURT LOCKER

The mise en scene in Hurt Locker immediately depicts the movie as one which is full of action and violence. Firstly, there are characters in recognisable army uniforms which indicate that the movie is based in a war zone. Not only the uniforms, but the tanks and heavy machinery; such as snipers and machine guns, confirm this as they are not exactly things we see in our homes or in our roads on a daily basis. The surroundings are clearly hot and dry as there is a sandy, desert ground which suggests extreme heat which also suggests the characters will be irritable as they have to wear heavy, dark camouflage uniforms and stand out in broad, hostile sunlight. The buildings we see suggest that the movie is based in a middle Eastern war zone as the buildings are derelict and crumbling. The locals are also wearing realistic Islamic clothing; such as burkas, which increase the authenticity of the scene. Everything placed in this scene from artillery to the surroundings depict this movie as an action movie. The war zone is realistic with the large amounts of weaponry and tanks as well as the characters which are all very serious which increase the tense atmosphere. 

INBETWEENERS AUDIENCE PLEASURES

The Inbetweeners is popular British television series on E4. It is based around a small group of suburban teenagers going through the common trials and tribulations of life and growing up together, forming new friendships, futile crushes, getting drunk and making a fool out of themselves. The sitcom has been running for three series from 2008 through to 2010. Created and written by Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, starring Simon Bird (Will), Joe Thomas (Simon), James Buckley (Jay) and Blake Harrison (Neil). At the British Academy Television Awards 2010, it won the Audience Award. Also in 2010 the show won the Best Sitcom award at the British Comedy Awards. In the 2011 British Comedy Awards the show also won the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Comedy.

There is a YouTube clip below to one of my favourite episodes when Will and his friends head out to Thorpe Park for a day out. The audience pleasures in Inbetweeners include familiarity, juvenile humour, genuine comedic moments, and a sense of nostalgia for slightly older viewers. For example; In series 1 episode 3 (Youtube link) there is familiarity as the boys are out at one of the most popular theme parks in the UK. Thorpe Park, located in Surrey, which is a watering hole for teenagers and families. The lifestyle the teenagers have also comforts the audience as they find it relaxing that the British suburban streets are recognisable and familiar. 

Another audience pleasure is the humour throughout the sitcom. The juvenile behaviour and silly adult humour creates an enjoyable viewing experience. The target audience is teenagers and young adults and the humour used in this series if perfectly suitable for the viewers as they relate to the characters the most. Being able to relate to the characters is important as it brings a sense of reflection and is also enjoyable to see how other teenagers are living their lives. The humourous situations they get in makes the audience feel relieved that they are not the only ones who embarrass themselves frequently. For example in series 1 episode 2, called "Bunk Off", the boys are playing a simple game of frisbee thinking they look ridiculous and seriously not cool. However, Will is enthusiastic about frisbee as he says it great because girls can join in so convinces the others to play too. Although all does not end well as Will inadvertently hits a disabled woman in the face. With apologises not being enough as the carer of the disabled woman is foreign the boys decide that all they can do is run away from the awkward situation. 

The slightly older viewers, not necessarily old but still older than teenagers and young adults may view this programme and enjoy it. This may be because they also find the awkward humour funny as well as the sitcom being a trigger to the memories they treasure from their school days. Reminding them of the antics they got up to in their youth and letting them see that teenagers these days still muck about and get into trouble like they did. Parents might watch it and compare it to how their children act to see whether they are being overcontrolling or not. It relaxes the parents and creates a sense of relief as they know that their child isn't the only one caught skiving school or accidentally insulting disabled people.

Each character is unique; there is Will McKenzie, the slightly awkward, very intelligent and socially inexperienced one. Simon Cooper, the desperate one who is always embarrassed by his friends and family but is a good friend. Jay Cartwright, the ludicrous, outrageous, desperate one who always tries to convince the others that he always gets girls falling at his feet. Finally, there is Neil Sutherland, the dumb one who manages to always get himself into daft situations. Each character has relatable aspects of their personality, whether it is to the viewer themself or if it reminds them of a friend. 

THE IT CROWD

The IT Crowd is a British sitcom on Channel 4. The IT Crowd is essentially a comic series based around a small group of support workers in an IT department of a large corporation going about their lives. The sitcom stars Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson as the protagonists. The television series piloted in 2006, written by Graham Linehan, who also wrote Black Books and Father Ted which are Channel 4 programmes as well. 

For my analysis of The IT Crowd I watched an episode called 'Friend Face' which involves the characters using social media to meet new people and catch up with old 'friends'. The graphics used for the title sequence are retro, old style graphics which I think shows the identity of the show as quirky, original and obviously computer related. 

The sitcom has three stereotypical protagonists, two types of geeky guys, one (named Maurice or 'Moss') seems very intelligent, socially awkward and smart. The other (named Roy) comes across as the type of nerd who still is well educated in the world of computers but also seems to be more interested in getting a girlfriend and being social although he seems repellent to all women. The woman, Jen, is the relationship manager of the company. However she has no previous experience with any technology, and only got the job offer because of multiple lies on her CV. They all appear desperate for a relationship. 

This episode showed me that this series contains lots of irony, extremely sarcastic comments and very awkward moments, for example; Jen attends a party with a woman she once vaguely knew from school that she had recently come into contact with via 'Friend Face' a social network. She wants to appear sophisticated so she brings Moss along as her pretend husband to make her seem more successful. They constantly lie throughout the party when suddenly Roy, who had been on a date with a emotionally unstable woman who comes across as being rather obsessed with him, bursts into the party claiming to the crazy woman that Jen is the woman he loves. Moss and Roy then get into a fake argument about who loves Jen more and then say they should take the fight outside. However when they do step outside they just flash a quick look at each other and run off down the street away from the party. 

I think the audience for this sitcom is teenagers and young adults as they use some adult comedy and more grown up story lines. Young kids or older pensioners wouldn't specifically want to watch computer related comedy as they do not use it as much as teenagers or young adults. 

My opinion of the show is that it is alright. The episode I watched only made me genuinely laugh about once. The use of canned laughter I find quite irritating as, to me, it says that you should be laughing but you aren't which I just find awkward if I'm honest. The canned laughter doesn't completely put me off as I don't mind the use of it in some circumstances. The IT Crowd is lighthearted and comedic but not my cup of tea. ALthough it does have elements of quirk that blend into the identity of Channel 4 itself. 

TOPIC SENTENCES FOR BULLET POINTS

Here are possible topic sentences for each bullet point for each advertisement that I have chosen to use in my assessment. 

Mavis: 

• Theatrical and extravagant representation

There is theatrical and extravagant representation in this advertisement, for example; the woman is in an exaggerated pose, pushing herself against a mirror as though she is lusting after herself. This suggests the fragrance is irresistible and overwhelmingly sexy.

• Glamour: evening dress, voluminous, rich fabric

The woman depicted in this advertisement is wearing a luxurious gown, draped over her shoulders. The heavy, seemingly expensive fabric represents glamour and wealth suggesting that buying this perfume will make you appear richer and more glamorous than you actually are. 

• Coloured: sensual and passionate

This advertisement uses deep reds and shades of black and darkened purple which are colours that tend to represent passion and sexiness. This adds a great amount towards the overall feel and perception of this advertisement.

• Art Nouveau: curves and rounded edges

The rounded edges on the words and the curves of both the woman's shape and on the mirror are typical of the Art Nouveau style. This makes the advertisement appear more feminine and appealing to a female market.

• Narcissistic: irresistible to herself, therefore irresistible to others 

The position of the woman looks as though she is attempting to imagine what a man would see whilst making love to her. Therefore, it is like she is making love to herself because she thinks she is so perfect and irresistible although she just appears to be self-obsessed. 

Charlie:

• Independence and confidence

The woman featured in this fragrance advertisement is great representation of confidence and independence as she is proudly striding across a public area, on her own showing she does not need other people she can do everything on her own. The perfume provides her with confidence and independence. 

• Professional: blazer and trousers

The smart clothing worn by the woman in this advertisement shows us that she is intelligent, classy and professional and therefore represents this perfume as one that makes you feel as though you possess these qualities more than you necessarily do. It gives off a view of a more business minded woman who knows what she is doing. 

• Self-Assured: doesn't need to wear revealing clothing to catch your eye.

Unlike many other fragrance advertisements this woman is not wearing revealing clothing to sell this perfume as sexy she is using her professionalism as her attractive feature in her appearance. She knows that dressing provocatively will not make her feel more sexy and she doesn't believe she needs that kind of wardrobe. This shows that you can be intelligent and sexy at the same time without wearing a certain type of clothes. 

• Charlie: unisex name

The unisex name 'Charlie' could imply that this product, when worn by women, is attractive to men. The feminine scents and elements within the fragrance will attract men without the woman wearing it needing to act flirty and dressing provocatively. 

• Hairstyle: her hair is down which shows a more playful side.

Although this woman is being portrayed as very professional and independent she wears her hair loose and flowing over her shoulders; this represents a more free and playful side of her personality, which shows that there are free and playful scents within the fragrance. 

Dior:

• Style: retro meets modern

This fragrance represents both retro, chic aspects of femininity as well as the more modern woman's flirty, cheeky elements. This appeals to a wider range of women; young to old, vintage to modern. This advertisement includes a constant mix of these two styles and flicks between them both during the advertisement.

• Attitude: youth and sass

The woman's attitude during the advertisement projects a vision of youth and freshness. She's always smiling or pulling a cheeky face to the camera. Her attitude is positive and she seems to be glowing with happiness and acts in a flirtatious, sassy way.  

• Freedom: dancing through the streets

This advertisement features the woman sashaying through the streets of St Tropez, she seems as though she has nowhere important to be or anyone important to get back to, she's free to roam around and do whatever she feels like. This represents scents that may be light, fruity or floral as these are commonly associated with freedom. 

• Attention: only girl in the whole advert

The woman in this advertisement is the only woman featured in the entire advertisement, this means that the fragrance will make the owner not only feel like the only girl in the world but also will be the only one who gets attention from any men. 

• Two-sided: both sexy (red and black outfit) and sweet (retro outfit)

This advertisement shows that it has two different sides; a sexier one and a sweet one. It does this by using different outfits, for example, the retro black beach outfit which is also paired with pastel colours and vintage accessories which is the cuter look as well as a black top and vivid red skirt which is paired with a red and black bar showing the more sexy and cheeky side of the fragrance. 

COMPARATIVE ASSIGNMENT

Introductory Sentences:

Mavis: 

Mavis features a painted woman with sensual colours, for example; red and black, to create the idea that this fragrance is both sexy and irresistible.

• Theatrical and extravagant representation
• Glamour: evening dress, voluminous, rich fabric
• Colours: sensual and passionate 
• Art Nouveau: curves and rounded edges
• Narcissistic: irresistible to herself, therefore irresistible to others 

Charlie:

Charlie, unlike my first choice, features a black and white 
photograph of a proud woman striding across the road creating the idea that this fragrance is confident and bold. 

• Independence and confidence 
• Professional: blazer and trousers
• Self-Assured: doesn't need to wear revealing clothing to catch your eye.
• Charlie: unisex name
• Hairstyle: her hair is down which shows a more playful side.

Dior Addict:

Dior Addict, unlike my other two choices, features a young, cheeky and flirty woman dancing around St Tropez. This gives the idea that this fragrance is fun, free, floral and flirty. 

• Style: retro meets modern
• Attitude: youth and sass
• Freedom and Location: dancing through the streets
• Attention: only girl in the whole advert
• Two-sided: both sexy (red and black outfit) and sweet (retro outfit)

FRAGRANCE ADVERTISEMENT CHOICES

The three fragrance advertisements I have chosen from the 1920's, 1970's and 2010 to do my analysis on are:

1920 - Mavis (Vivaudou)

1970's - Charlie (Revlon)

2011 - Dior Addict (Dior)

ACTION HEROES

In films there are many different types of characters. Stock characters are the ones most commonly used or seen. The types I'm going to be looking at are The Chief, The Bad Boy, The Best Friend, The Lost Soul, The Charmer, The Professor, The Swashbuckler and The Warrior. 

The Chief: Winston Wolf (Harvey Keitel) 

I chose The Wolf from Pulp Fiction as The Chief because his character is calm and collected but he also knows how to get a job done and keep everybody else in line. His character is demanding and strict which shows his authority and he is a respected business man. 

The Bad Boy: Cato - District 2 (Alexander Ludwig)

I chose Cato from Hunger Games as The Bad Boy because his character is portrayed as brutal and merciless. He is strong and muscular as well as being good with weapons. He always tries to make people feel threatened by him and doesn't make friends easily so people tend to give him space. 

The Best Friend: Ed (Nick Frost)

I chose Ed from Shaun of the Dead (left) as The Best Friend. His character plays Shaun's sidekick who, although he may be a pain, is always there with Shaun to try and help him. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg are commonly seen playing best friends and make a great pair. 

The Lost Soul: Brooks Hatlen (James Whitmore)

I chose Brooks from The Shawshank Redemption as The Lost Soul because his character is kind however as the film progresses he gets more mentally unstable. When he is released from the prison he doesn't know what to do anymore and so he commits suicide because he can't cope with change. 

The Charmer: Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) 

I chose Jack from Titanic because his character is sweet, cheeky and handsome. His gentlemanly approach to women is endearing and his attitude to life is so positive it is almost impossible, as a woman, to be unhappy around him. He tries his best to please people and likes to take risks. 

The Professor: Digory Kirke (Jim Broadbent)

I chose Digory from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as The Professor. His character is very intelligent, he is old and wise and quite mysterious. He seems to know everything and the children think he is a mad scientist type figure, which is partly true. He may not know everything but he does know a lot and his stories of narnia make him look crazy. 

The Swashbuckler: Zorro (Antonio Banderas)

I chose Zorro from The Mask of Zorro because his character is witty and chivalrous. He is heroic and rescues damsels in distress which perfectly describes a 'Swashbuckler'. His mysterious identity with his mask and courageous sword fighting skills also define his role in the film. 

The Warrior: King Leonidas (Gerard Butler)

I chose King Leonidas from 300 as The Warrior because his character tries to show courage, fearlessness and brutality. He stands up for what he believes in and fights for it. He is a leader not a follower and makes decisions based on his thoughts and not someone else's. He has passion and will not hold back.