Children of Men - Opening Sequence

The opening sequence of the film Children of Men starts off with a news report of that the youngest person in the world has died aged 18. It shows the time and location of when we are at in the world (London City 2027) Also there is a sign of the time in 2027 where London has shown to be evolved by animated adverts and improved taxis.

Massive crowd disappointed with death of youngest person, as Diego has become an iconic and popular figure across the world, therefore this has affected the entire public. A turquoise cafe has been set up in at the start of the film, suggesting that the area and the time of life is very relaxed and calm, but as soon as this tragic news has come in to the world, it has produced massive sadness and grey across the world.

The video in the cafe the television looks like a projector, suggesting a new way of visual life and a change in the world has happened.  

A sound bridge is used over the course of when the main character leaves the cafe and then the camera tracks him through the pavement seeing what is going to happen, then a tense sound starts to come on as non-deigetic creating an unusual atmosphere, seeming something is going to happen.

As soon as you know it the camera pans round to the other side of the main character and an explosion happens before title comes up with Children of Men, leaving the film on an edgy cliff-hanger.

Camera/audience focuses on one man who bought the coffee; this is because he is the only character in the film that doesn’t really focus on the television and the youngest person being killed, all he cares about is picking up his coffee and walking off.

All in all it was an edgy opening clip of Children of Men but achieves its target of keeping the viewer drawn in the movie and wanting for more.

Phantom of the Opera - Lighting and Colour

The colour changes significantly throughout the extract of the Phantom of the Opera. Black and White colouring is portrayed throughout the first section of the clip, representing the Phantom of the Opera is one of the classics, with the use of Black and White representing classic, old, antique and worthy, all these meanings all link with fortunate and wealthy, which is another aspect of Phantom of the Opera is looked at. As the chandelier unveiled on the screen, the set turns into its original colour, representing that the chandelier is at the scene of everything, that it can transform classic black and white into the modern day colours, showing that it has a powerful meaning. The main colours in production are red and gold, used in the costumes and settings signifying wealth, luxury, romance and passion. These colours and representations suggest that this play is all linked to luxury and love, producing a mysterious dilemma on which one will come on top.

The lighting suggests a key participant in the first half of the extract; where in black and white colouring is being portrayed using the key and back lighting, suggesting a secretive approach to the start of the clip, where we can only see half of the right side of the characters features. As the Chandelier is unveiled on the screen, it brings bright lights towards the setting and all around the clip, with no shadows appearing. As colour comes into the film, lighting turns into left lighting giving a clearer picture for the audience to view. Back lighting being used towards end of clip again clearing the picture and setting, giving a better picture to view.

Joe Wilson