The Descendants: Realism, Classicism, Formalism

Realism

  
 To edit in a realist fashion is to create one long, continuous shot without any cuts or edits, therefore giving off a sense of dramatic intent and importance to the scene. Here we see the camera slowly, continuously pan over to a woman lying on a hospital bed unconscious; this here is the director's way of incorporating backstory within the plot, bringing out its main internal conflict which also can arise many questions as to why and how she got there. The shot is held on the woman for a while, creating an intimate and dramatic mood as she is slowly zoomed in on. This concept has an intention of making viewers focus and concentrate in order to fully grasp the effect this scene is attempting to create. All these elements within this one, crucial excerpt compose an effective foundation to the films beginning. 


Classicism

 Classicism is an editing concept in which keeps audience members interested due to the way all action is condensed in a way that gets the scene right to the point without leaving out any crucial information that is significant to the plot. This scene is edited in a in which keep the cuts not very noticeable based on the fact that all dialogue is quick and straight to the point rather than attempting to lead the main conflict in. We hear the girl say “Mom was cheating on you” at the start of the scene; that way the main external conflict becomes evident because of how concise everything is, grabbing attention and keeping it throughout this important scene which forms a sense of back story. The quick cuts and brief, yet effective, dialogue builds tension and glorifies all emotion.


Formalism

Formalism is a way for directors to develop a tone within the movie that is juxtaposed from the linear narrative that is mainly established throughout the plot. Although captured in only approximately under a minute, this excerpt from the film demonstrates this editing concept by creating context, further forming a sense of back story. Disregarding real time, the director cuts this scene to establish a new conflict, possibly creating more questions for the audience. This scene takes away from the linear narrative in this film due to the way the scene sort of gets off topic by Matt King (George Clooney) running randomly but, evidently, with purpose.    

Step Outline

Step Outline
                             

Scene	Dramatic Intent
1. Victim, Simon, (innocent boy) sleeping on couch in living room	1. Establishing shot of what will happen to Simon
2. Friend, Gerald, (notorious prankster) creeps into room with suspicious look on his face	2. Introduces antagonist and shows who and what his character is
3. Gerald carefully tiptoes over to sleeping boy with a rope in his hand and mischievous look in his eye	3. Reveals Gerald’s intentions, and what he prank he is planning. Also showing backstory on what he will do and how it will happen
4. Gerald goes to the foot of the couch where Simon’s shoes are and ties his shoes together in a triple knot	4. Reveals Gerald’s first execution of his prank and the audience realizes his level of maturity
5. Gerald goes to Simon’s hands and carefully handcuffs them together behind his back	5. Reveals Gerald’s second execution of his prank. Also shows that Gerald is executing his prank making sure Simon can’t escape unless helped
6. Gerald goes to the head of the couch, carefully brings out an airhorn and blows it in Simon’s ear	6. Gerald’s plan comes into action
7. Simon wakes up startled and turns to Gerald confused. Realizes his hands are cuffed behind his back	7. Demonstrates what obstacle Simon encounters as he must figure out a way to get out of Gerald’s prank
8. Simon, trying to squirm free, begs Gerald for the key back as he mocks him by dangling the key in front of Simon’s face barely within reach	8. Further characterizes Gerald. He is devious and and childish
9. Simon attempts to get up and go after Gerald but falls off the couch and onto the ground, realizing his shoes are tied together but unable to untie them due to the handcuffs	9. Brings out main conflict in story on what Simon must deal with and try to get out of to overcome
10. Simon struggles on the floor trying will ever will in his body attempting to break free while Gerald is outside the door mocking him	10. Audience sees Simon is truly angered and no longer thinks the prank is funny while Gerald has a different perspective
11. Gerald puts the handcuff key on the porch steps and walks away with an accomplished smile on his face without regret or remorse	11. Shows that Gerald is truly relentless when it comes to pranking and proves he doesn’t stop at any extent
12. Cuts to Simon’s dog in the kitchen knocking down a lit candle off the table which lands near a curtain, causing it the enflame	12. Introduces big turning point within story foreshadowing Simon’s fate and Gerald’s life changing mistake
13. Fire grows bigger while Simon remains in the house still trapped unable to make it out alive	13. Shows big conflict and second turning point of story. Also brings out major backstory to antagonist’s mistakes
14. Gerald sees fire from a block away with a worried look on his face realizing Simon hasn’t made it out	14. Gerald realizes what an enormous mistake he has made as he considers everything he has done: kills someone and forever looks at himself as a murderer

Characterization Blog

Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation

Ron Swanson, otherwise known by his real name Nick Offerman, is the director of the Pawnee Parks and Recreation, which seems to be quite ironic due to his personal logic on why this department should not exist. Ron Swanson's character is a true libertarian who has many strong views on why the screwed up government honestly doesn't matter thinking that it is a "greedy piglet that suckles on a taxpayer's teat until they have sore chapped nipples". Ron also is portrayed as a simple man when it comes to wardrobe and women standards. He dresses simply, nothing conspicuous but not too bland, and enjoys Brunettes. Ron Swanson truly defines the ideal characteristics of a man: strong, literally eats nothing but meat and occasionally eggs, emotionally and physically tough, pro America and has a substantial, thick amount of facial hair. All of his characteristics, ideas, and methods can be demonstrated through his very own "Swanson Pyramid of Greatness" which is a "perfectly calibrated recipe for maximum personal achievement" that will turn you from boys to men, from men to gladiators and from gladiators into Swansons.

Although my main focus is on Ron Swanson's overall manliness, which at times can be challenged, I'd like to talk a little about his interesting laugh and double life. Ron's laugh can represent a whole new idea. His masculine figure and image juxtaposed from his unmanly giggle truly shows what an interesting character he plays. Also, although his co-workers, aside from his apathetic intern April Ludgate, know nothing about his alias, Duke Silver. Ron doubles as a smooth jazz saxophone player who plays at night clubs for all his fans and has Memories of Now, Smooth as Silver, and Hi Ho, Duke.

 Ron Swanson Laugh:

                                     

Ron Swanson a.k.a Duke Silver

          

Chase Jarvis: Nikon D600 Camera

Nikon D600

The DSLR camera over the past several years has revolutionized the video industry in a tremendous way. Since the inception of introducing high definition video capabilities, these cameras have changed the minds of independent filmmakers, advertising agencies, and production companies throughout the United States as well as many foreign countries. It has given them the ability to shoot a variety of video projects both on constrained as well as high-end budgets. The new DSLR Nikon D600 is one of the cameras that can retain many of these qualities. It can record in both high definition formats of 1080i and 720p offering up images that look very cinematic as opposed to using overly expensive film cameras requiring huge crew personnel. Although its competitor, Canon, has come out with these same features a few years ago Nikon is know as being behind the 8-ball on technology.               

When You Find Me: 10 Elements

Character

The character that is mainly focused on in this scene is the young Lisle. This film incorporates this theme through this little girl's actions and vivid imagination throughout the story line. The main struggle Lisle encounters and attempts to fix is the tragedy of her mother's death, which she can't quite grasp the concept of due to her naive mind. For example, she thinks her mother is just in heaven, which in her mind is a place that can be easily visited, rather than dead. Lisle has a strong, determined soul that won't let in the bitterness of her sister's attitude while she attempts to reach the goal of visiting her mother once again with a plan that she has in mind.

Setting

   











The setting of this film can be demonstrated through this dynamic scene in the plot. This late night scene which takes place in a crashed abandoned airplane, is the main setting that can act as a major turning point in the story line. The young Lisle is told by her older sister Aurora, that you can only get to heaven to visit their mother by spaceship. This automatically struck an idea into the mind of Lisle. Lisle was once told by a classmate that there is a so called "spaceship" in the back of the cemetery where her mother is buried. As Lisle has the plan of visiting her mother in heaven, the story line takes us to the setting of the film which leads to a big climax.

Backstory

In this dramatic scene of the film it soon becomes self evident that the mother of young Lisle and Aurora has passed away due to what seems to be a severe case of cancer. This backstory also acts as a major turning point in this film which gives viewers better understanding of the character's sad emotions and melancholy plot tone. This short scene has such an overwhelming impact on the character's lives and sets the tone for the rest of the story line explaining all the cause of the their actions. This backstory demonstrates the different coping mechanisms each character goes through, whether it is depression or rising conflict that can only be fixed with the proper mind set.

Goal

 










As you can see in this picture there is a cartoon spaceship soaring up to the night sky which gives the plot a sense of foreshadowing on what the character may pursue. During this scene the director depicts the peculiar dream of the young Lisle. This dream occurs after Aurora tells Lisle that the only way to get to heaven is by spaceship. This shows and gives viewers an idea on what Lisle's future intentions are in terms of seeing her mother one last time. While watching this interesting scene we realize what goal she is attempting to accomplish, demonstrating the imaginative mind of young Lisle.

Time

 This image from the final scene in this film represents time through where it takes place. Before this part Lisle and Aurora were visiting their mother's grave, talking about what had happened and what had been said that day she died. When Lisle had seen her mother through some sort of realistic dream, she said "Tell her when she's ready, I'll be waiting". This piece of dialogue is very significant to this scene. That quote all leads up to the time when Aurora is ready. This can possibly mean that when Aurora is ready for the time to come, her mother will also be ready with open arms and forgiveness. Time is incorporated here through the setting of this scene, which shows the time of readiness based on where she is.

Relationship

 






The relationship that is established in this significant scene is obviously very loving due to how close the two sisters are to each other. This scene acts a turning point in the plot as the truth comes out between the two sisters who had neutral emotions during the middle of the film. This theme is represented in this film due to exterior emotions and past experiences. Going through their mother's death was a major hardship in which they have had different approaches and coping mechanisms on. But, once the truth comes out on what Aurora has said to her mother that day, the emotions begin to flow out, revealing all the bottled-up truths and feelings which resulted in forgiveness and understanding. This all truly demonstrates how close these two sisters are no matter what they encounter together. 

Obstacle

The theme of obstacle can be represented through this large gate which is an entry to the cemetery that Lisle and Aurora's mother is buried in. As Lisle acts upon instinct to attempt to see her mother one more time with the "spaceship", which she apparently believes can transport her to heaven, she encounters the obstacle of the locked gate that leads to the key element of her plan. This gate acts as a symbol of interference in which lisle is forced to overcome if she wishes to proceed with her idea that aurora bitterly questions due to their differences in logic.

Mood

This image can establish the theme of mood through the elements of expression, lighting, and body language. The director's choice on shot selections gives off a strong feeling that can be depicted as a not so much depressing feeling but neutralism. This can give viewers the idea that one of the main characters isn't exactly excited for what is to come. This can also mean that the character has a lot of thoughts on her mind that she is pondering upon.

The Unknown














Throughout the course of this film the young Lisle discovers this unknown, mysterious place which seems to be quite significant to the plot of the story. It appears that this is a place where Lisle encounters her mother. What makes this place an unknown setting is that it gives off an unclear message as to whether it is an escape land of peace, Lisle's dream land, or possibly heaven through the eyes of Lisle. Whatever it is we may never know which creates the illusion of a mysterious land that makes viewers question their opinion. This truly demonstrates how the director of this film incorporated this well thought out theme.

Discovery

The theme of discovery can be represented through the scene of Lisle's realistic dream of her mother. In the beginning of this film we see this majestic, white setting that seems a bit mysterious. As the story line takes us further into the plot we realize that Lisle discovers this place in which she sees her mother in. This place can symbolize a feeling of tranquility and happiness due to the way Lisle and her mother interacted with each other. This discovery was possibly something that gives Lisle an open mind and an interesting thought to contemplate upon.

10 Themes of Storytelling

Mood
Conveys atmosphere, tone or emotion

The mood in this photo gives off a sense of serenity based on how the photographer captured this view. The time of day that occurs plays a big role in this picture. By using natural light from the sun and the color of the sky, there is a tranquil feeling established in this shot. Due to the angle and framing of this photo the photographer grasps a dominant essence of the wide and high view of the city. Through the use of a wide angle lens and correct positioning of the camera this person was able to create a scene that captures the intense view that was meant to be portrayed.

Goal
Whatever the character is pursuing

The motion vector in this photo can be illustrated through the dynamic actions of the man in the wheelchair. The photographer was able to blur out the background using a rack focus and camera lens with a long focal length. By doing so, viewers of the picture can infer that the main focus in this scene is on the man with the volleyball and what his intended goal is. This picture can portray the theme of goal based on how motivated the man is despite his disability.

Backstory
A story that promotes fuller understanding of the narrative

This photo can represent the theme of backstory and a certain history that is within this memorial. It resembles a remembrance of what had occurred back then during World War II and shows all the names of the brave heroes who once fought in and experiences the depths of this significant time period. The photographer specifically framed this picture in a way where the title of the memorial is emphasized, which is across the top. Also, the light gives off a certain dull mood that focuses on the tragedies of the past soldiers but also the memory of their brave existences.

Character
Can be anyone or anything

This picture focuses on the character of the sad, bored little girl that seems to be receiving an unwanted piano lesson. Her facial expression gives viewers a sense of what mood she is going through at the moment, but there are also other factors that can tell us what she is feeling. The little girl's body language, which is leaned over and her head rested on the piano tells us that she isn't fully engaged in the lesson. Also,  the monochrome filter used here gives a "non-lively" vibe and a dull mood.

Obstacle
Anyone or anything in the character's way

The obstacle that seems to be focused on is the stairs that are in the way of the disabled person that might go down them. The angle at which this photograph was taken at gives it a certain dynamic feel to it as the the objects go down the axis of the frame. The graphic vector gives this picture a lot of depth leading to the bigger meaning of the main obstacle that is portrayed. The composition of the objects in this picture are very well organized. The chair which is at the top of the staircase that is connected to the mechanical contraption shows that the stairs act as a big dilemma for the handicapped person who faces the challenge of going down them. Doing this reminds him of his disability.

Relationship
A relationship between anyone or anything

Through first-hand look, viewers can automatically tell that the relationship in this photo is very strong. In this picture there aren't that many photogenic techniques or certain framing and intense composition factors. What is interesting about this photo is that is very simple and on the surface. There isn't any other distracting background images or blurred focuses. The relationship between the homeless man and his loyal dog illustrates the idea of an amazing bond. It also elaborates on the theme of relationship by showing that no matter what race, social status, religion, or gender, we all need love.

Setting
Any location or environment

In this picture the setting is in an old, abandoned location in the middle of nowhere. Overall the setting seems a bit mysterious due to the color and location of the house and its surroundings, such as the trees and forest.  Also the house itself appears to be depressing. It could possibly mean that it is the main focus based on its dull color aside from the differences around it. Through this, viewers can infer that there could have been unpleasant memories within this location. Due to the light and texture of the photograph, it can give off an old sense of environment. It seems that this was captured with a normal focal length lens by looking at the picture and its dimensions.

The Unknown
Can be anything unexpected, a twist

I think I can speak for everyone when it comes to this acting as a twist of the very first half goat half pig hybrid. This picture gives off a humorous unexpected twist due to the fact that not many people knew that a biracial relationship could start between a pig and a goat. The way this scene is lit and framed illustrates a happy mood. This is so due to the bright lights and gleaming flora environment. The photographer blurs out some edges to put the main focus on the animals and its humorous effects. The composition of objects is as if it was "meant to be". Perfect timing and place for the photographer to capture this captivating moment.

Time
Represents time of day or within history

 













This image represents time through the affectionate actions of the married couple. It appears that they are spending all the time they have left with each other, enjoying each others company by displaying their love towards one another. If viewers closely examine the lighting of the image, they can tell that the edges are shadowed out while the main lighting and focus on the elderly couple. It gives off a sort of "heavenly" feeling which emphasizes the idea of the couple embracing each other, having the thought in mind of not knowing when their "time" might be.  

Film Review: Law Abiding Citizen

Figure 1

 In Law Abiding Citizen the basic storyline of this film involves a Philadelphia engineer named Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) who has witnessed up close the brutal murdering of his wife of ten years and young daughter who is approximately 6 or 7. Soon after the ones responsible are caught, it appears that the D.A. Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) only has circumstantial evidence due to improper procedure during the case. To avoid the taint of his detective reputation he comes up with the solution of proposing a deal with one of the murderers, planning to convince him to testify against his partner, resulting in the death penalty for the minor suspect in the case. Once Shelton finds out about this, he is dissatisfied with the outcome of this situation, which is having the actual killer released into freedom. As this controversy passes, Shelton has relentless plans for the future involving clever actions and murder. Once ten years pass he puts his master plan into action giving Rice suspicions to stop Shelton only to find out that he is always one step ahead of everyone. I personally enjoyed this film because of its unexpected plot twists and suspense, but the ending also brought a little disappointment.

Figure 2

Figure 3

 One of the many things I enjoyed and appreciated about this film would have to be the main plot and story line. As the course of this film moves along the director takes us deeper and deeper into the captivating mind of Clyde Shelton. The whole story line included unexpected twists and turns giving viewers the suspense of no telling when something thrilling will happen considering the fact that Shelton is "supposedly" behind bars. I also find the director's sense of momentum interesting. During the movie, the plot just keeps rising in excitement until finally reaching the ultimate climax, but at the same time it also makes you think. The thoughts that occurred to me were basic: "how is this happening if he's in another place?". It gives viewers chances to refer back to previous chapters of the film. 

Figure 4

 Aside from the whole film there was one flaw I did consider. The ending to me was a bit disappointing. For spoiler reasons I will try my best to not hint away the ending. After finishing the film and distinguishing good guy from bad guy, I felt that there was a lack of poetic justice in the ending of the story line. Clyde Shelton had many clever and dynamic parts throughout the movie but the ending let the illusion of him being a mastermind die down.   

Figure 5

 In this film I personally think that each character was cast well according to what role they individually played. I would like to focus on the main character Clyde Shelton who was impressively played by Gerard Butler. In this film Clyde Shelton is portrayed as an intelligent, relentless mastermind who will stop at nothing until justice is met to his specific standards, even if it involves the brutality of his endless planning and gruesome murdering of guilty and innocent people. At times his character can become quite questionable due to the fact that there is a thin line between good and bad guy. This may give audience members the conflict of thinking his character can be portrayed as a monster or a good guy gaining an attempt at fair justice. 

Figure 6

 Overall I really did enjoy and appreciate the director's stylings of suspense, plot twists, and ability to make viewers think. This film was an excellent portrayal of fair and unfair justice. I highly recommend this film to viewers with interest in attention to detail, thrill, and breathtaking moments. It honestly is phenomenal piece of work. My overall rating of this movie would be 4.7 stars due to its spectacular story line.