Task

Different Genres

This is a mystery film called 'The Virgin Suicides'. The first still image is an example of low key lighting as it is very dark yet it is back-lit so we are able to see the silhouettes of several men and of a hand. None of these characters have a specific facial expressions of anything distinctive about them which creates enigma as we are unsure of what is happening and who is who. This is very stereotypical in the mystery genre. The clothes in the scene are not particularly visible however the men appear to wearing some sort of uniform suggesting they have a sense of authority and could be police men, for example. The use of colour here is also quite important as it adds to the atmosphere of the still. The colours are very unsaturated as only a grey toned blue is used along with black and grey mostly. The main focus of this still is not determined but it is most likely to be the woman who's hand we can see. The use of props help the audience distinguish that she could be the antagonist. Perhaps the 'femme fatal' as they are commonly seen smoking because it is symbolic of being fearless and bold.

The second still, from the same film, has especially striking cinematography. It appears to be set in a domestic setting, most likely the girl's house in her bathroom. The use of the bathtub is significant as it suggests she feels impure and is metaphorically trying to wash away any immoral acts she has committed. Again, the colours here are very unsaturated and murky. This adds to the genre of the film because darker colours have connotations of gloominess and secrecy - stereotypical in a mystery film. The use of water here is also important because her face is partly beneath it which further reinforces secrecy and darkness. The lighting here is high key as everything in the scene is visible and we can even see reflections off the water.

This film is called 'Only God Forgives', it is a hybrid of thriller and drama. In the first still the use of lighting is very significant as it is a huge indicator of the film being a thriller and perhaps having undertones of horror. The lighting casts a long shadow of the exit that spills through the corridor. This creates a sense of intimidation as we do not know what goes beyond the bright orange exit yet we still are fully aware that we will find out. The screen cap also uses mainly dark red and orange lights which insinuate fire and blood. It is associated with energy, danger, strength, power,  violence, determination as well as passion. Both red and orange are especially emotionally intense colours used to evoke instant reactions.

To continue, the second still is extremely similar in terms of colour use to the first still. This suggests that this film remains constant throughout. The lighting here is low key. Although     the colour lighting is so similar to the first, this still image is slightly darker which insinuates something menacing may happen and creates a sense of the scene being ominous. This particular image also gives the impression of sexual tones. The use of the woman's clothes  reinforce this because she is wearing a satiny, bright dress. The use of red is also present here, like in the first but could alternatively be considered to suggest passion rather than danger. The red could be used to represent desire and seduction. The red beads however, are only partly covering the woman suggesting she could be hiding something or that someone is watching her which is common in horror/thriller films. 

This is a still from the film 'A Clockwork Orange' which is a hybrid: Science fiction and  crime. The lighting in the first still is high key. The focus of the image has a slightly deranged facial expression. It appears to be overconfident and perhaps considered as narcissistic. The makeup here is also significant as well as very iconic. The makeup adds to the sense of this character being demented. As the character appears so disturbed yet so self assured and smug, it suggests he could be the antagonist of the film. 

The second still, from the same dystopian film is another example of high key lighting as everything in the scene is visible. However, there are still many shadows that have been created. This could of been created through a lack of filler lights. The imagery of these shadows is quite striking as it creates a sense of intimidation and danger. The costumes here are also incredibly significant as they also add to a sense of danger and instability that these men possess. The props also reinforce this as they are in control of weapons that could potentially cause a lot of harm and due to the sense of terror they create, we as the audience know they are very likely to use these weapons without second thought. These weapons are key conventions in both crime and sci-fi films.

Mise-en-scene task

Costume

There are several women standing in this still image who appear to be wearing elaborate wigs, rich embroidery and full skirts - common of 18th century fashion. However, in the middle there is woman who appears to be wearing only underwear and knee high socks. The still image suggests she is like an outsider in comparison to the other women and because her outfit is such a contrast to the women standing at each side of her, it emphasises how she perhaps may not be as conservative or obedient as they are. This suggests that the woman in the middle is likely to be the protagonist of the film because she is the outsider which has connotations of being misunderstood.

Lighting

The use of lighting is very interesting in this screen cap. This is an example of high-key lighting. This scene is back-lit as we can see through the gap in the curtains. It is also likely that they have used filler lights on the sides of the stage to soften the shadows.

Actor

The character is standing in the centre of the still image by herself suggesting she has confidence. Perhaps her body language suggests she is determined and driven because she is stood upright with good posture. Her demeanour may also suggest she has power which again is most apparent through her boldness (as she is standing alone in her underwear.)

Make up

The women at the sides of the curtain appear lavish and heavily made up. This is an indicator that they are likely to be higher class. In stark contrast, the woman in the middle seems to not appear anything but opulent. However, this may not be because she is not rich or of upper class but rather that she is rebelling. In addition, the main focus of the image appears more uncontrollable or free because of her hair which is slightly more untamed in comparison to the elaborate wigs the women besides her are wearing.

Props
The use of the chandeliers add a sense of elegance and grace. This is because they are often symbolic of enlightened wisdom. The thick, velvet curtains adds to a sense of prosperity and wealth. To continue, the women appear to be holding what looks like candle lights. This adds to the time era it was set in as it was the 18th century in which candle light was still commonly used.

Setting
The setting of this is quite ambiguous but we can assume that it is set in a grand house or stage area and that there is an opening through the curtain to the outside. It is unclear what the outside is or where it may lead to, but it is most likely to be an area forestry.