Justify to what extent V for Vendetta conforms to Classic Hollywood Narrative.

There are several aspects that are stereotypical of a classic Hollywood narrative. In my opinion, I believe that V for Vendetta does conform to a classic Hollywood narrative to some extent, however it subverts and manipulates this. For example, one of the themes of a classic Hollywood narrative is cause and effect, this is relevant in the film V for Vendetta. The main cause for the film is that V was injured and tested on by the government, this results in V's revenge which is one of the main effects of the film's narrative. Therefore, in this way, the film does conform to a classic Hollywood narrative.

In a classic Hollywood narrative, there is also an aspect of character driven, psychological motivations. This is present in the film V for Vendetta, for example, when V wants satisfaction of vengeance. Because he has been taken advantage of by the government, this is his motivation to the effects of the film, for example, blowing up the Old Bailey, Parliament and overthrowing the government. Another character who incorporates a character driven, psychological motivation into the film is Evie. At the beginning of the film Evie is portrayed as weak, for example when she nearly gets raped by the two policemen. However, other the course of the film, we see Evie's character develop into a strong woman. V helps Evie get rid of her fear and encourage her strength, when he puts her through the torture camp, in his own home. This means that Evie almost has the same psychological motivation as V.

Another theme within a classic Hollywood narrative is opposition and conflict. This is very prominent in the film. There is a lot of opposition and conflict throughout the film, we see this at the beginning of the film, the curfew that the public have to stick by vs. the governments control. 

The film undermines the power and authority of a classic Hollywood narrative, symbolising the message of the film; to not conform to the rules of society

Narrative

A classic Hollywood narrative is a set of rules tht just be followed in order for the film to become a classic Hollywood narrative. These rules aren't followed directly, conveying that we, the audience don't have to follow the rules of society ourselves. 

Subvert: undermining the power and authority established system or institution. 

Cause and effect

Character driven resolving their problems based on their motivations/desires/emotions 

Opposition and conflict protagonist/antagonist 

3 act structure: equilibrium, disruption, resolution

Sense of closure 

MES creates realism for the story to exist (verisimilitude) genre /believable realism 

V for vendetta

Cause and effect: revenge, personal injury caused by the government. In this way, it does conform to a Classic Hollywood Narrative. 

Character driven/psychological motivations: V wants the satisfaction of vengeance. Evie becomes stronger throughout the film compared to the beginning; V gets rid of we fear to change her motivation. The characters motivations drive the film, therefore in this aspect the film does conform to a classic Hollywood narrative. 

Opposition and conflict: V for Vendetta isn't satisfying the classic Hollywood narrative in a traditional way.  Not clear through colours

Creedy kills the dictator, this is unusual for a classic Hollywood film; no defined villain. 

When Parliment is blown up the film ends, this signifies that the symbol of government is actually the villain. 

There is no bad guy, it is the symbol that is te villiain. It is the idea of the Parliment that is the villain not the actual people.  This makes the film NOT conform to a classic Hollywood narrative. The film is based on reality. The film is breaking the typical narrative. 

3 act structure: 

Equilibrium, distruption, resolution (confrontation). The confrontation is between the people in v's masks and the government. This represents anarchy; wanting to rule themselves. Anarchy vs fascism. It does conform, however it plays around with this not in a stereotypical way. 

Positive ending/ closure 

Yes but we do not know the actual ending, therefore we do not recieve closure. 

Believable realism:

Yes it is realistic, relates to the audience's actual situation 

The dark knight

Psychological motivation and opposition and conflict

Donkey kong 

3 act structure 

Opposition and conflict 

Super Mario

Realism

Sneeze and disease 

Cause and effect 

How the dark knight should have ended 

Opposition and conflict 

Positive end and closure 

Bunnies:Star Wars 

Positive end 

Opposition and conflict 

Stock character

A stereotypical character who fills a role. They all fit criteria.  They fit into the genre

In V for Vendetta the stock characters are complex. Barely any of the characters fit into one catergory. This is because it generates mystery, it makes the audience think and take into account the narrative. This helps to portray the message of the film; to not trust your government etc. This film therefore is more like reality, which relates to the audiences situation more; in reality people do not easily it into these stock character types. 

A typical Hollywood film usually will follow the character types exactly 

V 

black night character: wears a lot of black clothing 

The anti hero: one with good intentions but his morals are not right 

Lone vigilante 

Hero : fighting for justice, willing to sacrifice himself 

Tragic hero: having a quality leaving to his downfall, for V this is his revenge 

Noble night on a quest 

Villain: he is essentially a terrorist. 

Essay plan

Define the term:

Genre: the style or category of art, music or lit. Conventions in the film. Sci fi. Action film : explosions/fight scenes : slow motion. Thriller: detective. Crime scene: thriller 

Style: the particular way in which something to done; manner or way. Comic book style: slow motion etc. action film masked /caped man. 

Themes: the ideas that are presented throughout the story/ film narrative 

Narrative: the way the story of the film 

Voyeurism: the idea of spying on someone. Usually relating to the male gaze. 

Describe the example in relation to MES and cinematography:

Genre (MES) : the way it's filmed etc can portray how it fits into a genre etc explosions. 

costume; typical black clothing etc, masked 

Location/setting: bit city

Lighting: dark/dim lighting portrays the unknown, bright explosions to highlight etc 

Colour : dark usually black signifies mystery 

Props: red roses, symbolising, mask is never taken off 

Casting performance: mysterious, damsel 

Blocking: centre of shot -V, lots of close ups 

Hair make up : masked, Evie lose her hair at the end 

Cinematography 

Genre: close ups: intensity. The film is not a typical sci fi film as it does not convey typical sci fi objects like spaceships, because of this the film conveys a sense of realism, which helps to convey the message across that this could happen to you the audience. 

Long shots

Blocking 

Style :

Dark lighting, shading of the face etc creating suspense and tension = mystery

Low angle shot= power 

Themes: irony : background images of government propaganda 

Violence/terrorism : explosions and fighting scenes 

Symbolism: red flower appears throughout 

Revenge

Corruption 

Narrative : non linear narrative: flashbacks. Portrays the character, themes and style. Before Evie is almost raped, he is portrayed as dark and mysterious this conveys his character. 

Voyeurism: spying cinematography, at beginning we feel like we are spying of Evie and V getting ready etc. links to the cameras in the streets etc. point of view shots 

1.5.1 exam prep; themes

What the characters are doing and why they are doing it. 

Characters symbolise. 

They are merely a function; they get across the themes in the film 

The characters are there to play it out, they are a function of the story they have no choice but to be bad etc

Dystopia set in the future; a bleak near future. A worse case scenario. Opposite to utopia. A dystopian film conveys a warning. 

Totalitrianism government is ruled by one man, who is in charge with everything in your life. Extremism. This is seen as a bad thing, however in some perspectives it could be good. 

Revolution the replacement of the government. Violence and peaceful protests/taking to the streets can overthrow the government 

Conspiracy theories a belief by an individual / group that may be responsible for a particular event. Circulated on the internet explaining that the governments message is untrue. For example, 9/11. Links to the theme of V for Vendetta; you cannot trust your government. 

Democracy lets other people have a chance to say what they think. A system of government by the whole population, through representatives. We vote for who we want in power. Can be used to make you think you have control however this is not usually the case. 

Fascism a dictator / party. Nationalism is a fascist theme; the idea that the countries people stick together, the rest if the population are not superior. Fascism leads to totalitarianism 

MES, GENRE, STYLE

Themes of V for Vendetta

Monday 29th September 2014

What is the message of V for Vendetta?

• Fear
• Power
• Democracy
• Warning
• Don't trust politicians 

What beliefs/values does it celebrate?

• Anarchy 
• Freedom
• Revenge
• 
  

Pre-reading for Monday 29th September 2014

What stock characters are to be found in V?

• Bimbo
• Battle-axe woman 
• Damsel in distress
• Holmesian detective 
• Eldery martial arts master
• Everyman
• Femme fatale
• Final girl
• Hero
• Hotshot
• Legacy hero
• Reluctant hero
• Secret identity
• Sidekick
• Space Nazis
• Superhero
• Tragic hero

How does the film use characters differently to a typical Hollywood film?
The film, V for Vendetta uses characters, such as stock characters differently compared to a typical Hollywood film. For example, above I have listed all of the stock characters that I believe VforV includes, however it does not necessarily use these stock characters directly and stereotypically like the usual Hollywood film. Many of these stock characters above apply to V and Evie alone. This is because there is no clear definition of a hero/villain/stereotypical stock character in this film.
The majority of the characters can fit into more than one stock character type. However, for example, Evie's character develops throughout the film, which also means she can fit into many different stock character categories.
In a typical Hollywood film, it is clear who is the character the audience should emotionally connect with, and who is the villain. However, in this film it is unclear. To the audience it is unclear whether V is a terrorist/villain and whether the audience should be on the government's side.


Why do you think this is in relation to getting the film's message across?
One of the messages of the film is warning you to not lose your voice/freedom of speech, and to not just believe what you are told. A Hollywood film is not necessarily accurate to the audience lives in reality. In reality it is not clear who is the hero and who is the villain; a terrorist in Afghanistan may be a terrorist in one man's eyes, but a freedom fighter in another man's eyes. The fact that the film V for Vendetta does not portray clearly divided stock character types, makes the film closer to home, and more like a real life event, that is possible to occur.
Although the film is set in the future, it is only set 10 years ahead from now. There is not much extremism in the film like hoverboards and eating dinner from a single pill. This therefore helps to portray the message of the film even more as the film is set in a world like the one the audience lives in; conveying that this is possible.

V for Vendetta

Why could the film fit into 3 genres? 

The film could fit into 3 genres so that the market is more broad and the audience will increase. The main target it males. The genre they target at is males as women are usually the victim, therefore this genre will appeal more to the male. It is shot intentionally for a male audience (the male gaze).  The main characters would most likely be someone for the audience to identify with, including an asesthetically pleasing female. Evie overcomes her fear, the person who helps her do this is V. (Who is essentially a terrorist. This role is usually the antagonist however he could be seen as a hero. ) We see Evie weak at the beginning (almost being raped) however she develops into a powerful character (blowing up; becoming a terrorist). The hero therefore could be Evie. 

Why is it sci fi? 

Usually sci fi includes aliens. It is realist, something that could happen. The world that exists it not completely unrealistic I comparison to the current day. 

Facist government, the police dressed in solider, nazi based uniforms. However it is set in England. Set 10 years into the future. Not much has changed except the government. This film gives you a negative, dystopia theme. It is not a stereotypical sci fi film as it abandons the conventions of a typical sci fi film; alien etc.  The realism shows you that it could happen. 

Therefore it is a sci fi film however it is not a conventional (normal) sci if film. 

Messages: are we on the way towards this. Too much control etc, all branded as a terrorist. 

Conventions are the way you tell a film. 

Tested on by a science group. Explosion; coming out of it burnt etc. he gets shot several times at the end, he had been experimented on, mutant, does this prove that he is a superhero? This could mean that it is a sci fi film.  People who disagree with the government, immigrants, criminals / activists, disabled, homosexuals; "Muslims, immigrants, homosexuals" Stephen fry killed when they find out he is gay. These people are experimented on; fascist, nazi themes. 

What makes the film a thriller? 

A thriller has an exciting plot, involving crime, and empennage (spying/ secretive). Usually in a thriller there is someone who is clearly definable as the hero or good, honest person. For example, a detective, who goes through an investigation to find out or resolve the ending. Trying to catch V. We find out V's past when the detective does. This means that it is also portrayed through the detectives point of view as well as Evie. This contributes to the film being a thriller as it makes you think, apply it to your own circumstances. You never truly know who V is. 

Who is V? Mystery and twists 

Who is behind the mask; we never ind out although we know his past. V is someone who does not agree with the government as he was put into the camp to be experimented on; the man on the tv identifies what he hates at the beginning. 

Why does V have a Vendetta. We find out V's backstory as to why this is. 

The narrative shows how the government take over; they began to gassed places covertly and said that they could cure this and that the criminals, homosexuals and terrorists did this. They gave a place a virus; offering a solution. However it was them all along. The public gave up their freedom to the government. This film is playing on conspiracy theories. People do not believe their governments.  Freedom vs. protection. "A society that sacrifices their freedom for their protection wil hve neither. 

Is it action? 

A level of entertainment which takes away from the realism. 

No definable good or bad characters ; another twist. 

The film is laid to rest when the Houses if Parliment are blown up, the symbol of the government. 

Genre in relation to V for Vendetta

Crime and gangster 

The godfather 

Drama

The kings speech

Slumdog millionaire

The black swan

Comedy

The hangover

Musical

Mama Mia

Horror

Paranormal activity

Western

Epic/historical

War

Saving private Ryan

Science fiction

The matrix

Star Wars

Star Trek 

Batman

Action and adventure

Tron

Pirates of the Caribbean 

Hatry potter 

What genre is V for Vendetta. Why? 

Science fiction thriller, this is because it is set in the future but also has thriller elements 

Cinematography: V for Vendetta; analysis of character relationships/power

After the explosion of the Old Bailey. The scene is mainly shot at this angle. Here, a close up of a man's face is projected onto a large, dominating screen. Although the rest of the room is dark, the audience is aware that there is five other men present in the room. Throughout the scene this man is directing and giving orders to the men, although he asks several questions it is clear that he holds the most control due to his replies and reactions. By just analysing this shot, it is very clear who has the most control over the scene and situation. The projected close up of the man's face is the dominating object in this scene due to its size. (Usually, an audience will emotionally connection with the character in the close up). This projection takes up nearly the whole width of the screen. At a glance, it is not clear that there are five men sitting, looking and obeying this man. This portrays the five men's irrelevance and insignificance in comparison to the larger, projected man on the screen.

We are then shown this shot. This is a point of view shot from the projected man on screen. The camera angle used is a high angle shot, this portrays further the two men's lack of importance and the projected man's power and control. We understand that these men are the 'underdogs' as the angle portrays their low hierarchy, as we also known that it is a point of view shot,  it portrays the man looking down on the two men, as if looking down on their response to the conversation as unimportant. 

Here, the audience can see all five of the men through another low angle, point of view shot. None of the men's facial expressions can be seen clearly in comparison to the previous close up of the projected man's face. This again, highlights the mens insignificance and backs up my previous point. 

Pre-reading: Themes, Genre and Style

Define the Genre
Film genres are identifiable types, categories, classifications or groups of films that all incorporate similar techniques or conventions. For example:

• content
• subject matter 
• structures 
• themes 
• mood 
• period
• plot
• settings
• recurring icons
• stock characters
• narrative events 
• situations 
• motifs
• styles
• props
• stars

In relation to Mise en Scene, genres usually incorporate similar, reoccurring/predictable elements within MES. This helps the audience to define the film and categorise it into a particular genre. For example; horror films may use stereotypical dark/dim lighting in a old or abandoned looking setting/location. The colour tone used in the genre is usually dark, dull colours, this usually helps to portray a 'lonely' atmosphere and create tension. There are also reoccurring props used in horror films, these could be for example a weapon of some sort, depending on the setting/location and era, the prop may vary. Often, horror films incorporate a minimal amount of props to create the feeling of suspense and loneliness, and to also make the audience focus on the narrative and characters. Blocking may also be used to portray to the audience what is unknown to the character, but something we as the audience can see. Blocking also provides hierarchy and dominance.

Define the Style 

German Expressionism 

It lead the world in productions, dealing with the supernatural; sci fi and monsters. 

Began when moviemaking was peaking

Known as an important milestone in film 

Movie making used more in studio productions to get more control over setting / artistic properties

Symbolism and  claustrophobic atmosphere were popular in German Expressionism

Movies were no longer always happy or realistic

A popular film that explores German Expressionism is METROPOLIS ; one of the earliest versions of horror films 

The style of the film and it's messages:

Physcologically mysterious 

Express a different view point on things like life 

Usually stressful and unstable

Sets are usually assymetrical with silhouettes and shadows being an important part

After ww1 people embraced the artistic style of German Expressionism 

As there was little budget to invest into film, this resulted in nonrealistic sets 

German Expressionism made a huge impact on how we control lights and scenery 

Expressionism included horror films and film noir 

 

Cinematography terminology

2001 Space Odyssey: Cinematography

Narrative: the way the story has been told; evolution of man; Darwin
Sub-text: underlying ideas; messages and meaning
You get all of the above by analysing the film text; mise en scene, cinematography (one shot could have all of the meaning), blocking etc

What meaning was cinematography creating?/What is the meaning of the way it has been shot?
Apes hiding from something
The camera filmed the ape with power as it was shot from below him, this portrayed his gaining of power and dominance. - (Low angles used). Could portray man learning to kill and hunt using tools (the gorilla killing with a bone).
The bone is thrown in the air, and travels through space, the camera follows this. This shows human progress throughout millions of years of evolution, into one cut. The bone and the spaceship have the same shape and overlap, this is called a graphic match. 
Central/middle framing on the main gorilla.
The close up on the gorilla connects the audience to the character.
The black wall/door is positioned in the centre of the frame. The gorilla's all touched this, could this have made them evolve?
Black symbolises mystery. The sun sits over the top of the door/wall; low angle shot that places the sun in the centre of the screen. It is constantly referenced and in tact with the sky. Could this have come from space/the sky? The low angle shot of the wall/door takes the eye to the sun, which is the centre shot. Could this portray the destiny/the future OR could it portray the past/how it came about? There must be a reason for this, could this be aliens?


What ideas are being communicated?
We are now suppose to be looking out for unusual shots. This black door/wall comes from space, which helps apes evolve into human evolution. This could come from space, which humans eventually go back to (last shot into space).
This could also be an interpretation that this came from God, the low angle sun shot could portray an act of God; however this contradicts the ideology man's evolution to Christian God.

Male Gaze and Voyeurism

-Women are viewed as weak, vulnerable and eye candy for the film.
-Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho 'Shower Scene' is a perfect example of the male gaze and voyeurism  
We see Norman Bates spying on the woman in the shower through the peep hole.
When she goes into the bathroom: this is usually the brightest room, which means the audience can therefore see her body more clearly.
She closes the door, as if to protect her, however we soon find out that this door does not protect her much at all, portraying that women are weak and powerless.
When Marion takes off her clothes, she is portrayed sexually and also in a vulnerable situation.
Because she is nude, we know that there is nothing to protect her.

Voyeurism

-The sexual interest of spying on people who are engaged in intimate behaviours
-Undressing/sexual activities
-The voyer does not usually directly relate to the situation
-Unaware of being observed
-Voyeurism may involve a secret photograph or video
-When obsessive, this behaviour can be described as stalking.

The Male Gaze

-Feminist theory
-Laura Mulvey, 1975
-The audience/viewer is put into a heterosexual perspective
-Dominant male gaze in popular Hollywood films reflects and satisfies the male
        -most filmmakers are male, therefore the voyeuristic gaze of the camera is male

Mise en scene (blocking)

-lighting
-performance/body language
-framing and composition
-props
-settings and decor
-colour
-costume: their personalities

Lighting:
-Dim lighting

Performance and body language:
-Bradley Cooper sat further back at the beginning showing his insignificance

Framing and composition:
-Rarely in the same frame

Props:
-Minimal props are used
-drugs
-alcohol

Setting/decor:
-bar or pub

Costume / hair and make up:
-suit
-scruffy looking

Colour:
-dull colour tones

What themes does this next scene raise? The changes in the character:

Several different versions of himself act as though he has a super power.

Lighting:
-bright lights now change from previous scene

Performance:
-working fast, etc, different versions of himself
-close up of his face : emotional connection

Props:
Setting and decor:
-his own home, brighter than the previous scene

Colour:
-Brighter, cleaner looking clothing
-brighter eyes than before

MICRO textual elements (films are refered to as texts)

Blocking: Kane (citizen Kane)
Looking at the way it is shot/cinematography:

What you see reinforces the story. 

Describe - analyse

Within the scene the director shoots the scene using blocking.
Master shot: the boy is between the man and the woman.
She is kept closest to the camera, the father is in the background portraying his lack of influence. She interrupts and stops the father speaking. The father then looses his position, resembling his importance in the scene. She is in front of the camera showing emotional connection.
Occupying more space: the father tries to gain more dominance and importance, however the frame does not change.
The mother and father oppose each other, they are constantly on opposite ends of the frame to each other, she has the most dominance and control over the scene due to being the most prominent in the centre of the frame.
The lawyer becomes in between the couple, so does the boy.

Meaning:

What characters have the most power? The woman is constantly in the centre of the shot.

Relationships:
Mother and the boy: she is protective over him as she is the dominant in the shot. The lawyer is in between the couple, whilst the father is further back in the shot which shows his lack of influence on the situation.

Cinematography: The way in which the film or frame is shot. 

What themes does this next scene of Limitless raise? The changes in the character etc?

In comparison to the previous introductory scene of Limitless, the character is clearly experiencing changes to his personality and characteristics.
The scene portrays several different visual versions of himself that begin to work extremely hard to clean up his apartment  Through this, he is almost portrayed with a super power. As his many different self's are cleaning up his apartment, it shows the clear transition from his 'waste of space' self in the previous scene, to the current scene.
The lighting also portrays the change of the character. In the first scene he is sitting in a dull/dim lit bar or pub, facing the darker end, with his back to the light, this then contrasts to the current scene where the whole apartment his brightly lit. This could portray the theme of revelation and realisation. This is not only the most prominent aspect of the characters transition; his eye colour is also noticeably brighter in colour in comparison to the previous scene, this could also contribute to my previous comment of portraying this realisation and revelation of the 'new life' this drug has allowed him to experience.

Cinematography: "The art of photography and camerawork in film-making"