Repulsion Review

Repulsion

1965

[1] Repulsion, 1965 

Repulsion is, unsurprisingly, a very repulsive film made in 1965. It was written by Roman Polanski and stars Catherine Deneuve as the twisted psycho woman who we follow throughout the film.

Repulsion is about a woman(Carol) who despises men, this is brought out by Carols older sisters husband Michael. Carol gets spotted by a man called Colin while she is having lunch. Colin quickly arranges a date with Carol, which she doesnt exactly accept because of reasons she cannot explain to Colin (her reasons for not liking men). We follow Carol through the story as she becomes more and more mentally unstable.

[2] Close up: Carol

Camera angles in Repulsion were a bit distorted or bent at times, especially in the opening 5 minutes. This is no mistake however, this is a good method used in films to portray the actual moment of distortion one is feeling in ones mind. Repulsion uses it in some of Carols dream sequences and when she isnt feeling too good. Another camera shot used for specific reason were the close ups. Close ups are used often throughout the film, mostly on Carol, again to show emotion and thought. There is a scene where Carol is trying to sleep through the love making noises her sister and her husband are making in the next room. The camera is close on her face as she listens to their pleasurable sounds. It becomes invasive and oppressing, conjuring up Carol’s longing for physical touch but also her fear of it.

[1]"The scene in which Deneuve thinks she sees a man behind her in the mirror is utterly terrifying, and has been used by every horror-movie director in the world..." (DaisyDeadhead, 2009)

The use of mirrors is another of Polanski's techniques to make the homely unhomely. Polanksi is said to be one of the first to imply this use of mirrors in a film. A mirror is nothing to be scared of, but using it to suggest someone is behind Carol, and somewhat questioning the audience to think "is he there or not?" is a very effective way of creating suspense. We have seen this mirror technique in loads of later horror films since Repulsion and it has slowly become "the norm" in the horror genre, alongside creepy shadows and bumps in the night.

[2]"The visual monotony is combined with a storyline that wears down rather than amps up." (Biodrowski, 2009)

The narrative structure of Repulsion is distinctively different to most other horrors. As Biodrowski says the storyline wears down rather then amps up, which leaves the audience without the catharsis of an explosive climax. This ultimately works for Repulsion however as it elaborates on the graphic/creepy/horrific scenes, giving them a tension boost almost. Also, light and dark shades are used cleverly throughout the film. Notice when she wakes up for a normal day at work, the sun shines bright through the window. When she wakes up from a nightmare however, the scene is still rendered with dim dark lighting, suggesting that the nightmare she faces never ends and she lives it. 

[3]Carol on the phone

[3]"REPULSION may not be perfect, but it is an excellent example of the ”horror of personality” sub-genre." (Biodrowski, 2009)

This is well said by Biodrowski. The film isnt exactly mainstream horror, but more of a horrific insight into the development process of Carol slowly becoming mad due to her fear and confusion of men. The sad journey in itself is Repulsions horror factor, imperfections tend to fade from memory once you're fully indulged in the Repulsiveness.


Bibliography:

[1] DaisyDeadhead, 2009, Daisy's Dead Air: Repulsion [online] Available at
http://daisysdeadair.blogspot.com/2009/09/repulsion-1965.html
[2] Steve Biodrowski, 2009, Cinefantastique: the website with a sense of wonder [online] Available at 
http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/2009/07/repulsion-1965-horror-film-review/ 
[3] Steve Biodrowski, 2009, Cinefantastique: the website with a sense of wonder [online] Available at 
http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/2009/07/repulsion-1965-horror-film-review/ 
Illustration List:

[1] Roman Polanski (1965), Repulsion [electronic print] Available at:
http://daisysdeadair.blogspot.com/2009/09/repulsion-1965.html
[2] Roman Polanski (1965), Close Up: Carol. [electronic print] Available at:
http://cinefantastiqueonline.com/2009/07/repulsion-1965-horror-film-review/
[3] Roman Polanski (1965), Carol on the phone. [electronic print] Available at: http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/2006/020906/calendar.html

Initial Ideas

I've had some ideas after reading through what we have to produce, not sure if they are all correct but this is what i have as of now.

1. Old abandoned classroom/office.

-  Chairs spilled everywhere
-  Tables overturned
-  Ripped wallpaper
-  Broken bits of equipment.

Some examples

[1]zbruch, n.d.

 [2]Vivo (Ben) and Anosmia, n.d.

[3]oinkylicious, 2008

 [4] A Nightmare on Elm Street; Classroom scene, n.d.

2. Old Fairground

-  Abandoned rides
-  Old, Rusty
-  Overgrown with wildlife

 [5]hanszinsli, 2007

 [6]Vivo (Ben), n.d.

 

3.  Ghost town

-  Old
-  Wrecked/Destroyed objects and buildings
-  Abandoned houses and cars
-  Overgrown trees

 [7]rusocer, 2008

 [8]Jack-Sik, 2008

4.  Hospital

-  Severely rundown
-  Old

 [9]Vivo (Ben), 2008

 

5. Abandoned Airfield

- Old aeroplanes

          - different eras

          - different types

- Dusty, overgrown field

- Broken bits and pieces

- Empty Hangars

 [10]Rafael, n.d.

[11] Sam Judge, 2007

 Illustration List:

[1,2,3,5,6,7,9] Chernobyl

[1] zbruch, n.d., Chernobyl School 4 [online] Available at:

http://www.boredpanda.com/chernobyl-20-years-after-the-accident/

[2] Vivo (Ben) and Anosmia,n.d., Chernobyl School 2 [online] Available at:

http://www.boredpanda.com/chernobyl-20-years-after-the-accident/

[3] oinkylicious, 03/09/2008, Chernobyl School6 [online] Available at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oinkylicious/2332314403/in/set-72157604103533276/

[5] hanszinsli, 21/08/2007, Chernobyl Bumper Cars [online] Available at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanszinsli/2201932098/

[6] Vivo (Ben), n.d., Chernobyl Funfair [online] Available at:

http://www.boredpanda.com/chernobyl-20-years-after-the-accident/

[7] rusocer, 03/07/2008, Forrest Ghost City [online] Available at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13174874@N07/2770826291/

[9] Vivo (Ben), 22/04/2008, Chernobyl Hospital corridor [online] Available at:

http://www.boredpanda.com/chernobyl-20-years-after-the-accident/

[8] Jack-sik, 31/05/2008, I Am Legend vs Fallout 3 [online] Available at:

http://jack-sik.deviantart.com/art/I-am-Legend-vs-Fallout-3-87331211

[4] [A Nightmare on Elm Street; Burnt Classroom Scene] n.d. [online] Available at

http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/classroom021910.jpg

[10] Rafael, n.d., Abandoned Russian Aeroplane [online] Available at:

http://www.iloveplanes.com/aviation-news/military-aircraft-news/abandoned-airfields/

[11] Samuel Judge, 24/06/2007, Abandoned Hangar [online] Available at:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/611939337_10f129ddb7.jpg?v=0

Unit 3 personal sum up

From my understanding of unit 3 we have to design an environment that is somehow 'ambiguous' - that creates a feeling of uneasiness or mystery or suggestiveness. You need to look at artists and ideas expressed in their work.  

You are asked to produce a tableau vivant-style scene that combines a digitally
modelled set with a matte painting. Your scene should demonstrate clearly your
understanding of the various ways in which environments may derive and communicate
their identity through their mise-en-scène. Aspect ratio for final scene should be 16:9
(HD 1920 X 1080).Historically, tableaux vivants refer to elaborate theatrical pageants wherein static
performers emulate existing paintings, or embody historical or allegorical scenes.
Participants are posed, wear costumes and utilise props, with lighting used to create a
suitably heightened effect. In this way, tableaux vivants combine the conventions of
theatre with those of painting and photography.


Definition of "Tableau Viviant"

 "Tableau vivant (plural: tableaux vivants) is French for "living picture." The term describes a striking group of suitably costumed actors or artist's models, carefully posed and often theatrically lit. Throughout the duration of the display, the people shown do not speak or move. The approach thus marries the art forms of the stage with those of painting/photography, and as such it has been of interest to modern photographers. The most recent hey-day of the tableau vivant was the 19th century with virtually nude tableaux vivants or "poses plastiques" providing a form of erotic entertainment."

mise-en-scène:

"The term has come to represent a style of conveying the information of a scene primarily through a single shot—often accompanied by camera movement"
"mise-en-scène is used when the director wishes to give an impression of the characters or situation without vocally articulating it through the framework of spoken dialogue, and typically does not represent a realistic setting. The common example is that of a cluttered, disorganized apartment being used to reflect the disorganization in a character's life in general, or a spartanly decorated apartment to convey a character with an "empty soul""

Through the development, design and execution of an original tableau vivant-style
image, this unit requires you to continue your ongoing investigation of space by
considering the various ways in which an environment may derive and communicate its
identity through its spatial representation. 

The Haunted Review.

The Haunting

1963

[1]

The Haunting is a 1960s horror film directed by Robert Wise and is considered he "little old woman" of the horror film genre. It is a very suggestive film about the study of paranormal activity in a haunted house.

First thing I would note about the film surprisingly is the music used, which is what I liked most about The Haunting. Being a suggestive film (like Cat People, which Wise also has credit for) music is a heavily reliant factor when trying to build an eerie atmosphere, along with the creepy looking house etc. It is very dramatic when need be and definately builds tension in the scary scenes.

[2]The Haunting (1963), Eleanor & Theo

The films characterization is quite varied aswell, each character invokes an intriguing personality but they work together in an odd but successful thematic way. Dr Markway fell for Nell during his study of the house, but didn't make it completely clear. Nell seems to realise this however but never is there a scene of them giving in to eachother, especially after Markways wife turns up to stay at the house.[1] "Theo is an artist and a psychic, and is instantly drawn to the fragile Nell – it’s strongly suggested that she’s a lesbian/bisexual — a fact that is backed up by the sexual tension between her and Nell." (Voodoun Romance, 2010) I also picked up on that wierd relation between Theo and Nell, they always sleep in the same room and Theo is quite "touchy" with Nell and always instigates those situations, Nell however seems oblivious to this. Luke is an arrogant playboy, but is easygoing and likable enough. Mrs Markway is also a bit arrogant but shes not around that long and her role changes towards the end. Dr Markway is the leading figure of the group and holds them together. Overall the acting is quite solid.

[3]The Haunting, 1963, Hill House

Hill House is the main attraction of the film ofcourse, with its cold eerie corridors, organic structure and spooky noises at night. [2]"A particularly interesting aspect of the film is that Hill House can be regarded as a character. It has its own wants and needs, and is an entirely foreboding figure, illustrated even more so by Humphrey Searle’s fearsome instrumental score (even if it is, admittedly, a little overdramatic at times)" (Voodoun Romance, 2010)..This statement can be backed up by the scene where Nell is looking at and reffering to the house saying "he wants me", which is then followed up by quick shots of the empty dark windows and then the door almost as if we are identifying a face. Also in some of the banging crashing scenes in the night you hear a ghostly voice talk to Nell and at one point we see an actual ghost when shes at the top of the spiral staircase.

[4]The Haunting, 1963, Dr Markway & Nell on staircase

The films visual quality is quite good and very effective in black and white, probably more so then if it had been in colour. A downside is that everything seemed to be in the same focus so there was no real sense of depth i.e when looking down long corridors. Also, for a film with the name "The Haunting" you would expect a more horrifying film, this film resides more in a dramatic love drama genre. [3] This is really a film about relationships and the complex triangle (which at various times becomes a weak quadrangle) between Theodora, Eleanor and Dr. Markway (Sponseller, 2001), this is really what the film is about.



Illustration List:

[1] The Haunting, 1963, The Haunting(1963). [electronic print] Available at:
http://www.fatally-yours.com/wp-content/uploads/The%20Haunting%20DVD%20cover.jpg

[2] The Haunting, 1963, Eleanor & Theo. [electronic print] Available at:
http://www.shadowsandscreams.com/storage/haunting3.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1253062686166

[3] The Haunting, 1963, Hill House. [electronic print] Available at:
http://flavorwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/haunting-of-hill-house.jpg


[4] The Haunting, 1963, Dr Markway & Nell on staircase [electronic print] Available at:
http://www.homevideos.com/photos4.00/scifi172.jpeg

Bibliography:

[1][2] Voodoun Romance, 2010, Fatally Yours for the love of horrors. [online] Available at:

http://www.fatally-yours.com/horror-reviews/the-haunting-1963/

[3] Brandt Sponseller, 2001, Classic-Horror.com. [online] Available at:

http://classic-horror.com/reviews/haunting_1963

Avatar Review

Avatar

2009

Avatar is directed by James Cameron and was released in 2009 in 3D. Avatar is Camerons big screen comeback from long years of slumber. The film follows paraplegic marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who decides to take the place of his deceased brother in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. He is the only one capable of replacing his brother because of their close related genes (being twin brothers), as he has to take control of his brothers "avatar" used to explore Pandora. During the mission he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's (Giovanni Ribisi) intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang), while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

 ""Avatar" is the biggest accomplishment is special effects up to date."

Avatar is from a visual standpoint simply flawless and definately a leap forward in CGI output. The fantastical world of Pandora is simply what we would refer to as Paradise or Eden, it is without a doubt the best fantasy world created on film. Being set in 2154, it allows Cameron to go "all out" with mindboggling ideas and concepts. Avatar is said to have been in the working since 1994, but was held back because Cameron didnt see the technology at the time being able to fulfill his own vision of the film. Avatar goes a step further then the majority of films in terms of visuals and concept work, everything is made from the ground up from the creatures to environments to even the language (which was in development from 2005). A mass, unrivaled effort has been put into creating this world of pandora; it is not just a CGI Pandora, but a world you feel yourself being involved with especially if you watch in 3D. Avatar has done such a great job at portraying this world as being so "heavenly" that it has left a lot of people depressed at the fact that after the screening, they find themselves back in the real world which is dull and grey. Although this isn't really a great thing when you think about it, it is really at the same time, because this shows how awesome Avatar really is!

The character animation is also done superbly, with each avatar looking just like their human resemblants. All of the Na’Vi were based on real actors portraying them (and voicing them). Sam Worthington’s avatar looks like Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana’s looks like Zoe etc. As much effort it took to make Pandora so awesome, probably twice as much was put into making the Na’Vi look alive. Even though the avatar is an 8ft blue creature, it is still easy to forget that they are not real. Their interaction with eachother and humans, and the portrayal of their emotions and feeling are right on point.


"But, as much as technology aids and defines Avatar, it’s also a love letter to humanity and the glory of mother nature."

Avatar is a story based around man against machine and what it means to be human. It employs questions like "what it means to be human", "how does it feel to betray your own race" etc, but Cameron also answers these questions in his deliverance of the story. He shows his belief that Na'Vi are more human and connected to the world. The storyline and plot is very similar with "Pocahontas" in its delivery but has been altered to this scenario. Avatar is however said to be one of Cameron's weaker films concerning story, but most viewers are so entranced by Pandora and its visuals that this aspect gets covered by a magical veil. The story is the most basic good vs. evil plot and it lacks certain depth, but in some cases simplicity can be a good thing, Avatar has pulled this off.

Avatar is not the best film ever, but it’s visually the most impressive. It’s also the most expensive (if marketing expenses are included). Avatar will probably go down in history as the most visually fulfilling film of its time.


Bibliography

http://failblog.org/2010/01/10/avatar-plot-fail/ - Pocahontas comparison.

The Dark Crystal Review

The Dark Crystal

1982

The Dark Crystal is a 1982 joint British and American fantasy film directed by puppeteers Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The film follows a Gelfling (humanoid race) on another planet in the distant past,embarking on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and so restore order to his world.

This film is a joy to watch and really captures your attention with its bright fantastical colours, skilled puppetry work and elegant cinematics. You'll find yourself fully immersed in the films atmospheres and action that you may almost forget that its all done with puppets and animatronics, theres no animation involved! The film has no human characters, but its still easy to really get into it and understand the story and also the underlying features and meanings of the film. "Even more incredible: the puppets enhance what is otherwise only an average story" is what Jesse Hassenger from popmatters.com had to say about Dark Crystal, and I believe it is a true statement in that Dark Crystal's plot is quite simplistic, but effective in the way it is portrayed.

"Its reassuring for us to think of good and evil as completely separate states; it allows us the luxury of believing that one might finally win out over the other. This movie, however, tells the rather more disconcerting truth: neither good nor evil can survive without the other."

The film is about good triumphing over evil when evil has the upper hand, an infamous plot, and this film is no exception when it comes to making the two sides apparent. What is very different though about Dark Crystal is that, for a film predominantly for children, it goes quite deep in suggesting that there needs to be a fair share of both good and evil for us to survive; without good, there is no evil. This isn't very common to see in a PG film and is a good thing to include.

"However in the end, despite some of the darker imagery and some staggering effects work, this is fairly standard stuff. It does say a lot for the designs and the effects that The Dark Crystal has managed to avoid falling into obscurity but this isn’t nearly substantial enough to join the very best of 80s family entertainment."

I would agree that the film lacks in the storyline aspects, but it still deserves to shine in terms of visuals and should be looked up to as an "80's classic" for its DESIGN. Its a one of a kind film and it would be interesting to see more of these around.

Space- Gormenghast Extract 1- Very Final Piece

Very final version you guys saw in the crit