I didnt really understand the narrative of the film itself and it never really played upon any of my emotions, i understand there were several storylines but in my personal opinion none of which really came to anything and at some points left me confused and not understanding what is happening.
Although i had the issue with the narrative itself, i thought some of the cinematography and certain scenes were very effective. For example the use of silence after a scene of extreme action- there is a scene where the accountant is sorting money with mafia members and then the place is raided and the money is stolen, he himself is the only person who isnt killed and is even called "Lucky". After the gunfire, confrontation and desicion of whetver to kill him. There is absoloute silence and the camera goes from being close-up and showing his perspecitive to following him out of the building and becoming a long shot into an extreme long shot when bodies are revealed one after another. The sound gradually returns as he is walking towards teh traffic- this could be showing him returning to normal everyday life or prehaps the returning of his hearing after gun shots. Either way this is a powerful image shown.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Annotated Catalouge
How the representation of football hooligans has changed since films based in 1970s.
Focus Films
Item 1: Awaydays - Pat Holden (2009)
Primary Source.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
Item 2: The Firm - Nick Love (2009)
This film is beneficial to my project as it is another perspective on the same subject and similar characters but based in a different decade. It’s a good example of individual characters, gangs and society within that time period. The film itself is set in the late 1980's, based around a young character called "Dom" who pushes to get involved in a football gang run by top boy "Bex", "Dom" is accepted into the gang and becomes one of the boys, he realises that the fighting is becoming out of hand and to some extent based on "Bex's" personal issues and hatred.
Item 3: Green Street – Lexi Alexander (2005)
This film shows the representation from another era it was set in the time it was made (2005) which is only 5 years ago, so this shows a modern view on the subject. The film follows yet again another character called Matt getting involved in the scene. But this time instead of attempting to get into the gang, he accidently “falls” into it.
Websites
Item 4: The Guardian (Film Section) (06/10/10)
Provides information on the main football violence films, some of which are my main sources. It also gives info on ideas behind the films and the subjects presented in them- such as power and a sense of belonging.
Item 5: IMDb (06/10/10)
Information about the actors and in general the film “Awaydays”, it also has information about the decade and era the film was set in.
Item 6: Sky movies website (06/10/10)
Gives a good description and insight into a number of football violence movies (including the ones my focus films) and the plots, main characters etc. There are summaries in which it describes the time periods which is what my question is based upon
Item 7: Politics.co.uk (06/10/10)
A website that describes what “football hooliganism” is which will be helpful in understanding background and additional information to the films, the website also includes statistics, history (which is part of the focus question and other helpful information.
Item 8: BBC news website (06/10/10)
Shows the history of football violence and is displayed and organised into sub categories of eras which is particularly helpful.
Books
Item 9: Football Hooliganism – Steve Frosdick & Peter Marsh
Willan (1 July 2005)
Willan (1 July 2005)
Shows different approaches and reasons for football violence and a political overview of I, which helps in understanding to background and additional information of the films.
Item 10: Hooligan Wars: Causes and effects of football violence – Ed Perryman & Mark Perryman
Mainstream Publishing (3 October 2002)
Mainstream Publishing (3 October 2002)
Gives information on the history and the government’s views on football violence and also information from the police and other authorities.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Presentation Draft.
Presentation Script
“How the representation of football hooligans has changed since films based in the 1970’s. “
“How the representation of football hooligans has changed since films based in the 1970’s. “
PROJECTOR: Opening slide, shows images of the three main films- Awaydays, The Firm and Green street.
Presenter: In recent times the football violence scene within films has became very popular and has itself has became a sort of subgenre itself. Many of the films their selves have been created within the past decade, but between each film have been set in different time eras and present very different images of the culture itself. For my research project this year I have chosen to base it upon the subgenre and to find out how the representation of football hooligans has changed in the different genres and from films based in the 1970’s.
(Next Slide)
PROJECTOR: Text showing the following.
Presenter: In the presentation I will cover:
How the attitude towards violence has change in the films?
In what way the characters dress has changed?
In what way the characters lifestyle has changed?
In what way the characters dress has changed?
In what way the characters lifestyle has changed?
(Next Slide)
PROJECTOR: Images of the characters in each film with a caption displaying which one is what.
Presenter: In all of the films there is a general image of the characters being part of a gang and all three display an outsider trying to work into the gang, and they follow the story of the outsider integrating with the lifestyle and the way in which the characters behave. Although all the films have a similar basis and situation the storylines alter greatly- with different outcomes.
(Next Slide)
PROJECTOR: The movie poster for Awaydays.
Presenter: Awaydays is a film that shows the representation of football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. The violence within the film is not glorified but is shown to be as the main purpose and what the characters enjoy.
(Next Slide)
PROJECTOR: The movie poster for The Firm.
Presenter: The film itself is set in the late 1980's, based around a young character called "Dom" who pushes to get involved in a football gang run by top boy "Bex", "Dom" is accepted into the gang and becomes one of the boys, he realises that the fighting is becoming out of hand and to some extent based on "Bex's" personal issues and hatred. This itself is another era and another
(Next Slide)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
"How the representation of football hooligans has changed since films based in the 1970s."
Within film there has been many films based upon football violence and the culture surrounding it, it has become a sort of "sub-genre" in itself and being based and made in different eras the films, storyline and characters alter greatly.
The representation of a "football hooligan" is represented in very different manners, for example in the film "Green Street" the characters in the film are shown to worship football and they base their whole lives upon going to and planning to go to the film, they are never shown within their jobs or social life and the scenes of violence in the film is to some extent glorified with all sorts of special effects etc.
Where as in the films "Awaydays" and "The Firm" the characters have other things to do within their lives: they have jobs, family's and other things to attend to even though this falls apart at certain points of the film due to football violence. Also in the film "The Firm" the scenes of violence are not added any effect and appear to be more realistic the scenes are over within a matter of seconds, and are just as effective as scenes from "Green Street".
I think the fact the violence in the film "Green Street" could be due to the fact that it is based within the time period of the 2000's and aimed at the people within this era, where as the other films were released in the same time period but set within the other times.
Another thing that changes greatly within the representation of football hooligans from time period is the the costume, clothing and the general way the characters look- In the film "Awaydays" the characters dress in brands such as Fred Perry and wear in a smart fashion, this is because the issues that surrounded the culture in that time period, where they didn't want to be seen and detected as actual "football hooligans" but to go unnoticed but police etc. Where as in films such as "The Firm" the characters dress in sportswear which became a part of the football hooligan image and was also part of the fashion in the time it was set in.
The representation of a "football hooligan" is represented in very different manners, for example in the film "Green Street" the characters in the film are shown to worship football and they base their whole lives upon going to and planning to go to the film, they are never shown within their jobs or social life and the scenes of violence in the film is to some extent glorified with all sorts of special effects etc.
Where as in the films "Awaydays" and "The Firm" the characters have other things to do within their lives: they have jobs, family's and other things to attend to even though this falls apart at certain points of the film due to football violence. Also in the film "The Firm" the scenes of violence are not added any effect and appear to be more realistic the scenes are over within a matter of seconds, and are just as effective as scenes from "Green Street".
I think the fact the violence in the film "Green Street" could be due to the fact that it is based within the time period of the 2000's and aimed at the people within this era, where as the other films were released in the same time period but set within the other times.
Another thing that changes greatly within the representation of football hooligans from time period is the the costume, clothing and the general way the characters look- In the film "Awaydays" the characters dress in brands such as Fred Perry and wear in a smart fashion, this is because the issues that surrounded the culture in that time period, where they didn't want to be seen and detected as actual "football hooligans" but to go unnoticed but police etc. Where as in films such as "The Firm" the characters dress in sportswear which became a part of the football hooligan image and was also part of the fashion in the time it was set in.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Prophet Essay
Essay: Compare the treatment of power, poverty and conflict in 'A Prophet' with one other film studied for this module.
The themes of power, poverty and conflict are strongly displayed within both the films"A Prophet" (2009) and "City of God" (2002), both of the films follow the live of a young a fairly insignificant member of society through their life and the route into crime- which is also part of the power presented within the environments.
In both of the films poverty is clearly presented- especially within the film "City of God" and perhaps more obvious. The film itself is set within the violent streets Rio de Janeiro- even without previous knowledge the environment that they live in is clearly shown as a poor place. There are no roads, only dirt and sand, the buildings look poorly constructed. Although its not so obvious in "A prophet" but still a strong part of the film, the main character: Malik is clearly affected by poverty- we are not aware of his situation or reasoning for assaulting the police officer (which is the reason he ended up in prison) the character his self throughout the film makes us understand that he doesnt actually have any parents or family, He cannot read or write, and when he comes into prison in the first place, he has very little possessions, which includes a very small amount of money and tatty clothes. Although poverty is clearly shown in both of the films the way it is shown in "City of God" is more direct and the town and cities there self are full of poverty, and are to some extent slums. Where as in the film "A Prophet" the poverty shown is to the one individual character which has affected his life and maybe even being the main reason he has winded up in prision.
Conflict is clearly shown in both films, through violence, verbal abuse and in both films there are seperations either through race, religion or gangs. In the film "City of God" as it gets into the film, there are conflicts between the law enforcers and the civillians their selves but as it progresses through the film, there becomes conflict and violence between individuals and gangs are formed sending nearly the whole down into conflict. Where as yet again in the film "A Prophet" the conflict is still shown but on a smaller scale, and it is displayed through class and culture in the prision itself, but viloence and conflict in the film seems to be orders and given less of a reason.
Power is also displayed within both films, in the film "A Prophet" there is a gang of Corsicans who run the prision and even have links with security guards and other members of the prison authority. Although we are not shown or told they have a clear leader of the gang who decides all the issues and what is going to happen through out the film. Where as the main character in the film"City of God" bases his whole life around wanting to be the top hood in the city, and the whole film is based around power and who runs the town- there is also power from law in this film but the hoods and gangs take over and are displayed to have more power then them anyway.
In conclusion in both of the films it shows that all of the themes are linked to one another. The characters theirselves are in poverty and turn to crime to gain money or feel they have no other choice, and also it is shown that power is gained through crime- they earn respect and become well known. The fact that crime is linked to earning of money rises them out of the issue of poverty and they become more powerful, it shows that crime is shown to be the only option out of poverty and possibly the reason so many people in the film "City of God" relate to it.
The themes of power, poverty and conflict are strongly displayed within both the films"A Prophet" (2009) and "City of God" (2002), both of the films follow the live of a young a fairly insignificant member of society through their life and the route into crime- which is also part of the power presented within the environments.
In both of the films poverty is clearly presented- especially within the film "City of God" and perhaps more obvious. The film itself is set within the violent streets Rio de Janeiro- even without previous knowledge the environment that they live in is clearly shown as a poor place. There are no roads, only dirt and sand, the buildings look poorly constructed. Although its not so obvious in "A prophet" but still a strong part of the film, the main character: Malik is clearly affected by poverty- we are not aware of his situation or reasoning for assaulting the police officer (which is the reason he ended up in prison) the character his self throughout the film makes us understand that he doesnt actually have any parents or family, He cannot read or write, and when he comes into prison in the first place, he has very little possessions, which includes a very small amount of money and tatty clothes. Although poverty is clearly shown in both of the films the way it is shown in "City of God" is more direct and the town and cities there self are full of poverty, and are to some extent slums. Where as in the film "A Prophet" the poverty shown is to the one individual character which has affected his life and maybe even being the main reason he has winded up in prision.
Conflict is clearly shown in both films, through violence, verbal abuse and in both films there are seperations either through race, religion or gangs. In the film "City of God" as it gets into the film, there are conflicts between the law enforcers and the civillians their selves but as it progresses through the film, there becomes conflict and violence between individuals and gangs are formed sending nearly the whole down into conflict. Where as yet again in the film "A Prophet" the conflict is still shown but on a smaller scale, and it is displayed through class and culture in the prision itself, but viloence and conflict in the film seems to be orders and given less of a reason.
Power is also displayed within both films, in the film "A Prophet" there is a gang of Corsicans who run the prision and even have links with security guards and other members of the prison authority. Although we are not shown or told they have a clear leader of the gang who decides all the issues and what is going to happen through out the film. Where as the main character in the film"City of God" bases his whole life around wanting to be the top hood in the city, and the whole film is based around power and who runs the town- there is also power from law in this film but the hoods and gangs take over and are displayed to have more power then them anyway.
In conclusion in both of the films it shows that all of the themes are linked to one another. The characters theirselves are in poverty and turn to crime to gain money or feel they have no other choice, and also it is shown that power is gained through crime- they earn respect and become well known. The fact that crime is linked to earning of money rises them out of the issue of poverty and they become more powerful, it shows that crime is shown to be the only option out of poverty and possibly the reason so many people in the film "City of God" relate to it.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Annotated Catalouge Draft.
How the representation of football hooligans has changed since films based in 1970s.
Focus Films
Awaydays - Pat Holden (2009)
Primary Source.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
The Firm - Nick Love (2009)
This film is beneficial to my project as it is another perspective on the same subject and similar characters but based in a different decade. It’s a good example of individual characters, gangs and society within that time period. The film itself is set in the late 1980's, based around a young character called "Dom" who pushes to get involved in a football gang run by top boy "Bex", "Dom" is accepted into the gang and becomes one of the boys, he relises that the fighting is becoming out of hand and to some extent based on "Bex's" personal issues and hatred.
Green Street – Lexi Alexander (2005)
This film shows the representation from another era it was set in the time it was made (2005) which is only 5 years ago, so this shows a modern view on the subject. The film follows yet again another character called Matt getting involved in the scene. But this time instead of attempting to get into the gang, he accidently “falls” into it.
Websites
The Guardian (Film Section) (06/10/10)
Provides information on the main football violence films, some of which are my main sources. It also gives info on ideas behind the films and the subjects presented in them- such as power and a sense of belonging.
IMDb (06/10/10)
Information about the actors and in general the film “Awaydays”
Sky movies website (06/10/10)
Gives a good description and insight into a number of football violence movies and the plots, main characters etc.
Politics.co.uk (06/10/10)
A website that describes what “football hooliganism” is, and statistics , history etc.
BBC news website (06/10/10)
Shows the history of football violence and is displayed and organised into sub categories of eras which is particularly helpful.
Books
Football Hooliganism – Steve Frosdick & Peter Marsh
Willan (1 July 2005)
Willan (1 July 2005)
Shows different approaches and reasons for football violence and a political overview of it.
Hooligan Wars: Causes and effects of football violence – Ed Perryman & Mark Perryman
Mainstream Publishing (3 October 2002)
Mainstream Publishing (3 October 2002)
Gives information on the history and the governments views on football violence and also information from the police and other authorities.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
City of God.
In the films studied throughout the course you need to make sure that you cover the following exam criteria:
• An appreciation of the messages and values contained within the chosen films. What is the film saying about the society it depicts? Is there a moral message?
Through out the film there are messages and values shown and a main one of which shows that within the poor environment that they live in no matter if they are a part of one of the gangs, just a person trying to live their lives or someone who wants to escape from the city- They all seem to eventually get involved with the violence or crimes due to one reason or another, whetever its due to revenge or to having no other choice- it seems to be inevitable.
Although saying this on the other hand the main character, works hard (eventually) and through his ambitions finds
• An understanding of contexts, especially time and place. Do some background research on when and where the film is set. Was there any controversy when it was released?
The film itself shows background information on both the country itself and the characters, you don't have to have any additional information before hand to understand or to fully enjoy the film as it is roughly outlined within the beginning itself.
Through out the film there are many time changes, for example the very beginning of the film links in with the very end of the film and the rest inbetween is shown as a story being told and very much from the main characters P.O.V,
• An appreciation of the messages and values contained within the chosen films. What is the film saying about the society it depicts? Is there a moral message?
Through out the film there are messages and values shown and a main one of which shows that within the poor environment that they live in no matter if they are a part of one of the gangs, just a person trying to live their lives or someone who wants to escape from the city- They all seem to eventually get involved with the violence or crimes due to one reason or another, whetever its due to revenge or to having no other choice- it seems to be inevitable.
Although saying this on the other hand the main character, works hard (eventually) and through his ambitions finds
• An understanding of contexts, especially time and place. Do some background research on when and where the film is set. Was there any controversy when it was released?
The film itself shows background information on both the country itself and the characters, you don't have to have any additional information before hand to understand or to fully enjoy the film as it is roughly outlined within the beginning itself.
Through out the film there are many time changes, for example the very beginning of the film links in with the very end of the film and the rest inbetween is shown as a story being told and very much from the main characters P.O.V,
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
How has the representation of football hooligans changed through-out different time periods?
Within film there has been many films based upon football violence and the culture surrounding it, it has become a sort of "sub-genre" in itself and being based and made in different eras the films, storyline and characters alter greatly.
The representation of a "football hooligan" is represented in very different manners, for example in the film "Green Street" the characters in the film are shown to worship football and they base their whole lives upon going to and planning to go to the film, the scenes of violence in the film is to some extent glorified with special effects etc.
Where as in the films "Awaydays" and "The Firm" the characters have other things to do within their lives: they have jobs, familys and other things to attend to even though this falls apart at certain points of the film due to football violence. Also in the film "The Firm" the scenes of violence are not added any effect and appear to be more realistic the scenes are over within a matter of seconds, and are just as effective as scenes from "Green Street".
I think the fact the violence in the film "Green Street" could be due to the fact that it is based within the time period of the 2000's and aimed at the people within this era.
Another thing that changes greatly within the representation of football hooligans from time period is the the costume, clothing and the general way the characters look- In the film "Awaydays" the characters dress in brands such as Fred Perry and wear in a smart fashion.
The representation of a "football hooligan" is represented in very different manners, for example in the film "Green Street" the characters in the film are shown to worship football and they base their whole lives upon going to and planning to go to the film, the scenes of violence in the film is to some extent glorified with special effects etc.
Where as in the films "Awaydays" and "The Firm" the characters have other things to do within their lives: they have jobs, familys and other things to attend to even though this falls apart at certain points of the film due to football violence. Also in the film "The Firm" the scenes of violence are not added any effect and appear to be more realistic the scenes are over within a matter of seconds, and are just as effective as scenes from "Green Street".
I think the fact the violence in the film "Green Street" could be due to the fact that it is based within the time period of the 2000's and aimed at the people within this era.
Another thing that changes greatly within the representation of football hooligans from time period is the the costume, clothing and the general way the characters look- In the film "Awaydays" the characters dress in brands such as Fred Perry and wear in a smart fashion.
Annotated Catalogue update.
The representation of football hooligans changed through-out different time periods research and annotated catalogue.
Focus Films
Item 1: Awaydays - Pat Holden (2009)
Primary Source.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
Item 2: The Firm - Nick Love (2009)
This film is beneficial to my project as it is another perspective on the same subject and similar characters but based in a different decade. It’s a good example of individual characters, gangs and society within that time period. The film itself is set in the late 1980's, based around a young character called "Dom" who pushes to get involved in a football gang run by top boy "Bex", "Dom" is accepted into the gang and becomes one of the boys, he relises that the fighting is becoming out of hand and to some extent based on "Bex's" personal issues and hatred.
Item 3: Green Street – Lexi Alexander (2005)
This film shows the representation from another era it was set in the time it was made (2005) which is only 5 years ago, so this shows a modern view on the subject. The film follows yet again another character called Matt getting involved in the scene. But this time instead of attempting to get into the gang, he accidently “falls” into it.
Websites
Item 4: The Guardian (Film Section) 06/10/10
Provides information on the main football violence films, some of which are my main sources. It also gives info on ideas behind the films and the subjects presented in them- such as power and a sense of belonging.
Item 5: IMDb 06/10/10
Information about the film and actors in general.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Comparing city settings in the films: "La Haine" and "Taxi Driver".
Both of the cities presented in the two films are very glamorous (Paris and New York) although in the films they are shown as being very gritty, disgusting and horrible places. Both of the films are from the characters point of view and also La Haine is set in one of the main parts of France but the suburbs where as Taxi Driver is actually the main part of New York but the main character is an outsider on the town looking in with his views and opinions.In the film La Haine the characters are actually part of the problem and causing the issue what is wrong with the city where as in the film Taxi Driver the main character thinks that he is the solution and everything else is whats wrong and he is going to clean up the city.
Both of the main characters in the films (Vinz and Travis) are very similar characters and have the same sort of opinions and both want to do right in their own ways, although both appear to have some underline mental issue and negative views upon society.
The representation of football hooligans changed through-out different time periods research and annotated catalogue.
Focus Films
Item 1: Awaydays - Pat Holden (2009)
Primary Source.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
This film is appropriate for my research as it displays a perspective on football violence and football hooligans from a writer in 2009 basing the film in 1979, The film shows the football gang in general but also shows that members are in fact individuals with own individual problems and views. The film connects to single characters not only the main subject of the violence for example the character "Carty" is dying to get involved with "The Pack" and has to work his way he and you also see interesting parts of his relationships with members of "The Pack" and his Family. Another interesting example is of the character "Elvis" who has everything that "Carty" dreams of but he is not happy with his life and to some extent seems "dark" which he cannot get out of. This films genre and subjects raised within the film allows it to be connected to my other primary sources.
Item 2: The Firm - Nick Love (2009)
This film is beneficial to my project as it is another perspective on the same subject and similar characters but based in a different decade. It’s a good example of individual characters, gangs and society within that time period. The film itself is set in the late 1980's, based around a young character called "Dom" who pushes to get involved in a football gang run by top boy "Bex", "Dom" is accepted into the gang and becomes one of the boys, he relises that the fighting is becoming out of hand and to some extent based on "Bex's" personal issues and hatred.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The 400 Blows.
I feel that the film is very good in showing human relationship and also in ideas about freedom, the main character Anotoine is stuck in life where he cannot escape trouble. Although he is from a poor background the family life he experiences is always very negative, he is not treated as a son or even part of the family- his parents treat him as almost an object. He doesn't enjoy being at home and also doesn't enjoy his life outside of the home for example school life, and when he does enjoy himself it only results in punishment and more negativity. He also cannot study at home his parents are always getting him to do house chores and he cannot do things like study or do his homework that he is required to do for school, although he doesnt help himself, he is not helped by his parents.
Anotonie is alienated from his family life and also society, he doesn't really have a good relationship with anybody. his mother and father has given up on him, his teacher dislikes him even from the beginning of the film- the only positive relationship he forms is with his friend Rene- who looks after him when in times of need but eventually nearer the end of the film even he cannot help him.
Rene and Anotonie are from very different backgrounds in terms of money and family life, Rene is from a rich background and Anotonie is from the complete opposite although the 2 seem to share the same outlook on life, society and especially the education system. The relationship between the two also help to bridge from the rich and the poor that is represented.
Anotonie has no power through out the film and is always "under" someone else being told what to do or being told off for something. Near the beginning of the he is getting into trouble for petty things such as writing on the wall and getting disciplined by his teacher- but this then results in a "downwards spiral" into crimes such as the theft of the type writer and to a stage where he is shown to have no hope for the future and have no form of escape.
There is a strong theme of conflict throughout the whole film especially shown in his relationships with his parents, he is displayed in a way where he cant do anything right. At school he always gets the blame for doing troublesome things, his teacher refers to him as a "rascal" and is always talked about his negatively by the teachers and especially his parents- they even say they didn't want him. Even when he tries to do right- when he reads the book and writes his French essay, he is pleased for himself and trying to find a way out of the negativity- it still results in him getting into trouble. From this point onwards in a sense he "gives up" on trying and just accepts that his life is negative.
Through-out all the scenes Antonoie is shown as being trapped within his struggles of trying to do right, trying to please his parents and teachers- and shown to struggle about not wanting to conform to what he has to do in school and outside of school. He is always shown to be trapped in a physical sense too, his house is very small and is trapped in his scruffy bedroom and trapped within the classroom and school gates. Then when he runs away from home and is walking the streets of Paris he is free, he is free to walk the streets and where he wants to go, he can make decisions for himself and what he's going to do. But this is cut short when he has to return to his parents house and school etc.
The ending of the film displays the freeze frame of the action and is deliberately startling, not in a sense of horror, but the fact that you were not expecting this to be the ending with no explanation. I feel that this complements the rest of the film, i think from this point it leaves the audience to some extent puzzled and not understanding what will happen to the boy but leaves it up to you to decide what happens and you can assume for yourself what will happen to the boys life.
Friday, September 24, 2010
How "La Haine" represents conflict and life in Paris suburbs.
In the film "La Haine" there are many scenes and infact the whole storyline itself is based upon conflict and hatred and displayed in the lives of the three main chracters who live on "the estate". This has been achieved through various methods such as cinematography and the narrative.
The film actually has a number of representations throughout it. The main most noticable one is that of racial integration, the three main characters in the film come from different ethnic backgrounds and/or religions, and is a Black-Blanc-Beur, they all live in the same area and this is a good example of unity through oppression. They are all racist towards each other but not in an offensive way but to bring them closer together as friends.
Another representation is that of the media through out the film, we know that the youth hate the media for publisising them in a negative way through the dialouge used and the attitude towards any sort of authority or anyone being above them. In one scene the three main characters are stood in a park, when a car comes over with a women trying to interview them- although the characters chase the car off, afterwards they are discussing if they will be on the tv in an excited manner, almost as if they wanted the negative publicity.
Cinematography throughout the film is also very unique. There are very many different camera angles used from the toy helicoptor shot to the close up of Vinz when his friend shoots the body guard. These shots are not high budget but still have the same effect. For example the focusing in one point is not through physically using the camera but through sound, Vinz and Hubert are walking down an alley way and a police car passes but the dialouge is quite and the siren is in the main shot.
In the film they used the vertigo effect which gave an effect of the characters being extremely high up, also maybe this could be representing the fact they are along way from home and this is a "foriegn" land to them.
The narrative in the film also makes it easy to relate to the characters showing their lives etc. It is easy to empathise with the characters, although normally in a film we would classify these people as "bad guys" but they are "all wrong do-ers" and the way the film has been presented to us makes us side with them to some extent.
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