Oliver Turner AS MEDIA: Film Setting

Film setting

The setting of a film is really important when it comes to films. Not only does the setting give a direct observation of whats going on it also hints on the genre, mood, time period and progression of the film. In most cases, the settings of each clip in a film, although only last for a few seconds, are chosen and shot in other places of the country or even across the world. Furthermore, its common for films to completely alter a location on scene so it matches with the theme and genre of that particular film. This can be done by props, backdrops, people on set, and camera angles to give a completely different impression or perspective. The setting is also assisted by editing and lighting which can change the atmosphere of the shot. 

Our Task / The last Duchess clip 1 

Our task was to watch a short scene from the film "the Duchess" and explain why setting is so important to the film and audience. 

1. Why do you think the scene begins with a shot through an archway?

One of the main reasons why the shot begins from an archway is to both establish the scene and give a sense of scale from an enclosed area. This adds to the perspective of a passer-by which is important as it almost places the audience on the street to make us feel like were there. The archway could also signify this sense of looking in to a window of the atmosphere; a metaphorical entrance to another critical scene of importance. 

2. As they drive through the streets of london, what images of the streets do we see? What do we see in the streets? 

As the clip progresses we can clearly see crowds of people that dominate the screen. This overwhelms the viewer and contributes to the busyness of the action even without being there. Poverty is obviously the implication as the cart travels along this seemingly long and narrow road full of people. There is some juxtaposition between the wealthy and the poor, hard working people which shows the class gap of the time. 

3.Why do you think we are shown so many shots of market places?

I think the market is seen so many times as way of suggesting how critical and relevant it is in terms of clarifying the class gap. It also builds up a bigger picture of what life was like back then and gives us an idea on just how severe and popular poverty was. The scene is filmed to trick the audience into thinking the street is longer too as a way of showing just how many people there were.

4. How does the courtyard of Devon shire house contrast with what we have just seen? 

The courtyard is somewhat cleaner and not as busy. The entire atmosphere feels more open, and airy.Moreover, the building is lighter in colour as opposed to the contrast of colours that filled the scene prior to this. The setting is definitely more formal with the positioning of the guards and the way the cart enters the building. However, we still know the location is somewhat urban or at least very close to the poverty that surrounds its walls. 

5. There are two more shots of archways- as they enter the courtyard and as they enter the house- why do you think the director chose these two archways? 

Again the archways show this sense of scale and gives an insight to the room from the character's perspective. It could also show this sense of a journey, which is what is actually happening. The two archways also separate the two entrances, showing just how big the site is but also where the characters are meant to be. 

6.What feelings and ideas are suggested by the look of the hallway? 

The hallway is seemingly vast, open and grand. This both impresses us visually but also overwhelms us, perhaps similar to that of the duchess? This big entrance is rather desolate and empty which again reflects the king who has power and wealth but seems rather lonely just like the setting suggests. It also isn't very warm or homely with the guards standing in position and looking very serious. 

7. How does the look of the bedroom contrast with what we have seen of the rest of the house? 

In contrast, the bedroom appears rather warm and enclosed which gives the sense of intimacy and passion. Perhaps these humid reds and browns add to this idea and make the room feel more relaxing and private; an escape from the rest of the house. Also, the room is furnished with wooden panels and paintings which is very different from the cold and sterile vibe of the hallway entrance which is more basic.

Clip 2 - The last King Of Scotland

1. Describe the mission station where the journey begins. What impressions do you have about the mission?
 One of the first impressions we get from the first scene of the mission station is that the area is quite exposed and therefore gives the main character, Nicholas, little privacy. This is seen by the open planned building and clear windows that surround it. We also understand that the scene is rather rural and somewhat lacking in wealth because of the muddy grounds and trees that make the setting quite isolated and distant from any form of luxury or comfort.

2.What other locations are shown as Nicholas looks out of the window of the car? How does each location that he sees build up to his arrival in the capital?
As Nicholas drives through each location, it gradually becomes more dense with increasingly more people being shown. We are aware we are still in a rural community as these people are rather welcoming and wave to Nicholas (as they believe he is the president) The luscious green trees and brown dirty road contrast each other and immediately tell the viewer that we are in a foreign country or at least, a country of deprived wealth because no proper roads have been made . Furthermore, the colors are important as they give an insight into the warmth of the country and remind us that the journey is still progressing. This location is filmed for quite a long time so we can develop our understanding of the setting but also to allow the viewer to observe what is going on and how the surroundings influence the story line.  He finally arrives in the city which is a stark contrast from the initial few scenes. The overall appearance is one of chaos and busyness but is seemingly clean and airy. Vast buildings seem to overwhelm us and make the location prior to it somewhat distant which helps clarify the length of the journey itself. It is also the most densely populated with people being seen almost entirely throughout the shot.

3.How does the capital city setting at the end oh his journey contrast with the mission at the beginning?
The city is much more urbanized than the mission station and we immediately assume that it is well maintained as opposed to the rural villages seen before. The city is full of people, traffic and buildings that seem to make the entire atmosphere more busy and perhaps more serious. This is illustrated by the difference of characteristics of the people in the city than the people at the beginning of the journey. The city people dismiss the presidents car whereas the others seemed to see it as a rarity or a privilege by waving and smiling at Nicholas. This could perhaps suggest the city people are too oblivious to notice the car, merely caught in the busyness of the city setting.