Task #1- Textual Analysis of Scenes
Scene 1:
Key areas:
This is one of the most impressive scenes in cinema history, as the actor nailed the role of the Joker during this scene. This scene had created a horror like tone where it made the audience feel uneasy when seeing the Joker persuading not only Two Face, but also the audience as well as we feel as if the Joker was interrogating us. It shows how people actually felt as if the on screen character was talking directly to them, creating a form of uneasiness and fear amongst the audience.
Issues and debates:
- Representation and stereotyping- there are a lot of values and representations that are carried from mainstream films as expected. One of which is the classic Hollywood portrayal of women, being portrayed as the 'damsel in distress'. This is where a women is the one to be save by the protagonist and is seen as helpless and in need of a man's help. Examples of such portrayals is, Iron Man (1,2 and 3), Amazing Spider-man and Transformers (and many more).
- Media effects- this is a film that can really harm the media due to the sheer power the film holds within it amongst audience members. Considering that the character has been seen to have an impact on one audience member in particular, which is the same person who did the Aurora shooting.
- Audience theories- this scene has been known for the audience reaction from it including the critics. Audience pleasure is one of the theories associated with the film as well as this scene. This scene conveys the most emotional connection with the audience, of fear. This scene can have the ability to tap in to the viewers mind and create a connection to them. Thus, formulating an emotional feeling that the audience will receive from the scene adding to the audience pleasure. The impressive acting of Ledger as the Joker, has built an iconic connection to the audience member as his portrayal was something that shocked the audience.
- Genre theories- for a superhero movie and part of one of the most well-known comic companies in the world, having a horrifying character and brutality in such a film can be argued by parents. Children may be influenced to see the film because it is Batman, someone they know from a child and this portrayal may be seen as too 'dark' for them.
Media language-
The use of a steadicam shot being used largely throughout this scene really helps develop the emotional connection the film makers are trying to achieve. This form of camera movement helps to make the audience feel as if they are there. As if they are in the same room witnessing this scene taking place. It adds to the sense of horror and suspense which the audience are feeling as this scene takes place. The sheer expression and verbal conversation between the characters really add to create an intense atmosphere in which the audience feel put-ff, yet excited by this interrogation as it feels real.
Another form of camera movement would be the use of many close-ups. This shot was used very well by the film makers as they only used it when focusing on the Joker as he is the one that brings forth a horrifying emotion to the audience and the use of close-ups really help deliver this emotion. The audience can see more detail and facial expression of the character as if he is directly talking tot the audience- as if he is interrogating us. This shot makes us feel unease as the audience is put to a stand still where they cannot breath as the tension builds up. As a result, the close-up really helps deliver the facial expression which help deliver that emotion to the audience as this scene does so successfully.
Mise-en-scene-
The make-up done to Harvey Dent calls for some horrifying reaction to the audience. As well as the make-up done to the Joker. The make-up done to both of these characters shows how sane these characters are. They aren't presented as normal every-day villains, but as psychopaths which fit in to the Joker's description perfectly well. This is apparent throughout this scene when both characters interact with each other. The use of the make-up makes Harvey look real as we can see inside his flesh and muscles moving as he speaks bringing forth the intense atmosphere of shock to the audience as this effect is to make the audience feel uncomfortable.
Sound-
The use of the faint sound in the background really helps to deliver that horrifying/dark atmosphere to the audience. This is apparent at 2:20 where there is a large sound in the background building up as the Joker reveals his play to Harvey. The sound begins on a scary/horror film-like feel as the Joker is being presented as horrifying, however when he takes out his weapon the song begins to go playful. The sound used correlates to the character being references. The Joker is a clown and they are largely associated in being playful which links nicely with the cynical[aty] of the Joker. It really builds up this dark and gloomy atmosphere which the audience isn't expecting. The Joker is being portrayed as sane and cynical which audiences do not expect. The music plays a core part in creating this intense and dark scene.
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Scene 2:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWgyKDfFC_U
Key areas:
This is also one of the most iconic scenes in film history. The reason why this is one of the most iconic performances in film history is because of the sheer frightening performance Heath Ledger gave to the audience. It was a fantastic and unique spin on the characters portrayal, one in which audiences were not used to. This is largely because the Joker's appearances were mainly in cartoon shows and books, and they didn't bring across a very dramatic or scary villain. It was more of a comedy-like character who does insane things. However, in this scene we (the audience) find ourselves face to face with a completely different and unique adaptation of the character that will forever leave its mark as one of the best performances of all time.
Issues and debates:
Genre theories- like the previous scene, this scene raises questions form the audiences perspective of deciding what kind of genre this film is. Although it has the DC branding which children and adults have all come to love and know, is it really a film that's about superheroes? Or is it a unique adaption of this 'geeky' and 'childish' culture? I believe so. This film shows the capability of superhero movies having to aim itself not only for children, but for adults too and this film is very much heavily attracted to people in that age group. Children would most likely be scared of the film rather than enjoy it.
Censorship- The idea of censorship comes more in to light in this scene than the previous. The institution know very well that Batman is a very iconic character is children's lives. They will see a poster for this film and generally ask their parents if they can watch it, because they are familiar with the cartoon version of this character Little do they know is that this is a completely different portrayal of the character. Institutions should know of this fan-base and should find a way in tackling this film from being viewed by the younger demographic.
Theories:
- Audience theories- the impact this scene has on audiences is key. Majority of peoples impressions of this scene state that it takes their breath away, and that it is truly a remarkable performance. This scene really does spark up connections with audiences and their ideologies of the content they see.
- Users and gratifications theory- this is a superhero film (or in the same category). Therefore, there have been many people who are huge batman fans who have been eagerly awaiting their favourite villain 'the joker' to be seen on the big screen. This nostalgia is part of this theory and is very much evident through this scene.
- Representation- the classic representation of criminals may spark up some criticism. The film may just be reinforcing the stereotype of that 'all' criminals are psychopaths regardless of who they are and why the did the deed. This scene may be reinforcing the ideology that'every' criminal has and might be falsely representing criminals.
Media language-
The use of close-ups in this scene are very significant when trying to bring forth this sense of terror from the Joker's portrayal. This is apparent when we see the Joker laugh in a psychopathic way. This scene shows how sane the Joker truly is, as he jumps up and down and moves in a rather uncontrollable way. It shows the realism in the acting as we audience members expect this from a psychopathic man. Furthermore, the close-ups capture the detail of the Jokers face while he is laughing and through this scene when he is talking to the batman. It really acts as a way to give the audience enough room to see the character and to grasp a feeling of awkwardness and uneasiness as they watch him as they feel the Joker is talking to them as well.
Mise-en-scene -
The costume plays a significant role in this scene. We see the Joker wearing a purple and green coloured suit. This shows how insane and unstable the Joker is, as he goes for the odd combination of colours as his signature look. The props used is trying to define the character as a sane person and that he is no ordinary villain, but a homicidal maniac. The odd colours connotes the un-easy mindset of the character as he doesn't have the same views and ideologies as other people do.
Furthermore, the location plays a large part in this scene. This scene takes place in a jail (Gotham's MCU to be precise) which is a great location to hold this scene. This location connotes that the Joker has committed a crime and is being supervised by batman who will ensure to get information out of him. The location tells the audience a bit more about the Joker's style as he isn't a villain who hurts people but one that kills them too as expressed by batman in this scene ("...kills for money").
Sound-
The dialogue is the key part in this scene that plays a connection to sound. It is what the character says that makes this scene so iconic to the audience, as it builds a unique perception about society and the way this character thinks. The quote regarding society and them casting you (batman) out is a perfect way of showing the audience the type of character Joker is. He may be completely sane on one hand, but is also very clever on the other. Instead of the batman interrogating the Joker, it is the other way round and it shows the audience a bit more detail regarding the characters backstory. The Joker is a very smart and persuasive person no matter who he talks to. He can even persuade batman to think otherwise by twisting his words.
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Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd_ZR-AqHEY
Analysis:
Media language-
The use of medium shots when the character are talking is key. The most significant one is when James is having his conversation to the fellow police officer opposite him regarding the recipe. This segment of the scene is where the most tension builds up as the conversation's tone shifts from a calm and peaceful tone to a more serious and intense tone where essentially James is inflicting questions to the officer to frighten him. The medium shots help to show the audience the body language of the character of the police officer as it acts as a way for the audience to feel the same way. It makes the audience feel as if they are the police officer and that they are being interrogated by this crime lord which builds up this pressure of suspense and horror.
Mise-en-scene-
The location of where this scene is being taken place is very important. This scene takes place in an ordinary (preferably a working class man's) home. Generally a family dinner table is supposed to connote a calm and loving atmosphere were friends and family join together to feel unity and express their feeling with one another. However, this scene presents the opposite. The lighting also plays a key part in the location. It is very low key making the scene much darker and less comedic (more serious tone).
Sound-
Sound is one of the most important part of this scene out of all the other sections. It is the voices of the characters especially that of James Whitey which creates an intense atmosphere to the audience. This is apparent when he states "just saying will get you buried real f***ing quick". This quote as well as the tone in which he says it creates a serious and intense scene where the audience is left with no air to breath. They feel as if they are the ones at the table witnessing this discussion, making it really terrifying for an audience member to continue watching.
Scene 4:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_z4IuxAqpE
Analysis:
Media language-
Mise-en-scene-
Sound-
Camera movement-
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