Script Analysis

In today's lesson, we looked into script writing. Scripts are the most important document you need when making a film. It contains lots of different information for the director and the actors. We were provided with the book, 'Not Now, Bernard' and told to create a script for it (which is below) Kenya Not Now Bernard Script

Se7en Codes and Conventions Analysis.

After observing the opening credits of the thriller Se7en, it was obvious that there were many codes and conventions used to fit the genre of the film and engage the audience. A code is a system of signs which can be interpreted to create a meaning. They are broken down into three groups, the technical codes, the verbal codes and the symbolic codes. All three codes are evident throughout out the trailer. A convention is the way it is done, the style and form of the media text.

We see the technical conventions straight away in the opening sequence. It consist of fast paced, cutting shots, this adds to the suspense and creates an atmosphere, also complying with the typical stereotypes of a thriller, it tell us the film is going to be action filled and mysterious. A technical code we see is the grainy film and red filters. The grainy film makes the whole scene look old but also filmed not very well with shaky hand camera work, connoting fear, as if you are observing what someone is doing without wanting to be caught. Mixed with the red filter which gives everything a dull red and clack colouring, this connotes danger, blood and death. Everything we expect from a thriller.

 The camera angles are also part of the technical codes, during the opening teaser we see lots of close ups of books, writing, needles, blades and fingers following things, as if this person is desperately searching for something, researching something. It connotes a slight feeling of desperation but also the sense that what they are looking for is not something that is right if they need to search so deeply for it. The camera angles are also counter shots, often not being centred and slightly out of focus. This makes the audience feel like a fly on the wall, as if they are observing into someone life that they shouldn’t be, finding things they shouldn’t, witnessing things they shouldn’t.

The verbal codes and conventions are everything that involves the language the dialogue or anything written.  For example in Se7en’s opening sequence the font that the directors, actors and production teams names are written is like messy handwriting, like someone has rushed writing it. This compliments the genre and fits what is going on in the scenes, as the person is underlining words such as ‘pregnant’ and ‘transsexual’. This still leaves and air of mystery but also gives some incline to what it’s all about. At the very end of the sequence there is a quote from a song that says ‘I want to be closer to God’. This can be read many ways depending on the audience. Some people may think that it contrasts with the visuals and it may be seen as an innocent religious quote. However the words ‘closer to God’ also connote suicide, death and it’s almost like they are begging to die and be in heaven closer to God.

The symbolic code is the appearance of the supporting character including the costume and performance. We don’t actually see a lot of the character; however we do see the actions of the character which reflects their feelings. The character actually cuts his finger tips with a blade; this connotes that the character may thrive off of pain and is quite a dark character. However we get these thoughts but still don’t actually know the character but it cleverly doesn’t give hardly anything always, leaving you wanting to know more however expecting nothing.