General Synopsis:
Star Wars: The Force awakens is the 7th film in the Star Wars' saga. It is clear how the film begins 30 years after the previous events found in 'Episode VI'. The film's synopsis consists of the balance 'returning to the force' , as First Order, which is emerging from the ashes of the empire, clashes with the resistance. This clearly includes newcomers along with the previous heroes from the former 'Rebel Alliance'. Throughout the film, we view Ray, played by Daisy Ridley, along with a storm trooper 'fin', played by John Boyega, as they enlist the help of legendary smugglers/freedom fighters in the ultimate goal of transporting a droid. They use the help of Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford and Chewbacca in this attempt, as they are ultimately carrying the potential information regarding the location of long lost Jedi Master: Luke Skywalker. They are transporting this information to General, Leia Organa 'Of the Resistance', before it falls into the hands of Kylo Ren.
Several camera angles and shots are used throughout each of the Star Wars films, including The Force Awakens, in order to create several different atmospheres and emotions for the audience, all depending on how the scene is shot. Some of the camera angles involved include:
-Long Shots
-Medium Shots
-Close-Ups
Extreme Close-Ups
Featured is a screenshot of when a long shot was used in the film in order to present the entire setting to the audience. In this image it has been done to show the character's entire body- compared to the setting surrounding him, which is clearly considerably larger. This can imply metaphorically to the audience of his inferiority, as it shows there are things which can override or defeat him such as the cave.
A further camera angle which is featured in Star Wars: The Force Awakens is a medium length shot or that is often referred as a 'mid-shot'. In the screenshot above we can clearly see how a mid shot has been used for the storm-troopers, perhaps in order to show their emotions to the audience, or just to ensure that they are what the audience is focusing on. In the scene presented we can see how they are holding weaponry (guns), and using a mid shot ensures they can be seen clearly, gaining suspense for the audience.
Close-ups are a further shot that is used favourably throughout the film, which can be used to easily present the emotions of the character's, if featured in the shot as shown. In this shot we view Darth Vader, who clearly looks distressed or disorientated and the audience are then able to understand this easily.
The use of special effects was popular in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where at least 130 artists, animators and technology experts were involved with the production of the special effects. Such effects include explosions, attacks, weaponry and magic, although these were also used throughout some points in the film to enhance the clothing of several character's to make it more appealing to the audience. The special effects included within the film was later nominated for a BAFTA award which they were awarded for.
Presented is a screenshot of an explosion from the film which was created through the use of special effects. Along with this is a link to the press conference interview which was carried out following the successful win for Star Wars: The Force Awakens:
http://www.bafta.org/media-centre/transcripts/star-wars-winners-press-conference-interview-special-visual-effects-ee
When analysing the mise-en scene presented within The Force Awakens, it is evident how several aspects have been fitted in the film to sustain or present a certain mood or perception for the audience to view. One way in which this has been developed throughout the film is through the use of colour. For instance, it is displayed greatly throughout the film how the colours used can indicate whether something good or bad is about to happen, or if the mood for one of the characters is going to change. This is evident in the scene of battle with Kylo and Ren, as we view the red light sabre, which holds clear connotations of anger and proves to the audience of how furious Kylo Ren is with Rey. The blue light sabre on the other hand shows of how Rey is calmer and much less distressed.
The lighting and sound used throughout the film is also a clear indication for the audience of what's later going to happen. This is an easy and successful way of showing the feelings and emotions held by each character in various scenes. For instance, this is evident in the scene where we view Kylo Ren and Han Solo socialising whilst the Star Killer base is currently being destroyed. We understand at this point, how Han believes that Ren is going to prevent him from his acts and that Han will be addressed in solving his current problems. Despite this however, we view the lighting immediately becoming darker at this point and the sound becomes intensified; indicating to us of how something bad is going to happen very soon. This is confirmed once we learn of how Kylo Ren is viewed killing his father, Han Solo.
Below I have attached a screenshot of one of the most popular scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Village Scene. In this scene we view an innocent village being destroyed by Kylo Ren and the storm troopers, which distils tension into the audience, as this is a very dramatic scene. We can easily match this with the lighting and music which was involved with the scene also, with it being portrayed as a very dull moment, through the use of low lighting and dull low pitched music.
P2 F- Meaning
The lighting in Star Wars: The Force Awakens can clearly be used to change the mood or atmosphere to which is happening throughout the different scenes in the film. For instance, we see towards the middle of the film where Ray, Fin, Chewbacca, Han and Solo are on their way to visit Takodana. The lighting has been created in this scene to be very bright, which can have clear connotations of hope which may be instilled onto the viewers as a contrast with the previous scene that was very dull as it showed an attack. The village scene is presented where we see Kylo and Ren, along with the Storm troopers, destroying an innocent village whilst searching for a map that leads to Luke Skywalker. The lighting at this point is very dull and the music is low pitched, creating a dull and dramatic mood.
Sources:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTOKzwtsNMI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvKbOF78s_E
The music is used along with the lighting to portray the various moods presented throughout the different scenes in the film. For example, the beginning of the film shows Fin and Po stealing a space vehicle in order to escape the First Order. Throughout this scene, the music is softly played in the background with sound effects being played over this such as the sound of the spaceship and the lasers being fired. This produces excitement onto the viewers and entices them for something that is next to happen. If we reconsider the Village scene, it is clear how the use of music can also be seen to make the scene appear more dramatic and unsettling to viewers. If we were to compare this to the beginning of the film, it is a complete contrast as the atmosphere has changed and become considerably darker. The use of special effects along with the sound creates large, unsettling explosions which can possibly be a reason for why the film has an age rating of a 12A. Such content may offend those under the age of 12 as we view a distressing scene containing loud noises, flashing images and the portraying of violence. This can be illustrated in part of the scene which is added below:
https://youtu.be/nuf4BQwuhos
The trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, along with the previous films in the saga hold the recognisable theme tune at the beginning of the film. This is also displayed in the trailers, meaning that it is easily recognised by fans which provides a large increase in their excitement as they familiarise themselves with the previous content.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=force+awakens+music&view=detail
The camera angles used throughout the film can created different emotions and atmospheres through different scenes. We see this through shots such as long shots, close-ups, extreme close-ups etc. An example used to illustrate this is when in the beginning of the film we see Ray for the first time. In this scene we notice how wide angles are used on the shots in order to compare the size of Ray to the much larger desert. This can have a large impact on the audience and reflect her loneliness onto them. Below is a screenshot of how the long-shots are demonstrated in the scene mentioned.
The camera angles and shots vary when looking at the village scene, as several shots are used which can be clearly identified; such as a long-shot, over the shoulder shot and a close up/ extreme close up. With reference to the images displayed, when a long shot is used in this scene it is clear how this has been done in the effective way of including the entire setting which the characters are in, causing the viewer to compare the size of the dessert to the characters which look a lot smaller and therefore appearing as weak. Another reason why this is used is to include the use of explosions that are happening in the scene, ensuring the viewer knows exactly what is going on in each moment of the scene. An over the shoulder shot is used in the village scene as we view a storm trooper firing his weaponry; which creates tension for the audience as we discover an almost first-person perspective in the scene. A close- up is displayed in the scene to clearly display the character that feature's emotions and so as the audience we are able to relate more with what is occurring in the scene.
The costumes used throughout the film can portray the various personalities of the different characters in the film, along with their differing qualities. For instance, when looking at Fin's costume it is noted how the jacket he often wears was previously owned by Po, who at one time helps Fin escape from the First Order. After crashing their vehicle, Fin we assume, thought Po was dead following only finding his jacket and not receiving a response when calling out for him. Wearing this jacket, can cause the audience to feel as if Fin is in a state of grief, as he assumes it is all he has left of his friend. We can also view the jacket to symbolize the connotations to which are involved with the representation of a leather jacket. This involves the portrayment of a 'rebel', or someone who goes against authority's rules.
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