Narnia film notes scene 2 and 3

The train journey continues the importance of mise en scene within the fantasy genre. There are many extreme long shots and high angled frames, which suggest freedom and adventure for the characters, but allow the appeal for the audience too. The anticipation on the unknown children’s destination is supported through the use of the soundtrack. The girl’s singing voice intensifies the wilderness, but seems to capture a child-like innocence and beauty of passing landscape. This scene makes you proud to be British as the audience can witness the colourful (Walt Disney’s trademark and strength) landscape and architecture. The enormous camera swoops of extreme long shots and high angles of the train passing the countryside gives the audience a sense of awe.
Also, the title effects indicate the fantasy genre perfectly as “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” dissolve onto the screen like magic dust. This suggests the children will have to take part in a magical adventure, which encourages the audience to keep watching.

The scene involving Mr Tumnus and Lucy captures the fantasy genre well. The two characters are sat around a fireplace.

Mr Tumnus begins to play the Narnia lullaby with his two piece flute (an unique prop). A number of eye line matches from Lucy watches the flames in amazement as they begin to take shape and dance in front of her and the audience. This indicates magic and enchantment wow the children audience by special musical powers. The on and screen diegetic sound of the flute become rather hypnotizing as the many cuts between Mr Tumnus, Lucy and the fireplace suggest a sudden danger. As Lucy falls asleep, Mr Tumnus’s music grows suddenly louder and a burst of a lion’s roar and image within the flames interrupts the peaceful scene as the candles instantly blow out.

Scenes like these make the audience wonder what’s going on and are limited on information just like the Lucy character. The magical journey is not only for the characters, but for the audience as well. That’s why I believe the plot is so important to hold back some information for the audience so they can experience the unbelievable.

Narnia film notes scene 1

This is part of my primary research. This textual analysis will support me during my presentation by using these scenes as evidence to support the points I make.

Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
Directed by Andrew Adamson

The film starts by using a subjective frame as the audience travel through the clouds, which has connotations to dreams, wonderment and imagination. From the very first second of the film, CGI has allowed this surreal journey/experience for the audience.

The opening scene introduces the audience to the London bombings. This establishes the film is set during WWII and suggests there are many more epic scenes to come throughout the film. In a director's commentary, this scene was filmed by the use of the green screen and CGI. This establishes that fantasy relies on these effects to make the film believable. The blue coloured lighting allows pilots, planes and outlines of London to be seen during the night. The mysterious soundtrack followed by drums creates an adrenaline rush as the audience are immediately introduced to action/adventure. It is also supported by a variety of sound effects (bombs, plane engines, shooting etc). This is a recognizable event, which allows the British audience to relate to the film's setting and therefore creates realism towards the devastation.

Questionnaire

1) What encourages you to watch a fantasy film release? e.g. the trailers, adverts, the books, reviews or word of mouth.

2) Do you believe fantasy films target the younger/teenaged audience? If so or not, explain?

3) What is your favourite fantasy film and why?

4) Do you buy any of the merchandise surrounding the film after watching the release?

5) What do you believe makes a good fantasy film? e.g. the cast, special effects, the plot

6) In your opinion, do the special effects make the fantasy realistic or unrealistic?

7) Do you believe films such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Narnia can be heavily criticised by being compared to their book forms?

8) Compared to the other genres of film, would you consider fantasy in your top 3?

9) Any further comments or thoughts, which would be useful towards the appeal of fantasy films study would be welcomed.

Visual Similarities clip for Presentation

Whilst on You.Tube, I came across two excellent videos fans have posted. The first one is someone's Top 10 fantasy films and my focus films are in their list. Also, there are clear similarities most of the fantasy films have. But then it gets better, another person has combined Narnia, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter together in one big trailer. This is where you can see the huge similarities the three films have.


Visual similarities

The wanted and unwanted

After having a trip from London, I found a TotalFilm magazine on the train. As I was reading I could see the reason why my brain was telling me to pick it up. There was an interview with David Yates revealing his thoughts about the Harry Potter Franchise suggesting it as some sort of world.

However, there was a section which I could place in the catalogue as unwanted as there was a few pages to do with Lord of the Rings written by Jayne Nelson. This wasn't useful as it was talking about the book and the story behind the Lord of the Rings. It was for the hardcore Lord of the ring fans! But to write about Lord of the rings with deepest and detail takes a serious devoted fan towards the fantasy genre.

Inside the Potter Machine article

I was given this article from The Observer Film Magazine, which was mainly based on the new film 'Harry Potter: The Half Blood Prince', but I managed to find some relevant quotes towards my presentation from the co-producer and director.

There was a number of quotes from David Heyman (co-producer) suggesting Harry Potter as a cult film and the characterisation of Harry, Hermione and Ron to based on real-life people, 'the outsider', 'the swot' and 'the youngest from a big family'. Also, the simple plot 'the battle between good and evil'.

David Yates ( director) said about being lured by CGI and enjoying the 'big train set' blockbuster's infrastructure. He also expresses the Potter films have rocked the film industry and the film being a popular cultutral event.

Electric! magazine article

I received the montly Virgin media magazine called "Electric" and whilst flicking through I came across and interesting article:

We're liking Kids' Adaptations What makes a classic children's move? Simple: A calssic children's book. From JM Barie to JK Rowling, ELECTRIC! Celebrated the great tales behind some of the film world's best plots..... Written by Claire Sargent

The article seems to highlight the importance of the mise en scene due to the epic imaginary worlds- to make the audiences believe the fantasy. There is also the high expectation of the special effects. This article does conclude that the fantasy genre will always be compared to its written verison and therefore acts as a bench mark for the studios to live up to.