La Haine Review

La Haine is a 1995 arthouse film which follows the lives of Vinz, Hubert and Said over the span of a day in the suburbs of Paris. The film is named La Haine (Hate in French) because of the hateful relationship within the youth and the authority (police), and this theme is constantly explored throughout the film as the film aims to raise awareness on the issue of racism and police brutality in France.

The mise-en-scene of this film is vital in creating the gritty atmosphere of the film. For example through the use of good location an urban, ghetto suburb can be presented  to the audience (as shown through several shots such as the rooftop scene, the urban park, destructed gym) which adds onto the representation of a poverty stricken suburb. The clothing that the characters wear i.e. hoodies/leather jackets, baggy clothing links to this gang ideology that is assumed to run through the ghetto suburbs, this can be linked back to the issue of police brutality and how youngsters have been attacked by the police because of this.

The cinematography and the editing of the film is important in making La Haine an iconic arthouse film. The use of black and white cinematography gives the film an old look, as if the film is looking back into the past, however this also emphases its sense of realism. The films sense of realism is also enhanced through the technique of suturing at the beginning of the film as real news footage is shown at the start of the film, this immediately suggests that this film is based around an issue. I have also noticed with the cinematography that the camera movement is quite smooth which suggests that a lot of steadicam has been used. A lot of long shots have been used in place of the usual medium shots which allows the audience to see from a wider perspective on the action that is taking place.

Tutorial Targets

1. Upload all documents to our blogs
2. Re-draft script
3. Re-do storyboard
4. Re-do shot list
5. Location scouting 
6. Costumes (Signifies for each character)

Script: TRANSGRESSION

Written by Ladan

TRANSGRESSION

FADE IN, ESTABLISHING SHOT OF LOCATION

EXT. THE SUBURBS OF LONDON. THERE ARE TEENAGERS WHO ARE SITTING AT AN ABANDONED ROOFTOP - DAY

CUT TO A MEDIUM LONG SHOT OF THE TEENAGERS

A group of teenagers, three females and two males, are sitting in a circle. Their friendship is quite strong hence the chatter that is taking place; some of them have known each other for years, but recently a new member Jason has joined. Amongst the teenagers is an empty Coca-Cola bottle.

JASON

(In an eager and excited tone)

It’s a fairly simple game. Pretend the bottle is your life, it basically holds your fate.

CUT TO CLOSE UP OF BOTTLE

(JASON reaches to spin the bottle)

JASON

-and by spinning it you have pretty much gambled your life. Whoever gets chosen has to change their life within an... hour? It’s fun trust me, i’m so fucking tired of people not committing to spin the bottle games.

MEDIUM SHOT OF JASON, THE CAMERA TRACKS HIS ACTIONS AS HE SPINS THE BOTTLE ONCE MORE.

CUT TO A REVERSE SHOT OF LUCIA WHO STOPS THE BOTTLE FROM SPINNING.

LUCIA

(She rolls her eyes in an annoyed manner)

That is the most stupid thing i’ve heard all day.

(DEVON gives LUCIA a slight nudge on the shoulder and grabs her cheek)

DEVON

(In a teasing manner)

Give it a rest Lucia you’re always killing the fun, might have to name you killjoy from now on.

(LUCIA pushes Devon away with force. There is small laughter amongst them at this)

GRACE

(With admiration in her voice)

I think it’s a pretty cool idea, besides it’s SOMETHING to do rather than just sitting around here.

CUT TO OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT, JASON WINKS AT GRACE AS SHE SMILES BACK.

TYRA

(Pleadingly)

C’mon Lucia stop being so negative. When will you stop holding a grudge against Jason?

LUCIA

(In an unimpressed tone)

Yeah, yeah whatever... Go on then, let’s see how AMAZING this little shitty game of yours is Jason.

JASON

(In a tense tone as he makes sharp eye contact with Lucia)

Alright, let’s play then.

JASON goes to reach for the bottle and places it in the middle as they form a circle.

CUT TO HIGH ANGLE SHOT OF THE BOTTLE SPINNING. P.O.V OF THE BOTTLE AS IT SLOWS DOWN.

The bottle comes to a halt and there is silence amongst the teenager’s. The atmosphere is quite tense and the bottle stops at JASON, indicating that he has been chosen.

LUCIA

Well well, what a fucking coincidence! The bottle has landed on the “chosen” one, now go off and do your stupid little dare.

TYRA

I don’t understand, how are you meant to change your life within an hour?

JASON

(Thoughtfully)

I don’t know... you just have to do something interesting or daring.

CUT TO MEDIUM TRACKING SHOT OF JASON WALKING TOWARDS GRACE. CLOSE UP OF JASON OFFERING HIS HAND.

JASON

Do you want to take the honour of helping me change my life within an hour?

CUT BACK TO A MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT OF GRACE.

GRACE has a surprised yet keen look on her face as she takes his offer by taking his hand.

CUT TO MEDIUM SHOT OF HER TAKING HIS HAND

GRACE

(In an imaginary posh voice, there is a sense of eagerness within her voice)

Oh why of course! That would be splendid!

DEVON

(In a teasing manner with a smirk)

SOMEONE is getting a bit too excited; I wonder what they’re going to do...

(TYRA joins in with DEVON’S teasing as she winks at GRACE)

TYRA

Don’t go and have too much fun the both of you!

(As JASON and GRACE leave, LUCIA mumble’s)

LUCIA

Something is not right.

FADE INTO THE NEXT SCENE. SEVERAL SHOTS OF THE TREE’S AND THE SKY.

EXT. NEARBY WOODS – DAY

JASON and GRACE are seen walking together in the woods. GRACE, an introvert, is too shy to ask about JASON’S plan and she continues to follow him, who is increasingly slowing behind her.

GRACE

(Nervously)

What are you doing?

JASON

(In a strange manner)

Oh, nothing. Keep walking, i’m just looking around.  

GRACE

Oh, okay.

SLOW MOTION, OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT OF JASON BEHIND GRACE AS HE SLOWLY FOLLOWS HER

(GRACE continues to walk, until she finally has the courage to ask JASON about his dare)

GRACE

(As she is turning around to face him)

Hey Jason what are you planning to do as your da-

SHOT OF JASON GRABBING GRACE INTO A CHOKE HOLD. CLOSE UP SHOT OF GRACE’S HANDS STRUGGLING TO PUSH AWAY JASON. THEN MEDIUM SHOT OF JASON THROWING HER TO A GROUND AND GRABBING A BAT.

JASON

(In an ominous and hysterical tone)

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN TO SHUT UP! YOU TALK TOO MUCH!

(With each strike JASON exclaims)

YOU’RE SO. BLOODY. ANNOYING.

(JASON continues to beat her with the bat with hysteria)

JASON

(Panting from exhaustion as he continues to use all his power and force)

WHY... THE FUCK... AREN’T YOU... DYING?

P.O.V OF GRACE AS HE CONTINUES TO HIT HER. BLURRY SHOTS OF JASON AS GRACE BECOMES UNCONCIOUS.

GRACE

(She pleads for JASON to stop with her last breath)

Please... Stop.

(JASON gives one last blow to her head which finally kills her. He chucks the bat into the river)

LONG SHOT OF JASON THROWING THE BAT INTO THE RIVER WITH GREAT ANGER AND FORCE.

JASON

(He slightly kicks her limp and dead body while panting)

I never knew it took humans so long to die.

(JASON slowly mumbles to himself as he walks away)

This life is nothing but an illusion; we must fulfil the needs that lie within our hearts.

CUT TO BLACK

Film pitch and audience focus group

MEST2 FILM PITCH

Title and tagline:

TRANSGRESSION: Their fate belongs to the hour

Topic from brief (e.g. Modern-noir, Urban Life etc.):

Modern-Noir

Genre (and sub-genre if applicable):

Thriller, psychological thriller

Logline – one sentence that sums up the film and hooks people in (25 words or fewer):

A psychological thriller that explores the division between reality and the false distortions through the eyes of dysfunctional teenagers

Other successful films that are similar to yours:

Gone Girl, in terms of the mentally disturbed protagonist.

Narrative structure for full 30-minute film – what happens and in what order (max 100 words):

The film will start with a bored group of teenagers going to their hangout place, where they invent a new version of spin the bottle, the objective of the game is to change your life within an hour if you have been chosen. They begin to play the game and the protagonist, who is mentally unstable gets chosen. With the hour he has been given he decides to invite a vulnerable and naive friend to join him, which she immediately does. The naive friend is unaware about what he is planning to do but continues to eagerly join him on their walk to the woods. This is where he brutally murders hers and disposes her body of. When the protagonist arrives back after an hour his friends ask where the naive and vulnerable friend is, he dismisses the questions and says she went home. Over the next 2 days people begin to grow suspicious, with Friend 2 starting to accuse him over her sudden disappearance. Despite this the group of friends decide to continue playing the game and when Friend 1 gets chosen, she is put under pressure by Friend 2 and decides to kill him before killing herself by self drowning in a river.  The scene ends with a suicide note stating “Gone for an hour”.

Main protagonist, their desires, the conflicts they encounter etc.:

The main protagonist, who is the killer, has a manipulative characteristic which he hides through his charisma and charm, it could almost be argued that he’s mentally unstable. He desires power and attention, something which he lacked before he brutally murdered a vulnerable friend. His killing gave him a sense of superiority, but it also adds onto his paranoia. He faces several conflicts such as one member of their friendship group getting suspicious about his sudden change in personality, as his lies increase and increase.  

Other characters and their role/audience appeal:

1) Grace: She’s quite naive and easy to manipulate. The quieter character of the group, her characteristics and tragic death will create some pity for her from the audience

2) Devon:  Humorous character, he is quite lively and is the driving force of all their friendships

3) Lucia: She is quite reserved and laid back but pays attention to surroundings in quite a lot of detail. She is the character who gets suspicious, and her intelligence appeals to the audience.

4) Tyra Close friend of the vulnerable friend, she is who kills the protagonist. It is quite surprising for the audience as her friendly characteristics contrast the crime she commits and her sudden decision of committing suicide.

Target audience for your film (age, gender, social class, interests etc.):

• The main target audience would be for young adults 15-24, hence the 15 certification of the film  
• I believe male and females would watch it, it has an appeal to all genders i.e. the friendship, the conflicts and the violence.
• Working class/middle class
•  Those who are interested in thrillers with a psychological element to it, or who want an insight into the lives of teenagers with an interesting twist.

The three-minute extract you will make and where it would appear in the film:

The three-minute extract would appear about 5 minutes into the film. It will consist of the group of teenagers spinning the bottle and starting to play the game and the protagonist, who is mentally unstable (his friends aren’t aware of this) being chosen. He is given “one hour to change his life”, and this scene will consist of a shots of him trying to kill the vulnerable friend after leading her on. The scene will end with the protagonist walking away, which will create a cliff hanger and enigma codes on what happens next.

BBFC Institution research

1) The BBFC is an independent and non-governmental organisation which was founded by the film industry in 1912. The BBFC is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. The BBFC is run on a not-for-profit basis, however it gets its income mainly from the fees it charges for its services and this is calculated by measuring the running time of films etc.

2) The Board’s age ratings decisions are made through an agreement with the Director, the President and the two Vice-Presidents who take the responsibility of rating a film etc. The examiners jobs are to take notes of what they watch, such as the general context i.e. plot, characters. The timings of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on- and off-screen moments and the profanity that is used , sex and drug references etc. This is eventually reported back and a decision is made.

3) There are several issues facing the BBFC when it comes to classifying a film. For example, determining whether the material is in conflict with the law, if it may cause any harm at the age rating concerned and the context itself of the film. The overall tone of a work may also affect the final decision.

4) The Dark Knight generated a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate because of the press coverage and complaints from members of the public who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at the 12A category. I believe that it shouldn't have been awarded if there was too much violence as it can have a negative effect on some children. 

5) The guidelines for a 15 certificate is that no theme is prohibited, provided that it is appropriate for 15 year olds. The content of a 15 certificate of film may include any of the following:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behavior
• drug taking

6) 1 Day: 

This film was given a 15 classification, within the first few minutes of screen time the examiners viewing the work established that 1 Day was at least a 15 certificate because of the uses of strong language (‘f**k’) in the opening sequence. The examiners also considered the realistic level of moderate gun threat throughout the film which had a strong presence in the several scenes of strong violence. Lastly the issue of drugs was judged as a relatively minor one, which allowed the film to stay in its 15 classification rather than going into the 18 classification.

Arthouse film institution research

Production: Independent film studios

The Falling

1. The Falling was produced by the British Film Institute and BBC Films.
2. BBC Films has released several independent British films such as Testament of Youth. The BFI also releases independent and experimental British films alongside documentaries such as Night Will Fall which got many positive reviews from critics.
3. The BFI is quite successful as it is iconic within the British film industry and it has helped to release many films and documentaries.

The White Ribbon

1. The White Ribbon was produced by the Wega Film and X Filme.
2. Wega Film is an Austrian film production company therefore it mainly produces Austrian/Foreign Films i.e. Cracks in Concrete which is a drama based film. X Filme is a German movie and television production company, and mainly produces artistic independent films. An example of a film produced by X Filme is Lulu and Jimi which is a melodramatic film 
3. A successful arthouse film produced by X Filme is Run Lola Run, and for Wega Film, Caché is one of its successful films. 

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

1. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night was produced by Logan Pictures and Spectre Vision.
2. SpectreVision is a relatively new American film production company, and mostly focuses on niche market based films such as A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. The film was also produced by Logan Pictures, which is a creative studio and Production Company which is quite experimental. From their website I have found that they mainly produce visuals and sequences for films.
3. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is the main success of SpectreVision which got many positive reviews from critics. 

Boyhood

1. Boyhood was produced by IFC Productions and Detour Filmproduction 
2. IFC Productions mainly produces independent films such as Born to be Blue. Detour Filmproduction also produces independent arthouse films such as Slacker.
3. The Babadook is one of the IFC's successes and Before Midnight is one of Detour Filmproduction's successes. 

Girlhood

1. Girlhood was produced by several production companies, such as Arte France Cinéma and Canal+, which are both TV network companies. However film companies such as Hold Up Films and Lilies Films also contributed to the production. It could be argued that Girlhood isn’t an arthouse film because it was produced by major production companies therefore it can't be a low-budget film as most arthouse films are.
2.  Hold Up Films produces independent French films such as Tomboy, which Lilies Films also contributed to. Lilies Films is also a French company which produces independent foreign films such as Baby Balloon.
3. Tomboy is one of Hold Up Films and Lilies Films successful films with many positive reviews from critics. 

Distribution: Independent film distributors

1)    The Ten Steps of Film Distribution

1. The filmmaker will have to come up with an idea for their film. It can be based on a novel for example, a true life story (biography), and an event and so on. This idea needs to be finalised and good enough to get the distributor on board.
2. The distributers start to do some research and explore how a particular film can impact its consumers and try to find a target audience. The distributors try to identify and deliver the film to the largest possible audience which will therefore have not only an impact but bring in revenue. To do this distributers aim to promote interest in titles they are handling which is a competition itself as nearly all distributors of films take this approach.
3. The distributors have several tasks, with the first being to identify and deliver to the largest possible audience for every film that comes their way. This is eventually confirmed. The distributors have to identify their audience and put into consideration why they'd go and see the film. They then have to estimate the revenue potential of the film from its release, which is quite vital when it comes to persuading cinema operators to play the film as they would also want some revenue from exhibiting the film. Another challenge is then to develop plans and partnerships to build awareness of the film and get others to gain interest in the film which will then increase the chance of someone going to the cinema to watch this film.
4. There are many film distributors within the UK. The UK has six major distributors which are directly associated to the major Hollywood studios and also many independent distributors who aren’t associated with Hollywood studios. These independent distributors are more likely to handle films made outside the major studios i.e. low-budget arthouse films, independent films. The aspiring filmmaker will have to choose and find a distributor who will handle their film.
5. The Film has to be obtained by the film distributor. This can be done by a sales agent, a negotiation by the studio/production company to a distributor etc.
6. A formal contract is signed between the distributors and the producer, sales agent or studio which states the rights they hold and allows the release of the film to take place.
7. The distributor needs to plan the theatrical release of the film and needs to be prepared; this is developed through the meetings with the producers/studio or by letting the distributors have access to the film so they can see what they’re exactly dealing with.
8. The distributor has to decide when it is most appropriate and best to release a film in order to increase its chances of having a higher viewing which will therefore increase the revenue that will be gained from the film. Several factors are considered such as who the film is for, who will most likely be convinced to buy a cinema ticket to see it and why they would do so, whether the film can be placed within a popular, recognisable genre and so on.
9. The distributor has to try and raise awareness of the film to gain a larger audience to go view the film. This can be done through advertisement i.e. posters, trailers. Film awards, premiers and festivals are also great opportunities to raise awareness of a specific film. Merchandise and promotions are also vital in this process.
10. Lastly, the film is licensed to the exhibitors. There are security protocols that are adopted across the industry to make sure that film prints are kept safe throughout the theatrical run and protected. This prevents any illegal activity taking place.

2)

The Falling: Metrodome Distribution

Girlhood: Girlhood has not been distributed in the UK.

Boyhood: Universal Pictures International

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night has not been distributed in the UK.

The White Ribbon:  Artificial Eye

3)

The Falling: This film was released theatrically which suggests that it has also been exhibited at mainstream cinemas. By checking Vue’s website I have found that it was at some point shown at Vue which is considered to be a mainstream cinema.

Girlhood: This film was screened as part of the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. It was also screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. (There is no other information in regards to what kind of cinemas it was shown at etc.)

Boyhood: Boyhood was released theatrically around the globe according to Wikipedia; this suggests that it was exhibited in mainstream cinemas such as Vue.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night: This film was shown in the “Next” program at the Sundance Film Festival (No other information in regards to whether it was shown at cinemas or not)

The White Ribbon:  This film was released in selected cinemas in Germany on 17^th September 2009 before being followed by a wide release on 15^th October.

4)

The Falling:

·         Budget - £750,000

·         Gross – £359,082

·         Profit - £390,918

Girlhood: Budget not available, but the gross is $1.7 million

Boyhood:

·         Budget - $4 million

·         Gross - $46 million

·         Profit - $42 million

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night: Budget not available, but the gross is $514,260

The White Ribbon:

·         Budget - $18 million

·         Gross - $19.3 million

·         Profit - $1.3 million

5) Curzon Artificial Eye is one of the UK’s leading independent film distributors who release critically acclaimed films to UK audiences. They are quite successful and have released more Cannes Palme d’Or winners than any other UK distributor.

6) From the three trailers I have watched from Curzon Artificial Eye’s youtube channel I have found that editing is quite vital as shown in the "Ice and the Sky" clip. The use of filters
to create an old film look gives the clip a sense of authenticity which creates an overall vintage look. From "The Choir" trailer I have found that lighting is also quite vital and can have a major effect on the way you scene will look, there is a lot of different lighting techniques used such as low-key lighting. The "Mia Madre" trailer made me realise how effective a voice over can be, as a voice over of the narrator is used to portray the true thoughts of the narrator.

Exhibition: Arthouse cinemas

1. The Electric Cinema, it is in Notting Hill, London. 
2. The Electric Cinema usually shows arthouse films, which are experimental or low budget such as The Lobster which will be exhibited on the 6th of December. It can therefore be argued that arthouse cinemas are aimed at the niche market as the mainstream audience are unlikely to watch experimental or low budget films like The Lobster. However, they sometimes do exhibit major films such as Star Wars which will be exhibited on the 18th of December and Bridge of Spies on the 4th of December which will also be exhibited in cinema chains such as Vue. 
3. Middle class young-adult/adult audiences would usually attend this arthouse cinema, and a reason for this may be because of the cost of the tickets (quite expensive) and the fact that the films that are usually exhibited are mostly 15 and over. However there are sometimes films that are PG/U that are exhibited, and there is also a kid’s club section at the Electric Cinema so a younger middle-class audience are likely to attend. 

A case study in independent film production: Film London and Microwave Film

1. Film London is one of the nine regional screen agencies throughout the UK, and has the aims of sustaining and developing the London film industry
2. Microwave Films is a funding scheme for UK feature films, and the purpose of Microwave Films is to fund and distribute films 
3. The London Calling project for Film London is a scheme which independent filmmaking teams who resident in the capital can apply for to get training and mentoring, match funding and if successful be awarded a maximum of £4,000.
4.  

iLL Manors fits the conventions for an arthouse film because the narrative is based around urban life in London. Rather than the film being based on entertaining the audience it is more based on raising awareness on issues such as drug dealing ans gang violence, therefore the film can be argued to be quite experimental 

Borrowed Time could be considered to be an arthouse film because it is an independent film. This can be seen through the fact that the film has been made on a lower budget than usual, hence the reason why the setting is more local, simpler script etc.

Shifty is quite similar to iLL Manors in terms of the narrative as it has elements of drug dealng and raises awareness on the issue which makes it an urban life based film. However I can tell it was made on a lower budget as it is more local based and a smaller scale than iLL Manors which links back to the conventions of an arthouse film being independent and on a smaller scale than the major films we see in mainstream cinemas today.

5) Tips:

1. Don't have too many things going on in the script, make sure you stick to one singular idea.
2. Have a clear idea of who your audience is
3. Observe what people want to watch