- The script fits into the genre of thriller/ horror
- It is an extract of a film and starts towards the beginning after the initial first scene
- This film will be rated 15 and aimed at teens and young adults between the age of 15-25
- This film won't have a large budget as it is mainly based on a characters individual experience rather than what people think is happening, so it won't need to present horror in terms of visuals
- This film will hopefully be adaptable to anyone who likes horror, the film will be relatively accessible
Thursday 23 March 2017
Aims and Context A2 Creative Project
Thursday 8 December 2016
Princecas
How far does the impact of the film you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
The impact of the film is emphasised by distinct film techniques. One of the key themes within the film is the friendship between Cayé and Zuléma, the difference between the conflict within this film and within films such as La Haine and City of God is that it brings the characters together instead of tearing them apart. This is emphasised within the scene when Cayé brings Zulé to the hospital the use of a two shot represents the characters as friends, despite their being prior conflict between them the frame also puts them side to side this gives the audience the image of being close. verisimilitude is used within the film
The impact of the film is emphasised by distinct film techniques. One of the key themes within the film is the friendship between Cayé and Zuléma, the difference between the conflict within this film and within films such as La Haine and City of God is that it brings the characters together instead of tearing them apart. This is emphasised within the scene when Cayé brings Zulé to the hospital the use of a two shot represents the characters as friends, despite their being prior conflict between them the frame also puts them side to side this gives the audience the image of being close. verisimilitude is used within the film
Monday 7 November 2016
Small-Scale Research Project
To what extent can John Carney be deemed an auteur due to his consistent narrative focus upon music as a unifying bond?
Speaker
John Carney is a fairly recent director, he became well known for his debut film "Once", and with his follow up film Begin Again which featured a high profile cast and was filmed using a bigger budget of $8 million which though small in the grand scheme of Hollywood is a large leap from the 180, 000 euro budget used on once. Regardless of the budget both Carney's films established a similar narrative. This narrative which included music as a unifying bond was then further enforced with Carney's third feature film "Sing Street" Carney himself described Once, Begin Again and Sing Street as a trilogy (10) this itself shows that perhaps Carney is trying to establish himself as an auteur which can be described as a “distinguishable personality of the director” who “Over a group of films, a director must exhibit certain recurrent characteristics of style, which serve as his signature” (Item 15).
Projector
Busking scene in Once 3:37 - 8 :16 (1)
Speaker
The scene opens with a wide shot of Guy busking in the street, the camera gradually tracks forward, towards the end of the song the camera tracks back and girl is the only one watching Guy's performance in the scene Girl. This scene is recreated in a different venue in Carney's second film Begin Again but in terms of the narrative a similar thing happens. All the main characters are introduced in the first scene in both films and in both films one of the main characters is introduced through a musical performance.
Projector
Begin Again - 1:12 - 3:46 (3)
Speaker
Sing Street also opens with a musical element the first thing we see is the main character attempting to write a song, though it isn't a direct introduction to the other protagonist in the film. It still contains one of the typical themes of a film directed by John Carney which is the introduction into the film through music. Arguably Sing Street is the most distant from Carney's other films, with the main characters being considerably younger than the two main characters in the other films. This is also the only film of my three in which the two characters don't bond through making music together, but through one character making music through the other. Yet, in reviews it is made blatant that by watching the film people associate it with John Carney's style just from the use of music one even describes the film as "part of a greater trilogy" (Item 10) along with Once and Begin Again.
Projector
Sing Street - 1:07 - 1:58 (Opening Scene)
Speaker
After seeing all 3 opening sequences, there are blatant similarities in the narrative structure and the themes that you could pick out such as Carney introducing the main character through song for the all three times and the fact they are all playing songs they have written themselves. These themes continue throughout the films, creating a "canon effect" which Carney himself has used a similar phrase to describe the films (10). Other elements of the narrative such as the open ending of the films and the "fantasy" elements which make the characters endeavours seem "slightly preposterous" (9) which can be found in all 3 films mentioned in this project it seems clear that there is definitely some ground to suggest Carney could potentially be an auteur.
The label of an auteur can be subjective to an extent some auteur theory books distinguish an auteur in different ways but main themes that seem to be included to define someone as an auteur are "a distinct sense of visual style, repetition of narrative themes and motifs, and originality "(15). Carney clearly has a repetition of narrative themes which have been demonstrated within this presentation, but whether or not he has a distinct sense of visual style is up for debate. Scenes may look distinct but does recreating a scene in various different venues with different yet similar characters mean you have a distinct sense of style or just trying to recreate film moments that you already know are successful within your audience? This is something that is shown in all three of his films in just the opening, Once starts busking on the street, Begin Again in a bar and Sing Street in a bedroom yet in all three the character is performing one of their own songs.
Projector
Once - 14:19 - 20 32
Speaker
This scene is arguably the most distinct part of Once, as the song went on to win an Oscar and the film went on to be turned into an award winning musical. For many people Once will be a point of reference for John Carney regardless of what he goes on to do within his film career, and Carney is aware of this and has stated that he is "delighted" with this (6). However, it could be argued that Once is a safety net for Carney, one that he relies on to create what he knows is popular, having seen the scene of Falling Slowly a largely pivotal scene within Once, this scene can be heavily compared to similar scenes in both Sing Street and Begin again.
Projector
Sing Street - 37:59 - 40:01
Speaker
The similarities within these scenes emphasise how these films are so similar, their similarities make it so that the line between "distinct sense of visual style" and being repetitive is blurred. Especially when in reviews Carney's films have been compared to so many other films such as "The Commitments" and "Bandslam"(8). The film doesn't exactly follow genre conventions of a typical musical (4) in an interview with Carney the interviewer describes his films as "modern musicals"(13) and he talks about thinking that "film and music were married" and how through making these films he makes more of "what he wants to make" instead of what is 'popular'. In this case it would go against my point that Carney is consciously re creating scenes from his films in order to maintain his loyal audience from "Once".
Whether or not Carney can be classed as an auteur is completely subjective, perhaps a wider filmography is needed before you can label his distinct style. However, I would say it isn't up for debate that the use of music as a unifying bond within the films is what makes Carney stand out from other "modern musicals". It's there in all 3 films and all films seem to do well critically. Carney distinctly describes Sing Street as a 'movie about brother relationships' (14) the thing that makes their relationship so strong is their bond over music. Within Begin Again, music is the catalyst to almost every endeavour the relationship between the two main characters Greta and Dan only exists because of her performance and his position in the music business, and ultimately at the end everything is solved through the release of their album. Once also makes music pivotal, the characters bond through music is essentially what made the film so popular (in my opinion from what I've read).
Speaker
John Carney is a fairly recent director, he became well known for his debut film "Once", and with his follow up film Begin Again which featured a high profile cast and was filmed using a bigger budget of $8 million which though small in the grand scheme of Hollywood is a large leap from the 180, 000 euro budget used on once. Regardless of the budget both Carney's films established a similar narrative. This narrative which included music as a unifying bond was then further enforced with Carney's third feature film "Sing Street" Carney himself described Once, Begin Again and Sing Street as a trilogy (10) this itself shows that perhaps Carney is trying to establish himself as an auteur which can be described as a “distinguishable personality of the director” who “Over a group of films, a director must exhibit certain recurrent characteristics of style, which serve as his signature” (Item 15).
Projector
Busking scene in Once 3:37 - 8 :16 (1)
Speaker
The scene opens with a wide shot of Guy busking in the street, the camera gradually tracks forward, towards the end of the song the camera tracks back and girl is the only one watching Guy's performance in the scene Girl. This scene is recreated in a different venue in Carney's second film Begin Again but in terms of the narrative a similar thing happens. All the main characters are introduced in the first scene in both films and in both films one of the main characters is introduced through a musical performance.
Projector
Begin Again - 1:12 - 3:46 (3)
Speaker
In this scene Greta is singing in front of an audience who
clearly are not interested this is similar to Once, as even though Guy is
busking he hasn't attracted any attention apart from Girl and the same is said
for Greta in Begin Again as the only person paying attention at the end of her
performance is Dan. Both films give their audiences the same "by chance"
meeting typical of Carney's films (7) that Carney has executed in Once (1),
Begin Again (2) and Sing Street (3) with the use of music as a uniting force to
propel the characters relationships forward which is an auteur trait as this is a style linked distinctly to the director.
The continuing theme of music has been picked up by
reviewers as it has been stated that Carney is unable to "change his
spots"(11) and has been referred to in other reviews as a "music movie auteur" (12)
Carney stated himself that he once was forced to make the choice between movies
and music and that it was a difficult decision for him, this could tell us why
music is so pivotal in nearly all of his films, and maybe even provide us with
proof that this will be a continuing theme throughout his filmography which
could potentially establish him as an auteur. This could be further supported
by the open ending of "Sing Street" which when asked how it was to
finally have a happy ending when the two protagonists end up together
romantically, Carney deflects saying that's not what he intended the ending to
be, this would make the overall ending similar to Carney's other to films
"Once" and "Begin Again"(5).
Sing Street also opens with a musical element the first thing we see is the main character attempting to write a song, though it isn't a direct introduction to the other protagonist in the film. It still contains one of the typical themes of a film directed by John Carney which is the introduction into the film through music. Arguably Sing Street is the most distant from Carney's other films, with the main characters being considerably younger than the two main characters in the other films. This is also the only film of my three in which the two characters don't bond through making music together, but through one character making music through the other. Yet, in reviews it is made blatant that by watching the film people associate it with John Carney's style just from the use of music one even describes the film as "part of a greater trilogy" (Item 10) along with Once and Begin Again.
Projector
Sing Street - 1:07 - 1:58 (Opening Scene)
Speaker
After seeing all 3 opening sequences, there are blatant similarities in the narrative structure and the themes that you could pick out such as Carney introducing the main character through song for the all three times and the fact they are all playing songs they have written themselves. These themes continue throughout the films, creating a "canon effect" which Carney himself has used a similar phrase to describe the films (10). Other elements of the narrative such as the open ending of the films and the "fantasy" elements which make the characters endeavours seem "slightly preposterous" (9) which can be found in all 3 films mentioned in this project it seems clear that there is definitely some ground to suggest Carney could potentially be an auteur.
The label of an auteur can be subjective to an extent some auteur theory books distinguish an auteur in different ways but main themes that seem to be included to define someone as an auteur are "a distinct sense of visual style, repetition of narrative themes and motifs, and originality "(15). Carney clearly has a repetition of narrative themes which have been demonstrated within this presentation, but whether or not he has a distinct sense of visual style is up for debate. Scenes may look distinct but does recreating a scene in various different venues with different yet similar characters mean you have a distinct sense of style or just trying to recreate film moments that you already know are successful within your audience? This is something that is shown in all three of his films in just the opening, Once starts busking on the street, Begin Again in a bar and Sing Street in a bedroom yet in all three the character is performing one of their own songs.
Projector
Once - 14:19 - 20 32
Speaker
This scene is arguably the most distinct part of Once, as the song went on to win an Oscar and the film went on to be turned into an award winning musical. For many people Once will be a point of reference for John Carney regardless of what he goes on to do within his film career, and Carney is aware of this and has stated that he is "delighted" with this (6). However, it could be argued that Once is a safety net for Carney, one that he relies on to create what he knows is popular, having seen the scene of Falling Slowly a largely pivotal scene within Once, this scene can be heavily compared to similar scenes in both Sing Street and Begin again.
Projector
Sing Street - 37:59 - 40:01
Speaker
The similarities within these scenes emphasise how these films are so similar, their similarities make it so that the line between "distinct sense of visual style" and being repetitive is blurred. Especially when in reviews Carney's films have been compared to so many other films such as "The Commitments" and "Bandslam"(8). The film doesn't exactly follow genre conventions of a typical musical (4) in an interview with Carney the interviewer describes his films as "modern musicals"(13) and he talks about thinking that "film and music were married" and how through making these films he makes more of "what he wants to make" instead of what is 'popular'. In this case it would go against my point that Carney is consciously re creating scenes from his films in order to maintain his loyal audience from "Once".
Whether or not Carney can be classed as an auteur is completely subjective, perhaps a wider filmography is needed before you can label his distinct style. However, I would say it isn't up for debate that the use of music as a unifying bond within the films is what makes Carney stand out from other "modern musicals". It's there in all 3 films and all films seem to do well critically. Carney distinctly describes Sing Street as a 'movie about brother relationships' (14) the thing that makes their relationship so strong is their bond over music. Within Begin Again, music is the catalyst to almost every endeavour the relationship between the two main characters Greta and Dan only exists because of her performance and his position in the music business, and ultimately at the end everything is solved through the release of their album. Once also makes music pivotal, the characters bond through music is essentially what made the film so popular (in my opinion from what I've read).
Friday 4 November 2016
How far does the impact of the films you have studied for this topic depend on distinctive uses of film techniques?
In scenes such as the history of the apartment editing techniques such as a static camera shot shows Donna Zélia's version of the apartment, the apartment is clearly more domestic as it is a house ran by women who at this time had more of a say in the favela, the house has an element of structure and organisation, the feminine features stand out such as the pink leather chairs, and the blue tablecloth. A dissolve is used to show how Big Boy grows up and the feminine features of the apartment slowly dissolve once he becomes big enough to remove Zélia from her apartment, we see her drag the table cloth off the table this foreshadows the way the apartments decoration evaporates. Another dissolve is then used show how what was once a domestic dining table becoming a place of drugs, another dissolve is then used to show how nothing in the apartment changes in terms of the decor despite the amount of drugs they're selling increasing. The next dissolve shows how the apartment becomes darker the only element of organisation being shown in the distribution of drugs, the lamp disappears and is replaced by a single bulb suspended from the ceiling the only representation of women that is left is displayed on the walls in pornographic pictures of the walls. Further dissolves show the removal of the sofa which is replaced by two dirty mattresses as well as
In scenes such as the history of the apartment editing techniques such as a static camera shot shows Donna Zélia's version of the apartment, the apartment is clearly more domestic as it is a house ran by women who at this time had more of a say in the favela, the house has an element of structure and organisation, the feminine features stand out such as the pink leather chairs, and the blue tablecloth. A dissolve is used to show how Big Boy grows up and the feminine features of the apartment slowly dissolve once he becomes big enough to remove Zélia from her apartment, we see her drag the table cloth off the table this foreshadows the way the apartments decoration evaporates. Another dissolve is then used show how what was once a domestic dining table becoming a place of drugs, another dissolve is then used to show how nothing in the apartment changes in terms of the decor despite the amount of drugs they're selling increasing. The next dissolve shows how the apartment becomes darker the only element of organisation being shown in the distribution of drugs, the lamp disappears and is replaced by a single bulb suspended from the ceiling the only representation of women that is left is displayed on the walls in pornographic pictures of the walls. Further dissolves show the removal of the sofa which is replaced by two dirty mattresses as well as
Friday 30 September 2016
Monday 26 September 2016
Film Catalogue
To what extent can John Carney be deemed an auteur due to his consistent narrative focus upon music as a unifying bond?
Item 1 : Once (2006) Director : John Carney
(Film)
I have chosen Once as my focus film as it is Carney's debut film and to date one of his most critically successful. His narrative structure is similar across all of his films, which is the consistent focus on music and the presentation of music within the film. More specific examples are things such as the undefined relationship between the protagonists and the introduction of characters through song all Item 1, 2 and 3 all open with the main character performing. This also being the first one establishes the films he most enjoys making and excels at. This film has also seen success in other formats and is referenced by Carney as part of a "trilogy" along with item 2 and 3.
Item 2: Sing Street (2016) Director: John Carney
(Film)
There are many similarities between this item and item 1 as it carries a similar narrative structure, such as the main character being introduced through song in the opening scene and the two main characters meeting and forming a friendship through their enjoyment of music. Similarly to Once the plot ties directly to the directors real life background and uses music as a driving force to strengthen characters relationships and is used as a way to express characters emotions within the film. This will be useful to me as I can easily analyse the similarities and differences between this film and item 1.
Item 3: Begin Again (2013) Director: John Carney
(Film)
I chose this as it follows an almost identical narrative as Once, as both halves of the leading two characters are from a broken marriage which reconciles in the end. The two characters that are followed mainly throughout the story don't end up together, but perform together using music as a way to establish their emotions. This is useful to me as it due to its similar narrative, it shows how Carney can be seen as an auteur, and also shows how music is used as a unifying bond.
Item 4: Film/Genre by Rick Altman
(Book)
The book discusses the common conventions of the musical genre and references some classic features of the genre. Using this book I can distinguish conventions Carney takes and neglects and how he uses them to shape his own films. This book is therefore quite useful for a basic overview of genre theory.
Item 5: Why Sing Street director John Carney regrets the film's ending - The Verge
(Interview)
During this interview John Carney talks about the importance of music within his films and how it plays a part in him picking the actors behind the scene, and also how the actors affected the characters. This item also discusses the relation between this film and Carney's past films which will help me make more distinguished links that establish him as an auteur. His discussion of music within this interview, highlights how key music is within the film.
Item 6: Director john Carney fuses movies with music
(Interview)http://www.npr.org/2016/05/04/476741702/from-once-to-sing-street-director-john-carney-infuses-movies-with-music
In this item Carney discusses the importance of music within the plot of the film and how it conveys the characters emotions. It also discusses important decisions behind the scenes of the film and how they helped shape it. This interview goes into more depth about why the main characters use music as a vice within the film similar to Carney's other successful films. This will be useful to me as I can use it to make a link between his use of music and how key it is within the narrative and how regularly it occurs within his films therefor establishing him as an auteur.
Item 7: 'Once' director does it again with 'Sing Street'
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-john-carney-sing-street-once-20160420-column.html
(Interview)
In this interview Carney talks about the conventions within his own films such as the open endings with no specific outcome for the main characters and in item 1 and 2 how the main characters never have a romantic relationship, Carney also discusses criticisms that he often gets and why he still continues to make films in a similar way. He talk's about how he makes his films "fantasies" and the importance of music in his own life and why it has managed to leak into his films to create his distinct auteur style.
Item 8: Sing Street Review https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/22/sing-street-review-schoolboys-pop-band
(Review)
This review discusses common themes running through John Carney's films in terms of his use of music, and his portrayal of the main characters starting off somewhat cynical and through music with the other main character always end up happier. This review also discusses how he uses common convention to create the vision of an auteur. Towards the beginning it also talks about how Carney has created a distinct style and became known for making "magic music making movies" and consistently links the film back to Carney's other work. This is useful as I can take what the article says about Carney's style of directing and use it in my presentation speech as clear examples of how Carney could be seen as an auteur.
Item 9: Begin Again Review
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/13/begin-again-review-ramshackle-charm-john-varney
(Review)
This review gives a brief over view of the film, within it it includes parts of the plot that are similar to item 1, and also differences due to things such as budget but also lacks the emotional impact of 'Once'. This review also talks about how the musical element in this film is slightly less realistic and not as important, this is useful as I can discuss how music is perhaps always involved to for Carneys enjoyment.
Item 10: John Carney describes Sing Street as part of a greater trilogy
(Interview) (Brief review)
This item talks about similarities and differences between John carneys 'Once' and 'Sing Street' such as Sing Street representing the life of younger characters, and portraying characters that are slightly more optimistic, however both films have a main character that moves away to chase their musical dream. , this review also uses terminology and specific mentions of their differences. Also, Carney himself comments on his use of music within Item 2 and talks about how he sees 'Once', 'Begin Again', and 'Sing Street' as "canon movies". This will be useful because if other people can see a distinct narrative throughout Carney's films it will be easier for me to discuss the similarities within them if more people notice.
Item 11: Sing Street review
http://www.indiewire.com/2016/04/sing-street-review-john-carney-delivers-once-again-289992/
(Review)
This review gives distinct differences between Once and Sing Street, like how Sing Street is more auto-biographical this review also discusses how they are similarly different, and how the different type of music effects the film as a whole, and how music is used to direct a film at different viewers. This review also discusses how Carney carries a distinct style or "can't change his spots" and improvements he has made in the recurring narrative across the 3 films. It also talks about how Sing Street is a blend of Carney's other successes and how it has improved from his past releases as well as constantly referring to 'Once' and 'Begin Again'. This is useful as I can use it to argue to either a very large extent or no extent at all, as this review could be read as how Carney keeps a narrative to establish himself as an auteur or, seen to discuss how he essentially makes the same film.
Item 12: Sing Street Review
http://www.amny.com/entertainment/john-carney-s-sing-street-steeped-in-classic-1980s-nostalgia-1.11694789
This review discusses Carney being a "music movie auteur" then discusses how elements of the film hold the same narrative in terms of the use of music as a driving force for relationships as his larger music films Once and Begin Again. As this article uses the word auteur I can use it to argue a certain extent based on elements of the authors opinion therefor it is very useful to me.
Item 13: Interview with John carney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt0Q20pjLzo
(Interview)
In this interview Carney discusses how this film relates to Once, and differs to Begin Again, and how he personally feels the films are different and similar, and how music is important to the plot but he doesn't want to make musicals. In this interview he also talks about how the difference in budget affected the quality of the films. This is useful to me as the similarities can come straight from the person who made them, therefor I can determine how much he wanted to be established as an auteur due to his similar narrative style which involves the use of music, and a male and female protagonist.
Item 14: Interview with cast and John Carney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36kcb9AMzAg
(Interview)
Carney talks about how music drove the narrative of Sing Street and the importance of it with this film. This interview is states similar things that are said in interviews about Once and Begin Again, therefor direct links between the use of music within these films can be made.
Item 15: Auteur Theory
"Teach yourself Film Studies" by Warren Buckland
(Book)
This book discusses about and goes into depth about what things can establish someone as an auteur, such as the distinct This will be useful to me as my question revolves around whether or not John Carney can be established as an auteur, using the detailed guide within the book about what establishes someone as an auteur, I can use the information to discuss the extent to which John Carney could be seen as one.
Item 16: Film Featurette with John Carney
(Film Featurette)
In this video John Carney discusses his personal connections to the film Sing Street, he discusses how the film is linked to him and how the main character is a depiction of how he would've wanted himself to be at that age. I thought this would be useful when comparing Sing street to my other two films Once and Begin Again, as even though Sing Street is one of his films it follows characters who are much younger and is a period film unlike the other two. This could help explain some of the films differences.
Rejected Items
On the Edge : (Film)
Director : John Carney
The film doesn't include references to music, and isn't often spoke about by Carney, though this film came out in 2001 before 'Once' most people would say 'Once' is Carney's debut film and disregard this one. It is also irrelevant to my study as I focus on music as a unifying bond as a defining theme in Carney's films and this film doesn't involve it.
John Carney criticises Keira Knightley: (Interview)
Independent.co.uk
This interview discusses elements behind the scenes and John Carney's personal relationship with other cast members, which doesn't relate to John Carney's use of music or whether or not he will be an auteur,
Interview with Marketa Irglova
https://mic.com/articles/99828/the-love-story-from-once-didn-t-end-with-the-movie#.EXwdYm1Wt
(Interview)
This interview doesn't discuss conventions or John Carney's style as a director, instead it tends to focus on elements of performance within the film therefor it is not of use to me.
Item 1 : Once (2006) Director : John Carney
(Film)
I have chosen Once as my focus film as it is Carney's debut film and to date one of his most critically successful. His narrative structure is similar across all of his films, which is the consistent focus on music and the presentation of music within the film. More specific examples are things such as the undefined relationship between the protagonists and the introduction of characters through song all Item 1, 2 and 3 all open with the main character performing. This also being the first one establishes the films he most enjoys making and excels at. This film has also seen success in other formats and is referenced by Carney as part of a "trilogy" along with item 2 and 3.
Item 2: Sing Street (2016) Director: John Carney
(Film)
There are many similarities between this item and item 1 as it carries a similar narrative structure, such as the main character being introduced through song in the opening scene and the two main characters meeting and forming a friendship through their enjoyment of music. Similarly to Once the plot ties directly to the directors real life background and uses music as a driving force to strengthen characters relationships and is used as a way to express characters emotions within the film. This will be useful to me as I can easily analyse the similarities and differences between this film and item 1.
Item 3: Begin Again (2013) Director: John Carney
(Film)
I chose this as it follows an almost identical narrative as Once, as both halves of the leading two characters are from a broken marriage which reconciles in the end. The two characters that are followed mainly throughout the story don't end up together, but perform together using music as a way to establish their emotions. This is useful to me as it due to its similar narrative, it shows how Carney can be seen as an auteur, and also shows how music is used as a unifying bond.
Item 4: Film/Genre by Rick Altman
(Book)
The book discusses the common conventions of the musical genre and references some classic features of the genre. Using this book I can distinguish conventions Carney takes and neglects and how he uses them to shape his own films. This book is therefore quite useful for a basic overview of genre theory.
Item 5: Why Sing Street director John Carney regrets the film's ending - The Verge
(Interview)
During this interview John Carney talks about the importance of music within his films and how it plays a part in him picking the actors behind the scene, and also how the actors affected the characters. This item also discusses the relation between this film and Carney's past films which will help me make more distinguished links that establish him as an auteur. His discussion of music within this interview, highlights how key music is within the film.
Item 6: Director john Carney fuses movies with music
(Interview)http://www.npr.org/2016/05/04/476741702/from-once-to-sing-street-director-john-carney-infuses-movies-with-music
In this item Carney discusses the importance of music within the plot of the film and how it conveys the characters emotions. It also discusses important decisions behind the scenes of the film and how they helped shape it. This interview goes into more depth about why the main characters use music as a vice within the film similar to Carney's other successful films. This will be useful to me as I can use it to make a link between his use of music and how key it is within the narrative and how regularly it occurs within his films therefor establishing him as an auteur.
Item 7: 'Once' director does it again with 'Sing Street'
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-john-carney-sing-street-once-20160420-column.html
(Interview)
In this interview Carney talks about the conventions within his own films such as the open endings with no specific outcome for the main characters and in item 1 and 2 how the main characters never have a romantic relationship, Carney also discusses criticisms that he often gets and why he still continues to make films in a similar way. He talk's about how he makes his films "fantasies" and the importance of music in his own life and why it has managed to leak into his films to create his distinct auteur style.
Item 8: Sing Street Review https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/may/22/sing-street-review-schoolboys-pop-band
(Review)
This review discusses common themes running through John Carney's films in terms of his use of music, and his portrayal of the main characters starting off somewhat cynical and through music with the other main character always end up happier. This review also discusses how he uses common convention to create the vision of an auteur. Towards the beginning it also talks about how Carney has created a distinct style and became known for making "magic music making movies" and consistently links the film back to Carney's other work. This is useful as I can take what the article says about Carney's style of directing and use it in my presentation speech as clear examples of how Carney could be seen as an auteur.
Item 9: Begin Again Review
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/13/begin-again-review-ramshackle-charm-john-varney
(Review)
This review gives a brief over view of the film, within it it includes parts of the plot that are similar to item 1, and also differences due to things such as budget but also lacks the emotional impact of 'Once'. This review also talks about how the musical element in this film is slightly less realistic and not as important, this is useful as I can discuss how music is perhaps always involved to for Carneys enjoyment.
Item 10: John Carney describes Sing Street as part of a greater trilogy
(Interview) (Brief review)
This item talks about similarities and differences between John carneys 'Once' and 'Sing Street' such as Sing Street representing the life of younger characters, and portraying characters that are slightly more optimistic, however both films have a main character that moves away to chase their musical dream. , this review also uses terminology and specific mentions of their differences. Also, Carney himself comments on his use of music within Item 2 and talks about how he sees 'Once', 'Begin Again', and 'Sing Street' as "canon movies". This will be useful because if other people can see a distinct narrative throughout Carney's films it will be easier for me to discuss the similarities within them if more people notice.
Item 11: Sing Street review
http://www.indiewire.com/2016/04/sing-street-review-john-carney-delivers-once-again-289992/
(Review)
This review gives distinct differences between Once and Sing Street, like how Sing Street is more auto-biographical this review also discusses how they are similarly different, and how the different type of music effects the film as a whole, and how music is used to direct a film at different viewers. This review also discusses how Carney carries a distinct style or "can't change his spots" and improvements he has made in the recurring narrative across the 3 films. It also talks about how Sing Street is a blend of Carney's other successes and how it has improved from his past releases as well as constantly referring to 'Once' and 'Begin Again'. This is useful as I can use it to argue to either a very large extent or no extent at all, as this review could be read as how Carney keeps a narrative to establish himself as an auteur or, seen to discuss how he essentially makes the same film.
Item 12: Sing Street Review
http://www.amny.com/entertainment/john-carney-s-sing-street-steeped-in-classic-1980s-nostalgia-1.11694789
This review discusses Carney being a "music movie auteur" then discusses how elements of the film hold the same narrative in terms of the use of music as a driving force for relationships as his larger music films Once and Begin Again. As this article uses the word auteur I can use it to argue a certain extent based on elements of the authors opinion therefor it is very useful to me.
Item 13: Interview with John carney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt0Q20pjLzo
(Interview)
In this interview Carney discusses how this film relates to Once, and differs to Begin Again, and how he personally feels the films are different and similar, and how music is important to the plot but he doesn't want to make musicals. In this interview he also talks about how the difference in budget affected the quality of the films. This is useful to me as the similarities can come straight from the person who made them, therefor I can determine how much he wanted to be established as an auteur due to his similar narrative style which involves the use of music, and a male and female protagonist.
Item 14: Interview with cast and John Carney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36kcb9AMzAg
(Interview)
Carney talks about how music drove the narrative of Sing Street and the importance of it with this film. This interview is states similar things that are said in interviews about Once and Begin Again, therefor direct links between the use of music within these films can be made.
Item 15: Auteur Theory
"Teach yourself Film Studies" by Warren Buckland
(Book)
This book discusses about and goes into depth about what things can establish someone as an auteur, such as the distinct This will be useful to me as my question revolves around whether or not John Carney can be established as an auteur, using the detailed guide within the book about what establishes someone as an auteur, I can use the information to discuss the extent to which John Carney could be seen as one.
Item 16: Film Featurette with John Carney
(Film Featurette)
In this video John Carney discusses his personal connections to the film Sing Street, he discusses how the film is linked to him and how the main character is a depiction of how he would've wanted himself to be at that age. I thought this would be useful when comparing Sing street to my other two films Once and Begin Again, as even though Sing Street is one of his films it follows characters who are much younger and is a period film unlike the other two. This could help explain some of the films differences.
Rejected Items
On the Edge : (Film)
Director : John Carney
The film doesn't include references to music, and isn't often spoke about by Carney, though this film came out in 2001 before 'Once' most people would say 'Once' is Carney's debut film and disregard this one. It is also irrelevant to my study as I focus on music as a unifying bond as a defining theme in Carney's films and this film doesn't involve it.
John Carney criticises Keira Knightley: (Interview)
Independent.co.uk
This interview discusses elements behind the scenes and John Carney's personal relationship with other cast members, which doesn't relate to John Carney's use of music or whether or not he will be an auteur,
Interview with Marketa Irglova
https://mic.com/articles/99828/the-love-story-from-once-didn-t-end-with-the-movie#.EXwdYm1Wt
(Interview)
This interview doesn't discuss conventions or John Carney's style as a director, instead it tends to focus on elements of performance within the film therefor it is not of use to me.
Thursday 7 January 2016
Aims and Context
Genre : Indie/Fantasy
Age Rating : 15
Minimal Dialogue with non diegetic and diegetic music
Target Audience : 15+
Begin with many close ups to make it seem more claustrophobic and closed in to show the characters distress and how she feels in her current situation, more shots with the character in focus with the bg out of focus to make it obvious that this is the main character
Characters : GIRL bOY BOTH 16 YO
Age Rating : 15
Minimal Dialogue with non diegetic and diegetic music
Target Audience : 15+
Begin with many close ups to make it seem more claustrophobic and closed in to show the characters distress and how she feels in her current situation, more shots with the character in focus with the bg out of focus to make it obvious that this is the main character
Characters : GIRL bOY BOTH 16 YO
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