Storyboard Imitation

This scene from the film RockNRolla depicts the famous Archie slap. Shown below are the first five shots of the scene and an overhead view showing camera placement.

In filming this, Guy Ritchie followed the 180 degree rule, by never crossing the line of action, the 30 degree rule, by moving the camera at least 30 degrees with each cut, and the 30 percent rule, by not making any jump cuts due to framing. The rule of thirds was broken in the first shot, however. This was likely done for a number of reasons. First, it shows that Lenny is the center of this world. By framing him in the center of the shot and shooting from a low angle, the viewer knows exactly who has all the power in the scene. The symmetry of the shot also highlights the orderly fashion in which Lenny likes to live, thereby emphasizing the glaringly missing painting. After Lenny's dominance is clearly established, the rule of thirds is followed for the remainder of the scene.

Song Deconstruction

1. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf2kCSLPDCc and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgT9zGkiLig&ob=av2n for two different versions of the song Drive.

2.View these images:

3. As you can see, the two songs do have some similarities, but are very different. The speeds vary, the rhythm comes from different instruments, and likewise the grooves are completely different. In fact, the only similarities the two songs have are some of the lyrical content, and the fact that they both build emotionally toward the choruses. They have different heights, widths, and depths, and even the things they have in common (lyrics and emotional architecture) are still distinctly different.

Being that they are two completely different songs, I feel as though I cannot pick a favorite. Each evokes different emotions and memories in me. The original version by Incubus is much more familiar to me and feels welcoming, like a hug from a best friend you haven't seen in five or ten years. The house remix, on the other hand, is much more upbeat to begin with and I happen to associate it with some awesome memories of partying, living it up, and generally having a good time. Both are great songs and mean something special to me, and because of that, I love them both equally.

Scene Deconstruction

In this scene from Pineapple Express, we are exposed to Saul and Dale's relationship for the first time. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, as we catch a glimpse of them in their natural environment (smoking weed). However, contrary to popular belief, Pineapple Express is not about smoking weed, but instead about friendship. Even though Saul and Dale know each other on a strictly professional level at this point in the film, it's clear that the two have chemistry together and that there's strong potential for a great relationship to emerge.

The rhythm of the scene is predominantly slow and steady. The cuts are made sparingly, and ample time is spent on each shot. However, when two new characters enter the scene to buy marijuana from Saul, the cuts become more rapid and as a result there is a marked increase in the scene's tension and tempo. What was previously a relaxed smoking scene becomes one that is full of awkward character interaction and unrest. The characters who come in are disrupting Saul and Dale's hangout time, and the editing reflects that sense of interruption.

The scene primarily utilizes limited and flat space. These types of space emphasize the relationship between Saul and Dale, placing them on the same plane. However, when the two newcomers enter the scene, the space changes to deep, symbolizing the disparity between the two parties. It also adds some dynamism to the scene to heighten the tension associated with the new characters.

Animation Deconstruction

The color in both of these is similar in that the main character in the scene is wearing a brighter piece of clothing and all the other characters are dressed in bland, neutral colors so they aren't distracting. There is some brightness in the first image coming in from outside, while the second scene is rather dark and dingy. The light in the first image causes part of the frame to appear saturated, but in both shots the main characters are clearly in focus.

There is a considerable amount of shadow in each shot to reflect that both of the scenes take place in seedy locations. The lighting symbolically reflects the presence (or in this case, lack) of good in both scenes. The mood is fairly light in the first shot because of the light coming in through the window but it is much more serious in the second due to the shadows and dim light.