Chinatown ( 1974 ), Falls Under The Category Of Film Noir Style

     ChinaTown, directed by Roman Polanski, is a non-traditional hard-nosed detective film made in the 70's. The typical elements of character type are there; J.J. Gittes (a private detective in LA) played by Jack Nicholson is the central character, sharing the spotlight is Fay Dunaway playing the femme fatale Evelyn Mulwray. This film breaks all types of norms when compared to the hard-nosed detective films it is modeled after. The film is filled with allusions to the Big Sleep, especially taken from scenes of Marlowe and Vivian. Chinatown has formal elements indicative that it is going to be in the style of traditional Film Noir hardboiled detective, until you examine the characters' personalities

First, the mise-en-scène is fundamental. This can be noted when we look at the first shots of the Air Force base from where General Ripper will send his attack, everything is there for a reason. The billboard saying “Peace is Our Profession” is a clear joke given the actions of the General. The mise-en-scene is a tool given to the audience to help them understand the perspective of the movie from Kubrick’s very point of

In this assignment an analysis will be done on the opening scenes of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope written and directed by George Lucas (1977). A discussion on the salient elements of mise-en-scene and mise-en- shot, along with the various editing techniques through which pockets of meaning are created will also be examined in detailed in order to present a thorough understanding between theoretical and application response to Film Art. Under mise-en-scene an analysis will be done on the different aspects that form part of mise-en-scene in film namely; examining the film’s setting, lighting, and custom and makeup. Thereafter an analysis on mise-en-shot elements will do done in the same light as the mise-en-scene will be examined, thereafter

Mise en Scene mean all the elements of a shot which helps to convey a message to the viewer. The elements are setting, costume, location, lighting/colour and film techniques.

What is mise-en-scene? Mise-en-scene is the arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a movie is enacted. It is most commonly used to show the setting of the movie. But if used correctly can be used to portray the feelings of the characters and to help tell the story. Orson Welles made sure to use the props, actors, and even the camera to use mise-en-scene to tell the story of Charles Foster Kane to its fullest. Character positions, camera angles and music, and framing used to tell the story in Citizen Kane. It’s use of mise-en-scene made it not only ahead of its time, but it made it a masterpiece.

Film and realism are connected to one another; it gives the audience an opportunity to interpret the film in their own perspective, in relation to the real world. As someone with a firm opposition to editing and montage, Bazin stated that the mise en scène truly represents “true continuity” in film, reproducing the real world more realistically. (Cardullo, 7) There are two editing systems: Classical Hollywood Cinema and Neorealist Cinema. From their similarities and differences, it can be said that Neorealist Cinema portrays the real world more realistically and effectively than CHC… In order to produce Bazin’s “true continuity” and reproduce situations more realistically, the filmmaker must choose an effective editing system, refrain from interrupting the flow of images, and use minimal editing, proven through the two films Bicycle Thieves (Neorealist Cinema) and Stagecoach (CHC).

Mise-en-scene is a french term of meaning “place on stage” which is how the setting of the scene is or the space of the film. The setting, the way the actress dress or look and lighting take a huge role in films. From what the viewers see without any narration can give so many messages from the film.

Roman Polanski used every minute of his movie Chinatown to define and redefine J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson. Gittes is for all intents and purposes a classic private investigator, making a living out of other infidelity. Polanski adds an element of quirkiness to Gittes by utilizing the genius of Jack Nicholson and incorporating film noir traits. With Polanski’s mixture of modern acting talent combined with an updated format of color film he creates a visual curiosity that compels the viewer to stay engaged and intrigued.

Imagine a story that has everything- cheating spouses, secret affiliations, deception, action, lies, and a pretty girl or two on top of it all. Chinatown is the name of this story, and it exists in the form of a Film Noir movie. Chinatown is a film from 1974, directed by Roman Polanski and written by Robert Towne. Chinatown is a story about truth and misinformation, with heavy themes of mystery and ultimately tragedy. With Jack Nicholson as Detective J.J. Gittes and Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray starring in the film the characters in Chinatown are especially memorable. As a whole, Chinatown is a prime example of a movie from the Film Noir genre and is proven to be a well-liked example of it.

The film Rear Window effectively and heavily implements all four aspects of mise-en-scene in order to create themes that can easily be understood and broken down by and for its’ viewers. Sound and lack thereof is also used successfully especially in scenes where conversations cannot be made out either because music is used to deafen the audience or simply because the conversations are seen from Jeff’s perspective in which case he is simply too far away to hear anything. The primary setting of Rear Window as well as the important costumes and props that are present in this film are what allow this film to flow so well. Character movements and performances in Rear Window leave viewers with enigmas as well as reveal motifs that will be constantly seen or mentioned throughout the film. Lighting and sound are certainly key as they add to the suspense of Rear Window and offer even more enigmas.

The viewer sees a private eye and beautiful client. First thought, "It’s definitely another Hollywood crime drama." On the surface, Chinatown has all the elements of a film noir: the presence of a beautiful but dangerous woman, otherwise known as the femme fatale, a gritty urban setting, compositional tension (highly contrasting light and dark colors or oblique camera angles), and themes of moral ambiguity and alienation. Chinatown, however, is different. Polanski shot Chinatown with color film, and though his colors do appear especially vivid, color film precludes the contrast intensity that black and white film offers. In addition, Evelyn is not the classic femme fatale. Though Jake mistakes her for her husband’s killer at first, Mrs.

Chinatown The screenplay, “Chinatown” takes place in Los Angeles, California during the year 1937, also during the time of the Great Depression. This was a historical event in the United States that resulted in deep economic downturn. During the Great Depression there were certain parts of cities that were affected more than others. Chinatown, Los Angeles was among these cities affected, becoming a town for the extreme poverty level Asian population.

Mise-en-scene is the principle by which a piece of film will derive its meaning wholly from what happens in the single shot and not from the relationship between two shots. For example the director might include shots with various composition, angle, depth, movement, and lighting.

How do the cinematic techniques (mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound design) work together in the selected scene or sequence to develop the film’s central characters and themes?

The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo follows Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, and his investigation in finding out what happened to Harriet Vander, a girl who disappeared 40 years ago. He recruits the help of a computer hacker named Lisbeth Salander, and together they uncover the real truth and immense corruption behind Harriet’s disappearance. I will be exploring the connections and/or similarities between Polanski’s Chinatown and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by referring to specific examples and direct quotations. Chinatown and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo share many similarities and connections between the plot, setting, characters, themes and techniques whilst also displaying certain differences.