Liam OBeirne

Film Production Fiction

Format and Purpose:

The first film I chose to compare was Star Wars a New Hope. This film is a Sci-Fi film and I chose this
film because it has an iconic opening that was never really seen before in the film industry making it
unique for the time. The second film I chose to compare was Django Unchained which is a western
film. I chose this film because its the opposite of a Sci-Fi film and so would be a perfect contrast.

Star Wars a New Hope was made by Lucas Film and was released on the 27th of December 1977. As
well as creating the film George Lucas also directed it. As well as Star Wars, George Lucas has also
directed films such as Indiana Jones. Django Unchained was made by Columbia Pictures and A Band
Apart on the 18th of January 2013. It was directed by Quentin Tarantino who has also directed films
such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. George Lucas is well known for creating Sci-Fi film. Quentin
Tarantino is well known for making thriller films but he also stars, directs and writes most of him
films. This can link to Marvel films as the creator of a lot of the characters, Stan Lee cameos in a lot
of Marvel films.

Star Wars was created by LucasFilm. LucasFilm normally create a lot of sci-fi or films that have a lot
of mythical elements. This includes films such as Star Wars and the Indiana Jones series of films,
which has a lot of realism but also has a lot of mythical elements such as aliens which is shown in the
4th instalment of the film series. Django Unchained was created by Colombia Pictures and A Band
Apart. Colombia Pictures are famed for making a lot of action movies that follow many different
subjects from superheroes to aliens. A Band Apart was a film company that was created by Quentin
Tarantino and so made a lot of films that he directed such as Pulp Fiction. The company also makes a
lot of action films but also some thrillers. This includes films such as the Kill Bill franchise and Jackie
Brown.

In the 1970s, a lot of the films created were within the genre of thriller/fantasy. This had wide
appeal as it was relatively unknown for the time until directors such as George Lucas and Steven
Spielberg started creating films such as Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. With both films they had big
budgets for their time periods. Star Wars had a budget of $11 million which at the time meant it was
a big budget film. Django is the same as it has a budget of $100 million which is also a big budget for
its time. This shows us that they both had a lot of faith put into them. This is shown as they both had
big budgets. Both films also made a lot of money in the Box Office, with Star Wars making over
$775.4 million and Django making $425.4 million. This shows that they were both successful films
when they were released. This propelled Star Wars into mainstream attention with everyone
knowing about it. Whereas Django made a lot of money but stayed as a niche audience films. This is
due to the subject matter of Django and how it isnt exactly family friendly and so a lot less people
are going to see it, keeping it as a niche audience film. This could also be to do with the fact that the
director of Django (Quentin Tarantino) has an acult following which means that his following is niche
and is set to a specific set of fans. This means that the film isnt going to have wide appeal as it
doesnt appeal to every film goer whereas Star Wars does as there something in Star Wars that
everyone can like due to it having mass appeal. The running time of both films is quite long with
Django being longer but 44 minutes. However for the time it was created, Star Wars was a very long
film compared to others made at the time. This is due to the limitations in technology which meant
that they couldnt produce large films due to how much the technology at the time (cameras, editing
equipment etc) could take of data. Whereas when Django was created, a film that was nearly 3
hours was a regular occurrence as a lot of films made in 2013 and now are that length and
sometimes even longer due to the evolution in technology compared to the dated technology used
Liam OBeirne

in the 1970s. Both films are feature films which means that they are meant to be the big film that is
on at the cinema and have a certain run time that qualifies them to be a feature film. However
nowadays there arent really any feature films as all the films that are at the cinema are now classed
as feature films. This in turn defeats the purpose of films being called feature films. However this
could be a significant factor as to why Star Wars was so successful at the time of its release. Because
at the time of its release it would have been the only feature film at the cinema and so a lot more
people would have gone to see it. Both films are different in terms of whether they are a sequel or a
one off. This because Star Wars is technically a sequel but is actually the first film of its franchise.
Whereas Django is a one off film and is not part of a franchise. This only thing its takes from other
franchises is the name of the main character. Both films have very different target audiences. This is
because of the subject matters that are covered in each film. This in turn made Star Wars a
mainstream film as a lot more people saw the film due to it being family friendly. Whereas Django
became niche due to being suited towards the fans of Tarantino and older audiences.

Star Wars a New Hope Django Unchained

Budget - $11 million
Box Office earning - $775.4 million
Running Time 121 minutes (2 hours, 1
minute)
Film fiction Feature Film the purpose of the
film is to entertain the audience for a
prolonged amount of time.
This film is technically a sequel and is part of a
franchise but was actually the first of the Star
Wars films to be released. Technically its the
first film of the franchise even though its
actually the 4th.
Target Audience: The target audience of the
film are mainly males and has a high age range
due to the varying degrees of why people like
the franchise. As well as this the audience
originally was not mainstream but now has
become mainstream due to the overwhelming
success of the franchise which has caused a lot
more people to watch it.
Budget - $100 million
Box Office earning - $425.4 million
Running Time 165 minutes (2 hours, 45
minutes)
Film Fiction Feature Film - the purpose of the
film is to entertain the audience for a
prolonged amount of time.
This films uses character from many other films
and changes it to fit the films setting. In this
case its of a freed slave who wants to save his
wife from a slaver. In turn this is a first film of
its franchise even though its using a known
character.
Target Audience: In comparison, Django
Unchained also has a mainly male audience but
instead has a much smaller target age between
the ages of 18 upwards due to the subjects that
are covered in the film. The film has a non-
mainstream audience due to the topics covered
in the film which makes it a film that a lot of
people wouldnt want to watch but also is
successful due to the way they are portrayed.
Liam OBeirne

Narrative:

In the extract I have chosen for Star Wars a New Hope, I have chosen the opening scene where we
are greeted with a view of space with a few planets featured. After this a much smaller ship is being
chased by a much larger ship who are shooting at each other. This is important as it instantly
introduces us to the conflict which the film is based around which gives us an idea of how the film
will play out. In the extract I have chosen for Django Unchained, I have also chosen the first 30
seconds or so of the opening scene where we are shown the landscape which gives us a sense of
where the film will take place. After this we are introduced to a group of slaves being taken across
the landscape by slavers. This is important as it straight away instils us with the idea of how serious
the film is and what type of subjects we are going to see in the film. The narrative in the Star Wars
extract is told through the action of the ships shooting at each other in space. In comparison the
narrative in the Django extract is also shown through the action of the slaves walking across the
desert but is a lot different due to the sounds that are played during the scene and how the scene is
shot as it incorporates a lot closer shots of the slaves.

Star Wars a New Hope has a linear narrative structure which is shown from the outset. In the extract
I have chosen it is shown as we are instantly shown the conflict between the rebels and the empire
which instils the ideas that we are going to follow this conflict throughout. As well as this the film
follows a single strand narrative as it only follows Luke on his journey to become the hero who saves
the day from the villains. It also features an anti-realist narrative due to the subject matter and
where the film takes place. Django Unchained also has a linear narrative as it only follows Django as
he fights to save his wife from slavery. This is shown in the extract I have chosen as we are
immediately introduced to him and so we have an idea of him getting revenge for whats happened
to him. The film also has a single strand narrative as it only follows his journey and is also a realist
narrative as it follows a real life setting and incorporates real life elements into it. For Star Wars the
relevant narrative theories that would apply to it would be Levi-Strausss theory of binary opposites.
This is due to the blatant differences between the two factions that are portrayed and how Darth
Vader and Luke are portrayed. Also the fact that the whole narrative is based on evil vs good or in
Star Wars the dark side vs the light side which makes the whole film a binary opposite within itself,
this fits perfectly into Levi Strausss theory. A big example of this is from the extract I have chosen to
analyse. The example is when the ships are firs shown and we see a clear difference in size which
also suggest a clear difference in how much control each faction has and who is more powerful etc.
Django Unchained would follow the theory of Barthes actions and enigma codes. This is due to the
way that the characters are introduced to us as the audience in the extract we are then confused
about what is happening which is an enigma code as it adds mystery. This is due to us as the
audience not knowing who these characters are or where they are going in the opening scene which
leaves us asking questions until the dialogue starts later on in the opening scene. In the opening
scene for Star Wars we are shown two main characters very early on in the form of C3P0 and R2-D2
who play significant roles in the films. They are both helpers as they help Luke later on in the film
towards destroying the Death Star. As well as this we are shown many stock characters that play
roles such as soldiers who fill up the scene to make it more populated. They are conveyed to be
important to the plot but are more just filler characters. In Django Unchained we are introduced to
barely any characters. The only character we know is Django due to the scenes on the actor but
apart from him the rest are stock characters who are there to play roles that have no significance to
the narrative. The actor choice in Star Wars is all white ethnicity with no other ethnicities until the
Liam OBeirne

next film whereas Django features a significant amount of white actors but also black actors to play
the slaves who are featured in the film. One big connotation is how the slaves in Django are shown
the be vulnerable which connotes race superiority within the film. In both extracts we are also not
shown many character types however out of the ones we are shown we are shown all helpers in Star
Wars being in the form of C3P0 and R2-D2 and Princess Leia. However, we are shown the main
villain of the film in Darth Vader. Whereas in Django Unchained we are only shown the hero of the
film in the form of Django himself.

Genre:

The genre of Star Wars a New Hope is Sci-Fi. We are able to tell this due to the anti-realist sounds
and objects that are portrayed in the film as they are very futuristic. As well as this the use of certain
shot types tells us its a Sci-Fi as they normally use a lot of establishing shots which are featured
prominently in Star Wars. The genre of Django Unchained is Western. We are able to tell this due to
the realistic setting and where its set which is in a desert. As well as this the use of costume also tells
us as its costume that fits with the time period of a western film such as the hats etc. the
conventions that are used in Star Wars are lasers, large space setting and big battles. As well as this
it includes a lot of iconography such as spaceships and futuristic weapons. Django Unchained also
has a lot of conventions such as the desert setting and the duels that take place between the
characters. There is also a lot of iconography such as the revolver pistols and the outfits that the
characters wear. The camerawork that is used in Star Wars a New Hope is typical of the genre as
they use a lot of establishing shots which are a staple of sci fi films for showing the setting of the
battles or planets. The sounds are also typical of the genre as they are anti realist as they are always
of lasers and other noises of creatures or aliens that dont exist. As well as this the narrative is typical
as it follows the hero solely on his journey to defeat the villain instead of following other characters.
The MES is also typical as it uses a lot of bright lighting which makes it seem more futuristic and they
use a lot of futuristic costumes that fit in with the genre also. Django Unchained uses a lot of typical
camerawork of the genre as it uses a lot of close ups of the actors faces and also a lot of long shots
of the setting where the characters are travelling. Also the editing that is used is typical as theres a
lot of slow paced cuts of the characters especially during the duels. The sounds are also typical as
they are sounds we would normally hear such as horses, gunshots etc. the narrative also is typical as
its a story of revenge which is typical of the genre of film. In Star Wars the conventions of the genre
are followed by the film as it includes conventions such as certain shot types used etc. the film is not
a sub-genre or a hybrid as it does not have any conventions from any other film genre. Django
Unchained subverts the genre conventions as even though it mainly follows the conventions it
changes them by having a black main actor where normally western films have a white main actor
who plays the hero role. The film is a sub-genre as its a revenge film and a western film which
means that its a sub-genre of western films. Star Wars does cater to audience expectations as it
gives the audience a good story with all the elements that a Sci-Fi film would have such as a classic
story and all the conventions that are expected such as establishing shots and aliens which gives the
audience a place to escape to. Django Unchained however does not cater to audience expectations
as they have changed the way the film takes place within the narrative due to the fact that they have
a different ethnicity protagonist and the film also adds conventions from revenge films such as his
family being in danger which a lot of audiences would like which in turn means that it caters and
doesnt cater for audience expectations. However Django is a very different type of western film
compared to other western films. This is because of the way it is portrayed. It is portrayed more like
a parody at times in the film rather than a serious film. This in turn makes some of the tension
become more like comedy as it has a lot of comedic elements. This can be seen in a specific scene
where a group of local people go to kill Django and the person he is helping called Schultz. Once they
Liam OBeirne

actually get to their location the group start arguing over the masks they have been given by one of
the group members wives. This scene completely replaces the tension that was present before and
replaces it with comedy. This adds unique elements to the film that make it more suited towards
niche audiences as the comedy that is present is dark comedy which only a select few would enjoy
or find funny.

Technical Analysis:

One example of camerawork is an establishing shot right at the beginning of the opening scene for
Star Wars is the first shot where we see the ships. This shot is a close up of both ships as they fly
over the camera. We are at a low angle in this shot which makes the audience feel the power and
size of the ships. The camera stays stationary which allows the audience to take in the awe of the
ships for the first time. As well as this we see the planets which creates a sense of scale and makes
us know that we are in a sci-fi universe as we see the planets before we see the ships. We see the
planets because it lets us as the audience know that we are in a sci-fi film as one of the main
conventions of sci-fi films is the view of planets.

Another shot from the Star Wars opening scene is where we see the planets for the first time. This
shot is an establishing shot of the planets which really sets the scene for this part of the film. We are
at eye level angle and we can see everything in the shot. This gives the audience a sense of scale as
to how large the universe of the film is. The camera also stays stationary during this shot giving us a
detailed look at the planets.

A third shot is of one of the ships getting damaged by the other ship. This is a mid-shot as we are
able to see the ship and the surroundings around it but not all of them. This in turn gives us a sense
of how dire the situation is and the danger that the ships is in from being destroyed. This in turn
creates a lot of tension within the shot. This also suggests what the narrative will consist of and
perhaps how the plot will pan out by the end of the film.
Liam OBeirne

One example from Django Unchained is where we first see Django. This shot is an extreme close up
of him. This really shows us the emotion of Django which can make the audience sympathise with
him. As well as this the camera is tracking Django as he moves along the desert. This also gives us
more of a chance to see who Django is. This also us how he may be acting within his surroundings
and how resilient he is to be able to survive in these types of conditions. This suggests that he has
had a lot of bad experiences in his life which has made him stronger. This creates connotations of
struggle and gives him the incentive for revenge which normally the main hero has towards a certain
group or character.

Another example from Django Unchained is where we see Django and a group of slaves walking
across the desert. This shot is a mid-shot as we are able to see the characters and some of the
surroundings. This shows us what the slaves have been through as we are able to see their scars etc.
this makes us sympathise with them and makes us root for them to get revenge later in the film. This
creates connotations of past bad experiences which is also a main feature in Western films as the
main hero has normally had past bad experience which has fuelled him/her to do the things they do
in the film.
Liam OBeirne

A third example of a shot is where we see the group walking across the desert. This is a long shot
which gives a detailed look at the binary opposites between the slaves and the slavers. This again
creates a lot of sympathy within the audience towards the slaves as we feel for how they are being
treated. As well as this it gives responsibility to the audience to not allow this to happen again.
Within this shot they use framing in order to include every character we have seen so far. This gives
us better scope as to how many characters there are and who each character is as we are able to see
them all.

One example from Star Wars of editing is where they have edited the laser beams in from the ships
(SFX). This creates a sense of danger as they are being used to attack each other which puts the
audience straight into the action of the film. They have also used framing within this shot. The
framing in this shot only lets us see the first ship and the two planets. This adds an enigma code to
the shot as we are unable to see what the ship is firing at which adds mystery.

Another example of editing from Star Wars is pace of the editing as its quite fast due to all the
action which is happening. This in turn makes the audience on edge as they are thrown right into a
battle which is quite unique during the opening for a film. As well as this, it creates a sense of
tension due to how fast the cuts are being done.

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xT0xelSwnFnvGmn5lK" width="480" height="270"

frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a
href="https://giphy.com/gifs/xT0xelSwnFnvGmn5lK">via GIPHY</a></p>

A third example of editing in Star Wars is a shot reverse shot which happens between Darth Vader
and Captain Antilles. This starst with the camer being placed on the captain as he is being chocked
by Darth Vader. It then cuts to a shot placed on Vader where we see him start to raise the captain.
Liam OBeirne

We then cut back to a shot of the captain in the air continuing to be chocked by Vader. This shows us
the dire situation the captain is in and how dangerous Darth Vader is due to his actions later in the
scene. As well as this it shows us as the audience how merciless and Darth Vader is and gives the film
less hope of trying to defeat him. They have used this shot so that they can show both characters
reactions to what is happening and how different they both react to what is happening. This also
connotes that the villain is very dangerous and makes us as the audience fear him. This is so that the
connotation makes us think that the villain will be impossible to defeat which make us support the
hero more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHfLyMAHrQE&t=154s (6.00 6.05)

One example of editing in Django is the quick cuts they use between some of the shots. This adds
continuity to the scene as it allows the scene to progress quickly. This in turn means that the
audience isnt going to lose interest in the film straight away and is going to be intrigued by what the
film is going to be like. This also means that we cant see much of the character straight away which
also adds more enigma to the scene. Another example of editing in Django is the transitions used
later in the scene. These transitions consist of sections where the camera is moving through the
environment but doesnt feature any actors or characters. This type of transition makes the scene
much more fluid. This also adds much more continuity as it doesnt cut but keeps going which keeps
the audience engaged with whats happening in the shot. A third example of editing in Django is the
slow paced cuts later on in the opening scene. This takes place normally during shots where the
credits are showing. However it does also take place during shots where we just see the characters.
This slows the pace of the scene down which allows the audience to comprehend what they are
seeing. As well as this is allows them start the ask questions such as where they are going etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1hqn8kKZ_M (1.13-1.17 Quick cuts), (1.50-2.00

transitions), (slow paced cuts happen throughout the opening scene)

Star Wars CLAMPS

C an example of costume in Star Wars is the soldiers uniforms. This choice of costume creates
connotations of seriousness and suggest that they are in a dangerous situation. This also shows how
fearful they are of the empire due to them deploying soldiers to try and hold them off. This is done
as they are in combat uniforms and not normal clothing, this in turn suggests fear as they are trying
everything to get away from them.

L An example of lighting in Star Wars is in one of the ships where they use high key lighting
throughout. This choice of lighting allows us to see all the action and suggests to us that there is
going to be a lot of action as we are able to see everything due to how bright the lighting is.
Liam OBeirne

A The use of actors in the Star Wars is mainly male. This is shown significantly in the soldiers as
they are all male. This suggests that males where more dominant during the time the movie was
made. As well as this that they are more dominant in the universe of Star Wars as a whole. There are
also key actors that took specific roles such as Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia. She took the
role of the Damsel due to her being captured by the villains.

M There isnt much make up used in the extract until later on in the film. An example of make up in
the extract though is princess Leias hair which is a very unique style. This suggests to us that she is
someone important as we see no one else with a hairstyle like that. There is also use of make up on
Princess Leia to fit in with the theme of her being royalty.

P There are a lot of props used in the extract such as the blasters that are used by the soldiers.
These impose danger into the scene and create a sense of conflict throughout the whole film. This in
turn made the film more interesting as we wanted to know who was going to win in the end.

S An example of setting in the extract is space where the whole scene takes place. This creates a
sense of isolation as they are not able to escape from the much more powerful empire.
Liam OBeirne

Django Unchained CLAMPS

C An example of costume is the costume that the slavers are wearing. This costume choice
suggests that they have a place of authority and power over the slaves as it is very formal and looks
expensive. This also creates a distinct difference between the salves and the owners. This in turn
shows the audience how it was at the time when the film is set between black people and white
people.

L An example of lighting is the low key lighting used later in the extract where they use lamps. This
adds an ominous mood and creates an enigma as to whats going to happen. It also makes the whole
scene a lot more serious and makes us as the audience unsure as to whats going to happen.

A An example of actors in Django is the use of a main character who is a different ethnicity to
every other character. This makes us empathise with the main character of Django as we all have
that time that we are an underdog just as he is. This also makes us want him to succeed in the film
and be able to accomplish his objective.
Liam OBeirne

M An example of makeup is through the use of hairstyles etc that the slavers have. This in turn
shows us how they are meant to be superior as they are well dressed and groomed etc. this is so
that they look superior and more powerful. This also is in binary opposite to the slaves who are
made to look the complete opposite which again shows the superiority of the owners.

P They use a lot of props in the extract and the film as a whole. The main props that are used are
guns which fits with the genre as its a western film. As well as this the guns propose danger and a
sense of unpredictability as to whether something bad will happen or not. This alos makes us on
edge due to the owners constantly threatening to use their weapons.

S The setting that is used is America during the time of Slavery but also takes place significantly in
the Wild West. This gives us a sense of unpredictability as the Wild West is a dangerous place that
can be quiet volatile. This also makes us have sympathy for the slaves as they are treated poorly
across America which makes us feel as though they cant be accepted anywhere.

Sound:

In Star Wars the sounds are mainly non diegetic as they have been added after shooting due to them
being anti-realist. This mainly takes place in the sound effects. There are no voice overs but the
dialogue is mainly diegetic as it happens at the same time that the actual actor speaks which in turn
makes it diegetic. In Django the sounds are mainly diegetic as they are realist sounds. The only
sounds that are non-diegetic are from the soundtrack that features from time to time during
travelling shots etc.
Liam OBeirne

Conclusion:

The key differences about the two extracts are that they are very different genres that feature very
different settings and very different character arcs. This includes the fact that Star Wars is set in
space and Django is set in the Wild West. As well as this in Star Wars the narrative is very different as
it is based on trying to gain peace whereas Djangos narrative is based on revenge. However, they do
have similarities such as how the villains and heroes are binary opposites in both films and how they
only follow the heros journey and no one else meaning that they are both single strand narratives.