Evaluation

What were the aims of the script and 9 Key Frames?
The purpose of my script was to create the disruption scene of a sequel to the film we need to talk about kevin. My script had to link to my macro study and answer the question wether the behaviours of youth were caused by their environment or wether they were just born evil. The disruption scene i chose to write shows a significant change in the character and shows him reverting back to his old ways giving the idea that it is psychological why youth behave in this way rather than an environmental factor. The key aspect of the film was mainly dialogue as it gave me a wide range of specific vocabulary that could be used to immediately outline both the characters mental state but also personality. The purpose of the 9 Key Frames was to display the 9 key moments in the scene that would explain the most about both its story but also how the scene would be presented through it's mise-en-scene and cinematography. This was a key aspect as although it was only done through photos it still allowed me as a student to display my knowledge and skills of the camera. The frames also allowed us to support aspects of our macro such as the characters personality and mindset through various shot types and character positioning. I felt these two were very important and useful tasks and i carried them out well.

What codes and conventions identified in the textual analysis essay were used in the script and 9 Key Frames?
Frequently throughout films youth are demonised, i explored this through my textual analysis essay comparing the presentation of youth in both films and the reasons why they are presented like this. It was a common theme throughout so i continued this representation in my script and 9 key Frames. Through the covering of body shapes or extreme close-ups of faces the characters are strongly demonised, i used this within my 9 Key Frames to show the kind of facial expressions that evil youth would display. Often in films youth are represented to change throughout the films either becoming a better quality of character or worse, within my script my character becomes worse and reverts back to what he was in the previous film showing almost a cyclical structure within the narrative. Within the film We Need to Talk About Kevin the colour red is a common theme within the mise-en-scene, this immediately creates a sense of darkness and tension. In my script i chose to go for harsh white light and dark shadows and i achieved this well in my 9 Key Frames through editing their lighting to get across this effect. I chose to alter the colour scheme as it creates a sense of confusion during the disruption, reflecting Kevin's' state of mind during the scene. I feel that i got a strong sense of the narrative and atmosphere of the film across through my Script and 9 Key Frames, as the tension and darkness of the situation is immediately evident in both. Showing almost he presence of Kevin as a youthful character is damaging the world.

How was the location report used in the construction of the 9 Key Frames?
My location report was important as it showed me how difficult it was to find an appropriate area in which to take my photos, it also gave me an idea of the kind of size of the spaces i would need to be using for my 9 Frames. I however did not use any of the buildings and locations i originally intended to as i found better locations that would be more appropriate to get across my ideas before i did my shoot. The location report did cause me to make some changes in my script as i had originally intended for it to be in a wide variety of locations but i soon realised this was far to difficult to transport actors and props to so i changed the script and made it more verbally based rather than focusing on the visuals and settings. I feel that this made my 9 Key Frames more dramatic and have a more lasting impact on the viewer. In conclusion my evaluation report had a large impact on my script as it caused me to change many of my original ideas to more appropriate ones and it made me more aware of the problems and struggles that are faced my film makers in the adult world.

How successful was the script and 9 Key Frames in achieving the aims?
I feel that both my script and 9 Key Frames met their aims very successfully. The script used appropriate dialogue to get across the disruption in the film and i feel that it conveyed the type of character Kevin is very well. The 9 Key Frames were also successful as the variety of shot types i used effectively displayed the characters emotions but also engaged the audience with what was happening. The script followed all conventions of a sequel and continued on the saga. I however feel that my 9 Key Frames could have been improved through my choices of actors. If my original actor who was supposed to play the guard had arrived i could have made a much more effective and menacing person being attacked however instead i had to resort to a replacement which did not reach my original aims. I however feel that my script was effective as it conveyed all messages i intended it to without any flaws. It also carried on a repeated motif from the first film of Kevin speaking to the camera. I therefore feel overall that although there was a problem with one of my actors within the 9 Key Frames both the script and frames were very successful and conveyed what they were supposed to in the ways that they were supposed to very well.

9 Key Frames

Key Still One
This first frame is a medium-longshot of Kevin and the head prison guard. In this shot we see Kevin's shoulders slumped showing his characters weakness at the time. Although he is standing whilst the guard is seated it is still clear the guard holds authority due to the cupping off the hands and the facial expression which is aimed at Kevin. Through the composition of this frame you see the relationship between the characters at the start of the scene and it shows the strong differentiation between them.

Key Still 2
This shot shows a close-up of Kevin's face. A close-up shot was used to show his facial expressions and explain something about the character. We can see from the expression that he is now angry, and appears to be deep in thought planning something. It is this shot that shows the disruption in the scene as Kevin's demeanor has changed and is expressed well and clearly explained through the use of a close up shot of his face.

Key Still 3
In this frame Kevin is climbing over the table to attack the head guard. a low angle shot was used to show his power in the scene. The character is positioned in a animalistic pose to show that this murderous behavior is part of his natural, animalistic instincts. The stance is also somewhat demonic and evil which ties in to the ideas of youth being represented as demonic and sinister.

Key Still 4
This is a POV shot from the perspective of Kevin. In this shot Kevin is sinking a pencil which he grabbed from the desk into the neck of the guard. This type of show was used to create a relationship between the audience and the character of Kevin as they see his perspective. The obvious tensing of Kevin's hand shows how hard he is pressing to stab the pencil into the guards neck showing his excessive nature and that he may be killing simply for pleasure allowing the audience into his frame of mind.

Key Still 5
Low angle shot of Kevin speaking to the guard once he has stabbed them in the neck. The low angle makes it clear that Kevin holds the power in this scene. The anger in his face shows his contorted personality and how he shows no remorse for his actions. It shows the true darkness of Kevin's personality as it shows him almost reveling in his actions.

Key Still 6
This frame made use of an over the shoulder shot. This allows both the perspective of Kevin but also the perspective of an onlooker making the audience feel involved in the film. In the shot Kevin has pulled the pencil from the guards neck and is turning round. This onlookers perspective allows the audience to making a clearer judgement of Kevin and make their own judgements on how he as youth is represented.

Key Still 7
Medium Close Up of Kevin allows us to see his top half and thighs as he slides the gun that he stole from the guard into his waistband. This shot is important as it shows killing the guard was not enough he had to steal a weapon which he will undoubtedly later in the film use to kill again. This challenges representations of youth as youth are commonly depicted to be stupid but Kevin is obviously smart as he is preparing himself for the future.

Key Still 8
In this frame Kevin is delivering his monologue to the security camera. A close-Up shot is used to accurately show his facial expressions. Through this shot it is made clear that he enjoys killing as he has an evil smile across his face and a dark look implying that his killings will continue in the future. It also shows the joy he takes in being watched which was made evident in his monologue in the original film.

Key Still 9
This frame is a Long Shot of Kevin walking through the door. This shows his isolation and the distance between Kevin and normal humans, so that the audience finds it hard to relate to him therefore making him a more frightening character. This represents youth to be independent and able to survive on their own. 

Textual Analysis Essay

Final Draft of Script with Shot Type Annotations

 

Shot 1.) 

- Long Shot of the characters speaking to show relationship between them, shows how far they are positioned from each other and allows body positions and body language to show the power balance between the two characters. 

- Kevin's stance shows the type of mental state he is in, presenting him at this point in the script weak rather than demonic. The positioning of the guard will show how he reacts to the presence of Kevin.

Shot 2.) 

- Close-Up of Kevins face to show cold, evil facial expression. Shows youth being represented as demonic and evil.

- Shows Kevin's features have slightly progressed in age since the last film but it is still evident that he is aged under 21

- Facial expression shows a twisted hatred presenting youth to be violent and evil

Shot 3.) 

- Low Angle Shot of Kevin as he jumps over the table to show that he is dominant and controls the power in this shot

- Shows youth to be animalistic as Kevin clears the obstacle in his path, reinforces the idea of youth being violent

Shot 4.)

- POV shot of pencil going into the guards neck from Kevins' Point of View

- Shows the actions of Kevin, steady shot will be used to show the true evil of youth as Kevin remains completely calm and composed whilst carrying out this act

Shot 5.)

- Low Angle Shot from kevins' feet as he speaks to show his power and the guards perspective

- Low angle allows the camera to show Kevin's joy in being able to address somebody he is going to kill

- Shows true darkness of Kevin's personality as it shows him revelling in his actions

Shot 6.)

- Over the shoulder shot of Kevin pulling the pencil from the guard

- Over the shoulder allows both Kevins' perspective but also the view of an onlooker to scared to face the action head on

- Shows onlookers opinion of Kevin, representation of youth to the public

Shot 7.) 

- Medium Close Up of Kevin so we can see his top half and thighs as he slides gun into his waistband

Shot 8.) 

-Close-Up of Kevins face while speaking to show the joy he takes in delivering this monologue and the joy he takes in being watched

Shot 9.) 

- Long Shot of Kevin walking through the door to show his isolation but also the distance between Kevin and normal humans, so that the viewers find it hard to relate to him therefore making him a more frightening character

Location Report

This is the exterior of the prison which Kevin will walk out of at the end of the scene, this would be done at night time so there was no light and the building would look dark and sinister. I felt this building was an appropriate choice as the cold stone walls and the high up windows give a strong feel of being trapped and the way out being too far out of their reach. This building is in fact a church at the top of West Hill, Dartford but it is a distance from the roads so no traffic or public will be in my shots which is why i chose it.

I chose this as the reception for my prison, i chose it as the floor has a dirty worn down look and feel. For my 9 Key Frames i will dress the set by placing a folder and a laptop on the desk to add an heir of professionalism to the room. A small plastic chair will also be added for the guard to sit on, plastic chair will be used as it is easy to kick away during the death scene.

This is the security camera from the reception area, it will be the camera that Kevin looks directly into as he delivers his monolgue. when i dress the set i will use a non-permanent pen to make this camera appear more old and aged as at the moment it does not match the rundown feel of the reception area.

This is the full view of the reception area, when i take my 9 Key frames i will dress the set by covering up all of the plants and trees as they do not match the feel of the room. this will create the desolate feel that is desired for the scene that i have depicted in my script.

 

There are no health and safety issues involved in using any of the above locations that i have depicted, the church is far away from any roads and is in a safe area so doing any sorts of filming or photography at night will hold no possible negative consequences. The reception area has no features that could cause physical injury either to myself or any actors that i will be using.