Thursday, March 3, 2016

Recreating a Famous Movie Scene

Today, I want to recreate a famous movie scene - I'm going to try for the opening scene from the godfather. The best way to learn about what makes a good film is to steal from (I mean, pay homage to) other directors' films.

Let's take a look at the scene:

First, I'm going to take screenshots of the YouTube clip and turn the scene into a storyboard. Then I will recreate the scene, trying as much as possible to keep the same timing and framing as the original.

The most impressive part of this scene is that the opening few minutes is just a slow zoom out from the face of the guy trying to convince the Godfather of his plea. From darkness, we get a slow reveal of the Godfather, the room and the people in the room, all over a very powerful speech. It is an incredible piece of storytelling.

Here's the storyboard:
And here's the script from that scene:
FADE FROM BLACK: Int. of Don Corleone's home office -day
BONASERA (seated in front of the Don's desk, facing the camera)
I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion. I gave her freedom, but -- I taught her never to dishonor her family. She found a boyfriend; not an Italian. She went to the movies with him; she stayed out late. I didn't protest. Two months ago, he took her for a drive, with another boyfriend. They made her drink whiskey. And then they tried to take advantage of her. She resisted. She kept her honor. So they beat her, like an animal. When I went to the hospital, her nose was a'broken.
Her jaw was a'shattered, held together by wire. She couldn't even weep because of the pain.
But I wept. Why did I weep? She was the light of my life -- beautiful girl. Now she will never be beautiful again.
[Bonasera breaks down. The Don gestures to Sonny to give Bonasera a drink]
Sorry...
[Bonasera, taking the drink, sips from the shot glass]
I -- I went to the police, like a good American. These two boys were brought to trial. The judge sentenced them to three years in prison -- suspended sentence. Suspended sentence!
They went free that very day! I stood in the courtroom like a fool. And those two bastard, they smiled at me. Then I said to my wife, "for justice, we must go to Don Corleone."
VITO CORLEONE (sitting behind his desk, petting a cat)
Why did you go to the police? Why didn't you come to me
first?
BONASERA
What do you want of me? Tell me anything. But do what I
beg you to do.
VITO CORLEONE
What is that?
[Bonasera gets up to whisper his request into Don
Corleone's ear]
That I cannot do.
BONASERA
I'll give you anything you ask.
VITO CORLEONE
We've known each other many years, but this is the
first time you came to me for counsel, for help. I
can't remember the last time that you invited me to
your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is
godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here:
you never wanted my friendship. And uh, you were afraid
to be in my debt.
BONASERA
I didn't want to get into trouble.
VITO CORLEONE
I understand. You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living. The police protected you; and there were courts of law. And you didn't need a friend of me. But uh, now you come to me and you say -- "Don Corleone give me justice." -- But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you uh ask me to do murder, for money.
BONASERA
I ask you for justice.
VITO CORLEONE
That is not justice; your daughter is still alive.
BONASERA
Then they can suffer then, as she suffers.
(then)
How much shall I pay you?
VITO CORLEONE (stands, turning his back toward Bonasera)
Bonasera... Bonasera... What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully? Had you come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And that by chance if an honest man such as yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies. And then they would fear you.
BONASERA
Be my friend --
(then, after bowing and the Don shrugs)
-- Godfather?
VITO CORLEONE (after Bonasera kisses his hand)
Good.
(then)
Some day, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me. But uh, until that day -- accept this justice as a gift on my daughter's wedding day.
BONASERA (as he leaves the room)
Grazie, Godfather.


Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Sample Blog post 1 - genre films

Media 2016


This year in Media we are looking at genre in film. Following are some examples of genre, with example films and the sort of cliche that often happens in these genres:
HorrorNightmare on Elm StreetThe bad guy always comes back from the dead
Science FictionStar TrekSomething goes wrong with the ship's engines, solved just in time for the crew to get away.
FantasyLabyrinthSomeone is sent on a quest against horrible odds.
RomanceHitchThe girl hates the guy but then she falls in love with him.
WesternsUnforgivenMen when shot always fall off the roof.
Martial ArtsThe Karate KidThe bad guy cheats. The good guy doesn't.
SportsRemember the TitansA no-name team wins the championship with their teamwork and grit.
NoirThe Maltese FalconThe main guy's partner dies at the start and he has to get revenge.

Throughout the semester, I'll give you a heap more information about genre in film. I'll stick up some YouTube clips and try to recreate some of my own favourite films. I'll review some movies and finally create my own film trailer. I'll let you in on some trade secrets along the way and keep you up to date with my team's progress.