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17 Again

The opening shot in this film is an establishing shot starting from behind a bush, and slowly panning across an old skate park or an exterior stone auditorium type scene. The sun appears the be just rising, connoting a peaceful scene or a new beginning, this is a common type of shot seen in our genre, its done to establish to the audience the easy going and non threatening tone to the rest of the film. The next shot is of the school where the majority of the film is set, this is shown, almost immediately so the viewers are aware of the setting within seconds of the opening sequence. A school is a common setting of a Rom/Com genre because it informs the viewer, that its most likely a film suitable for a younger generation, and that there is nothing dark or scary about the film.

Each piece of footage lasts about 3 seconds, which is enough time for the audience to identify aspects of the location. The 3rd and final exterior establishing shot is of the gym, evidently with the name of the school team written in large letters. This immediately helps establish a sporting theme for this film; the sport is obviously a very important motif of the films narrative. The sunrise again helps to connote the idea of a fresh start, and potential. It also mirrors the start (introduction) of the film, but it could also suggest to an audience theres more to come, or a storm is brewing; this is reinforced by the high pitched non- diagetic music being played over the footage. The audience wonder what the crescendo is building up to, and when we are to be introduced to the first character. After the first title appears on a black screen for approximately 3 seconds, there is a low angle shot that is angled up to a basket ball hoop, and almost immediately a ball is shot through the hoop. As it is visible in the screenshot on the left, the composition follows the rule of thirds which pleases the eyes of the viewer; the hoop is in the right third. This is along with the sound effects of the ball going through the hoop constitute to the mise-en-scene.

After 4 basketball shots are made through the hoop, the camera angle changes to a high angle shot, which establishes the protagonist in the film for the first time. Then the angles quickly change back and forth to the hoop and to the boy, this is done to create a fast pace, so the audience is aware of his skill, and of how hard hes working. After the film title appears on a plain black screen, theres a 2 second piece of footage, where the camera tracks into the character and then there is a freeze frame. The use of a mid shot here, allows the audience to focus on the topless character, and the sex appeal, for older teenagers of the audience. In addition to this, his name and the year it is inform the viewer of critical information about this character. The positioning of the text fits in between the shapes of the still image behind. The word Warriors thats part of the wall display behind the character connotes his strength, both mentally and physically. It establishes him as a stereotypical teenage jock. The first words are spoken by another character who is off camera, so the sound is non-diagetic, meanwhile the camera remains as a close up of Mike ODonnell, to hone in on his importance in the narrative, and also so the audience is aware that this voice is directed at Mike.

Once the coach is introduced a two shot is used which connotes the two as equals and shows the audience the two have a good relationship, as neither is dominating the other.

There are then a few alternating over shoulder shots, a common shot used in this genre to establish the emotions of the characters. After the two converse for about 10 seconds, the camera changes to a wide angle high shot, to show the rest of the basketball team entering.

It slowly tracks in, then quickly changes to a mid shot of all the basketball players.

The mid shot is used to connote the other characters as equal to their teammate Mike, so the audience is aware of their relationship. It also enforces the stereotypical team comradery thats associated with sport orientated films in this genre. Soon Ned the runt of the team enters and an extreme long shot is used of Ned to connote how little he is in comparison to his tall team players. The physical difference and characteristics between the two sides would prove comical to an audience, and represent binary opposites, these two types of stock characters are commonly found in this genre. The audience may form an emotional connection to the younger looking team member Ned also. This emotive reaction towards Ned is reinforced by the extreme close up of his face, connoting his vulnerability and innocence. Ned, the easily targeted is a conventional character in this genre particularly those set in a school. The closeness of Ned and Mike shown through a two shot, connotes they are equals and close as friends, which increases the likeable traits of Mike further. As the team are just about to have their photo taken, there is a high angle used which visibly juxtaposes the heights of the photographer and the players, this connotes the idea of the boys having higher authority. This sets the idea of hierarchy in high school, which is without doubt a convention of the genre.

Just before the button is pressed, we see a close up of Mike; this is to reinforce him as our protagonist. This also presents an enigma, as we know things in his life are about to change and its at the point of the snapshot, that the climax is reached.

The final shot is meant to resemble the photograph being taken. The discolouration of the photo connotes its from the past, which is confirmed by the date at the beginning and on the board Ned is holding. The flash back scene is a frequently used device in this convention, in order to give the viewer an insight to the protagonists life before we meet them in the present time. The black and white represents the era it was meant to be taken in.

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