Moving Pictures

"Photography is truth. And cinema is truth twenty-four times a second." - Jean-Luc Godard

[dyfam80]

Production Project

Rationale:

For the production project assessment piece for Networked Media Production, I decided to do the data visualisation option. It took a while to come up with an idea of what kind of data I was going to represent in the assessment piece. At first I was going to represent personal data however it was difficult coming up an idea as to what to kind of data to represent. After some more thought I started the project by displaying the viewership of YouTube. However, half way through the project I felt as though it wasn’t particularly displaying data as it didn’t contains graphs. I had it designed like the YouTube layout however I replaced the text etc. with the viewership data. Feeling that the YouTube data visualisation wasn’t enough, I then started brainstorming to come up with another idea.

After some contemplating I came to the idea of representing data on piracy. I was able to find a website that contained info graphic on online piracy of which I have based my data off. I focused my data on 3 kinds of piracy data; the top 10 online piracy countries, a few facts and the most pirated items. With the help of Adobe Illustrator I was able to design and produce my production project.

I wanted my data visualisation to have a simple layout so that audiences are able to read and understand it clearly. I have used quite a few colours in my assessment piece to brighten it up. Although there are a variety of colours used I am pleased that to find that the colours aren’t overpowering or distracting to the overall look of the production project. I have the 3 pieces of data dominating the right side while I have created a kind of side bar on the left that contains the word ‘Piracy’, this clearly indicates to the audience what this piece of data visualisation is addressing.

For the top 10 online piracy countries data, I used the countries names in black with the percentage in white on a letter of the name. I have the words placed on top of a colourful world map. The second bit of data contains information on piracy that I have represented in a pie graph. The different information is separated via different colours with the width depending on the percentage of the data. On the outside of the pie chart is the percentage number and an explanation of what the data is representing. For the third bit of data, I have used a bar graph to represent the most pirated types of items. This data shows that pornography and movies are the most pirated out of 7 categories that are the top kinds of pirated items.

It was interesting looking at the data of online piracy, I was able to learn new information that I wouldn’t have guess myself for example, the amount of piracy on music is much lower than I would have expected it to be. Overall, I was able to achieve my goal of creating data visualisation that is clear and simple.

References:

Infographics, Online Piracy In Numbers: Facts and Statistics, Infographics, viewed 28 April 2013, <http://www.infographicsarchive.com/interesting-facts/online-piracy-in-numbers-facts-and-statistics/#prettyPhoto>

Zonu, World Color Outline Map, viewed 29 April 2013, <http://www.zonu.com/fullsize-en/2009-11-19-11195/World-color-outline-map.html>

[dyfam80]

Metapost

My tumblr blog, named 'Moving Pictures' is focused on films from the 1950s. It contains posts of my own personal opinion on films as well as some reblogged photographs related to previous posts to do with film. The idea for the blog name came from a quote by Jean-Luc Godard, "Photograph is truth. And cinema is truth twenty-four times a second."

I have displayed the 'Creative Commons' on my page as a way of licensing my work. For my posts, I have placed the sources of the photographs underneath with the use of links. For the posts I have reblogged, it contains the sources of which the post was found.

The layout of my blog has changed since it was first applied by changing the HTML and CSS. I have added various things such as the photograph of the vintage cinema on the top of my blog and the 'Creative Commons' license. I have also included counters on the top right side corner that show how many people are currently on my page and also the page visits my blog has received.

My 'About' page contains a brief overall of what the blog is focused on. There are links to go back to the 'Home Page' as well as a link to my Facebook page. The page also contains a list of my films posts which have been linked to the actual post, making it easier for the audience to access it. 

The traffic to my blog was visible with the help of Google Analytics where I could monitor my page visits. I ended up with 198 page views, with an average visit duration rate of 8 minutes and 20 seconds. Of the visits my blog received, 59.5% were a returning visitor while 40.5% were new visitors. Tagging the posts brings more traffic to the blog as when people search the tag your post will come up. This occurred with my very first blog post, where a fan blog of one of the actors in the films liked my post.

My Top Three Posts:

1. Roman Holiday

This blog posts I find, is a good balance of both the storytelling and analyse of the film. One of the sources used as visual representation is one that I drew up myself so that there was variety along with the movie stills found on the internet.

2. Rebel Without A Cause

I like how with this post, I was able to combine two films, 'Rebel Without A Cause' along with 'James Dean'. This post adds variety as It is different to my other posts that are about the one film.

3. The Long, Long Trailer

This post is my latest written post which has added humour to my blog as the film is more concentrated on comedy. It brought traffic to my blog as it received a few likes.

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[potahoes-blog]

[dumsdale]

[dyfam80]

James Franco as James Dean (2001)

[dyfam80]

The Long, Long Trailer (1953)

Director: Vincente Minnelli

Starring: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz

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'The Long, Long Trailer' is a film about a newly wedded couple who start their lives off in a trailer instead of a new house. They thought it would be a good idea, to save money and not be restricted travelling around the United States for Nicholas's job. However, we soon see that this was a terrible idea as everything begins to go haywire in a hilariously humorous way.

The film starts off with a conflict where Tacy had taken the trailer away leaving Nicholas deserted. Nicholas then tells the story from the beginning of when they first get the trailer until linking back to where the film started. This was a good story-telling style as the audience is at first intrigued to see what got between the couple, capturing their attention and keeping it with the funny downward spiral story.

There are many funny moments within the film. Two of scenes include reverse parking the trailer into the drive way of Tacy's family home, ruining the front yard and upsetting the entire family. And Tacy cooking dinner in the trailer while Nicholas drives the trailer thinking it will save them time however, it turns out to be a very rocky ride for Tacy that ends up in a big mess.

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The end of the film involves one of the characters talking about a previous experience where he reflects on a relationship that ended of which could of been fixed with the simple use of the word 'sorry'. The fight between Nicholas and Tacy seems like it may be the end of their marriage. However, the couple realise what was happening and apologise to each other, reunited them together before the scene/film ends.

Overall, the film was an enjoyable watch. It contained both humour and drama at levels that created a good balance right for the film. 

[absinthemakesyouawhore]

[dyfam80]

Audrey Hepburn on the terrace of the Hotel Hassler, in Rome, with the telegram announcing her best-actress award, for The Nun’s Story, from the New York Film Critics Circle, 1960.

[wasdiana33]

[dyfam80]

James Dean

[thefilmfatale]

Films are subjective — what you like, what you don’t like. But the thing for me that is absolutely unifying is the idea that every time I go to the cinema and pay my money and sit down and watch a film go up on-screen, I want to feel that the people who made that film think it’s the best movie in the world, that they poured everything into it and they really love it. Whether or not I agree with what they’ve done, I want that effort there — I want that sincerity. And when you don’t feel it, that’s the only time I feel like I’m wasting my time at the movies.

Writer/Director Christopher Nolan

[dyfam80]

Sabrina (1954)

Director: Billy Wilder

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden

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'Sabrina' is about a chauffeur’s daughter who is infatuated with the playboy of the rich family they work for. She goes off to a cooking school in Paris and returns grown up and sophisticated. She catches the eye of the playboy and also his older brother who both fall for her.

The film is both enjoyable and pleasant to watch. Different elements have contributed to this:

The beginning of the film has a storytelling/fairytale like feel as Audrey Hepburn narrates the film by introducing some of the characters. The narration is one where the visually accompanies the words spoken. The story felt to me, like Cinderella how the main character, Sabrina went through a transformation and got the attention of the two brothers who hadn't really taken notice of her prior. It reminded me of how Cinderella went to the ball after being transformed by her fairy Godmother and the Prince noticed her.

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The film is enjoyable because it makes you laugh. Whether it be because fo what a character says to another or about something that happens such as when David, the younger brother sits down forgetting that he has champagne glasses in his back pockets.

There is something about black and white films that have such a lasting quality about them. Black and white films need to get the lighting right as it is an important technique to set the mood of a film. I found that the lighting of this film was nice and soft. In such scenes involving Sabrina, the focus on her face has the right amount of light that creates a soft glow around her contributing to her elegant persona.

The relationship perceived between the brothers is a good one that is seen with how the film ends: Sabrina heads back to Paris after Linus tells her she should. David was meant to be with her but instead goes and sees Linus making his brother realise that he is in love with Sabrina. The film ends with Linus boarding the ship to go to Paris with Sabrina. Although the two brothers were infatuated with Sabrina, David was able to see that Linus was a better fit for her and even encouraged the relationship.

Overall, 'Sabrina' is another Audrey Hepburn film I have enjoyed and is a one that can easily be watched a few times.

[dyfam80]

Film is incredibly democratic and accessible, it’s probably the best option if you actually want to change the world, not just re-decorate it.

Banksy

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[dyfam80]

An Affair to Remember (1957)

Director: Leo McCarey

Starring: Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr

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'An Affair to Remember' is a classic of the romance genre. It is a remake of the 1939 film, 'Love Affair' by the same director. It is a film about two people who fall in love after meeting on a ship. However it is bad timing as both are involved with other people. They decide that in 6 months time, after ending their relationships and starting new careers, they will meet on top of the Empire State Building.

The meeting on the Empire State Building is meant to be a romantic moment. However, on her way there, Terry is hit by a car and is rushed to hospital while Nickie waits for her on top of the building until midnight. Terry isn't able to walk after the car crash and doesn't want Nickie knowing while Nickie continues thinking she intentionally didn't show up. It isn't until the end of the film when Nickie finally finds out the truth. The film ends with Terry justifying, "If you can paint, I can walk. Anything can happen don't you think?"

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I have seen 'Sleepless in Seattle' many times before but didn't know it was inspired by another film, 'An Affair to Remember'. It draws many similarities such as the meeting spot on top of the Empire State Building. One of the great things about watching a variety of films is seeing where one film may draw inspiration from. It is easy to see what films are classics when they have withstood the test of time and other films are drawing inspiration from them in hopes of producing another lasting piece of work.

Seeing 'An Affair to Remember' for the first time, I found that it was nice kind of sit down film. The film made you feel sympathetic to the characters, as you know both sides the story that the two characters don't know, making you want their relationship to work out even more.

[idliketobeapotato]

[dyfam80]

Film: James Dean (2001)

[dyfam80]

Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

Director: Nicholas Ray

Starring: James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo

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James Dean was a talented actor who lived short life due to a car accident at age 24. Although he had only made a few films at this stage, his work has been carried over many years, making him an icon whose name is well known and recognised. One of his most successful films is 'Rebel Without A Cause' as it looks at teen angst, it shows the lives of teenagers dealing with family issues and acceptance in society. There weren't many films like this and it became a success as people could relate to the story and characters perceive in the film.

The issues looked at in the film were carried out well. I find that the best technique used is the use of script. The chosen words are relatable and speak a kind of truth not often found in other films.

Jim: "If I had one day when I didn't have to be all confused and I didn't have to feel that I was ashamed of everything. If i felt that I belonged someplace. You know?"

One of the visions of James Dean that come to mind upon hearing his name is the white t-shirt, blue jeans and red jacket:

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A short time after seeing 'Rebel Without A Cause' I went on to experience the 2001 biographical film, 'James Dean' with actor James Franco portraying the late actor. James Franco was the right actor choice as he delivered a very good performance.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the film as I was interested in getting an idea of James Dean's life. He had a troubled upbringing that led to the way he was, a kind of mysterious person who acted 'differently' to conventional people. From my opinion I find that his experiences shaped him in an artistic way which was painted across the screen.

[dyfam80]

Some Like It Hot (1959)

Director: Billy Wilder

Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon

'Some Like It Hot' was released in 1959 and is one of Marilyn Monroe's well known films. It is the only Marilyn Monroe film that I have seen besides the beginning of 'The Misfits' from 1961. I would like to see more of her films when I get the chance as 'Some Like It Hot' was a good 'first impression'.

The story is set in 1929 and is about a saxophone and bass player from Chicago who, after witnessing a crime escape from the criminals by posing as females to join a female band going to Florida for a job. The storyline is good and well done as it captivates and keeps your interest throughout. One of the techniques well used is humour, whether its found among the storyline of the script, it has a big presence in the film. Although the film is humourous it also has a touch of action with a few scenes involving car chases and gun work. The film was shot in black and white with good lighting that brought a kind of glow to the screen. The glow was most noticeable in scenes involving Marilyn Monroe to highlight her features and put a spot light on her personality that the two main male characters, Joe and Jerry are so drawn to.

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When reading up about the film, I came across the fact that Tony Curtis is Jamie Lee Curtis's father. I found that interesting because both father and daughter have worked in the film industry. I also found it interesting from Jamie Lee Curtis's side because her father had worked with an icon.

The end of the film is one of my favourite film endings. It stood out to me the first time I saw it and has been memorable ever since.

Script of the End Scene:

Jerry: "Osgood, I'm gonna level with you. We can't get married at all!"

Osgood: "Why not?"

Jerry: "Well, in the first place I'm not a natural blonde"

Osgood: "Doesn't matter"

Jerry: "I smoke, I smoke all the time!"

Osgood: "I don't care"

Jerry: "Well, I have a terrible past. For the past 3 years now, I've been living with a saxophone player."

Osgood: "I forgive you."

Jerry: "I can never have children!"

Osgood: "We can adopt some."

Jerry: "But you don't understand Osgood! Ohh, I'm a man!"

Osgood: "Well, nobody's perfect!"

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[dyfam80]

Roman Holiday (1953)

Directed By: William Wyler

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert

'Roman Holiday' is a film that was released in 1953, making it 60 years old in the movie industry today. From my perspective, it is a classic as it has an everlasting quality that has so far, withstood the test of time. It is the film that introduced Audrey Hepburn to the movie industry and she has ever since been a film and fashion icon. There is a special quality about her that has made and kept her a classic over the years. Certain qualities that even her co-star, Gregory Peck could see in when he first met her. Gregory Peck knew that 'Roman Holiday' would be the start of her stardom.

The story is about a princess who, feeling burdened by her responsibilities goes out and experiences a whole new world before returning to carry out the duties she was born to do. What's good about the story is that the audience gets an insight to a princess's life and gets to see her experience things that are ordinary in an average person's life. From seeing the protagonist's new experiences, it makes the audience remember the joy of simple things, things such as sitting at a cafe, getting a haircut or eating gelato. The film also makes the audience realise that certain moments can change a life by simply experiencing it and having it as a memory to remember.

There are many different elements that have come together to make this film enjoyable. One of them being that it was filmed in black and white. By filming it this way, the audience pays more attention to the story and characters and aren't distracted by any colours. Another element is the films humour that comes in a witty style and adds a nice warm touch to the film. In the opening credits of the film it states that, 'This film was photographed and recorded in its entirety in Rome, Italy'. This is another element that makes the film a good one as the film feels real as opposed to films made today that are mostly staged on a movie set. One of the best things in films are the scenes that weren't planned or scripted. They are moments that occur during filming that are edited and included into the finished product. An example of this in 'Roman Holiday' is a scene involving the 'Mouth of Truth' monument where Gregory Peck pulls a prank on Audrey Hepburn making her think his hand had been removed, this scene is one of many nice scenes that makes the film entertaining.

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The first Audrey Hepburn film I saw was 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and after seeing a few more, 'Roman Holiday' is by far my favourite. As I feel the different cinematic techniques are well balanced and complement one another. It is a nice film that won't disappoint.

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