Evaluation Question 1

In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms on conventions of real media products?

 

Tracking scene in Pulp Fiction

 Camera Angles
A typical convention of the crime genre is the tracking shot. This is to show that the character being tracked is of importance, and needs to be followed. This is apparent in several crime films, such as Wolf of Wall Street, Pulp Fiction and Wall Street.  Our media product uses this camera angle during the construction site scene to connote the same idea of importance for our character.

Wealth

We're the Millers, criminal shown with a large
aquarium containing an orca

Crime films are popular for having a wealthy character - predominantly being the criminal. This connotes power, as well as promoting the idea that all criminals are wealthy and have a luxury lifestyle. This is shown in films like 2 Fast 2 Furious, We're the Millers and Now You See Me. Our media piece uses this convention vastly. We did this by highlighting his luxury car, clothing, estate and successful company. Wealth in crime connotes power and success, and usually intimidation. The criminal is usually seen as powerful, intimidating as well as being abundantly wise.

The Godfather wearing an expensive
and classy suit

Mise-en Scene
The costumes of the characters in crime films usually include suits. This shows that the characters are sophisticated and powerful, which is connoted by the luxury suits. This is shown in several films such as Savages, Shawshank Redemption and The Godfather. This also connotes the idea of wealth, as expensive suits are worn by rich characters. Our media text uses this convention largely, as our character is wearing an expensive suit throughout the duration of our piece. This encourages the portrayal of wealth and power, as well as sophistication.

Jordan Belfort's Summer House in The Wolf of Wall Street

Secondly, the showcase of large estates and buildings owned by the 
criminals is apparent in a large number of films. This - again - shows wealth and power, as well as the enjoyment of a luxury lifestyle.  This is apparent in films such as Wolf of Wall Street, Pain & Gain and Scarface.Our media piece uses this idea largely. We filmed outside a large mansion in our local area, making it look as if the character was exiting it to his car. This showed that he owned a large house, and lead a luxury lifestyle in every single way, from clothing, to cars, to estates.


To conclude, our piece uses several typical conventions shown in crime films such as wealth, power, and a luxury lifestyle.