Film Musical: September 2007

Sunday 30 September 2007

Peeking

i chose this clip from 'HSM' because it has dissolve edits. The primary function of the dissolve edits are of course to signify a passing of time in the film as Troy and Gabriella prepare for the call backs. In terms of audience however, the dissolve edits and cuts may help to attract and engage a teen 'mtv generation' audience through the quick change of scenes.
This clip also clearly shows key themes in the film such as competition, jealousy, hard work and perseverance

Comments . . .

Commented on the following people's blogs because they all focus on genre...

1) Aman
2) Deep
3) Basran
4 )Neema
5) Chintan

Wider Context:

Social Context: Segregation in schools. May highlight more serious issues of segregation and exclusion that occur across all schools leading to bullying, social problems and low confidence issues.

Historical Context: American idealism?
Young characters are depicted as hard working and honest (Contrasts shown through the characters Ryan and Sharpay)

Economic Context:
‘HSM’ was a produced as an ‘OCDM’
Was not released in the cinema yet was a BIG money maker.
Was such a huge success that Vanessa Anne Hudgens who plays Gabriella was able to launch a music career.
Slight sociological link to the economy in general .. Film encourages individuals to work hard at all that they do. By subconsciously applying this to education a skilled future workforce is promised.

Political Context:
Spreading American values.
Worldwide distribution.

Ideology and Values

Acceptance, Love, teamwork, being yourself, teamwork, equality, jealousy, American idealism, identity, discovery, change, love.

Stem from storyline

(incomplete)

Audience:

Grease appeals to a wider demographic (now) than HSM. Grease seems to be a timeless film, appealing to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period.AS a ‘DCOM’, ‘HSM’ appeals largely to a young audience.
Young audience: ‘tweenagers’ can easily follow simple narrative structure and follow common character. Disney cashes in on young audience through various ‘HSM’ merchandise.Social problems also appeal to a older audience who can identify with the process of change and discovery in school. ‘Eye-candy’- also helping to attract slightly older audience.

Representation:

American high school with different social cliques: Academic achievers (‘Geeks’)
‘Jocks’ (Troy, Chad), preps, cheerleaders.
Representation of teenage problems: - Difficulties in managing time, being judged by peers, having labels applied, struggle between conforming to stereotypes or to explore own self, worried about acceptance.
Parents: Contrast between Gabriella’s mother and Troy’s father (Coach Bolton).
Teachers: Coach Bolton: Stereotype sport star father: Pushy parent, wants best for son. Living his own dreams through his son.
Some stereotypes help to create comedy.

Genre:

Hollywood Musical Film
Since the advent of sound, the Hollywood Musical is a genre that has gained great popularity in offering its audience entertainment and a sense of escapism reminiscent of Broadway, with its use of popular songs and the notion of spectacle.
The Hollywood Musical Film genre was at it's peak in the 1930's,1950's (‘Singin' in the Rain’ and ‘Calamity Jane’), there has also recently been a revival in the genre.
Genre hasn’t always been given critical acclaim. Musicals made during the classical period in Hollywood, were considered to be just entertainment. It was not until the 1970's that film critics challenged the view previously held concerning musicals. Began to consider ideas such as: gender representation,the stage and film making, the achievement of spectacle,
(These elements are now considered to be important conventions of the Hollywood musical as a genre) Theorist Rick Altman (The American Film Musical)

Institution:

—

The Walt Disney Company is one of the largest media and entertainment corporations in the world. Founded on October the 16th 1923 (Walt and Roy Disney) Small animation studio- biggest Hollywood studios, and owner of eleven theme parks as well as several television networks (INC American Broadcasting Company) Had revenues of $34.3 billion in 2006.
The Disney Channel is a 24-hour general entertainment television network that offers television programming for children through original series and movies.
Features family-oriented programming. Marketed to mostly young children, however in recent years the diversity of viewers has increased.
Produces Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM), (previously known as Disney Channel Premiere Films.High School Musical 2 (17.2 Million Viewers)Jump In!(8.2 Million Viewers)
The Cheetah Girls 2 (8.1 Million Viewers) High School Musical (7.7 Million Viewers)
Return to Halloweentown (7.5 Million Viewers)

Media Language:

•Choreography/dance (one of the main conventions of musical film) ‘HSM’ uses elaborate, exaggerated acting, dancing and facial expressions to create a theatrical/stage like effect (conforming to conventions).
Costume: Clothing worn is casual, follows fashion trends both in ‘Grease’ and ‘HSM’, appealing to teenage audiences. Glamorous stage clothes are also used when performing (on stage in ‘HSM’ and at the school dance in ‘Grease’). ‘HSM’ slightly more cheesy – aided by sometimes bright clothing… green trousers … orange cardigans.
Lighting: High key lighting helping to create a happy and optimistic effect. Conforming to one of the main aims/conventions of musical films: to create escapism from real life.
Actors: Attractive stars are used in order to appeal to TA.
Makeup: supposedly ‘natural’. However even the so called ‘geeks’ look heavily made up.
Props: Various props are used in order to help create a school setting as well as to help make apparent themes and ideas that run through ‘HSM’.
Setting: School : A place to express your self, learn and discover who you are. School setting provides the ideal place for this to occur. Use of different social cliques in school.

Tuesday 25 September 2007

Proposal . . .

Media Language: chorography: main – conforms to conventions.
Elaborate, exaggerated acting, dancing and facial expressions – theatrical effect. Over the top. Escapism?

Costume: Clothing is casual and follows fashion both in ‘Grease’ and ‘HSM’, appealing to teenage audience. Glamorous, ‘dressed-up’ clothing (stage show (HSM), dance (‘Grease’)

Lighting: High key lighting – happy, optimistic

Actors: Attractive stars in order to appeal to TA. Link to social context?

Makeup: Made to look attractive.

Props: ?

Setting: School, summertime – exciting. Leaving school? - change

American idealism – hardworking, honest,

Institution: Disney - October 16, 1923. It is known for its policy for targeting mainly younger children and their families.

Genre: why is their a strong romance element in ‘HSM’ in comparison to previous musical films such as ‘Mary Poppins’

Representation: American high school with different social cliques: jocks, geeks etc
Popular vs unpopular children – social pressure to conform.

Attempts to readdress issue of segregation etc that still occurs in schools through different groups.

Audience: Grease- appeals to a wider demographic than HSM? Why?
Grease seems to be a timeless film. Appeals to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period. Is HSM just a modern remake of Grease?

Ideology and values: Film is typical in that good does defeat evil (‘Grease’). Determination, perseverance, talent, hard work, kindness, giving, sharing, friendly, warm, community, working together, friendship. – American idealism?

Narrative: emphasis on power struggle between good and evil. Strong emphasis on personal identity and growth including romance.

Wider context -

Social Context: Segregation in schools – problem across all schools, bullying, isolation.

Historical Context: American idealism?– young characters depicted as hard working and honest, contrasts shown through good and evil. Zac Efron – JOK is hardworking and honest.

Economic Context: HSM – not released in cinema yet BIG money maker.

Political Context:
Depiction of segregation in schools may act as a microcosm for the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney

Sunday 23 September 2007

Research into the genre of musical film continued ...

Since the advent of sound, the Hollywood Musical is a genre that has gained great popularity in offering its audience entertainment and a sense of escapism reminiscent of Broadway, with its use of popular songs and the notion of spectacle.

The Hollywood Musical Film genre was at it's peak in the 1930's,1950's (‘Singin' in the Rain’ and ‘Calamity Jane’), there has also recently been a revival in the genre. Genre hasn’t always been given critical acclaim. Musicals made during the classical period in Hollywood, were considered to be just entertainment. It was not until the 1970's that film critics challenged the view previously held concerning musicals. Began to consider ideas such as: gender representation, demystification of the stage and film making and
the achievement of spectacle, and the genre's ability to remythicise.

These elements are now considered to be important conventions of the Hollywood musical as a genre)

Vanessa Anne Hudgens Scandal

Vanessa Anne Hudgens Nude Photo Scandal: Naked School Musical!

"A nude photo scandal is set to engulf Vanessa Anne Hudgens and the rest of High School Musical after the 18-year-old starlet took naked pictures for boyfriend Zach Efron, believing they would remain forever private. As we all know, this is the 21st century and everything bad ends up on the internet."

The nude picture scandal has come at an extremely bad time for Disney as it was just weeks before the U.K premiere of 'High School Musical 2'. A statment issued confirmed that the nude pictures were real and were intended to be private.

Could this have a negative effect upon the young fans of 'HSM' as Vanessa and co have now become well known celbrities. Alternatively, an older audience may be attracted..

Some independant research into the genre of musical film. . .

The movie musical had its base in vaudeville (a genre of variety entertainment that was prevalent in the U.S and Canada from the early 1880s to the early 1930s) and in Opera. With its blending of fantasy and reality, the musical provided audiences with an accessible and immediate escape from life in the Great Depression, and then beyond.

Stage adaptations:

In the early days of the musical, studios lavished fortunes on celluloid versions of Broadway shows in the hope of repeating their success, but these bore little resemblance to the stage originals. More faithful adaptations began in 1950, with films such as ‘Guys and Dolls’ (1955), ‘Oklahoma!’ (1955), ‘My Fair Lady (1964) and ‘The Sound of Music (1965) and so on. However, after the flop of 'Hello Dolly' (1969, the musical – like the western – became a rare phenomenon. A limited revival of the genre came in the 1970s with Bob Fosse’s 'Cabaret' (1972) and 'Saturday Night Fever' (1977) and 'Grease (1978) (the films in which John Travolta made his name.)

Up until the mid-1960s, British musicals were mostly rather genteel affairs that had little impact outside of the UK. That all changed with US born Richard Lester’s two Beatles’ movies, ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ (1964) and ‘Help!’ (1965). There followed Carol Reed’s Oscar – winning ‘Oliver’ (1968), and Alan Parker’s 'Bugsy Malone' (1976). Other examples were few and far between until Parker’s Evita (1996).

Interest in the American musical was retained in Baz Luhrmann’s visually extravagant ‘Moulin Rouge’ (2001), and in further reproductions of Broadway hits such as 'Chicago' (2002) and ‘The Producers’ (2005). Sadly, musicals written directly for the screen, which made it a cinematic genre independence of the theatre, have become almost obsolete. Could ‘HSM’ be the start of something new?

Despite not being released in the cinema 'HSM' has generated a great deal of revenue through the large success of the film which prompted the sale of 'HSM' merchandise as well as various variations of the original DVD film.

In total the Disney channel produced 5 variations of the original DVD film:

1) Sing-Along version.
2)Dance-Along version.
3)Pop-Up - edition.
4)High School Musical: Around The World
5)High School Musical: The Ultimate Edition

Examples of 'HSM' merchandise:
-HSM Barbies
- Girl's High School Musical Uno card game
-HSM Magic 8 ball
- Desert plates, cups, napkins, party invitations
- Stationary
-Bags
- Folders
- Bed covers
- Lunch boxes
- Stickers . . .

“I know there is a real world and a dream world and I shan’t confuse them”

- Judy Garland (The Pirate – 1948)

Monday 10 September 2007

'HSM' Film Review

Source: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117929285.html?categoryId=32&cs=1

Filmed on location in Utah by First Street Films in association with Disney Channel. Executive producers, Bill Borden, Barry Rosenbush; producer, Don Schain; director, Kenny Ortega; writer, Peter Barsocchini;

Troy Bolton - Zac Efron
Gabriella Montez - Vanessa Anne Hudgens
Sharpay Evans - Ashley Tisdale
Chad - Corbin Bleu
Ryan Evans - Lucas Grabeel
Taylor - Monique Coleman
Mrs. Darbus - Alyson Reed
Coach Bolton - Bart Johnson
Principal Matsui - Joey Miyashima

It's doubtful that showtunes will ever be cool among teens and tweens, but Disney Channel certainly makes a convincing case for the return of the musical with an original pic from "Dirty Dancing's" Kenny Ortega. Featuring an immensely appealing cast and some highly clever, toe-tapping tunes, "High School Musical" should strike the right chord with Mouse fans.

Considering that the broadcast nets have pretty much given up on scripted family programming, one has to appreciate the consistency with which Disney delivers the goods to its target demos. "Summerland's" Zac Efron stars as Troy Bolton, East High's basketball star. Over winter vacation, he meets Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) during a karaoke contest, and the two discover harmony in more ways than one. The bookish Gabriella, however, is shy around the confident Troy and runs off before he can learn that she just transferred to -- yes -- East High.

Once back at school, romance takes a back seat to the social pecking order. Troy's dad and coach demands unwavering commitment from his players in the face of an impending championship game. Gabriella, eager to make a fresh start, is happy to shed her math genius rep in favor of blending in. Still, she doesn't quite have the nerve to try out for the school musical alone. When Troy decides to lend a hand and audition for the musical with her, the consequences reverberate throughout the school.

Although the plot's not particularly novel, writer Peter Barsocchini's script maintains the fantasy elements while incorporating topical and relevant themes into the story. Many viewers will surely relate to the notion of parents latching onto their child's every interest and passing fancy as if it's the ticket to college admission.

High school is a time when kids are just beginning to discover their true selves in an environment where individuality is as welcome as leprosy.

To express this notion with fresh dialogue is one thing, but to convey it through song is a marvel. Ortega, a master of the group dance, hits his stride in particular with "Status Quo," a catchy number that takes place in the most vicious social gauntlet of all -- the high school cafeteria.

Inspired by Troy's actions, a fellow basketball player admits he likes to bake and dreams of making the perfect creme brulee, while a skater dude owns up to playing the cello. Horrified by these revelations, their fellow classmates encircle them, warning them, "If you want to be cool, follow one simple rule, just stick with the status quo."

The movie features several other radio-ready tunes, most notably the duets "Start of Something New," by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil, and "When There Was Me & You," by Jamie Houston. As usual with Disney, the net has promised numerous cross-promotions and tie-ins via TV and the Web.

As Zac, Efron is boy-band material with a touch more cool, while Hudgens couldn't be cuter. Kudos should be given to the casting agents who so evenly rounded out the cast with appealing characters, particularly Corbin Bleu as Troy's friend and teammate Chad, and Monique Coleman as academic overachiever Taylor. Ashley Tisdale ("The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") does a nice turn as drama queen Sharpay, who, along with her twin brother Ryan (Lucas Grabeel), recall Donnie and Marie, complete with resplendent '70s headwear.

As always, Disney manages to incorporate diversity without making it an issue, perhaps knowing that in high school, popularity is the only demographic that really matters.

camera, Gordon Lonsdale; editor, Seth Flaum; music, David Lawrence; songs, Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, David Lawrence, Faye Greenberg, Ray Cham, Greg Cham, Andrew Seeley, Randy Petersen, Kevin Quinn, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts, Jamie Houston; choreography, Ortega, Charles Klapow, Bonnie Story; casting, Jason LaPadura, Natalie Hart, Jeff Johnson

My opinion:

I strongly agree with the review from the variety website. The review picks upon some of the main ideas of the film that i thought were important such as the conflicts that rise between asserting one's own individuality or conforming to set and stereotyped social cliques. However, i do not think that the quote 'It's doubtful that showtunes will ever be cool among teens and tweens' is completely accurate as the musicals' songs have proved to be extremely popular and well known amongst the shows audience.

'HSM' video clips from 'Youtube'

Unofficial 'HSM' Trailer

The video above is an unofficial trailer of the movie ‘high school musical’. I chose this clip because it more or less summarises the plot of the movie. However, it does create the impression that the main story line revolves around Zac Efron’s character ‘Troy Bolton’ and his struggle to break away from labels and define his own identity. This is not entirely a true reflection of the film as segregation in the form of cliques; a love story and rivalry are also fairly prominent.

The Hallway Scene

The hallway scene features characters Gabriella, Troy and Sharpay. Troy and Gabriella stand looking at the sign up board for different activities in the school. Gabriella does not yet want to sign up to anything as she wants to 'get to know the school first'. This could possibly be inferred as Gabriella's initial resistance to conform to a particular school 'type'/ 'clique'. Troy's decision not to sign up either shows the pressure and confines of high school to indeed 'stick to the status quo'

Final song - 'we're breaking free'

The final song in 'HSM' is an important one as it draws together the main message(s) that the film aims to portray to its audience. Troy and Gabriella stand on stage ready to sing. Troy stands wearing his 'Wildcats' Tracksuit and Gabriella wearing her lab coat. By doing so the characters display how they have broken away from merely accepting the status quo (with reference to an earlier song, showing continuity and integration) . The characters are able to have different interests and roles at the same time without clashing and still be accepted by their peers for who they are. This is confirmed further through the parallel lyrics of the song 'we're breaking free'. Their new found acceptance by their peers is signified through the standing applause that they receive connoting support and solidarity.