Our next Unit is Film Stills, to help choose a film still, I have narrowed down to my top 10 favourite films. So, here are my top 10 films. Enjoy!

1.The Impossible (2012 Film)

Genre: Drama/Disaster Film (action)                                                                                  Director: J. A. Boyona                                                                                                            Producers: Álvaro Augustin, Belen Atienza, Enrique López Lavigne                                          Production Company: Apaches Entertainment, Telecinco Cinema                          Distributor: Warner Bros. (Spain), Summit Entertainment (USA/International)      Country: Spain, United States                                                                                                              Budget: $45 million                                                                                                                              Box Office: $108.3 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Impossible_(2012_film)

The true story of a family; Maria (Naomi Watts) , Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons; Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas and Simon. The family get caught in the horrific, 2004, boxing day tsunami while on their Christmas holiday in Thailand. When the wave hits the family are split up, the movie shows the fight for survival and the emotional journey the family take, not knowing if each other are still alive.

I like this film because of how its based on a true story, its incredible to imagine real people went through a tragedy like that. I believe the movie really captures the emotion of the family and what they went through, the film really brings to life the families fear and you can feel this when watching. The movie also stars Ewan McGregor who is one of my favourite actors, who plays his character amazingly.

Picture Link:  https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjw8prrhrbeAhXDDcAKHUWkDIIQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FThe_Impossible_(2012_film)&psig=AOvVaw2nhhXrdH0FInbJ78URK6Jd&ust=1541259937396933

 

2. Pulp Fiction (1994 Film) 

Genre: Drama/Crime (gangster)                                                                                          Director: Quentin Tarantino                                                                                                Producer: Lawrence Bender                                                                                                  Production Company: A Band Apart, Jersey films                                                        Distributor: Miramax Films                                                                                                    Country: United States                                                                                                                          Budget: $8-8.5 million                                                                                                                      Box Office: $213.9 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_Fiction

This movie is a drama/crime film following various storylines that all intertwine with each other, riddled with violence, drugs and crime. The film follows the separate stories of two hit-men (Samual L. Jackson and John Travolta), a boxer (Bruce Willis), a gangster’s wife (Uma Thurman) and two armed robbers (Tim Roth and Amanda Plummer). The two hit-men, Vincent and Jules, work for millionaire gangster; Marsellus Wallace. While Marsellus is out of town he asks Vincent to take out his wife, Mia Wallace,  to keep her company. On their night out, Mia overdoses on Vincent’s  cocaine found in his coat pocket, Vince tries he’s best to keep Mia alive and they both agree to keep in a secret from Mia’s husband. At the same time Wallace is paying soon to retire boxer, Butch Coolidge, to loose his fight. All the stories link together making up this classic movie.

I like this film because of how all the different people and stories link together. I also like how its not exactly in chronological order making it different to other films. In addition, the cinematography in the film is fascinating, I love the settings, mood, atmosphere and fashion throughout the movie as its drawing to the eye.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=pulp+fiction&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwihh7LTirbeAhUlLcAKHQ27B04Q_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=UdrQDXRZECrkpM:

 

3.Divergent (2014 Film)

Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery                                                                                            Director: Neil Burger                                                                                                          Producers: Douglas Wick, Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shahbazian                                                          Production Company: Red Wagon Entertainment, Summit Entertainment              Distributor: Lionsgate                                                                                                            Country: United States                                                                                                                          Budget: $85 million                                                                                                                                Box Office: $289 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergent_(film)

The film involves a futuristic lifestyle, where society is split between 5 ‘fractions’. It is believed that everyone belongs to one of these fractions. However, when young adult, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), comes to pick her fraction she discovers she is a divergent and will never belong to any of the fractions. Divergents’ are seen as a threat therefore, Tris must try her best to hide her status. Tris choses the fraction, Dauntless known as the adventurous kind. Here she meets Four (Theo James) who becomes her trustworthy friend and helps to keep her status a secret.

One of the things that appealed to me about this movie was the storyline. I love the futuristic setting and how different the culture is to ours. Also, the character development of Tris is interesting to watch as she goes from quite, vulnerable young girl to a courageous  women. In addition I like the growing relationship between Tris and Four throughout the film.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=divergent&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjym7H1irbeAhVkK8AKHV16CvAQ_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=LW8Qx_Fd868-WM:

4. Romeo and Juliet (1996 Film)

Genre: Drama/Romance (Tragedy)                                                                                      Director: Baz Luhrmann                                                                                                    Producers: Baz Luhrmann, Gabriella Martinelli                                                                              Production Company: Bazmark Productions                                                                  Distributor: 20th Centaury Fox                                                                                            Country: United States                                                                                                                          Budget: $14.5 million                                                                                                                            Box Office: $147.5 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_%2B_Juliet

This film is based on the world-wide known play by Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet. Starring Leonardo Di-Caprio as Romeo and Claire Danes as Juliet. Set in a modernised world, the young pair fall in love. However, difficulties strike when they realise their families are enemies. The couple get secretly married after just a few days and decide come up with a plan to escape together but it is not as easy as they once thought.

One of my favourite things about this film is the way its filmed and edited, I like how it is has been modernised as Romeo and Juliet is a rather aged play and I feel like this movie has bought it back to life with how its filmed in Mexico City with a lively atmosphere and vibrant colours. My favourite scene is one of the first, with the break out between the Montague and Capulet brothers, the fast pace of the scene, the popping colours of the costumes and the cars really captures the atmosphere.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=romeo+and+juliet+1996&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWuIfdi7beAhXsBcAKHVwdBtIQ_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=ma4f7rI770faPM:

5. The Breakfast Club (1985 Film)

Genre: Comedy/Drama (coming of age)                                                                              Director: John Hughes                                                                                                            Producers: Ned Tanen, John Hughes                                                                                                  Production Company: A&M Films, Channel Productions                                          Distributor: Universal Pictures                                                                                              Country: United States                                                                                                                          Budget: $1 million                                                                                                                                  Box Office: $51.5 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Breakfast_Club

This coming of age movie, is about 5 teenagers; a popular girl (Molly Ringwald), a mischievous lad (Judd Nelson), a nerd (Anthony Michael Hall), an outcast (Ally Sheedy) and a football player (Emilio Estevez). The group find themselves stuck in an all day Saturday detention, throughout the day they each reveal the reason they are in detention, learning a lot about each other.

What I enjoy about this film is how relatable it is, I feel like the audience can relate to it as most people attended school and encountered the type of people portrayed in this film. I also like the development of the characters. At the beginning of the film, the group are quite hesitant and not sure how to act around each other,  their relationships slowly grow throughout the day. They share some good memories and end up becoming a close group.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+breakfast+club+film&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiBgp39i7beAhUFLMAKHXmMDIEQ_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=TpUEGGEZMGoa_M:

6. The Notebook (2004 Film)

Genre: Romance/Drama                                                                                                            Director: Nick Cassavetes                                                                                                      Producers: Lynn Harris, Mark Johnson                                                                            Production Company: Avery Pix                                                                                      Distributor: New Line Cinema                                                                                              Country: United States                                                                                                                  Budget: $29 million                                                                                                                            Box Office: $115.6 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Notebook

A love story of of two young teens from controversial backgrounds; Allie (Rachel McAdams) – a posh girl , rules made by her parents and Noah (Ryan Gosling) – a mil worker. The two became inseparable one summer until Allie is sent off to college and they go their separate ways. Leading on to Allie marrying another man. However, their paths end up crossing over again later on in their life. Their story is told by Noah to Allie, when their older, in a care home.  Noah tries his best to bring back Allie’s memory as she suffers from dementia.

What I enjoy about this film is how it goes back and forth between Noah and Allie in the care home, where Noah is telling the story, and the main storyline. Also, the first time you watch this film you don’t know that the old people are Noah and Allie as its only revealed later on in the film. What I like about this is it comes as a warming surprise. In addition, I love the story of the Noah and Ally falling in love. However, it is frustrating when they go their separate ways as the film captures such a strong connection between the pair.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=the+notebook&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi_lryYjLbeAhUPM8AKHcDUDb8Q_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=RxjQomJ_2e0tKM:

7. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986 Film)

Genre: Comedy/Teen film (coming of age)                                                                              Director: John Hughes                                                                                                        Producers: John Hughes, Tom Jacobson                                                                              Distributor: Paramount Pictures                                                                                          Country: United States                                                                                                              Budget: $5.8 million                                                                                                                          Box Office: $70.1 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferris_Bueller%27s_Day_Off

A young troublesome teenager (Matthew Broderick ) pulls the classic ‘sicky’ to take the day off school, with his parents not about, Ferris sets out to have day he won’t forget. Him and two trustworthy friends steal a Ferrari and find themselves racing round the streets of Chicago, but will ferris’s school principal manage to capture him red handed?

What I like about this film is the humour of it, a totally unrealistic day of skiving school. But somehow makes me think it could be possible as he manages to get away with it. I also love Ferris’s character, a funny, thrill-seeking young teenager which is portrayed extremely well by Matthew Broderick, making it enjoyable and entertaining to watch.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ferris+bueller%27s+day+off&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwivnL6wjLbeAhVLWsAKHeUQBv0Q_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=6Q2-CjTv2H26lM:

8. Trainspotting (1996 Film)

Genre: Crime/Drama                                                                                                                Director: Danny Boyle                                                                                                                Producer: Andrew Macdonald                                                                                          Production Company: Channel Four Films, Figment Films, Noel Gay Motion Picture Company.                                                                                                                              Distributor: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Miramax Films.                                    Country: United Kingdom                                                                                                        Budget: £1.5 million                                                                                                                          Box Office: $72 million (£48 million)

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trainspotting_(film)

Trainspotting is a drama/thriller following the life of a heroin addict Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), living in Edinburgh. He is surrounded by his friends all of whom are also drug addicts and are bad influences on Mark. As well as this, Mark finds himself with an under aged girlfriend. Soon, Mark decides to better himself and moves to London but not long after one of his mates comes to visit and he soon slips back into his old ways.

I like this film because of the actor; Ewan McGregor and wanted to watch more of his work, I had heard of this movie before and always wanted to watch it. Trainspotting is a visual masterpiece including amazing music choices and fascinating, comical characters.  My favourite part about this movie is the opening scene were Mark is being chased with the famous dialogue; Choose Life, as the voiceover. I also really enjoy the hallucinating scenes such as when Mark is in his room with the baby crawling on the ceiling. This scene is filmed very specifically to capture the feeling of being on drugs, which is entertaining to watch.

Picture Link:

9. Love, Rosie (2004 Film)

Genre: Romance/Comedy                                                                                                        Director: Christian Ditter                                                                                                        Producers: Robert Kulzer, Simon Brooks                                                                      Production Company: Canon Creek Films, Constantin Film, Octagon Films              Distributor: Lionsgate (United Kingdom), Constantin Film (Germany)                       Country: United Kingdom, Germany                                                                                      Budget: N/A                                                                                                                                        Box Office: $25.5 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love,_Rosie_(film)

This Rom/Com is about a pair, Alex Stewart (Sam Claflin) and Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) who have been friends since there were kids, they have always been best friends and have grown up together. However, as they get older they fall in love. Unfortunately, neither of them know the other feels the same way. Both too scared they would ruin their friendship the go their separate ways. Alex full fills his dreams by going to University in America while Rosie ends up pregnant after a one night stand. They drift apart but they still keep in touch as theres something that keeps bringing them back together.

I like this film because its quite comical. For instance when Rosie is celebrating her 18th, she ends up having to get her stomach pumped after drinking too much and when she gets knocked up after a one night stand. The film also includes dramatic irony as we, as an audience, know that the pair clearly love each other, unfortunately the characters don’t realise this until the very end – I like this aspect as it keeps me engaged to see if they ever find out.

Picture Link:  https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=love+rosie&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiY-aa7jbbeAhXHLMAKHaqPCMkQ_AUIDygC&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=7nC7bv5R_IFWzM:

10. La La Land (2016 Film)

Genre: Musical/Drama/Romance                                                                                              Director: Damien Chazelle                                                                                                  Producers: Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Gary Gilbert, Marc Platt.                            Production Company: Summit Entertainment, Black Label Media, TIK Films, Impostor Pictures, Gilbert Films, Marc Platt Productions                                                            Distributor: Summit Entertainment Country: United States                                              Budget: $30 million                                                                                                                            Box Office: $446.1 million

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_La_Land_(film)

A musical set in Los Angeles, following the story of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), an aspiring musician and Mia (Emma Stone), a hopeful actress. Drawn together by their passion to succeed, the pair fall in love. However, as they’re so caught up achieving their dreams their relationship starts to fall apart. Seb and Mia go there separate ways. Mia gets her big break , going up in the world of acting and marries a new man. Meanwhile, Seb opens the jazz club he always dreamed of. Their lives cross again when Mia finds herself on a night out, wondering into Seb’s jazz club.

What I like about this movie is the colours, every scene is full of wonderful colours creating lively, fun connotations and sets an uplifting tone to the film. The opening scene, on the highway, is incredibly well put together with the colourful costumes, the cars, the acting, the shots all come together amazingly. Also, I love the storyline and how Sebastian and Mia first meet and their first interactions with each other, as they are quite comical.

Picture Link: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=la+la+land&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjTxuPWjbbeAhUKDcAKHRyyA_IQ_AUIDigB&biw=1180&bih=887#imgrc=CzpI47rdYwGbBM:

Hi, welcome to my blog. Here I am going to be letting you know all about my journey through my Creative Media course at Central Bedfordshire College. Firstly, lets start with a bit about me.

So, my name is Izzy Munday and I am currently 17 Years old. I chose to do this Creative Media course as I have struggled in the past to find a subject I would be remotely interested in. Now, I believe I have found an exiting subject I am motivated to do and look forward to expanding my skills and knowledge across the subject. I’ve always enjoyed photography and creating videos, I have a creative eye, and would like to create more of the imagery and films I enjoy.  I haven’t had much experience with media, but I have been brought up surrounded by media as both my parents have worked as in a media-based industry so I have a good understanding of some aspects. For example, i consider myself computer literate, knowing my way around iMacs and software included. For photography I have used a range of canon cameras, and enjoyed taking pictures of places, people and landscapes.

I do have various work related experiences and know how the working world works. For 6 months I have been working regular shifts at Ascott House Cafe, National Trust Property in Wing, so I consider myself to have good customer service and communication skills. In addition I also volunteered as a Classroom Assistant at St Michaels where I worked mainly with Year 4 pupils doing a range of activities including help with english and maths, listening to pupils read, preparing lessons and creating displays. I also spent a day as team manager at a Year 4 sports festival. These working experiences has given me the opportunity to work in a team environment and communicate on all levels with people of all ages, as well as work independently using my own initiative. Alongside my social skills I have also been able to develop my organisational and specific practical skills and through this I have become more confident and responsible.

In 2016 I achieved My Bronze DofE Award. I have also gained my Sports Leader UK Level 1 Award in Sports Leadership (QCF), that included leading PE lessons and activities. Academically, I have attained 8 GCSEs ranging from A-B in English literature, English language, Maths, Science, Additional Science, Geography, Business Studies and PE.

As well as film and photography I have other interests and enjoyments, such as music, travelling and fashion. In the summer I went to music festivals including Reading Festival and Wireless Festival.

By the end of this year I intend to have learnt many new skills in various aspects of media, such as editing, audio, shooting films etc, I intend to learn as much as possible and really take advantage of the course I’m doing and advance my knowledge and abilities in all aspects of media. By the end of this course my aim is that it will create a pathway for me to progress further in media.