Step one-Propps
Apart from banana, others can be used multiple times. I at least bought 15 bananas because we need to reshoot many shots.
The First Try
We began filming a few iconic shots in the art department as an initial test to determine if the location is suitable. As a radical comedy, we recognize that contemporary audiences arguably have a much lower tolerance for boredom and expect products to deliver action or disruption quickly. Fortunately, we did not require any additional lighting on that day.
This is the scene where Louis walks onto the set, creating the first disequilibrium (according to Todorov, a condensed equilibrium that immediately disrupts to engage the audience from the beginning). We deliberately made his uniform look rough and casual to illustrate his immature personality.
We used a slow zoom to transform a mid shot into a close-up, intensifying the character's emotions and presenting impending drama. The slow motion even further exaggerated the dramatic expression, confidence, and almost hilarious behavior. I found a lower school hat (symbolic code for children, childishness, and innocence) that is clearly too small for Louis; the way he wears it also suggests his rebellious actions. The proairetic code of shaking off the hat portrays his careless attitude, developing his character as a bad boy.
Eating banana
As bananas have a sexual connotation in Chinese society, the tone and lips slowly making contact with the soft and slimy fruit create a comedic effect that leaves room for imagination.
Additional discovery
With the assistance of a fake black wig, we created an unconventional character reminiscent of rock stars from the twentieth century. The classical elements include sunglasses and long hair. Clearly, the parody is straightforward, primarily focusing on developing a larger-than-life persona.
Saul Hudson-lead guitarist Queen-British rock band
of the hard rock band GunsN' Roses
Another important shot is at the entrance, where the banana setup appears with a sign that says 'blazer off, apron on'. This sign establishes the rules within the scene. As Louis breaks this rule in the next scene by wearing a blazer, it becomes an important foreshadowing for the upcoming conflict. I plan to shoot this scene from a 90-degree angle so that the composition allows Louis to showcase all of his actions accurately.
The second attempt
We changed to the upper school learning zone because art mock exams prevented us from accessing the place. We relocated the scene to the outside corridor. The first sequence of walking introduces the protagonist.
It was a sunny day, so the ambient lighting created a calm and quiet atmosphere, setting the stage for a great contrast in the latter part. To achieve slow and steady camera movement, we used a gimbal to film shots at ground level and hip level. The three parts are excluded and reveal unexpected plots.
Transform the shot to focus on the wall, which includes a rack for holding the blazer and still features the taped bananas. The movement appears smooth, but I still prefer the previous version where the banana stands out as the main element in the composition. The 45-degree angle causes everything to appear sunken, and it also obstructs the reflection, blocking the sign. If it were taken in a closed corridor, each element would be clearly presented.
The first shot of Louis walking is out of focus, and the lighting results in his face being on the dark side. Therefore, we added additional LEDs to illuminate Louis' face. The facial details could also be clearer, aligning more closely with the movement of his tone and lips.
The sequence of throwing the banana was fairly smooth, but I would prefer it to be slower and more dramatic. We can effortlessly prolong this scene and emphasize on the details.
We introduced the main character into the 'learning zone' by a point of view shot, using hand held camera to increase the verisimilitude of walking.
A dramatic zoom to highlight the antagonist, this violent camera movement also suggests powerful attitude from his perspective.
After zooming into a close up, we tried a range of facial expressions to present this feigned femininity.
Blurred focus to present the beauty of female characters, but in this context, the beauty is non conventional and reveals spoof rather than sexual appeal.
We applied Stuart Hall's theory-stereotypical representation of female to indicate 'legstrong' has a lower power status.
Van Zooner- females are limited to secondary role and passive participants.
Butler- proairetic code (orchid fingers and flinging hair) present the female gender.
As the original plan stated, there is a build of tension, we use a five shot to establish the scene and elevate the focus by making 'leg strong' the main subject of the scene.
Using 'breaking the fourth wall' to grab the attention of the audience, we positioned a non-important character at the forefront to create absurdism. The audience may assume that he is the main subject, but they would quickly notice that his orange hair is unusual in this context.
And...even more dramatic
A sequence of dramatic expressions to present the climax, and quickly transform to the next stage.
An abstract presentation
Along the main storyline, we have added an additional line for the cast members. This creates a framed story where multiple realities are intertwined. Inspired by the concept of multiverse and the film 'Everything everywhere all at once,' we have decided to film this same storyline in an utterly absurd manner.
Unlike the previous white shirt, this time 'leg strong' wears an egg costume. As the pronunciation of 'Dan' is the same of egg in mandarin.
These shows the internal mood of Louis, the struggle, and sadness.
At this point, we gathered most of the scenes that we need, but we would need to connect them together and see whether they worked united when combined.
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