Working Title - British Heritage Films

Working Title - British Heritage Films

• 1.
  Working Title: HeritageCinema L.O: • To consider how and why Working Title developed from its original romantic comedy roots. • To identify the values and messages presented in Working Title’s heritage cinema. • To apply a “close study” to one example of heritage cinema.
• 2.
  Each of youwill be finding and developing your own case study next week (of a film which goes against the typified romantic comedy conventions that we expect from Working Title). In this lesson, we’ll work through one together.
• 3.
  How and whydid Working Title develop as a production company? • Working Title became famed for its focus on romantic comedy offerings, ensemble casts and American stars in the 1990s. • Heritage cinema (such as Elizabeth, Pride and Prejudice, Atonement) developed in early 2000s and celebrated literary heritage and “golden age” of Britain. Why do you think that the genre of Working Title cinema developed? Why do you think heritage was a popular choice? Is this marketable for an international audience?
• 4.
  Atonement case study Scenesfor analysis: • Opening scene – establishing mise-en-scene and country house British etiquette. • Dunkirk scene – attracts wider audience with shared history and exploration of soldier life. • Closing scene – picturesque British scenery.
• 5.
  Analysis – whatare we looking for? As we’re watching the scenes, what are we looking out for? You will need to become experts on your assigned scene, so be vigilant! • Mise-en-scene • Performance • Cinematography • Sound • Editing Opening scene – Mitoshka, Bibi, Georgia, Aleena Dunkirk scene – Lewis, Sean, Caitlin, Ewan Closing sequence – Alice, Michelle, Humera
• 6.
  Selling an imageof Britishness • Atonement was a commercial success, grossing £129 million. • It won critical acclaim for its acting performances, unique score and cinematography. • Offered scenes of London which provided high export value. • Literary adaption increases sales. Why was Atonement a commercial and critical success with UK and international audiences? What was messages and values does it promote?
• 7.
  Homework • Choose yourown film to use a case study. • Your film should go against the model of “romantic comedies” that we are so used to seeing. • Use the Atonement model sheet as a guide for the information you should include. • You could choose: Senna, Green Zone, About a Boy, The Boat That Rocked, Hot Fuzz, etc.