The scene that I picked is one of the trailers for the movie "Happy Feet." Because what is better then penguins singing Frank Sinatra in Spanish. Nothing, nothing is better than that.
This clip begins with a shot of the peaks of a snow covered mountain. There is music in the background accompanied by rhythmic singing. The camera begins to pan across the mountain tops as names appear on the screen. The names begin in the upper left corner, working their way to the lower right corner, forcing the eye to follow a path across the screen that is in direct opposition of the direction of the camera movement. The names disappear as audible words begun to be sung in the background. It is apparently clear that the singing is an a language that is not English. The camera continues it's scenic pan, while at the same time beginning to focus on one spot. As the camera continues to zoom in on the same spot a object begins to come into focus. As the camera gets closer it is apparent that they object is a singing penguin. The penguin's movements and the singing/music are now synchronized.
We are allowed to watch the singing penguin for a moment before four more penguins appear in the background. These penguins are clapping their wings in rhythm with the music. As they appear the camera begins to move up, giving the viewer a better view of all five penguins who are now moving and singing along with the music. The camera then begins to move in a circle around the lead penguin. It rotates around him while continuing to move higher, allowing the viewer to look down on him. The camera suddenly picks up speed and moves high above the penguin as he sings the word "My" in English. Before the penguin can finish the note the camera suddenly dives into his mouth and the words "Happy Feet" are seen on the screen. The Penguin can still be heard singing outside his body. The camera then comes back out of the penguin's mouth to it's previous position. The penguin finishes singing "My Way" and then looks up at the camera and speaks directly to the audience, "Hello, I know size can be daunting, but don't be afraid, I love you. I love you!" The screen then cuts to a black backdrop with the words "November 2006" in bold white writing.
The aspect that I most like about this clip is the humor. Singing penguins are funny! I also liked how the director used what was happening to help dictate the camera angles and shots. For instance, at the very same moment that the four back-up penguins appear, the lead singer penguin sings the word "amigo," or friend. This is a Spanish word that many English speakers recognize, and I can't help but imagine that this word was intentionally highlighted. I also appreciate that clip appears to be shot in one take. There is no cutting between different penguins in the same shot. It is the camera's fluid movement that helps to dictate the focus.
"Happy Feet" is a good movie. If you haven't seen it, you should.
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2 comments:
Nathan, I really liked your detailed analysis of the use of shots to position us in relationship with the penguin so that we begin to develop an attachment with the penguin, along with the use of music. All of this is an essential step that you find in animal/pet films or ads--endowing them with human traits so that we perceive them as having human-like traits/feelings. I also like the ways in which the music substitutes for voice-over language to convey the story development. It's interesting how penguins have become a popular focus since the March of the Penguin documentary.
Nathan,
Another great clip! I enjoy how in these animal films, the individual characters always have something unique to identify them. In this case, the singer has a little mohawk puff that differentiates him from the crowd. I haven't seen the film, but have heard the feedback, it seems awesome. After your clip, several others were available and I checked out one or two. Both were centered in song-what is it about animals and music that makes it work so well? This movie in particular seems rooted in music. I know we could simply say that "the kids like it", but theres definitely more to it-an emotional response-humor, sadness can be evokes so easily with an appropriate song!
-Chris
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