Scriptwriter's Reflection

Our script writing is progressing fluidly, with a number of ideas for implementing the dystopian elements.  The first Dystopian elements include the character's dissatisfaction of the society, a worshiped concept, and a dehumanized population.  These three facets, which set the stage of the story are introduced first during scene 1.  Voice-overs of the leader, explaining the greatness of computerized learning, as well as the complete absorption and brainwashing of the computer-drones portray the setting.

Our dystopian trailer focuses on a society's to dumb down students
through computerized learning, while books are hidden.  One girl,
strives to read these books and learn what has been kept from the
general population.

            The script transitions to the second scene with the catalysts.  The script specifies a close-up camera angle and voice-over, of Ruth (the protagonist), leaving the computer lab (setting of scene 1), and adventuring out into the unknown woods.  Her transition to scene 2 (taking place in the woods) represents the fear of the unknown, another dystopian element.  The catalyst for change, the most critical part, occurs at this point.  Ruth finds a textbook from the 21st century, and realizes that the current educational practices limit student knowledge.  She rushes home to read the book, and inquire about the past, and how much there is to learn; however, on her way back to school the next day (scene 3) she is halted and interrogated by Computer Police.  The police throw her book into the camera, and the trailer ends.              
             Voice-overs are the primary medium in communicating the thoughts of characters.  The script is specfic about camera speeds and alternating between shots of the computer and students, or close-ups and wide shots of the the police and Ruth.  Furthermore, the storyline is sequential as the movie would be, if made.  The three definite scenes portray the beginning, middle, and exposition to the end.  The throwing of the book will serve as a cliffhanger.  Is the story resolved, with Ruth getting to keep her book, or do the Police demolish the book, ruining a chance for a change?  This is the question the trailer will raise.                

Dystopian Trailer Critique

Blindness. Fernando Meirelles. R. 2008.
When an epidemic of blindness forces the the citizens of a town into an asylum, a group of individuals struggle to escape the chaos of rape, filth, and war, and rebuild their lives as a makeshift family in the empty remains of their city.



       Through the use of dialogue, editing, and style, the trailer emotionally captures how the Doctor's wife ( the protagonist) strives to protect her loved ones in the midst of post-apocalyptic control.  The trailer starts with the decay of a city's society, due to a mass epidemic of blindness.  The chaos of the initial situation is relayed through honks of cars and sirens, blurred background images symbolizing disturbance or hazy vision, and a creepy echo that stands for the announcement of the city's mass chaos.  The establishment of the protagonist is done through her brief dialogues with characters such as officers, internees, and her husband.  In one instance, she says, "I won't forget your face."  This quote establishes her prominence dramatically, as she is the only one who can see faces, and therefore, has the potential and goal to free herself and loved ones.  The protagonist's intense motive to escape the premise of post-apocalyptic chaos is shown through the imbalance of slow to fast-paced music and sequences.  As the trailer speeds to a turbulent blow at the end, the audience can understand Doctor's Wife's struggle and perseverance to escape the horror of a blind asylum.
     
        For my group's trailer, I plan to include camera work such as blurring/going out of focus, and including chaotic sounds to portray the setting.  I will edit clips with intense speed and then slow them down towards the credits, in order to give the audience a lasting effect.