shreak media course work [english]

As the movie starts, the beginning is that of a traditional fairy tale, with a large book opened by a hand in order to reveal the story of the princess who is rescued by a handsome prince. This first impression is found to be in correct only moments later when “Shrek” declares “ like that’s ever gonna happen”, snapping the book closed. This is then followed by some rap music which confirms the end of all thoughts that this is a traditional fairy tale. This deception is used to make a surprising technique and trick the audience. Music also makes up a big proportion of this first scene to show the movie will be unconventional.

When the town’s residents come to try to detain “Shrek”, a low camera angle is used to show how huge he really is in respect to the townspeople. He acts like a normal ogre by threatening that… “I’ll grind your bones for my bread” which literally scares them away. This scene gives a notion that “Shrek” is acting like a normal ogre should do and he’s following his stereotypical character in the story but he has to tell them when to run away.

In the next scene where first “Shrek” meets Donkey he tries to scare him by shouting “what am I ?!” this has no effect on Donkey who does not seem to be scared at all in fact he thinks Shrek is just messing with him. Donkey mocks Shrek and mocks him by telling him "you need some Tic-Tacs"...Donkey continues mocking Shrek but apart from his attempted intimidation, Shrek does nothing to deter Donkey. This is the first time the audience realise that Shrek isn't the "terrifying ogre" that he portrays himself to be. When Shrek and Donkey are talking to one another, the camera angle changes from being low down when Shrek is speaking to Donkey (looking up wards from Donkeys point of view). To high up when Donkey is speaking (Shrek looking down on Donkey). This again emphasizes how big Shrek is compared to the other characters found in the film, which should make him more intimidating.   The way, in which the film was choreographed, shows great significance in the way the cameras were angled, showing how characters compare to other characters and environment around them. Mid-viewpoint angle shots are used to make a relaxed scene between characters, where as shots from a distance show different heights from different places i.e. when Shrek and Donkey are next to each other on the quest the camera is from a distance to show how small they both are compared to the high castle in which Fiona is locked in. Close up and rear view shots allow the audience to see the emotion shown by the characters. High angle shots are effectively used to show vulnerability in Shrek and Donkey when faced by though female dragon guarding the tower in which Fiona is imprisoned.

In the scene where Lord Farquaad is introduced, the back-ground music is menacing and the first thing we see is a guard wearing a black balaclava and gloves. The castle is dark and gloomy instead of it being a place of light and grandeur as traditional of fairytales. The setting gives a first impression of an evil powerful prince but it is soon discovered that Lord Farquaad is exceptionally short. This creates a humorous aspect and his size also makes him none threatening to the main characters of the film. Although he says very little in the film the whole story revolves around him and choosing Princess Fiona to be his Queen and also evicting all the magical creators on to Shreks’ swamp, bringing Shrek and Donkey into the plot. This makes Lord Farquaad a catalyst, meaning the film would not exist without him.

Lighting is used in the film to suggest the mood of the scene. When Fiona and Shrek are together they are often pictured by the sunset, indicating a romantic atmosphere, or on a sunny day appearing to be content. They are never pictured together in rain or miserable conditions. When Shrek is sitting alone, he has his back to the fire and stares at the sky. The camera shot is also from behind as though he is cut off from the audience, creating a mood of isolation and sadness making the audience sympathise with the supposedly monstrous character. The end of the film finishes with a fabulous light indicating a magical fairytale ending. This shows that the film is a controversial fairytale.

The film shrek tends to get ideas from other fairy tales such as beauty & the beast, sleeping beauty and ‘babe’. Shrek as a film is unlike traditional fairy tales because of the reversal of normal character roles. One of the main tools was also using the correct actors i.e. only Eddie Murphy could do Donkey, but could they have just got a normal Scots man to do shrek?

In conclusion the Prince is an evil laughable character who employs the skills of Shrek to full-fill his role. Shrek on the other hand, isn’t like normal ogres and despite his attempts to scare Donkey away he eventually stops pretending to be something he isn’t. The characters are not the only part of the film that makes it successful. The presentational devices used have an equal influence on the audience and affect humour, suspense, action scenes and character interaction. Different camera angles and lighting techniques have a subconscious affect on whether the audience like or dislike the characters and also fully understand the plot and humour aspect of the film. Shrek would not have been successful without the strong plot and along with well used presentational devices.