Social Realist FilmsBy Laura Messider

The Riot Club TrailerGeneric codes and conventions: (Reflects problems in society) Location Oxford University - iconography of upper class,

rich and stereotypically British Violence and alcohol abuse – topics often explored in social

realist films Money – the destruction of money Class – “I am sick to death of poor people” Abuse of the female characters – reflect patriarchal views Political views – the corruption of the upper class Female gaze – Gamman and Marshment

The Riot Club TrailerDenotation and connotations: Lighter – fire and destruction, opulent to represent the

upper class Sword – violence, upper class Location Oxford University connotes upper class,

opulence and wealth The Bull’s Head pub links to alcohol abuse and

violence, stereotypically British named pub Painting of the character – represents his high status

and wealth

The Riot Club TrailerEditing Techniques: Short takes at the end to build tension by showing the

violence also flashing lights police Long take and zoom out to reveal the characters and

pub showing their upper class costume Fade to build tension Inter titles – inform the audience of important

narrative features e.g. location as well as tag line “Filthy. Rich. Spoilt. Rotten.”

Shot-reverse-shot

The Riot Club TrailerSound Techniques: Synchronous music - music changing throughout the trailer

to fit the mood of the trailer – more dramatic towards the end

Dialogue – “I am sick to death of poor people” - “These people are not your friends” - “People like us don’t make mistakes” - “It was the club” Foley Sound – the punch Earp and Katz – all men are violent Binary Opposites – poor vs wealthy

The Riot Club TrailerCamera shots/angles/movements: Wide shot of characters highlighting their costume Deep focus to show main characters Frame within frame low angle of Oxford University –

highlight how big and important the University is Low angle of painting – highlight importance Close-up of alcohol Close-up and zoom in of lighter

The Riot Club TrailerTypography: Affluent writing – links to the upper class Discoloured white – represent the corruption

within the riot club Title is bright pink – juxtaposes the patriarchal

dominance within the film only three main female characters all of which are sexualised

The Riot Club TrailerMise-en-scene: Oxford University – stereotypically British, home

to the upper class, smart and wealthy Destroyed bedroom – represents the destruction

and violence of the club, upper class don’t care The Bull’s Head pub – stereotypical British

country pub, however have decorated the room with champagne glasses and chandeliers to look opulent

Enigma codes – don’t know why this was done or by who

The Riot Club TrailerIdeologies: The upper class are violent and fighting – alternative The upper class are engaging in upper class activities

shooting – dominant The upper class are drinking champagne and alcohol –

dominant Women are being attack by the club (weak, objectified) –

dominant (John Berger – Men act, women appear) binary opposites

Youth are destroying the pub, fighting and rioting – dominant (moral panic)

The Riot Club TrailerIconography: Old fashioned suits including waistcoat (all matching)

– affluent, wealthy and highlights their unity (“It was all me” “no it was the club”)

Sword – violence, upper class Lighter -fire and destruction, opulent to represent the

upper class Painting of the character – represents his high status

and wealth Sports car – wealth Guns – Upper class sport Alcohol (champagne bottles, beer bottles) –

corruption of alcohol

The Riot Club TrailerPolysemia: Alcohol could represent a good time or lead to

destruction (which it does) Sword and guns could represent violence or the

upper class as they use these items for sport