Taken 2008: This film has influenced me on how to come about and produce my film. This film contains many twists and plots. furthermore there is a hook throughout the whole film which gets the audiences attention and gets them engaged right through out the film. This film is also seen to be a thriller at certain stages.
From this review we can tell that the reviewer enjoyed the film and had positive things to say about it. He mentioned the word ‘’SPY’’ this links similarly to my film, as a spy as almost the same thing as a stalker following their target and watching their every move, this technique applies in my film, the only different is, the attacker is not only a stalker he is also a murderer, thinks links to the main actor in this film Liam Neeson. He kills for a reason, almost for a good cause and there was a motive behind it, in my film there is no motive it is just a random killing. ‘’Kidnapping’’ this also is incorporated in my film as the main character tries to get away but is kidnapped by the attackers accomplice, this links back to the title ‘’TAKEN’’
Budget
A Strong Script
Good Acting
High Production Values
Make It Short
Strong Beginning
Avoid Repetition & Punchline Twists
Exciting New Techniques & Style
Other Resources
Related Guides
Help us improve the Filmmaking Guide
RESEARCH LOG
Secondary Research
As we can see the Short film Thriller, had 3,783,387 vies compared to the horror which has 2,654,174 views, also the thriller has 29k likes whereas the horror only has 16k likes. This is a piece of back up that tells us that thriller is more preferred that Horror.
Now i will go on to show you some of the comments and the peoples profiles
These are some of the comments from the smiling man short thriller film.
These are some of the comments. We can tell that the people, '' audience'' enjoyed the short film and were really engaged in what was happening. Most importantly it make one of the viewers if not more, picture it in their own head, but it was more fascinating in their own head.
Box office reviews
Neeson is the vodka of James Bond's martini
Author: danube83 from United States
13 July 2008
13 July 2008
The most thrilling movie I've seen in a long time. Neeson is what we would fear if James Bond went to hell and came back for revenge (I doubt big budget Quantum of Solace will top this). I loved Jason Bourne; but where Bourne is confused for half the movie, Neeson is looking down a barrel of a pistol 3/4 of the time. In a three way spy battle, I would put Neeson edging out Bourne, who would be a step ahead of Bond.
Between the jaw-dropping action sequences was the subject matter of international trafficking, which was pretty miserable to watch. Although killing is wrong, death was never more satisfying to watch.
Between the jaw-dropping action sequences was the subject matter of international trafficking, which was pretty miserable to watch. Although killing is wrong, death was never more satisfying to watch.
710 out of 874 people found the following review useful:
Author: talanish from Travelling the world
26 April 2008
Probably the fastest 93 minutes of my life !
Author: talanish from Travelling the world
26 April 2008
Wow - I had already read reviews of this movie, and with the writer being one of my favourite directors, Luc Besson, I just had to go see this movie as soon as possible...
I was not disappointed... I'm not sure if this was intentional but there were no trailers before the movie, so being thrown strait into the film unexpectedly with people whispering "is this it then ?" only helping build up some initial tension and excitement.
The film starts nicely, but with overtones of spy thrillers like "Day of the Jackal" coming to mind. Neeson seems a bit pityful at the start, but soon overturns that impression with a taste of his handywork after around ten minutes of the thriller.
Then, before you know it, it's over. 93 minutes, gone in a blur of fighting, fear, chasing and excitement at serious pace. The artwork and direction is nicely done, giving you the feeling of being the one attacking and the chair squirming feeling of being the poor gits who get annihilated in almost every way possible.
It was one of those films that I wanted to applause after the film, I actually clapped about three times, but no-one joined in... too afraid of being the only two people clapping I suppose...
Neeson was great, and I can't wait to see the movie many more times. I only gave it 9 out of 10, as it was too short ! The film could have been easily stretched to 2 hours in my opinion, with some more development and intimacy with the characters. But I guess this may have not made it so exciting... still, well worth the money to see this in the big screen.
I was not disappointed... I'm not sure if this was intentional but there were no trailers before the movie, so being thrown strait into the film unexpectedly with people whispering "is this it then ?" only helping build up some initial tension and excitement.
The film starts nicely, but with overtones of spy thrillers like "Day of the Jackal" coming to mind. Neeson seems a bit pityful at the start, but soon overturns that impression with a taste of his handywork after around ten minutes of the thriller.
Then, before you know it, it's over. 93 minutes, gone in a blur of fighting, fear, chasing and excitement at serious pace. The artwork and direction is nicely done, giving you the feeling of being the one attacking and the chair squirming feeling of being the poor gits who get annihilated in almost every way possible.
It was one of those films that I wanted to applause after the film, I actually clapped about three times, but no-one joined in... too afraid of being the only two people clapping I suppose...
Neeson was great, and I can't wait to see the movie many more times. I only gave it 9 out of 10, as it was too short ! The film could have been easily stretched to 2 hours in my opinion, with some more development and intimacy with the characters. But I guess this may have not made it so exciting... still, well worth the money to see this in the big screen.
564 out of 796 people found the following review useful:
Author: Vlad C from Romania
30 May 2008
Surprinsingly good - definitely must see
Author: Vlad C from Romania
30 May 2008
I'm still under the influence of this movie, so my comment is likely to be superlative! I went to this movie, knowing that one of the writers and the director were both French, and since I've seen some not-so-impressive movies (almost fell asleep), i was really skeptical.
BUT this one proved to be a great action movie. The best movie to compare with Taken is Hit-man. The idea is somewhat the same (lots of action, shots, flying bullets etc) - though the motive for the actions are not money. But the level of realism, the motivation of the character, the cold blood which moves him on makes this flick a good option to choose when selecting a movie.
Liam Neeson does a great performance, perfectly interpreting his role of a former spy. As he says in one of his lines, he's "retired, but not dead", having an opportunity to show everyone what he knows to do best.
The movie covers a hot topic too, kidnapping young women to force them to prostitute, and all the business this involves. You get to see the kind of people are supporting these arrangements and what it takes for the victims to be there.
Of course, the movie has (very small, almost invisible) drawbacks, like some lines in a wrong language (english instead of french) and some Rambo - stuff, but the overall impression is simple: a strong recommendation!
BUT this one proved to be a great action movie. The best movie to compare with Taken is Hit-man. The idea is somewhat the same (lots of action, shots, flying bullets etc) - though the motive for the actions are not money. But the level of realism, the motivation of the character, the cold blood which moves him on makes this flick a good option to choose when selecting a movie.
Liam Neeson does a great performance, perfectly interpreting his role of a former spy. As he says in one of his lines, he's "retired, but not dead", having an opportunity to show everyone what he knows to do best.
The movie covers a hot topic too, kidnapping young women to force them to prostitute, and all the business this involves. You get to see the kind of people are supporting these arrangements and what it takes for the victims to be there.
Of course, the movie has (very small, almost invisible) drawbacks, like some lines in a wrong language (english instead of french) and some Rambo - stuff, but the overall impression is simple: a strong recommendation!
452 out of 617 people found the following review useful:
Author: peggeltje99 from Netherlands
13 March 2008
Surprising original exciting action movie
Author: peggeltje99 from Netherlands
13 March 2008
I saw this movie tonight at the sneak preview and I was completely surprised and blown away. I went to see this movie with no expectations. In the beginning it seems that it was going to be an easy to watch movie, but after a short time it turned into a high-speed action movie. I found the story original and so did my friends. At some times I found it hard to watch, because of the drug abuse and violence. To know that these practices still occur also gave me a horrible feeling. I was completely taken away by this movie. At some points it was very very quiet in the cinema, because of the excitement, you wonder what is going to happen next. Some moments in the story I found a bit not convincing, but the rest of the movie makes up to that. Liam Neeson in one of his best performances. It had good action, a good story, some humor. There are also some sensitive / sentimental scenes. There are no plot twists. It is just a story being told. This is one of those movies which stay in your memory for a while and let you think about bad things that happen. The movie that had that same effect on me was Traffic (2000). Personally I think this movie is underrated, but maybe this is because it is new. I would give it 8/10.
353 out of 453 people found the following review useful:
Author: mitrismaster from Australia
13 July 2008
brilliantly executed film
Author: mitrismaster from Australia
13 July 2008
First thing to say is, this is a great and fun movie from beginning to end. If you like the Bourne titles then you will love this movie. The fighting style and the way things get done is similar to Matt Damon's character and it doesn't get old and is interesting and great to watch throughout the whole film.
The movie has a similar plot to other action thrillers, but even though you may know the outcome, it is the journey that counts in this movie. It is the way he does what he does, the way that he fights and overcomes problems that draws you into the movie and makes this movie so great to watch.
Liam Neeson is such a great cast for the main character, he delivers an outstanding performance. I love to see an actor that can portray themself in anyway, a good guy or a bad guy and in this film he fights for his daughter and he will not stop for anything. You love to watch him seek revenge and feel for him the whole time, maybe just because its Liam Neeson, can you help yourself from loving this guy? He is such a great actor and shows himself as a badass with charm.
Great, great , greatness i loved this movie so much and had great fun watching it. If you love the bourne titles you must see this movie. All i can say is its so much fun to watch it, love it and go check it out.
The movie has a similar plot to other action thrillers, but even though you may know the outcome, it is the journey that counts in this movie. It is the way he does what he does, the way that he fights and overcomes problems that draws you into the movie and makes this movie so great to watch.
Liam Neeson is such a great cast for the main character, he delivers an outstanding performance. I love to see an actor that can portray themself in anyway, a good guy or a bad guy and in this film he fights for his daughter and he will not stop for anything. You love to watch him seek revenge and feel for him the whole time, maybe just because its Liam Neeson, can you help yourself from loving this guy? He is such a great actor and shows himself as a badass with charm.
Great, great , greatness i loved this movie so much and had great fun watching it. If you love the bourne titles you must see this movie. All i can say is its so much fun to watch it, love it and go check it out.
331 out of 425 people found the following review useful:
Author: sc_dude from Netherlands
21 April 2008
perfect high speed action
Author: sc_dude from Netherlands
21 April 2008
Just saw the movie in the sneak preview. First of all this movie will get a lot of those people who will whine about everything that is not realistic really (If you are one of those, you'll have a lot to whine about). But if you can just enjoy a movie as its intended to be and you appreciate some action this movie is near perfect. The main character is so pure and non complex. Finally an action movie that doesn't try to give some oddities to the characters to make them more interesting but just straightforward high speed action .
Watching this movie was a great experience and I was surprised that I could enjoy an action movie this much. My tip: sit down, enjoy the ride and don't moan about imperfections.
Watching this movie was a great experience and I was surprised that I could enjoy an action movie this much. My tip: sit down, enjoy the ride and don't moan about imperfections.
222 out of 295 people found the following review useful:
Author: StevinTasker from Author of Freedom's Run
9 January 2009
It doesn't get much better.
Author: StevinTasker from Author of Freedom's Run
9 January 2009
A no nonsense, kick the crap out of everyone who gets in your way action movie. Liam Neeson's character is the angry love child of Bourne,Bond and all the other pretenders put together. If I was asked to cast the movie I guess he wouldn't have been my first choice but having seen it I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have in the role. The fight choreography is bone crunchingly good. This is one kick ass flick and one I will definitely buy on DVD. There's little doubt who the bad guys are and they get a very satisfactory smack in the mouth - when they aren't being shot or electrocuted. This was made by people who like the genre and know how to get an action movie from A to Z. I can't help but giggle at those reviews that mention plot and probability in this kind of movie. What kind of movie did they think they were going to see?
299 out of 451 people found the following review useful:
Author: l_dura_lex_sed_lex_l from France
27 February 2008
A thrilling movie and Neeson at his best !
Author: l_dura_lex_sed_lex_l from France
27 February 2008
Gone to see Liam Neeson, I've just seen a great movie. Much action, some American humour (you Americans don't take it too serious, and that's just as pleasant taht way !), a Liam Neeson at the top of his art and as a background a very hard subject that makes you think about it (procuring). I don't know how the critics are reacting in USA, but in France they are vilifying this movie. So, whatever your American critics are saying, just do as usual : don't listen to them ! And enjoy this ninety-minutes show. Regarding Liam Neeson... Well, I am a huge fan, thus I can't be unbiased. Yet, I found his interpretation very convincing, he is still the same : one of the best actors ever, along with... Hum, I'll stop there, don't want to be controversial. Have a good sitting ! By the way, do excuse me for any mistake I could've made, as I'm French (I imagine you could've guessed it, since we are the lucky ones who are the first to be able to see this film !).
284 out of 463 people found the following review useful:
Author: Jose Guilherme from Brazil
23 October 2008
Step aside Bond and Bourne... Niam is better !
Author: Jose Guilherme from Brazil
23 October 2008
Yes, its only an action movie; Yes, the script has more holes than the victims of the main character! Yes, Neeson's rampage in Paris is very implausible; Yes, its not Oscar material... no great acting.
Still... its a very good movie. I gave it a solid 8. I left the movie feel very satisfied... its that kind of movie that is fun and thrilling and brainless at the same time. Doesn't get tiresome. When its outrageous its funny... when the action gets going you feel right in it all.
When you finish seeing the movie you do wonder why Bond and Bourne aren't as macho or mean. Niam's character Bryan("B" letter too) beats up baddies way better and he looks more scary and real somehow than those other pansy agents.
Still... its a very good movie. I gave it a solid 8. I left the movie feel very satisfied... its that kind of movie that is fun and thrilling and brainless at the same time. Doesn't get tiresome. When its outrageous its funny... when the action gets going you feel right in it all.
When you finish seeing the movie you do wonder why Bond and Bourne aren't as macho or mean. Niam's character Bryan("B" letter too) beats up baddies way better and he looks more scary and real somehow than those other pansy agents.
156 out of 239 people found the following review useful:
Author: wuzzadaly (wuzzadaly@yahoo.co.uk) from Korea
12 April 2008
very good popcorn flick, could've been even better
Author: wuzzadaly (wuzzadaly@yahoo.co.uk) from Korea
12 April 2008
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
I went with very few expectations, despite being a fan of Neeson and Besson. I came out pleasantly surprised. The film is very much in the Bourne trilogy mold - Neeson's character is a been-there-seen-it-all former CIA agent who knows all the tricks and is also a dab hand at dispatching henchmen quickly and effectively.
Another reviewer (while giving the movie 1/10) noted all the clichés in the movie. That is true, pretty much everyone is a composite of previous action movie stock characters. The acting is pretty wooden at times, and Neeson's American accent (as usual) doesn't overly impress.
I say above "could've been even better" and sadly it does seem like this was an opportunity missed to make a movie that would challenge Bourne. Sadly it falls short there. The action is excellent, Neeson is a very believable tough guy, though the audience I watched it with laughed towards the end when his character takes on almost-superhuman powers.
The film offers a very brief glimpse into the world of sex traffickers but you get the sense that Neeson's character doesn't care about any of these women except his daughter. I think in the end that saves the movie - Neeson doesn't try to save the world, he only wants to save one person and will do pretty much anything to achieve that.
Highly recommended, but don't expect any daring social commentary, just sit back and enjoy, while wondering why Liam Neeson has never tried his hand at any role of this sort before.
Another reviewer (while giving the movie 1/10) noted all the clichés in the movie. That is true, pretty much everyone is a composite of previous action movie stock characters. The acting is pretty wooden at times, and Neeson's American accent (as usual) doesn't overly impress.
I say above "could've been even better" and sadly it does seem like this was an opportunity missed to make a movie that would challenge Bourne. Sadly it falls short there. The action is excellent, Neeson is a very believable tough guy, though the audience I watched it with laughed towards the end when his character takes on almost-superhuman powers.
The film offers a very brief glimpse into the world of sex traffickers but you get the sense that Neeson's character doesn't care about any of these women except his daughter. I think in the end that saves the movie - Neeson doesn't try to save the world, he only wants to save one person and will do pretty much anything to achieve that.
Highly recommended, but don't expect any daring social commentary, just sit back and enjoy, while wondering why Liam Neeson has never tried his hand at any role of this sort before.
From this review we can tell that the reviewer enjoyed the film and had positive things to say about it. He mentioned the word ‘’SPY’’ this links similarly to my film, as a spy as almost the same thing as a stalker following their target and watching their every move, this technique applies in my film, the only different is, the attacker is not only a stalker he is also a murderer, thinks links to the main actor in this film Liam Neeson. He kills for a reason, almost for a good cause and there was a motive behind it, in my film there is no motive it is just a random killing. ‘’Kidnapping’’ this also is incorporated in my film as the main character tries to get away but is kidnapped by the attackers accomplice, this links back to the title ‘’TAKEN’’
Budget
The film
Taken, the budget was 45million dollars. But because I am only making a 1 min short
film, my budget will be less than that by 99%. There are 4 of us in my crew,
only 2 people will need money for train, and this will be shot over a week’s
period so for train money we are looking at 15 pounds together for both participants.
Now when it comes to food I will fund that myself, getting pizza for myself and
the crew costing around 10pounds a day. 70 pounds in a week. Because my film is
a thriller I will need to buy props, to make it look effective and original to
the audience. Therefore I will need to buy a mask and black trouser with black
jumper but white shoes. The reason for the white shoes is because even though
the attacker just killed someone randomly he still has some good inside him,
but the audience would have to analyse and find that out for themselves. Lights
will not be provided because in the location it is a car park with plenty
lights to have effect on the camera. The camera will not be costing me anything
as it is being provided by my college for free through booking.
Funding
Funding is
not really an issue, as everything will come from my savings and possibly my
crew. This is because our film does not require a lot of money to create it or
any items that may cost money, its only the basic. But just in case Kick
starter would have been able to fund us, as they fund creative and positive
projects all around the world. Their main aim is to help bring peoples project
to live and let them me noticed and see all around the world. They also help
and provide you with the equipment that u need in order to create what you need
and achieve your goals.
Film Regulation
In-order for
me to be able to publish my film it would have to be seen and verified by the
BBFC. The BBFC watch films and age rate the film. Below it is broken down the
types of age ratings that are available.
·
U- This stands for universal; this means that
it is suitable for anyone to watch from 4 years and above. There are no serious
foul words only minor words eg ‘’hell’’ ‘’dam’’.
·
PG- This stands for Parental Guidance; this
means that a film that is allowed to be watched by everyone, because it is a
calm film with no swear words or offensive scenes. But then again it is up to
the parent to decide if they want to let their child watch the film or not. The
BBFC have done their part by rating the film.
·
12A and 12; to view a 12A film a child would
have to be supported to the cinema by someone older. 12 have scenes that are
just not suitable for any youngster under the age of 12.
·
15-This simply means no one under 15 is
allowed to view the film; they are not suitable for children. The reason why it
is a 15 is because you might experience strong violence, drug taking and many
more.
·
18- No one under 18 is allowed to view an 18
film they are for adults.
For my film
it would have to be a 15, because there are strong scenes, which will or may
scare children if they watched the film.
Short film Festivals
A short film
Festival is one of the best ways to get recognized and to show off what u can
do and it will also portray what skills you have. They give you and your work a
chance to blow and to be shown to the world and released in several countries depending
on which company buys your film. The main aim of the festival is to celebrate
the art of film and to praise the person who produced it. At the event there
will be professional critics who review the film, and say their opinion on what
they think and what they feel about the film. The ones who win get a cash award
as well as enjoying the attention from the media, this will make themselves
feel good because they know that their hard work paid off. If not for the short
film festival there would be nothing to watch in local theaters today. I intend
on making my film and entering it for the Short film competition, so hopefully I
win and give my teacher a 10% CUT of my cash money.
Criteria for writing Good Short Film
In-order for
you to produce a good short film it has to be short. The start must have a
hook, which gets the audience engaged wanting to see more, it makes them
excited. A good script and story board so when it comes to shooting the short
film everything is clear. Also very important the actors must have good high
standard acting skills in-order for the film to flow and make sense. This is
also another key thing, high production values, this means that the quality of
your film is good, and using the most recent gadget. This is not a problem for
shooting my short film as a camera and a camera stand is provided by my college
through booking.
There are no hard-and-fast rules as to what makes a good short film but here are a few tips that might help.
An Exciting & Original IdeaA Strong Script
Good Acting
High Production Values
Make It Short
Strong Beginning
Avoid Repetition & Punchline Twists
Exciting New Techniques & Style
Other Resources
Related Guides
Help us improve the Filmmaking Guide
RESEARCH LOG
|
Research Log
|
Useful or not
|
|
This website was useful as it told
me how many views the film got, and the rating of the film.
|
|
|
This was useful as it showed me
the comments of the viewers, and what they thought about the film. This gives
me an insight as to if they like it or not.
|
|
|
This was useful as the website
told me that kick starter supports and can fund projects, and help people
make their own projects.
|
|
|
This site was very useful as it
helped give an insight on to what a short film must include for it to achieve
its full potential.
|
|
|
This Helped me know the age
ratings that people need to be in order to watch a specific film.
|
|
|
This is useful, as it allows u to explore and see what ideas you can
have.
|
Secondary Research
This is a thriller, with a viewing
amount of 3 million. This indicates to me and the audience that thrillers get
millions of views. We can also say that the reason why people like thriller so much is because it creates suspense and mystery, and people like thinking to imagine whats about to happen.
This view and like amount tells us that
Thriller has many
people who watch it as well asMany people who actually like what they are
watching.
This is a horror, with a viewing of 2million+, this also indicates that there are also a lot of people who watch horror films, but there are more people who prefer to watch thriller, than horror. To back this up i have a screen shot of the likes and viewing of this Short film ''BedFellows''
As we can see the Short film Thriller, had 3,783,387 vies compared to the horror which has 2,654,174 views, also the thriller has 29k likes whereas the horror only has 16k likes. This is a piece of back up that tells us that thriller is more preferred that Horror.Now i will go on to show you some of the comments and the peoples profiles
These are some of the comments from the smiling man short thriller film.
These are some of the comments. We can tell that the people, '' audience'' enjoyed the short film and were really engaged in what was happening. Most importantly it make one of the viewers if not more, picture it in their own head, but it was more fascinating in their own head.
Unit 2.1 research
ReplyDeleteUPDATE YOUR RESEARCH LOG FOR MISSING LINKS NETFLIX ETC AND THE OTHER CONTENT IN YOU PROPOSAL YOU UAVE NOT INCLUDED HERE
Wt Merit
" M1 You have be able to select and review relevant information from a variety of sources such as articles, webpages and videos and some handouts. Your portfolio and log are focused on the purpose of the research and record sources, and some of your annotations summarise the information with some precision and accuracy in how they underpin your film proposal."
To secure merit
YOU MUST INCLUDE ARTICLES, BOOKS ETC TO REAL WORLD ARTICLES NEWS STORIES THAT YIUR FILM RELATES TO SHOW VARIETY IN YOUR SOURCES (not just internet sites)