Headhunters – Analysis

“Headhunters” is an action thriller, produced in 2011 and it is based on a novel from 2008 of the same title. However, there are also a number of comedy conventions within it. The film is based on the events, which took place to Roger Brown, Norway's most successful headhunter, who is the protagonist. In the film he supports his lavish lifestyle by stealing paintings from his clients. His partner Ove works at a surveillance company and deactivates security at the victims' homes and Roger's wife, Diana, an art gallery owner, introduces him to Clas Greve, an executive who wants to work for Pathfinder, a GPS technologies company, for which Roger is recruiting and is later found to be Rogers main enemy as well as the antagonist of the movie.

The key themes of the film are insecurity and greed. Insecurity is the main as well as the most important theme as it is what the whole story is about as well as the cause for why all of the events took place. The film follows a circular structure and this is how this theme is presented. In the opening dialogue Roger says "I am Roger Brown, I am 1.68 meters tall" and at the end of the film we are once again presented with Roger, this time saying "I am Roger Brown, I am 1.68 meters tall and you know what? That is more than enough". The idea of the repetition of the height both at the beginning and end of the film connotes that it is very significant and it is what the audience should keep in mind. Moreover, the idea that it is used at the end with the addition of “that’s good enough for me” shows that the main character was able to overcome his problems as he gain confidence within himself.

In the film, we also come across three female characters. These characters are being presented in a sexualised way. This is because when we first meet the characters each of them is presented to us while taking part in a sexual act. This therefore, makes the audience think that this is what women are like in this film and that this is what they should be related to. In addition, women are also shown as unloyal. This is because all of the three female characters were involved in some kind of affair. Moreover, the fact that this representation is given, also means that the audience are much less likely to build a relationship with the characters and so feel empathy towards them.

Overall, I found "Headhunters" as a very good and engaging movie to watch. It is certainly a very successful thriller. This is as it followed the basic idea of how a thriller should look like, however, it also involved its own twists and additions to the genre making it original and interesting to watch. Additionally, throughout the movie, the audiences are also constantly kept on the edge as tension is built and so everyone is anticipating more in order to be able to find out what is going to happen next.

Welcome to the Punch – Analysis

“Welcome to the Punch” is a famous film that was released on 15th March 2013 in the UK and is directed by Eran Creevy. The film's genre is a Crime / Thriller, however, throughout the whole of the movie it becomes very difficult to identify the actual genre as many elements fitting different conventions can be seen. However, the suspicious crime elements are complimented well with the fast paced action scenes, therefore finally combining these two genres together. 

The film's opening is set in at night, and the use of a start with a dark setting shows off the potential for a dark twist in the film. We are straight away implied the location of where the movie is based as can tell it is in the UK as the road symbols show they are driving on the left and the high rise buildings show us that it is probably based in London. This is a very important aspect as it influences how as audiences we portray the events happening in the plot after. The first character we see is a man lying on the floor, supposedly dead. This immediately conveys the crime genre across to the viewer as we suspect a shooting has occurred. The next characters we see are covered figures with helmets, with over their shoulders. We are made to believe these to be the bad characters as they have bags with them and are being chased suggesting that something has been stolen or another crime has been committed. The way they have portrayed and dressed these characters is done intentionally, so the viewers can identify the bad guys immediately without further explanation. Moreover, the next character we see is of a man chasing these men and so the audience is able to make a judgment that this character is the hero and so the main protagonist of the movie. In this short space of time we have managed to identify the genre, characters and setting of the movie. 

The lighting of the movie is also important. The dark colour scheme shows off the potential for a dark twist later on in the story as well as allows us identify the location of where the story is based. The use of a dark setting also connotes that the plot of this movie is very serious and so not something to laugh about. Moreover, it also, implies the target audience of the film as young children would not be associated with dark, serious films. The use of cars, bikes and guns throughout the opening is also important as it shows off straight away that the target audiences for the movie are young men or teenagers. You would not expect to see women watching a film of this type so the props used are key to symbolise this theme.

The fast camera cuts during the car chase scene creates a sense of speed and confusion. This should put viewers on the edge and make the action more exciting throughout. A low action shot is also used at many times when looking up at the criminals. This shows that they are a figure of authority and shows the viewers that they are important during this part of the movie. A close up shot is also used on the main character during the car chase scene in order to allow the viewers to see more of the characters face and his reactions and facial expressions, allowing us to see into his thoughts and feelings.

Throughout the film, the theme of insecurity is very visible. This is due to the idea that the whole movie starts of and is based on the event which is shown at the beginning; the shooting of the main character. This character is then seeking revenge for this event as he is feeling insecure about the idea that he got shot, making himself seem weak and scared. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. This is because it is very different to what we would usually expect to see from a thriller, however, still follows the "unordinary things happening to ordinary people" idea. Moreover, the film also kept me on the edge the whole time as I was not expecting what will happen next and so made me want to continue watching it in order to find out more. 

X Factor final 2015: Angry fans claim Louisa Johnson's journey to victory is a FIX

I found this news story on The Sun News webpage and it describes how angry fans of the X FACTOR claim that the show has been fixed from the very start so Louisa Johnson will win.

Last night, viewers saw the 17-year-old Essex girl sail through to tonight's grand final after a stunning duet with mentor Rita Ora.

But ever since she first appeared on screen this summer, plenty of people have suspected that the odds have been tipped in her favour - and the evidence is hard to ignore.

Her appearance at the Judges' Houses stage of the contest caused controversy when viewers realised that her shoes magically changed from flats to heels as she made her way to perform for Rita and guest judge Meghan Trainor and the X Factor bosses were forced to shoot down rumours that she had been given two chances to sing her way to the live shows, and it was simply a "continuity error".

Eyebrows were also raised when it emerged that she already had a connection to Simon Cowell, after she auditioned for last year's Britain's Got Talent but was apparently sent home and told to audition for X Factor as she'd "be more suited to it".

Furthermore, despite trying to paint herself as an amateur singer, she's won big cash prizes at talent shows, shot a professional music video and was signed to a management agency all before she set foot in her initial X Factor audition.

Earlier this month, viewers claimed they saw Lauren Murray, 25, mouth "it's Louisa" when they were announcing who were safe that week - before anyone's name had been read out.

I found this story very interesting as it is based around a topic that interests me and appeals to the audience of my age as many teenagers now find themselves watching the X Factor. In addition, I also found it interesting as it relates to a topic we have been recently discussing in class, which is that "all media is constructed". Moreover, I find it very interesting how many of the reality shows are now coming out to all be planned and previously constructed showing just how much certain media platforms are lying to us just to be able to make a profit and get their publicity up. 

Leytonstone Tube station 'terror attack': Police appeal for footage

I found this story on the main page of the BBC news website. It is not stated who it was written by however, it talks about the recent incident that took place in Leytonstone Tube station.

The news article explains how:

Police investigating a "terrorist incident" at an east London Tube station have urged witnesses who filmed the stabbing to share their footage with detectives.

A 56-year-old man was seriously wounded at Leytonstone in east London at 19:06 GMT on Saturday.

The knifeman reportedly shouted "this is for Syria".

A man, 29, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a residential address in London is being searched.

The 56-year-old is believed to be in a stable condition in hospital. A second man received minor injuries in the attack and a woman was threatened but unhurt.

Police used a Taser on the suspect, who remains in police custody. The stabbing is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Service's counter terrorism officers.

British Transport Police said in the wake of the attack it had increased its patrols and visibility around stations.

More uniformed and plain clothes officers have also been deployed, supported by armed officers, CCTV cameras and police dogs, it said.

I was attracted to this news story as the stabbing explained took place in London, which is locally to where I live. this therefore, means that the events that took place could have an effect on me and my life as well due to the reason that something like this can happen again and so it ives me a bit of a warning to be more careful when travelling. Moreover, the news story also links in with the events that have been happening around the world recently, and implies the tragic that has been taking place and to what extent people are going with their judgement, arguments and prejudice.