Downton Abbey

Downton  Abbey

After the overwhelming success of the first series, from Emmy’s like best mini-series, best supporting actress for dame Maggie smith and creative arts Emmys for the technical team like costume and cinematography. To the sheer popular TV ratings both in Britain and America, Downton Abbey is once again our Sunday night special.   

We were launched into world war one, with a heavy contrast of two worlds. This time it’s developed from just the rich to poor and employers to staff.  This time it’s war. While the rich are sipping their afternoon tea and organizing occasional ‘help our hospitals’ benefits, the men are called to fight for the kings and queens of their country.

However this doesn’t stop Lady Edith Crawley and Lady Sybil Crawley. The destruction of the war gives Edith the motivation to move on from evening trouser wear, to become a fully qualified nurse. In doing so, Downton Abbey is transformed into a fully functional hospital. To the hesitation of the Countess of Grantham. Sybil on the other hand made use of her driving skills to become a land girl. This however if followed with adultery drama. This makes the audience notice there isn’t that much difference between today’s society and the one we watching every Sunday night at 9pm.

The Collateral- Setting the scene

When watching the 2004 film the collateral, there are a lot to account for when creating the opening scene.  The choice of setting was great way to set the scene, not only for the opening but for the whole scene. The first shot we get is set in a busy airport, busy because a quite airport would be suspicious. This suggests Tom Cruise’s, character Vincent wants to as inconspicuous as he can. We also see this through his movement and costume.

There are recurring themes of travel in just the first minute of the film. From the busy airport to the taxi cab with the holiday postcard placed inside it. This can relate back to the theme of being constantly moving and busy.

I have only watched the opening scene of The Collateral; however I can’t wait to see the rest, and it better live up to my expectations. As I am already intrigued in what will happen to the smooth character Vincent and the slightly erratic, Max.