LWL Language & Structure - Group post (dicussed and posted in lesson)

Little White Lies Language

When analysing different examples of reviews from LWL's magazine, you can recognise that they all use a certain type of language which is at a high quality standard. For example using words in which sound very complex. Although, in some cases, the writers can come across in-formal, however, they do not let this take over their whole review, meaning that they use it in the correct way which still has a complex and academic tone when reading the film review.

Here are some english language techniques which are used in Little White Lies magazine film reviews:

-Complex nouns
-Metaphors
-Similes
-Restricted code in languages
-Rhetorical questions
-Puns
-Adjectives
-Adverb

Common Structure of Language in LWL's Film Reviews:

Analysing past film reviews from Little White Lies magazine such as, Jack Reacher, Life of Pi and Zero Dark Thirty, you can begin to recognise the pattern in the way in which the journalists structure the language. 

In LWL's reviews, there are usually 5-7 paragraphs around 500 words. In each paragraph there is a purpose which delivers a message to consumers of the magazine. 

Taking a look at the first paragraph in LWL's film reviews all have something in common. For example: these introductory paragraphs holds context of the film, such as information about the director and their past films or even historical and cultural events that have a significant link to the film that is being reviewed. 

After the introduction, a pattern of summarising the key information about the protagonists and key players in the film. For example, evaluations on their performances and their traits and how they are represented throughout the film. 

After these two important paragraphs which are a common pattern in most LWL's film reviews, it then moves onto the longest section which includes the rest of the paragraphs in the film review. The longest section usually explores the key themes, issues and the plot of the film. However, the writers of these sections of the review have to be extremely careful not to reveal any spoilers! 

Once the key themes, issues and the plot has been brought up, the narrative devices are then discussed along with the adaption of genre conventions used within the narrative. This part of the review is important as it allows readers to understand which genres the film demonstrates as audiences have their preferences and favourites. 

Although the reader is a key part in the film review, the reviewer has to give their own view of their experience of the film, showing their opinion on the film and the director. By the writer giving their own opinions on the film, helps audiences respond back by relating to the points that are made in the LWL's review.

Finally, a summary sentence is used to evaluate the whole film. This is a chance to use words which summarise the film in one sentence, however not giving too much away, or using too many persuasive techniques so therefore it does not put people off from seeing the film or even buying it. 

Review Plan

Little White Lies Film Review Plan

1)   Context and summary of key protagonists

2)   Key themes, issues and the plot

3)   Narrative devices

4)   Use of genre conventions

5)   Reviewers experience and summary final sentence evaluating the whole film

1)   Introduce the two main protagonists and how they are constructed. Talk about how the film makes John and Rebecca’s characters clear to make the end of the film make more sense.

2)   Depression and other issues are more relevant in todays society and raises awareness for mental health. Discuss how the context is well suited to the narrative. Cover the main elements of the plot and how they are constructed.

3)   How the film progresses with certain emotions from happy and normal to intense and depressing. Discuss how devices such as flashbacks add suspense and sympathy towards our two main protagonists. These devices allow you to understand the film better.

4)   How the genre changes from a happy upbeat mood using conventions of the rom-com genre including your archetype characters such as typical girlfriend boyfriend meeting the parents then talk about how the genre transitions into a drama with elements of social-realism and thriller. Comparisons to other dramas such as our previous AS films.

5)   Generally positive summary, especially praising the ending. Flags issues with the slow beginning, however state that this was probably intentional to contrast intense ending.

Ratings:

Anticipation- 4 – A unique hybrid twist

Enjoyment- 3 – A bit slow to begin with

In retrospect- 4 – Overall powerful and thought provoking

Conventions of little white lies layout

White brand circle

Little white lies use a white circle with their name in it. this is a convention that is on all of their magazines and website.

Drawn picture of a main character

Little white lies main eye popping feature of the magazine is the real art on the front of the magazine, these drawings are created by the artist at little white lies.

Layout

• Larger letter at the beginning of the review
• Film title in the same bold font at the top center of the page
• 5-7 paragraphs
• Around 500 words
• 3 ratings at the bottom in italic
• Screenshot from the film
• Text at the top about the directors and other people involved
• Beginning paragraph about the film.

Layout conventions of Little White Lies - Harry McHale

"Little White Lies" reviews always have the exact same layout, as you can see in the image above. They do change over time but only by very small detail. As we are making a review for the particular magazine we want it to look exactly how it would in the real thing.To be able to do this we have to take a detailed look at what the conventions are of a 'Little White Lies' review.

Little White Lies - Our Target Audience

The audience for Little White Lies corresponds very well with our target audience for On The Brink. Targeting 25-35 year olds, LWL has a similar fanbase as the people we too would like to attract, with our short Drama being well suited to this age group through the themes and issues we cover. Characters in the film like Rebecca and Alfie fall into this same age group so should make the film more attractive to the LWL readers.

60% of their audience is male, which is appropriate to On The Brink as we are targeting a predominantly male audience, with the core issue of suicide being most relevant to this demographic. UK group Samaritans found in 2015 that the male suicide rate is the highest since 2001. This statistic not only supports Little White Lies as an appropriate magazine to review our film, but also demonstrates how we are covering very recent and important issues in this film, which should enable us to reach a wider audience.

What is LWL Magazine? - Emily Ferguson

What is Little White Lies Magazine?

This Youtube video demonstrates the making and immense effort that is put into the creation of the LWL magazine. LWL magazine is made in London in a small block of offices in the Church Of London. A group of 25-35 year olds make this magazine. Each edition of a magazine is sold every other month due to the extensive amount of work that goes into producing each issue. 

Little White Lies is an independent film magazine that employs cutting-edge writing, illustration and photography to get under the skin of cinema. LWL who were tired of the mainstream types of magazines then decided to launch their own publication in 2005. They wanted to introduce a new voice to the movie landscape, and offer readers an alternative to the me-too mediocrity that dominated the industry. 

Here are a few issues from Little White Lies:

Each issue, Little White Lies takes a new lm as the blueprint for its aesthetic while at the same time retaining a sophisticated look all of its own. Little White Lies is a magazine

about films. However, it is more than that, it’s a magazine about everything, for everybody. Little White Lies is for people who hear the echoes of films all around them, who carry the lms they love within them and nd them inspirational. It’s a celebration of life, 'truth and movies'.

They now have 34 issues under their belt and they have earned their place in the UK’s movie scene. They are the freshest, most energetic voice in the market, and they are here to stay. 

This screenshot from Little White Lies shows where they distribute their magazine, demonstrating the incredible success they have had, distributing all over the world. 

Little White Lies also have online versions of their issues. Littlewhitelies.co.uk is an unmissable daily resource for lm fans, featuring exclusive reviews, interviews, opinion, new lmmakers and festival reports from around the world. It is designed and maintained by LWL in-house team, it’s the daily connection with their readers that plugs the gap between bi-monthly releases of the magazine itself, which allows them to further build the relationship with their audiences. 

On The Brink - Audience Feedback

Erol: 

Do you think the ending is successful? How does it make you feel?

Yes, it leave the audience in suspense and made me feel very tense.

Do you think John's motives are clear enough?

Yes, definitely. It is clearly represented though out the film. 

Did we use appropriate settings in the film? 

You have chosen great locations, for example, Beachy Head as it is so iconic and sadly meaningful to the kind of message you are putting across. 

Does the music reinforce the mood of the narrative?

The music is very fitting to the narrative and adds an emotional response to the situation.

Any other comments or improvements on our film?

I think the acting is really good and very genuine. I also think many people can relate to it on some levels as mental health is such a common thing.