Kidulthood Deconstruction

I watched the film Kidulthood and have deconstructed it, picking out that mains things that conform to the codes and conventions of urban drama. These are things that we need to consider in both the planning and construction stages of our trailer. The main thing that I was able to get from watching this was that the genre focuses on the hard hitting issues faced in urban life and how this effects youths (seen through things such as the suicide and murder). The location was a key factor in the narrative of the film (set in west London). It is important for an urban drama must feature iconic shots of a city and represent the more rough and run down areas. The film focuses on many modern day issues such as racism, drugs, alcohol teenage pregnancies and gang culture (through ethnically diverse characters, and overtly sexual females). From this I can therefore see that it meets with the negative connotations of the youth brought about by the media. There are a lot of techniques used throughout the film to create a reaction, the most effective ones including:

• Point of view shots to directly involve the audience and provoke an empathic response to the film.
• Over the shoulder shots to enhance the theme of crime and create a sense that the characters are being watched or followed. This almost makes the audience feel intrusive adding a new dynamic to the film.
• High and low angle shots show varying power and authority of the characters.
• Grime style music reflects the gritty feel of the film throughout and urban location.
• Low key and natural lighting conforms to the social realism theme tackled in the film, also runs parallel with the dark message and content.
• Diegetic sound used throughout again meets with social realist genre (speech, busy streets etc.)

Kidulthood Poster

What makes an effective film poster?

• Typography 
• Choice of image
• Positioning of all elements
• Tag Line
• Colour Schemes 
• Clear indication of genre 
• Clear target audience
• Golden rule 

• Main focal point is the gang- long shot immediately introducing the multiple characters that the film follows and representation of youths.
• Characters dressed in very casual clothing showing the informality of the film and representing the stereotypical youth of today.
• Boy seen holding a baseball bat suggests the violent theme within the narrative.
• City skyline in background shows the genre as urban drama and hints that this will play a key part in the narrative.
• Mainly dark colours (black and grey) telling the audience that the film revolves around serious issues and is not light-hearted.
• Magazine quotes and ratings attract target audience. Power of three used in statement "Powerful, moving and unforgettable".
• Opts for a simple white typography contrasting with dark background so it stands out. suggesting the 'no nonsense' genre. Sans serif font gives the modern and urban appeal. The lower case 'i' in the title could be a visual signifier as to how although they act old, the are still immature in some respects.
• Tag line leads into title, suggests there could be a sequel, supports theme of young adolescent youths.
• Website link at bottom encourages audience to find out more.
• The title merges the words 'kid' and 'adulthood' suggesting how the characters are in limbo and forced to act beyond their age.