Introduction to Scripts.

- How did the script introduce the narrative (story), setting, time period, the characters and the genre?

The Les Miserables script introduced the time period by quoting ‘The Year is 1815’. This gives an early message to the readers that the film is old and historic. Furthermore they also represent the time period by the use of the 'tall masted warships'. Thirdly, we read that they have the use of slaves, this sets the time period back in the 1800’s when slaves were used a lot. Another point is that the script mentions that the convict’s prison numbers are 'crudely stitched onto them' this shows that the film isn't modern based as most modern convict numbers are printed on. The Script introduces the narrative by using the words, "great ribs ofWarships under construction and warships being refitted' this shows that the warships were possibly used in a battle shortly before. This also comes under the time category as it sets back to the time where the French navy used old warships to battle.
Throughout the script it seems to focus on one main character, 'Jean Valjean' the convict gives the impression that he is a tough character, 'as the rain and spray and wind scream round him. A great brute of a man, he seems to feel nothing'. This suggests that Jean Valjean is a vigorous, unbreakable man; it may suggests that the man is heartless. Furthermore we get informed Jean Valjean is 'Chained by two sets of manacles' this suggest that he may be a dangerous man.
The script states, "The convicts sing in time with the rhythmic pulls on the rope" this tells the audience straight away that the film genre is a musical.

- How Did it Engage you? 

Firstly, the script engaged me by showing the background of the convict slaves in the 1800's. The way they were treated, pulling the huge warships in by hand in ice cold, stormy weather. But what engaged me the most was the fact Jean Valjean 'didn't feel a thing' throughout the ice cold storms. This leaves me wondering what kind of man Jean is. Also the fact the convicts are treated so harshly by their own people. The script really puts you in their position and implies what conditions slaves used to go through. Finally the words, 'The camera RISES UP to find JAVERT' shows that Javert stands above all those men and shows he is in power. It also implies he is looking down at the convicts. The script is also very powerful in descriptive words which allows me to imagine what/who is taking place. This always helps getting more connected with the story line.

 - How did the script introduce the narrative (story), setting, time period, the characters and the genre?

The scene follows the script more than less the same. The beginning of the scene includes a superimposed date in a large, bold font stating the date 1815. The Date is in a much larger font than the rest so it’s maybe suggesting importance for the film. We can also see that it’s set in the 1800's by the visual use of the old wooden warships. Moving on, we can also see that the film is set in France by the use of the French flag flying around on the fractured warship. The film scene also makes it very clear that they're situated in an old French Naval ship dock for example when the camera climbs up towards Javert there are shivered ships in the background.
There are many types of camera angles used in the opening clip. One that stood out was the wide angle showing all the distraught men with their heads down up to waist in ice cold water. This could suggest that the convict slaves are used for granted. Throughout the different angles and shots Jean Valjean seems to be the one that stands out. While the others are seen as cold and fatigue Jean is still standing working hard. This gives a clear representation of the character as being a tough man and clearly represents the main character. Furthermore the way the camera climbs up towards Javert along with the orchestral music shows us that he has power over the convicts. Other factors like his style in dress also suggests he is higher up than the convicts.

How Does it Engage You?

Firstly the way the convicts align their actions with the music is very engaging towards the audience. Also the enclosing camera angles that fly over the ships with the orchestral music really impacts when the film is set. It gives the impression of what the early days of the French revolution was like. Another intriguing part of the clip was to see Jalvert confront Jalvean and tells him to 'Retrieve the Flag' we see a fight for justice when Jalvean accepts his command and carry's the flag over to him.