Whenever I watch a television show or a movie I always
become engaged in the tone that the director or writer uses to portray the
characters. I would always seem more captivated into a show or movie that had
slightly more plausible outcomes and character development. This is where I
came in touch with the most controversial animated show in Japan, Neon Genesis
Evangelion. Where the show did technically have many parts that are not
realistic, there are many aspects in the show where the tone creates such an
impact on the characters and the viewers of this classic.
The show is
basically about a young boy named Shinji Ikari who is forced to pilot these
humanoid robots called Eva units. The whole story is about fighting off
gigantic alien creatures known as angels and the only way to defeat them is to
have fourteen year old kids use the Evas against them. The reason why they can
only use kids is because of the mental strength they have that connects to the
Eva units. The creator of the show Hideaki Anno was in a deep state of depression
at the time he created the series. This is the one key factor that creates the
tone of the story to be more realistic that the story itself. For the first
half of the series the show focuses on the big picture where the humans must annihilate
the angels before they can destroy the Earth.
After the twelfth
episode Anno's depression became more and more scarring and thus the show
became what many see as a psychological and dark reality. Within the last half
of the series the show's overall tone became more about the minds and emotions
of the characters rather than destroying a common enemy. Each main character
had a key trigger that set them in a psychological battle with themselves and
reality making their emotions and actions seem more realistic to those who
watched the show. In the last two episodes of the series the show completely
changes their style and focuses on the psyche of the characters, each having
their own perspective on reality and each having their own unique issues they
are trying to cover up. This tone changed the way many viewed the series as a
whole completely forgetting about the villains and the plot and becoming
attracted to the horrific and descriptive imagery the characters face.
When the series
ended in 1996 many were completely bewildered at the way it had ended so
abruptly. The show ended in the way Anno did not expect because the studio was
behind on payments and their budget ran out before they finished the last two
episodes. This is how the show's last two episodes are how many people became
split on whether it was good or bad that it ended on a more
"realistic" note. Soon after in 1997 Gainax studios finished the television
series the way they wanted to by releasing a full length cinematic release
called "The End of Evangelion". This was the way Anno wanted the series
to end, giving a more "dark and gruesome" tone than what the last two
episodes were. This, no doubt, is what caused so many fans of the show to
become so enraged at the sudden change in tone that many sent “death threats”
to Anno saying that the show was ruined thanks to the movie, but there are also
those who praised Anno for the movie release saying that this has a more “realistic
tone” of people and their actions than the original ending had.
My questions for everyone are, what movies or television
shows are the most impacting to you based on the tone? Why is it that a tone can
split many people’s reactions to the show as a whole, and How do shows that
seems more plausible in real life effect our emotions in regards to the character
and the tone of the overall story?
I think that tone can split peoples reactions because many people have different beliefs and come from different backgrounds. No two people will have the same reaction to a tv show or movie. Some people that watch shows that are more plausible will have a stronger connection with the character in the show and will sometimes compare the characters actions to their own. They might have experienced something similar to what the character is going through and they might think that they understand how the character is feeling.
ReplyDeleteTone of the a story effects me as an audience member by directing my attitude towards events and characters in the story. If there is a comic tone in the story I will enjoy the story more rather than if it was a tragic or depressing tone. The tone also shapes the attitude of the characters in the story. This tone is a factor that allows me to relate to the character or not depending on the tone of the story.
ReplyDeleteI think tone is extremely important in shows. Without tone many people would not be able to relate with the characters. A writer puts their emotions into their works through their tone of the characters. It is how the audience gets an understanding for the writer and many times it brings out emotions in the viewer that they were not able to express before. Watching a show with a certain tone will help the viewer relate whether its a funny show or a dramatic show, tone is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteTone is important when watching T.V. shows. I watch crime investigation shows all the time and the tone is serious. If it was more comical it would not fit the context of what is happening in the show. This tone captivates the audiences attention to pay attention to detail and what the characters are doing in order to solve the crime.
ReplyDeleteA movie that is really impacting based on the tone is Blow (which happens to be my favorite). The way the main character narrates his life and the events he lived are really touching and make me reflect on my own life and choices.
ReplyDeleteTone definitely can turn people on or off of the show or movie. For me, I like to watch shows and movies that are either funny or serious. When they are serious it makes the viewer become more attached to the show and when a show or movie is funny, it keeps the viewer laughing and interested to see what else could come next. However, if someone watches a show that has a different tone than what they are used to watching, they could be immediately turned off because not everyone has the same taste.
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ReplyDeleteTone is very important to tell how one feels. Someone can say something that means something completely different by what they mean and it's all deteremined by tone. If it wasnt for tone everything would be taken literall, because there is tone its easy to tell whats meant to be taken literall and whats not.
ReplyDeletewhen I see happy movies with a happy tone, they put me in a good mood! I feel that shows that are more fitting to an average life play a huge role because the audience can relate to it more. Tone helps set a mood or emotion needed to actually portray the message that is wanted to be sent.
ReplyDeleteTone is a very important part of a movie or television show. For instance if a movie is about something serious, like Freedom Writers, you really wouldn't want the movie to have a comical tone. It would loose its value. People wouldn't wouldn't take the movie seriously. And to me, the situations and struggles in that particular movie shouldn't loose its value. The tone in my personal opinion makes the movie or television show.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the last question: the more realistic a show or movie is, the more people can connect to it. If the characters are portrayed as complete fantasy, the viewer will only view the program, whereas a more realistic character will cause to the viewer to create more of a connection to the characters actions and emotions. But of course, everyone is different, which is why the tone of the program or movie can affect others in many ways.
ReplyDeleteMovies with serious tones like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest tend to impact me more because they feelings that the movie was expressing stay with me longer than comedy movies. Tone of shows can split reactions to the show because all people interpret events differently and the emotions the show is expressing and giving off will be perceived by the audience of the show differently. Shows that seem more realistic allow audience members to put themselves in the other characters places easier and imagine how they would feel in that situation, even if the person is unimaginative, it can still be done pretty easily.
ReplyDeleteMovies that are either scary or movies that have a sarcastic tone have the most impact on me if we’re talking about tone. Tone is aimed to affect viewer’s emotions and how they connect with the author’s work which can make people very opinionated hence causing these splits. Say the tone of a children’s program is too violent in the eyes of some parents, those parents will then speak out and attempt to get the show off of the air and the company who airs the show who most likely doesn’t see the same violence will fight the angry parents causing a split. Shows that seem realistic engage audiences even more than shows that they know are completely fictional. We look up to the fictional characters that seem to be real and aspire to be like them, some shows gain such a following people seem to forget they are works of fiction.
ReplyDeleteI think that tone plays a really big role in movies, TV and books. I watch a lot of crime shows too and I do feel like the serious tone does help the show to have more suspense and seem more legit. I don’t really think funny crime shows really do the task justice. For example, I do watch Psych a lot, and I do really like how funny it is, but I also feel like the funny attitude doesn’t really make me take the show seriously. I feel like everything they say is ridiculous and even though I do love the show, I don’t take what they say or how they reach their forensic conclusions seriously. But I also feel like some shows are made too serious and they aren’t meant to be. For example I used to really like watching The Office, especially when it was really funny. I liked how they didn’t make the office life seem really boring and sort of black and white-ish. They gave it some color and some life and that made the show that much better. But when things started to get serious and more dramatic, I stopped watching it for a while because that particular office was not meant to be serious. However, when it started to get funny again, that was when I started watching it again. This goes to show that the tone of the show or movie can really affect the way you watch it.
ReplyDeleteTone allows a writer to appeal to many audiences. Tone also allows the audience to formulate many different personal interpretations. Shows cane have diverse significance for a large number of individuals. The show may have held a depressing tone for you while it could have help an inspiring war story for someone else.
ReplyDeleteThere's not a day I don't believe I feel as cynical and gruesome as a droog. I'll watch A Clockwork Orange a thousand times over simply because I agree with the tone of the narration. For me, if the tone doesn't send out one of the following, I probably won't like the story regardless of the plot: cynical, subjective, realistic, or charismatic. Generally, if it carries a liberal tone, I'll pay more attention. It's funny, because the tone of many biblical or religiously focused media is very insistance and demanding, both of which tend to push me away. So even if the story is about a young boy who sails across the world, if it starts making it seem like this is the only way to live, I won't respect the story. Tone can really make or break an audience type, so if you're writing a surreal and creative story line, you also need to make sure you follow a tone acceptable for the target audience.
ReplyDeleteFor me Pretty Little Liars impacts me based on the tone; it has a mysterious tone that brings the viewer in and captures your attention. The tone impacts the show as a whole because it can turn a viewer in two separate directions, positive or negative. It shows real life effects because mostly viewers can relate to the tone, and overall message of the program. As well, viewers can empathize with the characters on the show.
ReplyDeleteTone is key to anything regarding a story. Whether it be movies, books, or television shows, the tone is what keeps the audience engaged. One of my favorite t.v shows that I watch is "How I Met Your Mother." Because the genre of the show is comedy, the tone of the show is satirical and sarcastic. Without tone, it wouldn't be considered a comedy and it wouldn't hold the audience's attention. Tone is extremely key to anything you watch.
ReplyDeleteThe movies that have impacted me the most have been the Chronicles of Narnia, I can't get over how amazing they are in every single aspect. I love their themes, their teachings, and the words it uses. Aslan, my favorite character, speaks in such a passive voice that it almost makes me cry. His tone is so touching that I get really involved when I watch one of the Narnia movies.
ReplyDeleteTone can make or break a movie for each person. Some people like serious tone, and some people like a light tone. The tone, whatever kind it is, makes or breaks a movie. It is the one factor that keeps us interested while watching, and it also motivates us to watch it several more times. Movies that have impacted me the best based on tone would have to be inception. There seemed to be a serious yet suspicious tone throughout the whole movie, which kept me interested and wanting to find out more.
ReplyDeleteTone plays a very important role in a story. I like watching funny tv shows like Modern Family. i like watchinf funny shows but that also have a realistc tone to them
ReplyDeleteTone is very important in the portrayal of an authors message. Regardless of the genre of a story, the tone of a story helps the audience piece together each characters message and importance. In just about any t.v. show or movie the audience will conclude who the most important characters are from the beginning based solely on the tone that character takes. Overall the tone that a character takes is one of the main things that we as an audience pick up on and use to connect to that character.
ReplyDeleteTone is not only important in novels, but in movies and T.V. shows as well. The tone sets the mood of the story or show. It helps convey the emotion of how one feels. Tone is what keeps the whole movie under the same atmosphere, for example, you would not put a serious movie with a comical tone. In my opinion, serious tones tend to be more meaningful. The more realistic a show is, the more people are able to relate to it. Crime shows especially have to be serious or else, we wouldn’t believe anything they were investigating and nothing would be of suspense. If your in a happy mood, your not gonna wanna flip the channel to something sad and depressing. It can make or break a show, whether it be serious or comical, its all up to the audience on whether or not they ate interested
ReplyDeleteI think the tone is different for everyone based on their beliefs. I think this is more evident in comedies on TV. A statement that is political can be taken as a joke by one side and a serious statement by the other. Tone seems to be much more prevalent in sitcoms. The even go overboard to make sure the audience knows when the people in the show are happy, serious, or depressed.
ReplyDeleteBreaking Bad really had an impact on me. The tone is very serious but there are moments of comic relief much like real life. Of course in real life you would never find an overqualified high school chemistry teacher cooking meth, but the show makes it seem so believable. I have a lot of personal experience with the show because I had a close friend die of cancer and I understand how it affects people and I thought the show really pushed those emotional buttons in its viewers. Also, my mom is a chemist and my dad is a chemical engineer so watching it with them is like going to class with two professors.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite shows is Dexter, and I believe that tone is a deal breaker on this show. If the tone is wrong when describing or depicting him, the whole show could become a disaster. The tone helps to portray Dexter in such a way that we feel connected to him and even find yourself rooting for him even though he is killing people.
ReplyDeleteWhen a movie or television show is based on real life happenings this changes the tone dramatically. knowing that the things occurring on the program, whether they are happy or sad, will heighten my emotion towards the show because I know that someone, like me, went through this. Without a tone, the message may be unclear or not as effective as the writer wants it to be.
ReplyDeleteOne of the shows that are the most impacting to me based on the tone is Breaking Bad. If there were to ever be a change in serious tone to say, a comedic tone, the show would lose all meaning, and the entire show might as well change its name to Breaking Sad. Shows that seem more plausible in real life affect our emotions because it makes it more relatable to us. If a show displays something thats more than possible in real life, it just makes it more realistic, targeting the audience more personally.
ReplyDeleteI think that tone plays a major role in any movie or show. Different tones make you feel differently. I personally think that we can relate more to the characters and tone of a movie/show when the events and tone are more realistic. I can't think of any shows or movies that stand out to me with their tone. I just know that pretty much every show/movie has a specific tone to get the audience to understand something specific. The author wants a certain reaction or feeling and he/she portrays that in the tone.
ReplyDeleteA good movie always sets the tone right from the beginning. This element allows the director to make his audience feel a certain way. This is an important tool for it can set up dramatic change, appeal to certain people, and convey a strong meaning. Tone is everything; Tone lest the audience know how they should perceive each event taking place. Mad Men is a show that delivers a soothing tone. The protagonist is a laid back, take things as they come kind of guy, and the tone allows for this perception. Without the tone, Don Drapper would just be a normal guy that works at an ad agency
ReplyDeleteOne show that I think uses tone really well is Gray's Anatomy. Not only are the relationships among the doctors realistic, but the medical problems they face and the constant stress they are under is daunting. There is also underlying chemistry, stories, wit and understanding amongst each of the characters which provides for an in depth and interesting experience for viewers.
ReplyDeleteI think that the tone of the characters controls the entire story. Without the characters there would be no story to tell. The tone can shape people to feel and act a certain way because that’s how the author wrote the piece. I think that when we can relate to a character than we can understand how their feeling and it could possibly change our outlook on the show as a whole
ReplyDeleteWhen tones are realistic it is always the best. I personally believe that when the tone is set, the audience automatically judges the movie, before it even has gone five minutes into it. Or even before the movie, with commercials. TV shoes and movies have commercials, so the writer has to make sure the tone is relevant and that the audience will like it because if not, they wont go see it.
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