https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16jhLZsNIGKDPn-d8wotbGSSxFaCTFccNs8RcYlomqQU/viewanalytics
From the summary of our target audience questionaire I have learnt that our target audience consists of:
Male, 16-18 year olds, who are white,British, students, who watch thrillers that excite them and create suspense and involve action. They expect to see the following in a title sequence: The title, music, actors names, name of the production, makers of the film names such as directors, animation and clips related to the film. The top colours related to thrillers are: Red, Black, white and blue.
Thursday 28 November 2013
Sunday 24 November 2013
Editing / camera shots
Crosscutting or parallel editing
Although typically a narrative device, inter-cutting can set up juxtaposition between parallel story lines, exaggerating the impact or meaning of each by highlighting a point of difference relating to representation.
Inter-cutting
When inter-cutting is used to draw two story lines together, this can be structured to create tension and therefore heighten the audiences identification with a particular character.
Reverse shot
A reverse shot is one character being shown to talk back to another unseen character.
-Shows the characters emotions and facial expressions
-May show conflict between the two characters, as they are separated.
Cutaway shot
A cutaway shot is when the scene cuts to another different scene. This is usually followed by it then cutting back to the original scene.
Cut in shot
Similar to a cutaway shot, a cut in shot focuses on some part of the scene in detail before cutting.
Eye line match
A eye line match is when the shot cuts to view what character would be seeing.
-P.O.V
Although typically a narrative device, inter-cutting can set up juxtaposition between parallel story lines, exaggerating the impact or meaning of each by highlighting a point of difference relating to representation.
Inter-cutting
When inter-cutting is used to draw two story lines together, this can be structured to create tension and therefore heighten the audiences identification with a particular character.
Reverse shot
A reverse shot is one character being shown to talk back to another unseen character.
-Shows the characters emotions and facial expressions
-May show conflict between the two characters, as they are separated.
Cutaway shot
A cutaway shot is when the scene cuts to another different scene. This is usually followed by it then cutting back to the original scene.
Cut in shot
Similar to a cutaway shot, a cut in shot focuses on some part of the scene in detail before cutting.
Eye line match
A eye line match is when the shot cuts to view what character would be seeing.
-P.O.V
Thursday 21 November 2013
Questionaire
Please fill in the questionaire if you get the chance to. Thank you.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16jhLZsNIGKDPn-d8wotbGSSxFaCTFccNs8RcYlomqQU/viewform
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16jhLZsNIGKDPn-d8wotbGSSxFaCTFccNs8RcYlomqQU/viewform
Sunday 17 November 2013
Analysis of Thrillers (Title Sequences)
Casino Royale (Action-Thriller) :
The first thing seen in the title opening sequence of Casino Royale is the main character (James Bond) suddenly turning and shoots the at the camera. then blood from the top of the camera starts to pour down. This creates tension as the audience feel that they have been shot by this character, which connotes that this film involves action. The gun fire from the pistol shot triggers the music to the title sequence. The music creates tension and excitement as it is includes an orchestra including: trumpets, symbols, an electric guitar and loud, heavy drumming, which builds drama and a thrilling tone. The first text seen in this title sequence is "Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions LTD. presents".This is the production line that made the film and connotes that this is the most important information as it appears first on the screen. .It can also connotes that the audience maybe familiar with this production line from other films and therefore know they are watching a good film.The font is in a san-serif style, with capital letters and a white text colour. This makes the text clear and bold. The blood then merges into the background of the screen and images of hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs appear, suggesting this film is about gambling. During the images is the name of the actor that plays the main character of James bond (Daniel Craig). The music then fades as the title of the film appears on screen. This builds tension and excitement and connotes that this is the most important information of the title sequence. The music suddenly begins again with the electric guitar and images of a silhouette of the main character sitting on a pattern, related to casinos and gambling. The names of the actions then start to appear on screen in white colored text and capital letters. This helps to make the name bold and clear. More images of the silhouette of James bond appear loading his weapon with imagery related to gambling and cards, not bullets. More imagery related to gambling and casinos appear with weapons firing card types not bullets. The music becomes fast and has a higher tempo which creates a exciting and thrilling tone to the sequence. Along with the music is multiple scenes of James Bonds and a bad guys silhouettes fighting and James bond winning which shows he is the antagonist, the hero in this film. This connotes action and violence in this film. More names appear on screen such as the producers, costumes and make-up, casting directors, editors and all people who made this film, names. Images of targets appear on screen which when the bad guy fall on, reveals a roulette wheel, linking to the subject and title of the film. the bad guys are being killed with cars types such as: diamonds, clubs hearts and spades. Which connotes killing and action takes place during the time in casinos. Patterns and cards form the background for the title sequences all relating to the subject of casinos. The card, seven of hearts is the main focus of the screen and bullet holes have shot the card to form the famous letters of '007'. The card is the seven of hearts, which connotes love in this film as well as action. The silhouette of James Bond appears and starts walking toward the camera. The face of the silhouette slowly fades away revealing the face of Daniel Craig who plays James Bond in this film. This build tension as it is the first time we see the face of the main character. Along with this image is the name of the director. The single piece of text connotes that the name is important and makes the text bold and clear. Suddenly the face becomes black and in-sync with the music. This connotes the character has an hidden identity as a spy.
Taken (Action-Thriller) :
The first thing we see in the title opening sequence of Taken is a party hat saying happy birthday. The scene is shot using a hand held camera. This connotes that this is a family or home video. As the scene cuts to a young girl with her mother opening presents, music starts to play. The music is from a piano and is calm and peaceful. The first piece of text we see is the production who made the film. The font is in a san-serif style, with capital letters and a white text colour. This makes the text clear and bold. We then hear laughter as the young girl opens her present to reveal a horse and smiles in joy. More text of information appears on screen. The music becomes more tense and thrilling as the next scene reveals the young girls cake being handed to her on the table. The camera zooms on the top of the cake and the number 5 placed on top. The camera is fluttery and creates a thrilling tone along with the quite music in the background. We see the small, young girl blow out the candle of her cake which then reveals the next scene of the main character sitting, asleep at home in darkness. This connotes that this character was watching the home film on his television. The character wakes up and text appears on the screen. The text is a name, which suggests that its is the actor that plays the main character in this film (Liam Neeson). By this scene the music has stopped and we only hear diegetic sound. The next scene shows the audience the character sitting at home, turning on the light and holding a picture. We see that the setting in which the character is placed is basic. We see Chinese takeaway boxes left on the table which connotes that this character is unhealthy and maybe poor. We see more text appear with the names of the writers of the film. During this scene is the character picking up and holding a piece of paper with the word 'karaoke' printed on. He gets up and takes the piece of paper. As the character passes the camera reveals the picture frame which the character was holding. The picture is of a girl on a horse. This connotes it is the young girl grown up and connotes that she is his daughter. This gives the audience a sense of realisation in the film as they figure this out. During the shot of the picture frame is the title of the film in bold text. This is the end of the title sequence as the scene changes to an outside setting, and continues with the story.
Group members work:
Psycho - 1960 - mystery/horror/thriller:
The first thing we see is the company the film is representing which in this case is "Paramount Release" which can interest the audience as it was not seen to present a thriller. In the background we can hear upbeat music which creates tension for the audience. Hitchcock is the first name to appear on the screen which suggests he is the most important. The name of the film then moves across the screen which creates tension
Seven - 1995 - crime/psychological/mystery/thriller:
"New line cinema" is the first thing we see as it is the company the film is representing which is typically how all films open with. We then see someone opening a book which is unusual in a thriller as a lot of fantasy or childrens films have the opening of a book. However, the book used is unlike a fairy tail book as it is empty as in has no words or pictures. This could give the effect of making it look suspicious to the audience and therefore reinforcing the fact they are about to watch a thriller. The music playing in the background is very tense and eerie. On top of the music we can hear digetic sound of the pages of the book being turned which suggests it is significant to the story. The music contrasts the book as it is intense yet the book seems quite boring as there is nothing in it yet at the same time quite the book and the musics contrast could be quite intriguing. The typography used for the names of actors and crew is filmic and looks like un-neat handwriting which gives it a creepy feel. We then see a drawing of a pair of deformed hands which again could make the audience suspicious of why they have been drawn, and who ever drew the hands are clearly artistic and detailed. A shadow then moves across the scene and we hear a door creaking as the light moves over the drawing it brings the focus onto it. Jump shot is used as we see different images of unusual tools which suggests the character is planning to make something. 'Brad Pitt' name is parted and flashes to bring focus and attention on the actors name for audience recognition and interest. There is then a split second scene where we can see writing on a wall which says "D-35" which might give the audience clues if it is relevant later on in the film. The last thing we see is someone scraping their skin off their fingers which makes the audience uncomfortable and wonder why someone would want to do that and what must of happened to make them do it.
Limitless - 2011 - mystery/sci-fi/thriller:
The music played throughout the opening is quite upbeat and new which reinforces the fact it is a modern type of thriller. We see images of planets and stars when showing which company is representing the film which in this case is "Relativity Media", this denotes the film is going to be a science fiction thriller. There is then a close up shot of a crystal ball which gives the idea of looking into the future - again a sic-fi feel. the first name to come up is Bradley Cooper, this is shown in the bottom right corner where actors names are typically shown in openings of films. the typography used is white, bold, capitals which stand out from the background and makes the audience focus on the name. Unlike most of the thrillers I have previously looked at, the main colour used is blue which gives a mysterious feel to it. It also suggests the film is not going to be dark or scary. We then see the crystal ball moves across the screen at the same time revealing an actresses name. This could connote mystery and hidden meanings within the film. Jump shots between names of crew and actors creates tension and excitement. Producers and crew names are only shown for a few moments which is less than actors as to show importance for the audience. The name Neil Burger is shown at the beginning and the end of everyone elses names to show how important he was i the production of the film. The music fades out and the screen goes black to confuse the audience as this would normally happen at the end of a film. We then hear bangs in the background which reinforces the mystery and tension. The screen then lights up and and we see a metal door shaking. This intrigues the audience as they now want to know who of what is behind it which makes it thrilling.
Analysis of Donnie Darko
The establishing shot is a dark scene of mountains and trees which fade in to the shot. This could connote to how it is a thriller as the scenery is very mysterious as its situated in the middle of nowhere causing the audience to feel curious and intrigued as to where the scene is. The camera then pans round to a shot of a boy lying in the middle of the road in the distance. The pan shot is used to show how vast the area is and how it is in the middle of nowhere. The long shot is used to emphasize how the boy is lonely. The fact the boy is still and laying there could imply he is hurt or maybe dead. This carries on the idea of curiosity and how this links into the films being a thriller. The camera then starts to get closer and closer to the boy with him constantly remaining in the centre of the screen; this could suggest how he is the main protagonist. We then see the bike in the shot and him struggling to get up which could connote how he has fallen off his bike or had some sort of accident. The camera then pans round the protagonist with a mid shot and him the centre of the screen, capturing the scenery in the background as well. As when it pans round him we see the scenery in the background showing how desolate the area is and how lonely he is. This pan of the protagonist then comes round to his face which reveals the main character that we were so intrigued to see. It then cuts to a POV shot of the scenery again panning around yet again top show how he is the centre of attention and how deserted he is to the rest of the world. yet again to emphasize how in the middle of nowhere he is and as if he the only one there. He then turns around to the camera to face the camera and blocking the scenery which could connote how is of an important role to the film. He then grins and starts smiling at the character and then walks out of the shot for the title of the film to then fade in. The fact that he grins and smiles at the camera could suggest a sinister tone to the film and create more curiosity to film as to what it is about or what is going on in this scene. The typography of the title that comes into the shot has a strong fantasy and magical theme to it with white against the scenery in the background to create a contrast in the light and dark. This typography gives the movie a mysterious and magical tone to it. With the unusual use of serif font in the thriller which goes against my research of typography in thrillers. The lighting of the film suggests the start of it as it is very mellow as if it is dawn and the day is just beginning. The fact the boy is also wearing pyjama like clothes it makes him come across as lazy or a typical adolescent that doesn't care. The bike reinforces this as a bike is something children use whereas men have cars stereo typically. His messy hair and casual appearance reinforces this to the audience. However the scenery juxtaposes this appearance as it is beautiful and something you would have to go out your way to get to or find. Making it a binary opposite. At the beginning of the film violins play quietly in the background which creates a uncertain start to the film with the edgy sound which began when the character came into view which reinforces the fact that he is the main character and is important as he signaled it. When the character starts getting up a piano softly begin to play which could imply a negative or depressing tone to the film.
What I have learnt from my group members research?
From my group members work I have learnt that the film: Donnie Darko uses pan shots to create a curious and mysterious feel,using the pan shot you can see where the action takes place. For instance in this film the shot is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees and mountains creating that eerie feel for the audience. Within this film opening the producers have used typography to create a mysterious magical tone to it and uses lighting to represent the time of day it its. From my group members work I have learnt that the films that have been analysed include the production line name in the opening title sequence. The film limitless includes related scenes to the genre of the film and includes a bold title to make the title clear and bold and shows that it is the most important piece of information. In the opening of Psycho the most important name appears first and music has been used to create a thrilling and tense tone.
The first thing seen in the title opening sequence of Casino Royale is the main character (James Bond) suddenly turning and shoots the at the camera. then blood from the top of the camera starts to pour down. This creates tension as the audience feel that they have been shot by this character, which connotes that this film involves action. The gun fire from the pistol shot triggers the music to the title sequence. The music creates tension and excitement as it is includes an orchestra including: trumpets, symbols, an electric guitar and loud, heavy drumming, which builds drama and a thrilling tone. The first text seen in this title sequence is "Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions LTD. presents".This is the production line that made the film and connotes that this is the most important information as it appears first on the screen. .It can also connotes that the audience maybe familiar with this production line from other films and therefore know they are watching a good film.The font is in a san-serif style, with capital letters and a white text colour. This makes the text clear and bold. The blood then merges into the background of the screen and images of hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs appear, suggesting this film is about gambling. During the images is the name of the actor that plays the main character of James bond (Daniel Craig). The music then fades as the title of the film appears on screen. This builds tension and excitement and connotes that this is the most important information of the title sequence. The music suddenly begins again with the electric guitar and images of a silhouette of the main character sitting on a pattern, related to casinos and gambling. The names of the actions then start to appear on screen in white colored text and capital letters. This helps to make the name bold and clear. More images of the silhouette of James bond appear loading his weapon with imagery related to gambling and cards, not bullets. More imagery related to gambling and casinos appear with weapons firing card types not bullets. The music becomes fast and has a higher tempo which creates a exciting and thrilling tone to the sequence. Along with the music is multiple scenes of James Bonds and a bad guys silhouettes fighting and James bond winning which shows he is the antagonist, the hero in this film. This connotes action and violence in this film. More names appear on screen such as the producers, costumes and make-up, casting directors, editors and all people who made this film, names. Images of targets appear on screen which when the bad guy fall on, reveals a roulette wheel, linking to the subject and title of the film. the bad guys are being killed with cars types such as: diamonds, clubs hearts and spades. Which connotes killing and action takes place during the time in casinos. Patterns and cards form the background for the title sequences all relating to the subject of casinos. The card, seven of hearts is the main focus of the screen and bullet holes have shot the card to form the famous letters of '007'. The card is the seven of hearts, which connotes love in this film as well as action. The silhouette of James Bond appears and starts walking toward the camera. The face of the silhouette slowly fades away revealing the face of Daniel Craig who plays James Bond in this film. This build tension as it is the first time we see the face of the main character. Along with this image is the name of the director. The single piece of text connotes that the name is important and makes the text bold and clear. Suddenly the face becomes black and in-sync with the music. This connotes the character has an hidden identity as a spy.
Taken (Action-Thriller) :
The first thing we see in the title opening sequence of Taken is a party hat saying happy birthday. The scene is shot using a hand held camera. This connotes that this is a family or home video. As the scene cuts to a young girl with her mother opening presents, music starts to play. The music is from a piano and is calm and peaceful. The first piece of text we see is the production who made the film. The font is in a san-serif style, with capital letters and a white text colour. This makes the text clear and bold. We then hear laughter as the young girl opens her present to reveal a horse and smiles in joy. More text of information appears on screen. The music becomes more tense and thrilling as the next scene reveals the young girls cake being handed to her on the table. The camera zooms on the top of the cake and the number 5 placed on top. The camera is fluttery and creates a thrilling tone along with the quite music in the background. We see the small, young girl blow out the candle of her cake which then reveals the next scene of the main character sitting, asleep at home in darkness. This connotes that this character was watching the home film on his television. The character wakes up and text appears on the screen. The text is a name, which suggests that its is the actor that plays the main character in this film (Liam Neeson). By this scene the music has stopped and we only hear diegetic sound. The next scene shows the audience the character sitting at home, turning on the light and holding a picture. We see that the setting in which the character is placed is basic. We see Chinese takeaway boxes left on the table which connotes that this character is unhealthy and maybe poor. We see more text appear with the names of the writers of the film. During this scene is the character picking up and holding a piece of paper with the word 'karaoke' printed on. He gets up and takes the piece of paper. As the character passes the camera reveals the picture frame which the character was holding. The picture is of a girl on a horse. This connotes it is the young girl grown up and connotes that she is his daughter. This gives the audience a sense of realisation in the film as they figure this out. During the shot of the picture frame is the title of the film in bold text. This is the end of the title sequence as the scene changes to an outside setting, and continues with the story.
Group members work:
Psycho - 1960 - mystery/horror/thriller:
The first thing we see is the company the film is representing which in this case is "Paramount Release" which can interest the audience as it was not seen to present a thriller. In the background we can hear upbeat music which creates tension for the audience. Hitchcock is the first name to appear on the screen which suggests he is the most important. The name of the film then moves across the screen which creates tension
Seven - 1995 - crime/psychological/mystery/thriller:
"New line cinema" is the first thing we see as it is the company the film is representing which is typically how all films open with. We then see someone opening a book which is unusual in a thriller as a lot of fantasy or childrens films have the opening of a book. However, the book used is unlike a fairy tail book as it is empty as in has no words or pictures. This could give the effect of making it look suspicious to the audience and therefore reinforcing the fact they are about to watch a thriller. The music playing in the background is very tense and eerie. On top of the music we can hear digetic sound of the pages of the book being turned which suggests it is significant to the story. The music contrasts the book as it is intense yet the book seems quite boring as there is nothing in it yet at the same time quite the book and the musics contrast could be quite intriguing. The typography used for the names of actors and crew is filmic and looks like un-neat handwriting which gives it a creepy feel. We then see a drawing of a pair of deformed hands which again could make the audience suspicious of why they have been drawn, and who ever drew the hands are clearly artistic and detailed. A shadow then moves across the scene and we hear a door creaking as the light moves over the drawing it brings the focus onto it. Jump shot is used as we see different images of unusual tools which suggests the character is planning to make something. 'Brad Pitt' name is parted and flashes to bring focus and attention on the actors name for audience recognition and interest. There is then a split second scene where we can see writing on a wall which says "D-35" which might give the audience clues if it is relevant later on in the film. The last thing we see is someone scraping their skin off their fingers which makes the audience uncomfortable and wonder why someone would want to do that and what must of happened to make them do it.
Limitless - 2011 - mystery/sci-fi/thriller:
The music played throughout the opening is quite upbeat and new which reinforces the fact it is a modern type of thriller. We see images of planets and stars when showing which company is representing the film which in this case is "Relativity Media", this denotes the film is going to be a science fiction thriller. There is then a close up shot of a crystal ball which gives the idea of looking into the future - again a sic-fi feel. the first name to come up is Bradley Cooper, this is shown in the bottom right corner where actors names are typically shown in openings of films. the typography used is white, bold, capitals which stand out from the background and makes the audience focus on the name. Unlike most of the thrillers I have previously looked at, the main colour used is blue which gives a mysterious feel to it. It also suggests the film is not going to be dark or scary. We then see the crystal ball moves across the screen at the same time revealing an actresses name. This could connote mystery and hidden meanings within the film. Jump shots between names of crew and actors creates tension and excitement. Producers and crew names are only shown for a few moments which is less than actors as to show importance for the audience. The name Neil Burger is shown at the beginning and the end of everyone elses names to show how important he was i the production of the film. The music fades out and the screen goes black to confuse the audience as this would normally happen at the end of a film. We then hear bangs in the background which reinforces the mystery and tension. The screen then lights up and and we see a metal door shaking. This intrigues the audience as they now want to know who of what is behind it which makes it thrilling.
Analysis of Donnie Darko
The establishing shot is a dark scene of mountains and trees which fade in to the shot. This could connote to how it is a thriller as the scenery is very mysterious as its situated in the middle of nowhere causing the audience to feel curious and intrigued as to where the scene is. The camera then pans round to a shot of a boy lying in the middle of the road in the distance. The pan shot is used to show how vast the area is and how it is in the middle of nowhere. The long shot is used to emphasize how the boy is lonely. The fact the boy is still and laying there could imply he is hurt or maybe dead. This carries on the idea of curiosity and how this links into the films being a thriller. The camera then starts to get closer and closer to the boy with him constantly remaining in the centre of the screen; this could suggest how he is the main protagonist. We then see the bike in the shot and him struggling to get up which could connote how he has fallen off his bike or had some sort of accident. The camera then pans round the protagonist with a mid shot and him the centre of the screen, capturing the scenery in the background as well. As when it pans round him we see the scenery in the background showing how desolate the area is and how lonely he is. This pan of the protagonist then comes round to his face which reveals the main character that we were so intrigued to see. It then cuts to a POV shot of the scenery again panning around yet again top show how he is the centre of attention and how deserted he is to the rest of the world. yet again to emphasize how in the middle of nowhere he is and as if he the only one there. He then turns around to the camera to face the camera and blocking the scenery which could connote how is of an important role to the film. He then grins and starts smiling at the character and then walks out of the shot for the title of the film to then fade in. The fact that he grins and smiles at the camera could suggest a sinister tone to the film and create more curiosity to film as to what it is about or what is going on in this scene. The typography of the title that comes into the shot has a strong fantasy and magical theme to it with white against the scenery in the background to create a contrast in the light and dark. This typography gives the movie a mysterious and magical tone to it. With the unusual use of serif font in the thriller which goes against my research of typography in thrillers. The lighting of the film suggests the start of it as it is very mellow as if it is dawn and the day is just beginning. The fact the boy is also wearing pyjama like clothes it makes him come across as lazy or a typical adolescent that doesn't care. The bike reinforces this as a bike is something children use whereas men have cars stereo typically. His messy hair and casual appearance reinforces this to the audience. However the scenery juxtaposes this appearance as it is beautiful and something you would have to go out your way to get to or find. Making it a binary opposite. At the beginning of the film violins play quietly in the background which creates a uncertain start to the film with the edgy sound which began when the character came into view which reinforces the fact that he is the main character and is important as he signaled it. When the character starts getting up a piano softly begin to play which could imply a negative or depressing tone to the film.
What I have learnt from my group members research?
From my group members work I have learnt that the film: Donnie Darko uses pan shots to create a curious and mysterious feel,using the pan shot you can see where the action takes place. For instance in this film the shot is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees and mountains creating that eerie feel for the audience. Within this film opening the producers have used typography to create a mysterious magical tone to it and uses lighting to represent the time of day it its. From my group members work I have learnt that the films that have been analysed include the production line name in the opening title sequence. The film limitless includes related scenes to the genre of the film and includes a bold title to make the title clear and bold and shows that it is the most important piece of information. In the opening of Psycho the most important name appears first and music has been used to create a thrilling and tense tone.
Monday 11 November 2013
Codes and conventions of a Thriller.
Codes and conventions used in a thriller: (Group members work)
Mirrors:
Mirrors are used in a thriller through the use of reflection of someone’s soul and inner self.
They could also represent darkness within a character
They could also represent darkness within a character
Shadows:
Shadows, like mirrors could also represent a characters inner darkness being exposed
Obstructive editing:
Quick shots and obstructive editing are often used in a thriller to increase the state of suspense and tension
Used in “thrilling” scenes sometimes creating disorientation of time and space by using montage editing
Flash backs:
Contribute to the idea of disorientation as this confuses the audience
Also gives the audience an insight of the characters past
For example, Momento by Christopher Nolan
Black and white:
Accentuates the use of shadows and can often appear quite eerie and dark.
For example, Psycho
What I have learnt from my group members work:
From my group members work I have learnt that thriller films include various types of codes and conventions. I have learnt that films use different codes and conventions to crate effects and to build tension. This information will help our group decide what to include when making our opening title sequence.
What I have learnt from my group members work:
From my group members work I have learnt that thriller films include various types of codes and conventions. I have learnt that films use different codes and conventions to crate effects and to build tension. This information will help our group decide what to include when making our opening title sequence.
Research on the Thriller genre.
What is the Thriller Genre?
The thriller genre is the type of films that use intense excitement, suspense, high level of anticipation, anxiety and tension. Thriller and suspense films are literally the same types of films with the same features and categorizations as each other.
The aim of a thriller film is to leave the audience constantly on the edge of their seat in suspense and anxiety with cliff hanging experiences as the plot builds up to a climax. Tension usually arises when the main character is dealing with a mysterious situation from which either he could be in trouble or escaping on some dangerous mission that seems impossible or shocking. When their life itself is threatened and they are in the unknown or not expecting something when in or potentially involved a dangerous situation or atmosphere. Thrillers usually involve characters that come into conflict with each other or with outside force.
Thrillers are often sub-genres of the genre ‘thriller’ as there are so many varieties that also fit into other genres. For example:
- action-thrillers (Kill Bill - 2003)
- sci-fi-thrillers (Donnie Darko - 2001)
- psycho-thrillers (se7en - 1995)
- romantic-thrillers (Live Flesh - 1997)
- political-thrillers (Malcolm X - 1992)
- psychological-thrillers (Requiem for a Dream - 2000)
Horrors are commonly closely related to thrillers. As the horror genre are designed in the same type of way - to provide the audience with intense suspension or tension, however horrors take their audiences through agony and fear. Suspense-thrillers come in many different ways: there are murder mysteries, chase thrillers, women-in-danger films, courtroom and atmospheric, plot-twisting psychodramas. Thrillers tend to stay away from crime, gangster and detective related plots and rather focus more on the suspense and thrill of the film.
Thrillers include such characters as convicts, criminals, stalkers, assassin, innocent victims, characters with dark pasts, psychotic individuals, terrorists, cops and more. The themes of thrillers frequently include conflict, terrorism, conspiracy, pursuit, or romantic triangles leading to murder or danger.
The reason there are so many different sub-genres of thriller is because within one thriller there may be other aspects of say a romance, horror, sci-fi or any others. This may be because of different directors intentions or their target audiences; furthermore even down to the evolution of genre or thrillers to be exact in which films are now being changed to set to the current time in which they are made or evolving to the new likes and dislikes of the mass.
Evolution:
The first thriller was made in the 1920’s with a film called ‘The Lodger’ by Alfred Hitchcock which was made in Britain. This therefore brought a new type of film to the world. HItchcock took influences from German expressionist techniques as well as murders by “Jack the Ripper”.
Thrillers then in the 1940’s changed when director George Cukor in 1944 created a psychological thriller called ‘Gaslight’ which gave insight into the different sub-genres within the thriller genre itself. This film was about a scheming husband planning on making her wife go insane to gain the inheritance. Then in 1946 Robert Siodmak directed the film ‘The Spiral Staircase’, which was also a psychological thriller about a serial killer murdering disabled-young women in the local community.
In the 1950’s Hitchcock went on to adding Technicolour to his films, which led to the classic film ‘Strangers on a Train’ in 1951, where two passengers join in a battle of wits and exchanged murders with one another.
Cape Fear was then made in 1962 by director J.Lee Thompson which is a psychological thriller about an ex con seeking revenge on his attorney who holds responsible for his convictions. However this film had aspects of crime too which made it a crime-thriller and therefore emphasised the use in sub-genres within the thriller genre.
The 1970’s of film were very different as Hitchcock hadn’t released anything for 2 decades. where he released the violent film ‘Frenzy’ which came about when films were now containing R rated scenes with viscous and explicit footage which Hitchcock therefore used in ‘Frenzy’.
In the 1980’s Stanley Kubrick directed the film The Shining made in 1980 which was a psychological thriller as well as a horror, mystery and drama. This therefore emphasises the mix of genres and how thrillers evolved over time due to the change of other genres and audiences enjoying psychological films. The Shining is about a family going to an isolated hotel where the father gets influenced by a spiritual presence, while his psychic son sees horrific and violent memories of the past and future. This film can be debatebly a horror or a thriller.
The main theme throughout the thriller genre in the 1990’s was the psychological kind, of mental themes and character’s escape. For example Rob Reiner’s ‘Misery’ based on the book by Stephen King in which the character Annie whom is a unbalanced fan, terrorizes an immobile author, where in one scene she actually breaks his ankles. This shows just how much the thriller genre had evolved by then as before it would be too horrific for a thriller to even show such scenes let alone any movie.
In modern day thrillers compared to earlier thrillers tend to divert from the traditions of a classic thriller towards the more horrific and gorey themes. This is because the mass audience have become so desensitized to the classic thriller scenes that they find it boring and therefore need something else to keep them intrigued and ‘on the edge of their seats’ with anticipation like thrillers should do. This is why thrillers and any other genres evolve as they need new aspects and ways of keeping their audience’s happy. Therefore this is why the thriller genre has evolved the way it has and how I have said turning from the classic thriller through psychological to a more horrific theme where it seems to be argued to cross over in cases.
What I have learnt from this research. (Done by a member of my group)
I have learnt from this research, done by a member of my group, what the thriller genre is and what the codes and conventions of a thriller film are, to make it what it is. I have also learnt that thriller can be combined to make a hybrid thriller such as, an action-thriller, and also to make sub-genres.
I have learnt from the evolution of the thriller genre, that is was founded by a man called, Alfred Hitchcock. As he was the first ever person to make a thriller film (‘The Lodger’).
And after this event thriller became hybrids and sub-genres which revolutionized the genre we have in today's society.
Thriller fonts / Typography
Inception: The typography used is set in a bold, san-serif font, and is red. This makes the title stand out from the background images. The text has a large font size adding to the clearness and boldness of the title. The colour red is associated with anger, blood and danger which connotes that this thriller film involves action. The colour red can also connote love and desire in this thriller.
Shutter Island: The typography used is set in a bold, san-serif font, and is red. The style of the fonts looks like the text has been blurred. This connotes that the film involves hidden identities or actions that should not be scene. The large font size and the colour of the text makes the title stand out from the background images. The text has a large font size adding to the clearness and boldness of the title. The colour red is associated with anger, blood and danger which connotes that this thriller film involves action and murder.
Black Swan: The typography used is a serif style of font. This symbolises the elegant aspect of this film, as serif font styles are commonly associated with females. This connotes that the target audience for this film is woman. The font size is large to make it clear and bold to read. The black text colour links to the title of the thriller and connotes a dark or evil sense to the film.
Casino Royale: The typography used is a san-serif font with a blurred ultra blue effect. This connotes a hidden identity or criminal offences, that should not be seen, involved in this thriller film. The blurred effect connotes speed and pace to the film, suggesting this film involves action.
Taken: The typography used is a san-serif font to connotes masculinity. This suggest this film involves action and violence. The white text colour with the large font size and all the letters in capitals, makes the tile bold and stands out from the background.
Se7en: The typography used is a san-serif style of font which makes the title bold. The white text with the large font size an the text in capital letters, adds to the clearness and boldness of the text from the background images. The font also has a blurred effect. This may connote crime and hidden identity as blurred images are commonly associated with things that should not be shown.
The number '7' replacing the 'v' in the typography links to the title of the film and makes the title unique and creative.
Identity: The typography used is a serif style of font with a black to red colour fade/gradient. The colours red and black connote: anger, blood, danger and darkness within this thriller film. The colours also link to the images shown above. The large font size make the title clear to read and bold and outstanding from the white background.
Shutter Island: The typography used is set in a bold, san-serif font, and is red. The style of the fonts looks like the text has been blurred. This connotes that the film involves hidden identities or actions that should not be scene. The large font size and the colour of the text makes the title stand out from the background images. The text has a large font size adding to the clearness and boldness of the title. The colour red is associated with anger, blood and danger which connotes that this thriller film involves action and murder.
Black Swan: The typography used is a serif style of font. This symbolises the elegant aspect of this film, as serif font styles are commonly associated with females. This connotes that the target audience for this film is woman. The font size is large to make it clear and bold to read. The black text colour links to the title of the thriller and connotes a dark or evil sense to the film.
Casino Royale: The typography used is a san-serif font with a blurred ultra blue effect. This connotes a hidden identity or criminal offences, that should not be seen, involved in this thriller film. The blurred effect connotes speed and pace to the film, suggesting this film involves action.
Taken: The typography used is a san-serif font to connotes masculinity. This suggest this film involves action and violence. The white text colour with the large font size and all the letters in capitals, makes the tile bold and stands out from the background.
Se7en: The typography used is a san-serif style of font which makes the title bold. The white text with the large font size an the text in capital letters, adds to the clearness and boldness of the text from the background images. The font also has a blurred effect. This may connote crime and hidden identity as blurred images are commonly associated with things that should not be shown.
The number '7' replacing the 'v' in the typography links to the title of the film and makes the title unique and creative.
Identity: The typography used is a serif style of font with a black to red colour fade/gradient. The colours red and black connote: anger, blood, danger and darkness within this thriller film. The colours also link to the images shown above. The large font size make the title clear to read and bold and outstanding from the white background.
Saturday 9 November 2013
What is the difference between a 15 and a 18 certificate?
What is a 15 certificate?
No-one under 15 is allowed to watch a film or buy/rent a 15 certificate film. This is because the film is considered unsuitable.
A 15 certificate contains:
No-one under 15 is allowed to watch a film or buy/rent a 15 certificate film. This is because the film is considered unsuitable.
A 15 certificate contains:
- Strong violence
- frequent strong language
- portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- sexual nudity
- brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references
- discriminatory language or behavior (e.g racism or homophobic)
- drug taking.
What is a 18 certificate?
Films rated 18 are for adults only. No-one under 18 is allowed to watch a film or buy/rent a 18 certificate film. This is because the film is considered unsuitable.
A 18 certificate contains:
Films rated 18 are for adults only. No-one under 18 is allowed to watch a film or buy/rent a 18 certificate film. This is because the film is considered unsuitable.
A 18 certificate contains:
- very strong violence
- frequent strong language and very strong language
- strong portrayals of sexual activity
- strong verbal references to sex
- strong horror
- strong blood or gore
- real sex (in some circumstances)
- discriminatory language or behavior (e.g racism or homophobic)
- drug taking.
Tuesday 5 November 2013
Camera shots : development
Ariel movement shot
an ariel movement shot is when the camera is positioned in the air and above, looking down onto the object being filmed. (A moving high angle)
Tracking shot
Is where the camera moves to follow the movement of a character or object.
Tilt shot
A tilt shot is where the camera is stationary but moves up or down.
Pan shot
A pan shot is where the camera is stationary but moves left or right.
an ariel movement shot is when the camera is positioned in the air and above, looking down onto the object being filmed. (A moving high angle)
Tracking shot
Is where the camera moves to follow the movement of a character or object.
Tilt shot
A tilt shot is where the camera is stationary but moves up or down.
Pan shot
A pan shot is where the camera is stationary but moves left or right.
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