Summary of Analysis - What have I learned from my research?

From the research on thriller films I have accomplished, I believe that I have learned in more detail the ways in which a thriller film is created and the reasons why they create them in a specific way. The thrillers often contain very low-key lighting, creating tension and anxiety for the audience. The directors use mise-en-scene to allow the audience to form an opinion on the characters which are introduced; the characters often introduced are the main protagonist, and occasionally the antagonist as well, by establishing the main characters in the opening sequence, the audience are enlightened to who the film will be regarding. Furthermore, the majority of thrillers use camera angles, such as high and low angles to portray the antagonist and protagonists characters, and identify their role within the narrative. As well as this, the amount of dialogue in opening sequences is limited, the audience are merely introduced to the appearance of the main characters, where they create opinions as a result of the camera angles, shots and mise-en-scene which are used; the mise-en-scene allows the audience to judge the characters on their clothing, props, positioning, and facial expressions. For example, the antagonist will often have a facial expression connoting anger, hatred and violence, whereas the protagonist will have a facial expression connoting fear and anxiety. The range of colours will be limited, often showing reds, blacks and whites; although, Casino Royale contains many colours, which highlights the subject of the film, gambling. Lastly, the non-diegetic music reinforces the atmosphere the director's trying to create, for example, the soundtrack of Se7en emphasises the eeriness of the film and the soundtrack in Casino Royale reinforces Bond's significance in the film.

The research has taught me that the need for repetitive but original conventions is vital, however it's essential to use them wisely, else a cliche and tedious opening can be created. By researching the audience, I have gained knowledge on what they expect to see in a thriller film, and what their favourite type of thrillers are; it's fundamental to research audience because if the opening is created with no evidence and information from the audience regarding thrillers, it's extremely easy to create a thriller that only applies to a small select group of people, and not a wide-range audience. Furthermore, a typical and predictable thriller will be disliked, the audience expect as a viewer to see something new and interesting, but still keeping to the repetitive conventions which create atmosphere and reinforce the narrative.

Evaluating Past Students Work

- Evaluation past students work allowed me to understand what's expected as a final product, and how easy it is to not realise mistakes which seem miniscule, but essentially effect the quality of the overall product.

- Many of the examples we watched seemed well-produced and created on first view, however once we re-watched the sequences, specifically looking out for mistakes within the camera, mise-en-scene, editing, lighting etc. it became evident that the work was not as good as we first thought. For example, Room to Breathe consisted of good use of camera shots, appropriate use of mise-en-scene, and consistent setting and props, but it was evident that the quality of the camera shots was flawed; some of the shots appeared shaky, meaning the flow of the opening was not presented as well, and as interesting to view. The soundtrack which contrasted to typical thriller music was cleverly used, as it created apprehension as to events were to take place. However, although the soundtrack was a clever idea, there was no sound bridge, meaning the links and connections between the shots were less obvious; the soundtrack pace increased largely, resulting in both sequences seeming very different and irrelevant to each other.

- Another example was Root Cause, this sequenced achieved a high grade due to the evidence of excellence in the creative use of technical skills. This example was a film noir, which contained a range of camera shots which were steady and well thought

out, appropriate sound which fitted with the genre, appropriate clothing for the characters, and suitable props.

- Other work we evaluated which scored lower was due to the cliche narratives, unsteady camera work, lack of variety of shots, unsuitable mise-en-scene and editing which was too fast. An example which particularly stood out for showing basic ability of creative use in technical skills was regarding a car chase, the narrative was extremely tedious and uninteresting, the variety of shots and angles was limited, meaning the audience could not engage thoroughly with the opening.

- The sequences showed clear attempts at trying to look like real media thriller films by researching the common conventions needed for the genres. However, because as students we are obviously not as talented and do not have access to high-quality equipment like directors, the openings are slightly hindered. Although, if the audience were to purely focus on the narrative and effect of shots, mise-en-scene, editing etc. it's evident that the students have recognised the aspects needed for a thriller, depending on the genre they chose.

Thriller 5: Walk on the Wild Side

(video on VLE)
Walk on the Wild Side (1962)
Director: Edward Dmytryk
Thriller-Drama

Camera -

The camera beings with a still shot of the cat, with only it's face visible, the camera then zooms in onto the cats face into a close-up, where the cat then looks directly towards the camera and the title appears; this creates tension, and informs the audience of the mystery the film explores. There is then a POV shot of the cat, the shadow next to the cat is large, connoting the cats power and authority. Following this, a mid-shot of the cat walking is shown, the cats appears very long and the steady camera work connotes the cats importance. There is then a close-up of the cats feet, followed by panning which follows the footsteps. A variety of mid-shots and long shots of the cat are then used, POV shots and panning are continually used to follow the cat. In the cat fight, many close-ups and mid-shots are used, the shots change quickly, limiting what the audience can see, connoting danger and a large amount of violence. ECU's of the cats teeth connote their strength and power, followed by a CU of the cats face, clearly connoting it won the fight. There are not low-angles and high-angles used within the sequence, allowing the audience to focus wholly upon the character, and it's mannerisms.

Editing -

The pace of editing is fairly slow, connoting the authoritative status the cat holds, a dissolve is then used to change the shot; as the cats eyes are only visible as the shot changes, it connotes fear, creating a tense atmosphere for the audience. The director has used a large amount of dissolves throughout the sequence, reinforcing the cats relevance to the film, as each shot is connected. The pace of editing quickens during the cat fight scene, emphasising the violence and extent of the force.

Sound -

The non-diegetic soundtrack helps to portray the drama-thriller genre that's intended; it's upbeat tempo and range of instruments further denote the drama associated with the film. As the cat fight takes place, the soundtrack speed increases, and more instruments are introduced, this heightens the ferocity each cat was trying to portray.

Mise-en-scene -

The black cat connotes danger and evil, and when with the white cat, differences between good and evil are relevant as white connotes purity and innocence. The cats presence doesn't just suggest the film involves a cat, but it implies the danger and drama that will be involved within the narrative. The setting appears to be in a street, suggesting that the majority of the film may be set in an urban area. Shadows which are created through the low-key lighting are used throughout the sequence, which is a common convention in the genre film noir; this creates a slight sense of eeriness, reinforcing the genre of the film.

Thriller 4: Panic Room

Panic Room (2002)
Director: David Fincher
Crime-Thriller

Camera -
ELS establishing setting, in a city, where common crime events take place. Not many other shots are used within the opening, connoting the main action of the film will take place in city. As the main character is introduced nearing the end of the extract, they are viewed on a high angle, denoting their defenceless and typical protagonist behaviour.

Editing -

Cuts are used throughout, and speed up as the non-diegetic sound increases pace, creating an unnerving sense, reflecting the title 'Panic Room'. Panning is used when credits appear, often on the main characters names, symbolising their significance in the film. Some still images and some moving images of the city are used to creating a calming affect, however the music makes the audience question their first instinct of the images, and realise that images are symbolic of danger.

Sound -

Alarming non-diegetic music is played throughout, to reiterate the title 'Panic Room' and ultimately inform the audience of the events to come. The music quickens, as do the shots of the city, signifying the future events. Non-diegetic sound from the main character is heard as the opening draws to a close, this connotes the character is the protagonist.

Mise-en-scene -

City buildings represent where the events will take place, the colouring of the buildings and credits are very plain, meaning there's no detractions from the setting. It makes it very clear to the audience where the action is taking place, and the plight of the protagonist. Low-key lighting is used to reflect the panic and danger the film contains.

Thriller 3: Sin City

Sin City (2005)
Director: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino
Action Crime Thriller

Camera -

The sequence opens with an establishing LS of the female character, allowing the audience to create opinions on the character on first view. The two-shot of the male behind the female denotes the female to be the main character, a she is in front. The numerous over-the-shoulder shots used as the pair are talking allows the audience to directly see the characters reaction to the dialogue, and the closeness between the two characters; this closeness is reinforced through the passionate eye-contact the characters have. The CU of the cigarette slowly being taken from the males hand denotes the females strong-minded attitude. The LS as the male holds the female emphasises his love towards her, and despair at the death.

Editing -

The pace of the scene is fairly slow, creating a relaxed atmosphere, but perplexing as the audience are used to expecting high energy openings. The cuts to cartoon images after certain events in the sequence emphasise the characters facial expressions, allowing the audience to understand the characters emotions and feelings.

Sound -

Non-diegetic sound of a calming saxophone introduces the sequence, connoting passion, love and romance between the characters, however it also keeps the audience intrigued as to why a thriller film is beginning with such calm music. The diegetic dialogue establishes the characters feelings, and affection for each other. The males ardor is established through his non-diegetic voiceover denoting his understanding of the female, allowing the audience to see the narrative from his perspective.

Mise-en-scene -

The main female character is wearing a red dress with red lipstick, although the rest of the scene is in black and white; this connotes danger, blood and love. The bold colouring is used to suggest to the audience that something fatal, or possibly good will happen to the character, as the male is in black and white, it's evident that he will not be experiencing the events to come. The black and white scene denotes that the characters are both sophisticated which is evident through their clothing as well, and also that danger is to come. The females facial expression as the male approaches her from behind connotes sadness and loneliness, which is further reinforced through the way she's holding her arms. The cigarette is iconic of the characters jobs, suggesting that their jobs are challenging. The lighting behind the characters makes the characters stand out in the black and white scene, and establishes the American setting. The downfall of rain as the characters become closer often signifies romance, however in this case, it signifies the merciless events to come.

Thriller 2: Se7en

Se7en (1995)
Director: David Fincher
Crime Drama Mystery Thriller

Camera -

CU's and ECU's are used throughout the title sequence establishing the images shown, however there are no establishing LS's and ELS's.

Editing -

The speed of the cuts between each image increases as the opening progresses, the non-diegetic sound also increases. Dissolves are create relevance between the images, allowing the audience to piece the images together and attempt to establish the narrative of the film.

Sound -

Non-diegetic sound is used throughout the sequence, shrieking and high pitched sounds create an eerie and tension building atmosphere. The music quickens as the sequence progresses connoting the horror sub-genre. The end line of the music 'you get me closer to God' reinforces the title 'Se7en' which is indexical of religion and the seven deadly sins.

Mise-en-scene -

Props are used heavily throughout, often to connote the horror and terror within the film; the opening props of razor blades and metal objects directly support the sub-genre. The font style of the credits denote a childlike effect, creating more terror and mystery for the audience and symbolises the psychotic antagonists persona, the white font allows the credits to stand out on the dark background. Shadows and images of dead people further connote the horror genre and the psychotic personality of the antagonist. The word 'God' is cut out of a newspaper, indexical of religion, and the needles shaped as a cross also symbolise religion and the seven deadly sins.