NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The film follows a non-linear narrative structure, as the audience aren't shown the full story from the start. Flashbacks are shown later on to explain the situations.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Partial vision is used throughout the film, making the audience unsure of what is happening. It is also set in an urban surrounding, which is a typical convention of a thriller film, where the exotic is introduced to everyday life.
CAMERAWORK
Close ups are used in the film to highlight details. Shot reverse shot is also used during dialogue. Establishing shots are included to set the scene.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The props included are mostly torture devices. Which shows how people are being killed, therefore making it more frightening to the audience. There is also a lot of blood in the film, which has connotations of death and injury.
SOUND
Emphasis is put on to the small things in saw. The sound effects from the torture devices emphasise the horror of it. Music is also used in the film to make it more suspenseful. The music within the film is quite dark, which goes along well with the film.
EDITING
Cutting is used a lot throughout the film, and is done very successfully. There are many good examples of match-on-action throughout.
GRAPHICS
The credits of the film are in strange type. This gives the impression that the film is going to be different to anything you've ever seen before. Which is an accurate depiction.
Friday, 13 March 2009
The Shining
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The film follows a very linear narrative structure
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The main giveaway to the audience that implies that The Shining is a film of the thriller genre, is the music that is played throughout. It's all very eerie and builds suspense. Also, the isolated hotel they reside in, has connotations of a thriller film, as it doesn't seem safe. Everything is dragged out in the film, making it more suspenceful and creating an atmosphere - a typical thriller convention to make it more exciting.
CAMERAWORK
Within the film, there are many close up reaction shots to show the characters feelings and terror. This helps emphasise the horror of the situations. Throughout, there are also many long shots, to set the scene and show the scenic surroundings of the place it's set. Point of view shots also are included to give a sense of what the characters are seeing, a good example of this is the corridor scene in which the little boy keeps seeing the twin girls getting closer, as it created a scary atmosphere.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The colour red is key throughout the film, as it has connotations of blood, therefore many of the props and costume items are red to follow suit. Another relevant prop would be the little boys bike. The way it sounds and moves either slow or fast, depending on what the current situation is builds suspense to the audience.
SOUND
As previously mentioned, throughout the film, music is played to create a tense atmosphere for the audience, similarly, sound effects are used to emphasise this too.
EDITING
Cutting is used throughout.
GRAPHICS
The credits to the film are plain. Which gives the audience no clue as to what will happen in the film.
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The film follows a very linear narrative structure
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The main giveaway to the audience that implies that The Shining is a film of the thriller genre, is the music that is played throughout. It's all very eerie and builds suspense. Also, the isolated hotel they reside in, has connotations of a thriller film, as it doesn't seem safe. Everything is dragged out in the film, making it more suspenceful and creating an atmosphere - a typical thriller convention to make it more exciting.
CAMERAWORK
Within the film, there are many close up reaction shots to show the characters feelings and terror. This helps emphasise the horror of the situations. Throughout, there are also many long shots, to set the scene and show the scenic surroundings of the place it's set. Point of view shots also are included to give a sense of what the characters are seeing, a good example of this is the corridor scene in which the little boy keeps seeing the twin girls getting closer, as it created a scary atmosphere.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The colour red is key throughout the film, as it has connotations of blood, therefore many of the props and costume items are red to follow suit. Another relevant prop would be the little boys bike. The way it sounds and moves either slow or fast, depending on what the current situation is builds suspense to the audience.
SOUND
As previously mentioned, throughout the film, music is played to create a tense atmosphere for the audience, similarly, sound effects are used to emphasise this too.
EDITING
Cutting is used throughout.
GRAPHICS
The credits to the film are plain. Which gives the audience no clue as to what will happen in the film.
Sunday, 18 January 2009
Task 8: Shot List
Shot List
Carl pulled out of van
Carl thrown against wall
Attackers dialogue
Carl pathetic
Attackers dialogue
Attacker spit
Stamp on phone
Cooking
Clock
Impatient
Phone call
Phone call 2
Carl pulled out of van
Carl thrown against wall
Attackers dialogue
Carl pathetic
Attackers dialogue
Attacker spit
Stamp on phone
Cooking
Clock
Impatient
Phone call
Phone call 2
Questionnaire Results
Questionnaire Results
1. The majority of our audience where aged 16-18.
2. Around half of the people asked enjoyed thriller films, mostly because they enjoyed the suspense, and found them very exciting. But the people who do not enjoy thrillers often find this as they do not understand what is going on in the film.
3. The favourite film among the people asked was either Jaws or Se7en.
4. The most popular choice for these two films was because of the way they built up tension, in Se7en because of how the audience doesn't know who is killing the people or why, and in Jaws because of the excellent use of music.
5. The main things our audience expects in a thriller films is violence, weapons and an exciting story line.
6. 60% of people surveyed say they have seen more than 30 thriller films, 20% asked said around 10, and the remaining 20% have seen under 10 thriller films.
7. The majority of people asked did expect to see some gore in thriller films, but not a lot.
8. The favourite films genre among the people surveyed was comedy, and the main reason for this is that they can also enjoy the film without having to put too much thought into what is happening.
1. The majority of our audience where aged 16-18.
2. Around half of the people asked enjoyed thriller films, mostly because they enjoyed the suspense, and found them very exciting. But the people who do not enjoy thrillers often find this as they do not understand what is going on in the film.
3. The favourite film among the people asked was either Jaws or Se7en.
4. The most popular choice for these two films was because of the way they built up tension, in Se7en because of how the audience doesn't know who is killing the people or why, and in Jaws because of the excellent use of music.
5. The main things our audience expects in a thriller films is violence, weapons and an exciting story line.
6. 60% of people surveyed say they have seen more than 30 thriller films, 20% asked said around 10, and the remaining 20% have seen under 10 thriller films.
7. The majority of people asked did expect to see some gore in thriller films, but not a lot.
8. The favourite films genre among the people surveyed was comedy, and the main reason for this is that they can also enjoy the film without having to put too much thought into what is happening.
Friday, 16 January 2009
Task 12
Evaluation
Our thriller film challenges the usual conventions of a film of that genre in a number of different ways. Instead of starting off with eerie or tense music, the audience are thrown into the situation whereby the main character is leaving the pub. This may be confusing to someone watching the film because it goes against the average thriller film, as there is no big murder or clue as to what will happen further on in the film at the beginning, it simply just starts from the beginning and follows a chronological order. Also, there is no eerie music in it at any point during the opening. Just sound effects and dialogue – unlike the average thriller film which may require tense music to build up an atmosphere, we didn’t feel it was necessary to include it within our own. In some ways however it does follow the typical conventions of a thriller film. For example, the location is in an urban setting, and there are things that happen within it that may be seen as being out of the ordinary, otherwise known as ‘the exotic’. There is also plenty of partial visions throughout it, as people watching are unaware of the attacker’s motives at the beginning, it is only later that his reasoning is revealed.
In our film there was clearly a divide between the roles of men and women. Karl was out at the pub after work whilst Kate was at home making his dinner for him. This is a very stereotypical view, and it was unintentional, but emphasizes the divide between sexes and their roles. The type of social group it shows were thugs and people involved with drugs. Within it there is an implicit message to the audience of how drugs can affect people. This may set a good example to some.
The film we made would be best suited to be distributed to an English film company; this is because it is a low budget, British film with actors that aren’t well known. Because of these reasons it would be doubtful that any big American film distributor would be keen to invest, as independent films tend to appeal only to a select audience as they are an acquired taste. We would make a pitch to a company similar to FilmFour, as they have produced other british independent films that have a similar theme and look to them. Therefore, people who are fans of FilmFour films would be interested in our film to, because they liked other films from the same distributor. FilmFour is well known and has a good name too, which may be an advantage when trying to advertise the film prior to release.
The audience of our film would be likely to be a select kind. Independent film enthusiasts among them. We would also be glad to appeal to young adults, as the film does carry a distinct message throughout, and shows the bad affects drugs can have on people’s lives. Adults may also be interested by the film, because it has a good storyline, and it seems to be intriguing. The film would not appeal to younger children, and parents would be recommended not to show it to their children, due to bad language, violence, and drug use. This is why we made the certificate ages 15, in order to prevent younger children from seeing it. However, we didn’t feel it necessary to make it an 18, plus a higher rating restricts audiences, therefore restricting profits. The audience we were concentrating on creating while making the film was young adults, ages from 16 to 30. These are target age groups for drug use in society today, but it would also be easier for this generation of people to relate to the characters, and therefore more appealing to them.
Before making the film, we embarked on finding some relevant audience research that related to our project. Through this, we were able to identify with our target audience and found out what it was that interested them, what they liked and disliked within thriller films. We found that people generally enjoyed thriller films, because of the suspense created in them and the way they were able to make people excited. The two most favoured thriller films of the people taken part in our questionnaire were Jaws and SE7EN, reasons for this were because of the tension that builds up throughout both films. Music in particular was noted in Jaws, and in SE7EN, and people liked the use of partial vision throughout. Therefore we took these views into account, and when filming, incorporated in things that follow similar themes.
Our aim when creating the film, was to intrigue and entertain audiences. To do this, we followed some of the stereotypical thriller conventions, as keeping it classic and sticking to the rules was our best bet at getting it completely right. However, we kept it interesting through different ways. Throughout it we focused on realism, so that it didn't seem too far-fetched. Though through the film we introduced the exotic in to the realistic setting, which in a way made it more effective.
Before making the film, I had no knowledge of how to use any recording equipment. Now though, I would be able to operate equipment such as camera's, tripod's, tracks etc. I have also learnt how to use Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 when editing/cutting film. Towards the beginning of the project I wasn't able to use it with ease, but now I would feel much more confident when editing film with that programme as I got used to it.
I feel that I have learnt a lot since the preliminary task in film making. There is a noticable difference between the film made earlier and the thriller one I have been involved in more recently. I'm pleased with what I've learnt, and I think that the improvement in films is quite obvious. Even though I'm pleased, I was dissappointed with the problem we encountered at
the end of the film, whereby the sound cut off for the last 10 seconds, which was bad because in the last 10 seconds things become clear to Kate that Carl isn't coming home.
Our thriller film challenges the usual conventions of a film of that genre in a number of different ways. Instead of starting off with eerie or tense music, the audience are thrown into the situation whereby the main character is leaving the pub. This may be confusing to someone watching the film because it goes against the average thriller film, as there is no big murder or clue as to what will happen further on in the film at the beginning, it simply just starts from the beginning and follows a chronological order. Also, there is no eerie music in it at any point during the opening. Just sound effects and dialogue – unlike the average thriller film which may require tense music to build up an atmosphere, we didn’t feel it was necessary to include it within our own. In some ways however it does follow the typical conventions of a thriller film. For example, the location is in an urban setting, and there are things that happen within it that may be seen as being out of the ordinary, otherwise known as ‘the exotic’. There is also plenty of partial visions throughout it, as people watching are unaware of the attacker’s motives at the beginning, it is only later that his reasoning is revealed.
In our film there was clearly a divide between the roles of men and women. Karl was out at the pub after work whilst Kate was at home making his dinner for him. This is a very stereotypical view, and it was unintentional, but emphasizes the divide between sexes and their roles. The type of social group it shows were thugs and people involved with drugs. Within it there is an implicit message to the audience of how drugs can affect people. This may set a good example to some.
The film we made would be best suited to be distributed to an English film company; this is because it is a low budget, British film with actors that aren’t well known. Because of these reasons it would be doubtful that any big American film distributor would be keen to invest, as independent films tend to appeal only to a select audience as they are an acquired taste. We would make a pitch to a company similar to FilmFour, as they have produced other british independent films that have a similar theme and look to them. Therefore, people who are fans of FilmFour films would be interested in our film to, because they liked other films from the same distributor. FilmFour is well known and has a good name too, which may be an advantage when trying to advertise the film prior to release.
The audience of our film would be likely to be a select kind. Independent film enthusiasts among them. We would also be glad to appeal to young adults, as the film does carry a distinct message throughout, and shows the bad affects drugs can have on people’s lives. Adults may also be interested by the film, because it has a good storyline, and it seems to be intriguing. The film would not appeal to younger children, and parents would be recommended not to show it to their children, due to bad language, violence, and drug use. This is why we made the certificate ages 15, in order to prevent younger children from seeing it. However, we didn’t feel it necessary to make it an 18, plus a higher rating restricts audiences, therefore restricting profits. The audience we were concentrating on creating while making the film was young adults, ages from 16 to 30. These are target age groups for drug use in society today, but it would also be easier for this generation of people to relate to the characters, and therefore more appealing to them.
Before making the film, we embarked on finding some relevant audience research that related to our project. Through this, we were able to identify with our target audience and found out what it was that interested them, what they liked and disliked within thriller films. We found that people generally enjoyed thriller films, because of the suspense created in them and the way they were able to make people excited. The two most favoured thriller films of the people taken part in our questionnaire were Jaws and SE7EN, reasons for this were because of the tension that builds up throughout both films. Music in particular was noted in Jaws, and in SE7EN, and people liked the use of partial vision throughout. Therefore we took these views into account, and when filming, incorporated in things that follow similar themes.
Our aim when creating the film, was to intrigue and entertain audiences. To do this, we followed some of the stereotypical thriller conventions, as keeping it classic and sticking to the rules was our best bet at getting it completely right. However, we kept it interesting through different ways. Throughout it we focused on realism, so that it didn't seem too far-fetched. Though through the film we introduced the exotic in to the realistic setting, which in a way made it more effective.
Before making the film, I had no knowledge of how to use any recording equipment. Now though, I would be able to operate equipment such as camera's, tripod's, tracks etc. I have also learnt how to use Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 when editing/cutting film. Towards the beginning of the project I wasn't able to use it with ease, but now I would feel much more confident when editing film with that programme as I got used to it.
I feel that I have learnt a lot since the preliminary task in film making. There is a noticable difference between the film made earlier and the thriller one I have been involved in more recently. I'm pleased with what I've learnt, and I think that the improvement in films is quite obvious. Even though I'm pleased, I was dissappointed with the problem we encountered at
the end of the film, whereby the sound cut off for the last 10 seconds, which was bad because in the last 10 seconds things become clear to Kate that Carl isn't coming home.
Friday, 5 December 2008
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Script
TITLES END
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE OF PUB – NIGHT
CARL STEVENS casually walks out of a pub, when a dark FIGURE approaches him from behind and throws him into a car boot.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
KATE STEVENS is cooking a roast for her husband looks at clock and start to make a phone call.
CUT TO:
EXT. IN CAR – NIGHT
Carls phone starts to ring and car pulls to a stop, the Figure then pulls Carl out of the car.
K-DIZZLE (FIGURE)
Give me your phone or I’ll break your f***ing face.
CARL STEVENS (STUTTERING)
P-p-please don’t hurt me. (SNIFFLES)
K-Dizzle punches Carl in the face breaking his nose and knees him repeatedly in chest, throwing him to the floor and then takes his phone out of Carl’s pocket.
K-DIZZLE
You wont be needing this.K-Dizzle takes the phone and throws it on the floor, stomping on it and smashing it to pieces.
CUT TO: INT. KITCHEN – NIGHTThe phone cuts out after other end is smashed; Kate decides to call her husbands work to speak to her BOSS.
TOBY (BOSS)
Hello Citywide Finances, Toby speaking how can I help?
KATE STEVENSH
I I was wondering if Carl Stevens has left work yet.
TOBY
Hold on a minute...
(PAUSE)
Yeah, he left hours ago sorry.
KATE STEVENS
Alright thanks, bye.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE OF PUB – NIGHT
CARL STEVENS casually walks out of a pub, when a dark FIGURE approaches him from behind and throws him into a car boot.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
KATE STEVENS is cooking a roast for her husband looks at clock and start to make a phone call.
CUT TO:
EXT. IN CAR – NIGHT
Carls phone starts to ring and car pulls to a stop, the Figure then pulls Carl out of the car.
K-DIZZLE (FIGURE)
Give me your phone or I’ll break your f***ing face.
CARL STEVENS (STUTTERING)
P-p-please don’t hurt me. (SNIFFLES)
K-Dizzle punches Carl in the face breaking his nose and knees him repeatedly in chest, throwing him to the floor and then takes his phone out of Carl’s pocket.
K-DIZZLE
You wont be needing this.K-Dizzle takes the phone and throws it on the floor, stomping on it and smashing it to pieces.
CUT TO: INT. KITCHEN – NIGHTThe phone cuts out after other end is smashed; Kate decides to call her husbands work to speak to her BOSS.
TOBY (BOSS)
Hello Citywide Finances, Toby speaking how can I help?
KATE STEVENSH
I I was wondering if Carl Stevens has left work yet.
TOBY
Hold on a minute...
(PAUSE)
Yeah, he left hours ago sorry.
KATE STEVENS
Alright thanks, bye.
Kate hangs up phone.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Task 7: Location Sheet
LOCATIONS OF FILM1. Kate/Carl Stevans house. [Kate cooking in the kitchen.]
2. Causeway Pub. [Carl comes out and gets attacked/kidnapped.]
3. In car.
4. Menin Avenue. [K-Dizzle drags Carl out of the car.]
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Ensure all equipment being used is safe and out of harms way.
- Being specifically careful when on the road/filming with the car.
Treatment
THE KIDNAP
Carl Stevens is walking out of the pub when he notices a strange car with blacked out windows that seems to be following him, he is relieved when the car drives past him assuming he is just being paranoid. However, when Carl turns round the corner, the car is parked. Carl feels paranoid once again at this point, and quickens his pace. When he feels he is at a safe distance from the car, Carl begins to relax at which point he is attacked, dragged backwards and thrown into the boot of the parked car.
THE HOUSE
Kate Stevens is at home preparing dinner for her husband. After an hour or so, she begins to worry as she hasn't heard from Carl, and it is 10pm. She calls his work and is told that he left the office hours ago. Kate comes to the conclusion Carl must be out with his friends, and not bothered to tell her. She tries to call his phone but she is cut off, so she then calls his friends; none of them have heard from him.
THE POLICE STATION
After 24hrs, Kate reports her husband missing to the police. They take his details, and begin searching fro him.
THE SUPERMARKET
It's been a week since Carl disappeared, and Kate is out doing the weekly shop. She finishes, pays at the counter and makes her way home. As she is walking down the street, she notices a strange man following her.
THE SEARCH
Kate continues to search for Carl around their neighbourhood and notices the same strange man from the supermarket following her once again. She feels paranoid, but chooses to ignore it.
THE PHONE CALL
Kate is at home and about to go to bed when the phone rings; it's the police. They break the news to her that they believe Carl is dead, as they have investigated his disappearance thoroughly, and found nothing. Kate is distraught, and screams at the police unwilling to believe Carl is dead. She continues to search for her husband in every place she thinks he may be, and again, sees the strange man.
BAR
Kate visits a bar to drown her sorrows. In her drunken state, Kate is convinced the man sat next to her is Carl because he resembles him. She proceeds to follow the man home and calls the police. They come within ten minutes, searching the mans house and 'checking him out' but he is in fact a normal man called Adam Ryan, and not Carl. Kate now knows where Adam lives, so the next morning she follows him to work and follows him home again; still convinced he is Carl. Adam realises Kate is following him again, so calls the police. They have no choice but to arrest poor Kate for harassment.
THE TRUTH
Adam Ryan is called into the police station. The police have recently raided a warehouse as they were tipped off that a wanted drug dealer (K-Dizzle) was working from there. After evidence is gathered from the warehouse raid, they discover K-Dizzle and co had been creating fake passports and birth certificates for customers that owed them money. This evidence shows that Carl was in major debt to K-Dizzle, so he was kidnapped and beaten badly, and given the false identity; Adam Ryan.
Carl Stevens is walking out of the pub when he notices a strange car with blacked out windows that seems to be following him, he is relieved when the car drives past him assuming he is just being paranoid. However, when Carl turns round the corner, the car is parked. Carl feels paranoid once again at this point, and quickens his pace. When he feels he is at a safe distance from the car, Carl begins to relax at which point he is attacked, dragged backwards and thrown into the boot of the parked car.
THE HOUSE
Kate Stevens is at home preparing dinner for her husband. After an hour or so, she begins to worry as she hasn't heard from Carl, and it is 10pm. She calls his work and is told that he left the office hours ago. Kate comes to the conclusion Carl must be out with his friends, and not bothered to tell her. She tries to call his phone but she is cut off, so she then calls his friends; none of them have heard from him.
THE POLICE STATION
After 24hrs, Kate reports her husband missing to the police. They take his details, and begin searching fro him.
THE SUPERMARKET
It's been a week since Carl disappeared, and Kate is out doing the weekly shop. She finishes, pays at the counter and makes her way home. As she is walking down the street, she notices a strange man following her.
THE SEARCH
Kate continues to search for Carl around their neighbourhood and notices the same strange man from the supermarket following her once again. She feels paranoid, but chooses to ignore it.
THE PHONE CALL
Kate is at home and about to go to bed when the phone rings; it's the police. They break the news to her that they believe Carl is dead, as they have investigated his disappearance thoroughly, and found nothing. Kate is distraught, and screams at the police unwilling to believe Carl is dead. She continues to search for her husband in every place she thinks he may be, and again, sees the strange man.
BAR
Kate visits a bar to drown her sorrows. In her drunken state, Kate is convinced the man sat next to her is Carl because he resembles him. She proceeds to follow the man home and calls the police. They come within ten minutes, searching the mans house and 'checking him out' but he is in fact a normal man called Adam Ryan, and not Carl. Kate now knows where Adam lives, so the next morning she follows him to work and follows him home again; still convinced he is Carl. Adam realises Kate is following him again, so calls the police. They have no choice but to arrest poor Kate for harassment.
THE TRUTH
Adam Ryan is called into the police station. The police have recently raided a warehouse as they were tipped off that a wanted drug dealer (K-Dizzle) was working from there. After evidence is gathered from the warehouse raid, they discover K-Dizzle and co had been creating fake passports and birth certificates for customers that owed them money. This evidence shows that Carl was in major debt to K-Dizzle, so he was kidnapped and beaten badly, and given the false identity; Adam Ryan.
Task 6: Characterisation
Name: Carl Stevans
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Background: When Carl was 13 his mum and dad split up, this led to Carl becoming very depressed. During this time Carl began taking drugs to try and get him through this, and to calm him down. Carl became very addicted, but he soon received help from his family and friends to help him give up drugs. Carl managed to stay clean for 3 years, until one night he met Kate in a club. Carl ended up staying at Kate's that night, and the two started seeing each other more regularly, which influenced Carl back into taking drugs. 3 months after meeting Carl and Kate got married. Soon after the marriage Carl started a new job working in finance to help pay for their new apartment, and also to help pay for their drug addictions
Name: Kate Stevans.
Age: 20.
Gender: Female.
Background: Kate's parents have taken drugs all of her life. When Kate was 15 her mum died of a heroin overdose. Soon after this Kate's dad committed suicide. The depression all of this led her into taking drugs herself. Soon after Kate had to turn to prostitution to fund her drug addiction, and to feel wanted. When Kate was 18 she met Carl in a club. Carl spent the night at her flat, where she once again introduces Carl to drugs. 3 months after meeting Kate and Carl got married. Soon after the marriage Carl started a new job working in finance to help pay for their new apartment, to help pay for their drug addictions, and also so Kate would no longer have to sell herself.
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Background: When Carl was 13 his mum and dad split up, this led to Carl becoming very depressed. During this time Carl began taking drugs to try and get him through this, and to calm him down. Carl became very addicted, but he soon received help from his family and friends to help him give up drugs. Carl managed to stay clean for 3 years, until one night he met Kate in a club. Carl ended up staying at Kate's that night, and the two started seeing each other more regularly, which influenced Carl back into taking drugs. 3 months after meeting Carl and Kate got married. Soon after the marriage Carl started a new job working in finance to help pay for their new apartment, and also to help pay for their drug addictions
Name: Kate Stevans.
Age: 20.
Gender: Female.
Background: Kate's parents have taken drugs all of her life. When Kate was 15 her mum died of a heroin overdose. Soon after this Kate's dad committed suicide. The depression all of this led her into taking drugs herself. Soon after Kate had to turn to prostitution to fund her drug addiction, and to feel wanted. When Kate was 18 she met Carl in a club. Carl spent the night at her flat, where she once again introduces Carl to drugs. 3 months after meeting Kate and Carl got married. Soon after the marriage Carl started a new job working in finance to help pay for their new apartment, to help pay for their drug addictions, and also so Kate would no longer have to sell herself.
Task 4: Questionnaire
1. How Old Are You?______________
2. Do you like thriller films? Why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you have a favourite thriller film?_______________________________
4. Why is this your favourite?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What do you expect to see in a thriller film?_____________________________________
6. How many thriller films have you watched?_____________________________________
7. Do you expect to see gore in thriller films?______________________________________
8. What is your favourite film genre and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Do you like thriller films? Why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you have a favourite thriller film?_______________________________
4. Why is this your favourite?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. What do you expect to see in a thriller film?_____________________________________
6. How many thriller films have you watched?_____________________________________
7. Do you expect to see gore in thriller films?______________________________________
8. What is your favourite film genre and why?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Task 5: Thriller Synopsis
Carl Stevans owes K-Dizzle, his drug dealer a lot of money. After 3 weeks of waiting K-Dizzle takes matters into his own hands kidnapping Carl.Meanwhile back in his flat, his wife Kate is cooking a nice meal for him. Kate starts too get annoyed when he does not return home, so she just goes too bed thinking that Carl has just gone out with some friends and not told her. When Kate wakes up in the morning, she goes into the living room, expecting Carl to be asleep on the couch, but he is no where in the flat. Kate isn't happy at all about this, and leaves for work. Whilst she is in work she decides to get her own back on Carl, by not coming home that night.The next day Kate returns home to find that Carl still isn't there. She starts to get a little worried and checks the phone for messages to try and see if there is any clues to where he has disappeared to. Listening through the messages reveals that he was not in work the day before, and that he had not even met up with his friends for the usual Friday night drinks.
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Task 3: Certification
The rating chosen for our thriller film is 15. This is because it contains moderate violence and some bad language throughout. It may be frightening in some parts for children under the age of 15. We chose not to rate it at an 18 to broaden the audience, with a lower certificate age, more people will be able to see it.
Friday, 14 November 2008
American Psycho Analysis
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
American Psycho has a linear narrative structure.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Questions are constantly being asked throughout the film, such as "how is he getting away with this?" etc. The characters are also quite normal, aside from being successful, wealthy business men, and are introduced to the exotic [an extra-ordinary situation]. The audience are also only seeing the movie through partial vision, as the narrative [told by the main character Patrick Bateman] isn't 100% reliable.
CAMERAWORK
The camera is constantly tracking throughout the reseteraunt scene before the dialouge starts. Many reflective shots are also used, through the mirrors and over his shoulder. Close ups are also used frequently. Focusing on: food, credit cards/money [emphasis on wealth]. The camera is very much observing the action, rather than letting the audience have the oppertunity to feel as though they are a part of the story line.
MISE EN SCENE
The costumes for the characters are all fancy suits, suggesting their wealth. The opening scenes in which the setting is the resteraunt, everything is very brightly litup, which contrasts with the second setting of a night club, where everything is dark.
SOUND
The music that has been used in the film builds up tension, and is often used for emphasis of different actions. Yet also, the music is jolly and gives the impression of being some-what fake.
EDITING
Lots of the scenes are cut frequently. Another editing technique used is 'shot reverse shot'.
GRAPHICS
The on-screen graphics at the beginning of the film make the audience think of blood because of the red sauce splatting on to the white surface [creating a contrast]. The credits are in a simple type, which makes it seem more serious in a way.
American Psycho has a linear narrative structure.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Questions are constantly being asked throughout the film, such as "how is he getting away with this?" etc. The characters are also quite normal, aside from being successful, wealthy business men, and are introduced to the exotic [an extra-ordinary situation]. The audience are also only seeing the movie through partial vision, as the narrative [told by the main character Patrick Bateman] isn't 100% reliable.
CAMERAWORK
The camera is constantly tracking throughout the reseteraunt scene before the dialouge starts. Many reflective shots are also used, through the mirrors and over his shoulder. Close ups are also used frequently. Focusing on: food, credit cards/money [emphasis on wealth]. The camera is very much observing the action, rather than letting the audience have the oppertunity to feel as though they are a part of the story line.
MISE EN SCENE
The costumes for the characters are all fancy suits, suggesting their wealth. The opening scenes in which the setting is the resteraunt, everything is very brightly litup, which contrasts with the second setting of a night club, where everything is dark.
SOUND
The music that has been used in the film builds up tension, and is often used for emphasis of different actions. Yet also, the music is jolly and gives the impression of being some-what fake.
EDITING
Lots of the scenes are cut frequently. Another editing technique used is 'shot reverse shot'.
GRAPHICS
The on-screen graphics at the beginning of the film make the audience think of blood because of the red sauce splatting on to the white surface [creating a contrast]. The credits are in a simple type, which makes it seem more serious in a way.
Silence of the Lambs Analysis
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The narrative structure to this film is linear.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The outcome of the film is delayed, which follows usual thriller motions. The exotic is also introduced to the film.
CAMERAWORK
Establishing shots are used when introducing characters and settings. The camera is also taken from her point of view in some areas of the film. Other camera shots used are action shots when she is running through the woods.
MISE EN SCENE
The obstacle course in the woods has been placed there to have it in a more deralyct area and make it seem more intense. Also the fog in the woods has been created for a reason, it creates the illusion of partial vision as the audience can't see as much.
SOUND
The music in the film is always non-diajectic in the background. And is used in particular scenes to build up the tension and make it more mysterious. At the beginning when the girl is attempting the obstacle course, her breathing is very heavy and loud, which makes it more exciting to the audience because the breathing is louder than everything else.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
Opening credits are simple, bold and clear to read. It had clearly been edited at certain parts - cut.
The narrative structure to this film is linear.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The outcome of the film is delayed, which follows usual thriller motions. The exotic is also introduced to the film.
CAMERAWORK
Establishing shots are used when introducing characters and settings. The camera is also taken from her point of view in some areas of the film. Other camera shots used are action shots when she is running through the woods.
MISE EN SCENE
The obstacle course in the woods has been placed there to have it in a more deralyct area and make it seem more intense. Also the fog in the woods has been created for a reason, it creates the illusion of partial vision as the audience can't see as much.
SOUND
The music in the film is always non-diajectic in the background. And is used in particular scenes to build up the tension and make it more mysterious. At the beginning when the girl is attempting the obstacle course, her breathing is very heavy and loud, which makes it more exciting to the audience because the breathing is louder than everything else.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
Opening credits are simple, bold and clear to read. It had clearly been edited at certain parts - cut.
Jaws Analysis
NARRATIVE STRUCTURE
The narrative structure to Jaws is linear. This is obvious because it starts from the beginning of the story, and the events that follow go in order throughout the film.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Jaws follows some of the typical traits of a thriller film. The film is about a normal environment with normal people that're placed into an extra-ordinary situation - introducing the exotic. Another convention it follows is delaying the outcome of the story, and only showing parial vision. The audience are never fully aware of whats going on.
CAMERAWORK
Many different, interesting camera angles are used throughout. Alot of the shots are taken from the sharks viewpoint, looking up at its prey. Which gives the audience a chance to see from the sharks viewpoint, and therefore be one step ahead of the characters in the film.
MISE EN SCENE
Everything seen within the shots of the film have been placed there for a reason. The opening scene is of a beach party. With teenagers smoking and drinking around a small fire. This sets the scene of a relaxed, ordinary party for younger people, which makes it doubly curprising when one of them gets attacked by a shark.
SOUND
The trademark music of jaws is played throughout whenever the shark is about to attack. This type of music helps to build tension and has an effect on the audience. There's also alot of screaming from people involved in the attacks/pursuits.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
Establishing shots are used to introduce characters into the storyline.
The narrative structure to Jaws is linear. This is obvious because it starts from the beginning of the story, and the events that follow go in order throughout the film.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
Jaws follows some of the typical traits of a thriller film. The film is about a normal environment with normal people that're placed into an extra-ordinary situation - introducing the exotic. Another convention it follows is delaying the outcome of the story, and only showing parial vision. The audience are never fully aware of whats going on.
CAMERAWORK
Many different, interesting camera angles are used throughout. Alot of the shots are taken from the sharks viewpoint, looking up at its prey. Which gives the audience a chance to see from the sharks viewpoint, and therefore be one step ahead of the characters in the film.
MISE EN SCENE
Everything seen within the shots of the film have been placed there for a reason. The opening scene is of a beach party. With teenagers smoking and drinking around a small fire. This sets the scene of a relaxed, ordinary party for younger people, which makes it doubly curprising when one of them gets attacked by a shark.
SOUND
The trademark music of jaws is played throughout whenever the shark is about to attack. This type of music helps to build tension and has an effect on the audience. There's also alot of screaming from people involved in the attacks/pursuits.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
Establishing shots are used to introduce characters into the storyline.
Friday, 7 November 2008
SE7EN Analysis
NARRATICE STRUCTURE
The story of SE7EN is told through duel narrative. Yet there are also elements if certain narrative within it too. For example, alot of the parts of the film relate back to the number '7' [e.g. seven days, seven deaths, seven deadly sins...]. The overall structure to the film is linear, therefore the film is shown in chronological order.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The film follows many of the typical thriller codes and conventions, including having a delayed, unexpected outcome. Another convention the film follows is the music genre, it is very dramatic and is used to build up tension throughout the film, creating suspence to the audience. Another, is that it is set in an urban landscape, similar to most thriller movies. Detective Mills [the 'hero'] starts out as a very ordinary person, who is put in an extra-ordinary situation [the exotic], and throughout the storyline, is portrayed to be a hero with a darker side, but regardless of this the audience still views him as being the hero and want him to succeed. These are all typical traits of a thriller genre movie.
CAMERAWORK
For alot of the scenes in the film, the camera is placed alongside both Detective Mills and Somerset. This has been done intentionally to make the audience feel included, as if they're also part of the team. Another interesting camera angle used, is when it is placed at a first person perspective [when filming in the helicopter, and when characters are running], the camera becomes more shaky to create a more realistic representation. Slow pans are also used throughout the film when details are being shown, it gives the audience a chance to take it all in. Alot of the time, the camera is seen looking up to John Doe, so as to emphasise his power and show how he is in control of situations.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Guns are used as props for both Detective Mills and Somerset. The difference is, however, that Mills has drawn his many times, and even shot and killed someone on one occasion, whereas Somerset has never used it and only ever very rarely draws it. This draws attention to the difference between them both. Another prop frequently used is torches; to highlight certain things, creating fear and suspence; only showing what the detectives can see, otherwise knows as partial vision. Throughout the film, the lighting is continuously dull/dimmed, which creates an eerie/scary atmosphere. The costumes for each detectives are notably different. Somerset's clothes are always neatly pressed, and of a traditional style [e.g. tweed]. Whereas Mills' are always more moden [e.g. leather.], and his tie is already done so he can just slip it on.
SOUND
Through the whole film, music is used to create tension, and is always non-diajetic. At the beginning of the film, during the opening credits, the music is very mechanical, and unnatural, which makes it seem haunting and eerie. A variety of sound effects are used throughout the film, including sirens, alarms, traffic, rain, trains and car horns, which create the sound of a busy [urban] city.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
The on-screen graphics at the beginning of the film emphasise a montage of gory, creepy images, which show the presence of the 'crazy' character that is John Doe. The graphics also make the film seem slightly more rough-around-the-edges, and are blurry and off-focus at time.
The story of SE7EN is told through duel narrative. Yet there are also elements if certain narrative within it too. For example, alot of the parts of the film relate back to the number '7' [e.g. seven days, seven deaths, seven deadly sins...]. The overall structure to the film is linear, therefore the film is shown in chronological order.
THRILLER CODES AND CONVENTIONS
The film follows many of the typical thriller codes and conventions, including having a delayed, unexpected outcome. Another convention the film follows is the music genre, it is very dramatic and is used to build up tension throughout the film, creating suspence to the audience. Another, is that it is set in an urban landscape, similar to most thriller movies. Detective Mills [the 'hero'] starts out as a very ordinary person, who is put in an extra-ordinary situation [the exotic], and throughout the storyline, is portrayed to be a hero with a darker side, but regardless of this the audience still views him as being the hero and want him to succeed. These are all typical traits of a thriller genre movie.
CAMERAWORK
For alot of the scenes in the film, the camera is placed alongside both Detective Mills and Somerset. This has been done intentionally to make the audience feel included, as if they're also part of the team. Another interesting camera angle used, is when it is placed at a first person perspective [when filming in the helicopter, and when characters are running], the camera becomes more shaky to create a more realistic representation. Slow pans are also used throughout the film when details are being shown, it gives the audience a chance to take it all in. Alot of the time, the camera is seen looking up to John Doe, so as to emphasise his power and show how he is in control of situations.
MISE-EN-SCENE
Guns are used as props for both Detective Mills and Somerset. The difference is, however, that Mills has drawn his many times, and even shot and killed someone on one occasion, whereas Somerset has never used it and only ever very rarely draws it. This draws attention to the difference between them both. Another prop frequently used is torches; to highlight certain things, creating fear and suspence; only showing what the detectives can see, otherwise knows as partial vision. Throughout the film, the lighting is continuously dull/dimmed, which creates an eerie/scary atmosphere. The costumes for each detectives are notably different. Somerset's clothes are always neatly pressed, and of a traditional style [e.g. tweed]. Whereas Mills' are always more moden [e.g. leather.], and his tie is already done so he can just slip it on.
SOUND
Through the whole film, music is used to create tension, and is always non-diajetic. At the beginning of the film, during the opening credits, the music is very mechanical, and unnatural, which makes it seem haunting and eerie. A variety of sound effects are used throughout the film, including sirens, alarms, traffic, rain, trains and car horns, which create the sound of a busy [urban] city.
EDITING/GRAPHICS
The on-screen graphics at the beginning of the film emphasise a montage of gory, creepy images, which show the presence of the 'crazy' character that is John Doe. The graphics also make the film seem slightly more rough-around-the-edges, and are blurry and off-focus at time.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Task 1
Thriller Genre Critics.
In the book 'Thrillers', Martin Ruben uses the ideas of a range of critics to define the genre 'thriller', beginning with G K Chesterton.
G K CHESTERTON felt he needed to defend the genre. He determined the style, 'thriller' to be a modern genre, that mainly is set in urban landscapes, he defined it as finding excitement in everyday life. When talking about the genre, he stated it is an attempt to find the "poetry of modern life".
NORTHROP FRYE took Chesterton's critique further. He gave the idea that the hero of a thriller text is often an ordinary person, and we as the audience are happy to believe in the situations due to them being similar to the science fiction genre. He said: "the hero of romance moves in a world in which the ordinary laws of nature are slightly suspended.", and that thrillers turn the 'enchanted forest' into the Modern City.
JOHN CAWELTI combined both ideas from Frye and Chesterton. And stated that the thriller genre transforms the city from 'a modern city of commerce, industry, and science into a place of enchantment and mystery. This is achieved by introducing 'The Exotic' into the everyday world.
W H MATTHEWS' work relates to mazes and labyrinths in fiction, he see's it as everything descending into an underground maze full of twists, turns, puzzles and dead-ends. In his opinion, to design a thriller narrative, complex twists and turns need to be added into the equation so that the audience don't predict the ending. He reffered to it as being "a puzzling journey"
PASCAL BONITZER thought that Matthews was describing 'Patial Vision' when he advocates mazes. And he thought that the audience should only see so much of the situation, and it's what the audience doesn't see that is part of the thriller layout.
LARS OLE SAURBERG talks about the two ways in which suspence can be added; Concealment and Protraction. He defines it as deliberately hiding something from the audience, and delaying or protracting an expected outcome.
NOEL CARROLL introduced The Question, Answer model, and felt it was important to create questions in order to keep the audience in suspense until they're answered, to keep them 'gripped', such as "Will the hero survive..?". One factor for creating suspense is a battle against all odds, otherwise known as 'The Probability Factor'. The moral factor also increases suspense, as it may not be morrally 'right' for the hero to survive, becuase of him/her doing things that aren't actually right.
In the book 'Thrillers', Martin Ruben uses the ideas of a range of critics to define the genre 'thriller', beginning with G K Chesterton.
G K CHESTERTON felt he needed to defend the genre. He determined the style, 'thriller' to be a modern genre, that mainly is set in urban landscapes, he defined it as finding excitement in everyday life. When talking about the genre, he stated it is an attempt to find the "poetry of modern life".
NORTHROP FRYE took Chesterton's critique further. He gave the idea that the hero of a thriller text is often an ordinary person, and we as the audience are happy to believe in the situations due to them being similar to the science fiction genre. He said: "the hero of romance moves in a world in which the ordinary laws of nature are slightly suspended.", and that thrillers turn the 'enchanted forest' into the Modern City.
JOHN CAWELTI combined both ideas from Frye and Chesterton. And stated that the thriller genre transforms the city from 'a modern city of commerce, industry, and science into a place of enchantment and mystery. This is achieved by introducing 'The Exotic' into the everyday world.
W H MATTHEWS' work relates to mazes and labyrinths in fiction, he see's it as everything descending into an underground maze full of twists, turns, puzzles and dead-ends. In his opinion, to design a thriller narrative, complex twists and turns need to be added into the equation so that the audience don't predict the ending. He reffered to it as being "a puzzling journey"
PASCAL BONITZER thought that Matthews was describing 'Patial Vision' when he advocates mazes. And he thought that the audience should only see so much of the situation, and it's what the audience doesn't see that is part of the thriller layout.
LARS OLE SAURBERG talks about the two ways in which suspence can be added; Concealment and Protraction. He defines it as deliberately hiding something from the audience, and delaying or protracting an expected outcome.
NOEL CARROLL introduced The Question, Answer model, and felt it was important to create questions in order to keep the audience in suspense until they're answered, to keep them 'gripped', such as "Will the hero survive..?". One factor for creating suspense is a battle against all odds, otherwise known as 'The Probability Factor'. The moral factor also increases suspense, as it may not be morrally 'right' for the hero to survive, becuase of him/her doing things that aren't actually right.
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