Friday 26 October 2012
Preliminary Task
The purpose of the preliminary task is to use camera angles which can be edited to make our filming look more professional. This task was helpful as we gained camera skills on a short piece, which let us practice. We used 3 shots which were, close up, sweeping shot and mid shot
Thursday 18 October 2012
Evaluation
As a group we gathered research and asked a diverse group of people a variety of questions from our questionaire. We asked male and females aged 12 to 18, which is the key age group that mostly watch thriller films. We found everyone we asked had some idea of what a thriller film was and various conventions they enjoy from thriller films. This insured our results would be accurate, By using a questionnaire we got a wide and diverse range of peoples opinion.
Most people preferred to watch the age group certificate 18, films with this classification are generally the most scary gory and horrific horror films. This pattern of results is accurate, as the second most popular classification was the 15 genre, then finally with the least amount of people choosing the 12.
This shows that for most people there favorite genre of thriller film is the 18, because it has no limits to horror and can create the most suspense and keep the audience scared and thrilled throughout.
Our vox pops were a success because it allowed us to get deeper answers from a more varied audience. We could refer back to our vox pops when writing and planning our narrative to make sure we were including elements that an audience would enjoy.
Another question that we asked was 'What characters do you expect to see in thrillers?' We asked this question because we wanted to know what kind of characters we should include in our thriller to make it the most successful. The results sow that 15 people would expect to see a male villain and only 3 would like to see a female victim. By looking at this, we realised that to keep to the conventions that the majority of people want, so we decided to make our villain a male character. The results also show that 13 people would expect to see a female victim, 8 would expect to see a child victim and only one person would expect to see a male victim. By looking at this we decided to incorporate the conventions of both female and children victims by making our female victim very young, around the age of 15.
By looking at and analysing these questions, it has greatly helped my group to plan our thriller film. Because we now know what our target audience would expect to see and would like to see from our thriller, we are able to include all the things that would make our audience enjoy the film. It has also helped us make decisions about the conventions and characters and sounds that we should incorporate into our thriller.
The only thing we had to reconsider was the age certificate of our thriller. Our research shows that our target audience would prefer thriller's with an age certificate of 18, but we wanted our thriller to be a 15. So we then decided to keep the decision to make the thriller a 15, but to make the conventions as close to those of an 18 rated film as we can, so as to keep the audience entertained throughout the film.
Most people preferred to watch the age group certificate 18, films with this classification are generally the most scary gory and horrific horror films. This pattern of results is accurate, as the second most popular classification was the 15 genre, then finally with the least amount of people choosing the 12.
This shows that for most people there favorite genre of thriller film is the 18, because it has no limits to horror and can create the most suspense and keep the audience scared and thrilled throughout.
Our vox pops were a success because it allowed us to get deeper answers from a more varied audience. We could refer back to our vox pops when writing and planning our narrative to make sure we were including elements that an audience would enjoy.
Another question that we asked was 'What characters do you expect to see in thrillers?' We asked this question because we wanted to know what kind of characters we should include in our thriller to make it the most successful. The results sow that 15 people would expect to see a male villain and only 3 would like to see a female victim. By looking at this, we realised that to keep to the conventions that the majority of people want, so we decided to make our villain a male character. The results also show that 13 people would expect to see a female victim, 8 would expect to see a child victim and only one person would expect to see a male victim. By looking at this we decided to incorporate the conventions of both female and children victims by making our female victim very young, around the age of 15.
By looking at and analysing these questions, it has greatly helped my group to plan our thriller film. Because we now know what our target audience would expect to see and would like to see from our thriller, we are able to include all the things that would make our audience enjoy the film. It has also helped us make decisions about the conventions and characters and sounds that we should incorporate into our thriller.
The only thing we had to reconsider was the age certificate of our thriller. Our research shows that our target audience would prefer thriller's with an age certificate of 18, but we wanted our thriller to be a 15. So we then decided to keep the decision to make the thriller a 15, but to make the conventions as close to those of an 18 rated film as we can, so as to keep the audience entertained throughout the film.
Interview Questions
The choice of questions used in this questionnaire were very important to decide which thriller film our group would make. We had to make sure we chose questions that related to the area we wanted to study, and not include any irrelevant questions.
Example of my questionnaire:
Questionnaire
1) What gender are you?
Male….. Female….
2) How old are you?
2) How old are you?
11-12 ….. 13-14…. 15-16…. 17-18….
3) Which age certificate do you prefer to watch in thrillers?
3) Which age certificate do you prefer to watch in thrillers?
12 …. 15…. 18….
4) What caused you to become interested in thriller films?
4) What caused you to become interested in thriller films?
Adverts…… Film trailers…… Friends recommended them…… Other……
5) What would you expect to see in a thriller film?
5) What would you expect to see in a thriller film?
Murder…… Villain and victim…… Hidden identities…….. Detective……... Weapons…….. Other………
6) Would you like to see a sequel to a thriller film? Why?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
7) What type of sound would you expect to hear in a thriller film?
6) Would you like to see a sequel to a thriller film? Why?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
7) What type of sound would you expect to hear in a thriller film?
Sound effects……. Tension building sound……. Soundtrack/background music……. No sound/natural sounds……...
8) What characters would you expect to see in a thriller film?
Male villain………….. Female villain……….. Male victim……….. Female victim……. Child………
9) What kind of actors would you expect to see in a thriller film?
8) What characters would you expect to see in a thriller film?
Male villain………….. Female villain……….. Male victim……….. Female victim……. Child………
9) What kind of actors would you expect to see in a thriller film?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
10) Where would you expect a thriller film to be set?
10) Where would you expect a thriller film to be set?
Outdoors…….. Abandoned House……… Graveyard……… Forest……….. Other………..
11) What other genres would you expect in a thriller film?
11) What other genres would you expect in a thriller film?
Action……. Gangster…….. Comedy…… Adventure…… Other……..
12) What would you like the purpose of the film to be?
12) What would you like the purpose of the film to be?
Inform….. Entertain…. Educate…… Instruct…… Other…….
We surveyed 40 people as we were guaranteed to get a wide range of results to came comparisons. This would help us to know what most people look for and expect from thriller films, as opposed to a select few people's opinions. Therefore the majority of conventions people enjoyed viewing, can be used in our own thriller to make it a success. We shared this between the group by dividing the questionnaires between the three of us and each of us surveyed a certain amount of people. Afterwards we compared our results and findings.
We surveyed 40 people as we were guaranteed to get a wide range of results to came comparisons. This would help us to know what most people look for and expect from thriller films, as opposed to a select few people's opinions. Therefore the majority of conventions people enjoyed viewing, can be used in our own thriller to make it a success. We shared this between the group by dividing the questionnaires between the three of us and each of us surveyed a certain amount of people. Afterwards we compared our results and findings.
Pie Charts
Friday 12 October 2012
Narrative Theory
When studying narrative theory I looked a 3 different people and there theories. When looking into each individuals ideas I found each one to be considerable different and for the theory of film and media to have changed greatly over the years, particular in the last few decades.
The first theory I looked at was by a russian critic, called Vladimir Propp, activie in the 1920s he published 'morphology of the folk tale' in 1928'. he believed that narrative is not very important compared to the characters and functions in the performance. Propp believed there would always be a certain character present in fairy tales for example a hero and a villain. He had a keen interest in folk tales and thought they were simular in many areas. characterization is a big part of props theories. He states that in every film there always has to be set rules such as the princess, (the weak female who is being saved) the villain (evil killer) and hero (strong man, heroic ect)
The second theory I looked at was Todorov. His theory consisted of a simplified idea of narrative theory whilst also allowing a more complex interpretation of film texts with his theory of equilibrium and disequilibrium. This essentially means that when everything is normal in a play such as the beginning everything is 'equilibrium'. Disequilibrium means when there is a disruption or problem with normality. He also though that during a performance after a problem occurs everything is soon sorted out which is true for many modern films and is a very common feature in worldwide cinema.
Aristotle had further ideas about the theory of narratives. He believed productions should feature the following: Inciting incidents, a dramatic question, character goals, antagonist and protagonist, resolution and sympathy empathy. These made the audience relate
the film more and get the most out of viewing the performance.
the film more and get the most out of viewing the performance.
My own film would relate to both Aristotle and propps theory because the theme of a thriller film relates strongly to both these narrative ideas. The young female victim credits sympathy and empathy. The dramatic question would be why is this woman in this situation? this situation is that the woman is tied up and she needs to run away from her capturer. If follows props theory as well as the characters fit in with the conventions of thriller films, this means a weak female character, and an evil male villain. This enigma follows the conventions of a thriller film and also the above narrative theories.
Thursday 11 October 2012
Group Narrative
Sumbal's Idea:
Idea for a Narrative
The film with begin with a person with a young man who's identity would be hidden. A young man would walk in a room wearing a hood the hood would create a shadow on his face. This will make it unable for the audience to see the young man's face. The young man would walk into a big room dragging a bag inside the room. As he walks into the room. I will use a pan shot. Where i will pan the entire room. The room would have red spotlights.I will use low key lighting. the room will give a very scary feeling as i would be using red spotlights to give the room a feeling of fear. The colour red would represent blood. In the room there would be kids boys and girls sitting quietly in the corner weeping silently.
Mies-en-scene
The room would have toys that have a very scary look. A big clown in one corner of the room. In another corner there would be a missed up barbie doll. The eyes of the barbie are taken out and the hair is messed up. On the shelves the audience will see musical toys. An alarm clock that strikes 12 and a broken bird comes out. It keeps out 12 times to create affect. The young man comes inside with a bag he opens the bag up and there is a little girl that comes out, The little girl is wearing a dress and has two pigtails. She is clutching onto a necklace. Her head is down. The young man pushes the little girl and gives one of the security guys a hand gesture. The security guy then takes the little girl and ties her up with the others. The young man then shuts the door behind him and the opening ends there. As soon as the door closes , the shot is changed to 3 hours earlier which will show hoe the little girl ended up there.
Characters
The young man : The young man's identity would be hidden. He isn't given a name in my opening film. The young man will be dressed in all black and will also be wearing a hood we wouldn't be able to see his face. The hood will create a shadow on the young man's face which will create a scary look.
The little girl : The little girl would be showed weak and vulnerable. Able to stand up for herself. The little girl needs to be shown small compared to the young man. The girl will be wearing a white dress which will show that she is innocent and pure. She would be clutching to a necklace which would show her fearful state. She would have tears running down her face but she wouldn't make a sound and would try not to make any sound.
The advantages of this idea:
- it would be apparent to the audience that the film is supposed to be a thriller film
- conventional to thriller films
- location and iconography may be hard to find
Beckie's Idea:
My film would be the beginning sequence of the thriller film.
It would start in a dark, dirty room, with nothing in it but a chair, which a young female would be tied to. The windows would be boarded up and there would be one dim lamp near her, so the audience could see the character, but not too clearly. The floorboards would be dark, stained wood. It would be instantly apparent to the audience that the character is in danger as she would be crying and her mouth would be tied up. She'd also have a trickle of blood running down her cheek from her forehead.
A man would then walk in, but his identity would be kept hidden and he's be carrying a knife. She would keep quiet and look away from him as she doesn't want to know what he's about to do. I picked an empty, seemingly abandoned room because it is conventional to a thriller film, because it created an enigma, suspense and tension and these are all things that would be good to include in my own thriller.
The rest of the feature film would include this character's life in this house, she'd never be allowed to leave. The man would be convinced that she is his wife, and she would be forced to act as such and would be locked in the empty room and punished when she disobeyed him. She'd also be put locked in the room when he leaves the house, to prevent her from escaping. The film would end with a fight between the male and female, and the audience would knot know whether he killed her or not.
It would start in a dark, dirty room, with nothing in it but a chair, which a young female would be tied to. The windows would be boarded up and there would be one dim lamp near her, so the audience could see the character, but not too clearly. The floorboards would be dark, stained wood. It would be instantly apparent to the audience that the character is in danger as she would be crying and her mouth would be tied up. She'd also have a trickle of blood running down her cheek from her forehead.
A man would then walk in, but his identity would be kept hidden and he's be carrying a knife. She would keep quiet and look away from him as she doesn't want to know what he's about to do. I picked an empty, seemingly abandoned room because it is conventional to a thriller film, because it created an enigma, suspense and tension and these are all things that would be good to include in my own thriller.
The rest of the feature film would include this character's life in this house, she'd never be allowed to leave. The man would be convinced that she is his wife, and she would be forced to act as such and would be locked in the empty room and punished when she disobeyed him. She'd also be put locked in the room when he leaves the house, to prevent her from escaping. The film would end with a fight between the male and female, and the audience would knot know whether he killed her or not.
The advantages of this idea:
- simple location
- easy to obtain iconography
- conventional to thriller films
Disadvantages:
- could be hard to find an abandoned place with boarded up windows
My Own Idea For a Narrative
Film openings are vitally important as it sets the scene for the whole of the film. My narrative would begin in a dark forest in the early evening a woman would be seen running towards the camera frantically, her clothes would be ripped and she would look dirty and tear stains and blood would be visible on her face. 2 gun shots would be heard in the background of the forest and the woman's reaction would be to run faster and shriek loudly. She would then start to slow down so she was creeping around a tree trying not to be seen or heard, (this would fit the conventions of a thriller as it would create suspense and foreboding) she would look lost and helpless then suddenly as she steps out from behind the tree a mans gloved hand closes over he mouth she screams and struggles and the man whispers words to her suddenly she passes out and is dragged through the forest.
 |
The sort of forest i would like my film
to be set in. Over powering trees, eerie feel.
|
The rest of the film feature would include the story on the mans psychological ways and the woman's story on how she ended up a prisoner. There would be a dark cabin featured in the film that would have low key lighting to hide his identity and make the scenes seem more dark grimy and mysterious. I would use high key lighting for flash backs and memories that would play-out through-out the film as the audience is informed of the story. The enigma of the film would me the mystery of the woman's stalker keeping her captive and if/how will she get out.
The advantages of this idea:
- easy location, no complications
- conventional to thriller films
- it would be hard to put across the plot to the audience
Final Group Narrative
As a group we decided to merge all 3 ideas together for our group narrative. This will incorporate many of our ideas in one opening scene. A young female would be pictured in a dark, abandoned room inside a house in the forest. she will then escape through the window and begins to run thought the forest. Theres flashbacks of her again running through the forest and her still tied up in the room. For a while she is alone, this makes the audience fall into a false sense of security. But out of no where a man catches her, which solves the enigma of why she is in the room at the beginning of the scene. In the room, she is tied up, crying, her clothes ripped and bloody. She looks scared and disheveled, which would make the audience feel sympathy for the character. The man who earlier caught her walks in, wearing a hood that hides his identity (which creates another enigma) with a knife and towards the victim. Then the screen fades to back.
Our narrative fits in with the conventions of a thriller film conventions and can be referred back to film theorist Vladimir Propp. He states that in every film there always has to be set rules such as the princess, (the weak female who is being saved) the villain (evil killer) and hero (strong man, heroic ect). In our film we will be using a weak female captive and then a mysterious and evil male villain. This will give the impression of who has the power in our film and make it conventional.
Our narrative builds up a relationship with our target audience in a number of ways. One being that the younger side of the audience would maybe feel more empathy to the young girl being captured and also the audience would feel foreboding and know that the man capturing the girl is sick and twisted. Hopefully our narrative will be effective for the audience and they will be deeply effected by the events on screen and make the thriller more of a success.
Our narrative fits in with the conventions of a thriller film conventions and can be referred back to film theorist Vladimir Propp. He states that in every film there always has to be set rules such as the princess, (the weak female who is being saved) the villain (evil killer) and hero (strong man, heroic ect). In our film we will be using a weak female captive and then a mysterious and evil male villain. This will give the impression of who has the power in our film and make it conventional.
Our narrative builds up a relationship with our target audience in a number of ways. One being that the younger side of the audience would maybe feel more empathy to the young girl being captured and also the audience would feel foreboding and know that the man capturing the girl is sick and twisted. Hopefully our narrative will be effective for the audience and they will be deeply effected by the events on screen and make the thriller more of a success.
Individual Narrative
My Own Idea For a Narrative
Film openings are vitally important as it sets the scene for the whole of the film. My narrative would begin in a dark forest in the early evening a woman would be seen running towards the camera frantically, her clothes would be ripped and she would look dirty and tear stains and blood would be visible on her face. 2 gun shots would be heard in the background of the forest and the woman's reaction would be to run faster and shriek loudly. She would then start to slow down so she was creeping around a tree trying not to be seen or heard, (this would fit the conventions of a thriller as it would create suspense and foreboding) she would look lost and helpless then suddenly as she steps out from behind the tree a mans gloved hand closes over he mouth she screams and struggles and the man whispers words to her suddenly she passes out and is dragged through the forest.
The rest of the film feature would include the story on the mans phycological ways and the woman's story on how she ended up a prisoner. There would be a dark cabin featured in the film that would have low key lighting to hide his identity and make the scenes seem more dark grimy and mysterious. I would use high key lighting for flash backs and memories that would play-out through-out the film as the audience is informed of the story. The enigma of the film would me the mystery of the woman's stalker keeping her captive and if/how will she get out.
Film Inspiration.
Many micro elements from various thriller films have inspired me, but 2 in particular stand out and relate to the opening sequence of my planned thriller. Inglorious basterds, the scene in which the young jewish girl has ran out of hiding with her family members from the nazis. she is covered in blood and is being shot at. her family have all died and she is running frantically for her life.
Although this is not the best quality clip, you can see how far the camera pans in on the girl, when you first see her if you hadn't seen the rest of the film you wouldn't know why the woman is running, then as you zoom in you can clearly seen her pain and anguish she is feeling. This creates great empathy from the audience and builds suspense, this being the sort of film i would like my audience to get from the thriller film.
Another big inspiration to me is the scene in trapped. in particular, the scene where the girl is being taken away by intruders. This scene to be is great as it displays raw emotion and cleverly expresses her anger, frustration and pure terror as the men take this woman away. I could even include maybe a phone call or some sort of non diegetic sound to be played over the scene when the woman is being taken away.
The phone scene in this film is the sort of non diegetic sound id like to include. It features amazingly effective techniques, such a a 6 second build up before the man who has captured his daughter speaks. Although he says just 2 words 'good luck' the amount of tension and horror felt my the audience is vast. This grabs the audiences attention and feels for the man on the phone and wants him to get his daughter back to safety. This idea in my own thriller film towards the end of the sequence would grab the audiences attention and make them want to continue watching. it leaves the scene on a cliff hanger and the audience on the edge of there seats, would not be able to turn away.
Low key lighting in my opening scene will be convent characarisation ional of a thriller film, and the grimy iconography used and weapons in the background will make the audience feel scared which will set the scene for the rest of the film. Following Aristotle's theory of the audience will feel empathy for the young girl trapped and be instantly scared of the dark sick minded villain who is planning to kill her.
The stronger the relationship with the character will give the film more impact on the audience, foreboding will make the audience edgy and expecting the unexpected. This will make my thriller film more successful.
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| The sort of forest i would like my film to be set in. Over powering trees, eerie feel. |
Film Inspiration.
Many micro elements from various thriller films have inspired me, but 2 in particular stand out and relate to the opening sequence of my planned thriller. Inglorious basterds, the scene in which the young jewish girl has ran out of hiding with her family members from the nazis. she is covered in blood and is being shot at. her family have all died and she is running frantically for her life.
Another big inspiration to me is the scene in trapped. in particular, the scene where the girl is being taken away by intruders. This scene to be is great as it displays raw emotion and cleverly expresses her anger, frustration and pure terror as the men take this woman away. I could even include maybe a phone call or some sort of non diegetic sound to be played over the scene when the woman is being taken away.
Low key lighting in my opening scene will be convent characarisation ional of a thriller film, and the grimy iconography used and weapons in the background will make the audience feel scared which will set the scene for the rest of the film. Following Aristotle's theory of the audience will feel empathy for the young girl trapped and be instantly scared of the dark sick minded villain who is planning to kill her.
The stronger the relationship with the character will give the film more impact on the audience, foreboding will make the audience edgy and expecting the unexpected. This will make my thriller film more successful.
Friday 5 October 2012
What is a Thriller Film
Main Codes And Conventions Of A Thriller Film
The main codes and conventions of a thriller film are are as follows. An enigma is a feature of all thriller films and is basically a mystery. An example of this could be who is the killer in the film?
The main codes and conventions of a thriller film are are as follows. An enigma is a feature of all thriller films and is basically a mystery. An example of this could be who is the killer in the film?
and the audience continues watching to find out the mysteries set up in the film. Music and sounds is also a convention, this includes natural sounds such as breathing and water. Non natural sounds the sounds of guns knifes and screaming. Some of these sounds could be both non diegetic and diegetic.
Iconography is also a key convention. This means the props used such as knifes chains and any time of weapon. Lighting both low key and high key is used, low key lighting can be used for audience manipulation as when the scene is pitch black and the killers non diegetic sound can be heard the audience is in suspense and cannot tell what is going on. High key lightening can be used to show a happy scene or a fond memory, the scene is very visible with no shadows present. Sometimes this is used in the opposite way such as in the 'saw 1' scene when both victims find themselves in blinding light this is not a happy scene and can also create dramatic irony as the audience could know the where abouts of a killer where as the victims in the scene wouldn't know. Good v's Evil is a common convention also as the killer is in the wrong and trying to kill the innocent for example a young innocent woman. Setting and narrative of a thriller is usually a dark unknown location in which the characters are not familiar with. audience manipulation is another key mentioned earlier, this also includes evil child sadistic killers and mirrors that show evil. this goes against reality and mucks up the audiences head. Escapism is a strong convention as-well as in the narrative the characters are trying to escape from there own killer. The 3 S's are used alot in horror films. These are shock, surprise and suspense. All good thrillers use this and impresses audiences and keep them on the edge of there seat in suspense and terror.
The opening sequence defines thriller as a genre because of the enigma that is present of a mystery and the non digetic sounds that are being heard from the pitch black darkness. Low key lightning is suddenly killed by high key lighting to reveal a rank and gloomy abandoned bathroom. Sound effects include the natural sounds of water used in a eerie effect that then fade to frightening man-made sounds of chains and gun. Fitting with the thriller conventions, saw 1 has a strong sense of escapism and effects such as slow editing to highlight a victims blood and gun draw in an audience and build suspense.
However interestingly some conventions of a thriller are not being followed, such as the classic weak female victim who is not present in this opening. Usually high key lighting in a thriller is used for a happy scene or memory but quite the opposite in this film, high key lightening is used to blind the victims and show how gloomy and awful the room there being held in is.
Micro editing techniques are also featured. this includes the spinning camera edit effect which helps create confusing and empathy between the audience and the victim and install the enigma by how horrific the victim has been murdered, and why hes there. further conventions have also been followed as the killer is no where to be scene and the whole plot and setting seems alien and weird for the characters to be in.
This opening has inspired me in my own thriller film, as it shows how simple effects can go along side what your trying to make the audience feel and if they can relate to the situation the victim is in. The cold thrilling opening builds tension and suspense for the audience, something I hope to achieve with my own thriller opening.
The opening sequence is disturbing and horrific. Conventions of a thriller film are cleverly used, to maximize the suspense and draw in an audience in a subtle yet effective way. The clip shows a man performing various distasteful tasks that show the characters psychopathic nature. Slow editing is used with natural non digentic sounds playing throughout that build up and get louder to co inside with the tension and suspense building from the audience. The camera shots are zoomed right in onto the objects and low key creepy lighting highlights the items and hands of the man to be dirty and disgusting This shocks an audience and makes them wonder what is happening on screen and what the plot could be, furthermore the enigma convention of mystery is being shown as the audience have no idea what is going on and why. Shots from the camera seem flickery and historical making it seem old, dated and forbidden like as an audience were not allowed to see this abandoned clip. The flashing shots make the audience feel a sense of foreboding and as the camera jumps so does the audience. Over all the film opening entices an audience with great effect and creates a creepy and disturbing opening to a film that an audience would be compelled to watch.
The target audience of thriller films ranges from young teenagers to young adults. Typically these people find thriller films most entertaining as they enjoy the suspense and being scared by the jumpy scenes. Therefore its important for thrillers to have the right conventions and age certificate in order for all age groups the film aimed at to be able to watch the film.
In my own thriller film I would like to have an enigmatic opening which will leave the mystery unawnsered so my target audience is hooked into the plot of the film. I will make sure that I use questionnaires to determine what the general public enjoy in there thriller films, so I can make it specific for that audience.
I will use the above conventions such as micro editing to make my film jumpy so my audience isn't bored. Also non diegetic sounds will build tension throughout my opening scene then the iconography I use will have to be grimy and disgusting so my audience is taken aback and gets a sense of foreboding.
Iconography is also a key convention. This means the props used such as knifes chains and any time of weapon. Lighting both low key and high key is used, low key lighting can be used for audience manipulation as when the scene is pitch black and the killers non diegetic sound can be heard the audience is in suspense and cannot tell what is going on. High key lightening can be used to show a happy scene or a fond memory, the scene is very visible with no shadows present. Sometimes this is used in the opposite way such as in the 'saw 1' scene when both victims find themselves in blinding light this is not a happy scene and can also create dramatic irony as the audience could know the where abouts of a killer where as the victims in the scene wouldn't know. Good v's Evil is a common convention also as the killer is in the wrong and trying to kill the innocent for example a young innocent woman. Setting and narrative of a thriller is usually a dark unknown location in which the characters are not familiar with. audience manipulation is another key mentioned earlier, this also includes evil child sadistic killers and mirrors that show evil. this goes against reality and mucks up the audiences head. Escapism is a strong convention as-well as in the narrative the characters are trying to escape from there own killer. The 3 S's are used alot in horror films. These are shock, surprise and suspense. All good thrillers use this and impresses audiences and keep them on the edge of there seat in suspense and terror.
The opening sequence defines thriller as a genre because of the enigma that is present of a mystery and the non digetic sounds that are being heard from the pitch black darkness. Low key lightning is suddenly killed by high key lighting to reveal a rank and gloomy abandoned bathroom. Sound effects include the natural sounds of water used in a eerie effect that then fade to frightening man-made sounds of chains and gun. Fitting with the thriller conventions, saw 1 has a strong sense of escapism and effects such as slow editing to highlight a victims blood and gun draw in an audience and build suspense.
However interestingly some conventions of a thriller are not being followed, such as the classic weak female victim who is not present in this opening. Usually high key lighting in a thriller is used for a happy scene or memory but quite the opposite in this film, high key lightening is used to blind the victims and show how gloomy and awful the room there being held in is.
Micro editing techniques are also featured. this includes the spinning camera edit effect which helps create confusing and empathy between the audience and the victim and install the enigma by how horrific the victim has been murdered, and why hes there. further conventions have also been followed as the killer is no where to be scene and the whole plot and setting seems alien and weird for the characters to be in.
This opening has inspired me in my own thriller film, as it shows how simple effects can go along side what your trying to make the audience feel and if they can relate to the situation the victim is in. The cold thrilling opening builds tension and suspense for the audience, something I hope to achieve with my own thriller opening.
The opening sequence is disturbing and horrific. Conventions of a thriller film are cleverly used, to maximize the suspense and draw in an audience in a subtle yet effective way. The clip shows a man performing various distasteful tasks that show the characters psychopathic nature. Slow editing is used with natural non digentic sounds playing throughout that build up and get louder to co inside with the tension and suspense building from the audience. The camera shots are zoomed right in onto the objects and low key creepy lighting highlights the items and hands of the man to be dirty and disgusting This shocks an audience and makes them wonder what is happening on screen and what the plot could be, furthermore the enigma convention of mystery is being shown as the audience have no idea what is going on and why. Shots from the camera seem flickery and historical making it seem old, dated and forbidden like as an audience were not allowed to see this abandoned clip. The flashing shots make the audience feel a sense of foreboding and as the camera jumps so does the audience. Over all the film opening entices an audience with great effect and creates a creepy and disturbing opening to a film that an audience would be compelled to watch.
The target audience of thriller films ranges from young teenagers to young adults. Typically these people find thriller films most entertaining as they enjoy the suspense and being scared by the jumpy scenes. Therefore its important for thrillers to have the right conventions and age certificate in order for all age groups the film aimed at to be able to watch the film.
In my own thriller film I would like to have an enigmatic opening which will leave the mystery unawnsered so my target audience is hooked into the plot of the film. I will make sure that I use questionnaires to determine what the general public enjoy in there thriller films, so I can make it specific for that audience.
I will use the above conventions such as micro editing to make my film jumpy so my audience isn't bored. Also non diegetic sounds will build tension throughout my opening scene then the iconography I use will have to be grimy and disgusting so my audience is taken aback and gets a sense of foreboding.
Thursday 4 October 2012
Age Classification
A G E C E R T I F I C A T E S
The BBFC stands for 'British Board of Film classification'.
this organisation is responsible for national film censorship in the UK.
This is important for the film industry as age certificates determine if the film is suitable for the right audience so younger audiences aren't exposed to material not designed for there age group.
The different age certificates are as follows:
- Universal - suitible for all
- PG - parental guidance required if person is under 12
- 12A - If the person is under 12 must be accompanied by someone over 12
- 12 - must be over 12 to veiw
- 15 - must be over 15 to veiw
- 18 - must be over 18 to view
- Restricted 18 - only sold in licensed adult cinema or sex shop.
Most Disney films are 'U' films, This is because there is little violence and noting unsuitable for children.
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| Example of a 'U' Disney film |
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| Example of a 'PG' |
PG films require children to watch this film with an adult as some scenes may be unsuitable for children and feature mild language or fantasy violence.
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| The Hunger Games Is a 12A |
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| Mean Girls is Rated 12 |
To view a 12 film the person must be over 12 to view if as some language and drug references may be used as well as mild violence that's unsuitable for a younger audience. Mean girls is rated 12 because a younger audience wouldn't understand certain things, and also alcohol, mild violence and some mild language is used in the film there fore 12 + is the correct age group to view this film.
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| The inbetweeners movie '15' |
The 15 certificate is for people over 15, this is because films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, frequent strong language. and some sex references. This is limited however unless the film is an 18 certificate. This category has no limits on the amount of language used sex references and drugs may be featured frequently Restricted 18 applies to pornographic films that are ever rented or shown in adult licensed cinemas. This certificate of film happens to be the most used of all the classifications. The inbetweeners movie is a 15 because although there are strong sexual references and language, most teenagers would have watched the film so in order for the film to be a success in the cinemas.
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| Trainspotting is an 18 |
For my thriller film I would choose the certificate 15, this keeps open the possibilities to make the opening violent and thrill an audience but does not limit the amount of people who can view it too much. Trainspotting is not for the faint hearted so contain alot of sex and drug use. This film has to be an 18 and an older teenage audience would be their target.
Monday 1 October 2012
Mise-En-Scene of Prom Night
Mise-en-scene means everything in the scene. This is a french term and used to define everything going on on set this includes the five elements:
settings and iconography (location and set and props), costume, hair and makeup which shows an indication of character and time frame. Facial expressions and body language, lighting and colour and also positioning of characters and objects.
In prom night varies techniques of mise-en-scene was used. The setting for the scene we studied was in a ball room, this gave the impression of a calm relaxed and enjoyable environment. The audience would not expect danger or chaos, this gives the audience a false impression as the plot unfolds.
Iconography in this clip was varied and created allot of emotional impact on the characters. The results sheet stating who was going to be crowned prom king and queen was about to be opened when the alarm went off, and everyone was desperate and anxious to know who would be king and queen one girl even grabs the envelope and when she finds she isn't the winner breaks down in tears. This shows how simple iconography can dictate how characters feel and shows there personality to the audience as being shallow. on the opposite end of the scale, a knife was also used by a man threatening a young woman in the hotel room scene, this knife caused terror and instanlty made the man a threat in the audiences eyes and became more powerful and a key character in the scene.
Costumes used in this scene were very formal. Prom suits were largely worn and again in prom suits and dresses do not go with action and panic so suprise the audience. The girl in the scene is fighting for her life and still wearing her prom dress! this shows the suprise of the attack and the spontaneous way in which the plot is unfolding.
The positioning of the characters was very varied in parts of the clip. Panic spread the characters out and compacted many during the scene where the teenagers were asked to leave the hotel. Also the woman trapped in the hotel room was featured on many different levels including the floor and behind the door. This makes the woman seem weak and fearful as she is hiding from the killer in a cat-and-mouse chase style.
The lighting in this clip is low key and serious. shadows and light vary particularly in the fight scene where the conventions of a thriller film are followed by dark moody lighting that shows mystery and fear. Flashing white is also a feature when the killer arrives this makes the audience feel like theres going to danger and to be scared of the murderer. It also hides his identity and creates more mystery as to who and what the killer is and his motives, how ever the face is then revealed which is unconventual to a thriller film.
The facial expressions at the being show shock and grief as not only has prom been postponed but friends of the characters are missing. This fits in with the conventions of a thriller and makes the audience feel tense and interested as to what will happen next. Make up and hair is a key feature at the start of the film as all the girls are dressed up for prom, but by the end of the clip the girl in the bedroom is seen with mascara running down her face as she is crying. This shows how prom has been ruined and that she doesn't care for her appearance now her life is at stake.
To conclude mise-en-scene includes many factors of the film and is allot to take in. It also varies greatly throughout this clip and is allot to take in and review.
The target audience of the film would probably be 14-20 year olds. This is because this age group can relate to the plot and also be more enticed and interesting in whats going on. The film is jumpy and thrilling but also not to horrific or scary so can appeal to a wide audience who may like different genres of films.
The Female weak characters promotes sympathy from the audience and they feel scared and worried about her. Also she is very pretty and so the audience (particularly some males) may feel they want to protect her. This gives a strong character audience relationship and makes the films impact more effective. This is a typical convention of a thriller film.
Mise-en-scene means everything in the scene. This is a french term and used to define everything going on on set this includes the five elements:
settings and iconography (location and set and props), costume, hair and makeup which shows an indication of character and time frame. Facial expressions and body language, lighting and colour and also positioning of characters and objects.
In prom night varies techniques of mise-en-scene was used. The setting for the scene we studied was in a ball room, this gave the impression of a calm relaxed and enjoyable environment. The audience would not expect danger or chaos, this gives the audience a false impression as the plot unfolds.
Iconography in this clip was varied and created allot of emotional impact on the characters. The results sheet stating who was going to be crowned prom king and queen was about to be opened when the alarm went off, and everyone was desperate and anxious to know who would be king and queen one girl even grabs the envelope and when she finds she isn't the winner breaks down in tears. This shows how simple iconography can dictate how characters feel and shows there personality to the audience as being shallow. on the opposite end of the scale, a knife was also used by a man threatening a young woman in the hotel room scene, this knife caused terror and instanlty made the man a threat in the audiences eyes and became more powerful and a key character in the scene.
Costumes used in this scene were very formal. Prom suits were largely worn and again in prom suits and dresses do not go with action and panic so suprise the audience. The girl in the scene is fighting for her life and still wearing her prom dress! this shows the suprise of the attack and the spontaneous way in which the plot is unfolding.
The positioning of the characters was very varied in parts of the clip. Panic spread the characters out and compacted many during the scene where the teenagers were asked to leave the hotel. Also the woman trapped in the hotel room was featured on many different levels including the floor and behind the door. This makes the woman seem weak and fearful as she is hiding from the killer in a cat-and-mouse chase style.
The lighting in this clip is low key and serious. shadows and light vary particularly in the fight scene where the conventions of a thriller film are followed by dark moody lighting that shows mystery and fear. Flashing white is also a feature when the killer arrives this makes the audience feel like theres going to danger and to be scared of the murderer. It also hides his identity and creates more mystery as to who and what the killer is and his motives, how ever the face is then revealed which is unconventual to a thriller film.
The facial expressions at the being show shock and grief as not only has prom been postponed but friends of the characters are missing. This fits in with the conventions of a thriller and makes the audience feel tense and interested as to what will happen next. Make up and hair is a key feature at the start of the film as all the girls are dressed up for prom, but by the end of the clip the girl in the bedroom is seen with mascara running down her face as she is crying. This shows how prom has been ruined and that she doesn't care for her appearance now her life is at stake.
To conclude mise-en-scene includes many factors of the film and is allot to take in. It also varies greatly throughout this clip and is allot to take in and review.
The target audience of the film would probably be 14-20 year olds. This is because this age group can relate to the plot and also be more enticed and interesting in whats going on. The film is jumpy and thrilling but also not to horrific or scary so can appeal to a wide audience who may like different genres of films.
The Female weak characters promotes sympathy from the audience and they feel scared and worried about her. Also she is very pretty and so the audience (particularly some males) may feel they want to protect her. This gives a strong character audience relationship and makes the films impact more effective. This is a typical convention of a thriller film.
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