Huw's AS Coursework Blog

Evaluation

2009-05-07T01:28:00.001-07:00

When my group began this task we started by evaluating thriller openings. We noticed that throught the genre the thrillers started in similar ways. This was that they started with the films titles over usually a blank background. We found that music is also used to great effect in these openings which helps to create a sense of suspense and allows the audience to identify the type of film they are watching (see 0:00 - 2:08 in Signs video below). We then decided to do a similar opening to these (see 0:00 - 0:34). We use white text on a black background and use fades to create an almost ghostly effect of the text fading in and out. This coupled with the use of main character singing as non diegetic sound creates a suspensefull effect and helps to create a feeling of unease in the audience.

When we researched the work of M. Night Shyamalan we noticed that most of his films started with a zoom or a long shot in order to both establish the setting and to create suspense this is shown in the opening of the film Signs (see 2:07 - 2:21 in video below). We also decided to use this (see 0:34 - 0:45).

Our use of mise en scene throught our opening is similar to other thrillers such as The Blair Witch Project. This is as both our thriller opening and The Blair Witch Project use the situation of being lost in a wood to show a characters isolation and fear. We also used setting in our opening to create a sense of unease in the audience. This is as the image of a teenager playing with children's toys is not a normal one and this helps to establish the characters status as abnormal (see 0:46 - 0:50). This was supposed to be empahasised by the characters adult dress however this confused the audience as due to the presence of children's toys they assumed that the character was meant to be a child rather than a teenager.

Similarites in the setting of our thriller and The Blair Witch Project

In our opening men are shown as being stereotypically domininant over woman. This is emphasised by the use of high and low angles to show dominance and submissiveness. During our opening the male is centralised and has more screen time than the female which futher reinforces the idea of male dominance. The male character is also shown as being a stereotypical drunken and abusing father. This is shown by his costume and dialogue towards the female. This portayal helps to create a feeling of sympathy towards the female character. The original establishing shot of the house (see 0:34 - 0:45) shows that the characters are middle class. However the appearance of the male character can suggest that he is more working class.

I feel that the production company Touchstone Pictures would be a likely candidate for distributing our media product. This is as they have previously distributed thrillers such as Dark Water and Signs. These films focus on a main characters journey of discovery and have elements of horror both of the psychological and physical kind. This is similar to our opening. Our thirller also uses other themes similar to these films and others that Touchstone Pictures produce. Such as the presence of an unseen antagonist and the use of a handi cam to simulate the pov of this antagonist (see 1:54 - 1:58). Also as most of the films of M. Night Shyamalan have been distributed by this company it is likely that they are interested in psychological thrilles such as ours.

I feel that the audience for our thriller would be for teenagers and adults in their 20s to 30s. This is as the scenes of abuse would be upsetting for a younger audience. Also the portrayal of teenagers as mistunderstood would appeal to the teenage audience as would the portrayal of a drunken and abusinve father figure. This is as stereotypically teenagers are rebellious towards authority and the presentation of a dominant male figure as being imperfect would appeal to them. It is also more likely that the audience would be mostly male as the elements of horror in our thriller would appeal to them more than women.

During this task I have learnt a large amount about constructing a media product. This has been in the form of both learning how to effectively use editing, camera, mise en scene and sound and also in the plot line of our opening.

Originally our thriller opening was very different. This is as we had planned to use flashbacks to show the main characters past and to end the opening with the main character waking up from a dream. However we learnt that this was far to cliche and confusing. So we changed this into the main character being abused and then running away. We also foudn that in our rough draft there was far too much running. This caused the audience to lose interest in what was happening on screen. We then cut this down using editing and by cutting out pieces of setting that didnt really make sense. This helped the narrative to flow much easier and helped the audience to become more enaged in what they were watching.

I also learnt how to use the editing software premier pro. While i was not particularily literate with this program i improved and was able to start editing effectively. This was in the form of using fades and using editing to create effect and continuity. I also learnt how to use music to create meaning however in our end product we ended up using too much music and subtracting from the action on screen.

In comparison to our continuity task our thriller opening has improved by a large amount. This is due to the massive improvement in our editing and camera work. For instance in our continuity task several shots are far too long and therefore detracted from the action on screen. The camera work was also shaky and not always in focus. Our use of music in this task also left alot to be desired.

Final Version

2009-05-05T03:39:00.000-07:00

Editing

2009-03-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Now our group had finished all the shots needed we progressed onto editing our shots. We needed to find appropriate music and sound effects for the genre.

Each member of our group attempted to find appropriate music on the various copyright free music sites. Eventually we found some suitable music.

We then pieced together our shots and used various fades to make the shots appear more atmospheric. We also used the tools in premier to manipulate the music in order to make it flow with the editing.

Filming 23/02

2009-03-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

Our group had found that we needed to use a larger variety of shots as we had before relied on the actors to move the plot forward rather than the camera angles. With this in mind we used significantally more POV shots, close ups etc.

Once the shots were finished we uploaded them onto adobe premier and began to edit them.

Filming 05/02

2009-03-10T02:53:00.001-07:00

As we needed to incorporate a new plot we had to make some significant re shoots.

We experimented with low and high angle shots and POV shots to help capture the emotion of the actors. We also had to write a script for the character dialogue which improved the overall effect of the scene.

Weather was again a problem as we had to hide the snow that had fallen recently in order to preserve continuity.

Feedback from filming 25/01

2009-03-10T02:47:00.000-07:00

We recived some very important feedback from our teacher which will cause us to alter our film.

The shots with the actress portraying the younger version of another actress will have to be changed du to lack of realism. This is as the actresses have little resembelence to each other and this would obviously confuse the audience.

We have decided to alter the plot slightly in order to overcome this problem.

Other feedback included adding extra shots to increase continuity.

Filming 25/01

2009-03-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

Our group re shot several shots that we felt were not up to standard and completed the shots we had been unbale to do so before. The weather was a slight problem however we were still able to get the shots needed. Our increased experience in camera work allowed us to re shoot the shots that were previously too shaky and to overall improve the quality of shots.

Later in the evening we filmed in a different location (house) with different actors. A significant problem arose when our camera ran out of power. However we were able to use a digital camera which hopefully will not affect the quality of the shots.

I feel that this filming session was very successful as we were able to improve our previous shots and to create an appropriate environment for the opening.

Filming 15/01

2009-03-10T02:34:00.000-07:00

Our group filmed in all of our locations (Woods, Abandoned Barn). We filmed a large number of shots and found some easier to do than others. Some shots required other equipment such as a ladder.

However the weather and the light conditions stoppped us from filming any more and some of our shots were unusable due to the darkness.

Feedback

Good Mise-en-scene
Shaky camera work
Improve continuity

Animatic Evaluation

2009-01-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

Overall our animatic appeared to be of a reasonable standard. The rest of the class found it easy to follow and our use of sound was also good as it created the proper atmosphere. However there were a few problems with the animatic. Namely that there was too much running and that some shots were far too long.

The animatic has helped us to improve our opening as we have been able to judge what can create suspense and tension.

Taking into consideration teh feedback given to us we can now improve our opening suitably.

BBFC Certifications

2008-11-26T12:24:00.001-08:00

'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over
No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
Theme
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language. But the strongest terms will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

'18' – Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.

Continuity Task

2008-11-26T12:23:00.002-08:00

Similar to our other filiming task in our continuity task we had to make a short film of a convesation between two people. However this time we had to script and storyboard our work. This time one personwas allocated storyboarding as we had learnt from our previous mistake. I feel that our continuity task was quite successful as we made good use of sound and certain camera shots. However we had several problems with editing such as a charcters arm disappearing suddenly from the shot. Also the camera was unsteady and was at an angle. However we succesfully manage to use camera angles to make one charcter appaer inferior to the other but in order to make this even more usccessful we should have used a low angle shot on the dominant character. From this task I have learnt that I must pay closer attention to editing and the position of the camera.

Practice Filming

2008-11-26T12:23:00.001-08:00

In our first filming task we had to film two people having a conversation. I feel that our group performed well in this task as we did not at any time break to 180 degree rule. Our shots also flowed nicely apart from a editing mistake in which an actor appeared from nowhere. Another problem we had was poor lighting which made the finished product appear less professional. we also have to make sure that when a charcter enters a room we must show them doing so fully in order not to break continuity. In the future we will be sure to pay more attention to lighting in our setting and to make sure that all shots follow on form each other smoothly. Our group completed the filming task with time to spare and were able to move on to the next task quickly. During this task I also futher improved my knowledge of premier and am now able to include music and fading into my work.

Practice Animatic

2008-11-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

Due to technical difficulties I am unable to show my animatic

I feel that my groups first animatic was largely unsuccessful. This is due to technical diffculties, group work and having each member of the group draw part of the animatic. These were problems as during the process of creation only one person took control and did most of the work. Also having each member of the group draw a part for the animatic was a mistake as this caused it to be inconsistent and unclear. In the future we will make sure to all take part in the creation of our work equally and also to only have one person draw the animatic. One good thing I have gained from the animatic was a basic knowledge of how to use premier which is the program which we will be editing our other creations in.

Evaluation of Thrillers

2008-11-24T15:35:00.001-08:00

I have found that thrillers can vary depending upon their sub genre. However there are some simailarites between thrillers. Sound is very important in all thrillers as it can convey a sense of tension throughout the opening sequence. Also main characters are introduced to the plot early on though there are some exceptions (Anatomy of a Murder). Pace of editing can vary between the genres but is usually used in order to build tension. Colours that are predomitally used in thrillers are red, black and white as these can symbolise certain aspects of the thriller (Sin City).

Thriller 5: Walk On The Wild Side

2008-11-24T15:34:00.001-08:00

Thriller 4: Get Carter

2008-11-24T15:33:00.002-08:00

Thriller 3: Hostage

2008-11-24T15:33:00.001-08:00

Thriller 2: Sin City

2008-11-24T15:32:00.001-08:00

Camera

During the opening sequence the camera uses a combination of close ups and mid shots to make the audience feel closer to the characters. It also establishes that the characters have a close connection with each other making it more shocking when the woman is murdered. Shot-reverse-shot is also used in order to keep track of the conversation and to see the characters reactions to the others statements. At the end of the sequence a high angle shot is used to show the woman dying in the man's arms which also serves to show the power he has over her. The camera then zooms out to show the woman's life slowly fading away.

Editing

The editing is slow paced and matches the plot as it is used in the first part of the sequence to show the characters conversations with one another. This also help to increase the effect of the shocking climax as the editing gives nothing away to the conclusion of the scene. The editing is unique in that the colours red, black and white are used to cover the entire surroundings at the end of the scene. This helps to convey Sin City's comic book style and structure.

Thriller 1: Anatomy of a Murder

2008-11-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Camera

During the opening sequence the camera does not move. This puts more emphasis on the main titles and the animation on screen. The text moves around the screen as does the animation and the camera's stillness allows both to slide on and off. By having the camera motionless the director is able to show the audience that the main titles and animation is the most important things on screen.

Editing

In the opening sequence mainly straight cuts are used and the editing is fast paced. The editing is used to show the main titles and various body parts in quick succession as they appear and disappear. This links in with the fast pace of the opening sequence. By making the opening sequence fast paced the director is able to show the audience what to expect from the rest of the film. The quick appearance and disappearance of body parts also does this as it shows that the film may include dismemberment which links back to the title "Anatomy of a Murder". At the end of the sequence editing is used to make the hands appear to be coming closer and closer. This cause the audience to feel as if they are being closed in.

Sound

The music used is typical of the period in which the film was made as it is big band music. The loud parts of the music are used to make the audience think of screaming and violence aluding to what happen later in the film. The music increases in speed as the opening sequence continues showing the audience that the film will be fast paced.

Mise-en-scene

Images of body parts are used in the opening sequence to show that the film will include dismemberment and murder. The theme of violence is displayed heavily during the title sequence by the images of body parts also. The dark colours used in the opening sequence could show that the film will be very dark and mysterious.

Special Effects

Animation is used heavily in the opening sequence and the images of body parts slide on and off the screen. Hand are shown to push titles off the screen in order for them to be replaced by others. The entire opening sequence is done in a cartoon like style and shows that perhaps the film will have lighter moments to it.

Titles

The titles are white and are shown on either a black or a grey background. This is done to make the titles stand out and to catch the audiences eye. As the titles are a main part fo the opening sequence they are quite large and are moslty centralised.

What is a Thriller

2008-11-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

Thrillers often take place wholly or partly in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, polar regions, or high seas. The heroes in most thrillers are frequently "hard men" accustomed to danger: law enforcement officers, spies, soldiers, seamen or aviators. However, they may also be ordinary citizens drawn into danger by accident. While such heroes have traditionally been men, women lead characters have become increasingly common; for an early example see Sigourney Weaver's character Ripley, in the movie Alien, 1979.

Thrillers often overlap with mystery stories, but are distinguished by the structure of their plots. In a thriller, the hero must thwart the plans of an enemy, rather than uncover a crime that has already happened. Thrillers also occur on a much grander scale: the crimes that must be prevented are serial or mass murder, terrorism, assassination, or the overthrow of governments. Jeopardy and violent confrontations are standard plot elements. While a mystery climaxes when the mystery is solved, a thriller climaxes when the hero finally defeats the villain, saving his own life and often the lives of others. In thrillers influenced by film noir and tragedy, the compromised hero is often killed in the process.

Thrillers may be defined by the primary mood that they elicit: fearful excitement. In short, if it 'thrills', it is a thriller.

Sub-genres

The thriller genre can include the following sub-genres, which may include elements of other genres:

Action thriller - In which the work often features a race against the clock, contains lots of violence, and an obvious antagonist. These films usually contain large amounts of guns, explosions, and large elaborate set pieces for the action to take place. These films often have elements of mystery films and crime films but these elements take a backseat to action. Notable examples are the James Bond films, The Transporter, and the Jason Bourne novels and films.

Conspiracy thriller - In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. The Chancellor Manuscript and The Aquitane Progression by Robert Ludlum fall into this category, as do films such as Three Days of the Condor and JFK.

Crime thriller - This particular genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, and double-crosses are central ingredients. Some examples include The Killing, Seven, The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs, Inside Man, and The Asphalt Jungle.

Disaster thriller - In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc., or nuclear disasters as an artificial disaster. Examples include Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, Tremor by Winston Graham, and the 1974 film Earthquake.

Drama thriller - In which the story consists of the elements of a thriller and drama film. These films are usually slower paced and involves a great deal of character development along with plot twists. Examples include The Illusionist, The Interpreter and The Prestige.

Eco-thriller - In which the protagonist must avert or rectify an environmental or biological calamity - often in addition to dealing with the usual types of enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This environmental component often forms a central message or theme of the story. Examples include Nicholas Evans's The Loop, C. George Muller's Echoes in the Blue, and Wilbur Smith's Elephant Song, all of which highlight real-life environmental issues. Futuristic Eco-thrillers are of the Science Fiction genre that propose ideas that will or may occur and include such works as Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and Ian Irvine's Human Rites Trilogy.

Erotic thriller - In which it consists of erotica and thriller. It has become popular since the 1980s and the rise of VCR market penetration. The genre includes such films as Basic Instinct, Fatal Attraction, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, and In the Cut.

Horror thriller - In which conflict between the main characters are mental, emotional, and physical. Two recent examples of this include the Saw series of films and the Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later. What sets the horror thriller apart is the main element of fear throughout the story. The main character(s) is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting the monster's attention. Other well-known examples are Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs.

Legal thriller - In which the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. The Innocent Man by John Grisham is a well known example of the type.

Medical thriller - In which the hero/heroine are doctors or medical personnels working to solve an expanding medical problem. Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Crichton, and Gary Braver are well-known authors of this subgenre. Nonfiction medical thrillers are also a subcategory, comprising works like The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. Films such as Awake are other examples of medical thrillers.

Political thriller - In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. The success of Seven Days in May (1962) by Fletcher Knebel, The Day of the Jackal (1971) by Frederick Forsyth, and The Manchurian Candidate (1959) by Richard Condon established this subgenre. A more recent example is the 1980 film "Agency".

Psychological thriller - In which (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. The Alfred Hitchcock films Suspicion, Shadow of a Doubt, and Strangers on a Train and David Lynch's bizarre and influential Blue Velvet are notable examples of the type, as is The Sixth Sense by M. Night Shyamalan and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (who also wrote Strangers).

Spy thriller (also a subgenre of spy fiction) - In which the hero is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or (in recent years) terrorists. Examples include From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming, The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum, and television series such as Mission: Impossible and 24 (the latter demonstrating a break from the norm by Robert Ludlum, as it is as much a psychological thriller as a spy thriller.)

Supernatural thriller - In which the conflict is between main characters, usually one of which has supernatural powers. Carrie by Stephen King and Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan and Torchwood are notable examples of this genre. This type of thriller combines tension of the regular thriller with such basic horror oriented ingredients as ghosts, the occult, and psychic phenomenon; the supernatural thriller combines these with a frightening but often restrained film. They also generally eschew the more graphic elements of the horror film in favor of sustaining a mood of menace and unpredictability; supernatural thrillers often find the protagonists either battling a malevolent paranormal force or trapped in a situation seemingly influenced or controlled by an other-worldly entity beyond their comprehension.

Techno-thriller - A work that usually focuses upon military action, in which technology (usually military technology) is described in detail and made essential to the reader's/viewer's understanding of the plot. Tom Clancy defined and popularized the genre with his The Hunt for Red October, and is considered to be the "Father of the Technothriller."

Taken from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)