MOVIE OPENINGS - MAIN TITLE SEQUENCES:
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Types of Thriller Films
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.
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
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.
Supernatural thriller:
In a thriller, the hero must thwart the plans of an enemy, rather than uncover a crime that has already happened; while a murder mystery would be spoiled by a premature disclosure of the murderer's identity, in a thriller the identity of a murderer or other villain is typically known all along. 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.
“By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job. ”
— James Patterson, June 2006
Characters in thrillers include convicts, criminals, stalkers, assassins, down-on-their-luck losers, innocent victims (often on the run), prison inmates, menaced women, characters with dark pasts, psychotic individuals, terrorists, cops and escaped cons, fugitives, private eyes, drifters, duplicitous individuals, people involved in twisted relationships, world-weary men and women, psycho-fiends, and more.
A supernatural thriller is just a thriller with supernatural/paranormal elements. Supernatural means those things that have no logical/natural explanation. Vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, demons, paranormal phenomena, all qualify.
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.
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
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.
Supernatural thriller:
In a thriller, the hero must thwart the plans of an enemy, rather than uncover a crime that has already happened; while a murder mystery would be spoiled by a premature disclosure of the murderer's identity, in a thriller the identity of a murderer or other villain is typically known all along. 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.
“By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job. ”
— James Patterson, June 2006
Characters in thrillers include convicts, criminals, stalkers, assassins, down-on-their-luck losers, innocent victims (often on the run), prison inmates, menaced women, characters with dark pasts, psychotic individuals, terrorists, cops and escaped cons, fugitives, private eyes, drifters, duplicitous individuals, people involved in twisted relationships, world-weary men and women, psycho-fiends, and more.
A supernatural thriller is just a thriller with supernatural/paranormal elements. Supernatural means those things that have no logical/natural explanation. Vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, demons, paranormal phenomena, all qualify.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Forms and Convensions of Thriller Films
As with any genre, a thriller uses multiple conventions to connect with an audience and to get them involved in the production. Most thrillers will follow the same technical conventions as this is how they make the thriller frightening and full of suspense. A thriller must create fear in the person watching. Using techniques in filming, representation, editing, sound and mise en scene can create and add suspense to a movie.
A Crime at the Core of the Narrative:
A thriller will usually have a crime which the whole storyline is focused on. This is generally a murder but it may not always be the case and there could be other things surrounding the plot. If murder was used as the crime, the audience can expect death, blood and jumpy scenes. The killer may not be revealed until the end of the film or maybe not at all as this keeps the viewer guessing throughout the film.
A Complex Narrative Structure:
A complex narrative is another key convention of a thriller, the more confusing it becomes, the harder it is for the audience to put together the on screen clues. The director may include false paths and resolutions that run alongside as a secondary storyline. These false paths are used to confuse the viewer and mislead them, they also act as enhancements to the plot.
A Narrative Pattern Of Establishing Enigmas:
In a thriller, the viewer will expect mysteries in the plot that they hope will be resolved towards the end of the film. The viewer will want to understand certain things in the storyline so this convention is used to ensure that a viewer watches till the end to find out the enigma. The audience will be hooked on what is happening on screen and will be asking questions in their heads such as ‘Why are they there’, or ‘Who has done that to them’ only by watching the film will they find their answer.
A Protagonist Who Is Systematically Dis-empowered and Drawn Into A Complex Web Of Intrigue by The Antagonist:
A protagonist is the main central character in a film while the antagonist is usually their opponent. In a thriller, the protagonist will be somehow taken into a situation and the storyline will evolve around that. Usually the antagonist will be fighting against the protagonist throughout the film – even if we don’t know who they are. The storyline would usually have twists in it that evolves both characters, there could be points where the antagonist seems to glory over the protagonist.
Extraordinary Events Happening in Ordinary Situations:
A strong convention in any thriller is surprise and suspense, a thriller generally starts in a location that people would deem ordinary and normal, before it quickly changes to something that is frightening. This is used because the audience are able to identify with the plot in a better way - they are able to put themselves in the situation that the characters are in and to literally feel their fear.
Themes Of Identity:
Themes of identity often play a big role in the thriller-genre.
The characters personalities are shown on screen which helps the audience to relate to the action that they are watching. Their roles throughout the film are also identified so the audience are then aware which characters they should be weary of and which characters they hope will get out of the situation. Identities also help the viewer to associate themselves with the characters as if they like a character, they are going to want them to be ok.
Themes Of Mirroring:
This convention is not used in all thrillers but it is where the same thing is happening to two or more characters, they are both in the same situation and this is shown on screen. This could be, for example, two people tied up together or two people being held in the same place. Mirroring themes show the audience that there could be more than one protagonist in the situation – they could theoretically be next.
Themes Of Voyeurism:
The idea of looking at someone when they do not know you are looking at them – usually in a sexual way. This convention could be used to show the killers’ point of view before they attack someone. The technique helps the audience to feel involved with the film and makes them think that they are also there in the situation.
A Protagonist with a ‘Flaw’ Which is Exploited by the Antagonist:
This convention is used to show the protagonist’s weaknesses. The antagonist will use these against the protagonist in order to manipulate them. At first, the viewer will not know what flaws the protagonist has and therefore the antagonist will try to show them at their worst.
A Scene Near The End Where The Protagonist is in Peril:
A common convention in a thriller is where the protagonist will be in sufficient danger of death. The entire film will usually be building up to this point and the audience will be at their most tense. This can sometimes be the penultimate scene in the film, with the final scene either showing how the character is free again or if things have got worse for that character. The scene is used to grip the audience for a final time and it is a convention found in almost every horror movie.
Mise En Scene Which Echoes/ Mirrors The Protagonist’s Plight:
The mise en scene will always relate to the characters emotions and upheavals. The overall atmosphere will change depending on whether the character is happy, scared or otherwise and this will be reflected in many things, including:
■Lighting
■Sound
■Camera Angles
■Costume
■Colour
■Weather
■Props
■Editing
The mise en scene will always co-ordinate with the struggles the protagonist is facing during the thriller as it makes the audience more aware of the protagonist’s problems. Mise en scene helps to create the jumpy atmosphere that the director is trying to create as if the mise en scene promoted joy and happiness it would not work in holding suspense in the thriller.
Titles Reflecting An Aspect of the Protagonist/Antagonist’s Psychological State:
The titles will also connote a horror movie to the audience as it prepares them for what they’re about to watch. The title’s actual form could also reflect certain parts of the thriller, for example sharp edges denoting knives. The onscreen titles can mirror what is taking place in the film.
These conventions are not necessarily in every thriller movie but they will certainly be enlisted in some of them. When a convention is not used, for example ‘themes of mirroring’ it could be because the director wants to create a sense of loneliness for the central protagonist and if he shows someone else in the same situation this would not be achieved. The conventions force the viewer to be held in suspense and enigma about what is happening onscreen and ensure that they enjoy the film as intended.
The villain should be hateful and give the illusion of power. He can seriously hurt the hero thus the audience will hate him.
The pace of the movie is generally fast and dramatic. Using fast cuts in editing and a variety of camera shots and angles the film is given the sense of speed and motion.
Music:
Usually tense, starting off slow and then quickening the pace as the climax approaches.
Some times the visual image can contrast the sound. For example while the visual image is full of violence the music is happy and lively.The use of diegatic and non diegatic music adds to the atmosphere. For example the diegatic screams of the victim over the non diegatic background music adds to the suspense.
Mystery:
There will most probably be an enigma present which will run throughout the thriller film, and it will be answered right at the end, and usually by the antagonist (Serial Killer?) or by the detective (protagonist) which has been clever enough to work out the plot.
Costumes:
A generic bad guy will wear dark coloured clothing to blend in with the shadows, sometimes they will be disfigured. The hero will have great fashion sense that match with their role.
On the other hand the hero could also have bad fashion sense and be poorly clothed to make him seem more human. Instead the villain will be rich and elegantly dressed, thus his role will disguise his evil.
Props:
are nearly always used in Thriller films, they could come in the form of clues, murder weapons or objectst hat add to the atmosphere.
Themes:
Isolation, vulnerability, loneliness, betrayal, revenge, love/passion, jealousy, troubled childhood, outcast, obsession.
A Crime at the Core of the Narrative:
A thriller will usually have a crime which the whole storyline is focused on. This is generally a murder but it may not always be the case and there could be other things surrounding the plot. If murder was used as the crime, the audience can expect death, blood and jumpy scenes. The killer may not be revealed until the end of the film or maybe not at all as this keeps the viewer guessing throughout the film.
A Complex Narrative Structure:
A complex narrative is another key convention of a thriller, the more confusing it becomes, the harder it is for the audience to put together the on screen clues. The director may include false paths and resolutions that run alongside as a secondary storyline. These false paths are used to confuse the viewer and mislead them, they also act as enhancements to the plot.
A Narrative Pattern Of Establishing Enigmas:
In a thriller, the viewer will expect mysteries in the plot that they hope will be resolved towards the end of the film. The viewer will want to understand certain things in the storyline so this convention is used to ensure that a viewer watches till the end to find out the enigma. The audience will be hooked on what is happening on screen and will be asking questions in their heads such as ‘Why are they there’, or ‘Who has done that to them’ only by watching the film will they find their answer.
A Protagonist Who Is Systematically Dis-empowered and Drawn Into A Complex Web Of Intrigue by The Antagonist:
A protagonist is the main central character in a film while the antagonist is usually their opponent. In a thriller, the protagonist will be somehow taken into a situation and the storyline will evolve around that. Usually the antagonist will be fighting against the protagonist throughout the film – even if we don’t know who they are. The storyline would usually have twists in it that evolves both characters, there could be points where the antagonist seems to glory over the protagonist.
Extraordinary Events Happening in Ordinary Situations:
A strong convention in any thriller is surprise and suspense, a thriller generally starts in a location that people would deem ordinary and normal, before it quickly changes to something that is frightening. This is used because the audience are able to identify with the plot in a better way - they are able to put themselves in the situation that the characters are in and to literally feel their fear.
Themes Of Identity:
Themes of identity often play a big role in the thriller-genre.
The characters personalities are shown on screen which helps the audience to relate to the action that they are watching. Their roles throughout the film are also identified so the audience are then aware which characters they should be weary of and which characters they hope will get out of the situation. Identities also help the viewer to associate themselves with the characters as if they like a character, they are going to want them to be ok.
Themes Of Mirroring:
This convention is not used in all thrillers but it is where the same thing is happening to two or more characters, they are both in the same situation and this is shown on screen. This could be, for example, two people tied up together or two people being held in the same place. Mirroring themes show the audience that there could be more than one protagonist in the situation – they could theoretically be next.
Themes Of Voyeurism:
The idea of looking at someone when they do not know you are looking at them – usually in a sexual way. This convention could be used to show the killers’ point of view before they attack someone. The technique helps the audience to feel involved with the film and makes them think that they are also there in the situation.
A Protagonist with a ‘Flaw’ Which is Exploited by the Antagonist:
This convention is used to show the protagonist’s weaknesses. The antagonist will use these against the protagonist in order to manipulate them. At first, the viewer will not know what flaws the protagonist has and therefore the antagonist will try to show them at their worst.
A Scene Near The End Where The Protagonist is in Peril:
A common convention in a thriller is where the protagonist will be in sufficient danger of death. The entire film will usually be building up to this point and the audience will be at their most tense. This can sometimes be the penultimate scene in the film, with the final scene either showing how the character is free again or if things have got worse for that character. The scene is used to grip the audience for a final time and it is a convention found in almost every horror movie.
Mise En Scene Which Echoes/ Mirrors The Protagonist’s Plight:
The mise en scene will always relate to the characters emotions and upheavals. The overall atmosphere will change depending on whether the character is happy, scared or otherwise and this will be reflected in many things, including:
■Lighting
■Sound
■Camera Angles
■Costume
■Colour
■Weather
■Props
■Editing
The mise en scene will always co-ordinate with the struggles the protagonist is facing during the thriller as it makes the audience more aware of the protagonist’s problems. Mise en scene helps to create the jumpy atmosphere that the director is trying to create as if the mise en scene promoted joy and happiness it would not work in holding suspense in the thriller.
Titles Reflecting An Aspect of the Protagonist/Antagonist’s Psychological State:
The titles will also connote a horror movie to the audience as it prepares them for what they’re about to watch. The title’s actual form could also reflect certain parts of the thriller, for example sharp edges denoting knives. The onscreen titles can mirror what is taking place in the film.
These conventions are not necessarily in every thriller movie but they will certainly be enlisted in some of them. When a convention is not used, for example ‘themes of mirroring’ it could be because the director wants to create a sense of loneliness for the central protagonist and if he shows someone else in the same situation this would not be achieved. The conventions force the viewer to be held in suspense and enigma about what is happening onscreen and ensure that they enjoy the film as intended.
The villain should be hateful and give the illusion of power. He can seriously hurt the hero thus the audience will hate him.
The pace of the movie is generally fast and dramatic. Using fast cuts in editing and a variety of camera shots and angles the film is given the sense of speed and motion.
Music:
Usually tense, starting off slow and then quickening the pace as the climax approaches.
Some times the visual image can contrast the sound. For example while the visual image is full of violence the music is happy and lively.The use of diegatic and non diegatic music adds to the atmosphere. For example the diegatic screams of the victim over the non diegatic background music adds to the suspense.
Mystery:
There will most probably be an enigma present which will run throughout the thriller film, and it will be answered right at the end, and usually by the antagonist (Serial Killer?) or by the detective (protagonist) which has been clever enough to work out the plot.
Costumes:
A generic bad guy will wear dark coloured clothing to blend in with the shadows, sometimes they will be disfigured. The hero will have great fashion sense that match with their role.
On the other hand the hero could also have bad fashion sense and be poorly clothed to make him seem more human. Instead the villain will be rich and elegantly dressed, thus his role will disguise his evil.
Props:
are nearly always used in Thriller films, they could come in the form of clues, murder weapons or objectst hat add to the atmosphere.
Themes:
Isolation, vulnerability, loneliness, betrayal, revenge, love/passion, jealousy, troubled childhood, outcast, obsession.
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Project Timeline
Timeline and Project plan:
Research - January
To begin with i am going to research the general conventions of thriller movies. After picking thriller type I need to research my genre and theme. For research I will interview people and also give out questionnaires related to my theme and Genre. This will allow me to discover who my main target audience is.
Thriller Movie Opening Proposal - January & Febuary
With my analysis on audience research I will brainstorm my ideas to combine with what the viewers want. They should also compliment my chosen theme. I want to create a dramatic and entertaining thriller movie opening therefore I have to think out side the box.
Script Development/ Story Boards - Febuary
During the development, I will produce a scene by scene script; with information on each scene. Also I will investigate what camera shots and angles I can use in each scene to gain the maximum potential.
Preproduction – Febuary & March
I will now organize the props needed for each scene, the costumes, the locations and the actors. I would like a range of visual and vocal actors. Furthermore i may use a narrator. I want my video to be based on conventions of my chosen thriller type, but also be unique.
Shoot – March & April
Book the video cameras, tripods, lights, still cameras and drama studio. I will film the scenes in sections of what locations are the closest to each other. Then i will note my filming sessions in logs - Day 1 & 2 ...
Shoot & Editing – April
Finish filming and begin to upload only material I need on to Final Cut pro. Start arranging to the storyboard order. Finish with editing the production, insert special effects, sound and transformations.
Production Feedback – May
Show my movie opening to my original target audience, produce and distribute questionnaires for feedback. Correct problems viewers think need work on.
Final Proposal – May
Final presentation of my work; movie opening. Then crate a presentation of my evaluation.
Blog – Through out Production
Present my ideas, journey, pre production, production and final work on.
Research - January
To begin with i am going to research the general conventions of thriller movies. After picking thriller type I need to research my genre and theme. For research I will interview people and also give out questionnaires related to my theme and Genre. This will allow me to discover who my main target audience is.
Thriller Movie Opening Proposal - January & Febuary
With my analysis on audience research I will brainstorm my ideas to combine with what the viewers want. They should also compliment my chosen theme. I want to create a dramatic and entertaining thriller movie opening therefore I have to think out side the box.
Script Development/ Story Boards - Febuary
During the development, I will produce a scene by scene script; with information on each scene. Also I will investigate what camera shots and angles I can use in each scene to gain the maximum potential.
Preproduction – Febuary & March
I will now organize the props needed for each scene, the costumes, the locations and the actors. I would like a range of visual and vocal actors. Furthermore i may use a narrator. I want my video to be based on conventions of my chosen thriller type, but also be unique.
Shoot – March & April
Book the video cameras, tripods, lights, still cameras and drama studio. I will film the scenes in sections of what locations are the closest to each other. Then i will note my filming sessions in logs - Day 1 & 2 ...
Shoot & Editing – April
Finish filming and begin to upload only material I need on to Final Cut pro. Start arranging to the storyboard order. Finish with editing the production, insert special effects, sound and transformations.
Production Feedback – May
Show my movie opening to my original target audience, produce and distribute questionnaires for feedback. Correct problems viewers think need work on.
Final Proposal – May
Final presentation of my work; movie opening. Then crate a presentation of my evaluation.
Blog – Through out Production
Present my ideas, journey, pre production, production and final work on.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
Filming & Editing
Researching the filming rules of a 180 degrees i have tried to film all my shots on one side of the 180 degrees. This will create flow in my video. Furthermore in my editing i have tried to keep the actions in the clip to flow one after another. I have also used jump cuts however to create an awareness of a new location.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Filming Rules & Techniques
180 Degree Rule:
This video explains the 180 Degree Rule, the rule follows the basics of camera positioning and where the camera is in relevance to the characters within the scene.
When two or more characters are within a scene, it is essential that the camera remains on either side of the imaginary horizontal line which divides their left and right sides respectively. The camera must stay on the same side of the horizontal line as the first shot. The only way which the 180 degree rule can be broken is by crossing the line of action where both characters can be seen. The camera must then remain on the other side of the horizontal line unless the shot is repeated once more
Film making techniques:
The below video shows some of the techniques I will use to create my thriller movie opening.
Continuity:
The introduction of this video helped explain continuty and its imnportance. Continuity means that objects must not be moved if they were in a scene unless the move is part of a on screen action and character posistioning must be the same throughout.
This video explains the 180 Degree Rule, the rule follows the basics of camera positioning and where the camera is in relevance to the characters within the scene.
When two or more characters are within a scene, it is essential that the camera remains on either side of the imaginary horizontal line which divides their left and right sides respectively. The camera must stay on the same side of the horizontal line as the first shot. The only way which the 180 degree rule can be broken is by crossing the line of action where both characters can be seen. The camera must then remain on the other side of the horizontal line unless the shot is repeated once more
Film making techniques:
The below video shows some of the techniques I will use to create my thriller movie opening.
Continuity:
The introduction of this video helped explain continuty and its imnportance. Continuity means that objects must not be moved if they were in a scene unless the move is part of a on screen action and character posistioning must be the same throughout.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Preliminary Breif
Before I can start filming that main task I have to complete a number tasks, the first of which is a short preliminary film, the preliminary film has to follow basic rules of filming, these are continuity, 180 degree rule and shot-reverse-shot.
The aim of the preliminary film is to learn these rules plus the basics of filming and editing.
The preliminary film must show a character for example walking down a corridor to a room and then having a conversation. The conversation must be filmed using shot reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. The complete film must follow continuity.
The aim of the preliminary film is to learn these rules plus the basics of filming and editing.
The preliminary film must show a character for example walking down a corridor to a room and then having a conversation. The conversation must be filmed using shot reverse shot and the 180 degree rule. The complete film must follow continuity.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Introduction
Hello My name is Misha and this is my AS level Media Course work. I am going to produce the beginning of a movie..
In this project I aim to create a 2 minute clip that is a beginning of a movie. I want to achieve a clear and specific genre in this clip. The clip should target a specific audience. I will plan what genre and what the clip will be about. This will include a lot of research in what storyline I want, the music to go with it, the costumes and props, the cast and what kind of audience we are going to target. Before I create a storyline, I believe that I should research in to similar movies with the same genre and gain insight in to the conventions of our chosen genre. Also I will need to research in to what the target audience will expect from this genre or movie.
I will then begin the construction work, such as the actual filming and the editing. In which I will need to choose what Mise en scene. Also I will plan what different camera shots would be best applied where. With the planning and the construction finished I will write a production report, evaluating my work and also show people the clip to evaluate whether I achieved my goal. At the end of this project I aim to have a finished clip that fits the criteria above. As a sole member in this project i shall be taking on the roles of director, producer, camera women and editor. As they all intertwine with each other i will be able to navigate through the project with maximum ability.
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