Audience feedback
In our lesson today we watched our fellow classmates final versions of their thriller opening sequences and gave each other feedback. Some of the positive feedback we got included praise on the radio style voice overs we created as they saw them as effective and suspense building. They also liked how it flicked between flashbacks and real life, building tension and creating mystery. One of the shots that was singled out as particularly effective was the one directly aimed at his face so you could see him looking at the wall filled with girls faces. The song that the antagonist sings was seen as very unusual and left them wondering more about his character and what was going on. The final piece of feedback we got was that the music, title and buildup leading to the end left it on a cliff hanger and wanting to watch more.
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Research. Show all posts
Friday, 22 January 2016
Wednesday, 13 January 2016
Audience feedback
Audience feedback
What do you think of the flashbacks that appear throughout the sequence?
Person 1: 'I like them, they look edgy'
Person 2: 'They really made me wonder what was going on and added tension'
Person 3: 'I particularly liked the ones which appear when the man is walking down the corridor, they're good'
What do you think of the name 'VISION PRODUCTIONS' instead of 'TIE PRODUCTIONS'?
Person 1: 'It sounds more professional'
Person 2: 'The new title fits with the video of the eye more'
Person 3: 'I think that both or good but I do prefer vision productions as it sounds like it could be an actual company and will be easily remembered'
Do you think there are any parts which need to be re-filmed?
Person 1: 'Maybe the part with the doorbell, I could see a reflection in the window'
Person 2: 'It would be beneficial to refilm the part with the doorbell and the shot of the house'
Person 3: 'The shot at the start seemed to lag a bit but it was still good'
What do you think about the titles?
Person 1: 'They look strange, in a good way so catch your eye'
Person 2: 'I like the simple colour as it contrasts with the dark footage'
Person 3: 'Yeah, I liked them, I think they're effective and fit with the theme of the film'
What do you think to the ending of the sequence?
Person 1: 'Very dramatic, I love it'
Person 2: 'The tension was really built up and the ending was perfect to fit with this'
Person 3: 'It fits in with the thriller film very well'
What do you think of the flashbacks that appear throughout the sequence?
Person 1: 'I like them, they look edgy'
Person 2: 'They really made me wonder what was going on and added tension'
Person 3: 'I particularly liked the ones which appear when the man is walking down the corridor, they're good'
What do you think of the name 'VISION PRODUCTIONS' instead of 'TIE PRODUCTIONS'?
Person 1: 'It sounds more professional'
Person 2: 'The new title fits with the video of the eye more'
Person 3: 'I think that both or good but I do prefer vision productions as it sounds like it could be an actual company and will be easily remembered'
Do you think there are any parts which need to be re-filmed?
Person 1: 'Maybe the part with the doorbell, I could see a reflection in the window'
Person 2: 'It would be beneficial to refilm the part with the doorbell and the shot of the house'
Person 3: 'The shot at the start seemed to lag a bit but it was still good'
What do you think about the titles?
Person 1: 'They look strange, in a good way so catch your eye'
Person 2: 'I like the simple colour as it contrasts with the dark footage'
Person 3: 'Yeah, I liked them, I think they're effective and fit with the theme of the film'
What do you think to the ending of the sequence?
Person 1: 'Very dramatic, I love it'
Person 2: 'The tension was really built up and the ending was perfect to fit with this'
Person 3: 'It fits in with the thriller film very well'
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Audience Response To First Edit
Audience response to first edit
To see whether normal people liked how our thriller opening was starting to look I conducted some interviews. Firstly, asking them to watch our video and then gatehred feedback.
Do you think there was enough tension?
Person 1: 'Yeah'
Person 2: 'Yes, there was it was good.'
What improvements could be made?
Person 1: 'It could be more fast paced and the sound needs sorting out'
Person 2: 'Edit out the background sound as it takes away from the tension.'
Which parts cut out to make it shorter?
Person 1: 'The bit at the end where they exchange dialogue'
Person 2: 'Not as many pictures need to be crossed out as it goes on for quite a long time and you don't really need a shower scene.'
Would you want to watch this film?
Person 1: 'Yeah I would, I think'
Person 2: 'Yeah, any day.'
To see whether normal people liked how our thriller opening was starting to look I conducted some interviews. Firstly, asking them to watch our video and then gatehred feedback.
Do you think there was enough tension?
Person 1: 'Yeah'
Person 2: 'Yes, there was it was good.'
What improvements could be made?
Person 1: 'It could be more fast paced and the sound needs sorting out'
Person 2: 'Edit out the background sound as it takes away from the tension.'
Which parts cut out to make it shorter?
Person 1: 'The bit at the end where they exchange dialogue'
Person 2: 'Not as many pictures need to be crossed out as it goes on for quite a long time and you don't really need a shower scene.'
Would you want to watch this film?
Person 1: 'Yeah I would, I think'
Person 2: 'Yeah, any day.'
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Titles Vs Opening sequence research
Trailer Vs Opening sequence research
An opening sequence sets the tone for the whole film and gives you a first impression of the main character or characters that will appear throughout the film. It always or nearly always involves a set of titles and the main title. It doesn't always have to be in a chronological order and can be distorted clips of various events which leaves the audience wondering what is going on. It has to be gripping so that people continue watching although it doesn't usually involve a lot of action but is tense.
Trailers feed the audience information about the film, who the main stars are, the narrative and what type of genre it is. They consist of clips of a various collation of clips from the most exciting part of the film in order to grab the audiences attention in a short amount of time.They create a certain mood which triggers interest and anticipation. The extracts are usually short and so a lot of footage is used and edited together in a way which is fast paced, building tension for it to suddenly disappear once the trailer has ended and this makes the audience want to watch the film.
Link used that helped me:
http://www.slideshare.net/daydayna/differences-between-a-title-sequence-and-a-trailer
An opening sequence sets the tone for the whole film and gives you a first impression of the main character or characters that will appear throughout the film. It always or nearly always involves a set of titles and the main title. It doesn't always have to be in a chronological order and can be distorted clips of various events which leaves the audience wondering what is going on. It has to be gripping so that people continue watching although it doesn't usually involve a lot of action but is tense.
Trailers feed the audience information about the film, who the main stars are, the narrative and what type of genre it is. They consist of clips of a various collation of clips from the most exciting part of the film in order to grab the audiences attention in a short amount of time.They create a certain mood which triggers interest and anticipation. The extracts are usually short and so a lot of footage is used and edited together in a way which is fast paced, building tension for it to suddenly disappear once the trailer has ended and this makes the audience want to watch the film.
Link used that helped me:
http://www.slideshare.net/daydayna/differences-between-a-title-sequence-and-a-trailer
Friday, 27 November 2015
Titles
Titles research
I conducted a questionnaire to find out some information which will help us with the presentation of our titles. Titles are important because they help distinguish a clip as an opening sequence rather than a random insert from the middle. From our research we found that the majority of people would prefer to see the titles appear over the action on screen in a sans serif font thought the whole clip rather than at either end. We found that, almost unanimously, the most popular name was Unorthodox and this was also the most popular name within our group and so this is what we will title our thriller. Unorthodox means contrary to what is normal. This is meant to represent our main character as he clearly deviates from normal social behaviour and lets the audience know, from the start that there is something unusual about him and they will need to keep watching to find out what.
Research Into Thrillers
Research Into Thrillers
The definition of a thriller:
Thriller films have become increasingly more popular over recent years due to the tension and mystery they provide to their audience. Thrillers have always been a genre of film, ever since film began but they started to become more popular in the 1980s. In the 1990s psychological thrillers became the most common type and had recurring elements of obsession and being trapped. They're named psychological thrillers because the conflict between the main characters is usually emotional and mental, including psychological issues and a lot of violence. They also play with your mind and make you really think about what's happening, even once the film has ended. These are usually rated at an 18 as some of the events and issues can be very disturbing, giving younger viewers nightmares and could leave them mentally unsettled for long periods afterwards. Research shows that women are usually most attracted to psychological thrillers because they like the intellectual side of strange psychologically challenging behaviour that features in these films. So this shows that our ideal audience would be a women over the age of 18. However, as it is only the opening scenes to a thriller it will be suitable for everyone as the story is only being outlined rather than going into depth.
This is the category of thriller that we have decided to make as it is popular with audiences and will be the easiest to film as it's usually based in an ordinary, day to day setting.
The definition of a thriller:
Thriller films have become increasingly more popular over recent years due to the tension and mystery they provide to their audience. Thrillers have always been a genre of film, ever since film began but they started to become more popular in the 1980s. In the 1990s psychological thrillers became the most common type and had recurring elements of obsession and being trapped. They're named psychological thrillers because the conflict between the main characters is usually emotional and mental, including psychological issues and a lot of violence. They also play with your mind and make you really think about what's happening, even once the film has ended. These are usually rated at an 18 as some of the events and issues can be very disturbing, giving younger viewers nightmares and could leave them mentally unsettled for long periods afterwards. Research shows that women are usually most attracted to psychological thrillers because they like the intellectual side of strange psychologically challenging behaviour that features in these films. So this shows that our ideal audience would be a women over the age of 18. However, as it is only the opening scenes to a thriller it will be suitable for everyone as the story is only being outlined rather than going into depth.
This is the category of thriller that we have decided to make as it is popular with audiences and will be the easiest to film as it's usually based in an ordinary, day to day setting.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Audience response to idea
Audience response to idea
In order to see whether people liked our idea, we read out the narrative (which was published in a previous post) and asked them the following questions to gather information in to which aspects were liked and which bits needed changing or improving.
In order to see whether people liked our idea, we read out the narrative (which was published in a previous post) and asked them the following questions to gather information in to which aspects were liked and which bits needed changing or improving.
What emotions did this plot trigger inside you?
Person 1- 'It drew me in and made me want to watch more. It made me wonder who the girls were and why their faces were there'
Person 2- 'I thought it was sinister, intriguing, and gave me a chill up the back of my spine'
How this helps us: This shows that our plot has the desired effect we wanted and draws people into finding out what happens next and also fits with the genre of a thriller.
What could be changed to make this opening scene more effective?
Person 1- 'Dramatic music such as classical could be added to build tension and make your heart beat quicker'
Person 2- 'You could experiment with different colours such as black&white or colour, either keeping the clip set in one or switching between the two'
How this helps us: This helps to consider and think about the specific choices we make in editing through the sound and the over all presentation as this could considerably help build tension.
Would you be interested in finding out what happened in the rest of the film?
Person 1- 'Yes, i would be intrigued to watch it'
Person 2- 'Defiantly'
How this helps us: It confirms that the idea is good and that this plot, although it may change slightly in more detailed planning, will be effective in creating tension as a thriller.
How do you feel about the characters involved in this scene?
Person 1- 'The man seems quite threatening because he seems quite sinister in the way he moves and i feel sorry for the girl'
Person 2- 'I think the male character is very sinister and seems to be suffering from some sort of illness, mentally or physically which is making him dangerous, especially to female characters and this makes me feel tense and want to warn the girl to turn around and run away'
How this helps us: It shows us that we have portrayed the character of the antagonist as mentally unstable and creepy and the girl as an innocent victim which is what we aimed to do and so we can now proceed to emphasising these roles even more to add effect.
Who would you expect the girl at his door to be?
Person 1- 'A prostitute who would be his next victim'
Person 2- ' I imagine it to be a young student, around 18/19 who would be a victim'
How this helps us: It helps us to think more about who the girl at the door is and why she's there. It may also help us with the exchange of dialogue at the end as we aren't yet sure of what they'll say as its heavily context dependent.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Analysis of A grade project
Analysis of another students work
A really good example of an opening to a thriller is a students work titled 'TORN'. They use a wide range of camera angles which gives different perspectives of the situation. The quick inserts of dolls that appear on screen create tension as we have no idea what's happening and keeps us wanting to find out more. I found that this was the most effective part of clip because the situation seems to be normal but with the contrast of something out of the ordinary happening and this makes you feel uneasy and i will be incorporating this technique into the opening sequence to my thriller. The opening has been edited to a high, professional standard and flows very well, including the way that the titles appear on screen. The lighting used is dim inside but you can still see whats happening and creates a mysterious mood. The only weakness of their clip is that at the very beginning when the images of dolls flash up they're very brief and so you can't tell what they are until later when they're shown for slightly longer
Analysis of C grade project
Analysis of another students work
Analysis of E grade project
Analysis of another students work
This persons work, titled 'The search' is a poor example of an opening sequence to a thriller. It is quite unclear as to what was going on in the scene and not in a good way which creates suspense and mystery but it seems random and unorganized. Their lighting is inconsistent as it starts of in normal day light and finishes in the pitch black which shows they organised their time poorly and didn't account for how the light would change throughout their time for filming. A good point to note is that they used a good variety of camera angles, including establishing shots to set the scene but this alone wasn't enough to boost their marks which shows you need to be consistent with the level of your work in all areas to achieve a good grade.
Sunday, 8 November 2015
Psycho - Opening scene analysis
Psycho - Opening scene analysis
Titles (in order of appearance)
Titles
A sans serif font is used to show that the film isn't fancy and happy but blunt and indicates to us that the film will have a level of sincerity to it. The important cast and crew members appear on screen by themselves where as the less important role appear together and this is to show who was most important when making the film. In between the titles, grey lines of different lengths appear covering all or sometimes half of the screen. They appear from all different angles of the screen and this shows that nothing is following a routine order and this prepares us for the unexpected in the rest of the film.
Camera
An establishing, panoramic clip is used as an opening shot to show the audience where the film is taking place and familiarize us with the general setting. By scanning across the city we aren't sure where exactly the action will be taking place and so keeps us wanting to watch more and find out. The shot zooms in on a window, opened only a few centimeters. The lighting inside the window is dark and so we can't see what is happening inside. As the shot zooms in slowly this builds tension as we don't know what to expect from inside the room and if something is suddenly going to happen.
Mise En Scene
The first shot of the characters we see is of them in the bedroom. After having just listening to suspense building music throughout the title sequence, something is needed to transition the audience into knowing that this scene isn't a typical thriller scene and starts off in a softer way. A mid shot is used but the characters are positioned specifically so that you can't see the nature of their relationship, whether he is holding her captive or if they are intimate. We only see the bottom half of him and she is lying down. He is dressed in black, including hair and clothing which could suggest to us that he has a dark side and maybe isn't trusted. In contrast to this, she is blonde and is in white underwear which signifys she is good and more likely to be pure.
Titles (in order of appearance)
Starring - Anthony Perkins ,Vera Miles, John Gavin,
Co Starring - Martin Balsam, John Mcintire, Simon Oakland, Vaughn Taylor, Frank Albertson, Lurene Tuttle, Pat Hitchcock, John Anderson, Mort miles and Janet Leigh.
Screenplay- Joseph Stefano
Director of photography- John L. Russell
Art Direction- Joseph Hurley & Robert Clatworthy
Set Director- George Milo
Unit Manager- Lew Leary
Titles designer- Saul Bass
Editer- George Tomasini
Costume Supervisor- Helen Colvig
Make-up Supervision- Jake Barron & Robert Dawn
Hairstylist- Florence Bush
Special Effects- Claerence Champagne
Sound Recording by- Walson O. Watson & William Russell
Assistant Director- Hilton A. Green
Pictorial Consultant- Saul Bass
Music by- Bernard Herrmann
Director- Alfred Hitchcock
Titles
A sans serif font is used to show that the film isn't fancy and happy but blunt and indicates to us that the film will have a level of sincerity to it. The important cast and crew members appear on screen by themselves where as the less important role appear together and this is to show who was most important when making the film. In between the titles, grey lines of different lengths appear covering all or sometimes half of the screen. They appear from all different angles of the screen and this shows that nothing is following a routine order and this prepares us for the unexpected in the rest of the film.
Camera
An establishing, panoramic clip is used as an opening shot to show the audience where the film is taking place and familiarize us with the general setting. By scanning across the city we aren't sure where exactly the action will be taking place and so keeps us wanting to watch more and find out. The shot zooms in on a window, opened only a few centimeters. The lighting inside the window is dark and so we can't see what is happening inside. As the shot zooms in slowly this builds tension as we don't know what to expect from inside the room and if something is suddenly going to happen.
Sound
The Sound throughout the title sequence and into the main feature is the sound of high pitched violins which don't seem to be playing a particular song but are used directly to create tension and let us know that the genre of the film is a thriller. There is no lower tones to the non-diagetic music and this high pitch is jumpy and creates suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The ambient sound of cars is used to add to the verisimilitude. When the camera zooms into the room the music softens and this allows us to rest easy and signifys to us that there will be no high drama taking place in this first scene.
Mise En Scene
The first shot of the characters we see is of them in the bedroom. After having just listening to suspense building music throughout the title sequence, something is needed to transition the audience into knowing that this scene isn't a typical thriller scene and starts off in a softer way. A mid shot is used but the characters are positioned specifically so that you can't see the nature of their relationship, whether he is holding her captive or if they are intimate. We only see the bottom half of him and she is lying down. He is dressed in black, including hair and clothing which could suggest to us that he has a dark side and maybe isn't trusted. In contrast to this, she is blonde and is in white underwear which signifys she is good and more likely to be pure.
Editing
The main transition used in this extract is a fade. This links each clip together naturally and eases us in to the main feature of the film. As well as the text during the title sequence, the words 'Phoenix Arizona' and 'Friday, December The Eleventh' appear on screen to help set the scene and let us know where and when the film is taking place. It then, much like the titles wipes left off screen, leaving only the shot of the city in frame. This is effective because it helps us learn more about the context of the film and helps us to place ourselves within the extract.
To analyse this clip i had to use two extracts as i was unable to find an extract long enough in itself for the opening of this film.
Clip used for titles-
Clip used for the start of the scene-
Friday, 6 November 2015
Se7en - Opening scene analysis
Se7en- opening scene analysis
Titles (as seen on screen)
Titles
The opening credits are very strange and disorientated, adding atmosphere to the film. The titles flash up and random times, with no particular time structure linked to their appearance. They're typed in white writing usually on a solid black background, although they then continue to appear on screen while the action is taking place in the background. Due to the fact that they flash and move around on screen this leaves us feeling uneasy as we aren't certain of what's going on. Nothing is staying in one place which suggests to us the fast paced nature of the film and prepares us for whats to come .
Camera
Sound
The main sound in this clip is the repeated sound of low pitched drum being hit in a slow and suspense building rhythm. The sound has connotations of tribal sacrifice and doom. Overlapped on top of this are a weird array of unsettling sounds, inserted at random points. Because they don't fit in with the base of the drum it leaves us feeling unsettled as things aren't in their correct place. One of the noises, in particular, is a high pitched scratching sound which mimics the sound of a scream. This is unnerving and makes the audience ask questions about if this is an actual scream, who it is from and why they are screaming, adding suspense and tension to the situation.
Mise En Scene
This clip is dimly lit with mainly mono-chromal shades and shadows present. This has connotations of horror and danger, situations lit in this way usually have something bad happening within them. This puts worry and questions in the audiences mind as they don't know what sort of bad activity is taking place or will take place. The only image of a human we get is the brief picture of somebody's dirty fingers. They are cut and split, some with plasters or grubby bandages on. In one short picture we see them cutting skin off their finger with an uncleanly blade which is not usual behaviour. This makes us feel tense as he/she don't seem to be a normal person therefore we can't empathize with them and this makes us feel on our own. All of the objects shown seem dingy, strange and not what we are used to seeing in a normal situation. This lets us know it is out of the ordinary and adds tension as we learn to find out why.
Editing
The editing used n this clip doesn't follow the usual pattern of editing in a film or any media. The sequence doesn't seem to follow any time line and therefore it isn't continuous and cross-cutting is used to show different things happening. Unlike most opening sequences it gives no real indicator of plot line and so we have to guess what the film is about through the objects and the mood of the film is shown through sound and editing. Very short takes are used with straight cut shots as transitions and this is effective as nothing is on screen long enough for you to make proper sense of. By doing this they add tension and leave the audience on the edge of their seat.
Clip used-
Titles (as seen on screen)
Cast- Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Richard
Roundtree, R. Lee Ermey, John C. McGinley, Julie Araskog, Mark Boone Junior,
John Cassini, Reginald E. Cathey, Peter Crombie, Hawthorne Jones, Michael
Moussee, Leland Orser, Richard Partnow, Richard Schiff, Pamala Tyson
Casting by- Billy Hopkins, Suzanne Smith, Kerry Borden
Music by- Howard Shore
Costume designer-
Michael Kaplan
Editor- Richard Francis-Bruce
Production designer-
Arthur Max
Director of photography- Darius Khondji
Co-producers- Stephen
Brown, Nana Greenwald, Sanford Panitch
Co-executive producers- Lynn Harris, Richard Saperstein
Executive producers- Gianni Nunnari, Dan Kolsurd, Anne Kapelsun
Written by- Andrew Kevin Walker
Producers-
Arnold Kopelson, Phyllis Carlyle
Director- David
FincherThe opening credits are very strange and disorientated, adding atmosphere to the film. The titles flash up and random times, with no particular time structure linked to their appearance. They're typed in white writing usually on a solid black background, although they then continue to appear on screen while the action is taking place in the background. Due to the fact that they flash and move around on screen this leaves us feeling uneasy as we aren't certain of what's going on. Nothing is staying in one place which suggests to us the fast paced nature of the film and prepares us for whats to come .
The most common and repeated shots in this extract are close ups or extreme close up shots which is a very typical attribute of a thriller and helps the audience to establish the genre. These close up shots are mainly of objects and the only part of a character we get to see are their fingers. This is effective because it shows the objects in the extract play an important role in the film and we will then look out for them later in the film to see if any of them reappear and we may find out their significance. This focus on inanimate objects also leaves us feeling uneasy and builds tension as we are put in an unfamiliar situation of not knowing who is interacting with the objects and so we don't know whether they are a trustworthy character or not.
The main sound in this clip is the repeated sound of low pitched drum being hit in a slow and suspense building rhythm. The sound has connotations of tribal sacrifice and doom. Overlapped on top of this are a weird array of unsettling sounds, inserted at random points. Because they don't fit in with the base of the drum it leaves us feeling unsettled as things aren't in their correct place. One of the noises, in particular, is a high pitched scratching sound which mimics the sound of a scream. This is unnerving and makes the audience ask questions about if this is an actual scream, who it is from and why they are screaming, adding suspense and tension to the situation.
Mise En Scene
This clip is dimly lit with mainly mono-chromal shades and shadows present. This has connotations of horror and danger, situations lit in this way usually have something bad happening within them. This puts worry and questions in the audiences mind as they don't know what sort of bad activity is taking place or will take place. The only image of a human we get is the brief picture of somebody's dirty fingers. They are cut and split, some with plasters or grubby bandages on. In one short picture we see them cutting skin off their finger with an uncleanly blade which is not usual behaviour. This makes us feel tense as he/she don't seem to be a normal person therefore we can't empathize with them and this makes us feel on our own. All of the objects shown seem dingy, strange and not what we are used to seeing in a normal situation. This lets us know it is out of the ordinary and adds tension as we learn to find out why.
Editing
The editing used n this clip doesn't follow the usual pattern of editing in a film or any media. The sequence doesn't seem to follow any time line and therefore it isn't continuous and cross-cutting is used to show different things happening. Unlike most opening sequences it gives no real indicator of plot line and so we have to guess what the film is about through the objects and the mood of the film is shown through sound and editing. Very short takes are used with straight cut shots as transitions and this is effective as nothing is on screen long enough for you to make proper sense of. By doing this they add tension and leave the audience on the edge of their seat.
Sunday, 1 November 2015
The Bourne Identity - Opening scene analysis
The Bourne Identity - opening scene analysis
Camera
The first two shot in the opening scene of the Bourne Identity are long shots which help us to get an initial view of what is going on. We see a shot from underwater of a body floating above which automatically brings to mind multiple questions and draws us in to continue watching on to find out who the body is and how they ended up in the water.This element of mystery adds tension and sets up the start of the film as a thriller nicely.We also see a long shot of a boat which shows us where the main setting for this scene will be. It is effective because it helps us to visualize the scenery when action is filmed indoors. Mid-shots are used frequently throughout the sequence to show what is happening. By using a mid shot it allows us to see the body language and interactions of the characters but also their facial expressions. This is effective because we can see the panic and uncertainty on their faces which lets us know they're in an unfamiliar situation and what is happening isn't what they would usually have to deal with. This keeps us on the edge of the seat as we see how they decide to respond as it happens.
Sound
The sound effects of thunder and heavy rain are used as pathetic fallacy to help set the mood for the scene as uneasy and potentially dangerous. This mood is also reflected through the non-diegectic background music. The men inside of the ship are happy, laughing and playing cards and seem to have no idea what is coming so the music is our main indicator that something bad is going on outside of their situation. That paired with the images of the man floating in the water foreshadows what is going to happen.
Mise En Scene
The setting of the boat on stormy seas presents a stressful situation as it is well known that many ships sink or crash when the weather is stormy so that lets us know that there will be an element of danger and risk to the film. The low key lighting also helps with this as its dark and so difficult to see what is happening and scenes from thrillers are often shot in the dark so it helps us establish the genre of the film. The mysterious man thats floating in the water is dressed in back from head to toe which gives us very little information about his character and creates mystery as we, and the other characters in the scene have no idea who he is. This helps to build tension as we don't have any clues as to what will happen and if he's good or bad.
Editing
The whole extract uses straight cut shots to set a fast pace to the film and create tension. As the shot switches quickly from one viewpoint to the next you can't always make out exactly whats happening so your full attention is drawn to the scene to make sure you can make sense of all the details given to you. Straight cut shots are a typical feature of thrillers as its a good creator of tension and suspense. Ellipsis of time is also used when the sailor goes out onto the deck to see what is happening. This is used because there is no need to show him walking and is effective because it shows us only relevant images are being shown to us, making us focus as everything shown is important.
Clip used-
Camera
The first two shot in the opening scene of the Bourne Identity are long shots which help us to get an initial view of what is going on. We see a shot from underwater of a body floating above which automatically brings to mind multiple questions and draws us in to continue watching on to find out who the body is and how they ended up in the water.This element of mystery adds tension and sets up the start of the film as a thriller nicely.We also see a long shot of a boat which shows us where the main setting for this scene will be. It is effective because it helps us to visualize the scenery when action is filmed indoors. Mid-shots are used frequently throughout the sequence to show what is happening. By using a mid shot it allows us to see the body language and interactions of the characters but also their facial expressions. This is effective because we can see the panic and uncertainty on their faces which lets us know they're in an unfamiliar situation and what is happening isn't what they would usually have to deal with. This keeps us on the edge of the seat as we see how they decide to respond as it happens.
Sound
The sound effects of thunder and heavy rain are used as pathetic fallacy to help set the mood for the scene as uneasy and potentially dangerous. This mood is also reflected through the non-diegectic background music. The men inside of the ship are happy, laughing and playing cards and seem to have no idea what is coming so the music is our main indicator that something bad is going on outside of their situation. That paired with the images of the man floating in the water foreshadows what is going to happen.
Mise En Scene
The setting of the boat on stormy seas presents a stressful situation as it is well known that many ships sink or crash when the weather is stormy so that lets us know that there will be an element of danger and risk to the film. The low key lighting also helps with this as its dark and so difficult to see what is happening and scenes from thrillers are often shot in the dark so it helps us establish the genre of the film. The mysterious man thats floating in the water is dressed in back from head to toe which gives us very little information about his character and creates mystery as we, and the other characters in the scene have no idea who he is. This helps to build tension as we don't have any clues as to what will happen and if he's good or bad.
Editing
The whole extract uses straight cut shots to set a fast pace to the film and create tension. As the shot switches quickly from one viewpoint to the next you can't always make out exactly whats happening so your full attention is drawn to the scene to make sure you can make sense of all the details given to you. Straight cut shots are a typical feature of thrillers as its a good creator of tension and suspense. Ellipsis of time is also used when the sailor goes out onto the deck to see what is happening. This is used because there is no need to show him walking and is effective because it shows us only relevant images are being shown to us, making us focus as everything shown is important.
Clip used-
Friday, 30 October 2015
Casino Royale - Opening scene analysis
Casino Royale - opening scene analysis
Camera
The opening shot to this film is a long shot which helps the audience to establish the setting. By showing us the outside of the building it helps us to imagine that we're there once the action is taking place inside as we have familiarized ourselves with the location. Point of view shots are used with in this extract so that we see the action as it happens through the eyes of the characters. This is effective because it makes us feel as though we, as the audience, are seeing the situation unfold as it happens in front of us and this keeps us on the edge of our seats and builds drama.
Sound
The non-diegetic music used in this clip is deep and has an eary feel but has high pitched tones overlapped which creates tension and suspense. For the first minute and a half of the extract the only sound we hear is the background music and the ambient sounds of the scene such as footsteps and lift noises. This makes us focus on the details within the clip such as the sound and body language of the character because these are the only indicators we get as to whats happening.
Mise En Scene
The extract is set at night time with low key lighting which adds tension as its always more difficult to see at night and it is the typical time of day in which crimes take place. Both men are dressed in dark suits which shows formality and that they both hold a level of authority and importance. In the flashback clip James Bond is dressed in the same etire but seems less smart as his buttons are undone and he is dirty which shows that it must be a stressful situation and a different mood to the situation in the present tense.
Editing
Shot reverse shot is used when the characters are exchanging dialogue in the office. This is effective editing because it builds tension as we don't know what there relationship is and when and how they have been involved with each other before this scene. Straight cut shots are also used to show the tension in the extract. In the flash back James Bond the villain are fighting and the straight cut shots help to keep the fight scene fast paced and keep the audience attention focused on whats happening.
Clip used-
Lost highway - Opening scene analysis
Lost highway - opening scene analysis
Camera
The first shot in the lost highway opening scene is a close up of Fred Madison smoking a cigarette. Close up shots are a typical attribute of a thriller so it helps us to determine the genre of the film. This shot is effective because it gives us an initial representation of his character and could indicate what he will be like throughout the film. The fact that he is smoking could show that he is lonely and worried or stressed about something or someone. The close up allows us to see the anxious expression on his face which also backs up the idea that there is something going on that we don't yet know about. In contrast to this we later see mid and long shots of Fred walking around his apartment. This is effective because it allows us to see him hurrying around and shows his anxiety through his body language as well as his face. All of this adds to the representation of him as a mysterious character and leaves us wanting to know more, therefore making us watch on.
Sound
The deep toned none-diegetic music portrays a feeling of uncertainty and darkness. This builds tension and makes the audience question what is going on and want to find out. The lack of dialogue also adds to this tension as the only way you know what is happening is by paying attention to what you can see on screen, the sound only helps to set the mood. The only words spoken in the clip come from the man on the other end of the buzzer who speaks the words 'Dick Laurrante is dead'. This builds more tension as its the only verbal indicator you get as to what is happening. It makes the audience concentrate more thoroughly on the action and the suspense comes from the ambient sound in the extract such as the buzzer and the sound of the police car.
Mise En Scene
The extract is mainly filmed in a dimly lit room and the low key lighting inside creates shadows for effect. When Fred walks over to the buzzer we only see the dark outlined shape of him which represents him as dark and empty, without anything inside of him. It makes us think more about his personality and how the lighting reflects him and the mood of the situation. His dark clothing also reflects this and his general appearance, including untidy hair and squinted eyes makes us think that he is staying inside and fears something that is going on outside of his flat.
Editing
Lots of straight cut shots are used in this extract to represent the fast pace of the film to also signify it's genre as this is typical of a thriller. The fast transition allows tension to build as the viewpoint switches. In contrast to this long takes are used as he is walking around his flat to also build up tension and follow the action over a longer take.
Clip used-
The first shot in the lost highway opening scene is a close up of Fred Madison smoking a cigarette. Close up shots are a typical attribute of a thriller so it helps us to determine the genre of the film. This shot is effective because it gives us an initial representation of his character and could indicate what he will be like throughout the film. The fact that he is smoking could show that he is lonely and worried or stressed about something or someone. The close up allows us to see the anxious expression on his face which also backs up the idea that there is something going on that we don't yet know about. In contrast to this we later see mid and long shots of Fred walking around his apartment. This is effective because it allows us to see him hurrying around and shows his anxiety through his body language as well as his face. All of this adds to the representation of him as a mysterious character and leaves us wanting to know more, therefore making us watch on.
Sound
The deep toned none-diegetic music portrays a feeling of uncertainty and darkness. This builds tension and makes the audience question what is going on and want to find out. The lack of dialogue also adds to this tension as the only way you know what is happening is by paying attention to what you can see on screen, the sound only helps to set the mood. The only words spoken in the clip come from the man on the other end of the buzzer who speaks the words 'Dick Laurrante is dead'. This builds more tension as its the only verbal indicator you get as to what is happening. It makes the audience concentrate more thoroughly on the action and the suspense comes from the ambient sound in the extract such as the buzzer and the sound of the police car.
Mise En Scene
The extract is mainly filmed in a dimly lit room and the low key lighting inside creates shadows for effect. When Fred walks over to the buzzer we only see the dark outlined shape of him which represents him as dark and empty, without anything inside of him. It makes us think more about his personality and how the lighting reflects him and the mood of the situation. His dark clothing also reflects this and his general appearance, including untidy hair and squinted eyes makes us think that he is staying inside and fears something that is going on outside of his flat.
Editing
Lots of straight cut shots are used in this extract to represent the fast pace of the film to also signify it's genre as this is typical of a thriller. The fast transition allows tension to build as the viewpoint switches. In contrast to this long takes are used as he is walking around his flat to also build up tension and follow the action over a longer take.
Clip used-
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