Individual Narrative Ideas- Planning

Individual Narrative Ideas- Planning

A narrative is essential to any genre of film, it connects a series of imagery together, creating a story line that the audience can follow and become engrossed in...

Initial Idea summary
The thriller opening begins in the bedroom of a girl and the camera angles will be inspired by 'The Conjuring- I'm trying to sleep' http://youtu.be/fEw9RBXwgcA. This is because there will be a variety of camera angles watching and focusing upon the girl sleeping. The use of a variety of camera angles with provide a sense of foreboding I wish to enhanse, as well as suggesting that someone may be watching the girl sleeping in bed. The girl then begins to wake, as she does there is a figure standing over her, watching her sleep. The girl, in a husky, fatiguied voice says 'mum?' questioning her presence. The girl then lazily closes her heavy eyelids only to open them and find that the person watching her sleep was not in fact her mother, but a stranger. My research has provided the understanding that a killer within a thriller film is far more effective if the identiy is hidden. Therefore my killer will be featured masked or conceiled in some way. Once the girl has finally absorbed the seriousness of the situation, through her sheer drowsyness and the dim light of the evening, she begins a prolonged struggle to get away from the stranger. Her struggle is futile and the stranger begins to drag her towards the forest. As he drags her deeper into the canopey of trees, the girls becomes closer to a pond. In an attempt to escape his grip she edges towards the pond and falls in. However the killer fall in also and slowly swims whilst the protagonist frantically splashes. This underwater pond scene will feature a jump cut from the characters being on the edge of the pond, into an underwater struggle filmed in the pool at school. This will provide a realistic portrayal of the characters entering the pond. Whilst in the pond I felt it may prove effective if the female victim should experience flash backs of happier times, whether it be the happy memories of the same forest she is being pursued in etc. This will create the idea of her life flashing before her eyes without providing the audience anything more of the opeing. The abrupt style of ending proviodes a linguring sense of suspence as the audience dont find out the fate of the protagonist. 
I believe that my personal interpretation of a thriller film follows all of the conventional aspects of this genre, for example, the unidentified killer, chase scene, suggestion or glimpse of weapon and a struggling, distressed protagonist. The lack of gore and featured violence makes it acessable to our target audience of 15-17, as well as leaning towards the preferred psychological style of thriller film. The choice of a female victim also follows the main conventions of a typical thriller and was influenced by the results collected from the survey we created.

Research into Target Audience

Research Into Target Audience

As presented through the data in the pie chart displayed, the majority of the participants were male(62%), only 38% of the participants female. This could suggest that the results may not be accurate as the gender ratio is imbalanced. Both females and males may have varied opinions, therefore the results would increase in validity if there was to be a balanced ratio of male:female participants.

The data shows that it was predominantly 15-17 year old participants providing the results to our questionnaire. This is due to group decision to create a 15 rated thriller film and subsequently felt it very important to collect results from this age group in particular. The results could then be easily applied to our thriller film as it would be of suitable content for our target age group.

With 50% of people asked saying they prefer watching horror films, this has inspired our thriller film. With this in mind there will be a definite inclusion in mild gore, feeding the demographic's lust for those key bloody horror elements. However, I feel as though in order to completely stick to the 15 rating our thriller film should include more elements of the next popular style of thriller film, psychological. This style would provide a perfect opening to a thriller film as it would forebode gore and horror elements whilst not including them, and leaving the audience questioning what will happen next. Thus following the key conventions of any typical thriller film.

When referring to a thriller film and thinking of a persuit or death scene, many will immediately think of a knife. This logic is supported as 75% of people asked said theyd expect the use of a knife. This murderous and effective prop will not only be easy to convey but, it will help to build tension and suspense by even briefly suggesting its presence. As we do not have a long period of time, in regards to the duration of the thriller opening, this iconography will be extremely effective as it will be effective not matter how rapid the emphasis. 

When thinking of a location for my future thriller film felt as though there were a variety of settings suitable for following the conventions of a thriller film and that were effective. The questionnaire did not produce anything other than equal results. However, I feel as though this just shows how equally effective a house, road, forest setting is in a thriller film. This has influence our thriller film greatly as we have decided to hopefully include at least two of these settings, if not all three. This will result in a highly conventional thriller film and provide the opportunity to include a variety of shots and enticing angles.

One of the main aspects of any thriller film is the killer, therefore it was crucial we made certain what our demographic felt the most effective killer was. This was subsequently inserted into the questionnaire. We found that the majority of people agree that an omniscient or unknown character is far more effective than any killer, with a relationship to the victim/protagonist. This I feel is because the unidentified killer could in fact fit any of the character profiles, presented on the pie chart but the viewer would not know. The mystery and suspense created by this eerie unknown is essential to a film of the thriller genre, as the audience will find the opening leaving them wanting more.

I felt the highest ranking answer, obvious to this question, would be a women. This personal hypothesis I have created derives from the damsel in distress image of women that has been prevalent for centuries within the thriller genre especially. The portrayal of woman as an icon of innocence, naivety and helplessness is a classic convention of thriller films. However, I was surprised to find that 25% of people feel that a male character is a typical victim. This percentage is higher than the mere 13% for a child victim. Personally I believe that a child victim is frequently used with in thriller films as they are perfect for displaying hard hitting narratives of broken innocence an naivety as the film progresses. This style of narrative is sure to provoke a sympathetic and extremely emotive response from a viewer. Therefore I believe a male victim is not as effective than that of a child. Although, I have taken into account the percentages of participants and concluded that, the over weighted side of male participants may have influenced bias within the results.

With 72% of participants answering that low key or dark lighting is conventionally used, it seems fairly unanimous. It is clear that this type of lighting is expected, to enhance the suspense, surprises and shock provoked. With this in mind, we aim to base our opening scene around a nighttime theme.The prevalent darkness will forebode the horrors that many befall the victim, later on in the film. As well as this, it will create a sense of ambiguity as the shots will not provide a clear image, but a hazy view of the action. In turn this will leave the audience riddled with tension, as they scrutinize the images presented to dangers or suspicious behavior. 

Before reviewing the results collected from the questionnaire, we felt as though there would be a varied collection of answers, in regards to sound. The results proved this theory with seven types of answers. The most popular however proved to be screams with 19%. Screams are classic diegetic parallel sounds in a thriller film as, they are paired with pain and suffering and placed into conventional scenes such as, pursuit and death.The second most popular answer, with an extremely close 18% was, footsteps. Footsteps provides the idea that someone is following the protagonist and a sense of foreboding, thus building a heightened tense atmosphere within the audience. I believe footsteps will be easily included and due to our difference locations, we should test the effect in each setting, determining which surface is more effective. In my opinion, I feel as though the forest will prove the most effective. This is because the character will be stepping such items as, leaves and twigs which provide a loud unsettling sound, perfect for enhancing unease within the viewer.

The results presented that 63% of participants agree that they would rather the actors be a similar age to themselves. The reasons given were mainly, because they could find themselves relating to the character/s, in turn building a relationship with such characters which would provoke an enhanced emotive response from the viewer. However the 27% which argued no, they would not want the actors a similar age, also argued the opposite to the answers given by those stating yes. This 27% answered that they did not want to relate to much with the characters as they preferred thriller situations detached from their everyday lives. We decided that not only would it be easier to find people of a 15-17 age to feature within our film, but we and 63% agree that by the audience easily relating to the characters, it will in turn provide a positively emotive response from the audience.

In order to obtain a reliable set of results we wanted to included a variety of questions which were open, and left the participant with room to give their personal opinion i.e 'why?' questions. By having the option to give their own feedback and view this did not pigeon hole their answer. It also provided us this a greater understanding and answers we had not anticipated, which were in fact very helpful. However, although the open questions allowed free reign of the answer, I found that a great quantity of people asked did not elaborate their answers. This may suggest that everyone has such a varied opinion of subject matters, such as thriller films, that many were nervous to voice their opinion and therefore settled with a simple one word response. As well as this it may be possible that the audience like the element of surprise a thriller film induces and subsequently wish to be surprised with the content.

The use of the questionnaire for data has provided us with a greater understanding of what people love to see whilst viewing a thriller. It has also aided the planning and inspiration of many ideas for our film whether it be, setting, lighting etc. 

Below is two vox pops, displaying the authenticity of my answers and myself asking the questions. 

Research- Conventions of a Thriller

Research- Conventions of a Thriller

I have chosen the 'family reunion' clip from the film 'Halloween H20- 20 years later' to explore the conventions of a typical thriller (http://youtu.be/bBbLZ6m_9MA). The associations made between thriller films are usually, ill lit forest scenery and a chase scene between protagonists and the antagonist. Within regards to this clip these associations are exactly what is featured, living up to the some what clique yet effected thriller genre.

The editing process is crucial in thrillers, especially in chase scenes such as this one, the audience are on the edge of their seats, analyzing every move the characters makes. Therefore, the scenes have to be effortlessly joint together, whilst creating tension. Within this clip there is a prevalent use of jump cuts. This particular editing technique is used, especially in thriller films. This is because its fast transition into a different shot or view of another character is perfect for creating a speedy tempo. This can be compared to the rapid heart beat of the terrified protagonists within the scene, as they flee from the masked figure. 

During the clip, the two protagonists finally think they have escaped from the masked antagonist, locking them selves behind a metal gate. However, the female character drops the keys outside of the locked gate. There is constant jump cuts included in these few seconds. The reason for this being, that it adds more suspense as the audience waits impatiently to find out whether the masked figure manages to attack her, whilst she attempts to retrieve the keys. It also helps to maintain a fast tempo, thus intensifying the tension created. This is a classic editing technique used in almost all thriller films because, it helps build an uneasy atmosphere, whilst swiftly making a transaction in the scene. As well as this, the timing of shots are also crucial; not always is a fast pace necessary, a slow timing of shots can be extremely effective. This is displayed within end on the clip when, the masked figure and female are face to face in the window of the door. This is effective as it contrasts with the constant fast pace of the scene. It also give the audience time to reflect upon the importance of the face to face meeting. Thriller films are classic for their dramatic breaks in what was a seemingly sustained fast tempo. By doing so it attacks the viewer's senses as they are bombarded with a variety on tension building shots.

Camera angles (shots) are another key element to any film, however its particular angles and shots that make a thriller film recognizable. For example, Steadicam, this means that the camera is mounted on to a stabilizer and creates a smooth shot, even when following characters running or over uneven ground. In the clip from 'Halloween-H20' the female and male characters are presented running from the masked figure. The camera follows their frantic sprint away from the figure. By following the characters whilst they are running, it places the audience in their position. This in turn creates a more realistic and emotive response from the viewer as, they briefly experience the terror the characters are subject to. Placing the audience in the position of the characters is a technique classic to thrillers. As well as this, close ups are also essential to the thriller genre. Within the clip the protagonists are shown through the use of many close ups. This is because, it is essential to the film that the protagonist's facial expressions are clearly displayed, as to present to the viewer how serious the situation is, thus making them frightful of what is to become of the characters.

Another key convention of the thriller genre is lighting, or lack of in regards to thrillers. Typically films of this genre are presented as dark and gloomy. Following these initial connotations of a thriller, within the clip i have chosen, there is minimal lighting. This is due to the scene being mainly placed within a forest like setting. It is not completely pitch black; basic street lamps are used to mildly illuminate the scenery. This makes it easy for the audience to read the facial expressions of the characters, without completely removing the tension created by darkness. The constant lack of lighting is effective as it mirrors the darkness of the narrative, subsequently building wide spread suspense for the audience.

Sound within thrillers especially is crucial also as, it is used to create a tense ambiance and, simply scare the viewer with violent, sudden noises. The clip features a continual and progressive music, otherwise know as non-diegetic sound. This music is dramatically interrupted by sudden crash, when the masked figure is introduced, grabbing the female protagonist's hair, whilst grasping a large knife. The sudden crash emphasizes the immediate danger the protagonists are in, leaving the viewers scared for the lives of the characters and tense with curiosity of what is to come next. Parallel sounds are included to work hand in hand with the image on screen. The clip displays clear parallel sounds such as, the sound of stabbing as the antagonist penetrates the leg of the male protagonist, with a large knife. The sounds that then befall the stabbing such as, screams of pain from the victim, are also parallel sounds. Sounds like screams of pain are typical of a thriller film, displaying the raw emotion exuded by the victim, and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for the audience as they hear the pain and suffering. 

To conclude, I believe that no matter how clique the classic conventions of a thriller film may seem(i.e, dark settings, eerie and dramatic music, close ups of the characters horrified facial expressions), they are essential to any film of this genre. These elements visually and orally taut the audience into a state of suspense and in summery, that's the main objective of a thriller film. I hope to include many of these classic aspects of the genre within my future thriller film, as they are undoubtedly effective. Also, by including many of these recognizable attributes, the audience can easily familiarize themselves with the film, and in turn follow the narrative easily.

Research Into Editing Styles

Research Into Editing Styles

Editing within films is a the process where a variety of clips are collected and eventually merged together, with the use of a variety of different techniques. The techniques I'm going to be exploring are, jump cuts, timing of shots and fades; 'the conjuring' clip will help enhance my research as I will explore and relate these particular techniques to this clip (http://youtu.be/wljn4_pzxbg).

'The Conjuring'- Annabelle scene

Timing Of Shot

During the start of the clip a pendant is the soul focus for around 23 seconds. This is a long duration of time to focus on only one object. The vast length of this shot presents to the audience the importance of the pendant. It also introduces a sense of foreboding for what the is about to happen in the film based around the pendant. This slowly progressive shot is included to allow enough time for the audience to become aware the importance on the pendant. Thus leaving them gripped and tense as they analyse the images on screen. A pendant is also know for being wore around the neck and placed close to the heart. This may then connote that the pendant is the heart of the problem/s about to commence. Such connotations and slow pace leave the audience searching for answers and riddled with an uneasy feeling, as they anticipate something bad happening. The imagery enhanced by the slow timing of the shot is classic of the thriller genre. This is because it builds tension whilst educating the viewer of the importance of what is being presented. 

Fade- In

To open the Annabelle scene a fade in has been used. This is when the screen gradually changes from a single colour, in this case black, and the picture begins to appear on screen. This fade is relatively slow and mirrors a tired opening of eyes. This is a perfect way to open the scene as the little girl 'Judy' is clearly fast asleep, however the shot forebodes her sudden wake up a few seconds later.The fade gives the audience a prolonged view of the action, leaving them in suspense. This enhanced suspense and ambiguity created for the audience is classic of a thriller film as, it leaves them anticipation for what terrors my befall them next.

Jump Cut 

A jump cut is a sudden transition from one image to another. In this clip the first obvious jump cut is when the 'Judy' is shown down the hall as the lights begin to switch themselves off, and then cuts to a shot behind her, focusing on the door slam. This swift jump cut during 'Judy's sheer panic displays how the situation in not over and she cannot loose what ever it is following her, simply by slamming the door. The shot emphasizes this as the she is presented from the back, as though someone is behind her, still following her every move. Also a jump cut from the 'Judy' in a state of terror, screaming for her grand mother, to her grand mother is introduced. This allows the audience to grasp not only 'Judy's terror, but the fear for the child's safety the grandmother displays. The swift transitions from both characters allow the viewer to build a relationship with each of them. As well as this, from showing different character perspectives it leaves the audience with a sense of empathy, as they have witnessed the struggle and fear upon the faces of the characters. The sharp pace and tension displayed through the prevalent jump cuts are presented in any typical thriller. This is because, the audience are left dazed by the many different aspects of the traumatizing situation and therefore, gripped to pursue a clear explanation. 

In summary, all of these styles of editing are essential to create a progressively tense atmosphere. I feel of the shots have an element of simplicity to them ans this has inspired me for my future thriller film. Before I had researched into editing styles, such elements as timing had even crossed my mind. I'm aiming to hopefully include all of these editing styles in order to create an interesting viewing from a variety of perspectives. 

Research Into Sound

Research Into Sound

To aid my research into sound I have chosen the opening clip from 'Scream' on Netflix, from 0:33-4:30. I have chosen this clip as it includes a variety of sound elements and demonstrates the importance of sounds within films. It is crucial for a film to include sound as it, engages the audience and especially in thriller films helps to inform them, through the strong building of tension, what is about to take place. Such sound techniques as parallel sound (where the images on screen and sound go hand in hand) help to grasp the viewers attention.

The film opens with the sound of a phone a phone ringing. This is known as an on screen sound as the audience can see it is coming from the females phone. The film starts with the phone ringing as it presents a theme of normality, as nothing out of the ordinary is staking place. However, the audience is aware the film is a thriller and are therefore left questioning the seeming average phone call. As well as this, we are not aware of who the speaker over the phone is and the viewer is left tense as the identity of the caller remains a secret. The tension caused by the immediate 'calm before the storm'/ normality of the phone call, is typical of a thriller film. This is due to its ability to build a sense of unease within the viewer.

Diegetic sound is sound which is part of the film, the viewers can easily view the source and is parallel to the action taking place. Within the clip the female protagonist is asked by the unidentified caller "what is your favourite scary movie?", to which she replies "halloween" and lifts the knife from its holder, producing a slicing type sound as she removes it from the holder then places it back again. She brings attention to the knife whilst taking about 'Halloween' as the film begins with a violent stabbing. Therefore the subtle slicing sound produced by the knife creates a sense of foreboding. The audience is then left unsettled as there is clearly a connection between the knife/slicing sounds and the female protagonist. The sense of foreboding created by the sound effect is essential for any thriller film and it taunts the audience, as they can clearly see something bad is about to take place, however they do not know when and are left on the edge of their seats.

Non-diegetic sound is sound that is not apart of the film action i.e a soundtrack or sound effects. within this clip a tension building music is introduced as the caller hints that he is watching the female protagonist. The music is predominantly violin based and the eerie soprano sound of the strings provides a perfect tension building, and atmospheric music. The music works hand in hand with the dialogue to make to make the foreboding threat apparent to the audience. As the music becomes more frantic and obvious and not just a subtle background noise, this builds vast tension within the viewer. The strong sense of foreboding and swift dynamic of unsettling background music creates mass tension within the view, a typical trait of any thriller film. 

Parallel sound, or sound that compliments the image on screen, I mentioned previously, is featured within the clip from Scream. The female protagonist places some popcorn on the stove to cook, subsequently producing the sound of popcorn poping. The sound is parallel to the scene as the viewer would expect a poping sound as it cooks. Although the popcorn is only a subtle element to the scene, it actually plays a role in heightening the tension. The imagery of the popcorn slowly expanding mirrors the situation the female protagonist is currently dealing with over the phone, as she slowly begins to realize the severity of the situation and it instantly spirals out of her control. As well as this, the sound of the popcorn cooking becomes gradually louder. This may have been included in order to briefly distract the audience from the unidentified caller the female is speaking to. Thus leaving them more shocked when the caller's threats begin to weave into the conversation and the danger is presented. Turning a typical item such as popcorn, into a tension building device is a typical of the thriller genre. This is because when the audience comes out of the film and back home they are reminded by simple objects of the movie and the fear it provoked.

I believe that a variety of sound techniques are essential to a thriller film as they aid the narrative, by foreboding the dangers to come and build tension and fear. I have become inspired, through my research, to include something as simplistic as the cooking popcorn, to build tension. Further more, by including a mixture of parallel sounds and non-diegetic sounds especially, this will make for a more interesting viewing for the audience.

Research Into The History Of The Thriller Film

Research Into The History Of The Thriller Film

A thriller is a book or film which is designed to keep the reader or viewer on edge with suspenseful and sensational action. Thrillers have also been produced in the radio, theater, and television media. This genre is incredibly large, and thrillers often overlap with pieces of work produced in other genres; mysteries, for example, are often thrillers.. The plots of thrillers can vary widely. Some are supernatural, for example, centering around mystical antagonists. Others are scientific or medical in nature, forcing their protagonists to contend with biological agents or mysterious scientific happenings. Some are simply straight mysteries with clever, horrific, or intriguing antagonists, while others be focused on the inner workings of the legal system, environmental threats, technology, or natural disasters. One long-established thriller genre is the spy thriller, featuring an often heroic and dashing spy who must confront whichever enemy happens to be popular at the moment.(WiseGEEK)

The thriller film has changed drastically over the years, the main difference being the style of plot. During the 1930's/40's the thriller film based its plot around crime and story lines that had a prodominatly a 'real life' feel to them. The reality of the films allowed the audience to become immersed in the suspence and tension created by the typical hero heroine duo. The thriller films of this time period were usually based around an eduring and passionate love that battle what ever stood in its way, eventually leading to the male character sweeping the women off her feet. This type of realistic fantsy proved especially popular, possibly because the women especially, of the 1930's liked to escape the pain and suffering cause by the world war ll, and enter a world, far different from their own.

Timeline Of The Thriller Film

1940- Rebecca- is an American psychological drama-thriller film and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film depicts how a bride is antagonisted by her husbands first- dead- wife.

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1960- Psycho-

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1980- The Shining

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2000- The Ring

insert grossing films- hannibal 

Research Into Mise-en-scene

Research Into Mise-en-scene

Within this analysis of 'Mise-en-scene' I am going use the famous scene from The shining ('Here's Johnny!'- http://youtu.be/otG4G1xI39U) to help explore the five key elements of mise-en-scene.. these elements being:

 *Setting and iconography

*Costumes, hair and makeup

*Facial expressions and body Language

*Lighting and colour

*Positioning of characters within the frame

All films include a combination of all of these element and subsequently allow us to decipher what type of genre the film falls into. The reasons for my choosing of 'The Shining' were simple, not only does it include all of these five elements, it is also one of the most famous thrillers to date. Each segment of mise-en-scene plays a different role within a film. The setting and iconography presents the location to the audience whether it be, a gloomy forest at night or a bathroom, this provides crucial information to the viewer in terms of, whats happening in the scene and what is about to take place. Costumes, hair and make-up provide a key insight to a character without even being introduced to them yet, as we can analyse and configure an assumption based around their status and personalities. Facial expressions and body language are crucial especially within a thriller, as the key focus for this genre is usual upon the traumatised and terrified state the protagonist is enduring. Lighting and colour, although typically a thriller film would not include much light or colour, this in itself is a powerful adaptation to these two elements, making it very clear to an audience, what is about to happen and how the characters are feeling. The positioning of characters may not seem as important as the other elements, but this is not at all true. The positioning allows the audience to see the characters from many different angles leaving them fully understanding of the scene, creating an emotive response from the viewer.

The Shining

Setting & Iconography

At the start of the of the scene the father figure 'Johnny Torrance' slowly walks through a brightly lit, yellow themed, hallway. The wallpaper is peppered with summery flowers, however the walls are dirty, seemingly untouched for many years. The summery yellow theme of the hallway juxtaposes the tension building within the scene (enhanced by the dramatic music) and creates a foreboding of something out of the norm about to take place. Also, the dirty, unkempt walls present an eerie tone as the audience is reminded that the hotel has not been inhabited since the murder took place, many years prior. The juxtaposition between the happy sunny setting and the seriousness of the situation builds tension for the audience- a classic device of any thriller film.

Costume, Hair & Make-up

'Johnny Torrance' is featured within this scene wearing a red jacket. The bright red coveys connotations of blood, which subsequently forebodes what is to come. As well as this, the blood red colour of his jacket contrasts with the pure and completely white themed bathroom (where the wife is trapped). This is especially accentuated when he finally breaks through the door and extends his arm through the opening he created, in order to unlock the white door. This contrast may convey that, the innocence and pure mindedness of the protagonists (wife and son) will be broken by the surge of violence and bloodshed. This idea of destroyed innocence is typical to the thriller genre. As well as this, the clear red colour presenting connotations of blood and anger is extremely prevalent within this genre of film. This is because, it builds tension for the viewer as they anticipate extreme acts of violence. 'Johnny's hair within this scene also subtly helps to build tension. It is presented as unkempt and moist with sweat. This presents the idea that his character is completely tunnel visioned upon inflicting pain to his family, and doesn't not have time for menial tasks such as, keeping up a presentable appearance. In turn this highlights to the audience how dangerous this character can be, leaving them tense with what he will do next.

Positioning Of Characters

The child 'Danny Torrance' is placed at the bottom of the snowy hill outside the window, whilst his mother 'Wendy Torrance', is stuck/ struggling through a window at the top. By positioning the child at the bottom of the vast snowy mound, and the mother at the top, it presents a metaphor for their mother and son relationship. Throughout the film their relationship is not very close, considering that Danny is predominantly raised solely by his mother. Danny is presented throughout as a very solitary child. The mother struggling to get out of the window represents how she is trying to emotionally reach out to her son, however, the father is continuously standing in the way of this ever happening. Recognising that the colour white is generally seen as portraying innocence, Danny standing at the bottom of this snowy hill may present how, the violence and serious threat inflicted by his father has forced him to leave his childlike innocence behind. Danny is literally seen running away from the snow mound in this scene. The theme of a family, broken and destroyed by violence is common in thrillers. The reason this theme is effective is the because, the audience are left comparing the extremes of a murderous rage within a family, to their own. Thus providing a sense of sympathy within the viewers as they consider the normality of their families they would often take for granted. Therefore, not only are the audience tense in anticipation, but sympathetic. This creates an intense watch for the audience as they experience a variety of emotions. The intensity created makes it perfect to scare the viewer as they are gripped- something every thriller film aims to achieve.

Facial Expression & Body Language

The mother 'wendy' is clearly presented as extremely distressed and terrified as 'Johnny' is hacking at the bathroom door with an axe. Her clearly visible facial features allow the audience to grasp the emotional pain she is enduring as her husband shows no sign of remorse and continues to break through the bathroom. The redness of her face also presents how she is exhausted with terror and from crying tears of horror. The exaggerated facial features of 'Wendy' are perfect for a film of the thriller genre as they allow the audience to visualise from the protagonist's point of view how terrified they are of the antagonist, thus causing the viewer to also fear the antagonist, and what they will do next. As well as this, 'Wendy' can be seen cowering in the corner of the bathroom. This not only accentuates her 'dansel in distress' role within the scene, but presents how literally and metaphorically 'Johnny' has put her in a corner. Whether it be manipulating her to live in the abandoned hotel or in more subtle ways, 'Wendy' is presented as being dominated by 'Johnny' and his alpha male persona, most likely enhanced by his abusive upbringing. The theme of male higher Archy is very common within the thriller genre. This is because the women is usually presented as the protagonist and a weak target.

 

Lighting & Colour

The bathroom 'Wendy' and 'Danny' use to imdediately to hide from the murderous 'Johnny' is featured as brightly lit with a white wash. The pristine bright white lighting presents a similar look to that of a doctors surgery. With this in mind a juxtopostion is made, as we view look into the connotations of a doctors practice. The main connotation being trust (shared between doctor and patient), contrastingly the scene presents how a family has been torn apart as, the trust the mother and son once had for the husband is destroyed by his sudden thirst for blood. This bright lighting also presents a paradox by the dark and severity of the scene. This varity of paradoxes makes it typical to the thriller genre as the film pushes the audience out of their comfort zones, by introducing sistuations far from normal.

In conclusion, I have extensively researxched into mise-en-scene and through the use of the 'The Shining' clip I have developed a greater understanding, and grasped many ideas I can use within my thriller film.

Research Into Cinematography

Research Into Cinematography 

This in depth analysis of cinematography will be concentrated through the use of a film clip, extracted from 'The Nightmare On Elm Street' newest adaption, 2010 (http://youtu.be/ISzAuk-2NYs) The reasoning behind selecting this particular clip to analyse was because, although it was under four and a half minutes, the clip presented a wide variety of camera angles and devices used throughout the thriller genre.

Crane Shot

A crane shot is when the camera is mounted on to a crane and can therefore lift the shot way above ground level. The camera briefly pans upward with focusing on the protagonist, from a distance, when she steps out-side to search for her dog. This slow progressive height conveys how the female's character is becoming increasingly smaller, in status ans significance. The high camera angle reflects the eye of a predator and presents the female as prey, this forebodes an imminent death. A prevalent theme of vulnerability and helplessness within a female protagonist is classic to a thriller film.

Point Of View

A point of view camera shot is literally pointing the camera in the directing the character is looking. The camera depicts what the female can see at that precise moment. In this example, it slowly reveals the shadowy garden at night, lit with nothing but moonlight, as she desperately searches for her dog. A point of view angle allows the audience to easily put themselves in the position of the character as they are observing a literal character perspective. Not only does this create a relationship between character and audience, but as the film progresses it gives the effect that they have experienced it themselves. Thus rendering a significantly enhanced reaction, to the death of the female character. One of the main features of the thriller genre is to create fear an apprehension in the viewer and this camera angle does so by allowing the viewer to place themselves in the position of the protagonist. 

Long Shot

A long shot shows the entirety of the character whilst including a vast amount of background. In this example from the clip, the female character walks through her old school and ends in the middle of a seemingly endless corridor. This shot is used to give an extended view of the setting, therefore highlighting the importance of the audience acknowledging this. As well as this, the shot makes the audience aware of how alone and vulnerable the female character is, as the narrow walls of the corridor frame her figure. This presents how she is trapped, physically and metaphorically. This shot is a convention typical of the thriller genre; it promotes the prevalent theme of vulnerability, especially in female characters, this is because they are usually alone in these particular shots, much like this particular one.

Eye Level

An eye level shot literally means that the camera is placed so that the audience are viewing the action from the characters eye level. In this scene the female character finishes washing her face and takes a few moment staring into the mirror. The realism of the camera angle allows the audience to connect with the scene easily, as the character is experiencing part of a daily routine. Subsequently, the brief pause in this neutral state creates suspense, as the audience can clearly view the dark circles under the females eyes. Thus reminding the audience of her reasoning behind not sleeping. An immediate tension in created as the audience anticipate a sudden break in the burst of realism. This type of mirror, eye level view is classic to a vast variety of thriller films. The shot makes it perfect for tension building (typical of this film genre) as the audience are left, out of habit, analyzing the main character and not devoting attention to the background. Therefore, it makes an optimum moment for something to appear suddenly within the background. However in this particular scene the audience are taunted by the potential sudden scare, increasing the terror further as they analyse every move the character makes, eyes nervously fleeting to every item in the room.

In conclusion, the varied combination of different camera shots in quick succession provide an enticing viewing for the audience. The crane and long shot serve the purpose of building tension and presenting the female protagonist as alone and therefore very vulnerable. The eye level and point of view shot both work to enhance the relation between audience and protagonist. With this in mind, the combination of all of these classic thriller devices leave the audience on the edge of their seat. Personally, within this scene I would have included more long angle shots as she is searching for her dog outside. The camera could be presented from behind one of the trees or bushes in the garden. This would enhance the idea that someone is with her in the garden, watching her every move. However, this brief clip has inspired me in regards for my future thriller film. I'm going to aim and include the long shot and although it will be hard to achieve I would love to include something much like a crane shot for a different perspective in height. Obviously, the camera would not be mounted onto a crane, but even something as simple as the us of a ladder would just enhance the film that little bit more, in my opinion.