BFI Trip

Last week I visited the British Film Institute, their was a talk form a senior examiner, Peter Frasers explaining how exactly to get an A and what we should not do. There was also two people who work within the film industry, who were interviewed by the examiner. This talk helped us know what he expects an A students film sequence opening to be, and how we can achieve that.

The examiner explained what should be included in our work. I must make some general research in the start but then concentrate of research that will help my thriller opening specifically. This will show the development of ideas, and help with my group, and I's opening sequence. The examiner said it would be a good idea to present nine key frames from my opening sequence titles (once I have my final edit), this will explain the sequence quickly, and will look professional.

The examiner then went on to explain some key tips. I have learnt a lot from these tips. I have learnt that the smaller research, and developments gives better grades, rather than bigger, which won't be as detailed or as helpful. I must plan, when I am going and out filming, by planning what I will be doing and how long that will take. This will allow me to keep track of my time, to get all of my film before editing. The same must be done with editing, by planning how long each part of editing will take, and also finding locations, props and costumes.

I have also learnt that I need to take into account what equipment I actually have, have I got the correct equipment to achieve what I want, am I using the equipment to its fullest potential. I could research into things, for example some of the effects I want to use, on after effects and final cut pro. I have also learnt that I must research into the titles as well as genre etc. Because it is important I spend as much time on the titles as the plot, because they are asked for in the brief.

The examiner also explained that having the correct skills, will benefit the project. So I should expand my skills of editing, camera work and other elements. I could also add foley sound, as the examiner mentioned to do. This will make the opening more professional, and at an A grade. This is done by taking away all of the sound to the shots, and then adding non diegetic sound. I could research into how to make different sounds, and try a few so when It comes to the editing my group and will not waste any time.

Keeping record of all of the research and process I do is also important, as the examiner stated, this will then count as research and give me a better grade. I could do this by taking screenshots, and explaining how I have done things. All of the group must have a voice during the process, making sure we all take part equally. After the rough cut has been completed we have to look at it and analysis it, giving our selfs constructive criticism, we can also ask others. My self and my group must pay attention to detail, to ensure we can achieve an A.

We were also shown examples of students work, some at level one, and another at two, then three then a level four. Four being the higher grade (A grade), and one being the lowest grade (D or lower grade). This helped me know what not to do, for example, use low key lighting, remove any unnecessary noise and use actors that fit the characters and rehearse their lines to prepare them.

As well as being told about this valuable information, there was also interviews with industry people. One of which was Paul McDonnell, he is a title sequence designer and director. Because his work mainly consists of titles, he showed us some of his work from Da Vinci's Demons, which he layerd and then painted on to get the effect. We then saw Jake Hume being interviewed, who is a young producer. This showed that even if your young you can still make a film. He explained to become a producer you must make films. The day was really beneficial, and I now know what to improve on.

Target grade and end of module grade

End of module one grade -

A

End of year target grade -

A

Opening Sequence Idea

Our idea is to have a Women walking through London past landmarks, and well known places. Then six people will answer phones being worried and frightened, then at the end the audience will find out that the women we are seeing is the person on the other end of the phone. The whole opening sequence will be black and white, and we will try to have our protagonist the only person in colour (red).

A video explaining our idea:

Alfred Hitchcock - Case study

Alfred Hitchcock was a film director and producer. Many think that Hitchcock's films makes him the best English direction/producer in history, in his famous silence films and talkies otherwise known as sound film. Some of his most well known thriller films include Vertigo, The man who knew too much a and Psycho. These films are all black and white, because at that point film wasn't as developed as now days. I think this adds more mystery and makes the focus all on the plot.

Opening sequence of Vertigo and Psycho Hitchcock directed:

Vertigo

Designed by Saul Bass.

Psycho
Designed by Saul Bass.

The Butterfly Effect - Spoiler Review

This film was a really exciting and mysterious thriller. It has a non linear plot, not having a clear begging, middle and end. The Protagonist  Ashton Kutcher's, character starts to re create his past, trying to make his and other characters life's better. For example he goes back to his past to make himself save a mother and child from being injured from an inevitable explosion. But this then results in him being insured and loosing limbs. This change of events from present to past, happens again and again until the end in which he changes one event for the better.

The mystery in this thriller is largely present, leaving the audience posing questions. The enigma code is the constant black outs Kutcher's character has.This film a restricted narrative, because the audience know something bad will happen but the audience do not know exactly how, where or why. It turns out to be the love interest of Kutcher's character, ends up to be non existent.

This film is a psychological thriller because it plays with the mind of Kutcher's character, leaving him clueless after blackouts, and going slightly out of control creating more conflict than there was originally. Because this film is under the sub genre of psychological the main focus is the characters rather than the plot, and it created lots of suspense which kept me second guessing myself. I really enjoyed this thriller, because it was constantly revealing the truth about what happened in the blackouts the main character had. 

Star ratings of the thriller out of 5:

Trailer:

Thriller Audience Research

Audience research of Thriller Films:

I went onto www.imdb.com, and found user ratings showing the ratings from certain age groups.

Shutter Island:

Shutter Island audience are largely a Male audience, rather than a female audience. And the people who have watched Shutter Island who are 18 - 29 is larger than the other categories. With males and females aged 45 and higher at the lowest number who have watched this film. This film could have a higher audience of males because, the film may relate to males more. It could be the low key lighting, the sense of mystery or maybe the build up of suspense. This film is also exciting, and not easy to follow, so that could be because the 18 - 29 audience enjoy that more. These user ratings suggests that the target audience for this film is 18 - 29. The men may find the male actors act as their role models, because they are all in their late 20's. This film could appeal to males because it is stereotypical of males to like action, and the thrill almost fear of a thriller. Whereas it is not stereotypical of women to like that, it is stereotypical of women to like romance's. 
Shutter island target audience:
Men 18-29
Trailer:



Fight Club:
The audience for Males is again the highest amount of audience, and the 18 -29 have the most audience which is same as Shutter Island. The user rating are very similar, which shows me that my target audience should be similar. This film has a high male rating, this could be because the fighting appeals to males more than females. As for all 3 films the main characters are all men, so women could watch because of the famous actors, and they find them good looking.  The under 18 age group are the most likely to illegally watch films online, so this could be why the vote is their high for under 18's, but because it is not very easily to follow the under 18's could loose interest unlike the 18-29.
Target audience:
Men 18 - 29
Trailer:


The Butterfly Effect:

This thriller again has males as the highest audiences votes, and the 18 -29 rating. This film would appeal to to 18 - 29 age group because it is hard to follow, because it is a restricted (narrative) film with a non linear plot. The age cert of 15, but not many under 18's have watched it, compared to the 18 -29 age group. This could be because it is not an easy watch, and under 18's could get bored. There is a some romanse in this film, and Ashton Kutcher both could be the reason why some women watched this film. 
Target Audience:
18 - 29
Trailer:


Inception:

Inception again has the highest votes from males aged 18 -29. This film is a non linear film so might be too confusing for under 18's, so that could be why it has a low vote score. The female votes for the 18 - 29 age group isn't has far behind as other user ratings for other films. This could be because of Leonardo DiCaprio.
Target Audience:
Males 18 - 29
Trailer:


Salt:

Males who are 18 -29 are again the highest voter. The male votes could be because of Angelina Jolie, and because is a action thriller. This film is action packed, which is stereotype of what males like to watch along with crime.
Target Audience:
Males 18 - 29
Trailer:



Sophie Gordon and I interviewed our target audience, these are the interviews:




I have learnt that the target audience for thriller are males who are 18 - 29. I have learnt this from the trend within these thriller ratings, it seem males 18 - 29 enjoy the action, crime, and the general aspects of a thriller. I should make sure my audience to my opening should appeal to the target audience if a thriller.

Narratives Themes and Sub Genres

Narratives:

A narrative is the way the plot is being portrayed, by putting together certain events, depending on what narrative technique is being used, the narrative defining the film will change. Their are different types of narratives, these include:

Omniscient

Omniscient is when the audience can clearly see everything that is happening from the start of the film, and know what the outcome may be. But they will not particularly know how, and the date or location it may happen. The events within the film are put together, so the audience have full perspective of what is happening, and what will happened. An example would be Silence of Lambs, this is because us the audience know who the killer is. 

Restricted

If a thriller is restricted it means that the audience do not know what the outcome of the film might be. The events are placed so that the audience are oblivious to the ending, but other characters within the film might know. Towards the ending the film will start to reveal the truth. An example of an restricted narrative would be Shutter Island, because all the way through the audience and the main character (Leonardo DiCaprio) don't know the soon to be revealed plot twist. That the main character is in fact a patient at the mental institute, this then creates shock and surprise with the audience and main character. Another example is Fight club, the audience and main character do not know until the end, that Brad Pitt's character is in fact the same person as the main character.

Non-Linear

The narrative Non-Linear is when a film does not have a clear start, middle and end. A non-linear film would include flashbacks to the past or flashes to the future  when this occurs it ruins the traditional linear film, but can make a film more interesting and allows the audience to be told information, or it can lead the audience into a false plot. An example would be Shutter Island, because towards the end there are flashbacks to reveal the real plot.

Linear 

Linear is when a film has a clear start, middle and end.

Enigma Code
The enigma code is technique used in films, this theory was created by Roland Barthes. The theory is when questions are asked and the audience are so interested so they want to watch on, this is all caused because of an event that happens to cause mystery. Questions are created by the audience such as who are they? what happened? Why did that happen?

The usual suspect is a great example, in the opening a man is tied up and the boat is lit on fire, the audience see a silhouette of the person who has done this. But the audience do not know who he is, they ask them self who is he? why has he done that? It is only at the very end that the audience and the detective find out who it is (this is also an example of one of the narratives, restricted).

Video presentation:



I have used a website called animoto to create this presentation. This is a video presentation that I mostly created, but with some input from Sophie Gordon.

Sub Genres:
A sub genre of a genre, is a specific grouping, gives more detail, within the general genre. These are the sub genres withing the Thriller genre.

Psychological
A psychological thriller is a thriller which plays with the mind, they create more suspense than your average thriller. This sub genre of a thriller focuses more in the characters, specifically characters unstable emotional states. It commonly includes elements of drama and mystery. A psychological thriller focuses more heavily on the characters rather than the plot. An example of a psychological thriller is Shutter Island, because it really does play with it's audiences mind. It creates a false story, and as the truth is revealed the audience are left doubting themselves, as does DiCaprio's character. The film creates the same emotions and feelings as Dicaprio's character has. 

Crime
A crime thriller focuses more on the criminals and the crimes they make, the film focuses on the crime being made rather than the victims. Crime props are greatly used in this sub genre, and they can create suspense because of the crimes create. An example of a crime thriller is The usual Suspect, all the way through the film the audience are show the lives of five criminals, and the crimes they commit.

Religious
A religious thriller is when the focus is on religion. The main focuses are religious objects, questions and institutions. Religious thrillers usually unravel good and evil.

Political
A political thriller focuses on government, the film will be set in a political environment. A political thriller involves characters who are terrorists or presidents/prime minister.
Super Natural
This sub-genre is closely related to the religious sub genre, because demons are commonly involved in super natural thrillers, and demons are to do with religion.

Conspiracy
This sub-genre makes a hero or heroin, stereotypically a journalist or a lower level in a career. They then usually find them selves in trouble, and tied up with powerful organisations.   
Disaster
They type of thriller is all surrounded by disasters  the plot and characters. The characters are followed as they survive, or in some cases cause these disasters. The disaster may be natural or caused on purpose, this usually creates more action and tension than just a thriller, these could be floods, earthquakes, fires, bombs etc.
Mystery
The sub genre includes more mystery for the audience, than usual, they also relate to crime thrillers. This sub genre focuses on the work of the detectives, rather than the protagonist or antagonist. An example is Shutter Island, because their is a great amount of mystery created.
Techno
This sub genre includes looks of technology, and mostly set in the future. Techno is highly focused on fictional, science and techno objects and plots. An example is Irobot, because the main focus is on robot, and it is set in the future.

Video Presentation:



Mostly created my Sophie Gordon, with some input from myself.

I have learnt what a sub genre and narrative in detail, I have also learnt what films are what certain narrative and sub genre. 

Directors Comments on Camera shots - Preliminary Task

Mine and Sophie Gordon's script:

I have learnt how I could have made my camera shots video better. I have criticized my own work, so I could figure out what I could have done better. We planned before recording the audio, so the directors comments would be professional. I have also learnt from my mistake, We put the video onto garage band with the audio, and the video shrunk. We then changed this and put the audio and video onto final cut pro.

Thriller Location Recee

I have taken this photo from Spinnaka Tower, at a high angle looking at Old Portsmouth. The dock yard would be a great location to create mystery and suspense  the protagonist could create conflict in this location, or the heroin could be in danger here.

The dock yard gives a lot of options, for example my thriller could be a crime thriller, psychological or spy. The old disadvantages would be if a ship came in to dock, it would reduce the amount of match on action shots I could have. I would have to take that into consideration.

I could also have Old Portsmouth as my location because of the Spinnaka Tower, it is Portsmouth Land mark.  The old naval buildings (some abandoned  would give a lots of options as well. It would be a great place to have a conflict take place.

 I have taken this photo on Oxford street, red buses are on view, which would tell the audience the location is London. This location is great because it is very busy. A chase could easily take place, I could use a pan or track shot, to make the most of the location. This would add the fast excitement to the thriller opening.The narrow roads, and corner buildings could make the chase, exciting and dramatic. If I edited the video clips using final cut pro, and use the effect colour correction 3 way, I could make the clip darker to add more mystery.

I have edited the same photo, using Photoshop  To show how making the photo darker creates different emotions. Making it darker creates more mystery and uncertainty  because the dark is mysterious we do not know what is in the dark.












Here I have learnt what locations would be suitable for a thriller. I have learnt that the capital city, London, would be good because it is well known. I have also discovered that having a location which is either abandoned or really busy would be the most suitable, because it makes it more interesting and realistic. 

Dexter opening titles remake

This is mine and Sophie Gordon's Dexter Remake, we both edited on final cut pro, I edited the very begging and very end, changed speed and added titles, transitions and effects (colour correction 3 ways, blur and rotation), and Sophie edited the whole middle. I have learnt how to use effects, and how to speed up because of the small amount of time we had. I used keyboard short cuts to do this. I would of liked to add all of the titles and more effects, but we did not have time. 

Next time we would have given ourselves more time in editing, by coming behind school more often, we could of also added less effects. We did not render as often as we would have liked to, so the clips do not flow as well because we couldn't play them back. We would have also liked to of spent more time moving the audio, so it fits the video better.

I have learnt how to fade in and out on videos, using effects. I have also learnt how to made a clip darker or lighter, using the colour correction 3 way effect. I have learnt that we should have given ourselves more time, so we wouldn't have to rush.

Dexter Opening Remake Planning

I am working in a group with Sophie Gordon, to film Dexter's morning routine.

This opening sequence to Dexter, creates a back story for the audience. Even though the actions Dexter is doing are normal, there is something unusual about them. All of the parts to the routine are aggressive, the low lighting gives the audience a sense of mystery. Most of the props used in the routine could be used to murder people with, the possible murder weapons give the audience clues that he is a murderer. There is also a sense of comedy to the routine, which makes the audience warm to him, which creates even more mystery to who he is. The frequent presence of blood, which also could portray danger, teaches the audience that he's not just a normal man getting ready.

What we need:

A kitchen stove/hob
A frying pan
Cutlery
Pate
Bacon
Eggs
A coffee cafetiere 
A thin white t shirt
A grape fruit
A shape knife
Shoelaces
Hand razor
Toilet roll
fake blood
Ketchup

What we need each:

Time line of Dexter's morning routine:

Mind map:

Story board:

I have learnt that planning is important, this is because it allows me to know what I am doing on the day of shooting, so I do not waste time. I have also learnt, that there are lots of shots in this opening sequence which makes it interesting. So I must include lots in mine.

Thriller Mind map

I have learnt the different components that make a thriller, and how they create certain emotions for the audience. I have also learnt that there are lots of components in a thriller, so I must make sure they are all included so my opening sequence is the best that it an be.

Final edited Camera shots - Preliminary Task

My group (Sophie Gordon, Anna Tyler and Cammie Hall) and I, filmed a variety of shots in our school. I filmed some shots, and edited half and added the effect to this film. We then uploaded them from two iPhone 5's to our computers. Sophie Gordon and I then edited the clips in Final cut pro, we used match on action , the 180 degree rule, panning, shot reverse shot and a variety of angles. We then added an effect, to turn the whole video into black and white. We removed the audio to the whole video, apart from the speaking scene (shot reverse shot).

I have learnt what the 180 degree rule is and shot reverse shot, and how to film that. I also learnt how to add effects on final cut pro.

Mood board of Iconography

I have learnt what props, locations costumes and lightings, are needed in a thriller.

Se7en Title Sequence Remake

I have used Final cut pro, and added 18 title slates to images which are similar to images/clips in the Se7en title sequence. I have also used an effect, called bad film. This effects makes the images look distorted and scratched, to make it mysterious and give the audience suspense. Then I have added the original music in.

I have used how to add effects (bad film) and titles on final cut pro, and add audio to a video on final cut pro. I have also learnt that I must manage my time well.

Camera Shots

My video to show some important camera shots:



These camera shots are used to make a film interesting, rather than just having one continuous view/shot. Rule of thirds is used in photography as well as in films, the rule of thirds adds structure to the film to make it more appealing for the audience. A long shot is a shot from far away, and is commonly used to show the surroundings. A medium shot is closer to the subject, and a close up it showing the subject in more detail. 

A high angle is a shot taken from a high angle, this can show that a character/person has more authority to the person in the shot. An extreme close up is very close up, if the object was a person it could be a shot of their eyes. This shot allows the audience to see an emotion more clearly, it makes the emotion of the subject stand out. A low angle is taking a shot from a lower angle than normal, this could include the camera man kneeling to the shot is at a good angle. This shot can make the view look interesting, and show more information.

Panning is a shot where the camera follows the subject without walking with the camera. A tracking shot is similar but follows the subject by the camera man moving rather than moving the camera (panning). I have to make sure when I film that I make sure their is enough space above the subject, and the sides. This is called headroom.

Lighting is also important to take into account when I film, if my like is overexposed then the white balance will be washed out, leaving me with a really bright shot. If I don't have enough lighting, it will be too dark. But because I will be making a thriller opening I need it to be quiet dark at points to create mystery, but I must make sure I don't make it too dark.


I have learn some camera angles and shots, and how using them can create certain emotions with the audience.

The Usual Suspects opening scene - Analysis

What is it a thriller?

The music, limited lighting and close up shots all create suspense and mystery, which makes it a thriller. The music starts of slow then becomes faster, creating a climax, which creates suspense. The limited lighting creates mystery, because the audience do not know what is in the darkness. The close ups also creates mystery as the audience can't see the full picture. 

Who are the characters, what roles do they play?

The audience can see two characters in the opening, one you cannot see the face off and the other who could be scared. The antagonist could be the man who we cannot see the face off, he is above the other man in regards to levels (were they are standing), this could be telling the audience that the man we cannot see if the antagonist. The man we cannot see has a deep husky voice, meaning he could be the alpha male. 

What mood does it create and how?

The mood is suspicious, the limited lighting and dead bodies all create this. The fire creates more mystery, because the audience can guess what is going to happen, but also fire portrays danger and insanity, so this also creates mystery. The main prop used, the gun, also creates mystery as the audience wonder why he is shooting.




I have learnt how the usual suspect is a thriller, and who the characters are in this openign sequence of the Usual Suspects.

Se7en Opening sequence analysis

The title sequence in the film Se7en establishes the film, by using limited lighting and close up camera shots. An effect has been used to make the sequence look old and damaged, it is like old films where hairs and dust would get into the film real as it plays in the cinema. Non dietetic sound occurs throughout the title sequence, which creates mystery. 

The music is mysterious and builds suspense, the music begins slow then gets louder and faster, it creates a climax which creates suspense. The limited lighting creates suspense, because the unknown could be within the dark as we cannot see the whole picture. The close up shots, builds up mystery because it also limits what the audience can see, the unknown. 

The titles and clips flicker, and you can hear non diegetic sound such as screams. This creates mystery for the audience, who is scream? why are they screaming? The distorted images may be telling the audience about a character. The flickering images and the information itself, the character could be a stalker because of the words that are being highlighted, or a serial killer because of the scrap books maybe this is his victims. He also could be a phychopath because of the constant flickering and limited lighting. He may also be the antagonist.

I have learnt how this Se7en opening sequence is a thriller, and how the music and images/videos contribute to it being a thriller (creates suspense and mystery.

Garage Band Restore - Falling Down

I have used the Falling Down opening, and taken away the sound and added my own sound track to it. 

 Firstly I opened garage band, and then the file with some sound tracks on and the opening. And added the opening to Falling down.

The orange is the soundtrack already with the opening. 

I then took this away by clicking on the orange,  and then pressing bak space.

 I then went through different sound track went to www.findsound.com to download some more free soundtracks.

 I picked the ones I wanted and put them onto garage band below the video footage. I cut and moved them, by moving the bar to were i wanted to cut them, and then went to edit then 'split'. I then deleted the parts I didn't want, and moved them by pulling them across.

 I then wanted to make them fade in and out so they are more realistic. i did this by clicking the drop down, on the soundtrack. Then another bar became visible, i then ticked the square box on the far left. Then I clicked on the thin blue line to add dots, the dots are starting and stoping points of the fading. I then moved the dots around, to make the fade sound lower or higher.

I then repeat this, layering different sounds. Until I felt the Falling Down opening was complete.










Completed Falling Down Sound Restore/Remake:



I have learnt how to make a sound track on garage band, and then how to add the video over the top.

Match On Action - Final Cut Pro

I have used Final Cut Pro to edit video clips, to show match on action. I cut the clips to show two different camera angles in one shot. I then put text at the begging of the video, and overlapped the text with the video. Match on action is two camera angles, so one angle will play then the other but they have to link together.

I have learnt how to cut video clips on Final Cut pro, and I have learnt what match on action is.

Aniboom animation, remake Anatomy of Murder

I used Aniboom/shapeshiter to create a few frames of the Anatomy of Murder title sequence.

 I went onto aniboom/shapeshifter.

I then Changed the background colour using the page button. And then picked up a square by clicking on the square icon.

I then pulled the tabs on the shapes to make it look like a foot.

I then pressed the icon with the green +, to save that frame. 

Then I moved the shapes a tiny bit to the right, then clicked the frame icon again.

I then repeated this again and again.












The link to the full animation:

http://www.aniboom.com/animation-video/520981/Anatomy-of-murder-title-sequen

I have learnt how to create basic animations.

Catch me if you can opening sequence Analysis

What does the sequence tell us about the story?

This title sequence for Catch me if you can, tell us the film is going to be fast paced, because the opening sequence sound track and visual is fast paced. The film may be set in the 1920's,because the music sound like a stereo typical 1920's spy/detective film soundtrack. The whole sequence is all about spy's and now days we don't have many spy's, but they did in the 1920's.

The are figures shown, are chasing each other in the sequence, so this could mean that the whole film is about a chase. It creates the feeling that it is a thriller, but very lightly. The sequence has all of the elements, but it seems like it is more of an action or crime film.

What does it tell us about the character?

The sequence shows airplanes, and the background is blue which could represent the sky, so this tells us that the main character could be a pilot. The music gives us the feel action and mystery, and it sounds like what other soundtracks for other spy films sound like. It have that dramatic but fast paced music, this could mean some characters could be spy's. A lot of the characters are wearing suits and holding suitcases, so a character could be working in business, or a spy or detective pretending to be a spy, 

What mood does it create?

A title sequence is there for legal reasons to give the production company, main actors and everyone involved in making the film credit. But it also their to set scene, which involves creating the  mood. The moods that are created are suspense and mystery. The suspense is created with the soundtrack, the dramatic and eerie music gives us that anxious excitement. The mystery is created with the visual itself, why are they running? who are they?

Why am I looking at this?

I am looking at it because it is a title sequence, which is what I will be making. Looking at different title sequences gives me inspiration, for when I create my own. Saul Bass handmade design was used, it was transposed and developed to be more modern.

Analysis of Falling down opening

What does the sound tell us about the character?

That he is stressed, the music creates tension because it gets louder and louder as it goes on. I can also learn that he is stressed because a drum beats, which could symbolise a heart and a fast beating heart means you are stressed. At the beginning of the opening, the character is heavily breathing. This shows he is either hot and panting, or he feels guilty. The sound of the children and bus etc, make the opening realistic. It is also diegetic sound, because at some points you can not see the sound being produced. The loud car noises shows me that he is panicking, so he must be worried about something.

How do we know this is a thriller?

I know it's a thriller because of the suspense and mystery being created. The suspense is from the tense music, and the characters worry being shown. The mystery is created by the characters panic and unusual behavoir. The dull colours also shows that something bad is going to happen or has happened. The dramatic music also shows me it is a thriller, because you can again tell something basis/has happened.

What is the role of an opening of a film?

To set the mood, which is suspense and mystery, to make you watch on, who is he? what is he doing? It is also to set the scene, to make the audience learn some information about the character and location. It is also to set the genre, so colors, weather and behavior all contribute to this. It is giving you some background as well.

I have learnt why and how Falling down is a thriller.

Saul Bass

Saul Bass I a graphic designer, who designs title sequences. I am looking at him for research, because we are making a thriller title sequence. Research gets us MARKS, so knowing what work he has done inspires us. We now have more idea and knowledge, so our title sequences will be professional and creative.


Anatomy of Murder title sequence, designed by Saul Bass:

I have learnt about a famous designer, from which I have learnt how creativity and professionalism in work pays off.

Thriller Mood Board

By me and Sophie Gordon

Media studies Summer Assignment

Napoleon Dynamite Opening Credits Remake:

This mine and my groups remake, we have portrayed the character Napoleon as if he is a teenage girl living in England.

I have learnt how planning makes final pieces easier. Also I have learnt how long it actually takes to shoot a opening sequence.

Time line for remake:

Analysis of Napoleon dynamite Opening Credits:

Napoleon dynamite opening credits sequence, sets up the genre, story and meaning for the audience. The sequence sets up the genre, comedy.  The sequence is light hearted and fun, therefore not serious as documentaries are. The frames in this sequence have all been cleverly put together to create an interesting and intriguing opening, to grab the audience's attention so that you want to see the film.

The sequence also sets up the story, it allows the audience to familiarise themselves with Napoleon.  The audience can see that the main character may be a teenage boy, because of the fast food and toy cars.  Napoleons childlike characteristics are scattered throughout the opening credits, so this may be showing us that Napoleon is childlike. The audience can also learn that the main character might be American because of the common American meals. The soundtrack music playing throughout the sequence, also contributes to the theory that Napoleon is at school, because the song is about high school. 

The sequence sets up meaning for the audience, because they get to know the main character, therefore the audience feel they know the character more than they do with other characters.  The sequence sets up an emotional attachment for the audience, about the main character, before the film even starts.  The audience will then be on Napoleons side if a conflicts occurs. 

The opening credits sets up a little bit of Napoleons background, so they are not suddenly frown loads of information at once.  The way Napoleons background was presented, allowed the audience to slowly and interestingly take the information in.  The different objects and meals with the range of colours and sizes, make the opening credits more interesting than just a scrolling opening credits.  So you will actually read the names, rather than fast forwarding.

9 key frames chosen, to portray genre, story and meaning to the audience:

00:06

This frame shows that Napoleon may be American because these chicken bites are a commonly eaten American food.  It also implies that Napoleon could be a teenager, fast food is eaten by teenagers often, and some(stereotypical) teenagers don't know how to cook.

00:30

This frame also implies that Napoleon is a teenager, because it states 'Preston high' his high school that he attends.

00:51

This frame could either be showing canteen food at school, or a microwave meal, however both theory's would imply Napoleon is a teenager.

01:03

This frame is showing one of Napoleons childlike quality's  this is something you would make as a child. But his child like quality's could also imply he has shy and nervous characteristics.

01:25

This frame implies Napoleon is a teenager, because teenagers often eat sweets.

01:46

This frame again shows some of Napoleons childlike characteristics, the drawing looks like a child has drawn it.

01:52

Teenagers don't normally have toy cars, but children do, so this is another childlike quality.

02:04

This frame implies Napoleon is at school.

02:12

This frame is showing some comedy, because the aggression of the hit is unexpected.  This often makes you jump, which makes you laugh.

Spoiler reviews:

Inception:

After watching the thriller film Inception, I would would say it was just classed a thriller.  The film had elements of a thriller, but more elements of an action film.  The film had a lot of action and anticipation, but did not have a high level of surprise or anxiety.  The film built up a connection between the audience and the main character Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), through his past.  But that was the only character the audience really got to connect too.  So some anxiety occurred when Cobb was in trouble.

Their was not a great amount of terror which most thriller's include, but it did not have much surprise involved.  The film did not have much surprise because a lot of the tension was predictable.  The film was very fast paced, which distracted you from what some of the characters were doing, so you can get easily confused. 

Inception was really exciting, which fits into the genre thriller but also action.  This film was not an easy watch, you have to concentrate a lot, or you would be lost.  In order to have the suspense you have to feel a emotional connection with the characters, so you have to really concentrate when watching. 

The concept of them going into other people dreams, was exciting.  Towards the end of the film it got fast paced.  Their was a lot of adrenaline, which made you want to keep watching to see what happened. This is were the anticipation occurred.

I would give this film a thriller rating of three out of five, because I felt that it didn't include as much surprise as I would expect a thriller to have.  But I thought it included plenty of action.

9 key frames that shows mystery, suspense, plot twists, spoilers and elements that are psychological, crime and political:

01:08

This frame shows a man (Cobb) who has been washed ashore.  At this early stage if the film, the audience are wondering who is he?, why is he their and what has happened to him?  This creates mystery for the audience.

28:03

This frame shows an unexpected moment, the audience think the two characters are talking in the real world.  When in fact they are in a dream and only the main character knew that.

39:04

This frame is showing the suspense, will he get through to the gap to other side on time?, will he get shot?  This also shows mystery.

55:58

This frame shows Cobb showing his memories in his dream to Ariadne. This is showing the psychological effects, of going into dreams can cause, Cobb is psychologically scarred from it.

01:20:02

This frame shows how Cobb's wife died, the dramatic moment creates suspense for the audience.  Because the audience see Cobb's past it makes the audience suddenly feel a bigger connection with Cobb.

01:37:43

This frame shows Cobb shooting, this displays the crime in this film. 

01:41:47

This frame shows a car chase, this car has had its wheels ripped.  This is showing suspense and mystery.

01:46:06

This frame is showing an avalanche in the third layer of the dream. This shows suspense and provides the audience with anxiety, because two characters could pertinently be caught up in this.

02:20:39

This frame is at the end, it shows Cobb's spinning object which tells him if he's in a dream or not. And he has finally been reunited with his children. This makes the audience feel content with the outcome.

Shutter Island:

This film Shutter Island was really exciting and interesting thriller.  It had a lot of suspense, surprise, action, anxiety and anticipation. It was more of a thriller than Inception is.  This film was really great at creating suspense  the music used really added to the suspense as well, every time the main character Teddy (Leonardo DiCaprio) would go into a dark space etc the music would become more tense and slow.  This created anxiety among the audience, and suspense to whether a patient of the asylum would jump out of nowhere. 

The film was on the urge of being a horror, but because the film did not create enough fear it remains a thriller.  Their was a lot of anticipation in this film, not only was it created by the sounds, but it was also created with the characters. Other characters were all noticeably lying, which made the audience side with Teddy.

This film was really clever, a really interesting and unbelievable plot twist occurs towards the end of the film.  Which makes you believe a false story all the way through, until the end.  It got to the point were the audience doubt them selves, which creates anticipation and anxiety.

Not for a second do you think it's all made up, and the Doctors and Patients are going along with story, to help Teddy (who is later discovered to be Andrew Laeddis).  The film is unique therefore the audience do not predict that the whole story (Teddy is trying to reveal that Shutter Island is testing on patients and solving a missing patient case), is untrue.

I would give this a five out of five in rating for being a thriller, it included all of the key emotions a thriller contains.  The way the film had such a huge affect on you, because of the plot twist, gave the audience anxiety and anticipation.

9 key frames that shows mystery, suspense, plot twists, spoilers and elements that are psychological, crime and political:

08:35

This frame shows one of the patients at the asylum, this creates some fear for the audience.  But also mystery and anticipation.  The audience wonder who she is? why is she their? because she looks unusual and slightly scary. 

13:34

This frame displays a note 'the law of 4 who is 67', this creates mystery for Teddy and for the audience.  This makes the whole story seem real.

42:19

This Frame is showing one of Teddy's memories, which could have been real.  It is showing the Americans, including himself, killing the soldiers who run a death camp.  This shows crime, which may have not been crime to them though. 

01:10:41

This frame is showing teddy talking to someone he knows (George).  This also backs up the whole story, that they are after Teddy.

01:21:50

This frame is showing Teddy talking to the 'real' Rachel who was thought to be missing.  In fact we find out that this didn't actually happen, it was in his head.  This also shows a psychological effect of his withdrawal of his medicated drugs.  The fire could symbolise his insanity, the fire sets a mood which is called pyrotechnics, the mood created is suspense.  Because Rachel is not real but made up in his head by himself.

01:38:56

This frame is showing the symbolism for his insanity again, and his hallucination, the woman is his (Teddy's) wife but also his actual self (Andrews) wife.  The little girl is yet unknown to the audience, this is were the plot twists starts to occur.

01:40:17

This shows crime, Teddy is attacking a member of staff, so he can get into the light house.

01:59:29

This frame shows the psychological effect, of Andrews (Teddy's) killing of his wife and murder of his children's death has on him.  He/the audience suddenly come to realisation of who he actually is.  This is the plot twist, when the audience realises that the whole film was not true.

02:04:37

This frame shows Andrew still not accepting what he did, and what happened so he becomes Teddy again.  So they leave the audience on a cliff hanger, as he followed by staff.  The Doctor said they would have to kill him, if them going along with Andrew did not work.  So do they kill him?

The Dark Night:

The dark knight is very good at being a thriller, it has all of the key aspects to being a thriller.  The sound tracks are all dramatic so build up suspense and mystery.  The lighting is very dark and gloomy which builds anxiety.

The main character Batman (Christian Bale), has a very deep and husky voice, which creates suspense and some anxiety.  His voice makes the audience feel that he is the authority figure in the film.  This film brings a fictional character, to reality, by using this dark light and bad weather (rain, clouds).  Which also creates suspense.

The character the Joker, adds an amusing note to the film.  The unusual makeup the joker wears, creates mystery with the audience.  Why does he look like that? Who is he?  The character has a very dark humour, and this makes the audience feel anxious.  When the joker enters a scene the audience expect a conflict.  But the audience do not expect him to appear when he does.  This creates excitement and also anticipation.  It is what he does next that the audience are waiting for.

The film is fast paced, which creates excitement and suspense.  Their is plenty of action, mixed with suspense.  Which makes it a thriller.  This film was from the director of inception, but this film has more suspense and is not as predictable.  The action in both Inception and The dark Night are very similar, the way those scenes have been shot are similar. 

At the end of the film the audience are left feeling proud of Batman, but also left with mystery.  Gordon say's "He's a silent Guardian. A watchful Protector. and a Dark Knight", this leaves the audience with suspense.

I would give this film a five out of five on it being a thriller, this is because I think it had all of the aspects of being a thriller.  I personally think it would be better if their was a plot twist, however it could make it complicated like Inception is. it included a good amount  of action, suspense, anticipation and mystery.