Friday 25 March 2011
Thursday 24 March 2011
Feedback from R2-46
R2-46
'Love the use of sound, particularly up to 0:49. Really effective within the location.
Perhaps more of an explanation of the narrative, didn't understand the 'X'in her diary at 1:43.'
'Titles look professionl and looks like an opening not a trailer.
The letter she looks at is unclear 1:16'
Our opinion:
The 'X' on the diary is to show the day something important to her is, this gets the audience thinking. The letter is not particularly important, we tried to show the protagonist acting like a normal adult getting ready for work, most adults behavious would be to check letters and get lunch ready etc.
Thank you for the comments.
'Love the use of sound, particularly up to 0:49. Really effective within the location.
Perhaps more of an explanation of the narrative, didn't understand the 'X'in her diary at 1:43.'
'Titles look professionl and looks like an opening not a trailer.
The letter she looks at is unclear 1:16'
Our opinion:
The 'X' on the diary is to show the day something important to her is, this gets the audience thinking. The letter is not particularly important, we tried to show the protagonist acting like a normal adult getting ready for work, most adults behavious would be to check letters and get lunch ready etc.
Thank you for the comments.
Feedback from Group R2-47
Feedback from Group R2-47
Good -
Good variety of shots.
The use of lighting was very good, its made the clip mysterious.
Good use of costumes
Improvements -
Didn't really understand what was happening.
There may have been more dialogue in the house scene.
Not sure whats going on.
Good -
Good variety of shots.
The use of lighting was very good, its made the clip mysterious.
Good use of costumes
Improvements -
Didn't really understand what was happening.
There may have been more dialogue in the house scene.
Not sure whats going on.
Feedback from Group R2-48
Feedback from Group R2-48:
Good -
Effective use of ambient sounds in contrast to the upbeat music.
Good use of panning shot for titles.
I like the contrast in location and lighting.
Nice sound at the start.
The use of loads of close-ups is effective.
The makeup on the eye looks really good and realistic.
I really like the opening shot when it is moving down the wall, it creates a really good effect.
The music in the background is just the right volume, so that it is not too loud.
Really bold font for titles is used
Light music contrasts well.
Interesting opening scene with cellar walls.
Dramatic title effects.
Improvements -
Zoom on tap is a little unsteady.
Jumps a bit from when she leaves for the X.
Some of the shots are not very still.
You could use some still shots instead of zooms and tracking to make a variety.
To make it better you should find a way to make the relevant information on the letter readable.
Could use a tripod to make a few of the shots steadier.
Good -
Effective use of ambient sounds in contrast to the upbeat music.
Good use of panning shot for titles.
I like the contrast in location and lighting.
Nice sound at the start.
The use of loads of close-ups is effective.
The makeup on the eye looks really good and realistic.
I really like the opening shot when it is moving down the wall, it creates a really good effect.
The music in the background is just the right volume, so that it is not too loud.
Really bold font for titles is used
Light music contrasts well.
Interesting opening scene with cellar walls.
Dramatic title effects.
Improvements -
Zoom on tap is a little unsteady.
Jumps a bit from when she leaves for the X.
Some of the shots are not very still.
You could use some still shots instead of zooms and tracking to make a variety.
To make it better you should find a way to make the relevant information on the letter readable.
Could use a tripod to make a few of the shots steadier.
Feedback from R2-45
R2-45
'The camerawork is really good, especially with the slow zoom on the girl. Also, i got the ideaof your sequence straight away- well done.
I would criticize the amount of light used at the start as it is dark and fuzzy, but it does give a good effect.'
'Need to spread the subtitles out. Great use of camera angles.'
'Sound is very effective throughout the clip.
Camerawork to be less hand help, a tripod could have been used more.'
Our opinion:
We appreciate the feedback given from this group and think the opinions were reasonable and constructive.
We agreed that the lighting would need to be altered as an improvement as we all agree it is really dark at the beginning.
In reply to the comment of the hand held camera being too much, we thought the hand held camera was necessary in the cellar as it created tension and helped with continuity editing. However we agree a tripod would of been good for the kitchen scene.
'The camerawork is really good, especially with the slow zoom on the girl. Also, i got the ideaof your sequence straight away- well done.
I would criticize the amount of light used at the start as it is dark and fuzzy, but it does give a good effect.'
'Need to spread the subtitles out. Great use of camera angles.'
'Sound is very effective throughout the clip.
Camerawork to be less hand help, a tripod could have been used more.'
Our opinion:
We appreciate the feedback given from this group and think the opinions were reasonable and constructive.
We agreed that the lighting would need to be altered as an improvement as we all agree it is really dark at the beginning.
In reply to the comment of the hand held camera being too much, we thought the hand held camera was necessary in the cellar as it created tension and helped with continuity editing. However we agree a tripod would of been good for the kitchen scene.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Rough cut analysis - R2-48
Camerawork:
The opening introduces a smoothly zoomed canted angle shot of the location to the viewer to confuse, but also draw them in effectively. Another smoothly panned shot introduces the barn/cellar location. After this we are shown a series of smooth shots in which a variety of different camera angles are demonstrated. We first see 3 close-up shots of injured/frail body parts of the protagonist. These shots are successful in creating tension for the audience and are also framed well. We then see a long shot of the protagonist lying on the floor in the barn/cellar location which is again framed well showing the character and giving the audience a sense of location in which the character is in. Next an extreme close-up shot of the protagonists eye is used to build up the tension further and create anticipation for the audience. The kitchen scene is introduced with a smoothly zoomed shot of the location from outside of the house showing a middle aged female inside. The camera then moves inside of the kitchen and uses a medium shot to show the kitchen location and also the character washing up inside of it. A close-up shot is then shown of the radio as it is turned up by the character in the kitchen, and back to the previous mid-shot of the character washing up. Both of these shots are smoothly captured and framed well due to the object of focus being in the middle of the shot and easily identifiable and relatable too. We are then taken back to the barn/cellar scene where the protagonist is shown from a bird’s eye view shot which is effective in showing her relationship to the mobile phone she is using. The kitchen scene is again shown, using another mid-shot of the character still washing up, and we are then shown a shot of a telephone ringing in the house, which is cleverly framed in which the dog is watching the phone. The zoom performed which zooms into the phone however is filmed shakily, and this ruins the shot especially seeing as all of the other shots are filmed really well. A low angle close-up shot showing the protagonist in the barn effectively shows the protagonist and her interacting with the phone. We are then shown a long shot of the protagonist as she sits up, a low-angle mid-shot of a wall with a mysterious shadow on it, and the last shot which is a point of view shot from the protagonist in which a foot walks in front of her and crushes the mobile phone she is using to call for help. This point of view shot is effective as it puts the viewer in the shoes of the protagonist and being the last shot is powerful as the viewer is left with it in their mind. These 3 shots are also steadily shot, and well framed.
The opening introduces a smoothly zoomed canted angle shot of the location to the viewer to confuse, but also draw them in effectively. Another smoothly panned shot introduces the barn/cellar location. After this we are shown a series of smooth shots in which a variety of different camera angles are demonstrated. We first see 3 close-up shots of injured/frail body parts of the protagonist. These shots are successful in creating tension for the audience and are also framed well. We then see a long shot of the protagonist lying on the floor in the barn/cellar location which is again framed well showing the character and giving the audience a sense of location in which the character is in. Next an extreme close-up shot of the protagonists eye is used to build up the tension further and create anticipation for the audience. The kitchen scene is introduced with a smoothly zoomed shot of the location from outside of the house showing a middle aged female inside. The camera then moves inside of the kitchen and uses a medium shot to show the kitchen location and also the character washing up inside of it. A close-up shot is then shown of the radio as it is turned up by the character in the kitchen, and back to the previous mid-shot of the character washing up. Both of these shots are smoothly captured and framed well due to the object of focus being in the middle of the shot and easily identifiable and relatable too. We are then taken back to the barn/cellar scene where the protagonist is shown from a bird’s eye view shot which is effective in showing her relationship to the mobile phone she is using. The kitchen scene is again shown, using another mid-shot of the character still washing up, and we are then shown a shot of a telephone ringing in the house, which is cleverly framed in which the dog is watching the phone. The zoom performed which zooms into the phone however is filmed shakily, and this ruins the shot especially seeing as all of the other shots are filmed really well. A low angle close-up shot showing the protagonist in the barn effectively shows the protagonist and her interacting with the phone. We are then shown a long shot of the protagonist as she sits up, a low-angle mid-shot of a wall with a mysterious shadow on it, and the last shot which is a point of view shot from the protagonist in which a foot walks in front of her and crushes the mobile phone she is using to call for help. This point of view shot is effective as it puts the viewer in the shoes of the protagonist and being the last shot is powerful as the viewer is left with it in their mind. These 3 shots are also steadily shot, and well framed.
Rough Cut Analysis
Sound:
The sequence starts of with non-diegetic music to set the scene, the music uses a range of lower and higher tones.This creates a creepy and mysterious effect which makes the viewer intrigued as to what the sequence is about. This music then quickly cuts into silence and the first shot of the sequence, this causes all of the viewers attention to what's happening in the shots. In the Kitchen scene we hear diegetic music which the character in the scene is listening to herself, there is also diegetic sounds of the tap and the plated hitting eachother, this is a contrast to the music which introduced the scene. We then hear speech from another character which straight away cuts to the kitchen where the telephone is ringing which again is diegetic sound, we also hear speech through the answer phone which cuts from both locations to hear the speech from two different places. When it switches back to the barn we hear heavy footsteps walking towards the protagonist. The scene ends using non-diegetic music which links back to the music used in the kitchen scene.
Thriller Conventions:
Often in thrillers there is one character who is a 'helpless, innocent female' and occasionally is in need of rescue, this has been used effectively as the female in need of help appears young and vulnerable which instantly makes the viewers sympathise with her and wonder why she has been taken away. Another convention used is that many thrillers are set in isloated places, this has been done effectively in this opening as the kidnapped protagonist appears to be tied up and not knowing where she is.
The sequence starts of with non-diegetic music to set the scene, the music uses a range of lower and higher tones.This creates a creepy and mysterious effect which makes the viewer intrigued as to what the sequence is about. This music then quickly cuts into silence and the first shot of the sequence, this causes all of the viewers attention to what's happening in the shots. In the Kitchen scene we hear diegetic music which the character in the scene is listening to herself, there is also diegetic sounds of the tap and the plated hitting eachother, this is a contrast to the music which introduced the scene. We then hear speech from another character which straight away cuts to the kitchen where the telephone is ringing which again is diegetic sound, we also hear speech through the answer phone which cuts from both locations to hear the speech from two different places. When it switches back to the barn we hear heavy footsteps walking towards the protagonist. The scene ends using non-diegetic music which links back to the music used in the kitchen scene.
Thriller Conventions:
Often in thrillers there is one character who is a 'helpless, innocent female' and occasionally is in need of rescue, this has been used effectively as the female in need of help appears young and vulnerable which instantly makes the viewers sympathise with her and wonder why she has been taken away. Another convention used is that many thrillers are set in isloated places, this has been done effectively in this opening as the kidnapped protagonist appears to be tied up and not knowing where she is.
Rough Cut Analysis Of Sound
Sound- not much sound is used within the opening sequence, lots of non diegetic sound is used, like mood music which is eerie and adds to the sense of the unknown adding to the atmosphere. When diegetic sound is used it is used well but there’s not much but again this adds to the feeling of the unknown as we only see the girl she doesn’t make any sounds of fear only facial expressions to show emotion. The playing of the radio when it goes back to the woman in the house works well as its shows her normal home life.
Rough Cut camerawork analysis
Camerawork- camerawork is done effectively but I do think a tripod should have been used more as some clips are rather shaky but this also does add to the realism of the scene. Close ups have been used effectively to show the actresses fear and emotion. The way panning shots are used allows us to see the location and the environment the girl in is. The camera techniques which are used from cutting to the girl being held as a hostage to her in her own home shows us a sense of reality and the normal life she leads. The zoom in on the diary and focussing on Monday where there’s a big cross emphasises that something bad may be happening on this day and it’s very effective.
I think the camera work has been done well and uses different techniques effectively.
I think the camera work has been done well and uses different techniques effectively.
Monday 14 March 2011
Group 43's Thriller conventions
I would say that Group 43's thriller convention would be a mystery thriller and this was expressed very well because throughout the sequence you had to keep guessing as to what was going on and it left the audience very confussed but in a good, mystical way. In a few scenes it even felt quite disorientated because you couldn't tell what was whatbut this definatly played a big part for their conventions.
I have to say that when the group gave the brief in class about what they were going to do I was worried that it wasn't going to work but i'm happy it has worked for them and the end result is excellent.
I have to say that when the group gave the brief in class about what they were going to do I was worried that it wasn't going to work but i'm happy it has worked for them and the end result is excellent.
Group 43 Editing Review
Group 43's editing was in most places unnecesary because the camera work ment that cuts were not needed. However editing cuts were still used to change scenes which was done very well and the pace of the cuts were just right. The pace of the editing cuts in the last scence picked up in pase but this was to show different angles of the character and this fufilled the 180 degree rule. Overall the continuity of the cuts were good and the transitions were well used too.
Friday 11 March 2011
Rough Cut
Our rough cut includes a rough of the scenes and the music, we didn't manage to get the credits in as we lost tract of time.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Analysis Of Thriller Opening - Inception
The thriller that I chose to analyse was the 2010 hit, Inception. The film is about new technology which allows people to enter the mind through dreams. The film starts with dramatic, strong bassed music which builds tension and confusion for the viewers. The film the immediately cuts to the protagonist lying face down on the shore but before hand having a strong establishing shots of the rough and noisy sea. The first close up of the protagonists face is shown and is a canted angle shot. In the distance there are small children playing in the sand, this creates confusion for the viewer as the two things don’t go together, they are then shown running off in the distance. The Protagonist then blacks out and the scene then continues to show a random unknown character finding him on the beach. The Protagonist is shown in dull and trampy looking clothes in contrast to the high class soldier looking character. A low angle shot is evident to show to the viewers that the soldier has a higher status.
The scene is then cut showing the protagonist being dragged into the room, this creates stress for the viewers as they still don’t actually know who or what the protagonist is trying to do or his aim. The location is also a mystery so this allows the viewers to ask questions and slowly feel further and further dragged into the storyline. The dramatic low level non diegetic bassy music is still being played while the close up of the protagonist eating supper. The character is hunched over the bowl as though he has not had food for awhile, which also leads to more unanswered questions. The room in which the protagonist and the new and another unknown character is released, is dull but beautiful at the same time. Low lighting with a huge table in the middle, this shows that who ever owns the house is a much higher class than the protagonist. There is then a close up of the spinning top, which builds tension as the viewers are waiting for the moment in which it topples over, but never does so.
The next scene takes place, and it shows the protagonist in another scene but the same location. He is with two new completely different characters, and all the characters in this scene are wearing smart suits all showing they are they same status. The protagonist then starts to talk, and the cuts and speed of the cuts quicken. Over the shoulder and conversation shots are used effectively to make the viewers feel more comfortable which also makes it more natural to watch, A high angle shot is also used in this scene to show that the protagonist is more in control than any other character in the scene. The room then starts shaking which builds tension for the viewers, the two main characters look as though they are involved. There is then a close up of the protagonists ticking watch, where time is slowed down, also creating tension. The scene then changes dramatically again into a different location but with all the same characters as before. The Location is in a random hotel room or flat where another random character is released. There are diegetic sound effects used to create the bombing and shot gun noises. The music then becomes more dramatic as the unknown characters seek the main characters around the room.
The first part of the film is so confusing that it makes the viewer ask so many questions and are then glued to want to carry on watching the film. The Microelements are used to create this interesting and tension building confusion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXkUzf1et4
Friday 4 March 2011
Mark Scheme
Level 1 0-23 marks
The work for the main task is possibly incomplete. There is miminal evidence in the work of the creative use of any relevent technical skills such as:
Level 2 24-35 marks
There is evidence of a basic level of ability in the creative use of some of the following technical skills:
Level 3 36-47 marks
There is evidence of proficiency in the creative use of many of the following technical skills:
Level 4 48-60 marks
There is evidence of excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:
The work for the main task is possibly incomplete. There is miminal evidence in the work of the creative use of any relevent technical skills such as:
- holding a shot steady, where appropriate;
- framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate;
- using a variety of shot distances as appropriate;
- shooting material appropriate to the task set;
- selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects, and setting;
- editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer;
- using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set;
- using sound with image and editing appropriately for the task set;
- using titles appropriately.
Level 2 24-35 marks
There is evidence of a basic level of ability in the creative use of some of the following technical skills:
- holding a shot steady, where appropriate;
- framing a shot, including and excluding elements as appropriate;
- using a variety of shot distances as appropriate;
- shooting material appropriate to the task set;
- selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, objects and setting;
- editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer;
- using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set;
- using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set;
- using titles appropriately.
Level 3 36-47 marks
There is evidence of proficiency in the creative use of many of the following technical skills:
- Holding a shot steady where appropriate.
- Framing a shot including and excluding elements as appropriate
- Using a variety of shot distances as appropriate.
- Shooting material appropriate to the task set.
- Selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, props and setting.
- Editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer.
- Using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set.
- Using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set.
- Using titles appropriately.
Level 4 48-60 marks
There is evidence of excellence in the creative use of most of the following technical skills:
- Holding a shot steady where appropriate.
- Framing a shot including and excluding elements as appropriate
- Using a variety of shot distances as appropriate.
- Shooting material appropriate to the task set.
- Selecting mise-en-scene including colour, figure, lighting, props and setting.
- Editing so that meaning is apparent to the viewer.
- Using varied shot transitions and other effects selectively and appropriately for the task set.
- Using sound with images and editing appropriately for the task set.
- Using titles appropriately.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH CHARACTER 2
We faced potential problems when trying to deciding on what type of character (e.g. gender, age etc.) to introduce as our second character in our Thriller opening as we were unsure of what type of character we wanted as we felt that different ages and genders can portray different feels/effects.
Firstly we thought of having a character which is a similar age to the protagonist as we wanted the the protagonist to appear in their twenties, a problem arise with this as we thought it could just look like to teenagers who could be brother and sister, this would not work with our thriller as it would make the protagonist look younger which would cause a problem for our thriller.
We then decided to have an older friend in the scene as this would make the protagonist look older, around twenty which we wanted them to look. The problem with this is that we found we we're not able to find a twenty year old in which would be willing to take part in the thriller.
Our last decision was to have a young child as the second character in the scene, this would work well as it would make the young child look like the protagonists son. This would make the protagonist look in their twenties which is the perfect age we wanted her to be. We also have access to a young child which we could use for the scene.
Firstly we thought of having a character which is a similar age to the protagonist as we wanted the the protagonist to appear in their twenties, a problem arise with this as we thought it could just look like to teenagers who could be brother and sister, this would not work with our thriller as it would make the protagonist look younger which would cause a problem for our thriller.
We then decided to have an older friend in the scene as this would make the protagonist look older, around twenty which we wanted them to look. The problem with this is that we found we we're not able to find a twenty year old in which would be willing to take part in the thriller.
Our last decision was to have a young child as the second character in the scene, this would work well as it would make the young child look like the protagonists son. This would make the protagonist look in their twenties which is the perfect age we wanted her to be. We also have access to a young child which we could use for the scene.
Target Audience
Our target audience would be teenagers aged 15 and above and young adults because our thriller is a psychological thriler which means young children may not understand the film, and wouldn't have an interst in the story it tells. We've desided the film's certificate would be a 15 as the film will include scary scenes which young children may feel threated by and become disturbed by the footage whereas more mature age groups have more understanding of the fact it's not real and can watch it whilst subconciously knowing they're safe.The film is not a horror, however it will contain thrills. Within the opening scene you are shown clips of a celler which is dark and gloomy, the view of the girl tied up with blood and bruises on her body could cause disturbance for a younger audience which is another reason we have made the film a 15. The switch over from the scene in the celler to the scene in the kitchen, with the protagonist all of a suddern dressed in smart clothes compared to the scene where the protagonist is tied up shows an example of the psychological effect as it makes you think, the idea of the protagonist shown in a smart uniform getting ready for work shows adult behaviour, she's not a child nor a teenager which can simbolise the fact the film is created for ages 15 and above as a child cannot relate to the protagonist which may mean a child would loose interst easier.
We got the idea of switching the protagonists life from being tied in a celler, to switching back in time to when the protagonist is getting ready for work from the film Memento which shows scenes of the protagonist being disturbed with blood on his body and accompanied but a man who has been shot dead, it switches back in time in order to tell the story to how the protagonist got in that situation by a scene of him in the office and the man who was shot dead is alive and is shown walking into the office too. We liked this idea as it makes the beginning more interesting, you are able to draw the audiences attention into the film as they want to know what happens and how the protagonist got the the situation shown at the beggining, it shows a mystery which psychological thrillers have, you are able to create subtle 'thrills' for the audience.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Analysis of the thriller opening, The Beach.
The Beach is an adventurous and seductive thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as the main protagonist called Richard.
Throughout the scenes during the opening, the scenes fade between opening credits and the opening scene, at one point the scene dissolves to show the title of the film, The Beach, and then fades into the scene which creates a good effect for a thriller opening.
In the opening sequence of the thriller, the location is based in a foreign country, the idea of the film being based in a foreign country sets the tension automatically for the audience as it is not a location, country that most people have common knowledge about or know very well, this creates an uncertain atmosphere due to a combination of continuity editing, which makes the audience feel like they're taking part and are uncertain where they are being lead at the beginning of the thriller. This meets one of the thriller conventions which is that thrillers give you this sense of uncertainty in order to build up that 'thrill' the audience is waiting to happen.
We're introduced to the protagonist by him standing outside a building, wondering where to go, it's night time however there are luminous colours flashing past the screen which are the car lights on the cars going by. The ambiant sound of the cars, along with the non diegetic sound of the protagonist narrating, makes the audience question themselves what is happening or what is going to happen as the combination of the sound of the cars rushing past, and the sound of the protagonist's voice and body language being relaxed, makes the audience eager to know what is going to happen further in the story as the protagonist's narrating whilst the camera tracks him, is like a subtle trail the audience has to follow in order to find out what happens, the image of the cars also sets the location as you can see city lights around the town the protagonist walks along which gives a very obvious hint to the location being a city at the beginning of the thriller.
When the camera tracks the protagonist down the street, the non diegetic sound is electric and upbeat, the music isn't in tune with how the character strolls through the street, it gives a sense of loss of control, for both the character and the audience due to the continuity editing drawing the audiences attention making them feel part of the scene. The sound mellows whilst the protagonist talks to another character, yet proceeds in a fast chasing soundtrack, it makes the audiene unease, yet subconsiously, they know they're safe.
Within the opening the sequence, the lighting is very dull, the colours are drained, and even the beach wear the characters wear are dull, colours which stand out the most is red, red gives the sense of urgency and blood which relates to death, this can help make the audience anxious to what they will see. It helps set a bad atmosphere, like something isn't right.
The camera shots which have been edited to create a sense of continuity editing used in the film were, shot reverse shot, which is used in conversation with the protagonist and another character, the audience feel like they're part of the scene which helps create the tension. There are reaction shots used at various times which helps the audience read the mood the character is in, how they're feeling.
The smooth cuts throughout the film, help with continuity editing, they help patch up the pieces together for it to make sense over all through out the different scenes.
The tracking of the protagonist walking down the corridor with a close up of his face, makes the audience on edge, as the non diegetic sound turns mysterious and tense. The fact his body language gives off a sense that he is on edge, helps create that tension for the audience, as his behaviour bounces off onto the audience due to the continuity editing. When the protagonist enters the room the camera pans around where you see blood splattered across the walls and all over the bed. The non diegetic sound increases it's intensity whilst the protagonist narrates through the scene which leaves the audience on edge as they don't know what they'll find. When the camera finally pans round to find the dead body laying on the floor, the camera shows a mid shot of the protagonists face, and then back to the body, the non diegetic sound builds this uncertainty, he narrates talking about people's actions whilst you sit nervously thinking the man will wake up and that will be your 'thrill', but you're just not sure. The build makes you uneased, the protagonist even mentions when he is narrating that he himself thought the man was going to jump at him, this makes it become more of a reality for the audience as you feel that connection with the protagonist, like you've followed him along this journey. There is still that tension, you still grab hold of your seat thinking your 'thrill' may come, however the scene changes into the protagonist in an office. In a way the build up was enough to be a 'thrill' for the audience, as if their predictions were right, it might had been too much and could be on edge of a horror.
Throughout the scenes during the opening, the scenes fade between opening credits and the opening scene, at one point the scene dissolves to show the title of the film, The Beach, and then fades into the scene which creates a good effect for a thriller opening.
In the opening sequence of the thriller, the location is based in a foreign country, the idea of the film being based in a foreign country sets the tension automatically for the audience as it is not a location, country that most people have common knowledge about or know very well, this creates an uncertain atmosphere due to a combination of continuity editing, which makes the audience feel like they're taking part and are uncertain where they are being lead at the beginning of the thriller. This meets one of the thriller conventions which is that thrillers give you this sense of uncertainty in order to build up that 'thrill' the audience is waiting to happen.
We're introduced to the protagonist by him standing outside a building, wondering where to go, it's night time however there are luminous colours flashing past the screen which are the car lights on the cars going by. The ambiant sound of the cars, along with the non diegetic sound of the protagonist narrating, makes the audience question themselves what is happening or what is going to happen as the combination of the sound of the cars rushing past, and the sound of the protagonist's voice and body language being relaxed, makes the audience eager to know what is going to happen further in the story as the protagonist's narrating whilst the camera tracks him, is like a subtle trail the audience has to follow in order to find out what happens, the image of the cars also sets the location as you can see city lights around the town the protagonist walks along which gives a very obvious hint to the location being a city at the beginning of the thriller.
When the camera tracks the protagonist down the street, the non diegetic sound is electric and upbeat, the music isn't in tune with how the character strolls through the street, it gives a sense of loss of control, for both the character and the audience due to the continuity editing drawing the audiences attention making them feel part of the scene. The sound mellows whilst the protagonist talks to another character, yet proceeds in a fast chasing soundtrack, it makes the audiene unease, yet subconsiously, they know they're safe.
Within the opening the sequence, the lighting is very dull, the colours are drained, and even the beach wear the characters wear are dull, colours which stand out the most is red, red gives the sense of urgency and blood which relates to death, this can help make the audience anxious to what they will see. It helps set a bad atmosphere, like something isn't right.
The camera shots which have been edited to create a sense of continuity editing used in the film were, shot reverse shot, which is used in conversation with the protagonist and another character, the audience feel like they're part of the scene which helps create the tension. There are reaction shots used at various times which helps the audience read the mood the character is in, how they're feeling.
The smooth cuts throughout the film, help with continuity editing, they help patch up the pieces together for it to make sense over all through out the different scenes.
The tracking of the protagonist walking down the corridor with a close up of his face, makes the audience on edge, as the non diegetic sound turns mysterious and tense. The fact his body language gives off a sense that he is on edge, helps create that tension for the audience, as his behaviour bounces off onto the audience due to the continuity editing. When the protagonist enters the room the camera pans around where you see blood splattered across the walls and all over the bed. The non diegetic sound increases it's intensity whilst the protagonist narrates through the scene which leaves the audience on edge as they don't know what they'll find. When the camera finally pans round to find the dead body laying on the floor, the camera shows a mid shot of the protagonists face, and then back to the body, the non diegetic sound builds this uncertainty, he narrates talking about people's actions whilst you sit nervously thinking the man will wake up and that will be your 'thrill', but you're just not sure. The build makes you uneased, the protagonist even mentions when he is narrating that he himself thought the man was going to jump at him, this makes it become more of a reality for the audience as you feel that connection with the protagonist, like you've followed him along this journey. There is still that tension, you still grab hold of your seat thinking your 'thrill' may come, however the scene changes into the protagonist in an office. In a way the build up was enough to be a 'thrill' for the audience, as if their predictions were right, it might had been too much and could be on edge of a horror.
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