Showing posts with label Chelsey Madgwick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chelsey Madgwick. Show all posts
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.
Friday, 4 March 2011
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.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH FLICKERING LIGHTBULB SHOT
The location we are using is a cellar which we need to be almost pitch black. We had decided on using a flickering light bulb as it would be effective for the illusion we wanted to create. We originally wanted a close up of the light bulb, but after discussing it we found that it would be extremely hard and would cause danger to make a light bulb flicker. When carrying out our test shots we found that using a camera torch and swaying it vigerously it gives off a great effect. Also instead of showing a close-up shot of a light bulb we had a idea of using a candle in a lantern which could be flickering by a gush of wind and would eventually blow it.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Moodboard
This is our moodboard, we have used two very different sounds and images to give an idea of the two different settings in which we are going to use in the opening sequence. The first set of images are things you would see in a normal family kitchen on a morning before work/school for example; a kitchen table and a kitchen sink. The music is used as we want to create a happy atmosphere to contrast with the dull cellar. The second set of images and sound are complete opposites to the first set as the cellar will be almost pitch black with dull ambient sound and echos. The images used are ideas of shots that we will use for the opening, shot of the eye and tied up hands.
Friday, 11 February 2011
Test Footage
We carried out some test shots before filming our thriller. Part of the opening sequence is going to be set in a dark cellar which is why we chose to do our test shots in a dark room to get the feel of how the shots will look with only a very small amount of lighthing.
In order to create the tension and uncertainty for the audience, we've set the scene in a dark area. The dark room enables the audience to question themselves what is going on and helps set the scene of the girl being vulnerable by not being able to see where she is and being tied up.
The limited light enables the audience to view the protagonist and the main features like the tied hands and feet along with the blood which shows she has been physically harmed and locked up, this creates the effect of the audience being causious of the girls condition making them eel tense, however the audience know sub-consiously that they are safe themselves in reality which is a key feature that thrillers need to include.
The flickering light creates the effect of the light either faiding or about to faid into darkness which helps build the tension for the over all scene. Along with the close up of her face and eye, the flickering light helps create an anxious tension for the audience and helps piece p the scene over all for a thriller as it is subtle.
The ambient sound helps blend in the continuity editing which enables the audience to feel like they're participating in the scene. The dripping water echoing in the background helps set the location of a dark lonely spaced cellar as it echos which makes the location seem very open, this enhances the girl's vulnerability because she is tied in a little space but is kept in a large area. The ambient sound will make the audience feel the echoing is near them like they're there, this effect of continuity editing will help make the "thrill" the audience is hoping to get out of the scene.
Hearing nothing but her breathing and the echoing of the water dripping causes an awkward tension, this blends in with the genre of the sequence because thrillers create and uncertainty to what is and is going to happen, you're never quite sure compared to a horror.
The zoom into a close up of the girl's hands and feet helps show all the main aspects towards the point of the scene which is that she is being held in a cellar tied up.
The mid shot of the girl's face zooming into a close up of just her eye creates tension for the audience as the effect of only seeing one feature of the girl's face, not being able to see her facial expression or where she is creates that uncertainty and curiosity for the audience to build up the effect of the "thrill" that may or not happen at that precise moment. The flickering light and echoing sound effect of dripping water helps to build that effect for the audience as it all fits the scene together.
The scene shows a shadow over the girl's face which looks at first, like an over the shoulder shot, however the shadow is over the girl's face and you don't see anyone's shoulder, this creates the "thrill" for the audience as it's unexpected, to see a shadow of another person appear on the wall and across the girl's face. The audience will because anxious and unsure of what's happening but still sub-consiously know they're not in danger in reality, however the way the camera is shot close to the girl and then shown a shadow of another person makes the audience feel like the shadow is behind them with the effect of continuity editing which enables the audiences to feel they're part of the action.
PROPS AND COSTUMES
Our opening sequence only involves only one main character, but this character is shown in two different locations. For each of these locations the character will need two different costumes.
The main character Lola - For the first location which will be the cellar. Lola will be dressed in old and worn clothes which will be dirty and have holes/ rips in them. The clothes she will be wearing will be a pair of black leggings and a t-shirt. She will have bruises on her face and body and will be dirty all over as well. She will be bare foot in the cellar to show the dirtiness of the environment. Her hair will be down and messy to show she has been neglected for a while.
For the kitchen location Lola will look very smart and sophisticated, she will be wearing a black pencil skirt, a shirt, tights and a pair of heels. She will be carrying a large handbag which shows she is off to work. Her make up will be natural and her hair will be down and straight. This will contrast completely to Lola's cellar look and confuse the audience, and leave them unsure whether it is the same character.
Character no2: This character will have a casual everyday look to contrast with the smartness and sophistication of Lola's look. This will also make the character appear more laid back, and casual compared to the protagonist who appears more in a hurry to show her busy lifestyle. The character could also possibly be a younger child around the age of 1, and in this instance this child will be used to again portray the busy everyday lifestyle of a working mother and wife and give across a sense of normality to the audience.
The main character Lola - For the first location which will be the cellar. Lola will be dressed in old and worn clothes which will be dirty and have holes/ rips in them. The clothes she will be wearing will be a pair of black leggings and a t-shirt. She will have bruises on her face and body and will be dirty all over as well. She will be bare foot in the cellar to show the dirtiness of the environment. Her hair will be down and messy to show she has been neglected for a while.
For the kitchen location Lola will look very smart and sophisticated, she will be wearing a black pencil skirt, a shirt, tights and a pair of heels. She will be carrying a large handbag which shows she is off to work. Her make up will be natural and her hair will be down and straight. This will contrast completely to Lola's cellar look and confuse the audience, and leave them unsure whether it is the same character.
Character no2: This character will have a casual everyday look to contrast with the smartness and sophistication of Lola's look. This will also make the character appear more laid back, and casual compared to the protagonist who appears more in a hurry to show her busy lifestyle. The character could also possibly be a younger child around the age of 1, and in this instance this child will be used to again portray the busy everyday lifestyle of a working mother and wife and give across a sense of normality to the audience.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Test shot pictures
This photo is an example of the shot we will show of the protagonist when we switch back to the cellar scene, it will show the protagonists face which will have a worried expression on it. We tested out lighting to find out what effect looked better with this shot and we found that the lighting used in the picture above would be appropriate.
This shot was tested as we wanted to show close up shots of the eye at the very start of the opening of the sequence. This shot ended up blurry but we liked the effect of this photo so it may be used in the opening. The one below shows a similar shot but it is not blurry, this gives off a mysterious effect which is the effect we want to give off in the opening of the sequence .
This is a high angle shot shown of the protagonist which we tested as we wanted the setting to be pitch black but we wanted to show part of the protagonists face. We liked the darkness of this as only parts of the protagonists face are shown.
This is a shot of the protagonists hands which will be tied up by rope in the shooting of the opening. This is going to be shown in a flash with the close up of the eye to show a disorientated effect.
Friday, 4 February 2011
SHOT LIST
Here is a rough shot list that we will use in our Thriller.
SHOT 1: INT. Close-up shot of a flickering light bulb (this will be in the cellar - the audience will be unaware of this) - diegetic music of a light bulb flickering.
SHOT 2: Switch to a close-up shot of a wall with blood and dirt splattered all over it, not a focused shot so the viewers are not sure what to think. Here will be a non-diegetic ambient humming sound which the viewers are unsure of what it is/where its from
SHOT 3: diegetic music of a tap dripping in the background of the scene. Here to accompany this sound will be a close-up of a drip, and it hitting the floor.
SHOT 4: Another close-up but this time it would also be a canted angle. It will be of some tied up rope around the protagonists wrists but the shot will not show anything else. The diegetic music of the dripping tap will be carried on throughout this scene.
SHOT 5: The last shot will be an extreme close-up of the protagonists eye, battered and bruised, and with blood running from a cut underneath. The extreme close up will show the detail of the eye, and it twitching and staring blankly into the camera. This will scare the audience and leave them feeling uneasy. The sound here will either be a diegetic ambient sound, or dripping sound.
SHOT 6: The next shot will change the location to the kitchen where we will do an close-up shot of a dripping tap into a sink, this will cause distortion for the viewer so they think that maybe it is the same location as before but in a different time period.
SHOT 7: A close up shot of the radio will be shown so the viewers know where the music is coming from.
SHOT 8: The next shot will change to the kitchen table where there will be a medium shot of the protagonist sat at eating breakfast and talking to a family member/ friend. The music will be diegetic music of a radio which is also sat at the table. This shot will create a sense of normality for the viewer.
SHOT 9: This will show an over the shoulder shot as a conversation between the two characters sat at the kitchen table will be taking place.
SHOT 10: There will then be a tracking shot of the protagonist walking to the sink to put her bowls into the sink and then makes her way out of the house on her way to work.
SHOT 11: When the protagonist has walked out of the house the shot will move to a close up of the calender on the wall with the date monday 9th of March circled and all the days leading up to it crossed out, which shows today is a significant day.
SHOT 12: The location then switches back to the cellar with the protagonist tied up and a medium/close up shot of the protagonists face is shown with dirt over it and looking like a gorm. The protagonist stares into the camera lifelessly.
SHOT 13: A medium high angle shot of the protagonist sitting/lying on the floor is used to show her surroundings in more detail.
SHOT 14: We then hear a non-diegetic sound of footsteps upon the floorboards above, and the the camera switches to point of view shot, showing the protagonists viewpoint and how her vision darts around the room following the movement of the footsteps etc.
SHOT 15: A Close-up shot of the bottom of the door and the light that peaks through from underneath it is shown. We see some of this light blocked, which is presumed to be somebody who lurks behind the door.
SHOT 16: The shot then switches back onto the protagonist with a medium/close-up shot showing her with her head covered by her hands/knees/hair. There will be a diegetic sound of the door open and somebody walking into the room slowly. From the light reflected on the wall behind the protagonist we see the figure of a shadow.
SHOT 1: INT. Close-up shot of a flickering light bulb (this will be in the cellar - the audience will be unaware of this) - diegetic music of a light bulb flickering.
SHOT 2: Switch to a close-up shot of a wall with blood and dirt splattered all over it, not a focused shot so the viewers are not sure what to think. Here will be a non-diegetic ambient humming sound which the viewers are unsure of what it is/where its from
SHOT 3: diegetic music of a tap dripping in the background of the scene. Here to accompany this sound will be a close-up of a drip, and it hitting the floor.
SHOT 4: Another close-up but this time it would also be a canted angle. It will be of some tied up rope around the protagonists wrists but the shot will not show anything else. The diegetic music of the dripping tap will be carried on throughout this scene.
SHOT 5: The last shot will be an extreme close-up of the protagonists eye, battered and bruised, and with blood running from a cut underneath. The extreme close up will show the detail of the eye, and it twitching and staring blankly into the camera. This will scare the audience and leave them feeling uneasy. The sound here will either be a diegetic ambient sound, or dripping sound.
SHOT 6: The next shot will change the location to the kitchen where we will do an close-up shot of a dripping tap into a sink, this will cause distortion for the viewer so they think that maybe it is the same location as before but in a different time period.
SHOT 7: A close up shot of the radio will be shown so the viewers know where the music is coming from.
SHOT 8: The next shot will change to the kitchen table where there will be a medium shot of the protagonist sat at eating breakfast and talking to a family member/ friend. The music will be diegetic music of a radio which is also sat at the table. This shot will create a sense of normality for the viewer.
SHOT 9: This will show an over the shoulder shot as a conversation between the two characters sat at the kitchen table will be taking place.
SHOT 10: There will then be a tracking shot of the protagonist walking to the sink to put her bowls into the sink and then makes her way out of the house on her way to work.
SHOT 11: When the protagonist has walked out of the house the shot will move to a close up of the calender on the wall with the date monday 9th of March circled and all the days leading up to it crossed out, which shows today is a significant day.
SHOT 12: The location then switches back to the cellar with the protagonist tied up and a medium/close up shot of the protagonists face is shown with dirt over it and looking like a gorm. The protagonist stares into the camera lifelessly.
SHOT 13: A medium high angle shot of the protagonist sitting/lying on the floor is used to show her surroundings in more detail.
SHOT 14: We then hear a non-diegetic sound of footsteps upon the floorboards above, and the the camera switches to point of view shot, showing the protagonists viewpoint and how her vision darts around the room following the movement of the footsteps etc.
SHOT 15: A Close-up shot of the bottom of the door and the light that peaks through from underneath it is shown. We see some of this light blocked, which is presumed to be somebody who lurks behind the door.
SHOT 16: The shot then switches back onto the protagonist with a medium/close-up shot showing her with her head covered by her hands/knees/hair. There will be a diegetic sound of the door open and somebody walking into the room slowly. From the light reflected on the wall behind the protagonist we see the figure of a shadow.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
MEMENTO - OPENING SEQUENCE ANALYSIS
Throughout the opening sequence of memento all of the psychological thriller conventions are explored in one way or another. The central theme of identity is explored to some extent. In the opening sequence the characters identity is exploited through inking on his skin which is shown. This inking signifies the characters flaw of having a bad memory and also the mystery surrounding why the character has these inkings. The point of view shots which are used at the beginning of the opening sequence when the character is in the hotel room build suspense and draw the viewer in. It also makes them question what is happening and the reasons behind it. It also portrays the main character to be confused having a loss of memory, and also makes the viewer wonder if the central character even knows his own identity.
Memory is portrayed in Memento in an interesting way. The main character is shown having pieces of information written on his hands. Although the viewer can't actually read what is written it makes them question what is written and draws them in. It also signifies that he does have a memory problem and therefore uses his body as a canvas for these tattoos in order to remember things that he would not remember. Also in the opening sequence close-up shots are used of the main characters face and these show cuts and bruises which he has on it. These cuts and bruises suggest that the character is vulnerable and suggests his weakness of having no memories, as he would not be able to remember why he got these cuts and bruises or what happened to him for them to appear.
A stream of consciousness is shown in Memento as a voice over, this is shown when the protagonist is in the hotel room alone and the voice over is shown as his internal thoughts. This makes us as the viewer feel as though we are getting an insight into things we shouldn't be, so we feel very privileged.
In memento music is a key convention as it sets the atmosphere, the music is very dramatic and mysterious which makes the viewer feel unsure of what is going to happen. It is also used to build up suspense which most thrillers do, the music will start off quiet and slow and gradually build it up until it is at a point in which makes the viewer feel tense and wanting to watch more of the film. String instruments are often used in the music.
In memento mise en scene is giving the audience hints as to what the protagonist is like, the portagonist is shown with writing all over his hand which suggests that he is forgetful and has to make a note on an obvious place to remember important things. Not just does he write things on himself but also he has them tattoed, this is a big clue which makes the audience think that the protagonist has some kind of memory loss an feels the need to tattoo important dates onto his body which is very odd characteristic.
Memento sets up something which is called a 'set of intrigues' this means clues which eventually lead to a bigger puzzle, examples of this is the tattoos he has on himself and the cuts and bruises on his face which suggests he has been fighting. The cuts could either mean that he is a vulnerable character or a strong, tough character; these are made obvious with the other things in which he does and how he is portrayed.
In memento there are many 'point of view' shots used, the reason for this is so the viewer can see through the protagonist's eyes and make themselves feel as though they are in that situation. When the protagonist is shown in the hotel room we are made to think that the protagonist is confused of where he is and maybe even who he is.
Later in the sequence we are shown a close up of a photograph which is in the protagonists hand, this gives the viewer a voyeuristic feel and makes us feel privilaged to be seeing this photograph.
In memento the sense of time is disrupted which makes the viewer feel confused as to what's happening at what time. It even makes the viewer question whether the protagonist is aware of what the time is and where he's going.
In the opening sequence it signals to the viewer what the rest of the film will be about and what to expect, in memento these are:
- distortion of reality
- disruption of time
- repitition
- loss of memory
The fact that the protagonist corrects his name in the opening sequence makes us think that maybe he has a dual identity as people know him as two different names. We also question wether the narrator is reliable as they are asking alot of questions which confuse the viewer.
A stream of consciousness is shown in Memento as a voice over, this is shown when the protagonist is in the hotel room alone and the voice over is shown as his internal thoughts. This makes us as the viewer feel as though we are getting an insight into things we shouldn't be, so we feel very privileged.
In memento music is a key convention as it sets the atmosphere, the music is very dramatic and mysterious which makes the viewer feel unsure of what is going to happen. It is also used to build up suspense which most thrillers do, the music will start off quiet and slow and gradually build it up until it is at a point in which makes the viewer feel tense and wanting to watch more of the film. String instruments are often used in the music.
In memento mise en scene is giving the audience hints as to what the protagonist is like, the portagonist is shown with writing all over his hand which suggests that he is forgetful and has to make a note on an obvious place to remember important things. Not just does he write things on himself but also he has them tattoed, this is a big clue which makes the audience think that the protagonist has some kind of memory loss an feels the need to tattoo important dates onto his body which is very odd characteristic.
Memento sets up something which is called a 'set of intrigues' this means clues which eventually lead to a bigger puzzle, examples of this is the tattoos he has on himself and the cuts and bruises on his face which suggests he has been fighting. The cuts could either mean that he is a vulnerable character or a strong, tough character; these are made obvious with the other things in which he does and how he is portrayed.
In memento there are many 'point of view' shots used, the reason for this is so the viewer can see through the protagonist's eyes and make themselves feel as though they are in that situation. When the protagonist is shown in the hotel room we are made to think that the protagonist is confused of where he is and maybe even who he is.
Later in the sequence we are shown a close up of a photograph which is in the protagonists hand, this gives the viewer a voyeuristic feel and makes us feel privilaged to be seeing this photograph.
In memento the sense of time is disrupted which makes the viewer feel confused as to what's happening at what time. It even makes the viewer question whether the protagonist is aware of what the time is and where he's going.
In the opening sequence it signals to the viewer what the rest of the film will be about and what to expect, in memento these are:
- distortion of reality
- disruption of time
- repitition
- loss of memory
The fact that the protagonist corrects his name in the opening sequence makes us think that maybe he has a dual identity as people know him as two different names. We also question wether the narrator is reliable as they are asking alot of questions which confuse the viewer.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Summary of the key points in the article.
Why "Thrillers" Thrive: Originally published in Picturegoer, January 18, 1936.
The key points to a thriller is to create the thrill the audience want, whilst consciously having the security of knowing they are quite safe sitting in their chairs watching the scene. Thrillers create a kind of life we don't experience ourselves, or the same life but with a difference, a difference which embarks on emotional disturbances which we call "thrills". Although it may not be practicable to experience sufficient thrills at firsthand, it is in our nature to want those "shake ups" whilst watching a tense scene. Within filming thrillers, directors and editors have abled us to experience firsthand thrills artificially. When thinking of creating a thriller you have to consider making the audience project themselves into the character's consciousness. However in order the produce a good thriller which is most effective on our target audience, we have to make the audience feel like they are participating rather than spectators for them to experience the firsthand thrill.
Thrillers let the audience use their imagination, they don't always make it obvious and as graphic as a horror would, thrillers create the intensity but don't horrify the audience and make them uncomfortable. Thrillers often leave the answer to the audience, for example close ups of the character's face to absorb their emotions, in a murdering scene, you may see something bad going to happen but before you see them fall to their death, it's a blackout. This causes the audience to make their own personal questions to what has happened in their mind which helps build the intensity. However, the audience's subconscious is aware that they are safe, sitting in a comfortable armchair, watching a screen.
If the audience's security is undermined, the thrill created is not the kind to please the public. This can occur in many horrors as the graphical scenes show too much detail towards the horrific scene which makes the audience unease, it doesn't appeal to all audience's, a thriller is more subtle.
A thriller may still leave you subconsciously assured on your safety, yet they create that surprise to influence the audience's imagination to play tricks on their mind, this can be done by continuity editing, making you feel part of the scene, the tone in the music can make you build up in your mind this thrilling tail. A thriller can influence the audience to gain sympathy for the protagonist who then gets involved with danger, this helps with making the "thrill" towards the scene as the audience has bonded with the charatcer whilst watching the film.
"The audience thrives on thrills, the cinema thrives on the audience, the director thrives on the cinema, and everybody is happy". Scenes which set the blood pounding through the veins are highly beneficial as audiences like the idea of feeling tense and shocked for that split second within a scene.
In comparison to a horror film, horrors create an entirely different matter, meaning they create an "extreme aversion". To create a distorted view of a tense scene which makes the audience come to an emotional jolt. The scenes are more vicious and dangerous. This is permissible in a horror film. Aspects of horrors only attract certain group of audience as it creates an unnatural excitement for certain people.
Over all a thriller must be wholehearted, the more exciting the better. A thriller creates this suspense as a thriller is leading to various answers, the uncertainty builds the thrill and tension for the audience.
"Let 'Em Play God": originally published in Hollywood Reporter 100, no.47, October 11, 1948.
Within the article it explains the purpose of the mystery to the thriller is to get the audience on the edge of their seats in order to create the suspense. In a thriller it is important to leave the audience unsure of what's happening so they feel like they are part of the scene as the characters don't let on they know what's happening either, the suspense is created by the various possible answers, but no one is sure including the audience. Another way to create suspense for the audience, is for them to know what is going on, yet the characters don't. This make the characters inferior to the audience making the audience "feel like God" as they know what fate the actors face, this creates suspense.
For years thrillers have been refered to as dark mysteries, and chillers as they are brilliant for making "thrills" for the audience by creating a puzzle they have to solve throughout the film.
The key points to a thriller is to create the thrill the audience want, whilst consciously having the security of knowing they are quite safe sitting in their chairs watching the scene. Thrillers create a kind of life we don't experience ourselves, or the same life but with a difference, a difference which embarks on emotional disturbances which we call "thrills". Although it may not be practicable to experience sufficient thrills at firsthand, it is in our nature to want those "shake ups" whilst watching a tense scene. Within filming thrillers, directors and editors have abled us to experience firsthand thrills artificially. When thinking of creating a thriller you have to consider making the audience project themselves into the character's consciousness. However in order the produce a good thriller which is most effective on our target audience, we have to make the audience feel like they are participating rather than spectators for them to experience the firsthand thrill.
Thrillers let the audience use their imagination, they don't always make it obvious and as graphic as a horror would, thrillers create the intensity but don't horrify the audience and make them uncomfortable. Thrillers often leave the answer to the audience, for example close ups of the character's face to absorb their emotions, in a murdering scene, you may see something bad going to happen but before you see them fall to their death, it's a blackout. This causes the audience to make their own personal questions to what has happened in their mind which helps build the intensity. However, the audience's subconscious is aware that they are safe, sitting in a comfortable armchair, watching a screen.
If the audience's security is undermined, the thrill created is not the kind to please the public. This can occur in many horrors as the graphical scenes show too much detail towards the horrific scene which makes the audience unease, it doesn't appeal to all audience's, a thriller is more subtle.
A thriller may still leave you subconsciously assured on your safety, yet they create that surprise to influence the audience's imagination to play tricks on their mind, this can be done by continuity editing, making you feel part of the scene, the tone in the music can make you build up in your mind this thrilling tail. A thriller can influence the audience to gain sympathy for the protagonist who then gets involved with danger, this helps with making the "thrill" towards the scene as the audience has bonded with the charatcer whilst watching the film.
"The audience thrives on thrills, the cinema thrives on the audience, the director thrives on the cinema, and everybody is happy". Scenes which set the blood pounding through the veins are highly beneficial as audiences like the idea of feeling tense and shocked for that split second within a scene.
In comparison to a horror film, horrors create an entirely different matter, meaning they create an "extreme aversion". To create a distorted view of a tense scene which makes the audience come to an emotional jolt. The scenes are more vicious and dangerous. This is permissible in a horror film. Aspects of horrors only attract certain group of audience as it creates an unnatural excitement for certain people.
Over all a thriller must be wholehearted, the more exciting the better. A thriller creates this suspense as a thriller is leading to various answers, the uncertainty builds the thrill and tension for the audience.
"Let 'Em Play God": originally published in Hollywood Reporter 100, no.47, October 11, 1948.
Within the article it explains the purpose of the mystery to the thriller is to get the audience on the edge of their seats in order to create the suspense. In a thriller it is important to leave the audience unsure of what's happening so they feel like they are part of the scene as the characters don't let on they know what's happening either, the suspense is created by the various possible answers, but no one is sure including the audience. Another way to create suspense for the audience, is for them to know what is going on, yet the characters don't. This make the characters inferior to the audience making the audience "feel like God" as they know what fate the actors face, this creates suspense.
For years thrillers have been refered to as dark mysteries, and chillers as they are brilliant for making "thrills" for the audience by creating a puzzle they have to solve throughout the film.
Friday, 28 January 2011
What we learnt from Amar
Today from Amar we learnt how to prepare for a film shoot through several steps. His presentation taught us how to prepare for shooting our film, and how to be organised and prepared in order to make it as successful as possible. Amar talked us through several points such as Script Writing, Storyboarding and setting the scene, Location Recce's, Shot List, Test Shots, Final Shooting, Editing and more. in order to be really prepared and organised to create a really successful film when we go to shoot.
We found the point about location recces really useful as we felt that by doing this it will enable us to get a feel for our possible locations through photographs and also being there in person, helping us to decide which location(s) to use.
We have decided to set the location in a cellar, this location is practical and reliable as it is one of the group members who has a cellar in her house. We will think of safety precautions to make sure it is safe, we also have adult supervision who will be on hand to help with any problems we may need help with.
We found the point about location recces really useful as we felt that by doing this it will enable us to get a feel for our possible locations through photographs and also being there in person, helping us to decide which location(s) to use.
We have decided to set the location in a cellar, this location is practical and reliable as it is one of the group members who has a cellar in her house. We will think of safety precautions to make sure it is safe, we also have adult supervision who will be on hand to help with any problems we may need help with.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Feedback of final idea
During our presentation of our final idea we were asked questions about the filming of our idea and the concerns the class had about our idea.
The questions asked included:
The questions asked included:
- Do you have a cellar to film the thriller in and is it safe? ANSWER: Yes, one of our group members has a cellar and it is safe and stable to film inside it.
- Is the protagonist going to be the same person in the cellar as well as in the kitchen? ANSWER: The protagonist will be the same person, it'll become clear to the viewer when it flashes back to the cellar after the kitchen scene as the protagonist will be revealed more in the second scene of the cellar.
- The idea seems confusing because you're flashing backwards and forwards how are you going to make it all fit? ANSWER: In order to fit it all in so the thriller opening flows smoothly we are going to do smooth cuts and fades to change the scene, the lighting will be different as the scene in the kitchen will be in daylight with the protagonist in the kitchen, this shows the scenes are at different times as the protagonist has moved location. The dripping of the tap in the cellar scene will help create the psychological thriller theme as the diegetic sound of the tap will continue to the tap in the kitchen dripping as well, this creates a good effect to make the viewer uneasy and tense, the flash back of the different scenes will run smoothly which makes the viewer think of different questions to ask themselves which is what a psychological thriller should do.
- Will the kitchen and the cellar be filmed in the same location? ANSWER: Yes to save time and traveling, however it'll not be made obvious in the thriller opening.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Final idea for thriller
Shots are shown, close up's, extreme close up's, canted angles of the rope, the ground, the wall with blood on. To show a distorted view of the cellar and what appears to be in there. There will be a diegetic sound of a tap dripping constantly all through out the scene which seems quite significant in this point.
The scene will then cut to a kitchen location, where we see a the protagonist eating breakfast and talking to a family member/friend. There would also be diegetic music of a radio here to set the scene and create a sense of normality for the viewer. There will also be a closeup shot of a dripping tap in the kitchen linking back to the sound in the previous scene. The shots in this scene will be typical mid-shots, close-ups, and also over the shoulder shots (if conversation), and also the charaters wearing normal, everyday clothes which together both create a sense of normality.
We then cut back to the cellar setting in which we are made more aware of the protagonist and their situation and by this shown a mid shot of the protagonist locked up against the wall with torn clothing, dirt and blood all over them, she will be shown with a high shot to make her seen vulnerable. The ripped and dirty clothes show that she has been tortured. The sound in this section will be a similar diegetic sound from inside the room, and footsteps of another human being.
The scene will then cut to a kitchen location, where we see a the protagonist eating breakfast and talking to a family member/friend. There would also be diegetic music of a radio here to set the scene and create a sense of normality for the viewer. There will also be a closeup shot of a dripping tap in the kitchen linking back to the sound in the previous scene. The shots in this scene will be typical mid-shots, close-ups, and also over the shoulder shots (if conversation), and also the charaters wearing normal, everyday clothes which together both create a sense of normality.
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