Conventions of thrillers in Opening scene of Halloween - Miss Georgiou

One of the ways the opening of Halloween informs the audience of the conventions of a thriller film is that the uses of Cinematography for example the whole camera shot is point of view. We see this as we see Michaels point of view and what he is seeing the whole way threw. This also leads to another convention of hidden identity due to the fact that the camera is POV this means we do not see what the murderer looks like also as we see at 2.37 that Michael puts a mask on also shows the convention of hidden identity.

Another convention is the use of non Diagetic sound this is shown at through most of the opening scene. The use of the soundtrack and the high pitch music creates suspense as the audience can see that something bad is about to happen. This causes the audience to be frightened.

Another convention of the thriller genre is Low key lighting. This is shown at 0.03 seconds to 0.11 seconds also at 0.53 to 1.11 this builds suspense and makes the audience feel more involved in the film and the characters as they can get a sense of the atmosphere and it also builds fear as we cannot see clearly what is happening in the house.

The final convention is the use of a young blonde female victim. This portrays the stereotype of a blonde naive and vulnerable young girl.

Group Narrative

What is the purpose of a narrative - The purpose of a narrative is to engage the viewers and to grab the viewers attention. Some narratives are used for different purpose and for different themes. The narrative method comes in 5 main category's which are plots (whats going to happen), Setting (where it will take place), Characterisation (main characters), Structure (how the scene will start) and lastly the theme (genre of a narrative and message trying to be broadcasted)

My idea 

My idea for my thriller scene

Its late at night and a little girl around 10 years old is playing with her dolly's in her bedroom. The lighting is low key and her room is set in an old fashion room. She hears someone singing downstairs so she goes downstairs to see what it is. We see a close up of her face and see her slowly walking down the stairs and see how nervous she is as she is trembly. Scary non diagetic soundtrack playing in the background as she is walking down the stairs to create suspense and build tension. As she reaches the bottom of the stairs we see the hallway and the chandelier is swinging. We hear the diagetic sound of her footsteps and the floor squeaking as she walks along. The sound of someone singing varys in sound goes loud and quiet. She walks into the kitchen and in the corner of her eye sees a scary little girl in a white long night gown who is quite dirty and is singing and crying. She slowly walks over to the little girl and the background soundtrack starts to get faster and louder. As she reaches the crying female actress she puts her hand out to touch her. As she does the music stops and the crying girl looks up and we see an extreme close up of her face as she screams.

Evaluation- The disadvantages of this narrative is that is doesn't show the groups cinematography. This means we cannot see which camera angles are being used and how it is going to connect with the audience. Also it doesn't show as many conventions to a thriller. The Advantages of this narrative is that it explains the Mise en scene that is being used for example the low key lighting.

Luke Durrance Narrative 

In a empty are at night time the longshot shows a group of teenagers that are trying to hurt an old man thats on his own, the camera then shows a close up of the 'villian' in a mask, he is angry at what he is seeing happen to the old man, so as he comes out of the shadows he shouts over to the group of teenagers to stop. The camera shows the reaction of the old man as he is on the floor with tears rolling down his face, the camera then cuts to the leader of the group who is laughing at the 'viliian' who is walking slowly towards them. As the man gets to the group there is silence until the 'villian' shouts at the group of teenagers who are standing there suprised at what is happening, the villian then helps the old man stand up, he then tells him to leave, the man is seen to be limping home as he is holding is arm in pain. Some of the teenagers begin to walk away as they are laughing but the leader of the group stays and the masked villian then whispers to him, 'there will be consequenses'. That is all that is said, he looks scared and he turns away and sprints off, the rest of the group follow him shortly after. There is a longshot that focuses on the masked villian standing on his own in the middle of the street in darkness. The next shot is of an abandoned warehouse, where the masked villan is sitting alone sharpening his saw, the shot after is of the group of teenagers from the previous night, they are all layed on the floor with their mouthes taped shut and their legs and arms tied together, one or two of them are crying. The final shot is of the masked villan slowly walking in their direction, and he whispers in the same teenagers ear, 'what did I tell you'.

Evaluation - The advantages of this narrative are that he explains which cinematography which is going to be used so we can visualise what the narrative will look like so we can see if it is a good idea. 
Disadvantages - The disadvantages of this is that is doesn't explain which sound is happening and weather it is diegetic or non diegetic. Also it is too long and isn't conventional. 

Harry Hyett Narrative

 A secluded location away from the outside world, which is out of the way from help from anyone. Female Victim most likely to be blonde as in my research from conventions they are portrayed as weak because of stereotypes. The female and the masked killer will be around Low Key Lighting as it creates shadows and suspense. Killer can be seen in the distance following the victim but barely seen so that it is not obvious to the victim. Killer comes into focus under a light to create a sudden shock to the audience and disappears quickly again. To create this light from lamppost can be used as they are a light source and shadows to hide the killer. It becomes apparent to the audience what is going to happen as they can see the killer gaining on the victim. The victim can be killed or just knocked out as the killer maybe torturing victims so either a knife to kill or some form of cloth with some liquid to knock the victim out when en-haled. In addition the victim doesn't need to be killed as the ending of the scene could just be a reaction shot. Although its typical of most thriller films for the victim to be killed.

Group Narrative

A young girl covered in blood is walking along an industrial estate at night in ragged clothes stained with blood. She walks lonely and fragile in pain as soemthing has happened to her and she appears too be cold and injured. She is walking along with her phone with its bright light illuminating her face. She walks under the deem shawdowed light source of the lamposts, with just the wind brushing past her making her colder. She is encounterned by a man in this distance shouting out to her. He comes face to face with her and asked if she is "okay" he can see by her appearence that she is hurt and in need of help. He turns away for a brief period of time to call help for her and turns back to see her disappered. In shock he hangs up on the phone and looks in the distance in search of the girl. He calls out and looks around but he cannot find her. He walks off trying to forget the situation when out of nowhere the girl appears behind him with a knife and a unseen face and screams out to disappear as he turns around. It keeps happening until she is in front of him and starts to run at him.

Research into sound - Miss Miller

Sound in the thriller genre is a very important aspect. Sound helps to build tension and help set the atmosphere and engage the viewers with the scene and characters. I will be explaining the sound techniques of the thriller Mama.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWE1V79LBY0

The first sound technique that is used is Non diagetic sound. This is when the female character is about to open the door and there is high pitch scary music playing in the background. The use of this music creates a sense of fear for the viewers which makes it more exciting as it builds suspense as they no something frightening is about to happen. There is also more non diagetic sound at 41 seconds as she is about to open the closet. This music is a low pitch and it also creates a sense of fear and forebodes that something bad is about to happen.

The use of the diagetic sound of the actress heavy breathing engages the watchers with the film as we get a sense of the fear she has. It shows us how scared the actress is and how we would be if we was in her position. This also builds tension and creates fear for the viewers.

Also the use of the off screen sound at 36 seconds in the background sounds like crickets. This is an unusual sound it the background which could reflect that something unusual and unexpected is about to happen. This always creates tension as it shows how silent it is in the house that you could hear that.

The use of Contrapuntal sound when the female actress is about to open the door handle with the scary music in the background and when she does the two younger actresses are laughing. This is not what we expect as we see that the actress is frightened as opens the door. This causes mystery as we wonder why they are happy when something scary is in the closet.



















tttttv v 

Research into the history of Thriller Films - Miss Georgiou

Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film, and television programming that uses suspense, tension and excitement as the main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewers moods giving them high levels of anticipation, surprise, uncertainty, anxiety or terror. They tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast pace.


The three apples, a tale in the one thousand and one nights, is the earliest known murder mystery film.In 1903 the first thriller was made according to Ken Follett which was The riddle of the sands.
Alfred Hitchcock first thriller was his third silent film the Lodger which was made in 1926.

1940s
In the 1940s Hitchcock continued to produce thrillers such as Rebecca the Oscar winning film which is about an unusual romance.

1950s
In the 1950s Hitchcock also added Technicolor to his thriller list. Non Hitchcock thrillers made throughout the 1950s are Niagara by Henry Hathaway which starred Marilyn Monroe also Robert Aldrich's Kiss me deadly who starred Ralph Meeker.

1960s
In 1960 Hitchcock produced the thriller Psycho. This film is known for one of the most famous films in the thriller genre where the shadowy mother figure holds a knife towards the camera.

1970s
Hitchcock's first British film in over almost two decades was made. Frenzy made in 1972 was given the rating R for its vicious and explicit strangulation scene.

Below is the top 20 grossing thriller films of all time.

Hannibal - The film Hannibal is a sequel to the award winning The silence of the Lambs.
The film is set 10 years after the film The silence of the lambs, The film concentrates on Starling's
'attempts to apprehend lector before his surviving victim, mason verger (an unbilled Gary Oldman)
captures and kills him'. The location of the film switches between the USA and Italy.

2. The silence of the lambs - The silence of the lambs is about a young F.B.I cadet who must
confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer
who skins his victim. The top billed cast include Jodie Foster, Lawrence A. Bonney and Kasi
Lemmon's.

3.  Basic instinct is about a Police Detective who is in charge of the investigation of a brutal
murder, in which a beautiful and seductive woman could be involved. The top billing cast include
Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone and George Dzundza.

Rank	Title (click to view)	Studio	Lifetime Gross / Theaters		Opening / Theaters		Date
1	Hannibal	MGM	$165,092,268	3,292	$58,003,121	3,230	2/9/01
2	The Silence of the Lambs	Orion	$130,742,922	1,642	$13,766,814	1,497	2/14/91
3	Basic Instinct	TriS	$117,727,224	1,884	$15,129,385	1,567	3/20/92
4	Seven	NL	$100,125,643	2,528	$13,949,807	2,441	9/22/95
5	Red Dragon	Uni.	$93,149,898	3,363	$36,540,945	3,357	10/4/02
6	Saw II	Lions	$87,039,965	2,949	$31,725,652	2,949	10/28/05
7	Saw III	LGF	$80,238,724	3,167	$33,610,391	3,167	10/27/06
8	The Bone Collector	Uni.	$66,518,655	2,623	$16,712,020	2,587	11/5/99
9	Saw IV	LGF	$63,300,095	3,183	$31,756,764	3,183	10/26/07
10	The Cell	NL	$61,334,059	2,476	$17,515,050	2,411	8/18/00
11	Kiss the Girls	Par.	$60,527,873	2,406	$13,215,167	2,271	10/3/97
12	Sea of Love	Uni.	$58,571,513	1,439	$10,017,840	1,246	9/15/89
13	Saw	Lions	$55,185,045	2,467	$18,276,468	2,315	10/29/04
14	Identity	Sony	$52,159,536	2,733	$16,225,263	2,733	4/25/03
15	Natural Born Killers	WB	$50,282,766	1,904	$11,166,687	1,510	8/26/94
16	Saw 3D	LGF	$45,710,178	2,808	$22,530,123	2,808	10/29/10
17	Psycho II	Uni.	$34,725,000	1,488	$8,310,244	1,448	6/3/83
18	Monster	NM	$34,469,210	1,093	$86,831	4	12/24/03
19	Zodiac	Par.	$33,080,084	2,379	$13,395,610	2,362	3/2/07
20	Taking Lives	WB	$32,682,342	2,705	$11,458,465	2,705	3/19/04

The BBFC stands for the British Board of film Classification which was set up in 1912. It is a non governmental body which works to classify videos and dvds. It has a statutory requirement to classify videos, DVDs and some video games under the video recording act 2010. The BBFC first begame operating on the 1st of janurary 1913. Its legal basis was the cinematograph act 1909. This required cinemas to have licences from local authorties. It was introduced for safety reasons and concerns. The BBFC rates theatrically released films, and rates videos and video games that forfieted exemption from the video recording act 1984. Different films have certicates which states which age can watch the film. The category logos were introduced in 2003 replacing the previous ones which were introduced and had been in place since 1982. Below are the age certificates and examples of the different ages certificates.


 The ages certicicate U stands for universal. It should be suitable for ages 4 and over. However is is impossible to predict the effects a child this young. Examples of films aged U are telletubbies and In the night garden. Bad language is kept very mild at certificate U words such as 'buggur' or 'bloody' may be used. Certificate Us do not have no overt focus on sexual behaviour but there may be characters that are seen kissing and cuddling. A U film may include breif fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger but moments of emotional stress or threat will quickly.

PG, this stands for parental guidance. This means that the film is suitable for general viewing but some scenes within the film may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film shouldnt distress a childage aged 8 or over. Some films are given a PG certificate but are not made with the younger audidences in mind. In a PG film very mild bad language will be used. Examples of this are words such as 'shit' or 'son of a bitch'. There should be no detail of vilolence in a PG film but there may be some flashes of blood etc. Examples of PG films are Wreck-it ralph and The sapphires.

12A this means that anyone 12 or over the age of 12 can go and see this film unnaccomanied. This means they can go view the film without an adult. The difference between 12 and 12A is that the 12 certicate is just used for DVDs and blu-rays and videos where as the 12A is used in the cinema only.
There will be bad language in a PG film such as the word 'f***' but it must be kept infrequent.
Sex scenes may accour in 12 and 12A certificates but they will but it will be shown briefly and not in detail. Examples of 12A films are Red 2 and pacific Rim.

15. The 15 certifaces clearly states that no one under the age of 15 is allowed to view this film. Not in the cinema or at home and they are not allowed to rent the film.

Is 15 really stronger than 12A?

Yes. 15 works are stronger than 12 or 12A rated works and could include any of the following:

• strong violence
• frequent strong language (eg 'f***').
• portrayals of sexual activity
• strong verbal references to sex
• sexual nudity
• brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
• discriminatory language or behaviour
• drug taking

There would generally be alot of strong language in certificate 15 film. There would be words such as 'F***' used and occasionally there may be use of the word 'c***'
Examples of certifcate 15 films are The heat and Mama.

18. This certifcate means that this is strictly for adults only. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to view these films. It is possible that some themes shown at 18 may be offensive even to some adult viewers.In an certicate 18 you may find strong issues such as Very strong violence, Frequenct strong language, Strong portrays of sexual activity etc. A high amount of strong language would be shown at certicate 18 as there is no limit to the amount used.

Research into Conventions of the thriller genre - Miss miller

 

The clip I chose to discuss conventions of thriller is Tiffany's death from the thriller When a Stranger Calls.

 

A common convention of a thriller is a female victim. In the thriller when a stranger calls we see two female victims. The blonde female victim who dies is commonly used not just only in this thriller but in many others to. It uses the Stereotypical naïve blonde girl to show that they are stupid and more venerable to the murderers, This would help young teenagers watching the movie relate to the film as the young actress would be very much like some of the viewers watching which makes it feel more believable.

 

Also another convention of a thriller is building suspense through different aspects such as Low key lighting and non diegetic sound helps to create fear and suspense within a thriller. We see this in the clip above as the whole clip is low key lighting and when we hear a soundtrack played in the background most commonly slow scary music to build suspense and forebode something bad is about to happen for example when she is about to open the shower curtain this builds up a lot of suspense as we cannot see the other side of the shower.

 

Another convention shown in this clip is the use of cinematography. For example at 1.03 we see a high angle shot. This is commonly used in thrillers as it makes the character look smaller therefore it foreshadows that they are the victim and that they will be murdered. It suggests that the murderer is bigger than them and makes them look venerable.

 

 

 



Research Into Cinematography - Miss Miller

The clip I chose is from the thriller movie Gothika. I will be explaining which parts of cinematography is shown in the clip and what the effects of it are. Cinematography is defined as the art of making motion pictures.

The start of the clip shows an extreme longshot as we see Halle Berry running through a dark swimming pool. An extreme long shot is when the camera is positioned at a further distance to minimise the importance of the subject and increase importance of the background. This shows that the place the female actress is an important part of the film and shows that the swimming pool could have a big part to the rest of the film. It is used to show the environment and situation that the female character is in and shows how desperate she is to go to an unusual place like this. It helps to connect the viewers to the character and we sense her fear which makes viewers fearful.  It also creates a scary effect as a swimming pool is quite an unusual place to be at night. 0.08 seconds get picture.

As the female actress is running away and hiding from the guards the camera slowly zooms in as she is sliding into the swimming pool. This shows the importance of the character and shows she is a big part in the scene as it is drawing her in to the viewers attention. It shows her facial expressions as she is getting deeper into the pool and we can tell she is extremely nervous and frightened by the look on her face. This connects the viewers and the actress as they slightly feel what she is feeling which adds tension.

We also see a close up of Halle berry as the rest of her body enters the water as she is hiding. A close up is when a smaller part of the scene is shown to empathise something for example in this clip the characters face and neck fill the shot. This shows an up close of her facial expressions which we can see she is extremely frightened. This engages us with her and makes us almost sorry for her and build suspense as we can tell something is about to happen, Get picture at 41 seconds.

When the female actress is hiding in the water we see a shot of her point of view, Point of view is to show the audience the same image as a character within a film. This helps viewers connect with the actress as we see what she is going through and image what we would be like in her situation. It also creates a sense of fear and suspense as we cannot see what is behind her or what is coming and as we can see her view of a dark empty swimming pool. 57 seconds.

This research will help me with my own thriller clip as it will help me to create tension and engage the audience with the characters and help me to pick which part of cinematography to a specific section of my opening sequence.