In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
Conventions of a Thriller and Conventions of an opening sequence:
- Crime
- Mystery
- Fight Sequences
- Music
- Low Tones
- Edgy
- Mission
- Urban
- Moody
- Agents
- Suits
- Dark,low level lighting
- Titles
- Introduction to characters
- Narrative enigma
- Espionage
A sense of ‘mystery’ is a very commonly used thriller convention, or tool, that gives a feeling of intrigue and sets up the rest of the film’s thrust. Films like Lost Highway and Cape Fear utilize mystery in their openings and it is very effective in building feelings of suspense; gripping the viewer and enticing them into watching the rest of the film – what happens next?
I tried to utilize mysterious characters and scenario, as it created suspense and grips the viewer. By using extreme close ups, enigmatic and disturbing images, the immediate surroundings and environment is not revealed to the audience, creating a feeling of mystery. In addition, none of the actors faces are fully shown in the opening sequence, which also creates more intrigue. I also sourced accompanying music that would be suited to the opening sequence to a thriller film but would also create a mysterious vibe.
Developing the convention of mystery was achieved in this shot. A strange and threatening ethnic mask is seen in close up, but not revealing much to the viewer. In fact much of what I wanted to portray in my opening sequence was using the technique and philosophy, ‘less is more’.
Crime
‘Crime’ is a very widely used and popular convention or genre in modern cinema. It allows the audience to fantasise and gives them a mental ‘escape’ or vicarious journey into the lives or situation of the criminal underworld. Some iconic films that are based on crime include: Goodfellas, The Departed and Reservoir Dogs.
The shot (above right), suggests a theme of crime. The injured and blood-spattered body is the result of a murder or at least a violent attack. This type of dramatic image, used so early on in the film shocks the viewer instantly, and grips the audience. Similarly, this technique was implemented in the opening sequence of Goodfellas, when a man in the boot of a car is stabbed repeatedly and then shot.
‘Crime’ was part of my thriller opening because it adds an element of excitement and is a crucial part of the plot. The convention of crime in my thriller opening is heavily suggested, particularly in the shot where there is a young man lying on the floor seemingly dead and then the image is repeated in the artist’s portrayal of the image on canvas.
How does your media product represent particular social groups?
Social Groups
At the start of my thriller opening, social class is not a big part of the scene or meaning and has little relevance and significance in the opening. This being said, from what the viewer can see, I think the most probable social class affiliated with the characters would be middle class. This is because there are not any overwhelmingly expensive, lavish or luxurious objects in the background of any of the shots that would suggest the characters are upper class. Likewise, this goes for their clothing and general appearance. At the other end of the scale, nothing suggests the characters are lower class. Basically the middle class is the most neutral out of the classes and I think it is appropriate to assume that the characters within the thriller opening are most likely middle class; they are vaguely ‘normal’ but perhaps the artist is somewhat eccentric...
Also, the opening does not necessarily tap into any strong preconceived stereotypes. For example, only one of the characters has their face shown in the film and only very briefly, when dead. Neither of the two characters are portrayed in ways, or are wearing any clothes that would suggest strict stereotypes. As there is no dialogue or voice-over, stereotyping is absent. This being said, I think that artists are generally perceived to be intelligent, methodical, patient and creative. This kind of character can suggest a very sinister idea to the viewer: if the artist is the murderer, he will probably carry these qualities and traits into the manner of the murder as well.
What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
Who would be the audience for your media product?
I think the target audience is firstly dictated by the contents of the film and how it affects the age rating of the film. For example as a lot of thriller films do, some films may contain violence, depending on things like the frequency and severity of the violence in question. This as well as other adult or explicit themes like: drugs, sex, nudity and strong language. This being said I would say that therefore most thriller films would come under the 18+ age rating as there is often very explicit themes in the films. I would also expect that older audiences may also be less attracted to this particular genre as they may be more sensitive depending on the intensity of the film.
How did you attract/address your audience?
In terms of attracting an audience for my thriller film opening I mainly used word of mouth to promote and ‘advertise’ it. It was also played in my media class which consisted of about 12 people. Therefore I think considering how little promotion and advertisement I did, I think it was very successful. In terms of addressing my audience.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
I have learnt alot about technology used in film making while making my own thriller opening. I have learnt mainly alot of camera and editing skills. In terms of the camera I have learnt how to set up a camera in many different ways and have learnt many techinques and methods of using the camera itself. For example I have learned things like how to manoeuvre a camera in such a way that it creates a pan shot. It has also hepled me remember the actual techincal names for the specific camera techniques as I have actually physically had to use them during filming, an example of this is I learnt the difference between a pan and a tilt. When it comes the the editing side of making the film I also learnt a great deal of new skills. In the editing I learnt how to use Adobe Premier Pro to a high level.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I have learnt a wide range of different things from the preliminary task to my final piece. For one I have learned to be more independant and self sufficient, this is directly attributed to me having to produce the media product on my own instead of working in a group. I also leanrnt how to deal with an actual project with a strict deadline, and dealing with the pressure of knowing that missing the dead line will affect the marks I am given for the work. I also developed much better skills in terms of planning and organisation.
What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
I have learnt alot about technology used in film making while making my own thriller opening. I have learnt mainly alot of camera and editing skills. In terms of the camera I have learnt how to set up a camera in many different ways and have learnt many techinques and methods of using the camera itself. For example I have learned things like how to manoeuvre a camera in such a way that it creates a pan shot. It has also hepled me remember the actual techincal names for the specific camera techniques as I have actually physically had to use them during filming, an example of this is I learnt the difference between a pan and a tilt. When it comes the the editing side of making the film I also learnt a great deal of new skills. In the editing I learnt how to use Adobe Premier Pro to a high level.
Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
I have learnt a wide range of different things from the preliminary task to my final piece. For one I have learned to be more independant and self sufficient, this is directly attributed to me having to produce the media product on my own instead of working in a group. I also leanrnt how to deal with an actual project with a strict deadline, and dealing with the pressure of knowing that missing the dead line will affect the marks I am given for the work. I also developed much better skills in terms of planning and organisation.
