Evaluation

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

Mystery

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.

Final Edit

First Draft

I think in my first draft I have formed the shell and jist

Location and Props of Filming

In the filming I think I will film in a house as it suits the basis of the narrative better. Also most if not all of the activities the main character will engage in will require them to be in a house. However I will consider what is in the shot and what is visible to the viewer.Wide shots will probably be heavily utilized as the sequence is based in a house and mapping out the surroundign will help the viewer visilize the setting.


I also might impliment some props into the scenes I will be filmimg:

1. Pen, Pencil, Paper, Rubber, Brush, Paint, Palette (Artist equipment)

Tea Mug












 Kettle

Actors and Costume

In my thriller opening I think I am going to use my dad as the main actor/character. The costume will be quite neutral in the respect that it will reflect a normal man. However I may make a few subtle changes to the costume that are out of the ordinary to suggest a element of strangeness and something out of the ordinary about the main character. I also made this choice as it will add an increased element of beilivablity and realsim as the actor is older. This will help my opening set it self apart from others to help gain more marks. I think I will also limit how much the viewer will see the protagonist to create a mystery to the charcter and leave more to the imagination of the viewer. This will also add intrigue to the opening and will make the viewer want to see the rest of the film.

Storyboard

Research and planning

Audience Research

I decided to carry out my research on google forms as it is an easy platform to create a questionaire and it is also clear and simple for people to fill in and complete the questionaire and provides clear data and the opinions of the respondants. My results are shown below:

Pulp Fiction, Opening Sequence

Pulp Fiction is a

0:03: This shot showing a man and a woman sitting at a table in what looks like a diner tells the viewer alot about the situation. "Forget it it's too risky, i'm through doing that shit" this dialogue by the man on the right may also tell us that they might be some sort of criminal. The camera is also angled towards the man showing he is the most dominant out of the two and he will most likely be talking the most. He also has very relaxed body language and is smoking a cigarette. This shows the viewer two things about the situation, that it is based in the past as he is smoking a cigarette in the diner and that he is very comfortable with his surroundings as his body language indicates.

 0:25: Once the two have discussed whether to do what ever they are talking about the woman on the left of the table states that the man on the right 'sounds like a duck' and proceeds to make quacking noises. This is her way of taunting the man on the right into getting him to do whatever they are planning or discussing.

Prelim Task

In the prelim task we briefly planned a basic plot in the form of a mind map that would intrigue the viewer. We then established who would play each character. We then developed and mapped out each scene on a story board. This allowed us to work out the camera angles we would use for each scene. This process limited the amount of mistakes we made and meant we would waste less time.





Camera angles
In the prelim task we used a range of camera angles to enhance the feeling of tension and suspense. It opens with a pair of feet that look like they are tied up. We also tried to give a wider perspective to the viewer by using a range of different camera angles and shots. For example we used a close up, medium shot, high angle shot and an upwards pan.

Rear Window, opening sequence analysis

Rear window is a thriller film starring James Stewart and Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

0:28: This shot displaying the words 'JAMES STERWART IN' instantly and clearly tells the viewer that James Stewart is the star of the film or at least the main character. This is emphasised by how the size of the title coveres most of the frame.

1:29: The music being used is a sort of light up beat jazz, and it picks up and sort of climax's as Alfred Hitchcock's name appears on the screen. This could be coincidens but it could also be a very deliberate feature Hitchcock has added to the film to emphasise his 'greatness' or significance in the film. The most likely of the two possiblilties in my opinion is that it was a deliberate feature as Hitchcock was notorious for having a big ego, this is supported by the fact he made a number of cameo's appearing in many of his own films.

1:40: Following a zoom out of the window it suggests to viewer that the things that are a direct view out of the window bear alot or atleast some significance to the plot. This also intrigues the viewer as they are waiting to know who's behind the window and from who's perspective.

1:54: This shot is mid way through the camera moving to reveal the rest of the courtyard as seen breifly out of the window in the previous shot. This then fully establishes the courtyard to the viewer ensuring no confusion as to where things may occur here. It also fully cements the idea that this courtyard will be hugely significant to the plot.

 2:20: In this close up of James Stewart it shows him sleeping by his window. He has a layer of sweat on his forehead. This suggests it is very hot or humid.

2:22: In this shot it shows a thermometer at just over the 90 degrees mark confirming the viewers belief that it is very hot.

3:29: A pan from the the main characters face to his leg in a cast displays the words 'Here lie the broken bones of L.B.Jefferies.' This tells the audience that the main characters leg is broken, this means a number of things.It tells us that he has limited mobility as he cannot walk, which may mean he bound to his wheel chair and cannot leave the room easily.

4:44: In this shot he has just finished speaking about how he is getting his leg cast is coming off in a week as a man has rang him asking him about getting his cast off. "No wrong week, next wednesday I emerge from this plaster cacoon" this tells us that he will be in the cast for atleast another week. This means that he will be in his room by the 'rear window' for quite some time.

Mad Max: Fury Road , opening sequence analysis

Mad Max

0.06: Voice-over black screen: "My name is Max, my world is fire and blood." This instantly sets the scene for the rest of the film. The viewer will assume this is the main character as the title of the film is Mad Max. It also confirms that the film will most likely contain a fair bit of action and probably violence as suggested by the reference to fire and blood. Then it fades into this shot with the words 'A KENNEDY MILLER MITCHELL PRODUCTION.' Behind the title it has a gritty and almost burnt background. The background can also resemble a rusted background which reflects the film's focus on machinery and vehicles. This is suggested by the film's colour palette, which is mostly dark brown and oranges.

0:14: After the fade from the production title this frame fades in. It again has a simplistic layout with a black background and a mix of harsh looking titles with a blood scratch font displaying what characters the actors are playing in the film. This then refers to the first dialogue about 'fire and blood' as the production title frame had a burnt looking background, referring to the fire, and the blood scratch font in this frame refers to the blood, it is also in the order that he stated, fire then blood.

0:17: "Once I was a cop, a road warrior searching for a righteous course" – this is Max's voice (the main character) again, providing a voice-over. He is speaking in a low monotone giving a sinister feel. It is also visually the same as the first frame; a black screen. The way the film-makers have gone about introducing the film has been carefully thought out, despite its simplicity. It gives the viewer not much to go on visually but in terms of audio is given alot. This then establishes the main charcters voice and an insite on to his character by the tone of his voice and the things he is saying. However the viewer is given no visuals of the character or anything for that matter.

0:28: A view of trees being blown by what looks like the result of some sort of massive explosion is provided in this medium shot. It is in black and white which could be for effect but also because it could also be because it is old footage. There are a number of voices that are speaking slightly before, after, and during this shot. "Mankind has gone rogue"; "Terrorising itself"; "Nuclear experiments", these voice-overs are saying very sinister things and mixed with the first significant visual frame is very effective in engaging the viewer. A post apocalyptic world is indicated.

0:44: "As the world fell, each of us in our own way was broken, it was hard to know who was more crazy... (this dialogue is heard in the darkness before this shot) ...me or everyone else." The way this frame comes in mid-way through the voice-over is an example of excellent editing. It also suggests by when he says 'me, or everyone else' at the start of this frame suggests it is him in the shot. As there have been very little in terms of visuals through the opening so far, this shot with its brightness and contrast, is a very engaging and dramatic opening.

1:00 - 1:14: A downward jib shot reveals a mutated two-headed lizard on a foreground rock, no doubt the result of a nuclear holocaust. Mad Max stamps on the creature even though he can't see it – he's violent, instinctive and bestial.

1:25: Mad Max eats the mutated lizard. This is food in a very hostile environment, and not a threat. This also shows that he is very animalistic as he killed the lizard very casually without even looking with little effort, and remorse. This is also the first vision of his his face.

1:25 -1:43: The protagonist leaves in a panic for an unknown reason. This excites the viewer as it is very fast-paced and has a string of quick cuts heightening the action. He then hurtles off down the edge of the ridge and disappears in a cloud of dust.

1:51: A four second silence is broken by a shock cut of sound as a gang on various vehicles appear (chasing) after Mad Max. They wildly disappear over the ridge in the direction of Max.

2:09: Through a barren landscape one of the gang's vehicles catches up with Max's, throws a spear-like javelin, and Max crashes in a spectacular fashion, the tumbling smoking vehicle eventually filling the frame.

2:39: In close up, inter-cutting with harrowing flashbacks, Max in voice-over gives us an overview of his predicament and circumstances: "I am the one who runs from both the living and the dead... hunted by scavengers, haunted by those I could not protect (we see a young woman in jeopardy in flashback). So I exist in this wasteland. A man reduced to a single instinct. Survive." Music then FADE TO BLACK.

Get Carter, opening sequnce analysis

Get Carter is a thriller/crime movie based in Newcastle. It stars Michael Caine and was directed by Mike Hodges in 1971 and is considered by many to be the UK's greatest crime thriller.

0:17: With driving jazz music (by pianist and composer Roy Budd) we are introduced to the main character on a train reading a book. He has time to kill – it is a long journey. Even with this simplistic shot we are given a good introduction to the film: the man has a stern look on his face maybe suggesting he is a very serious and possibly dangerous. He is also wearing a suit which gives the impression to the viewer that he is a professional of some kind.

0:26: Following a pan from the main character to another man it shows certain similarities between the two characters. They are both wearing a suit and have stern facial expressions. This could suggest that the two men are in the same business or profession. He is also smoking a cigarette inside the train, which instantly tells the viewer that this is based in the past.

0:31: The opening cast credits come up over a POV shot of the train entering a tunnel. This is an interesting shot as it goes from light to dark very quickly. It is also a very clever and efficient way of displaying the titles in the opening sequence without disrupting the flow of the scene. The titles are also white on a black background giving a simple way of displaying the titles, this also aids the shots inside the train in giving an stark 'gritty' feel to the start of the film.

0:45: The main character is then fully established as we have returned to him. It shows him leaving his cabin and shutting the door. This then adds slight interest as the audience is slightly curious as to where he is going on the train and where the train is going. Again, he has a very serious concentrated expression which emphasises the points made before.

 0:57: He walks to the toilets and sniffs something out of a small bottle. We are not fully informed what this particular substance is therefore probably bears little significance to the plot. This then narrows down a lot of possibilities and conclusions the viewer could jump to, for example, it is unlikely to be illegal drugs as that would be a significant aspect to the plot and the character. However as there is very little emphasis on this moment it then suggests to the audience that it may be smelling salts to keep him awake on his long journey or something along those lines.

1:07: This recurring shot of the train entering and exiting tunnels is not only a clever and efficient way of putting in the titles without disrupting the rest of the opening, it may have a deeper meaning. The relatively consistent 'inconsistency' of the change between dark and light may be foreshadowing the rest of the film. It may be subtly telling the viewer that there will be many ups and downs throughout the film.

1:33: Our main character finds a seat in the Dining Car. It looks fairly upmarket suggesting our protagonist might be financially comfortable and perhaps with some style. This is also a perfect example so far of how the introduction has established many of the character's traits without any dialogue on his part.

1:44: A close up shows him looking side to side intently. Either he's looking for something suspicious or he's checking if anyone's looking at him. We're intrigued. This is also aided by the music as it becomes more erratic in this part of the introduction.

1:54: A big close up (BCU) shows him taking some sort of tablets or pills. As there is no immediately visible reason for the tablets (painkillers) we are forced to think of something else. This same theme in the character has been repeated now which adds emphasis to the theme. There are many different things they could be, for example, pain-killers, mentally related drugs, illegal drugs, vitamin tablets. This adds intrigue and curiosity to the character immediately engaging the viewer.

1:58: A tight close up shows the main characters hand, it looks like he is cleaning some sort of cutlery. This is later revealed to be a spoon shortly after this shot. This could link to the pills he was taking. This suggests he may be a bit obsessive about his well-being, and as a result takes vitamin tablets and thoroughly cleans his eating utensils before using them.

2:46: We see the man who was smoking, reading a newspaper with the headline: 'GAMING CHIEFS WARN OF GANG WAR'. This is an example of 'narrative exposition'. This shot develops into a pan back to the main character, establishing a link between them. This adds a cyclic structure to the opening as it started with the two men and finishes with them. The Director places emphasis on this mysterious man, which may mean something later on in the film.

3:08: 'NEWCASTLE' simply and clearly tells the viewer where we are now in the story. We 'have arrived'.