Questionnaire

Questionnaire

1)     What is your sex?

Male                      Female

2)     How old are you?

15-17                 18-21                 22-29                 30+

3)     What is your main hobby?

Sport                  Reading                  Dancing                 Singing                  Art                  

Shopping                 Other _____________________________________________________

4)     How often do you watch films?

Never                 Rarely                 Occasionally                 Often                 Always

5)     How do you access films?

Internet                 DVD                 Cinema                 Television                 Other

6)     How often do you watch thrillers?

Never                 Rarely                 Occasionally                 Often                 Always

7)     What type of thriller do you prefer?

Horror (e.g. Halloween)        

Drama (e.g. Fatal Attraction)      

 Psychological (e.g. sixth sense)                 

Vampire (e.g. blade)                   

Crime (e.g. silence of the lambs)      

Other ___________________________________________________________________

8) Using the answer to question 7, why do you prefer that type of thriller?

9)     What colours would you expect to see in a thriller?

____________________________________________________________________________________

10) What setting do you most expect to see in a thriller?

Forrest          Abandoned house       Prison         Hospitals            Other ____________________

11) What character is most essential to a thriller?

Victim          Killer         Policeman          Parents           Supernatural creatures

12) Which prop does you associate most with a thriller?

Handcuffs       Weapons       Fast cars           Phone           Technology          

13) What type of sound do you think creates the most effect in a thriller?

Music (with lyrics)         Instrumental music (no lyrics)          

Sounds within the scene (e.g. gun shots, creaking doors, screams)

14) What type of lighting do you think is most effective in a thriller?

Daylight           Sepia (old fashioned looking)          Shadows        

Rain (bad weather conditions)

15) What is it that you like about thrillers?

Suspense/tension        Story lines          Element of mystery          Being scared

Other _____________________________________________________

16) What type of costumes do you expect to see in a thriller?

Normal everyday clothes          Outfit specific to character         Black leather        Capes          

Other________________________________

17) Why have you ended up watching thrillers?

There was nothing else on         You have seen advertisements            

They are one of your favourite types of films          You like the thrill

Other____________________________________________________

18) How much death do you think that a thriller should include throughout the film?

None          1 or 2            3 – 5              Over 5

19) What do you prefer in an opening of a thriller?

Death             Building of suspense             Normality              Other________________________

20) Who do you tend to watch thrillers with?

With family           With friends          Partners           Other_____________________

Questionnaire Summary

    

1) What is your sex?


The majority of the people who we asked were females, which in some ways was quite surprising, because Thrillers are usually aimed at males. Knowing this, we expected the results for the questions from the females to be quite light-hearted compared to the results from the males.

2) How old are you?

The ages of the people who we asked were mainly 15-17. This shows that before, when Thrillers were first shown, the target age was 18+ because of the nature of the Thrillers. But now, because there are so many subgenres of Thriller, the genre now appeals to more age brackets.

3) What is your main hobby?
  

The most popular hobby was reading. This could show that the “technology generation” do actually do others thing in their spare time; not just using social networking sites. Also, nowadays, more books are being turned into films, therefore, this could be a way that people find out about the films because the books usually include a bit of information about an upcoming film if there is one.


4) How often do you watch films?

The majority of the people who we asked watched films in general often. This is very useful, because we now know that films are something that our audience enjoy, so it is quite likely that they may watch ours. Also, film is a good way of advertising other films. E.g. a trailer before a film starts at the cinema or on DVD.

 5) How do you access films?

DVD seemed to be a popular way to access films. This could be for number of reasons: 1. it is easy to access e.g. buy it from a shop. 2. It is cheaper than paying to go and see it at the cinema- once you have brought it, it is yours.  The internet was the second most popular source, which could show that illegal downloads of film and YouTube have made it even easier to watch films at home; whereas years ago, you had to go to the cinema or watch them on the television.

 6) How often do you watch thrillers?

The most popular answer was occasionally. This shows that many people like to watch a variety of genres and films and not just stick to one type. Furthermore it may indicate that the audience like the genre of thriller since they do actually watch it. This is further shown by the fact that the next popular answer is always. However rarely is the next option which could represent the fact that not everybody like thrillers therefore we are targeting a specific audience who like the genre. The least popular answer was often which may be accurate due to people not having time to watch lots of films or it could show that the genre isn’t something that people want to watch all of the time.

                    
7) What type of thriller do you prefer?

The most popular answer to this was drama, which could represent the fact that many audiences like more of a realistic storyline behind the thrillers and not just a ton of blood and gore. Following this was psychological which shows that people like the element of the unknown and the idea of mind games intrigues people. Also the fact that they mess with your head could create an enigma and therefore capture the audience’s interest. The least popular was crime and before this was horror. This shows that the majority of the people that took the questionnaire don’t necessarily like the idea of blood and gore or crime where you follow the investigation of a murder.

8) Using the answer to question 7 why do you prefer that type of thriller?

Most people said that they preferred their specific genre chosen because it was interesting and exciting; others said they liked the storyline. These are both common features that attract the target audience as they drag the audience into the realms of the film world and involve them. People that choose psychological thrillers in question 7 said that they liked the confusing element of testing your mind the most this is due to the complexity of the plot and shows that audience participation is key to a successful film.

9) What colours would you expect to see in a thriller?

Typically most people choose the colour black, which has connotations of danger, mystery and unknowing these are all fundamentals explored in the genre thriller. As well as this the colour blue is mentioned creating a cold atmosphere that makes the audience feel uninvited. A number of people also choose the colour red this is due to the predictable association it has with blood and danger it also links in with the idea of murder or killing.

10) What setting do you most expect to see in a thriller?

Abandoned house was the top answer for this question, which shows that the audience must automatically associate this setting with a thriller. Furthermore it is an isolated place that must be considered dangerous and be something that means that the audience would recognize the film as a thriller. The least popular choice was hospitals. This could indicate that the audiences don’t want the thriller set in a hospital because the hospital scenes are a place of safety or recovery therefore the main action will take place in a much more dangerous and less secure environment.

11) What character is most essential to a thriller? 

The main character associated with a thriller is the killer, this is predictable as the killer generally encompasses the villain of the film, who is the character that carries the most suspicion and mystery. Next conventionally comes the victim who is pursued by the killer this may be due to the enigma ceated between the two characters.

12) What prop do you most associate to a thriller?

Weapons were the most popular with over 75% of the people choosing this answer. This shows that weapons link in with the audience expecting to see death in a thriller therefore there logically must be weapons etc… in order to add an element of danger. Weapons are a broad spectrum so it can be anything from a gun to a futuristic style weapon e.g. a lightsaber. The lest popular prop associated with a thriller was technology which shows that the audience don’t think everyday technologies such as television play that big of a part – unless the film is about it.

13) What type of sound creates the most effect in a thriller?

Instrumental was the most popular with music with lyrics being least popular. This indicates that more affect is caused by having music without lyrics because the audience won’t be distracted by the lyrics of the song - especially if they recognise it. Plus the mood of instrumental music tends to have much more effect on people if there are no lyrics. A lot can be said without lyrics in music. The middle answer was also popular; this was sounds within the scene. For example screaming or creaking doors therefore showing that these realistic and more obvious sound effects are also popular with the audience. 

14) What type of lighting do you think is most effective in a thriller?

The data shows that shadows create the most effect in a thriller these can be formed through back and under lighting they make characters appear suspicious and produce an element of the unknown surrounding the setting. Secondly is rain this is a common feature of a thriller and is a stereotypical weather condition as it can cause many hazardous situations in which crime/murder scenes are set. 

15) What is it that you like about thrillers?

Most people answered that the suspense and tension are the key factors that are liked in a thriller these can be created through a variety of things: lighting, colour and props etc… therefore our group will attempt to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Secondly was the storylines that attracted viewers this may be due to the complexity (psychological thrillers) or realistic tones (drama thrillers) of the plot.

16)  What type of costumes do you expect to see in a thriller?

The most common answer to this question was normal everyday clothes; this is common for an audience to choose because it creates a feeling of realism, whereas if the characters were dressed in capes, which were found to be the least common answer, the way the film is portrayed would appear more traditional and less realistic. Outfits specific to character was the second most popular, showing how audiences expect to see regular everyday people in thriller films, whereas black leather etc appears to be less expected of a thriller film.

17) Why have you ended up watching thrillers?

The most common answer to this question was that they like the thrill of watching a thriller. This is obviously expected from watching thriller movies due to that is what makes them different from other sub-genres of the horror genre. The thrill that is given from watching these films is what attracts the audience and gains their attention into watching them. The least common answer was that it was their favourite genre; this is a less desirable answer to reveal through a questionnaire due to our opening being in the genre of thriller, although the thrill appears to be the most desirable element in watching thriller movies.

18) How much death do you think a thriller should include through out the film?

The most common answer to this question was 1 or 2 deaths, this was possibly the most popular answer because in a thriller film, a lot of deaths may appear slightly dramatic to the audience, and therefore having only 1 or 2 deaths appears more realistic and maintains that thrill which is desired in thrillers. The least common answer was none, showing that if there were no deaths at all in a thriller film, the audience would not find it very satisfying and thrilling.

19) What do you prefer in an opening of a thriller?

  

The most common answer was suspense, meaning that an audience enjoys seeing suspense in the beginning of a thriller film, possibly due to the excitement that it brings, being unaware of what is happening, and creating a bit of mystery. A less common answer was normality, this was possibly less common due to the audience enjoying excitement rather than a normal day scene, creating suspense builds up the tension, meaning a more interactive audience.

20) Who do you tend to watch thrillers with?

  

The most common answer to this question was family, this shows how an audience enjoys watching thriller movies with their family, also another common answer was friends, and thriller movies can be exciting and interesting when watched with friends. Therefore our target audience would be more family orientated.

Group analysis of whole films

-          Stock settings – a main setting associated with the thriller genre is an abandoned house or building as in the covenant it reinforces the secluded isolated ideas commonly found in thrillers as in the uninvited and the orphan where the main building is cut- off from society. Another stereotypical scenario is being left home alone as in the ring this creates a tense atmosphere as it is a disaster waiting to happen. Another setting/ environment is if the community is very close knit and everyone knows you this is the most deceiving one as everyone would seem innocent or at risk as in the uninvited and the changeling. Settings can also fit in with the genre of the story for example Gothika is set in a psychiatric ward and is a psychological thriller, hence reinforcing certain stereotypes.

-          Stock characters – conventionally Propp’s theory applies across the thriller genre; there is always a villain who carries an element of the unknown, however there is a difference between the genders of the villains. Female villains are mostly seen to be psychotic mad women as in fatal attraction, whereas male villains are calmer and also seem to pre-meditate there plans, they also dominate the villain world. There is always also a hero/heroine that is usually the main character there is a variation of women heroines (silence of the lambs) and male heroes (Blade). There is also a victim with whom the hero ‘falls in love’ with it is usually either a women (the covenant) or if a man a mortal one (blade). In compliance with Prop’s theory there can also be a donor/helper who provides vital information to the hero i.e. orphan, uninvited and Gothika and a suspect or false villain that acts as a red herring and diverts the story.

-          Themes – the main theme associated with thrillers is death and murder hence the creation of suspicion and mystery this is common to all films and dependent upon where the death takes place in the film depends on the fact if it occurs at the beginning then there is more of a shock factor involved. Another theme that underpins the thriller genre is that of love/passion/lust in different forms i.e. in the orphan it is a psychotic lust however in Blade it is a romantic love for the women. Another theme is revenge on the villain for wrongdoing in the past (Blade) this also creates the foundations for a sequel.

-          Narrative – equilibrium is always established at the beginning of the film where things seem relatively normal and after the story has begun it always has to be restored. This enters the stage of the quest or challenge faced by the hero/heroine this becomes the bulk of the story. The climax comes when an unexpected twist is introduced usually associated with the false villain and the audience become gripped by the falsehood they have been led upon (Gothika)

-          Iconography – weapons are a typical signifier of the thriller genre they can be conventional i.e. guns and swords or high-tech weapons such as i.e. specialised lasers and beams or garlic essence guns (Blade). Fast cars also seem to be an icon of action thrillers as in the covenant, blade and underworld these connote danger speed, and expense. Finally an icon specific to certain genres such as psychological and supernatural are flickering lights they create suspense and signify that danger is approaching as in Gothika and The covenant.  

Group summary of film analysis

. Creates an enigma – we found as a group that there are many ways in which an enigma is created throughout the film opening one of the key ways is through the use of text at the beginning of the film where keywords are highlighted in order to make the audience question their significance. I.e. in the grudge the word ‘CURSE’ is emphasized in red showing it to be the focus of the film also in white noise a definition of the film title is given in the opening sequence. The typical colour of black was also a common feature of the group’s analysis the colour connotes mystery and danger as well as incorporating the element of the unknown, as in the awake. Another iconic instigator of questioning is the apprehensive music used in most of the openings viewed, this is usually a built up series of notes that mount to a climax and cause tension and suspense amongst the audience. In a variety of openings something dramatic occurs, for example death or murder. His creates several enigmas in the audiences head as queries such as why, who, what, where and when? This is the case in the film mirror, mirror where a violent stabbing is the first thing witnessed.

. Introduce key characters – in our findings we found that the main characters were sometimes introduced by other characters on screen for example in awake the main character is spoken about and then shown this gives the character status and shows he is recognized throughout the environment in which he is situated. Key characters are usually introduced through the use of a mid-shot so facial expression and attire can be seen in order for the audience to develop their understanding as in underworld. In the grudge the main character is gradually brought onto the scene through the use of a pan of his/her surroundings this introduces the character in context ant the audience are allowed a glimpse of their situation reflected in the environment around them.

. Introduces key themes – props are commonly used to introduce key themes as they carry a lot of associations i.e. religious artifacts are frequently shown in the Davinci code and religion is the main theme explored. Another theme that is displayed is the idea of love that underlies most thriller films this is shown through two shots of intimate couples showing their relationship i.e. five fingers. The key theme associated with thrillers is violence this is enhanced through the use of weapons – knives and guns in the majority of films. It was also noticed by our group that in a selection of films a montage of distorted images were shown i.e. the inner circle, seven, haunting in Connecticut. This is to confuse the audience and show short glimpses of themes that at first won’t seem to correspond with one another.

. Introduce genre – the colours help introduce the horror genre, dull blacks and blues are used to create a mysterious monotonous atmosphere. This is the case in underworld, haunting in Connecticut, blade and awake. This common colour scheme has become an iconic indicator of the thriller genre. A common feature is also a stereotypical soundtrack usually consisting of an eerie piano sound as in awake and haunting in Connecticut. A typical aspect of the thriller genre is explored through the use of a game element for example in five fingers the game chess becomes iconic as in curfew where spin the bottle is played and in the inner circle where a car chase takes on the form of cat and mouse all of these signify a mess-with-your-mind type of film with childish elements that are out of place in accordance to the genre.

. Use of titles – psychotic text and sounds are used that reinforce the horror element and introduce some key ideas of the film. Also we found hat commonly the titles linked with the film name as in white noise where between each name white noise was shown, this is a sophisticated way to create an enigma and also link ideas. Finally in awake we found that throughout the titles the emphasis was put upon the main character to instigate the recognition of him/her from the very start.

Textual Analysis: Films

I have written a comparative essay to combine the three separate analyses of the film.

In the three films there are key identifiable camera shots and movements that are used to achieve specific effects.  For example throughout the ‘Gothika’ extract several close ups are used to make the audience feel intimidated and allow them to experience the same emotions as the characters. The main close ups used are to identify the main character i.e. Halle Berry is shown to be the key character. For this purpose medium shots can be used too then it is possible to see their attire for example in ‘Blade’ when the doctors are shown we are able to see their uniform hence their occupation is revealed. After the first encounter tilts are used to establish the characters context and provide links – in ‘Gothika’ her professionalism is shown and her status as everyone acknowledges her.  Close ups are also commonly used in ‘The Covenant‘ to show the characters facial expression which is always suspicious and wary hence keeping the audiences on the edge of there seat.  In the film ‘Blade’ close ups are used to show weaponry this highlights the destruction that is being caused throughout the film.  Also throughout the films there are multiple two shots used to show the relationship characters have with each other it is common for a thriller to have a love story underlying it that gets in the way of the heroes goal or quest, for example in ‘Blade’ the women becomes a target of Blade’s enemies. This is also the same in ‘The Covenant’ in which the girl becomes a method to get to the hero. Long shots are also a common feature of a thriller for example in ‘Gothika’ the shots compliment the psychological ward setting, as long white washed corridors are shown with a innocent victim at the end usually shot with a backlight so they are unidentifiable. In comparison ‘Blade’ features long shots of street scenes showing normal civilians or deserted alleyways, this shows that the supernatural film is shot in an everyday setting which is a sharp contrast from the psychological ward in ‘Gothika’. In all films close ups are used of feet walking which is iconic of the thriller stereotype being heavy footsteps.  Pans are a common feature of asserting the setting i.e. in ‘Gothika’ a pan is used to show the interview scenario, allowing context to be seen and in ‘The Covenant’ a pan is used to show gothic aspects of the building.

There are always iconic settings featured in thriller films of any sub-genre, for example in all three films there is an abandoned building or alleyway. In ‘Gothika’ the women travels to an abandoned barn that reveals dark secrets regarding her loved ones, at this stage in the film the lighting is dimmed and an eerie silence has engulfed the atmosphere, creating suspicion and fear. In comparison the abandoned warehouse in ‘Blade’ is used as a safe base and is recognized as friendly territory, also contrastingly again in ‘The Covenant’ the abandoned barn takes on the form of a battlefield for two rivals to fight. These differences show that even though similar iconography is present their semantic understanding is dependent upon context. The main featured setting also reflects the genre of the film for example in ‘Gothika’ - a psychological thriller - the setting is in a psychiatric ward/prison, however in most thrillers there is an element of professionalism involved for example in ‘Blade’ a key setting is in a hospital. Also in ‘The Covenant’ – a teen vampire film – the setting is in a boarding school which is stereotypical of any film that involves teen issues, also several other settings featured are gothic-fashioned houses. However ‘Blade’ is set in a town centre combining the mortal with the immortal which is a common issue addressed throughout the film, this ignorance of the vampire race is reinforced by the quick passing of time portrayed by the camera in the opening. Another setting that is conventional of many thrillers is a forest or woodland this reinforces the fear of seclusion and enclosure that is associated with horrors. There is also the use of secret settings that are commonly used in ‘Blade’ for example the secret clubs and hidden headquarters this links in with the blending of vampires into everyday society. Also in ‘Gothika’ there is what seems to be a trap door that leads on to a cellar this connotes a hidden element hence builds up suspense on its opening. In two of the films I watched, iconic scenes were set in a shower where a female was bathing and something superstitious occurs to her this frightens the viewers as it is such a normal everyday action being shown.

There is a specific weather pattern that is exclusive for all thriller genres this is – thunder, lightning and rain. These elements are used to varying degrees in all of the extracts I analysed. For example in ‘Gothika’ the weather becomes the cause of a power cut and adds to the atmosphere that is created when the ghost is encountered. In this extract lightning is also used as a feature to highlight certain characters (usually supernatural ones i.e. ‘Gothika’) and casts them in a harsh light. Another element of weather explored is fog and mist which could be a signifier of the audiences mind being unclear of the way in which the film will flow or this could be the effect of the director to distort people’s perceptions. The main scenes of a thriller will be stereotypically shot at night time as this is the most frightful time of day; a full moon is also iconic as featured in ‘The Covenant’.

In the films I looked at many light and dark tricks are used to build up a tense atmosphere and also to identify hero and villains. In two of the films observed flickering lights seemed to be a key signifier of trouble ahead and reoccurred throughout the film, they are also a iconic feature of a psychiatric ward, an eerie atmosphere is also created when lights are flickering and then suddenly stop, showing that whatever was approaching is here. Certain characters are highlighted by a single spotlight these are shown to be the main character as is the case in ‘Gothika’ however the beam of light could also signify the person who is next in the line of fire – the next victim. Also in the films were corridors are featured – ‘Gothika’ and ‘The Covenant’ – there is a tendency to place the corridor in darkness and light up the rooms coming off them giving the illusion that either something is lurking in the shadows or that something awaits them in the rooms. It is typical for a thriller to use dim lighting to maintain the element of the unknown and create mystery. In all of the films distorted or broken images are featured that provide key linkage amongst scenes. For example in ‘The Covenant‘ at the start there are broken images of books featuring witchcraft and Salem witch trials which introduces key themes in the film. However in ‘Blade’ distorted images are due to the lasers in the club showing that the audience’s perception of the club is wrong.

Some key iconography of the genre is present in all of the films for example in the films there seems to be an element of unreality and the persona figures that it’s all a dream which is typical of a thriller the character wakes up sweating and panicking as in ‘The Covenant’ and ‘Gothika’. Another key icon is the use of symbols or tattoos to symbolise something. For example in ‘Gothika’ the main tattoo is a method to identify the villain of the scenario; this is also common in ‘Blade’ where different symbols and tattoos are used as an identification method for vampire followers. In all three films there are significant car scenes in which the main characters are featured these are likely to be car chases as in ‘Blade’ and ‘The Covenant’, where frequent fast edits are used; it is also likely that the car will be fast and expensive looking highlighting again the difference between the main characters and the rest of civilization.

An iconic apprehensive non-diegetic sound is used in all films when danger is looming and suspense is desired this usually consists of sharp slow elongated notes that quicken as the tension mounts. There is also a frequent use of diegetic sound that heightens the atmosphere of the film, for example in ‘Gothika’ the sound of the prison gates shutting, heavy breathing and heart beat racing are all emphasised to create mystery and add to the fear factor, these features are stereotypical of any film in the thriller genre.

Opening analysis: Underworld (18)

(Watch up to 2 minutes and 45 seconds)

Camera movement and shot

The opening camera movement is a tilt of a gothic-like building followed by a slow zoom in of a figure on the wall this establishes a sense of place and identifies the main character. There are many close ups used of certain features of the woman for example there are close ups of her fingers and hair dripping with water this reinforces the common stereotype of rainy weather being associated with thrillers. There is a high angle shot of figures below seemingly form the woman’s point of view this shows her t have more power over the everyday civilians. There is a medium shot of a man resting on the opposite wall to the woman positioned in the same way – one leg up this shows a bond that they have with each other.

Editing

There are several jump cuts used in the extract to establish context, for example a jump cut is used to show that the women is resting on a wall and is superior to all below her as well as this a reverse jump cut is used to show the man jumping of the ledge allowing the audience to see that no mortal could survive a drop that far down.

A straight cut is used from the male to females face showing them acknowledging one another this reinforces their relationship and shows their synchronization with each other.

Mise en scene

The main colours used in the extract are black and blue hues these colours connote danger and eeriness plus create a cold and sinister atmosphere which links in with the vampire genre i.e. lifeless.

The costumes worn by the characters are black leather trench coats theses portray them to be empowered individuals it also shows that both characters are on the same level of authority. The main female appears to be central in the frame but however again framed by a cut out archway in the building showing her to be of key importance.

There are two settings in the extract that clearly contrast with each other the first is the gothic building in which the vampires are situated this is a grand supposed castle which creates a foreboding atmosphere. The second is the streets in which the everyday civilians are located drawing a clear comparison between the two types of being.

There is the constant echo of rain in the background of the extract and an eerie wind blowing this shows that something is lurking amongst the crowds there also the addition of a howling sound that adds to the abnormality of the film i.e. immortal creatures.

Opening analysis: Five fingers (18)

Camera shot and movement

A crane is used to give an aerial view of the setting and create a sense of place this is a continuous shot that shows iconic features i.e. a cathedral. The camera also tends to regularly either pan track or rotate around different parts of scenery again creating a sense of place

At the beginning there are many shots used to establish the relationship between the two featured characters; for example a high angle shot of a couple running on the deserted beach reinforces there love of being together, also a  long shot of the calm sea reflects the atmosphere around them and the bliss they are currently in.

A series of over –the-shoulder shots are used when the man and woman converse this allows the audience to see the characters from each others perspective.

Mise en scene 

The main colours used are bright blues and greens these colours are mainly associated with scenery which seems to play a key role in the extract. The man and woman are shown to be wearing matching hues of green connoting their relationship with one another. Many neutral browns are used throughout the clip i.e. buildings reinstating the calm equilibrium at the beginning.

The costumes worn by the couple are very similar suggesting again the close connection shared by both of them - jacket and jeans and boots combo are the attire shared between the couple. In another scene the woman wears just a drape showing her to be seductive and romantically associated with the man.

There are a variation of settings used there is plenty of outside scenery such as: beaches, canals and cobbled streets these are all romanticised environments. The setting also changes to the inside of the house in the piano room showing that the same love is visible inside and outside of doors.

Several props are used that are key signifiers for example a chess set is shown, which directly links to the synopsis of the film, also a piano is a key link to the title of the film five fingers.

 There is a light diegetic piano tune playing continuously connoting joyous times and te only time it stops is when a light kiss is heard it is because his hand has been removed again showing his affection for the women.

Opening analysis: Seed of Chucky (18)

Camera shot and movement

The camera shot and movement is fairly consistent throughout the extract. The sperm is shown from front coming towards the camera in a fast paced action chase; the camera then follows from behind showing a journey being pursued.

Editing

Unconventionally white flash edits are used in the extract to grab attention and shock viewers. Specifically a white fade out to blue eyes is shown and the perception in which the camera is facing changes.

Mise en scene

There is a clear contrast in colour between the white sperm and the red fallopian tubes maybe highlighting that things aren’t as normal as they same and the thing being formed isn’t nowhere near a normal baby.

The setting is in the womb and fallopian tube this reflects the name of the film being the ‘seed of chucky’ but also however creates an enigma in the audiences mind as it is not a conventional opening to the genre of thriller. Dim lighting is used throughout linking in with the enclosed setting.

 The foetus is central to the frame and revolved around by the camera as well as this certain features of the foetus are shown i.e. hands and teeth which appear abnormal reinforcing that something is not quite right.

 There is a high pitched rush of sound when the sperm appears, which is followed by the swimming sound of sperm. There is also a soundtrack which consists of repetitive high and low notes reaching a climax and then a norm.

Opening analysis: Mirror, mirror (18)

(Watch upto 2 mintes and 5 seconds)

Camera shot and movement

At the beginning there is a pan of the room showing various, furniture including a cabinet, bed, mirror and chair. This is to establish a sense of place and allow the audience to realise that the extract is situated in a female bedroom. A close up of a window is shown as the curtains are shut this stops people looking in and may signify the impossibility of any escape. The camera follows the rim of the mirror whose frame is wooden, intricate and detailed showing it to be an iconic prop. When the girl is being stabbed on the bed a low angle shot is used to show the other girls power over her and how she is the person in control. Close ups are frequently used to show the blood-splattered face of the girl this draws our attention to the horror being committed and also adds to the gore factor.

Editing

There are several dissolves used throughout the extract for example the dissolve onto the radio this slow methodical rhythm fits in with the pace of the music. A straight cut is then used onto door signifying that something is going to happen there is also a significant straight cut from the women being dragged across the floor to the mirror this creates effective links between the two items and allows the audience to pick up on any underlying signs. Straight cuts are also used form the blood splattered girl to mirror vibrating this again creates a bond between the two but also can show adrenaline or a struggle. Quick straight cuts are used during the stabbing from girl to girl; these show the action and their close relationship.

Mise en scene

The bedroom is shown in sepia tones showing the age of the film as well as the era of the setting being quite old-fashioned. The colours also tie in with the antique furniture especially the mirror.

The costumes worn are very feminine – dresses and heels the costumes and music are also historically connected as they both appear to be a feature of the 50’s-60’s. 

Both girls wear similar dresses but in different colours showing their relationship and bond– the victim has a pink dress on which ties in with the girly and feminine theme being addressed however the other girl wears a blue dress which connotes a state of calmness and perhaps shows that her violent actions had been pre meditated.

The props that are used are mainly women’s accessories i.e. laced handkerchiefs and perfume bottles reinstating the women’s bedroom setting. There are also multiple photos shown which mainly consist of two shots of what appear to be sisters these are also displayed throughout the violent murder scenes showing happier times. 

There is a continuous diegetic sound of the radio which plays a slow melodic calm trumpet tune however the music stops when the door begins to open without any external interference and eerie weird music begins to play after this heavy breathing is heard and the radio begins to play but this time with a grim hum in the background. When the violent killing is over, the radio plays again without any additional background noise almost to a calm state of equilibrium.

 A constant ray of light is shone through the window and is aimed at the mirror showing its importance. The women’s features are also shadowed reflecting the sinister act she is committing.

Opening analysis: Curfew (18)

Camera movement and shot

There are several types of camera shot and movement used throughout the extract below are a few of them identified and analysed.

.  A two shot is used this shows the relationship between the two characters as being close and intimate. As well as this the shot aids the identification of the main characters and helps the audience recognise the context in which they are situated in this is helped by the zoom out which allows us to acknowledge their situation.

. A medium shot is used to first introduce the villain of the extract in order to allow the viewer to identify him and regard his features - his face is emphasised through the curtain framing which portrays him to be on the outside.

. A high angle shot is used creating an aerial/birds eye view of the spin the bottle action which shows connotations of a childlike game i.e. truth or dare which contrasts with the dangerous undertone of the activity which is signified by the placement of the knife next to the bottle.

. Tilts are mainly used in the extract to follow a type of action it is specifically used to follow the action of the door locking this is significant as it creates a trap on which the women can not free herself.  

Close ups are broadly used to show reactions i.e. the woman’s expression on the male villain entering they are also used to help identify the character and the emotions they are feeling.

Then analysed Mise en scene

-       The colours used are mainly white the following - features are coloured in pale tones: milk, tablecloth, plate, cake icing, man’s shirt, walls, curtains, flower (peace lily), this could connote purity and innocence however the bottom of the cake that is central to the screen is vivid red jam showing that danger is luring just beneath the surface.

-       Costume – the villain and the female both wear tones of red maybe connoting an unknown connection or bond or his lust for her. The female wears a skin-tight low cut dress which shows connotations of passion or perhaps danger and corruption of the other male who is shown to wear a white shirt connoting purity.

-       There are iconic props used in the extract i.e. a knife and an axe however the knife is shown to be covered in icing rather than the stereotypical blood which shows that the danger has not yet occurred. The bottle used also plays a key part in the extract it becomes the determiner of who wins reinforcing the game element of the situation it also clearly indicates that the villain is under the influence of alcohol.

-       There are many interesting points that can be analysed when looking at position in frame for example at the start there is a symmetrical balance that signifies the idea of an equilibrium being formed. When the girls is forced up the wall the male is positioned at the forefront showing him to be the more powerful and dominant figure, also the same figure is shown to be off balance signifying his drunken state.

-       Lighting- At the beginning the villain’s eyes are shadowed and the rest of his face shown in harsh light, the darkening of is eyes create an enigma as they are seen to be the most sought out feature. This contrasts with the couple’s faces that are shown in a dim realistic light however certain features are partially obscured that change when the man enters and casts a shadow crosses the scene showing again that he has the ultimate power and dominance. After this harsh light is shone through the door highlighting the males face to signify that he is the victim or the hero. Light and darkness is also used effectively in the shot of ‘spin the bottle’ the dangerous objects are in darkness such as the knife and the bottle enters darkness an light maybe highlighting that it has the potential to go either way.

-       The extract is set in a home which contrasts from the dangerous antics that occur as the home should be a secure and safe environment.

There are several diegetic sounds emphasised for example the creak of the door, heavy footsteps, and the tick of the clock - which becomes continuous when the setting changes (sound bridge). The man shouting through the window has a distorted voice showing that his mind is unclear or that he is panicking. There is also a consistent soundtrack which starts with orchestral elongated notes violins and then changes to low tones when they are cutting the cake however goes into a high pitched frenzy that shows something is coming, then back to low quick paced tones when bottle is spun

Introduction

Our main task is to produce the titles and opening of a new fictional film that lasts a maximum of two minutes; with all audio (with the exception of copy-right free sound) and video material being original. It is also necessary to complete a preliminary exercise in which filming and editing can be practised, and key skills can be demonstrated


The first stage of the task is to complete research and planing, this was started 5/01/11 in which we had a class discussion of things that need to be considered before we use a camera, common suggestions were:
. Research into genre - codes and conventions i.e. stock characters
. Research into target demographic - the production of questionnaires
. Institution research
. Storyboarding, scripting and casting etc...
We also chose our groups and discussed possible genres that we would like to explore. Our whole group decided to venture into the realm of thriller, as it is a broad genre in which multiple sub-genres can be considered such as, horror thriller, vampire thriller, psychological thriller etc.. Our group is currently unsure on which route to take but we will narrow it down the further we research into each sub-genre.