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.