Final task pitches

Idea 1

I came up with this idea, there are three people in our group so we all came up with our own individual ideas. Mine was about a solicitor who has a client who was convicted of murder in the court room. When the noise of the people viewing show their appreciation of the courts final decision, this will be used as both diegetic and non diegetic when the solicitor has flash back of the day when the court case happens. Sometimes it will be just the sound so this is when the sound will be non diegetic, as well as that we will also use flash back and see the whole court room and the sound at the same time. This would be diegetic, as the actors can hear the noise whilst it's been filmed.

When the non-diegetic noise is being used the convicted murderer will be pacing around outside the room, with the solicitor being completely oblivious of actor being outside. We will use different editing techinques to aquire tension e.g. quick cuts, also using various sounds as mentioned above.

I thought that we could use the Magestrates court in Bourne for the setting, as this would increase the reality of the Mise-en-scene. As the court room would be set out as though it's a normal case. This will be an integeral part of the thriller opening the reason for this is because, it would be hard to make the stage at school look like a court room. Also I have thought about the costumes and props which will be required, for the judge I could borrow the law teachers wig and gown. The graffle that the actor will use when deciding the sentence will be borrowed from the local auction room in Bourne. The defendant will wear a suite which shows how formal the process is, whilst the jury will just wear normal clothes as they are normally people from the public.

Then after the sentence has been served by the defendant he will come back to where the solicitor is based and whilst he is working on a different case, he will come in and abduct him. But this is where it will end just as the solicitor realises whats happening the reason I thought this was because it leaves you on a cliff hanger and could so easily lead on to a separate narrative later on in the film.


Audience reaction

I received a positive reaction to my pitch from both my mentors and class peers. The overall comment is the idea has been carefully planned, with a good location in mind (magestrates court). But the mise-en-scene is very important if I couldn't oragnise to use the court it would be very hard to portray the correct shots.
Also a comment of accurate planning is essential so that all the right camera angles will be used this will have a positive effect on the final outcome, as the editing will be made far easier if there are a variation of shots. As there isn't going to be much dialog its important that the non diagetic sounds have been edited correctly, to increase the tention aswell.
Ligthing could be the hardest part of the whole filming as we haven't got professional equipment which will light up the shot in the best possible way.
With all these comments in mind the audience thought the idea would be a very interesting and possibily successful opening.

Idea 2

This was Jack's idea this is kind of a lead on from my idea of which we would see what the defendant actually did, to deserve the punishment which he acquired. This would consist of someone chained up in a chair whilst being beaten by the attacker. But this was quickly disapproved as it would be too violent for a 15, not only that we haven't got professional actors which will prove far to difficult.
This would work better for a scene half way through a thriller movie, showing a flash of the past this would bring in a non-chronological order. Which on its own creates tension within the audience as they have think about the narrative.

Also the lighting would be a problem in this scene because we want to make it suspicious, without giving away to much about both the characters. Also the shadows in a small room will be hard to avoid, as we need to be recording at the same time. So this idea would be good if we were to make a couple of scenes of the movie, but because its only a 2 minute opening this will be hard to fit in.

Audience Reaction

The audience thought that this would be hard to make into a thriller opening, as there isn't much of a story line involved. But this would be useful if the story was made into a full movie as it could easily be a whole scene on its own. As the actions of the muderer are being revealed, the audience have no idea who this charactor is so as a consequence there is little relevance too the audience.

Idea 3

This idea was Dean's, the main theme was around the grave yard and and someone who was killed and has a grave gets visited by his murderer. Then he keeps on seeing his face in the grave stones

Audience Reaction

This might be hard to achieve with the graveyard as you will need permission to use the grave yard, also the mise-en-scene would be hard as everyone would have to be wearing black. From the pitch idea some people were confused about how this opening will work, as a result we didnt choose this idea.

Prelim evaluation

During the process of our preliminary we encountered various problems whilst filming our production. I think that this was a valuable experiance as we have learnt how long it takes to actually film a successful peice of camera work. We frequently had to cut parts of our filming as there would be mistakes for example the actor may starts to laugh as they have lack of concentration. Or even something as simple as somebody who isn't acting accidenly walking past the camera.
Now I understand how for each film there are masses of outcuts, for our prelim which was only supposed to last less than 2 minutes. The filming time was well over 2 hours, the hardest part of the actual filming is making sure that the continuity is always present. So we will have learnt from our mistakes of continuity and carefully plan out each and every shot for our make task.

When filming i thought we abided by the 180 degree rule very well, as when I personally made the plan of where the camera shots will be from I carefully thought out where the shots where from before. I also feel that we used a wide range of camera shots and angles, but we could have improved apon this if we know exactly what location we were to be shooting at. During the prelim we used the following shots

1) Establishing shot
2) Mid shot
3) Close up
4) Extreme close up
5) Low angled shots
6) High angled shots
7) Two shot

When the two shot was used over the shoulder of the angry character, this will show the reaction of the defandant. Whilst having the angry character in the same shot so as the audience you felt as though you were personally at the event. But on the follow through of the this shot we went to and extreme close up of the opposing character, but the camera work wasn't exectuted very well as the zoom in was shaky. When I was editing we could bypass this factor as I accurately cut off the point at which the shaking occurs.

Our maing weakness of the whole team was that the eliment of team work was only present from two of the three team workers. As a consqeunce me and jack had to all of the prelim ourselves which seemed a bit unfair, what we have learnt from this experiance of Dean is that he doesn't show any intention of working nor helping with any aspect of media work. So we will need to either make sure he is pulling his weight, or he will be left to do his main task on his own.

The editing of our prelim took us about 2 or 3 weeks the reason for this is because the mac which our group was using had an unkown software error, which each time you had finished a lessons worth of editing and you save the project and shut down. The next time you opened our file all the editing of which we had done in previous lessons was lost, we have learnt not to use that mac. We took the appriate steps to ensure thatthis wouldn't occur to any other group, we informed our teacher also the IT staff at school.

I conclude that prelims are very worth while as we have learnt that filming takes at least 10 times longer than expected. Also all the formalities which you are expected to have achieved are integeral to ensure that our main tasks will run smoothly. All the mistakes and problems we have encountered during this will all help when planning our main task for dates of which we are doing each part of our production.

Questionnaie and results

1) What age group do you fall into
5-9 10-15 16-20 20+

All 10 people i asked were in the age groups 10-15 and 16-20, so from this i guess i have the most research for these age groups.

2) Gender
Male Female

5 male 6 female

3) What genre do you usually watch

horror=1 comedy=4 romcom=2 Sci-fi=3 Action= 1

4) Where do you watch the newest films ( e.g Cinema)

Cinema=5 Online=2 DvD= 4

5) Are you offended by swearing?
Yes No
No= 11 Yes= 0

6) Do you like having the obvious Heoros/Villains
Yes No
Yes= 6 No=5

7) Are you effected by epilepsy
Yes No
No=11 Yes=0

8) What thriller films have you watched in the last 12 months?

2012 Mirrors Scream=2 Hancock=2 Taken=3 I am legend=2 Thank you for not smoking

9) In films do you enjoy it when the audience are left in suspense?
Yes=8 No=3

10) Have you watched any film which have an age certificate that is too old for you?
Yes No
Yes=11 No=0

11) Whats your opinion on chase scenes?

6 people said as long as they aren't to long and confusing
5 people thought that you can always use other techniques to create the same atmosphere

12) What is important to whether you will watch the film
Critics recommendations Adverts Previews Genre
Critics= 3 Adverts= 2 Previews 5 Genre= 1

13) Do you like fast and slick camera editing to change the tension
Yes= 11 No= 0

14) Do you watch any soap operas
Yes= 8 No= 3

15) Who's your favourite director e.g Quentin Tarantino
Don't know any= 6 Steven Speilsberg=3 Quentin Tarantino= 3

16) From your thriller experience what is your favourite thriller movie?
Undecided= 9 Die Hard=1 Shawshank Redemption

I conclude from my personal questionnaire, that I will be aiming my thriller opening at the ages of 15 and over. The reason for this is because i have the most research of this age group even though people have said that they think that the age restrictions are stupid and watch ages which are too old for them. I will also make sure that the edits which will be made on the computer. I will also be using various non-diagetic sounds to make the tension higher, also i will be attempting to make the sequence as a hybrid genre between the horror and thriller. I would also try and make my editing style around Quentin Tarantino as i think he is an exellent director.

I have personally chosen to research Universal Studios as it's a huge production/distrubution company. I have recently watched various movies which have been linked with Universal Studios most memorable one will be Inglorious Basterds. Which was directed by my favourite director Quentin Tarantino, as they have a god reputation they have the capability to produce world class movies.

Universal Studios, a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is one of the six big movie production. Its main motion picture production/distribution arm is called Universal Pictures.
In 1945, the British entrepreneur J.Arthur Rank, hoping to expand his American presence, bought into a four-way merger with Universal, the independent company International Pictures, and producer Kenneth Young. The new combine, United World Pictures, was a failure and was dissolved within one year. Rank and International remained interested in Universal, however, culminating in the studio's reorganization as Universal-International.

These are some of the titles of which they have distributed in the years 2009

The Unborn
Coraline
Duplicity
Fast & Furious State of Play
Drag Me to Hell
Land of the Lost
Public Enemies
Brüno
Funny People
Inglourious Basterds
9
Love Happens
Couples Retreat
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
The Fourth Kind
Pirate Radio
Pokémon

BBFC research

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912, and videos since the passing of the Video Recordings Act in 1984.

The bbfc has various age restrictions they use the following to ensure they allow the right aged people see the right amount of explicit movies;

U - Universal.
PG - Parental Guidance.
12 - Suitable for 12 and over.
12a - Means the someone under the age of 12 can watch the film whilst accompanied by persons over 18
15 - Suitable for 15 and over.
18 - Suitable for adults.
R18 - Suitable for adults, only sold in certain places.


My thriller film may be affected by the age restrictions as followed;

I will make my film for the age group between 12a-15a the reason for this is because i am aiming for this audience because it's a wide range of customers. I will also be making my film within the guidelines for example mild swearing, otherwise it will offend the viewers.
It will also be too hard to make our movie to aimed at a lower age group because U's are normally cartoons which we can't possibly record ourselves.

When we are deciding what we are going to film will be from my questionnaire that i have asked 10 people to fill out. The results of this will be published on my blog.

Preliminary Shot List

1. The actor walks down the hallway, whilst walking away from the camera, medium shot.
2. Camera is on floor level watching the actors feet/legs, we watch the actor walk away down towards the classroom, medium shot
3. The next shot is from the opposite side of the hallway recording the actor walking towards the camera. We used this to ensure that continuity was in the correct order, medium shot.
4. The next shot angle is slightly to the left of the last so that we have a direct view of the door opening.
5. This camera watches the person walk through the door, and then zooms in to create a extreme close up of the actors face.
6. On this camera shot we are using a 2 shot, also over the shoulder on the attacker. Then zooming into the defendant.
7. High angled shot so that both the actors are included in the shot, you can also see all the descriptive details of the consultation.

Preliminary Camera Shots

Outside the classroom

Shot one will be from outside the double doors, this is at eye level so that we have most of the actors body and also you can see the whole door which he will be pushing. The affect of this will be the audience seeing the sour mood that the character is in.

From the second camera shot its a low angle shot aiming at the actors feet, this method shows the noise that a stressed person would make. The other reason we did this was because this is the prodominat part of the shot as he's walking.

The 3rd shot is then from the same angle but a further down the corridor and it's also facing the opposite direction so that the continuity of the clip will work. This shot follows the actor all the way up to the door.

Then the 4th camera shot is a close up of the actor opening the door, this fluent movement shows how angry he is.

Inside the classroom

Shot 5 is from the centre of the classroom at a 80 degree angle from the centre of the door this shows the actor coming into a extreme close up of the facial expressions.

Shot 6 changes to a 2 shot from over the shoulder of the stressed character, this shows the defendant and how he reacts to the outburst. After we zoomed in to make an extreme close up of his face.

Shot 7 is the final shot which is a high angled shot, its looking down appon the to characters as the consolation begins. This shot was used as the audience can see all of the movement of both people, it is also as though its a cctv recording.

Preliminary storyboard

This is the storyboard of which shows all the different shots we will be taking in the process of making our clip. The first one is of the actors back showing him walking through a door this is showing his anger from the way he opens the door. Then it will be a close up of the actors leg area. This is using an low angle shot whilst still adressing the audience about what's happening. Then the 3rd shot is a medium shot as he see more of the actors body walking towards to door, this is still showing the use of low angled shot. We then skip into a medium shot of the actor opening the door, and when he is moving towards the door handle we zoom in to show the effect of tension to the audience.
For the 5th shot we will see the actor walk through the door in full action, and then the camera will zoom into their face. So it involves an extreme cole up aswell, the effect of this increases tension as the audience will see how the character is feeling.
For the 6th shot we will be using a 2 shot, over the shoulder of the angry actor. This is a way of the directors showing what the defendants reaction to the outburst is. The shot starts as an medium, then develops into a extreme close up. This will all create tension, for shot 6 its a high angled shot looking down on the angry approaching actor, and then see the consultation of the two characters.

Donnie Darko Mise-en-scene evaluation

When I was watching this film i specifically looked at the mise-en-scene of the opening couple of minutes.

Right at the start of the film its very dark with a person lying in the middle of the road

This has already shown that the film is unusual, as you wouldn't normally see a body lying in the middle of the road in an action film. Especially as its seemingly in a valley somewhere which means it will be hard for someone to find the person. Also when the camera starts to pan in on the actor and hes moving, this shows that he wasn't there from a crash. He's there from a dream, this can be shown from costume he's wearing, of which are pyjamas. But at the side of him was a a bike which will lead you to believe he fell of it, but the way he smiles shows that this can't be the fact either. So at this point the audience are completely confused about whats happening, even though there are various mise-en-scene hints all of which you think of are wrong as it goes on.

The way the lighting has been used in this shot is important as it has little light so it feels as though its dusk, because the view in the sky is orange. This also fits in with his colour scheme of pyjamas as they are dull colours too. So it's not as though he has been abducted during the middle of the day whilst wearing day clothing and taken to a different country or galaxy. This has all been given away by the way he has a huge smile on his face, which wouldn't be present if he was scared. So the only reasonable idea could happen is he has something mentally wrong with him.

The non-diegetic sound during this small clip is a light droning sound which makes you as the audience think whats going to happen. Also the sound of crickets mean its the early hours of the morning. When the piano starts to play this shows the person has started to think properly and walks away, so this could represent his heart rate or his thought process.

So from this beginning part the tension has been built using the mise-en-scene and non-diegetic sounds, the use of cliff hanger is a typical part of the thriller genre so that the audience can peice together various parts of the film on their own. This also allows them to think of their own little narrative whilst being told how it actually happens.

Memento Anaylsis

The opening to Memento when the photo was shaken, until all the blood has disappeared. Already the audience are wondering what the narrative is about. Also the blue thumb on the photo could show that Lenny is already dead, as the blood flow around his body is poor. The mise-en-scene of this opening shows it could be psychological, also straight off you could interpret this film as a documentary of how Lenny lives his life.
The sound is non-diegetic as its music playing in the background, at the start its slow tempo music. This creates tension, increasing the audiences suspense as they are wondering what will happen next.

As the film is in a non-linear format, this again shows that the film could be classed as a documentary. The reason for this is the use of flashbacks, which occur in documentaries to show the audience how they coped with day to day activities. Lenny is in the same position as he cant remember any new memories since he saw his wife get killed. When Lenny has a backlash the sequence will be in a dark colour, this resembles to the audience that Lenny is remembering what happened in the past. The editing between the back flashes and reality are successfully executed with various techniques, some are straight cuts that go straight to the next shot. Others are fade to the next shot, these are useful for when Lenny is on the phone talking and in the middle of him talking it goes to the back flash.

Lenny could be classed as a typical character in a psychological thriller the reason for this is because he's relaxed and reserved. Whether the reason for this is because he can't remember long enough ago to be cautious is another matter. The intertextuality of this film could be reffered to with The Butterfly Effect, as the main character in that film will randomly blank out. When Lenny can't remember what happens for example when he talks to the Discount Inn Owner, he can not recall speaking to the owner before. As a result he repeats himself, but his whole life is about repetition and sequence.
As he can't look after himself without all these notes around his room, and tattoos for information that he never wants to forget. He lives in a Discount Inn as the audience at the start of the film you think that Lenny isn't very wealthy or rich. But the reason for him living there was because he is too scared to live on his own. He probably wouldn't be able to cope with the daily chores of the household, as he wouldn't be able to remember to do all the jobs.

Pyscho Analysis

Psycho analysis, of shower scene

In Psycho when Marion Crane is having a shower. It’s an iconic psycho scene as the sharp change of cameras and various close ups make the sequence iconic as it uses first person shots. There is very frequent use of omniscient views; this is because the overview of the whole bathroom shows everything that is going on. This makes the audience feel as though they have a full understanding of what’s going on.

The scene starts with the character called ‘Marion Crane’ de-clothing from her bath robe. At this stage the viewers don’t feel as though anything extreme will happen as it could be a very innocent scene. Then there is a close up of the shower head;
This is and extreme close up of the falling water coming from the shower, this is effective as it sets the scene of what’s going to happen. The way that the water willdrain away, exactly what happens to her, when she gets killed. The close up also makes the audience feel as though they are the character, so it’s already connecting to the viewers. This also made me think as though she is trying to wash away any sins which she has committed. The shot doesn’t show much background of the room, so the producers only wanted the audience to feel the suspense and are wondering what is going to happen next. The mise-en-scene is obvious, that she is in a shower as it’s a picture of a shower head, the camera focuses into this frame for quite a while.
The camera angle is clever as it is looking up at the shower, from a very low angle this again emphasises the view of the character.

After this shot there are a couple of seconds were she washes herself, then the camera angle changes again, it is from the side of the bath looking out towards the bathroom. This camera angle uses the rule of ‘golden line’ as the two main actions are in the same shot. In a diagonal line The shot is also at eye level of the attacker, the reason for this is because the audience are wondering who this person is. From this shot the producers have made the audience feel as though they are personally the person who is outside the shower. But the use of a distorted shower curtain also helps to stop the identity of the attacker.
This makes suspense as there are a lot of questions being asked. The camera followed the attacker whilst he/she approaches. The transactions from the shot before was a straight cut, which made the camera face the curtain but then it slowly pans in on the other character to ensure that all the viewers were informed someone had entered the room. The sound which happened in this still picture was diegetic as both the actors could hear it.
The lighting in this shot is coming from the top right; yet again this fits into the ‘golden line’ as its spreading the lighting upon both of the characters. So this is an unexplained part of the scene, as a consequence this produces tension.




The next still is very important as it shows what the murderer did to a seemingly innocent woman. This shot is interesting as so far in the sequence of events in this shower scene, there have been no high angled shots. This shot is omniscient, which means that it’s an overview, almost like a view which god would see. So this makes the viewer feel as though they understand everything. There are various sounds during this shot; they consist of the women screaming and the running water from the shower, the most notable one is the tense music which screeches in time with the heart beat of the women. The one which caught my eye the most was the sound of the air resistance when the knife is drawn and moving towards the women. These are all explains of diegetic sounds apart from the music which is non diegetic as the actors will not personally be able to hear it.
The editing during this small sequence of events from when she realises someone’s there until this shot. The camera angle and shot changed at least 2 or 3 times, each time it has been a straight cut. The producers have done this as they are creating tension successfully, not only that the audience are kept informed about how each of the characters are reacting, as a result of this the initial stabbing. There is some crucial evidence being uncovered here, as it shows that the attacker is a woman. So for the audience the idea of who it might be has changed already.
The use of the camera changing frequently in the stages before creates tension; this is frequently used in thriller films so they can show both characters reaction in detail, instead of having to use a two shot. The mise-en-scene is obvious as she is in the bathroom with no clothes on having a shower, and being killed at the same time. So this shows where the scene is set and also what’s happening.
When the attacker was lunging the camera switched, and this effect made the audience feel as though the attacker had stabbed her with brute and speed.

The next shot I chose is an extreme close up of the dead women’s eye. This is effective as the audience have been told indirectly that the woman has died, as the when pupils expand. This normally means that someone has died. In duration of the close up the audience see the exaggerated sized eye.
This shot is in the perspective of the women, who got killed. The speed at which the camera changed between her being stabbed to focusing on the eye was minimal. This lets the viewer know straight away what has happened to the women. The rule of 3rds have been used as the most important part, the enlarged pupil is directly in the middle.
The sound is non diegetic when the music is playing the background; it’s a continuation of the backing music from the stabbing. This has a good effect as it’s fluent, as though the killing is actually happening. The editing speed was fast, this also added to the realism. Also the blackness of the pupil is could outline the rage of the character who killed the women, and the blue part could be the clouds. As though there was a storm which struck, and did all the damage. After killing the women swiftly making an exit so no-one can catch the killer.
The lighting is on the right hand side, this is more than likely from the bathroom light. Or it could be from the open door of which the killer has escaped from, that would be indirectly telling the audience that she’s on her own. The camera position seems to be next to the side of the bath, from the position where the killer would have been standing. The effect of that makes the audience feel as though they were personally the person who killed the women.

The whole sequence in the shower was cleverly edited as the producers used so many different techniques. All the rules which should apply when making a movie are met, for example the 180 degree rule. When each camera angle changed it was edited so well that the audience could still understand what is happening. In the process of that the tension also grew as the audience could see both the characters in full detail, with all the different expressions at each stage.
At the same time as the audience understanding what is happening, it all happens so quickly that the audience may have to think twice about the events that just occurred. For this reason, the scene in the shower has become iconic. The thriller genre has evolved after this film as it bought a new dimension to the cinema. Almost 60 years on the film is still widely watched by a huge audience throughout the whole world. Without a doubt the film will continue to sell more copies in the years to come.

Thriller research

Action thriller: In which the work often features a race against the clock, contains lots of violence, and an obvious antagonist. These films usually contain large amounts of guns, explosions, and large elaborate set pieces for the action to take place. These films often have elements of mystery films and crime films but these elements take a backseat to action. Notable examples are the James Bond films, The Transporter, and the Jason Bourne novels and films.

Conspiracy thriller: In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. The Chancellor Manuscript and The Aquitane Progression by Robert Ludlum fall into this category, as do films such as Three Days of the Condor, Capricorn One, and JFK.

Crime thriller: This particular genre is a hybrid type of both crime films and thrillers that offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. These films often focus on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, and double-crosses are central ingredients. Some examples include The Killing, Seven, The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs, Inside Man, and The Asphalt Jungle.

Disaster thriller: In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc., or nuclear disasters as an artificial disaster. Examples include Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, Tremor by Winston Graham, and the 1974 film Earthquake.

Drama thriller: In which the story consists of the elements of a thriller and drama film. These films are usually slower paced and involves a great deal of character development along with plot twists. Examples include The Illusionist, The Interpreter and The Prestige.

Eco-thriller: In which the protagonist must avert or rectify an environmental or biological calamity, often in addition to dealing with the usual types of enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This environmental component often forms a central message or theme of the story. Examples include Nicholas Evans's The Loop, C. George Muller's Echoes in the Blue, and Wilbur Smith's Elephant Song, all of which highlight real-life environmental issues. Futuristic eco-thrillers are of the science fiction genre that propose ideas that will or may occur and include such works as Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and Ian Irvine's Human Rites Trilogy and Dasavathaaram.

Erotic thriller: In which it consists of erotica and thriller. It has become popular since the 1980s and the rise of VCR market penetration. The genre includes such films as Basic Instinct, Dressed to Kill, Color of Night, Eyes Wide Shut, Fatal Attraction, Looking for Mr. Goodbar, Obsessed, and In the Cut.

Legal thriller: In which the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. The Innocent Man by John Grisham is a well known example of the type.

Medical thriller: In which the hero/heroine are medical doctors/personnel working to solve an expanding medical problem. Robin Cook, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Crichton, and Gary Braver are well-known authors of this subgenre. Nonfiction medical thrillers are also a subcategory, comprising works like The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. Films such as Awake are other examples of medical thrillers.

Political thriller: In which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. The success of Seven Days in May (1962) by Fletcher Knebel, The Day of the Jackal (1971) by Frederick Forsyth, and The Manchurian Candidate (1959) by Richard Condon established this subgenre. A more recent example is the 1980 film Agency.

Psychological thriller: In which (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. The Alfred Hitchcock films Suspicion, Shadow of a Doubt, and Strangers on a Train and David Lynch's bizarre and influential Blue Velvet are notable examples of the type, as is The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (who also wrote Strangers) and The Good Son starring Elijah Wood and Macaulay Culkin.

Spy thriller (also a subgenre of spy fiction): In which the hero is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or (in recent years) terrorists. Examples include From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming, The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum, and television series such as Mission: Impossible and 24 (the latter demonstrating a break from the norm by Robert Ludlum, as it is as much a psychological thriller as a spy thriller).

Techno-thriller: A work that usually focuses upon military action, in which technology (usually military technology) is described in detail and made essential to the reader's/viewer's understanding of the plot. Tom Clancy defined and popularized the genre with his The Hunt for Red October, and is considered to be the "Father of the Techno thriller".

Still shots from Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia

I chose this Action/Thriller film as i have recently watched it. I think that there are some interesting techniques have been used to achieve what they have. They are as follow;



I like this shot as its a long and high angled shot which has zoomed downward. So it could also be classed as a high angled mid-shot. I feel as though the rule of golden line has been used as the two main parts of the picture is the garage with the fire and the oil tanker in the background. As the fire could easily spread, also the sole reason that they are using binoculars shows that they could be undercover.

The mise-en-scene is one of an airfield, with suspicious activities which would be easy to construct. It can be cross referenced to the type of genre in which James Bond or War films would fit into. From this shot it could be interpreted as a first person view, which is showing that the person is under threat or in danger. The colour difference between the heat and all the other objects points out where the danger is.

The other screen shot i took is the following;



This shot is very soon after the previous screen-shot, i thought it fit in well as it shows the audience what was in the building the binoculars could see.
The shot type is pretty much at eye level, but its a two shot as there is more than one person within view. The camera angle is used in the form to make the person with the gun is more powerful.
The camera crew have also made it blurry so that the detail of each character is minimal, as its more important about where the action is taking place rather than the characters. The lighting in this picture also makes it more tense as its hard to see the actors, but the light is in the middle where the action is occurring.

The scenery surrounding the innocent chef makes it more realistic as it would bring perspective to the general public as they could see themselves in his position. Also the way that the chef has no weapon shows his innocences. The mise-en-scene shows a war image as they are all dressed typically for a bunker.

Film Poster

Deconstructing a film poster

This film poster is for Sin City.
There are various techniques used by the designers, to make this poster rememberable and obscure. For a start the picture of the main characters are at a tilt which juxtaposes the film title. The dress and body language of the characters show that they are very powerful, as they are wearing all black like what a gangster might wear. Also they have guns and weapons which also show that there will be violence.

This is a long shot with a low angle, looking up at the characters this also goes back to point that they are powerful. The way that the tilt is used it implies that what happens in film is very unusual, something which most films wouldn't involve.

Another good technique used is where there is a door opening which implies that the characters will be involved in a sequel of life changing experiences. The mise-en-scene shows that the film will be in the genre of Thriller/Action, the way that the title is in bold red makes me feel as though there could be some killings. In a way this poster is showing who is the most important character this is shown by the way that they are in a formation, almost forming an hierarchy.

The reason that they have chosen to have a long shot is so they don't give away to much information, leaving the audience in suspense. All of those reasons are why i think that this is a very clever film poster.

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I am in year 12 and i am studying Media Studies at AS level