Analysis of Thriller Openings.

(Gothika 2003)                                

‘Gothika’ is immediately perceived by the audience as a thriller within the very first scene, its strong use of semiology and other effects establish that this film lies within the main genre of a thriller. Firstly, before the film even begins, the audience sees the genre bleeding into the production; different film companies altering their signature logo to co-inside with the expectations of a thriller. Also, the sound of violins can be heard before anything else, this also gives an eerie, creepy feel to the scene. The first few shots sees a psychiatrist talking to a patient within a mental institute. The dialogue is hostile and disturbing, making the viewer feel un-easy. The setting is dark, enforcing a cold and lifeless atmosphere upon the audience. The bars and grills not only give the feeling that they are to stop something from breaking in or out, but also to make the viewer feel as though they shouldn’t be there, and that they are intruding in what should be a private matter.

(Brick 2006)

The opening scene in ‘Brick’ is full of semiology in order to identify the film as a thriller. One of the first things you see is running water (a key sign of a thriller, signifies life being washed away) next the eye is drawn to a body, introducing death into the mix. In another shot, the character is in a phone booth talking to a girl, the booth is like a box or cage, isolating both him and the girl on the telephone. The girl is clearly distressed and upset, talking about something that the audience cannot quite understand, confusing and disorientating the audience. She says “It’s nice to see you again” giving both the male character and the viewer the eerie sense of being watched. Suddenly a black car emerges, with its engine creating almost a snarl, disturbing the eerie tranquillity of the scene. The colour of the car could signify threat or death, it’s intimidating, and even more so when the girl on the phone becomes panicked and flustered.  

 

(The Book of Eli 2009)

‘The Book of Eli’ opens with dim blue lighting, accompanied by eerie hollow sounding rumbles, almost like the wind. This immediately creates a tension within the scene and the audience, causing them to try and anticipate what is to happen next. The dark, strong figures of the trees represent bars, and a feeling of entrapment. The camera pans onto a gun, a threatening and dangerous sign, putting the audience on edge, as the camera continues to pan a body emerges. This immediate introduction of death creates a strong and mysterious atmosphere within the scene. The scene is slow in its progression, creating suspense and strong tension. Another figure appears, at first it is difficult to identify, but soon it becomes visible that it is a person. The person is wearing a gasmask, obscuring the face making it eerie and mysterious (another key feature of a thriller). The sound of the man breathing is audible, creating further tension within the scene. This tension continues to build and it is clear that the man is in possession of a weapon, and about to fire, however, as he does the scene switches to slow motion. This is a slight anti-climax, but causes the viewer to follow the fired arrow and try to anticipate where it is going. The arrow hits its target in normal speed, disrupting the tranquillity that the audience was falsely granted.      

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

I have learnt a substantial amount whilst being on this media course, including: how to effectively and safely use a camera, and how to then work with that recorded material in editorial programmes on the computer. Firstly I now have a more in depth knowledge of the recording equipment, and how to use it both properly and efficiently. Knowing the basics have enabled me to be able to work in a more exploratory manor, being able to experiment with different camera angles, and the effects that come with this.

 I have also developed a basic understanding of the editorial programmes used to tweak and perfect footage, making it run more smoothly and effectively. I can experiment with different sound effects, helping to enhance the temperament of the scene or film. I now fully understand how important proper editing is to creating a successful piece.

Terminology

Composition:

Composition is the term used for the arrangement of different objects within a shot, influencing various aspects of a scene or frame. A director can utilise many different types of composition/shot to alter the feel and atmosphere of a scene i.e. high angle shot, low angle shot, pan, track. For example the on screen character has just been intimidated or defeated, the director will use a high angle shot to portray the characters vulnerability; making the audience feel in-control and threatening. Composition can involve framing, the rule of thirds, depth of field etc. 

Editing:

Editing is where the desired film shots are collected together, however some clips may have to be edited in order to achieve continuity. This could include cutting down clips, layering different audio clips over the top etc. Editing is also used to alter the desired atmosphere of a scene.

Sound:

Sound is an incredibly important aspect within the film industry today, as it is key in projecting the feel of a scene. Having said that, a lack of sound can have just as potent an effect if it suits the temperament of a scene.

• Diegetic sound: sound in which the characters are able to hear i.e. an explosion, voices of other characters, music coming from a radio.

• Non-diegetic sound: sound in which the characters are unable to hear i.e. the voice of a narrator, music to enhance mood.

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