preliminary exercise

Risk Assessment For Main Production: Thriller Opening

For our final AS production we are filming a short opening sequence and opening credits for a film under the genre 'thriller'. We are using a member of our groups garage in his back garden for the main filming location.
There are a few areas we need to consider which pose a possible risk for the main actor and the rest of the group, for example:

• Sharp Objects - We are using a few sharp implements, so we need to take precautions to make sure our main actor doesn't cut himself on them. We could do this by having at least a certain distance between the sharp objects and anyone present at the scene of filming. We also need to make sure the sharp objects are well clear of electric cables possibly used, as this could cause several problems for us and the equipment.
• Loose cables/wires/objects on the floor - this could cause injury should a group member (or any extras we aquire) fall off their feet onto any part of their body, as the floor of the garage is rough and concrete. We could tape down any loose cables/wires to decrease the chance of a tumble/fall and add a softer layer to the floor e.g carpet so that in the unlikely circumstance that someone does fall then they will be saved a lot of pain.
• Spilling Liquids - We are using a glass of water in our production, so we must ensure that it is not knocked over and spilt, as this slip hazard could potentially cause injury to either the filming crew and/or actor(s) on the set of our project. To avoid spillage, we can use less than half volume of liquid in the glass, and also we could make sure that the container is at least 4-6 inches away from the sides of the desk. If we used a tall glass this would also increase the likelihood of an accident. To avoid this we will use nothing taller than a pint glass.

If there are any more issues we feel fit to raise, they will be added to this post.

'Film Noir' Definition and Brief Description

'Film Noir' is a cinematic term used primarily to describe stylish Hollywood crime dramas, particularly those that emphasize moral ambiguity and sexual motivation. Hollywood's classic film noir period is generally regarded as stretching from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. Film noir of this era is associated with a low-key black-and-white visual style that has roots in German Expressionist cinematography, while many of the prototypical stories and much of the attitude of classic noir derive from the hardboiled school of crime fiction that emerged in the United States during the Depression.
The term film noir (French for "black film"), first applied to Hollywood movies by French critic Nino Frank in 1946, was unknown to most American film industry professionals of the era. Cinema historians and critics defined the canon of film noir in retrospect; many of those involved in the making of the classic noirs later professed to be unaware of having created a distinctive type of film.

Opening Scene "Last King of Scotland" Camera Work Analysis

After the fox searchlight pictures music and screen;

• We start with a black background and the words (in a shade of white) fade in: "This film is inspired by real people and events". This then fades out into darkness again. Non-diagetic background noise (shouting) kicks in at this time.
  

• Then the words "SCOTLAND, 1970" fade in (the purpose of this is to establish a year and a location without use of a camera)

Prologue

• The camera starts using an extreme long shot,(you could say this is our establishing shot, as we see the large building in the background, the scenery in the back and foreground and also a 'mob' of people running towards the camera, which establishes the setting).
• This then cuts into a tracking shot of a few of the character's upper torsos and their heads. This follows the characters for a short distance, pivoting from one location, without breaking the 180 degree rule through use of extensive panning.
• Then a medium-long shot is used in which we see the characters attire (undergarments covering appropriate bodily parts eg genitalia). This raises questions like: "What are they doing?"
• A reverse shot is used to show where they are running to; a wide and seemingly deep lake. and the camera uses a slow pan to 'track' where they are going
• This is followed by an extreme long shot to show the valley in which they are located and the wooden pier they are running along towards the water. You see the huge lake surrounded by lots of steep, green hills in hazy weather. The fact that we see a 'break' in the valley makes us assume that they are situated near the coast, and this opening could indicate that someone travels out of his cold, hazy, empty home in search of a warmer, busier country/place further on in this film. Throughout this shot we hear diagetic environmental background noise of animals and footsteps.
• A low angle shot is used from the perspective of the water to show the mob of half-naked characters running towards it. This shot is accompanied by an extreme slow zoom, which gives us a better view of the expressions of 'determination'.
• A reverse shot to the previous is used to show the characters growing ever further away from the camera and drawing closer to their destination.
• As the characters leap off the wooden pier a medium shot is used to show them jumping into the water, and as the front character submerges the camera goes underwater with his waist and legs. His groin is in the centre of the camera (although he is wearing underwear), hinting that sex will perhaps play some part in this film later on.
• The camera pans up and out of the water as (what seems to be) our main point of focus shouting and splashing, and with the sudden movements the sound changes to muffled and as difficult to hear as you would expect it to be if you were underwater, and then changes back as you come out of the water. This adds a hint of realism to the movie.
• The camera then cuts to later in the day in which our character is formally clothed and dry, seated in his dining room - he possesses a look of hidden mischief indicating his parents are kept in the dark about lots of things he does.
• Then a 'master shot' is used. This shot contains all the characters from the scene and their environment/setting and all the mise-en-scene, which gives us an idea of their lifestyle.
• Slight low angle shot of the 'mother' engaging in conversation with the 'father'.
• Medium close up of main characters shifty expression to what the mother and father are saying.
• Same shot of father concentrating on serving food and making a mini-speech to his family. Talk of a celebration (diploma)
• A reverse-shot sequence is used to show who the exchange of dialogue is between (main character and his father (now standing)).
• Master shot again, except this time with a slow pan to the left
• Over the main character's shoulder shot of mother giving shifty look about the father's monologue
  
• Over the mother's shoulder shot of main character's reaction (reaction shot)
  
• Medium-close-up of father looking to his right still engaged in his monologue
• Over the shoulder reverse shot sequence used again to show reactions to father's comments.
• Master shot used again to show them sharing a toast and celebrating for their son's diploma completion.
• Cuts in to an overhead shot of the main character laying on his bed relaxing and smoking. Suddenly he screams/shouts loudlyYou hear diagetic conversation between him and his father.
• Cuts to him moving off of his bed with a tracking shot and a slow pan following his movement
• His torso at the side of the screen and a globe in the centre, indicating moving to another country, as it is the main point of focus in the shot.
• Over the shoulder shot of characters face from behind the globe.
• "First place you land, you go". Sure of what he is doing, moving away from home to anywhere else; not fussy about where he is going to go.
• Pans across globe spinning in a close up shot
• Cuts to over the shoulder shot; but slightly zoomed in so you can only just see the side of the globe, it focuses more on the characters expression.
• Cuts in to determined position he has pointed to on the globe; "Uganda"
• Non-diagetic music comes in; Native Ugandan Music.

Opening Credits

The opening credit text is in two colours; one in a red colour and one in an orangey/yellow colour, showing that war/conflict may be a key theme for this film. Also the colour red resembles blood and anguish, which would coincide with the theme of war.
A variety of shots is used which show the lifestyle and environment of our main characters new home; Multicoloured (green for vegetation, orange/yellows for desert and landscape and lots of bright colours for the attire of the natives of Uganda are wearing). The first establishing shot used is where we see our main character, totally outnumbered on a bus full of native people, and he stands out because he is the only white person on there.
Tracking shots are used numerous times, which shows a changing environment, from empty, dry and barren to full, lively and colourful settings. The fact that tracking shots are used helps us to put ourselves in the shoes of the main character or the other passengers on the bus. The camera work is fast paced which gives us the impression of a long bus journey through a few time changes.

Thriller Mind Map - Conventions

Thriller Conventions

• Different types of thrillers e.g psychological thriller, action thriller etc
• Dialogue Important
• "Expect the Unexpected"
• Little action (mostly suspense)
• Examples of a thriller; "The Grudge", "The Ring", "The Usual Suspects", "The Number 23"
• Non-diagetic music is essential in creating suspense atmosphere
• Complex and mysterious characters are used
• Multiple twists often used in storylines to add controversy
• Correct/effective mise-en-scene is a key part of the thriller genre, as this adds extra tension and helps to create the necessary/required atmosphere
• Usually tension and suspense result in an increased heart rate for the viewer - adrenaline rush, nervous (edge of your seat action)
• Alfred Hitchcock is the most established thriller director known to the public
• Thriller films often create a sense of uneasiness for the viewer

Exploring The Target Audience of a Thriller

Usually most thriller directors/writers have a target audience in mind when scripting, writing and planning their film (you could say they use it as a "template"). The script context usually revolves around the "template" they have provided themselves with. For example if their target audience is up to the age of 15, then the content of the script is likely to contain less vioence, blood and gore, and possibly less mature content, for example sex scenes etc. And if the age is at least 18 then it is likely that the film will contain nude scenes, extreme violence and possibly explicit views, like taking drugs or racial harassment etc.
Usually the choice of target audience has a massive effect on a film's success and could either make or break it. I'll give a few examples of films and then briefly explain why the films are better suited to their given age rating and target audience than if it was changed.
i'll start with:

• "The Ring"(2002), directed by Gore Verbinksi. This film contains psychologically disturbing scenes which includes a ghoulish figure emerging from a TV set and a black horse leaping over the edge of a barge into it's rotary blades, killing the animal. The non-diagetic music used adds an eerie effect to the film, immersing it deeper into the thriller genre. This may interfere with the mind of a younger child and could lead onto nightmares, dementia, and possibly spectraphobia (the fear of ghosts). The age rating it was given of 15 is a good indicator of the sort of content that the film contains, therefore highlighting a suitable audience for the film.
• "The Usual Suspects"(1995), directed by Brian Singer. In this film there is a lot of violence and criminal activity between our 5 main points of focus, which uses a lot of weaponry and killing. This would be unsuitable for a younger audience, as violence is a feature of a film pushing into the age 18+ category, and younger children and young teenagers up to the age of 15 may be influenced by the swearing and become accustomed to using words they've heard in the film, as they think that if they are allowed to watch it then they are allowed to repeat the language used. Also if they see violence, then this may influence their levels of aggression and make them think it's alright to use violence and turn to crime or anti-social behaviour.
• "The Strangers"(2008), directed by Brian Bertino. In this thriller we see two normal people trapped in their own summer home, like rats in a cage, while 3 'Strangers' are attempting to corner them and seemingly kill them. There is a lot of suspense built up in this film by use of non-diagetic orchestral music and also sudden diagetic sounds like cluttering and loud knocking which set you on the edge or seat. There are a few extremely jumpy moments which i dont think would be suitable for younger teenagers and children to watch, as they could become scared of their own home, especially if they have an active imagination. They could succombe to psychological damage, which could possibly lead onto mental illness such as dementia and paranoia. The age rating it was given (15) is the best possible option, as this film contains little violence and sexual content, it is mostly build up which would be appreciated more by a more mature audience.

Overall i think these films are most suited to the age ratings they have been given and have been carefully considered by the producers. I think if any young children watched these films then they would not understand the plots and multiple storylines intertwined with each other. I think a certain level of undertanding is required to fully appreciate the concepts being portrayed within the films.

Robot;
The sequence was thrilling cause of the isolated, dark location, and because the main character's fear was shown, and this gives us a sense of foreboding. The music also helps to build up tension.

Beneath;
The character is complex, this is shown through her flashback. There are many eerie sounds and effects that put you on the edge of your seat.

King Kong;
The use of foreboding music and low-key lighting have you on the edge of your seat as you don't know what is going to happen - sense of mystery.

Clockwork orange;
Sense of darkness about the main character. Questions raised from the start. You don't know what is going to happen - mysterious.

The Usual Suspects;
The opening immediately starts to ask questions. Eery music played all the way through. There is also use of low-key lighting.

The Number 23;
Foreboding music is played all the way through, which builds up tension. The detective is a traditional thriller detective. He looks quite mysterious as well, as his face is darker and also his attire.

Firewall;
The build up builds tension and suspense to put you on the edge of your seat, also in the house you fear for the family and the main character's safety as they are outnumbered.

Opening and first scene anaysis for Psycho

• The music in the title sequence gives a dramatic opening - it ends on a low note which is contrasting and suggests the mood of the film - the same music is used later in the film for when Marion is on the run.
• There is a panning shot - cityscape - dissolves to next shot behind the test appearing.- The text appearing disguises the screen transition.
• Lighting in studio window to look like a real hotel. random window on random building - tension wondering.
• Entering into darkness - tension - into the first scene.
• Emphasis on sex in hotel room scene.
• Detailed close up (Sam) - era pans across the room - medium long shot (Marion) - master shot then cut away for lunch which confirms the dialogue.
• Panning/circular panning - follows actors and medium close up shows intimacy.
• Camera focuses on the movements of Marion - pans across room as she walks.

Mise-en-scene

• Marion - white underwear - suggests innocence.
• Fan on the wall - signifies heat - sex.
• Bed - obviously signifies sex.
• Take away lunch - uneaten - suggests they were having an affair on their lunch break.
• Low-key lighting.

• Relationship talk.
• Non-diegetic sound of violins - confirm Sam's "alright".
• Mise-en-scene - ventilation blinds to give the idea of a trap. - two shots as they come together.

In the opening scene, the mise-en-scene estabshes the hotel room as the camera pans straight to the bed and a medium shot of Marion lying down, with Sam's torso and legs the side. In terms of costume, Marion is wearing a white bra and underskirt, which suggests her purity and innocence because of the colour however it also suggests that they have been having sex. A cut away shot is used to show the uneaten lunch, which looks like a take-away.

Silence of the Lambs opening

• Sodden landscape - dull, dreary.
• Pale background - tree silhoutte.
• Non-diegetic music - cello, violins - sense of foreboding also sound of bird of prey which could be diegetic because it's set in a woods however it could be part of the soundtrack and is a sound added in.
• "Block" font - black - darkness - typewriter font - data/statistical.
• "Strong heart demme productions"
• "Jadie Foster" - main character.
• Camera - slow pan down tree - "Anthony Hopkins" appears.
• Base of tree, smoke, and title "Silence of the Lambs".
• Character comes into shot then runs out.
• Medium tracking shot - follows her into long shot - names still appearing.
• Tracking from front - medium close up.
• Shot from side - behind trees (hiding? - watching) shows speed.
• Cut-in shot to feet.
• Cuts to face - from side.
• Camera pans round assault course rope wall.
• Fighting up the wall - low angle shot - portrays power.
• Expression shows determination.
• Male character looks down on her - underpowered to male - seems small - gasping, weasing.
• Guy senses mystery - uncertainty - seriousness - respect.
• Male dominated job.
• Job is established in the opening scene - FBI.

Opening sequences for Duel and Speed

Duel - directed by Spielberg.

The camera is on the front of the car whilst it is going on a journey - point of view of car.

Diegetic sound of the radio - news and weather.

All names are brought up in blocks for opening credits in no particular order - more important roles after - director always comes last.

barbed wire - desert - classified location?

Close up of face then radio then everything from the point of view of a passenger - mysterious because no one is in the passenger seat.

Dissolves between scenery - visually.

There is a continuous diegetic sound of engine and radio.

Opening credits don't start until the car enters the tunnel.

First shots of the driver - through the rear view mirror.

Speed - directed by De Bont.
Non-diegetic music - builds up suspense.
The main character appears first on credits.
Other names follow.
"SPEED" - lift stops which emphasises title.
Dark (lidt) - Low-key lighting.
Looks continuous - metal beam to disguise an edit?

The Interpreter

In the opening scenes of The Interpreter it starts with a prologue.

• The writing establishing the location is in white.
• Black screen in the background.
• There are no titles in the prologue because it will disrupt the storyline.
• The next clip is of a desert scene - silhouetted figure of a woman - tribal gradually getting closer - dusty/hazy.
  There is slight non-diegetic music.
• Deserted coliseum - low angle shots used to make it look important, also there are weeds growing in front it which suggests that it has been abandoned and is very run down.
• Inside the coliseum - children playing football - talking in a different language however there are no sub-titles so this adds to the mystery of the film. On the walls there are also words written in a foreign language - makes the audience try to 'interpret' them.
• Low-key lighting.
• The audience would make an assumption that the men have found dead bodies, this is due to the reactions of them.
• Pace of the sequence camera shots is very fast when the children are shooting the men.
• There is a clip of a football before it dissolves into the next shot. This makes the audience feel sorry for the children because it is ironic that innocent children who only play would murder people so brutally.
• Dissolves into panning shot of the city.
• Cuts into the UN building.
• There is a wide range of camera shots - panning, close-ups to show expressions, long shots to show scenery and size compared to characters.
• Profile shot of lead actress - Nicole Kidman.
• She is translating (interpreting) in a big UN conference - important.
• Police clearing buildings - mysterious, tension, makes the audience wonder whats happened to make them do this or what is about to happen.

The Machinist Opening Scene

The opening sequence of the film is situated a dark, isolated location, with our main character disposing of a mysterious object. This immediately starts to produce questions, such as; "what is he doing?" and " what is he carrying?" The use of low-key lighting creates a negative, dull atmosphere, which is emphasised by the rainy thundery weather. Most of the main character's apartment is very simplistic, which shows the complexity of his character. He has a dead end job in amachine shop, which also adds to the idea of simplicity. His apartment consists of little, discoloured furniture, and his bathroom is very clinical and seems very clean, showing that the character may be very obsessive, and possibly a clean freak. He seems very lonely as well, as he doesn't go out with his friends ane doesn't have a girlfriend. In a few scenes, he spends his time in the company of a prostitute named Stevie, and a waitress at a cafe at an airport. The cafe in question is well-lit, and there is a much warmer atmosphere about it than the other locations featured in the film (contrasting with the genre). The main character does not speak very much, and he seems reserved and laid back.

• Dark setting - low-key lighting - profile shot of main character.
• Diegetic sound - thunder.
• Non-diegetic sound - dramatic music.
• The main character is smoking which suggests he could be stressed or anxious.
• The locations are isolated.
• Medium and medium-long shots mainly used.
• Barely any speech - tense atmosphere.
• There is a mirror image used - suggests that he may have an alter-ego. Half of his face is enshrouded in darkness which also suggests he has an evil/dark side.
• There are flashbacks.
• Non-diegetic music in a "minor" key - eery sound builds tension.
• Sad atmosphere - cahracter of Reznik seems lonely - prefers to be alone.
• Noisy machines - establishing job.