Scene 1. INT. DAY TIME. POLICE DEPARTMENT QUESTIONING ROOM (PRESENT)
A man sits alone at a desk in an empty room, waiting to be questioned. The man is obviously on edge - he twitches and taps the desk one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four. His breaths shallow and nervous. His name is Marvin Shermon.
The room is dimly lit, causing shadows on his emotionless face, hiding him somewhat. He looks up, the dull light spreads across his normal, plain features as he parts his lips ready to speak and looks up.
Marvin: They'll wanna know how it happened
Scene 2. int. morning. Marvin's apartment (PAST)
Marvin lays in bed, calm and tranquil, just about to leave his rest and begin his day. Begin his routine. His eyes slowly flutter open. He lays there still, takes a moment to remember the order of his morning before reaching quickly and grabbing his glasses.
He gets up and begins to make the bed. He pulls each corner tightly one, two, three, four times. Order. He smooths the duvet with his palm, stroking the cover four times once more, making sure everything is perfect.
He walks to the wardrobe and touches the fake wood paneling four times before carefully taking out his work uniform and neatly placing it on the bed. He showers. Brushes teeth.
As he puts his toothbrush into its right place a shrill cry for attention sounds from the phone. Marvin's face, though void of emotion before comes alive in panic and annoyance, his eyes widen, his brow furrows, he taps the sink four times and takes an irritated breath. His routine has been broken.
He makes his way to the sound of the noise and picks up the phone.
Marvin: Hello?
The intruder is his mother. A violent phone conversation breaks out.
Marvin: Yeah, yeah, I know mom. I know, I got it.
He listens to the response, on edge, fidgeting and twitching.
Marvin: So what? I'm a little behind on the rent. And you don't think I know that?
His eyes flicker to the clock, anxious that this conversation will rip is routine further apart.
Marvin: I know I can't move back in with you guys. Don't worry.
He starts to nervously pace, tapping his leg in fours as he does so.
Marvin: Stop harassing me, mom. I got this. I gotta plan. (He pauses to listen) Look, You're gonna make me late for work.
His fists clench as the conversation continues. He's jittery. His voice is tense as he struggles to spit out his words.
Marvin: Yeah, mom, I really gotta go now you're, you're messing, you're, you're messing things up!
He attempts to listen to her, looks at the clock and panics. He needs to finish his routine on time. He needs to cut her off.
Marvin: Ugh, you know what. I gotta go. Talk to you later. Bye.
He slams down the phone, looks at the clock once more and smashes his fist against the wall. He grinds his teeth back and fourth, back and fourth and pauses a moment to take a calming breath before continuing his routine.
Marvin gets dressed and then makes himself breakfast - Cheerios, like normal. He eats them four hoops at a time, eyes constantly flicking to the clock. He finishes and quickly puts his bowl in the sink to be washed when he gets home.
He goes to his collection of war memorabilia, grabs a knife and leaves. His fingers twitch and grip around the handle. Tightening and untightening, one, two, three, four.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Chosen idea
I have chosen idea two which is:
A social outcast and undiagnosed sociopath who suffers from OCD snaps and acknowledges his desire to kill and collect after a stressful chain of events.
General idea for the opening: Close up of a man's face as he says, "they'll wanna know how it happened. Music starts from here. A wide shot of a man on his own in his bed sleeping. It zooms into his face as he slowly opens his eyes. He taps the side four times and puts on his glasses. Gets out of bed. Makes bed and pulls each four corners four times each to tighten and straighten the bedding. He smooths the covers with his palm four times. Showers. Brushes teeth. Phone rings and he answers. He argues with his mother. He grits his teeth back and fourth, back and fourth. Eats his cereal. Grabs a knife from a collection of war memorabilia, touches/grips it four times and leaves.
Setting: In a house/something that could look like an apartment.
Actors needed: The man
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots. A lot of close ups.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes of his routine thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during the entire scene.
I think this will be most interesting as although he appears to be fairly normal he is a more complex character to understand due to his OCD, therefore audiences will find this more interesting and difficult to understand, making it more of a mystery and more like a thriller. I also think this story line is more believable and I like the idea for the opening the most. I think it would be more interesting to watch and slightly different from what you might expect.
A social outcast and undiagnosed sociopath who suffers from OCD snaps and acknowledges his desire to kill and collect after a stressful chain of events.
General idea for the opening: Close up of a man's face as he says, "they'll wanna know how it happened. Music starts from here. A wide shot of a man on his own in his bed sleeping. It zooms into his face as he slowly opens his eyes. He taps the side four times and puts on his glasses. Gets out of bed. Makes bed and pulls each four corners four times each to tighten and straighten the bedding. He smooths the covers with his palm four times. Showers. Brushes teeth. Phone rings and he answers. He argues with his mother. He grits his teeth back and fourth, back and fourth. Eats his cereal. Grabs a knife from a collection of war memorabilia, touches/grips it four times and leaves.
Setting: In a house/something that could look like an apartment.
Actors needed: The man
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots. A lot of close ups.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes of his routine thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during the entire scene.
I think this will be most interesting as although he appears to be fairly normal he is a more complex character to understand due to his OCD, therefore audiences will find this more interesting and difficult to understand, making it more of a mystery and more like a thriller. I also think this story line is more believable and I like the idea for the opening the most. I think it would be more interesting to watch and slightly different from what you might expect.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Ideas in more detail
Idea one
General idea for the opening: It starts with a close up of a man's face. It will zoom into his cold eyes, they will then flicker to the side and it will change to a wide shot, kissing his children and wife goodbye as he leave to go to work. He will then walk through his office, greeting people as he walks through - obviously a popular man. He gets to his office, closes the door, sits at his desk and thinks. Another close up will be used on his cold, thoughtful face as a voice over of his thoughts speaks a sinister sentence, hinting at his lust for blood.
Setting: In a house, in an environment that looks like an office
Actors needed: The man, a wife, an older son, a younger daughter, various co-workers
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots and tracking shots.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during close ups of the main character, lively and inviting during his interactions with others.
Idea two
General idea for the opening: Close up of a man's face as he says, "they'll wanna know how it happened. Music starts from here. A wide shot of a man on his own in his bed sleeping. It zooms into his face as he slowly opens his eyes. He taps the side four times and puts on his glasses. Gets out of bed. Makes bed and pulls each four corners four times each to tighten and straighten the bedding. He smooths the covers with his palm four times. Showers. Brushes teeth. Phone rings and he answers. He argues with his mother. He grits his teeth back and fourth, back and fourth. Eats his cereal. Grabs a knife from a collection of war memorabilia, touches/grips it four times and leaves.
Setting: In a house/something that could look like an apartment.
Actors needed: The man
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots. A lot of close ups.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes of his routine thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during the entire scene.
Idea three
General idea for the opening: A teenage boy sits on the curb of smoking a cigarette. There is a set of short take extreme close ups of him putting it out violently. A girl walks past as he does so. He looks up and watches her, his eyes interested and focused on her. He gets a vision - an extreme close up of his arms gripping her. He shakes it off and smiles to himself and then at her, she smiles back. He gets up and walks in the opposite direction, smirking knowingly.
Setting: On the side of the road
Actors needed: A teen boy and a girl
Camera: Close ups and wide shots
Editing: Mostly long takes with quick flickers of short takes to creating a mysterious and disturbing feel.
Music: Something calm but dark and sinister sounding (e.g. something similar to talk show host - radiohead)
Idea four - A man with a desire to kill finds himself falling for a woman who seems to make all the dark thoughts go away. Will this woman find away to tame him? Or will everything come crashing down when temptation is too much to bare?
General idea for the opening: A close up from a mans face in profile to show his concentration. And extreme close up on his eyes as they follow the lines he is writing. A wide shot shows him at the table, showing him drawing and sketching something. He closes his eyes. A close up of his face shows his expression as he imagines something, though the audience do not know what. Another wide shot shows him and a window behind him, children skip past behind him outside in the light whilst he remains in darkness, eyes closed imagining. An extreme close up of his pencil upon the paper as he draws. He is finished and drops his pencil. His eyes light up at his own creation. There is an over the shoulder shot showing a detailed drawing of a dead woman. He smiles.
Setting: In a house. The kitchen/dining room
Actors needed: A man, and two children
Camera: Would focus around close ups, extreme close ups, wide shots and the odd over the shoulder shot.
Editing: Would mostly feature long drawn out shots to create tension.
Music: The music again would be dark and sinister throughout.
General idea for the opening: It starts with a close up of a man's face. It will zoom into his cold eyes, they will then flicker to the side and it will change to a wide shot, kissing his children and wife goodbye as he leave to go to work. He will then walk through his office, greeting people as he walks through - obviously a popular man. He gets to his office, closes the door, sits at his desk and thinks. Another close up will be used on his cold, thoughtful face as a voice over of his thoughts speaks a sinister sentence, hinting at his lust for blood.
Setting: In a house, in an environment that looks like an office
Actors needed: The man, a wife, an older son, a younger daughter, various co-workers
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots and tracking shots.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during close ups of the main character, lively and inviting during his interactions with others.
Idea two
General idea for the opening: Close up of a man's face as he says, "they'll wanna know how it happened. Music starts from here. A wide shot of a man on his own in his bed sleeping. It zooms into his face as he slowly opens his eyes. He taps the side four times and puts on his glasses. Gets out of bed. Makes bed and pulls each four corners four times each to tighten and straighten the bedding. He smooths the covers with his palm four times. Showers. Brushes teeth. Phone rings and he answers. He argues with his mother. He grits his teeth back and fourth, back and fourth. Eats his cereal. Grabs a knife from a collection of war memorabilia, touches/grips it four times and leaves.
Setting: In a house/something that could look like an apartment.
Actors needed: The man
Camera: A mix of close ups and wide shots. A lot of close ups.
Editing: A mixture of long takes with a couple of quick, unnerving short takes of his routine thrown in.
Music: Dark and ominous during the entire scene.
Idea three
General idea for the opening: A teenage boy sits on the curb of smoking a cigarette. There is a set of short take extreme close ups of him putting it out violently. A girl walks past as he does so. He looks up and watches her, his eyes interested and focused on her. He gets a vision - an extreme close up of his arms gripping her. He shakes it off and smiles to himself and then at her, she smiles back. He gets up and walks in the opposite direction, smirking knowingly.
Setting: On the side of the road
Actors needed: A teen boy and a girl
Camera: Close ups and wide shots
Editing: Mostly long takes with quick flickers of short takes to creating a mysterious and disturbing feel.
Music: Something calm but dark and sinister sounding (e.g. something similar to talk show host - radiohead)
Idea four - A man with a desire to kill finds himself falling for a woman who seems to make all the dark thoughts go away. Will this woman find away to tame him? Or will everything come crashing down when temptation is too much to bare?
General idea for the opening: A close up from a mans face in profile to show his concentration. And extreme close up on his eyes as they follow the lines he is writing. A wide shot shows him at the table, showing him drawing and sketching something. He closes his eyes. A close up of his face shows his expression as he imagines something, though the audience do not know what. Another wide shot shows him and a window behind him, children skip past behind him outside in the light whilst he remains in darkness, eyes closed imagining. An extreme close up of his pencil upon the paper as he draws. He is finished and drops his pencil. His eyes light up at his own creation. There is an over the shoulder shot showing a detailed drawing of a dead woman. He smiles.
Setting: In a house. The kitchen/dining room
Actors needed: A man, and two children
Camera: Would focus around close ups, extreme close ups, wide shots and the odd over the shoulder shot.
Editing: Would mostly feature long drawn out shots to create tension.
Music: The music again would be dark and sinister throughout.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Planning - Research to develop filming and editting aspects
I am looking at three different films either in the thriller genre or similar. These films are directed by people who have come up in previous research as their styles are quite different and popular.
Tim Burton - Sleepy Hollow
Brief summary of first two minutes
Camera: Mostly close ups
Editing: Fairly short takes, dissolving into each other.
Sound: Sinister music with clear sounds matching the action over the top.
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I like the use of short takes in this, also the sinister music. I think both of these will be incorporated into my opening in some way. I also liked the darky, misty feel throughout, tying it all together.
Baz Lurhmann - Romeo and Juliet
Brief summary of first two minutes
Camera: The camera features a variety of shots. Close ups, wide shots, extreme close ups, zooms.
Editing: The editing features very fast takes mixed with a few long. Dissolves and harsh cuts are used throughout, creating a very dramatic effect.
Sound: Voice over is used as well as very powerful music.
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I loved the fast takes. I liked how the opening was not typical of all films with the use of fast takes. It almost appeared like a trailer but it was very effective and left a great impact. I think I will definitely be incorporating this style for my own piece. Though, I will tone it down so it still can apply to the usual codes and conventions of a thriller opening. I also will incorporate the variety of shots and the strong musical sense.
Quentin Tarantino - Pulp fiction opening
(Due to previous analysis I will not be taking notes)
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I liked the slow beginning. The use of long takes, and how it starts off drawing the audience in with a story - instantly drawing them into the opening scene. I also like how music is used in the opening, going from nothing to then suddenly bursting in at the end of the story when the opening credits start to roll. I think it draws the audience into a false sense of security and shocks them, as the music used is lively and frantic. I feel the sense of shock and contrast within different shots and a strong sense of music is something I feel that I could take for my own piece as it grabs the attention from the audience from the beginning and unnerves them from the beginning - very much like a typical thriller opening.
Tim Burton - Sleepy Hollow
Brief summary of first two minutes
Camera: Mostly close ups
Editing: Fairly short takes, dissolving into each other.
Sound: Sinister music with clear sounds matching the action over the top.
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I like the use of short takes in this, also the sinister music. I think both of these will be incorporated into my opening in some way. I also liked the darky, misty feel throughout, tying it all together.
Baz Lurhmann - Romeo and Juliet
Brief summary of first two minutes
Camera: The camera features a variety of shots. Close ups, wide shots, extreme close ups, zooms.
Editing: The editing features very fast takes mixed with a few long. Dissolves and harsh cuts are used throughout, creating a very dramatic effect.
Sound: Voice over is used as well as very powerful music.
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I loved the fast takes. I liked how the opening was not typical of all films with the use of fast takes. It almost appeared like a trailer but it was very effective and left a great impact. I think I will definitely be incorporating this style for my own piece. Though, I will tone it down so it still can apply to the usual codes and conventions of a thriller opening. I also will incorporate the variety of shots and the strong musical sense.
Quentin Tarantino - Pulp fiction opening
(Due to previous analysis I will not be taking notes)
Things I liked and may take from this opening: I liked the slow beginning. The use of long takes, and how it starts off drawing the audience in with a story - instantly drawing them into the opening scene. I also like how music is used in the opening, going from nothing to then suddenly bursting in at the end of the story when the opening credits start to roll. I think it draws the audience into a false sense of security and shocks them, as the music used is lively and frantic. I feel the sense of shock and contrast within different shots and a strong sense of music is something I feel that I could take for my own piece as it grabs the attention from the audience from the beginning and unnerves them from the beginning - very much like a typical thriller opening.
Planning - Research to develop character
Jeffrey Dahmer - American serial killer and sex offender. Dahmer murdered 17 men and boys – many of whom were of African or Asian descent – between 1978 and 1991, with the majority of the murders occurring between 1987 and 1991. His murders were particularly gruesome, involving rape, torture, dismemberment, necrophilia and cannibalism.
- Wikipedia.
He had a decent childhood. His father said as a young boy he was fascinated with the world around him and introduced Jeffrey to his collection of animal bones, which sparked Jeffrey's interest in animals. As he became more interested in animals he became curious to what they looked like inside. During the the stage of which when Jeffrey was going through puberty he began to collect roadkill and dissect the animals in the woods. His father believes this plays a big part it where Jeffrey's strange sexual desires. Jeffrey found it difficult to come to terms with his sexuality as he was homosexual.
He had a drinking problem through high school but was popular and known as the class clown. He later went onto joining the army but had to leave during his drink problem. He was living with his Grandmother when his consistent killings started (as he had killed a hitch hiker before).
Things I can take from this to help my own plot and story: unusual childhood, substance problems, could be popular and charismatic. Also from watching interviews he appears very calm and in control, very normal and generally a 'nice' guy. This should come into my consideration when choosing an actor for the character.
- Wikipedia.
He had a decent childhood. His father said as a young boy he was fascinated with the world around him and introduced Jeffrey to his collection of animal bones, which sparked Jeffrey's interest in animals. As he became more interested in animals he became curious to what they looked like inside. During the the stage of which when Jeffrey was going through puberty he began to collect roadkill and dissect the animals in the woods. His father believes this plays a big part it where Jeffrey's strange sexual desires. Jeffrey found it difficult to come to terms with his sexuality as he was homosexual.
He had a drinking problem through high school but was popular and known as the class clown. He later went onto joining the army but had to leave during his drink problem. He was living with his Grandmother when his consistent killings started (as he had killed a hitch hiker before).
Things I can take from this to help my own plot and story: unusual childhood, substance problems, could be popular and charismatic. Also from watching interviews he appears very calm and in control, very normal and generally a 'nice' guy. This should come into my consideration when choosing an actor for the character.
Ted Bundy - was an American serial killer active between 1974 and 1978. He escaped twice from county jails before his final apprehension in February 1978. Bundy was executed by electric chair for his last murder by the state of Florida in January 1989.
After more than a decade of vigorous denials, he eventually confessed to over 30 murders, although the actual total of victims remains unknown. Estimates range from 26 to over 100, the general estimate being 35. Typically, Bundy would bludgeon his victims, then strangle them to death. He also engaged in rape and necrophilia.
- Wikipedia
Ted did not have the best childhood due to his mother having him out of wedlock and having her parents (Ted's grandparents) acting and telling Ted that they were his actual parents, and also telling him that his mother was his sister. His Grandfather used to be particularly violent towards the women. One time when his mother was sleeping Ted took all the knives from out of the kitchen and placed them around her, pointing towards her.
Some people believe Ted's first kill was in his teens, a very young girl that he knew who went missing. Most people believe that his first kill came after he found out the truth about his family and also after he had broken up with his girlfriend. All of Ted's victims were attractive females with long brown hair, usually worn in a middling parting - they shared these physical features with Ted's ex-girlfriend.
Ted blamed his murderous acts on pornography. He was also a very charming man and surprisingly had a lot of female admirers.
Things I can take from this to help my own plot and story: He also was very charismatic and could easily charm and manipulate, when he was younger he was very socially awkward and could not understand relationships between people, family issues could have driven his first kill.
Breif summary of potential ideas
Idea one - A man with a wife and kids who has a dark secret other life. He appears normal to those around him but when you look closer you can see there are sinister aspects to him. His need for bloodshed seeps through his normal family man persona until he can bare it no more and succumbs to his lust.
Idea two - A social outcast and undiagnosed sociopath who suffers from OCD snaps and acknowledges his desire to kill and collect after a stressful chain of events.
Idea three - A teenage peeping Tom with a less than perfect home life is taunted by dark and twisted fantasies involving killing and torturing women. Throughout the audience would be unsure whether or not some of these fantasies are real or not until the end where he accidentally commits his first murder which seems to be the start of something awful.
Idea four - A man with a desire to kill finds himself falling for a woman who seems to make all the dark thoughts go away. Will this woman find away to tame him? Or will everything come crashing down when temptation is too much to bare?
To build on these ideas and to find the best one to use I am going to research some serial killers and look at openings to other thrillers and crime dramas to see how to go about specifically creating an opening to a thriller film based around a complex character.
Idea two - A social outcast and undiagnosed sociopath who suffers from OCD snaps and acknowledges his desire to kill and collect after a stressful chain of events.
Idea three - A teenage peeping Tom with a less than perfect home life is taunted by dark and twisted fantasies involving killing and torturing women. Throughout the audience would be unsure whether or not some of these fantasies are real or not until the end where he accidentally commits his first murder which seems to be the start of something awful.
Idea four - A man with a desire to kill finds himself falling for a woman who seems to make all the dark thoughts go away. Will this woman find away to tame him? Or will everything come crashing down when temptation is too much to bare?
To build on these ideas and to find the best one to use I am going to research some serial killers and look at openings to other thrillers and crime dramas to see how to go about specifically creating an opening to a thriller film based around a complex character.
How my research will affect my planning
From my research I have concluded that I will be making the opening scene to a Thriller as this idea seemed to be most popular during my questionnaire research. This thriller will feature around one main character as this seems to be popular in Thrillers, especially the ones I have reviewed in my real media artefacts (American Psycho, Taxi Driver are two main examples of this). I have also decided that the main character will be a male serial killer as this also seemed popular in my research and there are again many examples and films I can draw inspiration from, particularly some of the real media artefacts I have looked at (American Psycho, Taxi Driver (to some degree), Silence of the lambs). I will have to make this character intellectually stimulating and realistic so I think a good way to go about creating this character would be to watch and research things involving serial killers and analysis of their minds. Documentaries and crime dramas would probably be a good way about going to do this so I can draw from real and realistic interpretations of killers to create my own, as most of the story will be about the character itself.
For the opening scene I feel it should be mysterious, calm and quite sinister. It should appear to be quite a normal scene, in the home of the main character to again draw on the ‘normal’ appearance of this scene, so that the audience questions what is going to go on later and what the character is really like. I may also draw from American Psycho in particular as this seems to be the epitome of not only a good thriller but the results from my questionnaire. I think I will be looking at this film a lot more closely.
For the editing and camera shots I think I will take another look at Pulp Fiction as well as Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo and Juliet Tim Burton’s Sleepy hollow as these directors were mentioned in my questionnaires and may give me some inspiration of how to go about the editing, as well as gaining some ideas from other Thriller films. I think the editing should be a mix of slow and sinister and quick and unnerving shots, this will leave the audience questioning the characters personality as the quick changes could represent his quick change in persona and also they would keep the audience feeling on edge and questioning of what may happen in the later scenes of the film. There will also be a lot of close ups to focus on the character and his emotions.
Lighting will probably be dark and dull to reflect the ominous feel of a creepy thriller.
Mrs D
There is some excellent analysis here. Well done. To improve, you need to keep in mind that it is the opening you need to analyse and explore how the camera, mes etc fits with opening features rather than just referring to the genre.
Audience and institutions
I would place my film in a cinema and have it widely available to watch as the Thriller genre of film is a widely popular film and are usually shown in most cinemas. It would be advertised on television and on billboards. The channels I would focus trying to advertise on would ideally be the more popular channels like ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky and then other sky channels that often feature dramas and thrillers like Living and FX as the audiences would be interested in this type of genre, especially if advertised in between programs like Dexter and Criminal minds and other popular TV dramas and crime dramas, or programs that have elements of horror and thriller in them. The trailer for this film could also be advertised in the cinema with films like Black Swan, The Next Three Days and Unstoppable which are all Thrillers currently on at the moment (January 2011). It might also be a good idea to advertise it with dramas and horrors as they are also similar genres so films like The Kings Speech, John Carpenter’s Ward and 127 hours might all have audiences that would find my film appealing. They are also all are around the age appropriate group as most of these films will have an adult audience as most are rated 15, which I feel my film would probably also be.
The audience I will make my film appeal to would be people above the age of 15, mainly adults who enjoy films that could be real life stories and are physiologically intellectually stimulating. They would probably enjoy a bit of action but would find most of the interest in the development of the main character rather than the action going on; this means I will have to create a complex main character, which has been helped with ideas from my real media artefacts.
When the film is to be screened on movie channels at a later date I think the best channels to feature this film would be Sky Premier as that shows a variety of popular films, Sky Indie might also be a good idea as thrillers usually attract small ‘cult’ followings and Sky Indie is known for its showing of ‘cult classics’. Sky Action and adventure might also be a good choice as it would contain action in the later scenes. However, Sky Crime and Thriller would be the most obvious and popular choice as it would fit that genre perfectly due to it being a crime thriller.
The audience I will make my film appeal to would be people above the age of 15, mainly adults who enjoy films that could be real life stories and are physiologically intellectually stimulating. They would probably enjoy a bit of action but would find most of the interest in the development of the main character rather than the action going on; this means I will have to create a complex main character, which has been helped with ideas from my real media artefacts.
When the film is to be screened on movie channels at a later date I think the best channels to feature this film would be Sky Premier as that shows a variety of popular films, Sky Indie might also be a good idea as thrillers usually attract small ‘cult’ followings and Sky Indie is known for its showing of ‘cult classics’. Sky Action and adventure might also be a good choice as it would contain action in the later scenes. However, Sky Crime and Thriller would be the most obvious and popular choice as it would fit that genre perfectly due to it being a crime thriller.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Pulp fiction analysis
Sound
Pulp fiction is different to most openings of thriller movies. It all starts off very calm and 'normal', lulling the audience into a false sense of security with the natural sounds of the dialect, cars outside, muffles of the diner and light, calming music in the diner. This then contrasts with the action at the very end of the opening with the calm conversation becoming shouts and then the music frantically crashing in.
The music for the title sequence is fast paced and hectic sounding, giving the audience a shock and a taste for the action that is going to appear in the future of the film. Typical of a thriller as thriller opening always like to hint at what comes next.
The dialect also hints at something more sinister with talk of killing and robbing banks discussed in a very calm manner, making it appear normal. This is very chilling as killing and robbery should not be lighthearted subjects of conversation. These dark themes again are typical of thrillers and hints of them in the opening sequence is typical of a thriller opening.
Editing
The takes are very long in this, like the other real media artifacts. This again gives the appearance of calmness, leading to false security. This also then contrasts with the speedy subtitles making the audience feel uneasy and completely unaware of what may happen next.
Mis en Scene
Like the sound and the lighting mis en scene is not typical of a thriller opening as everything appears 'normal' and non-offensive. The colours are warm and inviting with the use of reds and warm woods. There are no cold or dark colours or anything visually that connotes darker things to come. This again lulls the audience into think the film is something that it isn't, which isn't as typical of a thriller opening but it makes for a great impact to not do what the audience would expect from a thriller.
Lighting
The lighting is natural and warming, again it has a similar effect to the Mis en Scene. Non-offensive, not at all foreboding as dark, not what you'd expect, but with a big impact.
Camera
The camera shots used are only wide shots and close ups, fitting the long takes. This lack of variety of shots is quite uncommon to thrillers as there are usually more to set the scene and create a mysterious impact of the surrounds and characters. Pulp fiction, again, does not choose the obvious and keeps it simple to keep the audience feeling as if they are on top of the story, when they are not. Most of the opening scene is in wide, with medium close ups to show particular reactions. Such as when the woman says she's 'not gonna kill' anyone. This is to highlight important, sinister parts in the conversation, hinting at what is to come - typical of thriller openings.
Pulp fiction is different to most openings of thriller movies. It all starts off very calm and 'normal', lulling the audience into a false sense of security with the natural sounds of the dialect, cars outside, muffles of the diner and light, calming music in the diner. This then contrasts with the action at the very end of the opening with the calm conversation becoming shouts and then the music frantically crashing in.
The music for the title sequence is fast paced and hectic sounding, giving the audience a shock and a taste for the action that is going to appear in the future of the film. Typical of a thriller as thriller opening always like to hint at what comes next.
The dialect also hints at something more sinister with talk of killing and robbing banks discussed in a very calm manner, making it appear normal. This is very chilling as killing and robbery should not be lighthearted subjects of conversation. These dark themes again are typical of thrillers and hints of them in the opening sequence is typical of a thriller opening.
Editing
The takes are very long in this, like the other real media artifacts. This again gives the appearance of calmness, leading to false security. This also then contrasts with the speedy subtitles making the audience feel uneasy and completely unaware of what may happen next.
Mis en Scene
Like the sound and the lighting mis en scene is not typical of a thriller opening as everything appears 'normal' and non-offensive. The colours are warm and inviting with the use of reds and warm woods. There are no cold or dark colours or anything visually that connotes darker things to come. This again lulls the audience into think the film is something that it isn't, which isn't as typical of a thriller opening but it makes for a great impact to not do what the audience would expect from a thriller.
Lighting
The lighting is natural and warming, again it has a similar effect to the Mis en Scene. Non-offensive, not at all foreboding as dark, not what you'd expect, but with a big impact.
Camera
The camera shots used are only wide shots and close ups, fitting the long takes. This lack of variety of shots is quite uncommon to thrillers as there are usually more to set the scene and create a mysterious impact of the surrounds and characters. Pulp fiction, again, does not choose the obvious and keeps it simple to keep the audience feeling as if they are on top of the story, when they are not. Most of the opening scene is in wide, with medium close ups to show particular reactions. Such as when the woman says she's 'not gonna kill' anyone. This is to highlight important, sinister parts in the conversation, hinting at what is to come - typical of thriller openings.
Silence of the lambs analysis
Mis en scene
The opening is set in a dark gloomy forest with dull lighting, these already instantly creates the atmosphere of a thriller as it is a typical setting for something dark or mysterious things to happen, making the audience question what is going to happen. It then slowly pans down to reveal more of the foggy and spooky looking woodland. This again is typical of thrillers as it’s mysterious and creepy, particularly the fog which slightly impairs the audiences vision of the scene, making it unclear and dangerous. It also helps that the camera does not include any shots of humans or animals up until about a minute into the film, this keeps the audience in suspense which again is a typical thriller move, as the audience are clueless as to what is about to happen, feeling as though anything could happen.
Lighting
The lighting is dull, also adding to the thriller, dark and sinister feel of most thriller openings. It is natural lighting but due to the setting of it being in a wood it appears dark creepy and foreboding, typical of thriller openings.
Sound
As the film begins and opens to show off the woodland setting the music remains light but then becomes dark creepy as the camera move deeper into the woods, changing to strong mysterious music. You can also hear the sound her panting this connotes breathlessness, lifelessness and fear. People often breathe heavily when they are scarred. Also it illustrates her running, which could leave the audience questioning whether or not she is running away from anyone or anything. This gives the opening it's typical thriller creepy feel. The sounds of birds flying away is also an interesting sound used, perfect for the opening of a thriller as it connotes danger as people associate birds flying away from dangerous situations, hinting that what might happen may feature danger. This is typical of a thriller opening as they love to hint at future mystery and get the audience on edge from the beginning.
Camera
tracking shots when she runs, as if she’s being followed is again typical of a thriller. It connotes an immediate sense of danger from the beginning and also hints of some form of killer/beast that may be out to get her. It allows the audience to question the future plot, which is what many thriller openings aim to do. Close up tracking shots of her face and her feet are also there to show her tired emotion and her physical ability, letting the audience know this is character is strong and probably a challenge to fight, making her the heroin and setting plot slightly for the audience.
Editing
There are a variety of short and long takes. When she is running through the trees the shots are shorter to increase the tension and hit that she may be in danger, as short takes are often used with action and danger sequences. This again hints at the danger that is to come. Generally the shots are long shots which is typical for most opening scenes, though the contrast between long and short takes is typical of thriller openings as they like to keep the audience on edge and surprise them with different elements.
The opening is set in a dark gloomy forest with dull lighting, these already instantly creates the atmosphere of a thriller as it is a typical setting for something dark or mysterious things to happen, making the audience question what is going to happen. It then slowly pans down to reveal more of the foggy and spooky looking woodland. This again is typical of thrillers as it’s mysterious and creepy, particularly the fog which slightly impairs the audiences vision of the scene, making it unclear and dangerous. It also helps that the camera does not include any shots of humans or animals up until about a minute into the film, this keeps the audience in suspense which again is a typical thriller move, as the audience are clueless as to what is about to happen, feeling as though anything could happen.
Lighting
The lighting is dull, also adding to the thriller, dark and sinister feel of most thriller openings. It is natural lighting but due to the setting of it being in a wood it appears dark creepy and foreboding, typical of thriller openings.
Sound
As the film begins and opens to show off the woodland setting the music remains light but then becomes dark creepy as the camera move deeper into the woods, changing to strong mysterious music. You can also hear the sound her panting this connotes breathlessness, lifelessness and fear. People often breathe heavily when they are scarred. Also it illustrates her running, which could leave the audience questioning whether or not she is running away from anyone or anything. This gives the opening it's typical thriller creepy feel. The sounds of birds flying away is also an interesting sound used, perfect for the opening of a thriller as it connotes danger as people associate birds flying away from dangerous situations, hinting that what might happen may feature danger. This is typical of a thriller opening as they love to hint at future mystery and get the audience on edge from the beginning.
Camera
tracking shots when she runs, as if she’s being followed is again typical of a thriller. It connotes an immediate sense of danger from the beginning and also hints of some form of killer/beast that may be out to get her. It allows the audience to question the future plot, which is what many thriller openings aim to do. Close up tracking shots of her face and her feet are also there to show her tired emotion and her physical ability, letting the audience know this is character is strong and probably a challenge to fight, making her the heroin and setting plot slightly for the audience.
Editing
There are a variety of short and long takes. When she is running through the trees the shots are shorter to increase the tension and hit that she may be in danger, as short takes are often used with action and danger sequences. This again hints at the danger that is to come. Generally the shots are long shots which is typical for most opening scenes, though the contrast between long and short takes is typical of thriller openings as they like to keep the audience on edge and surprise them with different elements.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Taxi Driver analysis
I will focus on the title sequence for this analysis to give me an idea about how I might incorporate the titles. It features close ups of taxis, smoke, eyes, lights, and people walking by.
Camera
A close up of smoke is seen first and is typical of thriller. It blocks what is going on behind it and gives an eerie, creepy and mysterious feel. As it is also used first it keeps the audience in suspense which is typical of opening scenes as it sparks an initial interest and hints at the rest of the film.
There is another close up as a Taxi as it drives forward slowly. This shows hints of what the film will entail (again, typical of open scenes) and the slow speed of the car used with the intense music makes the taxi seem scary in some way precarious.
An Extreme Close up of eyes shows his furrowed brow and cold angry stare. It also it creates a dark and dangerous feel as the lighting is mostly red, which has connotations to danger, making it seem like the character could be dangerous or scary.
A wide angle of looking out a car window showing blurry lights is also used. This sets the scene also the colours of the lights are mostly red and blue, coming across as being dangerous and cold, like the character appears to be. It also has connotations with sirens and the police, maybe foregrounding parts of the story. This again is very typical of thrillers to drop hints to the audiences.
There is another wide shot of people walking across a city street, over the top of this there seems to be an image of red and blue smoke or fire, again hinting at danger and maybe something involved with the law being broken and people needing to be in forced upon the law.
Mis en Scene
There is a taxi, this is used to relate to the title and plot of the film, as the man is a taxi driver and the film is also called taxi driver. This is quite typical of thrillers as it reflects some of what is going to happen in the film. There are also people walking across the street, this again is to show the audience an introduction to the film and also the character as it looks like a view the characters would see on most of his days out. Thrillers usually do this when the plot revolves around one character, it gives the audience an insight to what the character sees daily.
The fact that the opening is set during night is also quite typical of thrillers as most start of being dark and sinister. Hinting at the darkness that might follow.
The lighting is interesting in this, especially the close up of the eyes. It is a contrast between dark night time shots and bright dangerous looking reds and cold menacing blues.
These aspects all help create a good opening scene as all the objects and mis en scene features hint at what the rest of the film will include and hints at the potential plot.
Sound
At the beginning the music is very dark, drum heavy and brassy sounding. Powerful. It also sounds quite sinister as well. This then changes to light sexy sounding music which features the saxophone, that is known to be a sexy sounding instrument. This change immediately occurs when it gets to his eyes. Then changes back to the scarier music when the camera shot changes, but returns with the close up of his eyes. This could be used to represent the two possible two sides to him. It also creates a contrast between how nice and appealing he may seem but actually when you look more closely at his cold eyes there is something much more menacing to him. It leaves the audience questioning whether this character is good or disturbed, which thrillers are commonly known for doing, leaving their audience quite in the dark at first. This mysterious music also is typical of an opening scene as it again gives hints about what is going to come up in the rest of the film, openings often to this to show the audience the general feel of the film, have the audience gain an interest and keep the audience guessing as to what might happen next.
Editing
The editing in this is also very similar to the editing in American Psycho. It features slow takes, which appear calm, relaxed but yet a bit sinister as the shots tend to linger a bit too long, especially the ones during the close up of the eyes, it’s like a stare that remains too long. It’s uncomfortable slightly for the audience and makes them feel wearing and on edge from the opening scene.
Camera
A close up of smoke is seen first and is typical of thriller. It blocks what is going on behind it and gives an eerie, creepy and mysterious feel. As it is also used first it keeps the audience in suspense which is typical of opening scenes as it sparks an initial interest and hints at the rest of the film.
There is another close up as a Taxi as it drives forward slowly. This shows hints of what the film will entail (again, typical of open scenes) and the slow speed of the car used with the intense music makes the taxi seem scary in some way precarious.
An Extreme Close up of eyes shows his furrowed brow and cold angry stare. It also it creates a dark and dangerous feel as the lighting is mostly red, which has connotations to danger, making it seem like the character could be dangerous or scary.
A wide angle of looking out a car window showing blurry lights is also used. This sets the scene also the colours of the lights are mostly red and blue, coming across as being dangerous and cold, like the character appears to be. It also has connotations with sirens and the police, maybe foregrounding parts of the story. This again is very typical of thrillers to drop hints to the audiences.
There is another wide shot of people walking across a city street, over the top of this there seems to be an image of red and blue smoke or fire, again hinting at danger and maybe something involved with the law being broken and people needing to be in forced upon the law.
Mis en Scene
There is a taxi, this is used to relate to the title and plot of the film, as the man is a taxi driver and the film is also called taxi driver. This is quite typical of thrillers as it reflects some of what is going to happen in the film. There are also people walking across the street, this again is to show the audience an introduction to the film and also the character as it looks like a view the characters would see on most of his days out. Thrillers usually do this when the plot revolves around one character, it gives the audience an insight to what the character sees daily.
The fact that the opening is set during night is also quite typical of thrillers as most start of being dark and sinister. Hinting at the darkness that might follow.
The lighting is interesting in this, especially the close up of the eyes. It is a contrast between dark night time shots and bright dangerous looking reds and cold menacing blues.
These aspects all help create a good opening scene as all the objects and mis en scene features hint at what the rest of the film will include and hints at the potential plot.
Sound
At the beginning the music is very dark, drum heavy and brassy sounding. Powerful. It also sounds quite sinister as well. This then changes to light sexy sounding music which features the saxophone, that is known to be a sexy sounding instrument. This change immediately occurs when it gets to his eyes. Then changes back to the scarier music when the camera shot changes, but returns with the close up of his eyes. This could be used to represent the two possible two sides to him. It also creates a contrast between how nice and appealing he may seem but actually when you look more closely at his cold eyes there is something much more menacing to him. It leaves the audience questioning whether this character is good or disturbed, which thrillers are commonly known for doing, leaving their audience quite in the dark at first. This mysterious music also is typical of an opening scene as it again gives hints about what is going to come up in the rest of the film, openings often to this to show the audience the general feel of the film, have the audience gain an interest and keep the audience guessing as to what might happen next.
Editing
The editing in this is also very similar to the editing in American Psycho. It features slow takes, which appear calm, relaxed but yet a bit sinister as the shots tend to linger a bit too long, especially the ones during the close up of the eyes, it’s like a stare that remains too long. It’s uncomfortable slightly for the audience and makes them feel wearing and on edge from the opening scene.
Miss D
I like how the analysis of your results considers the planning of your own Real Media Artefact; this is a good way to approach the project.
American Psycho Analysis
The opening of this shows a ‘normal’ looking man going through his morning routine and explaining it to the audience in great detail.
Camera angles
Panning shots are used at the beginning to show around his normal, bachelor pad, home. This shows the setting and interestes the audience. It also lures the audience into a false sense of security as this normal looking would not usually make you feel as if someone sinister is living there. This is typical of a thriller as it keeps the audience on edge and doesn't give anything away and creates a sense of mystery.
Close up and zoom are also used throughout. One effective close up is used when a face in his reflection on a film poster, shows his interests - or the person he is trying to project (well involved in pop culture, society, ect.) and also shows his cold, glare as he looks at himself. It introduces characters face and also his expression shows that there is something else to him. Typical of a Thriller as it creates a sense of mystery.
Mixture of wide shots that change to close ups during exercise routine which gives the impression of getting closer and closer to the character physically and mentally as he tells the audience more about him and his routine. It also works well with the zooms, that are used throughout, having the camera zoom in closer to him, the subject, having the same effect of becoming closer to the chacacter.
There are also close ups on various objects such as shampoo, face mask, moisturizer which shows the audience important aspects of his routine and to the character which come across as odd for a man and makes the audience question what is going on – typical of a thriller.
Close ups on face show his emotionless bland withdrawn expression and harsh eyes. The end part of scene is particually effect, when the character is pulling off face mask. It's symbolic of what lies beneath his exterior. Taking off his mask. Fits what he is saying. Again, typical of thriller. It shows there is something dark about this person, something not right, but it is a mystery. His dark gaze also shows this.
Sound
The use of classical music at first seems calm, normal and shows that he is a man with class, money, some form of high social status with an appreciation for the arts maybe. Intelligent. This then changes when he is pulling off his face mask, telling the audience that there is something sinister to him. The music changes from light and classic to more ominous, dark, scary tones. Also represents how he might be able to go from calm to evil. Classic of a thriller. Shows the audience that there is more to it than this, there is a mystery, there is a problem, something dark.
The use of a voice over is also effective. He explains to the audience his routine as the audience watch it. His attention to detail seems a little odd, over powering, well thought out and contrived slightly as if he might be putting it on for show. This makes the audience feel there might be something weird going on with him. At the end part of the scene he says things like, “there is no real me, only an entity” “I can hide my cold gaze” “I simply and not there” – shows audience there is something wrong with him certainly. It is scary, thrilling and makes the audience question what is going on?
Also the use of phrases such as, “you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours” is particularly sinister. The words “flesh” and “gripping” are particularly violent words. Flesh makes the audience think of blood, death, slaughter. Where as gripping makes the audience think of violence, fights, force. Maybe a sadistic nature is in this character? This is a typical 'thrilling' story line to have it be about a killer. It also is typical for the thriller to not exactly say what exactly is wrong with him.
Editing
Long takes create a feeling of calmness, most thrillers start off calm. It allows the audience to think about what's going on, what is happening and what might happen.
Mes en Scene
It's set in an apartment , lots of white and clean ‘modern’ furniture. Shows wealth of the main character and also shows him appearing to be normal. This makes audience question what could happen and draws them into a sense of false security. Again this is typical of thrillers to put the audience in a place where that might not be what it seems.
Framing is also interesting as he is mostly in the middle of the frame, this is to focus on him - the main character - and have the audience think and observe him and what he is doing. It also gives the film a sophisticated and well thought out feel, which is fitting to the image obsessed settings and message of the film.There is a wide shot with the door central with him walking through it, this shows he is the main subject and seems quite mysterious. Makes audience question what, who, why? Typical of a thriller movie.
Costume wise, he is topless/nude for this, showing that he makes an effort with his physical appearance.
Camera angles
Panning shots are used at the beginning to show around his normal, bachelor pad, home. This shows the setting and interestes the audience. It also lures the audience into a false sense of security as this normal looking would not usually make you feel as if someone sinister is living there. This is typical of a thriller as it keeps the audience on edge and doesn't give anything away and creates a sense of mystery.
Close up and zoom are also used throughout. One effective close up is used when a face in his reflection on a film poster, shows his interests - or the person he is trying to project (well involved in pop culture, society, ect.) and also shows his cold, glare as he looks at himself. It introduces characters face and also his expression shows that there is something else to him. Typical of a Thriller as it creates a sense of mystery.
Mixture of wide shots that change to close ups during exercise routine which gives the impression of getting closer and closer to the character physically and mentally as he tells the audience more about him and his routine. It also works well with the zooms, that are used throughout, having the camera zoom in closer to him, the subject, having the same effect of becoming closer to the chacacter.
There are also close ups on various objects such as shampoo, face mask, moisturizer which shows the audience important aspects of his routine and to the character which come across as odd for a man and makes the audience question what is going on – typical of a thriller.
Close ups on face show his emotionless bland withdrawn expression and harsh eyes. The end part of scene is particually effect, when the character is pulling off face mask. It's symbolic of what lies beneath his exterior. Taking off his mask. Fits what he is saying. Again, typical of thriller. It shows there is something dark about this person, something not right, but it is a mystery. His dark gaze also shows this.
Sound
The use of classical music at first seems calm, normal and shows that he is a man with class, money, some form of high social status with an appreciation for the arts maybe. Intelligent. This then changes when he is pulling off his face mask, telling the audience that there is something sinister to him. The music changes from light and classic to more ominous, dark, scary tones. Also represents how he might be able to go from calm to evil. Classic of a thriller. Shows the audience that there is more to it than this, there is a mystery, there is a problem, something dark.
The use of a voice over is also effective. He explains to the audience his routine as the audience watch it. His attention to detail seems a little odd, over powering, well thought out and contrived slightly as if he might be putting it on for show. This makes the audience feel there might be something weird going on with him. At the end part of the scene he says things like, “there is no real me, only an entity” “I can hide my cold gaze” “I simply and not there” – shows audience there is something wrong with him certainly. It is scary, thrilling and makes the audience question what is going on?
Also the use of phrases such as, “you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours” is particularly sinister. The words “flesh” and “gripping” are particularly violent words. Flesh makes the audience think of blood, death, slaughter. Where as gripping makes the audience think of violence, fights, force. Maybe a sadistic nature is in this character? This is a typical 'thrilling' story line to have it be about a killer. It also is typical for the thriller to not exactly say what exactly is wrong with him.
Editing
Long takes create a feeling of calmness, most thrillers start off calm. It allows the audience to think about what's going on, what is happening and what might happen.
Mes en Scene
It's set in an apartment , lots of white and clean ‘modern’ furniture. Shows wealth of the main character and also shows him appearing to be normal. This makes audience question what could happen and draws them into a sense of false security. Again this is typical of thrillers to put the audience in a place where that might not be what it seems.
Framing is also interesting as he is mostly in the middle of the frame, this is to focus on him - the main character - and have the audience think and observe him and what he is doing. It also gives the film a sophisticated and well thought out feel, which is fitting to the image obsessed settings and message of the film.There is a wide shot with the door central with him walking through it, this shows he is the main subject and seems quite mysterious. Makes audience question what, who, why? Typical of a thriller movie.
Costume wise, he is topless/nude for this, showing that he makes an effort with his physical appearance.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Q2 analysis
As there wasn’t much different in results to the other questions concerning interest and tastes I have decided not to target any particular gender but focus on age.
As Thriller was most popular, with most people above 17 saying that Thrillers were their favourite I have decided to target people above 18.
Due to Thriller being the most popular within not only the people questioned but the audience I want to target, I feel that a thriller would be the best to do as it is obviously an genre that will always have an audience to appeal to and an audience who appreciates and will look into seeing films of this genre.
As Thriller was most popular, with most people above 17 saying that Thrillers were their favourite I have decided to target people above 18.
Due to Thriller being the most popular within not only the people questioned but the audience I want to target, I feel that a thriller would be the best to do as it is obviously an genre that will always have an audience to appeal to and an audience who appreciates and will look into seeing films of this genre.
As intellectually stimulating was the most popular option I feel that I should take this on board and use this for my own piece as well as a guide when choosing what films to analyse later. I will have to look films and compose a that make the audience and compose a plot which allows the audience to question and think about either what is happening or the character(s) themselves.
As a realistic story and a slasher movie are the most popular again I feel it would be wise to go down this road. I could perhaps incorporate the ‘serial killer on a spree’ typical plot into my piece but make it into something believable, rather than something of a joke. Focusing on more of the mind of the killer rather than the kill. This would be typical of the thriller genre and it would also be intellectually stimulating, creating a link with my other survey results.
I will have to look at films with male villains to allow me to create a believable plot and character for the male villain that is obviously shown to be in demand from these results.
I will have to look at films with male villains to allow me to create a believable plot and character for the male villain that is obviously shown to be in demand from these results.
As rural is the most popular this can easily be fitted into a plot that is believable, instead of something perhaps cliché and typical like a wood or a dark house.
Most people also said that a serial killer based plot does interest them. This links to my other results and it now is clear that a plot involving a serial killer would be best. Therefore I will have to look into films involving serial killers and also films that have maybe been brought up before.
There was a varied mixture of what was the most important element of a horror film. Most people said music and plot were the most important so I will have to incorporate music and work on creating a well thought out, interesting plot. Lighting, camera and editing were also mentioned, so I will have to think about those factors also.
Most people also said that a serial killer based plot does interest them. This links to my other results and it now is clear that a plot involving a serial killer would be best. Therefore I will have to look into films involving serial killers and also films that have maybe been brought up before.
There was a varied mixture of what was the most important element of a horror film. Most people said music and plot were the most important so I will have to incorporate music and work on creating a well thought out, interesting plot. Lighting, camera and editing were also mentioned, so I will have to think about those factors also.
Using these results I think that I will start it with a scene that appeals to be quite calm but has a sinister and mysterious feel to it, maybe by showing subtle oddness in the scene or within the character. I think a good film to look at for this would be American Psycho.
I think I will have to make the villain/main character out to be quite quiet and seemingly normal. From this point I feel that the plot would be based mostly on the characters mind, rather than the things around him. The thrill with be in figuring him out and asking why he does the things he does and what has lead him to do so. I will probably have to look at thrillers that involve a killer character as perhaps the main focus of the film.
Most people said that spiders, the unknown and failure are their biggest fears in life. I might be able to incorporate some of these into the plot and character by maybe making the character a failure and a product of peoples fear of failure. I could also go about the ‘unknown’ by making the character unpredictable and thought provoking. I will have to look at other films to collect notes on the characters and how I might go about this.
A lot of people mentioned Inception, Dark Knight, American Psycho and Silence of the lambs to be the best thriller they’ve seen. I think even though Inception is popular it is not fitting to look at to analyse as it doesn’t fit with the rest of the results with my questionnaire. However, the other three films might be visually interesting to look at, as well as providing useful points in character to look at in all the main villain characters.
These previous results are also mirrored in the question I asked about what plots seem more appealing as American Psycho, silence of the lambs and taxi driver came out on top. I think these films should all be included in the ones I use to analyse for my real media artefacts.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Questionnaire 2
Gender
Male
Female
Age
15-17
18-29
30-50
50+
Which do you prefer?
Thriller
Horror
Which would you prefer a film to be out of the following options?
Intellectually stimulating
Full of action
Funny
Serious
Out of these what appeals most to you?
Supernatural (Ghost)
Monsters (Vampires/Werewolves)
A realistic story (Could be a true story)
Slasher movies (psychopathic murderer on a spree)
Graphic gore (Saw)
Other (please state)
Would you rather the ‘villain’ character to be:
Male
Female
What setting appeals most to you?
Wood
Dark gothic house
Rural area
Other (please state)
Does the idea of a serial killer based plot appeal to you?
Yes
No
What do you think is the most important element of a horror film? E.g. music, lighting, setting, plot
How would you ideally like the film to start?
Action
Flash forward/back
Calm but mysterious
Other (please state)
What do you think is more effective for the ‘villain’?
Crazy
Seemingly normal
Quiet
Loud
Powerful
Controlling
Scary/Hideous in appearance
What scares you the most?
What is the best thriller/horror film you’ve seen? And why?
Out of these plots what seems the most interesting to watch?
An FBI agent uses the help of a confined psychopathic killer, to profile a missing person's kidnapper and serial killer. As she comes closer to lector, she shows sign of nervousness. Will she still seek his help to complete the job?
A Vietnam vet is a taxi driver who obsesses over a woman, while at the same time he tries to save a young prostitute. His mental instability makes him go to the extreme in certain situations.
A child psychologist helps a boy who unbelievably communicates with spirits while it tears his mother apart.
When a mining ship lands on a planet to investigate upon a suspected SOS, the entire crew are unaware of the terror which they would unleash upon their ship. When a alien life-form attaches itself to the face of a crew member, the rest of the team act fast to try and separate the two organisms. Unbeknownst to everyone, this is the start of the terror which would affect every member of the seven person crew.
A journalist investigating a videotape that may have killed four teenagers (including her niece). There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. If the legend is correct, she will have to run against time to save her son's and her own life.
A man, lives Wall Street by day and his nights are spent in ways impossible to fathom. He's a soul-less, modern monster whose zealous materialism and piercing envy fuels his homicidal activities.
Male
Female
Age
15-17
18-29
30-50
50+
Which do you prefer?
Thriller
Horror
Which would you prefer a film to be out of the following options?
Intellectually stimulating
Full of action
Funny
Serious
Out of these what appeals most to you?
Supernatural (Ghost)
Monsters (Vampires/Werewolves)
A realistic story (Could be a true story)
Slasher movies (psychopathic murderer on a spree)
Graphic gore (Saw)
Other (please state)
Would you rather the ‘villain’ character to be:
Male
Female
What setting appeals most to you?
Wood
Dark gothic house
Rural area
Other (please state)
Does the idea of a serial killer based plot appeal to you?
Yes
No
What do you think is the most important element of a horror film? E.g. music, lighting, setting, plot
How would you ideally like the film to start?
Action
Flash forward/back
Calm but mysterious
Other (please state)
What do you think is more effective for the ‘villain’?
Crazy
Seemingly normal
Quiet
Loud
Powerful
Controlling
Scary/Hideous in appearance
What scares you the most?
What is the best thriller/horror film you’ve seen? And why?
Out of these plots what seems the most interesting to watch?
An FBI agent uses the help of a confined psychopathic killer, to profile a missing person's kidnapper and serial killer. As she comes closer to lector, she shows sign of nervousness. Will she still seek his help to complete the job?
A Vietnam vet is a taxi driver who obsesses over a woman, while at the same time he tries to save a young prostitute. His mental instability makes him go to the extreme in certain situations.
A child psychologist helps a boy who unbelievably communicates with spirits while it tears his mother apart.
When a mining ship lands on a planet to investigate upon a suspected SOS, the entire crew are unaware of the terror which they would unleash upon their ship. When a alien life-form attaches itself to the face of a crew member, the rest of the team act fast to try and separate the two organisms. Unbeknownst to everyone, this is the start of the terror which would affect every member of the seven person crew.
A journalist investigating a videotape that may have killed four teenagers (including her niece). There is an urban legend about this tape: the viewer will die seven days after watching it. If the legend is correct, she will have to run against time to save her son's and her own life.
A man, lives Wall Street by day and his nights are spent in ways impossible to fathom. He's a soul-less, modern monster whose zealous materialism and piercing envy fuels his homicidal activities.
Q1 Ananlysis
- Despite the fact of there being a couple more males it was interesting to find that both sets of results were somewhat similar, apart from females being more interested in the ‘Romantic’ Genre.
- Under 15s were more prone to liking comedy films, where as older audiences found Thriller/Horror to be more interesting. As Thriller/Horror has been a more popular option I have decided to narrow my audience slightly to 15 and over.
- Favourite films varied. Inception and Avatar were most popular probably because they are new releases. Other movies that were popular were American Psycho, Silence of the lambs, Sweeney Todd and Trainspotting. All of these films are quite dark, scary, thrilling or represents real life. This makes it clear that I will have to incorporate something along these lines therefore I must explore this in my next questionnaire. I also might use some of these popular examples to look at in my real media artefact analysis.
- Upon looking at my results I noticed that Thriller/Horror movies are most popular. This makes me feel as if there will always be a market for these types of film, hence me coming to the conclusion to follow this and choose one of these genre for my own piece. It is especially popular in people above 15 so I feel it will be important to find investigate further in my next questionnaire and pin point a smaller audience to focus on and to see what is more popular between horror and thriller.
- These results show that people are very interested in music so I will have to explore further into this and see what music they find is the most effective. It is also apparent that music will be a crucial part of creating a horror/thriller atmosphere in the beginning scenes. It also seems that camera shots, costume and editing will have to be thought about thoroughly as people found those to be quite effective also.
- I will need to probably find out more about what music would be most effective in further stages of planning, but it is clear that music will be a key element in my future piece.
- Most films purchased were new releases. Inception being the most popular films purchased. Most people’s reasoning was due to it coming out and them being intrigued about the film as it looked interesting and intellectually stimulating. This factor might be something I wish to incorporate.
- Not many people were too sure on what directors were their favourite but Baz Luhrmann and Tim Burton were the most popular names, as well as a few people mentioning Danny Boyle, James Cameron and Quentin Tarentino . At a further date I think it would be a good idea to look and analyse some of their work.
- Films that came up as the most visually impacting were Avatar (due to the colours) Moulin Rouge (colours and camera shots and editing) Sin City (due to the mix of black and white and colour) Sweeney Todd (due to the dark colours) and also Pulp Fiction and Fight Club (due to editing and camera shots). Again, I feel that these films might be good to look at during the planning stage to see what I can take from them to use in my own piece.
Questionnaire one
Gender
Male
Female
Age
Under 15
15-17
18-29
30-50
50+
What is your favourite film and why?
What is your favourite genre of film?
Comedy
Drama
Romance
Sci-Fi
Thriller/Horror
Action
Historic
Documentary
Musical
Other (please sate)
Why?
What element do you think is the most important in creating an atmosphere?
Music/sound
Camera shots
Editing
Setting
Costume
How important so you think music is in creating an atmosphere?
Not at all
Fairly important
Important
Very important
Extremely important
Why?
What was the last film you purchased? Why?
Who is your favourite director (if any)? Why?
What film (if any) do you feel was the most visually impacting and interesting to view? Why?
Thursday, 13 January 2011
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