Planning our mise-en-scene (Miss Georgiou)

1. Why is mise-en-scene important within a thriller film?

Mise-en-scene is a very important and crucial element in creating a successful thriller film. It is all the visual information in the front of the camera and communicates information to the audience. This is very important, particularly in a thriller film as the most important idea of a thriller is that a successful relationship is created between the audience and the main character so once the thriller sequence has started, the elements of shock, surprise and suspense are the most effective they can be.
2. What is the mise-en-scene of your thriller film?

Setting and iconography
This clip takes part in a house on the corner of a street. The locations where abouts is never revealed when the girl arrives at the house apart from the idea that its on a street which adds to the element of unknown. By not showing where the house is, the audience become unaware of the surroundings so as she goes to escape it sends a panic through the audience as they don’t know where she should run. 
A weapon is used in the form of a knife. This allows the audience to put themselves into the scene and grabbing the knife as it happens to be the one familiar object available. A knife is very conventional and commonly used as it creates a more gory death as multiple wounds are usually achieved as a result. This allows there to be more suspense as the scene can be dragged out as a death by knife is slower and more theatrical then the other more action conventional methods of a gun.
Hair, make-up and costumes
In terms of hair in this scene the main actresses hair has been made to look neat and freshly retouched to make her seem together, confident and in control. This helps highlight the true mental and physical effect the encounter with the poltergeist has as afterwards the actress's hair is tampered with and left to look un-brushed as well as wild and ragged to emphasize the feelings being experienced. Leaving the main characters initial look to fall apart is very stereotypical of a thriller film as in order to emphasis the effect of the paranormal presence has had on the character suggesting they are no longer able to function as they normally would as their life has been turned upside down.

This same feeling applies to the make-up used in the film as well. The make-up firsts starts out as minimal yet visible showing the girl was able to take her time and get ready showing that this encounter is the first as she usually spends a lot of time at home. This also helps relate the main actress to the audience as it is a relatable situation as many women often apply makeup in the morning. Finally, this results in the actress appearing to have very pale skin, with dark circles under the eyes. These are typical qualities of an leading role in a thriller as for casting the ideal person was has pale almost translucent skin in order for it to appear that all life and colour had been drained away.

The costume used in this scene is a typical school 'sixth form' uniform. By using this type of wear adds to the idea that the girl is usually put together as this look makes her appear smart and tidy. This allows the final scenes to have a more dramatic contrast as through her outfit slowly falling apart shows her life slowly beginning to fall apart simultaneously. By using a white shirt, helps portray the innocence of the young girl as through being blonde and young she is very stereotypical to a thriller genre as she portrays the idea of innocence effectively. This allows the audience to create a strong relationship with the main character as through being very innocent it allows the audience to covey more empathy towards her.

Facial expressions and body language

The general facial expressions used within the scene are ones that display the characters fear and desperation. However after returning back down the stairs and the unexplained actions in the kitchen, the facial expression used become scared, confused and desperate as she tries to escape from a being she cannot see. These emotions and facial expressions are very typical of a thriller film as they are used to convey to the audience how the actor is feeling. This helps create a bond and a relationship with the central characters and you can understand and relate to them more and create sympathy towards the actor.

Lighting and colour
The lighting in this scene is very limited as a result of only using one main light source, the light bulb. The creates importance on the light bulb as in order for both the leading actress and the audience to see what's going on everyone relies on the light bulb. Knowing this we then feel on edge about the light as their is heavy importance of the light bulb as if something happens to it we assume something is going to the leading actress. This creates a moment of uncertainty and apprehension of the film as we due to the antagonist being a poltergeist the audience will not know if the lights are going to be tampered with until it's too late.

In terms of colours in this scene they are very rare. All colours that are present will be dull which disengages the audience to the background and creates extra focus and importance on the leading actress. However there are hints of colour used in the scene which is all to emphasis an important part in the film. For example the brightest thing in the room is the young girls scarf as it draws extra attention and focus to the actress which in turn will help create a mutual bond between the audience and main actress. Other than this it is the light bulb and the shadow its able to create as they help show where the presence is in the room. As well as this there is the use of red in the form of house accessories to show the element of danger present.

Position of character and objects
One main position that is important to this scene is when they leading actress runs down the stairs. Consequently of this she ends alone, inferior to the poltergeist upstairs, looking small and insignificant to the audience. By their being an open planned space at the bottom of the stairs it makes her seem inferior and vulnerable as she is easily accessible.This creates suspense and foreboding within the audience as they can see how vulnerable the character is as she can be attacked from all sides and angles.

5. How can your thriller build a relationship with your target audience?

Sound and cinematography and editing. Using character that portrays innocence so audience feels empathy, so a strong bond between audience and actor is needed. This can be achieved by making the scene more relateable by including real life situations and surroundings.