Personally, I think I have been able to create a successful thriller as through following the codes and conventions typical of the thriller genre I have been able to make a sequence that successfully can be categorised under the thriller genre. As well as this the reason for the success both me and my group have achieved together I think stems from our understanding and love of previous thriller films being able to influence our final thriller sequence.
Which micro element, best shows your creativity and understanding of thriller conventions the most?
I believe that the mise-en-scene included in my sequence most accurately demonstrated my creativity with the conventions of the thriller genre as each micro element of mise-en-scene which include; Setting and Iconography, hair, make-up and costumes, facial expressions and body language, the lighting and colour as well as the position of the characters and objects. This is as these element allowed me to be more creative as they mainly involved the visual elements of the scene which are what are mainly detected by the audience. Other than this I would say my cinematography was also a well used element in my thriller as it allowed me to demonstrate what I had learn and transform the appearance and impact of each scene using techniques I had previously not noticed when watching films before.
Compare your opening sequence to a successful thriller and explain how your thriller is conventional.
MISE-EN-SCENE: 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. This element can be related back to 'Insidious' as it too features a house which relates back successfully to the audience whilst still creating an unfamiliarity towards them as well as the layout and surroundings of the house are unknown so the possibilities of where the protagonist is positioned is not made aware.
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. This can be related back to the film 'Scream' when the masked villain stabs his victims violently after a scene of struggle played out by the future victim.
MISE-EN-SCENE: Lighting and colour
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 actor. This can be related back to the film 'Se7en' particularly the scene featuring the sloth victim where the whole house features a basic tone of grey through out with only hints of colour displayed in the form of writing over the bed and injuries on the victim. The same idea is featured in my sequence when the victim is pictured injured with red blood over his body.
The cinematography used within my film can be related to that featured in 'Sixth Sense' as we use many of the same camera angles such as point of view shots. For instance in my thriller after the unexplained paranormal activity happens in the house the main actor runs out of the house looking for help. This search is shown through a point of view shot and as a result of this we see him approach a man walking up the street to ask for help. On the other hand in sixth sense a point of view shot is used when the boy is walking towards the kitchen where the audience knows the ghost is. The use of the point of view shot in both these instances is to include the audience further into the film as it enables them to see the surroundings as the character allowing them to be able to relate more successfully as they can now visualise themselves in the situation. This is effective as it creates more suspense for the character as they are unsure as to when they may see a character or where the ghost is positioned around the character as they loose the advantage of being able to see the whole scene. Higher levels of suspense then create a larger reaction to the scene if a reaction is necessary as the surprise element will be more effective and therefore have more impact. Finally by seeing through the characters perspective it creates a larger bond between the audience and the main actor as momentarily they are combined and become the same person.
MISE-EN-SCENE- Position of character and objects
One main position that is important to a scene in my thriller is when they leading actor runs down the stairs after the doors upstairs are slammed. Consequently he ends alone in the room making him appear small and insignificant to the audience. This is made apparent by the open planned space at the bottom of the stairs as it makes the actor seem inferior and vulnerable as he is easily accessible. This creates suspense and foreboding within the audience as they can see how vulnerable the character is as he can be attacked from all sides and angles. This can successfully be related back to that of 'The Conjuring' where we first drew our inspirations from as the woman in the clip also is faced with a dilemma of the stairs and which route to take which also sees her being viewed as inferior by the audience as she seems unsure and vulnerable.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Close up and point of viewOne main position that is important to a scene in my thriller is when they leading actor runs down the stairs after the doors upstairs are slammed. Consequently he ends alone in the room making him appear small and insignificant to the audience. This is made apparent by the open planned space at the bottom of the stairs as it makes the actor seem inferior and vulnerable as he is easily accessible. This creates suspense and foreboding within the audience as they can see how vulnerable the character is as he can be attacked from all sides and angles. This can successfully be related back to that of 'The Conjuring' where we first drew our inspirations from as the woman in the clip also is faced with a dilemma of the stairs and which route to take which also sees her being viewed as inferior by the audience as she seems unsure and vulnerable.
The cinematography used within my film can be related to that featured in 'Sixth Sense' as we use many of the same camera angles such as point of view shots. For instance in my thriller after the unexplained paranormal activity happens in the house the main actor runs out of the house looking for help. This search is shown through a point of view shot and as a result of this we see him approach a man walking up the street to ask for help. On the other hand in sixth sense a point of view shot is used when the boy is walking towards the kitchen where the audience knows the ghost is. The use of the point of view shot in both these instances is to include the audience further into the film as it enables them to see the surroundings as the character allowing them to be able to relate more successfully as they can now visualise themselves in the situation. This is effective as it creates more suspense for the character as they are unsure as to when they may see a character or where the ghost is positioned around the character as they loose the advantage of being able to see the whole scene. Higher levels of suspense then create a larger reaction to the scene if a reaction is necessary as the surprise element will be more effective and therefore have more impact. Finally by seeing through the characters perspective it creates a larger bond between the audience and the main actor as momentarily they are combined and become the same person.
This post demonstrates some understanding of how your thriller follows the brief. You have made a start in considering some of your strengths, in terms of the narrative, conventions and micro elements that you chose to include. You have also made a start in comparing your sequence to other successful thrillers, however it is difficult to picture the comparisons made and this is because you have not included any images to support the points that you have made throughout.
ReplyDelete