Sound for thriller opening

In our title sequence, when the actors are appearing on the screen and there is a series of disturbing images, we will be using a sound clip called ghost 1.wav as it is eery and will add to the effect of mystery in the thriller opening. It starts off quite slow, and gets louder and more eery as the clip goes on.

The next sound we have chosen is distriff_2.wav, which is upbeat and fast paced. This is suitable for the scenes where our main character is running through the woods because the speed of the music reflects the speed of the persons heart rate and the speed in which they are running.

In our first shot we have chosen the sound clip, cellos down down.wav because it is eery and gradually builds up tension which will be suitable for the shot because we want to open our thriller with a tense and mysterious atmosphere. This clip is 21 seconds long, and because of this we will need to extend our first shot slightly and could split the sound clip to carry on in other shots of our main character in the bathroom.

For the shot of the party we will be using diegetic music of this sound clip Chaser RMX 2.wav. We will play this through speakers while we are filming to make it seem more realistic and like it's a real party. It will be difficult to add the sound clip on after because it won't look as realistic if people are dancing at different speeds or out of time to the music. As this clip is 7 secs long we will film for the 7 seconds then cut the shot down during editing as our party shot is only 3 secs long.

For the shots of the trees with the beginning credits and for the shots imbetween, we are going to use The mind of the killer.mp3 this is because it creates a strange and creepy atmosphere while the credits are coming up, it will give the audience the sense that the film they are about to see is going to be quite scary.

The sound clip girls singing-PiSh_01.wav will be used in the beginning credits where there is a spinning round-a-bout and the mysterious ghost like person appears on them. This will represent her going around in her victims heads.

The sound clip Spooky abience with heartbeat.mp3 will be used when the clips start speeding up, when the blonde character turns back around, and also overlapping with the sound clip above to create a very weird and spooky atmosphere.

Shooting Schedule for Thriller Opening

Day one of filming:

Inside Hannah's House:

Location: Hannah's Bathroom.
Props: Tap, Blonde Wig, Black/Dark Brown Wig, Mirror, Make-up bag and Make-up.
Shot Numbers: 1,3,6,7,8,14
Camera shots filmed from the same position: End of 1,3,7,8
- Do these shots first after pan of shot 1.

Location: Hannah's Bedroom.
Props: Wardrobe, T-shirts, Trousers/Jeans, Skirts, Shoe, Mobile phone, Bed, Blonde Wig, TV.
Shot Numbers: 17,24,25,26
Camera shots filmed from the same position: 24,26

Location: Hannah's Kitchen
Props: Knife, Water, Ketchup, Clock.
Shot Numbers: 4,9

Day two of filming:

Location: Blaby Woods, Balskell Park.
Props: Trees, Bike.
Shot Numbers: 12,13,16,18,20,21,22,23
Camera shots filmed from the same position: 16,18,20,23

Day three of filming:

Location: Countesthorpe Community College and Winchester Road.
Props: Flashing Lights from the Drama Studio, Blonde Wig, Black/Brown Wig, Glow sticks.
Shot Numbers: 2,19

Day four of filming:

Location: Ollie Park in Whetstone.
Props: Metal Fence and Gate, Swings, Round-a-bout, Blonde Wig, Black/Brown Wig.
Shot Numbers: 5,15

Location: Whetstone Church.
Props: Gravestones
Shot Numbers: 10,11



Friday 23rd January 2009 Hannah and I started filming.
We filmed shots 4, 9, 17, 24, 25 and 26.
We didn't do the original shots we intended to do on the first day of filming because Lucy was busy and she was needed for 3 of the shots. Also we couldn't shoot the rest of the shots in Hannah's bathroom because we needed to keep the camera in the same position for most of them.

Saturday 24th January 2009 Hannah and I filmed shots 5 and 15 on Ollie Park.
This was meant to be day 3 of filming, however we decided to do the planned days of filming in a different order.
Shot 15 consisted of a range of different shots within it because after we had finished the storyboards we were going over them and decided to extend the actors title sequence and add extra shots in. Hannah managed to film over one of the clips from this sequence, so we will have to re-do it at a later date. We didn't shoot shots 10 and 11 as we were going to on the same day because it was getting dark and so we couldn't film anymore.

Friday 30th January 2009 Hannah and I filmed shots 10, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23.
We filmed a shot of the church in Blaby instead of Whetstone because it was very close to where we were filming the rest of the shots, therefore it was more practical at the time. We also filmed the shot we needed on Winchester road from the 3rd day of filming because we were able to do it at the time.

Friday 13th February 2009 Hannah and I filmed shots 22 and re-filming of the clip from the sequence of shot 15. We were able to complete these successfully.
Also in the week before this day we had booked the theatre to film our party clip. We had got it booked for Friday 27th February, however we have now decided not to film this clip and remove it from the opening sequence because we would have had to film it and edit it on the deadline for our final production.

Opening To Thriller - Main Production

I am working with Hannah for the main production of an opening to a thriller film.

Friday 21st November we started to plan our thriller. We decided on possible casting for our film, locations, props and ideas for clips to be shown.Casting; Charlotte (me) - girl main character (name still to be decided), Lucy - ghost type girl, and extras; Hannah, Luke, David, Helena, Amy, Lewis H, Lewis M, Tom B, Tom C, Jenny, Georgie, Max, Charley, Siobhan. There may be more but we haven't asked people to do it yet, so far me, Hannah and Lewis M are confirmed to be in it.

Locations;
The bathroom, bedroom and kitchen inside Hannah's house.
The woods in blaby.
Winchester Road.
Whetstone Church. (we will need to ask if we could film there).
Possibly the drama studio in Countesthorpe Community College. (that would need booking if we decide to film there).
Ollie Park.

Props and things we need;
Tap, Mirror, Clock, Brush, Kitchen, Knife, Blonde Wig, Dark brown/black Wig, Make-up and Make-up bag, Wardrobe, T-shirts, Trousers/Jeans, Skirts, Shoe, Mobile Phone, Bed, TV, Water, Ketchup, Trees, Bike, Flashing Lights from the Drama Studio, Glow sticks, Metal Fence and Gate, Swings, Round-a-bout, Blonde Wig, and Gravestones.

Tuesday 25th November we carried on planning what clips we would have in the opening sequence, and started on the storyboard. We also came up with names for the production companies which are, Black Forest productions and Film Club productions.

Wednesday 26th Novemeber we decided to just draw out all of the clips on the storyboard (we have have only drawn some though) and then after we have them all we will decide what order they will go in because at the moment we are still gathering ideas together.

Thursday 27th Novemeber, Helena, Amy and Lucy are also confirmed to be in our opening to a thriller production.

Monday 1st December through until Friday 5th December we carried on drawing out our storyboard.

Friday 5th December we also planned the title for our thriller. We made a mind-map for it but i will list our idea's on here.

Friday 12th December, Georgie and Jenny are confirmed to be in our opening to a thriller production.

Thriller;

Psychological;
- unstable.
- Neglect - past - abandoned.
- Memory - blurred.
- Mentality - disposition.

Whisper

Veridical

Dark;
- Hidden.
- Shadows.

Supernatural;
- Haunted.
- Ghost.

Abstract

Mendacious;
- Deceitful.
- Deceptive.
- Dishonest.
- Duplicitous.

Hannah and I decided to call our thriller The Mentality, which means an 'irrational way of thinking'. We decided on this name for our thriller because our main character experiences several things which 'play with her mind' such as hearing voices and seeing weird girls appearing. We also drew inspiration from other thriller titles such as, The Ring, The Others, The Grudge, The Interpreter and The Usual Suspects. We also decided that our title would have more emphasis in it if we had The infront of Mentality instead of just Mentality.

Storyboard for Thriller Opening:

I asked a few people to write down on a peice of paper what they thought of the storyboard for our Thriller opening. I would scan it onto here however you wouldnt be able to see the comments clearly.

Audience feedback for thriller opening;

"Mysterious and draws the audience in to question what has happened" - Pheobe.

"Looks very tense, the short scenes build up the sharp tension" - Amy Potts.

"Tense - want to see it!" - Tilly.

"The suspense is killing me" **** (and a half *) - Mark Lomasney.

"Good" - Jordan.

Risk Assessment for main production

• Tripping over the tripod - be careful when walking near it.
• Using the camera near running water - not take the camera too close to the water (so it won't get splashed).
• Tripping over in the woods when it's dark - make sure we are aware of surroundings and be careful when moving around.
• Using the camera near the road - we need to watch where we are going so we don't end up going off the path by accident.
• Knife in a shot - be extra careful when handling the knife and make sure no one steps on it when it's on the floor.
• Using the camera while riding a bike - make sure we are familiar with the surroundings we will be riding in, be careful whilst riding the back and make sure we don't drop the camera.
• Actress standing in a shower (may slip) - put down a mat to prevent slipping.
• Getting hit by the swings whilst they are swinging - stand away from them to make sure they wouldn't hit us.
• May run into people in the dark - be careful and stay aware of surroundings.
• Hitting people, the camera, or the window whilst throwing objects out of the wardrobe - make sure they aim where they will throw the objects and practice it before using the camera.
• Dogs chasing after us in Balskell Park - make sure there aren't any dogs close by before we film.

Film Certificates

Taken from the The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website are a list of the ratings and what is seen as acceptable for the particular rating. This is for research into what rating to give our film.

Videos classified 'Uc' are particularly suitable for pre-school children and normally raise none of the issues set out below.

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

Theme;
Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for a younger audience.
Language;
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity;
Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex;
Mild sexual behaviour (eg kissing) and references only (eg to ‘making love’).
Violence;
Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.
Imitable techniques;
No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Horror;
Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
Drugs;
No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.

'PG' Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Theme;
Where more serious issues are featured (eg domestic violence, racist abuse) nothing in their treatment should condone the behaviour.
Language;
Mild bad language only.
Nudity;
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex;
Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.
Violence;
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
Imitable techniques;
No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons. No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Horror;
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Drugs;
Any references to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

12A – Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.

Theme;
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
Language;
The use of strong language (eg 'fuck') must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern.
Nudity;
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
Sex;
Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.
Violence;
Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.
Imitable techniques;
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror;
Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
Drugs;
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional.

'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over
No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.

Theme;
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.
Language;
There may be frequent use of strong language. But the strongest terms will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
Nudity;
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sex;
Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
Violence;
Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Imitable techniques;
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Horror;
Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.
Drugs;
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

'18' – Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
• the more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work' - rated R18.

We have decided to rate our film with the 15 certificate because it would fit into the criteria needed for it to be a 15. It involves images and a storyline which would psychologically harm a younger child and may disturb them. A result of watching this may cause a younger child to have nightmares because the film 'plays with your mind' and a child may think it's real and be scared. There will be scenes of horror, violence, use of strong language, and sexual references in this film which we find will be only suitable for ages 15 and over.

Target Audience

The research I have done into different Thriller openings has given me an idea of what types of things an audience would look for in a Thriller film.
I have analysed the following openings of these films:
Double Indemnity - PG
The Others - 12
The Interpreter - 12
What Lies Beneath - 15
Gothika - 15
Duel - 15
Speed - 15
Silence of the lambs - 18
The Usual Suspect - 18

I have used a range of ratings in the films i chose to analyse because it would help me to gain further knowledge and understanding about what content would be used and how it differs with each rating.
There is defiantly a clear difference in the openings of the films which have been rated differently for example, Silence of the Lambs (18) is quite eery, dark and mysterious, it also doesn't have a change in mood in the opening however The Others (12) has a cartoon in the credits and tells a mini-story which is suitable for the age group it's aimed at, it also has changes in moods within the cartoon but still keeping the conventions of a thriller.

There are also different types of Thriller as this is a very broad genre:
Psychological Thriller: This sub-genre has elements of mystery in it and also tends to focus on the psychological aspects of the main characters rather than their physical aspects. There suspense usually comes from the main character trying to resolve conflicts with their own mind. The conflict is usually an effort to understand what is happening to them, these conflicts are made clearer to the audience in a physical form and as the character figures out the mystery so does the audience, which makes them feel more involved in the film. Examples of this sub-genre include, "The Ring", "The Sixth Sense", "The Number 23", and "What Lies Beneath".

Action Thriller: This sub-genre tends to be very fast paced and involves fights, shootouts, stunts, car chases or explosions. The main character is the "hero" and the action typically involves them, this genre also includes the typical stock characters and the narrative follows Vladimir Propp's theory. Examples of the sub-genre include, "Blade", "Mission Impossible 1, 2, and 3", "The Fast and The Furious", and all of the James Bond films.

Crime Thriller: This sub-genre tends to involve the FBI or some sort of police investigation in it. The main character is usually part of the police force and is trying to solve a crime or several crimes which have been commited. Examples of this sub-genre include, "Sin City", "Collateral", and "Cellular".

Horror Thriller: This sub-genre tends to be very physical and mostly gory, it also is meant to appear terrifying and horrific to watch. They usually include a central villian, and they don't always have a main hero to follow. Examples of this sub-genre include, "Saw", "28 Days Later",

Supernatural Thriller: This sub-genre tends to have supernatural goings on in the film. Usually the main character is getting haunted and the supernatural being is trying to contact the living world with messages so they can be helped in some way. Examples of this sub-genre include, "White Noise", "Gothika", "What Lies Beneath", and "The Forgotton".

The Others

The Others was released in 2001 and was directed and written by Alejandro Amenábar.

• Dimension films.
• Warner Sogefilms.
• Cruise/wagner productions.
• Non-diegetic sound of narrator figure who is addressing the audience as if they were about to tell a story - which is exactly what they start to do.
• There is a cartoon picture of a sunrise in view - looks like the light shone onto this is coming from an oil lamp which is held up to it. The light is flickering and the edges of the screen are darkened - adds mystery.
• The cartoon looks like a black and white drawing however the oil lamp is giving it a yellow effect.
• Zooming out to reveal more of the picture.
• Non-diegetic sound - lead actress - what she is saying links to the pictures and is relevant to the storyline of the film. There is also non-diegetic music which makes the audience feel intrigued.
• Nicole Kidman's name is shown - lead actress.
• The focus of the light moves onto a two children/people also in the picture.
• This then fades to black and the next clip fades in from black.
• Title - The OTHERS - white - "OTHERS" is in capitals - this emphasises the word and shows it is very important. It also suggests that this will be a re-occurring theme throughout the film (even though it being the title suggests that anyway).
• In the background to the title there is a staircase and the camera is panning up the stairs. (keeping the theme of the cartoon drawing aswell).
• There is also a flickering light which is moving up the stairs - it's like the camera is following it - like a ghost.
• Non-diegetic sound of flute and piano - music score.
• Other actors/actresses follow.
• See a girl hiding before light fades - fade to black again for screen transition.
• Fade in from black - boy playing - still cartoon drawing.
• The camera pans up diagonally to the left - reveals girl and possibly the nanny then fades to black.
• Fade in from black - hand holding candle - camera pans down diagonally right to show a key being entered in a lock.
• Casting/costume design.
• Fade to black.
• Non-diegetic sound changes and is now violin/strings and piano.
• Camera pans up diagonally right - girl pointing with shocked face (audience may wonder what at - mysterious), woman in front of her holding a candle - clip fades to black.
• Sound/music/Production design.
• String music - tense/powerful/shocking.
• Director of photography.
• Black figure (possibly representing a ghost) reaching out to grab boy - camera pans down diagonally left to reveal this. The boy has a scared face - in pain? - shocking image - non-diegetic music more intense and dramatic.
• Executive Producers - Fade to black.
• More executive producers.
• Hand on puppet strings.
• Camera pans down the strings and reveals an angel doll (possibly a child) with their head hanging off - like it had been chopped off - suggests death.
• It also suggests that there may be a controlling mother who leads their child/children to death.
• Producers - fade to black.
• Written/Directed by.
• Cartoon of a house - there is a lake infront of it and the house is in the reflection as well.
• Dissolves into a 'real' version/clip of the house.
• Low-key lighting - mist/fog as well.
• Reflection of house in water suggests there are two different worlds in the same place -opposites. Heaven/Hell. Life/Death.
• Establishes location and year - not very important - distracts audience.
• Sharp cut - lead actress screaming - tortured scream.
• Camera rotates 90 degrees right whilst zooming out.
• She sits up - catches breath.
• leaves audience wondering why she was screaming etc. - dissolves into next clip - leaves audience hanging a little.
• Up to 2:48 minutes of the opening sequence.

What Lies Beneath

• It opens with what looks like a dark lake which is rippling in the wind - non-diegetic music of string instruments playing - eery.
• Diagonal wipe from top left corner to bottom right corner as a screen transition. It reveals the production companies in white writing, this is against the dark background of the lake.
• Twentieth Century Fox and Dreamworks Pictures - production companies.
• Another screen transition - diagonal wipe from top left corner to bottom right corner to wipe off writing and show the background fully again.
• Image Movers production - there may be diegetic sound of the lake rippling however it is hard to tell.
• Non-diegetic music each time the writing is revealed - wind effect, also sounds like when someone breaths under water or something has been submerged.
• Eery - wipe across screen (screen transition) is like a ghost flickering past the screen.
• Piano and strings - mysterious - chilling feeling.
• Title dissolves in and is written in ripples in the water. - suggests the water/lake is an important part of the storyline.
• Very small amount of percussion.
• Lake rippling dissolves into next clip - which is of underneath the water - suggested by the algi/weeds - the water is very dark - a ray of sunlight/moonlight is revealing parts of what is in front of us.
• String music - tension building.
• Audience may question whether something was in there - a flicker - shadow revealed by the light as camera pans forward.
• Ghostly.
• At the end of the darkness and weeds - there is a dead looking girl in the water - very pale, dark around the eyes, dark hair - contrasting colours. - dissolves in from weeds.
• Build up in non-diegetic music - tense - then cut to woman's face emerging from being underwater in a bath.
• Close-up.
• Cut to long shot - slowly zooming in on woman sitting in bath coughing/spluttering - like she had nearly drowned - suggests drowning is significant to the storyline.
• Cut to hairdryer - woman holding it - camera follows the movement of hairdryer - pans up - woman drying condensation off the mirror in the bathroom.
• Sharp cut to plug socket - she puts her thumb on it.
• Gets a shock - diegetic sound of electric shock/spark - it's emphasised.
• Quickly cut to reaction shot of woman.
• Camera pans across - woman able to dry mirror - get rid of condensation.
• The opening of the film - 2.42 mins long.

Psycho

Psycho was directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock and then released into theatres in 1960. It was the first thriller to be shown in theatres, overall people were shocked by it, some people even screamed while watching it, and some people were too afraid to watch it. It was the first film that you had to see from the beginning, and the theatre closed its doors once the film had started. Alfred Hitchcock made the fi in black and white because he thought it would benefit the genre of film. In the opening scene, Janet Leigh (the main actress) is seen as shocking because she is in a bra and underskirt and is having an affair on her lunch break, she also ends up dead later in the film. The audience might associate those things as being bad therefore they may think she deserved what was coming.

• It starts straight the way with tense/chase music - gives an unsettling effect which is used minipulate the audience.
• The non-diegetic music also represents the genre and gives an 'eery' feeling.
• You would expect the star to live through the film and still survive at the end - however the big 'A-list' star gets killed half way through.
• Names/words are 'cut' up and split - chopped up (slasher movie) split personality of Norman is represented by the lines and words being split and put back together.
• Starts with a panning shot and location of city - minipulating audience/misleading/play with audience.
• There are dissolves between shots of the city.
• Shadows, zooming into window, studio shot.
• Non-diegetic string music.
• Dissolved in from titles.
• Half of city dissolves into another part of the city x2.
• Zooming in, another dissolve.
• Dissolves everytime the writing is on the screen.
• Non-diegetic sound - music, soundtrack.
• Secretive inside the room, blinds down, dark inside.
• Panning around the room.
• Sees two characters, one on bed, both half dressed - very shocking in 1960's - suggests they have been 'up to no good'.
• The audience had never seen an actress in a bra before.
• On lunch break, "done the deed".
• Represented as a "slag".
• One long take, slow pace, not much editing.
• Camera pans out, still in the same place.
• Followig characters movement.
• Cuts (editing) from one to the other while they are talking.
• She wants to be respectable, audience is supposed to be on her side, she's going back into work.
• Left with a look that suggests/shows she's in love.

Narrative Theory

Claude Levi-Strauss
Claude Levi-Strauss believed that stories should reflect the values, beliefs and myths of a culture, they should do this unconsciously without making it too obvious. Also there are oppositions which are usually shown in the characters and storyline.


Vladimir Propp
In Vladimir Propp's research he found that in Russian folktale the stories consisted of the following functions:
1.A member of a family leaves home (the hero is introduced);
2.An interdiction is addressed to the hero ('don't go there', 'don't do this');
3.The interdiction is violated (villain enters the tale);
4.The villain makes an attempt at reconnaissance (either villain tries to find the children/jewels etc; or intended victim questions the villain);
5.The villain gains information about the victim;
6.The villain attempts to deceive the victim to take possession of victim or victim's belongings (trickery; villain disguised, tries to win confidence of victim);
7.Victim taken in by deception, unwittingly helping the enemy;
8.Villain causes harm/injury to family member (by abduction, theft of magical agent, spoiling crops, plunders in other forms, causes a disappearance, expels someone, casts spell on someone, substitutes child etc, comits murder, imprisons/detains someone, threatens forced marriage, provides nightly torments); Alternatively, a member of family lacks something or desires something (magical potion etc);
9.Misfortune or lack is made known, (hero is dispatched, hears call for help etc/ alternative is that victimized hero is sent away, freed from imprisonment);
10.Seeker agrees to, or decides upon counter-action;
11.Hero leaves home;
12.Hero is tested, interrogated, attacked etc, preparing the way for his/her receiving magical agent or helper (donor);
13.Hero reacts to actions of future donor (withstands/fails the test, frees captive, reconciles disputants, performs service, uses adversary's powers against him);
14.Hero acquires use of a magical agent (directly transferred, located, purchased, prepared, spontaneously appears, eaten/drunk, help offered by other characters);
15.Hero is transferred, delivered or led to whereabouts of an object of the search;
16.Hero and villain join in direct combat;
17.Hero is branded (wounded/marked, receives ring or scarf);
18.Villain is defeated (killed in combat, defeated in contest, killed while asleep, banished);
19.Initial misfortune or lack is resolved (object of search distributed, spell broken, slain person revivied, captive freed);
20.Hero returns;
21.Hero is pursued (pursuer tries to kill, eat, undermine the hero);
22.Hero is rescued from pursuit (obstacles delay pursuer, hero hides or is hidden, hero transforms unrecognisably, hero saved from attempt on his/her life);
23.Hero unrecognized, arrives home or in another country;
24.False hero presents unfounded claims;
25.Difficult task proposed to the hero (trial by ordeal, riddles, test of strength/endurance, other tasks);
26.Task is resolved;
27.Hero is recognized (by mark, brand, or thing given to him/her);
28.False hero or villain is exposed;
29.Hero is given a new appearance (is made whole, handsome, new garments etc);
30.Villain is punished;
31.Hero marries and ascends the throne (is rewarded/promoted).

He also concluded from his findings that the were 7 main character types which were:
1.The villain — struggles against the hero.
2.The donor — prepares the hero or gives the hero some magical object.
3.The (magical) helper — helps the hero in the quest.
4.The princess and her father — gives the task to the hero, identifies the false hero, marries the hero, often sought for during the narrative. Propp noted that functionally, the princess and the father can not be clearly distinguished.
5.The dispatcher — character who makes the lack known and sends the hero off.
6.The hero or victim/seeker hero — reacts to the donor, weds the princess.
7.False hero/anti-hero/usurper — takes credit for the hero’s actions or tries to marry the princess.


Syd Field
Syd Field believed that films should follow a three act structure of a beginning middle and the end. Approxamitly 30 mins of the film gives the audience the 'setup' information before the protagonist experiences a 'turning point' and they find a goal that they must achieve (the beginning). About half of the film is taken up by the protagonist trying to achieve the goal and overcome any obsticles which may get in the way, the is called the 'Confrontation' period or 'Midpoint'. Sometimes the protagonist suffers a set back and it looks like he won't achieve his goal. The final quarter of the film the protagonist goes through the final epic struggle to achieve his/her goal (or not achieve it) and there is an aftermath to their struggle as well.


Tzvetan Todorov
Tzvetan Todorov based his stories on supernatural happenings in the real world and we have to decide if the event was an illusion or whether it had really taken place.

Gothika

• Columbia, Dark castle entertainment.
• Non-diegetic sound - eery - violin/strings.
• Darkened picture of production companies.
• Dissolve into title sequence.
• Columbia pictures and Warner Brothers pictures - 'zoom out' effect - blurred white font - next title out of focus (close-up) then zooms out and is in focus - on a black background.
• Main actress' name (Halle Berry) - then title (Gothika).
• Non-diegetic sound of girl talking/whispering (husky voice) - then title dissolves into clip of the girl who's talking - the sound is now diegetic.
• Low-key lighting - shadow on one side of face - she's very pale as well.
• Her hair is ruffled, eyes look puffy - made to look ghostly/deadly/insane.
• Point of view from patient of the main actress - presented as neat, professional looking - hair slightly up and away from face - emphasises that she's a professional and at work.
• There is then point of view - reverse shot then it cuts again to the doctor.
• Diegetic sound of patient still talking but they aren't seen in the clip. - could be non-diegetic though.
• Panning shot behind wired fence - this suggests that the patient feels trapped.
• Shot still behind wired fence while the patient is talking about her step-father, this suggests she feels like he's trapping her.
• Over the shoulder shot.
• Non-diegetic sound - very faint string music.
• Diegetic sound of gates being buzzed open - psychiatric hospital.
• Girl is talking peacefully - then has a sudden outburst - non-diegetic electrical/electro sound to emphasise the situation and make the audience feel tense.
• Non-diegetic - eery slow music - only a few notes - could be an organ playing.
• Patient grabs doctors hands.
• Camera movement speeds up - pans 180 degrees - e the back of doctors head and see patient. The shot starts with the patients face lit and then after the 180 degree pan her face has a shadow on it. - this suggests she has a dark side or is experiencing dark things - the light and dark on her each half of her face - contrasting - two sides - good and evil.
• When backng away the whole of her face is in darkness - something evil may have taken over her/taken over her mind/her dark side is out.
• She's taken away by guards - she's screaming.
• Main characer/actress walks away.
• Other actors names appear on screen - dissolve and zooming out then dissolve.
• Tracking shot of character.
• Non-diegetic music - piano and strings - eery - mysterious.
• Depth of field shot - patient screaming and gets put in a cell - then switches focus to the doctor walking in the foreground.
• Tracking/panning shot of character walking.
• Job has been confirmed by shot of sign when she walks through security - it has been established all the way through this opening sequence. - She's a psychologis/psychiatrist.
• People in orange jump suits.
• Director - last to be revealed in the title sequence.

This is a strong psychological thriller opening because of the use of non-diegetic music which builds up suspense and tension. Also the use of low-key lighting throughout, and the use of camera shots and where it is placed, for example behind wire fencing.

Silence of the Lambs

In the opening shot to Silence of the Lambs, the sky is a pale, watery colour, and trees are silhouetted against it to contrast. In the bottom right corner there is a type face font which establishes the location. The camera then pans down, a character runs into shot, climbs rope, runs through shot.
In the sequence, there are tracking shots which follow the character in medium shot. There are close up shots, side on, off set in frame. Cut-in shots of feet running, character runs into distance in shots from medium shot to extreme long shot.
There is use of non-diegetic music, violins, string music/instruments, slow, atmospheric, could be mysterious.
The mise-en-scene includes, FBI cap, track suits, uniform (including red tops), suits - white shirts, signs on the walls, grey official-looking building. These all help to show the roles of workers and the type of work they do.
The titles begin with the stars names and end with the director. They are in a black block font with a white outline.
Other key figures in the titles include, Producers/Executive producer, screenplay, director of photography, designer.
Overall the opening scenes of this film establish that Jodie Foster is the leading actor, and her character is the main focus of interest, which suggests the audience is going to be following her journey/story through the film. She is represented as a strong woman in a man's world, well respected by those around her, as well as tough and determined. The opening sequence of shots also suggests that she is an FBI agent and that the job will be relevant to the storyline.

Thriller openings for Duel and Speed.

Duel

• Camera from cars point of view - moving through the city - it dissolves between clips. Diegetic sound of car -engine and the radio.
• Titles - main actor bottom right, others top left, then more in the centre.
• Overheard shot - action (car) moves into shot then pans, following it then dissolving. - Shows mystery - want to know where the car is going - looking for road signs etc.
• Director is last to appear.
• Cuts into car, point of view shot from passenger side even though no one's there.

Speed

• Pan down of elevator shaft - dark - low-key lighting.
• Actors/actresses bold stand out - left centre.
• Wipe up - revealing writing/taking it away.
• Non-diegetic sound - music - building tension.
• When title 'speed' comes up, slides in from left to right, quickly, elevator stops, dramatic music when it comes up. Music score - building up tension.
• Pans down from shaft across room.
• Action from the start - fast paced - goes with the title speed.

Speed is more successful with trying to capture the audiences attention firstly because of the dramatic, tension building music, and also because of the fast pace of the shots and storyline. Whereas Duel has a slower pace of shots and action in it.

The Usual Suspect

The Usual Suspect was released in 1995 and was directed by Bryan Singer. It also had a budget of $6 million which was quite small compared to US films of £24 million.

• As it begins it puts you into a frame of mind/certain mood - not fast pace - not an action thriller.
• Intriguing.
• Slow music (piano, violin) as the camera pans.
• Actors in alphabetical order.
• Music, edited by, financial producer, co-producer, executive producer, writer and director.
• Setting mood.
• Set the scene - time (last night).
• Extreme close up - medium close up.
• Mystery.
• Who's vision of kaiser soce is it?.
• not part of confession/statement.
• gives audience privileged info.
• Plays with audience - continues all the way through.
• Low-key lighting (one of the conventions of thrillers).
• Cut between two characters.
• Non-diegetic sound of footsteps.
• Voice disguised so audience is still left in mystery.
• Killings aren't graffic.
• Important we don't see killing of Keaten.
• Leaves open option that Keaten's still alive.
• Attachment to verbal.
• Slow motion - unrealistic - dramatic effect.
• Dissolve into shot of verbal - Americn court - 6 weeks ago - testemony - cut to flash back.
• Over-lapping sound from shots (non-diegetic then when in shot it's diegetic).
• Police are faceless - pointing guns in faces.
• Lack of respect.
• See criminals faces - more attached to them - feel sorry for them - on their side.
• Non-diegetic sound (music) goes with each character.
• Longest on last criminal (Keaten) more important.
• Cut away shot.
• Low-angle shot represents detective as important/superior.
• Slight him angle on crimal - everything collapsing around him.
• Only one camera.

Preliminary Piece

Tuesday 28th October 3rd and 4th lesson Hannah and I started planning and doing a storyboard for our preliminary piece.

Tuesday 4th November 4th lesson Hannah and I started filming our Preliminary Piece. We got under half completed as we ran out of time because we were planning our storyboard 3rd lesson and a bit of 4th.

Tuesday 11th November at the end of 3rd lesson we carried filming. We couldn't start filming at the beginning of 3rd lesson because the av technition (Paul) wasn't there. (For next time we film we need to remember to book the camera). The filming went well and we finished half way through 4th lesson. We then started editing the piece. So far we have put a few clips in order and that's it.

Monday 17th November 5th lesson, we finished sequencing the shots and cutting them so they make sense. We started to look for music on http://www.freesound.org/ however we had problems registering and will continue with it another time.

Tuesday 18th November 3rd and 4th lesson, I was browsing the free sound website (the registration worked) and found some clips that would go well with our Preliminary Piece. Hannah agreed for us to have them as our non-diegetic sound for our work.

Wednesday 19th November 6th lesson, we downloaded the sounds we wanted to put on our piece, which took quite a long time because it wouldn't work on the mack we were using, so we had to use another mac to download the sounds and then send it to the mac which had our work on. We have nearly finished, we are just adjusting the volume of each of the sounds, both non-diegetic and diegetic to make it affective.





To the left is the first page of the storyboard for the Preliminary exercise Hannah and I were planning on filming together. This is the second storyboard we did because we were originally going to film in a psychology classroom in 16+ and in the 16+ area, however we were unable to so we had to change the venue to the corridor near the canteen and a P.E. classroom. Also originally, Hannah and I were going to be the only people in this piece, but we needed one of us to operate the camera, which is what I did.

To the right is the second page of storyboard, I have realised that we may have missed out a clip in the finished piece, which would explain the jump at about 23 seconds.

This is the last page of the storyboard. We made a script on a seperate piece of paper before we wrote on the storyboard to show what each character was going to say.













Friday 21st November 1st lesson we finished our preliminary piece as seen below:

The Interpretor

• At first the title sequence is quite slow.
• Titles are stopped in the prologue - this way they don't disrupt the narrative.
• Film company/distribution company first - Universal studios.
• 4 different production companies working together to make the film.
• Non-diegetic sound of wind blowing in the title sequence - makes you feel uneasy / unsure.
• Names zooming out - effect - then dissolving.
• Prologue
• Establishing the setting - Africa - traditional women - carrying things on her head - hazy shot - lost of dust - hot
• later in shot camera crane is used - establishing place.
• low-key lighting
• Chanting - not clear if it is non-diegetic or diegetic.
• 3 characters established.
• Cut in detail - shows notebook - shows being put down - suggests it's important and might come back later.
• Cut to exterior shot.
• Close up of each character speaking, shot, reverse-shot. - dialogue - not sure what they're talking about.
• In back with character - suggests investigation - mass slaughter.
• Artificial camera snap sound to heighten the fact pictures being taken - black and white still shot of picture taken, very loud camera snap (non-diegetic) - important to narrative.
• low-angle shot - makes the coliseum seem important, bigger - there are weeds growing suggesting its abandoned, run down, mysterious, remote place.
• Establishing s of jeep.
• Cut in to action - reminded of notebook - suggested as important
• Silhouette form - shot in doorway.
• Heartbeat - non-diegetic because it is emphasising the hearts of the characters.
• very fast pace shots - shot, reverse-shot, overhead shot - non-diegetic sound builds up tension.
• long-shot, medium close-up (interpretation)
• Tension between groups (not sure why)
• Jump forward in time- about 30 secs
• camera work, low-key lighting and character reactions suggests they are stumbling across something revolting - assume its dead bodies - theres also talk of death
• panning shot and cutting back for reaction shot.
• non-diegetic - soundtrack build up tension.
• Percussion is used - thumping sound - falls to ground
• He says "It's ok" before falling - which implies he doesn't blame them because they are only children.
• Cut to reaction of man outside from the gunshot
• Cutting from kid to man on the floor.
• Blood/gore isn't shown - cuts away as gun-shot sounds - see kid wincing as trigger is pulled.
• Quick pace of shots - to outside.
• Cutting between car and the man in weeds.
• Close-up of man getting out of the car - camera shots - sound - suggests he will come back later - he was at the scene - important to story.
• Cuts to the kids football - ironic - they are only kids who play they cant be murderers - makes audience not blame the children for what they did.
• Dissolves into establishing shot of the city.
• Lead actress name appears first. - Nicole Kidman. - followed by other actors then name of film in center the screen.
• Panning shot of people in the auditorium in the UN building in NYC.
• The full auditorium is a contrast to the empty coliseum.
• Static shots, pan up, then across and then there is a profile shot of Nicole Kidman lead actress - interpreting - there are inside and outside shots. (of the pod she is in)
• Metal detectors not working, being shown things that might be important later - however not shown everything - mysterious.
• There are clues
• Fast pace shots
• Non-diegetic sound building tension.
• Name of crew - slightly left of the centre - imbetween centre and full left.
• top left - co-producer/costume designer/editing/production designer/director of photo-centre
• produced/screen play - slightly left
• Director centre - slightly to the bottom of the screen.

Double Indeminity

The opening scenes of the film create an effective mood for a thriller because firstly, it opens at night and combined with this is the use of low-key lighting. There is tension from the start as it opens following a speeding car which is jumping the lights. The main character (Neff) gets out of the car, there are elements to mystery with this because the audience would begin to wonder what he is doing at the office late at night and also why he's in such a rush. Some information is given to the audience through dialogue, through Mr Neff and other characters. The low-key lighting creates a tense mood and is effective for a thriller. The use of strong shadows suggest he is a doomed man - very dark interior shot.

• Classic film noir shot, clothing matches the conventions of the time.


• The character is slightly off the centre of the shot.


• Dark background.


• Depth of field used - the amount of shot in focus. Narrow depth of field = only subject in focus.


• Rest of shot distorted a little.


• Long static shot - no cutting - no movement of camera - only little movement of character.


• Lighting match - smoke - relevant to the story-line - hidden meaning.


• Concentration on dialogue - there are clues.


• Narrator, Confession, Flash-back.


• Bright day-light - High-key scene. Entering into house - entering into darkness - low-key lighting - contrast metaphor.


• Low-angle shot of woman.


• Immediate sexual chemistry.


• Phyllis Deidrickson is lit to highlight her and her sexuality.


• Shot of her then reaction shot of him - looking amazed.


• Flirting and serious.


• Blinds - suggest trapped - shadows.


• Pictures - Mr Deidrickson stern looking.


• Don't feel sympathy for him - he is cruel etc.


• Our judgement isn't as harsh as it should be about Neff, even though he's a murderer.


• Shot of legs coming down stairs, shiny shoes.


• Anklet with her name on - associated with prostitution.


• She's dominant in scene - camera following her.


• What's going on in her mind - Walter Neff - insurance man.


• Know this is the woman Neff didn't get in the end.


• Low-key lighting, shadows - things not very clear.


• Strong shadows as he goes out of the door.


• Dissolve - she is on his mind still.


• Dialogue (non-diegetic) enforces.

The characters are introduced in ways which there are elements of mystery about the characters and what has happened and what might happen. Overall the use of low-key lighting and the stereotypical thriller characters eg. Femme Fatal are used. Also the music helps to build up tension and excitement.

I walked with a Zombie;

Below is the trailer for a thriller film called I walked with a zombie.



I walked with a Zombie was produced by Val Lewton and was directed by Jacques Tourneur.
RKO studios.
The genre; Horror / Thriller.

There are several clips from the film which are shown in this trailer, which give you a feel for what to expect from the film.
Low-key lighting is used throughout the film, it creates shadows in certain places which creates a tense atmosphere, and it makes it seem like something dark will happen in the film because of the dark lighting.

The first shot that is edited into the trailer is of the voodoo man carrying the dying woman, and the words 'These are the living dead' appears on the screen, the scene illustrates these words. Non-diegetic sound of dramatic music, builds up tension, makes it seem like something bad is going to happen.

The shadow of the man looks like a ghost on the wall, symbolises living after death (after life), creates a creepy/eery atmosphere.

Cuts to next shot taken from the film. Betsy rushing through the crops, stumbles on a black tribal man (voodoo), scary looking, non-diegetic music (string music) creates an eery/dramatic effect. Cuts from Betsy;s shocked face to the voodoo man who is freaky looking, eyes popping out, suggesting he is zombie like, he also looks like a tribal statue. The crops in the background look like spikes - some (behind him) look like they are coming out of him, suggests he might be under control by the voodoo priest and it represents a voodoo doll.

A quick clip of Betsy and the ill woman walking through the night - elements of mystery, she;s wearing a flowing dress which is ghost like, she looks like she is floating, in a trance, which suggests the zombie.

Next shot: tribal gathering, ritual, dancing, drum rhythm (diegetic sound).

Screen transitions - split vertically out and then in (between clips)

Non-diegetic music builds up, tension also builds up.

long-shot then cut to medium close up of Betsy - worried expression on her face 0 like she has seen a ghost.

cut to long-shot of both - music building up further. The woman looks like she is 'floating' the white dress suggests she is ghost like, it represents heaven in a way. She's in a trance (suggesting zombie), backs Betsy up into a wall, intimidating.
Betsy seems to be uncomfortable, (over the shoulder shot) she screams then runs.

Next shot: over the shoulder shots of Betsy and the black woman talking
Diegetic sound - drum beat, tribal music/singing - it is a theme for the film, constant running through.

Jacques Tourneur;

He was born on November 12 1904 in Paris, France. He became an actual US citizen in 1919 after he'd already been living there. He joined his fathers profession of directing films, when he moved to New York and then eventually Hollywood.
Jacques Tourneur is mostly famous for directing three atmospheric "horror" movies which were produced by Val Lewton at RKO studios in the 1940s. These films were, Cat People, I Walked with a Zombie and The Leopard Man. They were films which were influenced by the genre, "film noir".

One particular film he directed, was highly successful and was "considered to be one of the best horror/supernatural films in movie history". This film was called Night of the Demon, and was released in 1967.

Another film Jacques Tourneur directed was, Out of the Past in 1947, it was classed as one of the classics of film noir. He also made a horror spoof which was called, The Comedy of Terrors in 1964. He directed his last film the year after, the Jules Verne -inspired adventure yarn War Gods of the Deep.

He also directed a few episodes in the following TV programmes:

The Twilight Zone, "Night Call" (Episode 139, February 7, 1964),

Adventures in Paradise ("A Bride for the Captain", 1962),

Bonanza ("Denver McKee", 1962)

T.H.E. Cat (1966).

Jacques Tourneur died in 1977 in Bergerac, Dordogne, France.