Synopsis - Duncan Barnes - Lucy

After months of suffering torture and verbal abuse from a gang of youths, Duncan Barnes has had enough. He decides to write down everything the youths say, film their actions and takes it upon him to track down each individual finding out where they live and everything about them. The youths are unaware of the fact that Duncan was abused as a child and as a result of this is mentally unstable; Duncan will do anything to get his revenge. He tracks down each individual and brutally kills them one by one leaving an item at each scene of the crime which links each death together – like a true serial killer.

Progress this week - Storyboard finished!!! - Lucy

On Monday we had our idea finalised and were ready to start our storyboard. We decided to start the beginning of the film (roughly first 5 shots) from the point of view of the youths as if it was filmed on a camera phone. We will film this handheld on an HD camera but will use effects during the editing process which will make the quality appear more poor.
We also decided to try and keep the identity of the protagonist (Duncan Barnes) hidden to add to the suspense and thrill of the film, we have done this by using a variety of OTS shots along with MCU and CU. By the end of our double lesson on Monday morning we had planned the first 1 minute and 20 seconds of our thriller opening.

Today, we completed our storyboard and if all goes to plan our final piece stands at 126 seconds. We want to use match on action and a focus pull in our piece to make the shots more interesting to entice the audience.
We have also discussed props during our planning process and have also made one of them already - the evidence board. This will be placed above the desk of the protagonist but wont be revealed until the end of the opening when the audience realise that it is actually Duncan who is the 'bad guy'.

Thriller Openings - Lucy O'Reilly

Psycho (1960) – 

• Non Diegetic sound as music is used to construct mood at the beginning of this film and to add suspense
• Establishing shot used in conjunction with a pan so that the audience understand and know where the action is taking place
• Urban exterior setting
• Costume, hair and makeup used is very realistic making the audience believe the action unfolding a lot more as it adds to the realism
• Continuity editing also adds to the realism because it adds a sense of flow and coherence
• ECU used as a variation of shot types enticing the audience more as they know what is on the other side of the window is of importance to the film
• The happy images on screen are matched by the slow sound of the violin - parallel sound is used in the scene to enhance the audiences vision of the action
• The title sequence of the film lasts for roughly two minutes backed by a soundtrack with a mixture of low and high pitched violins being played at a rather fast speed which sets the pace for the rest of the film. This makes the audience realise from the beginning that they will be on the edge of their seats as the music is very eerie creating suspense from the first note played
• A cutaway shot is used as the male character mentions that the woman ‘had not eaten her lunch’. The use of this changes the place of action briefly and gives the audience more information about the woman
• Setting used is very normal/simple (first scene set in a hotel) and because of this the audience become more scared as it is relatable and could happen to them.
• Blinds are pulled close to shut for a reason – makes audience wonder what is being hidden behind them
• The majority of shots used are static allowing the audience to take in plenty of detail about each shot and will be able to see anything symbolic (knowledge that will later be needed)

Hide and Seek (2005)  –

• ECU used to disorientate audience

• The music used in the first scene is slightly contrapuntal to the action because what the audience is seeing on the screen appears to be happiness amongst a family however the non diegetic music is very eerie with the use of violins introducing threat and creating a sinister mood
• Music slows down dramatically on the change between the first two scenes as if the exterior scene was more of a fantasy/dream life and as soon as the characters are placed in the house they are back to reality. This change between the two settings shows the sadness and possible danger when in the interior/enclosed space, reflecting threat and adding to the sinister mood
• Sound effect of tap dripping adds to realism
• Low key lighting used in the scene of Emily's bedroom during the short game of hide and seek adds to the tension because you feel as if something may jump out
• Silhouette of mother makes the audience think that the woman may be hiding something
• In the bathing scene the key light is not bright but the room is lit up more by the props - candles. Candles give off a natural light and have a warm film and are used in thrillers to contrast the action
• Police siren in the background of the bathing scene subtly introduces fear into the audiences minds
• Uses a discontinuity feature of a shock cut which disrupts the quite sequence, when done in conjunction with sound it can scare and shock the audience. Here it is used to show his dream (he is dreaming of a memory but here the audience do not know)
• 02:06 - ECU of a significant prop, the use of this shot adds enigma as the audience are aware that the shot/prop/time will be relevant to the rest of the story

Inhale (2010)  –

• First scene - radio conversation used to give the audience an idea about what may happen in the film. Used along with the soundtrack, it gives a very eerie feel and adds to the mood and atmosphere

• Non-diegetic sound gets louder in conjunction with the brightness of the light preparing the audience for a change in mood or atmosphere
• At the loudest point of the soundtrack the car hits the other, the SFX are heightened a lot to cause a fright in the viewers
• CU used on characters faces during the car scene to show reaction to the radio show being heard but mainly to see their expressions when they crash the car
• Establishing shots used to show location and setting
• Fade to black after car crash is used to enhance the effect of it, making the audience feel as if they had experienced it too. The music gets louder at this point too to add to the tension 
• ECUs used to distort the viewers. The ECU of the glass on the windscreen of the car is first seen blurred but then is pulled into focus, this makes us have a more realistic experience of the car crash; as if we have opened our eyes and have seen that.
• ECUs also allow us to see the injuries on the characters, introducing threat and danger
• Ambulance sirens are cleverly used to connect the first and the following scene together. It is done by hearing the sound bridge in the first scene (of the ambulance) then it switches to a shot of the ambulance driving, followed by a shot of a man (unknown to us at this point in time) checking his mirror as he hears the ambulance approach. This is a very clever and smooth way of connecting to separate scenes together and to show that they somehow are or will be linked
• The radio is heard again when the man turns it on and tunes in the particular radio station. By doing this the audience are reassured it is an important part of the film
• The costume, hair and make-up is very natural and normal reflecting the environment they are in. This adds to the realism enticing the audience more as they believe the action unfolding.
• The non-diegetic sound suddenly cuts as there is a change of scene which allows the audience to adapt to the next scene

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

• Establishing shot used to show rural setting. Set in the woods so don't know what is out there adding enigma to film
• The soundtrack used is parallel to the setting and overall mood set, this enhances the audiences vision
• Violins are used as part of the non-diegetic sound to create an eerie atmosphere
• very foggy, going into the unkown adds tension and feer
• The woods are very foggy and when the protagonist enters it is as if she is going into the unknown adding tension and fear
• Tracking shots used as she is running adds to the pace of the film and also creates realism - as if we're running with her
• The sign 'HURT   AGONY   PAIN  LOVE-IT' hints and introduces threat into the thriller 
• As her setting changes from exterior to interior there is already a visible threat - the guns. Although they haven't been seen to have been used in a harmful way the guns hint danger
• Man is wearing  a hat which hides his identity slightly, this makes the audience ask questions about who he is and why he is important
• Bird and cricket SFX used to add to the realism, this entices the audience more as they believe the action unfolding
• As the female protagonist exits the woods the non diegetic sound changes to a more uplifting music. This is done in conjunction with the lighting - becomes brighter and warmer, giving the film a more upbeat and positive mood

Watching 4 opening Thriller scene- Leah

Black Swan- 

Camera work: 

• ECU to distort the audience. 
• Restricted narration, the main focus was on the protagonist feet which could connotate her identity being concealed or that she is already loosing her identity and her feet are her only claim to identity.
• CU used regularly on the protagonist intensifying the scene as the camera is not wide enough to see what going to happen next, or to see her reaction which could determine the atmosphere as we only relie on her facial expression.

Mise En Scene- 

• In an urban city due to her being in a subway and the tall buildings 
•  Interior setting is designed for a little girls room with juxtaposes the idea becuase she is an adult this could suggest to the audience that something is not right and intensifies the scene making the audience wondering why it is like that. This automatically suggest that something is not right creating more of an eery atmosphere. 
• At the beginning of the scene it shows just one spot light. This creates a cold dark atmosphere as the rest of the setting is not shown intensifying your focus on that specific area where you know something is going to happen. 
• Hair, make up and costume determines her character. I gather that she is a ballerina and acts childish this makes the scene more surreal yet more creepy as the audience wonder why she is like this. 

Editing- 

• The edits in this opening were longer and more extent creating more tension and building the climax for something to happen. 
• There were not many cuts this could suggest that this thriller isn't using action as an impact but making the audience think what is going to happen next. 

Sound- 

• The diegetic sound suggestion the realism. When she was dancing she could hear the music this added suspense and set the mood for me it made me feel anxious to what was going to happen next. 
• There was non diegetic sound used when she was on the subway this constructed the mood and added tension and suspense. I noticed that sound had a sound of bird wings fluttering which relates the  the movie title making the audience question this movie further.
• There was also non diegetic sound used when the protagonist and her mum was talking this creates more suspense as something may be happening between them. 

Shutters Island- 

Camera work-

• shallow depth of field to draw attention to the objects of significance or distort perspective
• Wide shot to create unstricted narrative and suspense letting the audience have an insight of the sorroundings having more of an effect.
• CU focusing on the characters emotions creating more tension
• The opening sequence creates enigma by telling as that they are going to a mental hopsital which istantly tells the audience something bad is going to happen.

   

Mise en Scene- 

• The beginning of the scene it starts off with fog the connotations for fog is mystery, the unknown it frighten people because of the unknown that could be lurking beyond their sight. It also sets the scene and creates a mysterious, eery atmosphere. This has the effect of keeping the audience 'on the edge of their seat' as they are unware of what will happen next.
• the interior decore looks like a prison especially when the protagonist has sea sickness, this makes the audience feel uncomfortable. the colours used are dark and it looks cold and damp making the atmosphere tense creating more suspense as the setting does not portray a good vibe. 
• They are both in the same coloured jacket this could represent how they are both the same and that this trip is making them loose their identities. 
• The colours could also represent their character the protagonist partner is wearing dark blue, blue represents gloomy yet truthful and his friendship with the protagonist means something this could be shown through the later stage of the film when it is tested on the island. 

Editing-

• When they are on the boat the common edit used is a cut. Known as continuity editing used for sense and flow and to portray realism.
• When the protagonist has flash black the pace of the cuts increase creating suspense and tension building the climax for the audience. 

Sound-

• The non diegetic sound plays a big part in this opening scene it starts right at the beginning before we even know what is happening. This sets a mood for the audience creating a sinister mood as you do not know why they are playing the music at this time. Making the audience feel on edge of their seats.
• I notice that the volume of the sound increases when there is a vital clip being played for example when the protagonist has a flash back a dark sinister type of music is being played making the audience feel eery and wondering why this is being played. It juxtaposes with the idea as they look happy and they are smiling making you question why this music is being played at this specific time. It is also shown when they are approaching the island this shows that the island is a dark, mysterious place, this creates tension and dramatic irony because they know the island is a dangerous unsafe place.

The Resident- 

Camera work-

• Wide shots to create unrestricted narration and dramatic irony and suspense
• MS to see her body language and facial expression which could be vital to the audience to make them feel what she is feeling. 
• They are tracking her at the beginning of the sequence this have a voyeuristic effect on the audience as they feel as if they are watching her.  
• Establishing shot at the beginning showing the urban area. 

Mise en scene- 

• Urban area, this could be potential danger for the protagonist as they're lots of dark ally ways and side roads which anything could happen to her, an urban area is also a setting which the audience may connect with intensifying the film more as they understand making it more realistic and shocking. 
• She portrayed as a normal women who goes out for a run, goes to work and relaxes at home this could create more tension as she is the victim and the audience have more of a connection towards her creating empathy towards her character is something bad happens. 
• The lighting is naturalistic and reassures the audience that this is real having more of a shock effect on them. 

Editing-

• occasionally: discontinuity editing (jump cuts or shock cuts) used to fragment and disrupt sequence, matching unsettling mood, this is shown at the beginning of the sequence (title sequence) and when there is a sudden cut to the hospital scene. 
• When the protagonist was running they slowed down the pace of her running. This creates suspense and tension towards the audience as they expect that something is going to happen next. This is also a shock tactic 

Sound-

• The non diegetic sound creates a sinister music is set throughout again creating the mood for the audience letting them know that something is going to happen before it has even started. This has the effect of keeping them on the edge of their seats. 7
• They also use a fx sound effect of the heavy breathing (contrapuntal sound) the pace of the breathing is slowed down to create tension, it also makes us feel as if we are watching her or even apart of her because when you can hear someone heavy breath it means that you are close or near enough to them to heavy breath making it more personal and more realistic. 

Taken-

Camera work-

Mise en scene-

Editing-

Sound-

Lighting Task- Written by Leah

Here is photo 1- Shot A. We have reincarnated the lighting in the screen shot from the film called Se7en. We used 2 lights to recreate this image. We used the key light to highlight one side of Lucy's face creating the eerie atmosphere which is portrayed in a thriller. We also used a filler light to balance the light on the other half of Lucy's face so that it is not in complete darkness and the faintest shadow yet still being able to see her facial expressions. 

Here is photo 2- Shot C. Here we have shown our own version of us representing shot C, we chose this shot because we believe that it represented the genre (Thriller) the best due to the shadow on parts of her face portraying a more of a mysterious feel. This shot could be used if we are doing an interrogation scene or give the sense of disorientation or if the character is feeling under pressure I could use this light to show that. If I could recreate this photo again I wouldn't have the lighting so bright so that you could still see her facial features and not being blocked out by the contrast.

Photo 3- Our version of a silhouette. Here we have used 2 lights at different heights. We have placed them behind the subject so only a black silhouette is shown. We also placed the lighting so a shadow would appear. We found that this would be suitable for a thriller as it could portray mysterious and unknown and intensifying the scene further. The only problem with this show is the light stands showing if we was to recreate this shot again we would make sure that the lighting equipment is not being shown or it makes it look less naturalistic.

Photo 4- Here, the lighting we have used is front key light. the key light shines directly upon the subject and serves as its principal illuminator; more than anything else, the strength, color and angle of the key determines the shot's overall lighting design.

 Photo 5- Here we have used filler light. The effect the filler light has is that it shines on the subject, but from a side angle relative to the key and is often placed at a lower position than the key. It balances the key by illuminating shaded surfaces. This lighting is mainly used to be used for more of an naturalistic settingwhich you could use for your thriller but only if you was not trying to disorientate your audience.

Photo 6- Here we have used bottom lighting. Is placed undeneath the subjects face. Therefore shadows appear on certain parts of the subject face, this could be good to use in a thriller to add suspence and tension as the subject looks more intimidating and portraying a cold and creepy atmosphere. If i would recreate this shot i would make sure the lighting wasn't so close so that the shadow could intesify on the subjects face more making her look more mysterious.

Photo 7- Here we have shown a top light photo. Again top light photos could be used in an interrogation scene. But if the lighting is placed differently this could make the subject look more intimidating towards the audience as we can hardly see her facial feautures making the audience wonder what will happen next due to her identidy being hidden.

Photo 8- Side light photo. The pros about using side lighting is that it can separate the subject from the background by emphasizing one side of the subject face. This could be used if your thriller was about schizophrenia as one side of the person face could represent their life and them as their self where the other side could represent the other side to them.

Photo 9- Back light photo. Again the back lighting could be good to make the subject like more superior and myserious as you cannot recongise their face, this make the audience question who this person is which again, makes the audience ask questions. If a back light is used effectively it can simplify a complicated scene by emphasizing the subject, as in a silhouette.