Friday 27 September 2013
Se7en title sequence Emily and Anna
this helped me learn how to use final cut pro to get the effect I wanted as well as make title slates and editing the videos. it also helped me understand the different things that were to make up a thriller.
Notes
1. How does this relate to your coursework?
it is a thriller. it is an opening title sequence. it is a tv drama
2. What does it tell us about the characters?
Normal everyday routine- shave, breakfast, get ready- yet it looked like it were different ways to kill someone-sadistic. he is the villain.
3. What is the theme? Symbols?
twisted way of normal routine. the different things he was doing represented ways to kill. shirt- to suffocate. egg- yoke runs out symbolises blood. shave- cut throat. floss- strangulation. cutting meat- flesh.
What we need for Dexter remake:
-a kitchen/stove
-a frying pan, plate, cutlery
-bacon, meat
-a coffee caffeine/ plunger thing
-a thin white t-shirt
-an orange grapefruit
-shoelaces/ boots
-hand razor
-toilet roll
-fake blood/tomato ketchup
-floss
-sink
-coffee grinder
-coffee beans
Tuesday 24 September 2013
Notes
Low angle shots are usually used to show power
high angle shots are usually used to show that the person is powerless
close ups are used for the face
extreme close ups are of the eyes or lips etc.
long shots are used to set the scene >> scenery
mid shots are to show half the body >> body language emphasises emotions/ persona
cut in shot is to show detail of the shot
extreme long shots- usually used for cities
panning helps to follow the action alongside
dolly shot helps audience to empathise with scene as it makes it more believable by filming it from one point
180 degree rule:
only see subject from one side otherwise disorientates audience
change the depth of the shot to convey emotions through the scene- helps the audience empathise with the scene
if the scene doesn't have different depths in the clips it makes it "static" which means the emotions are not portrayed and therefore the audience does not feel comfortable and disorientates the audience
if the scene uses different alternating depths it makes it more "dynamic"
camera angles/ shots used in the taxi driver
extreme close up of taxi
extreme close up on the eyes of man
close up through the screen of a car
long shot of city scape
extreme close up of the eyes of man
camera shots make or break the film
establishing shot - sets up the scene - beginning
close up shot - tightly frames person or object
medium shot - waist or knees up- body language
long shot- entire figure or object in relation to surroundings
tracking shot- follows action closely - camera moves
aerial shot - entire image from birds eye view
dolly shot- moves at constant rate- doesn't necessarily follow the action
handheld shot - shaky- subject's perspective
zoom shot- zooms in to isolate or zooms out to show wider perspective
shish pan shot- moves camera from one subject to the other quickly making it blur between
high angle shot- films down onto subject
reverse angle shot- switches between conversation subjects
low angle shot- knees up from below
arc shot- moves around the subject in a circular motion
match cut- loads of clips seamlessly edited together as if it were one fluid movement
point of view shot- helps audience empathise with what the character is seeing
head on shot- action comes straight at the camera
high angle and low angle shots are used to portray power
tracking shot moves with the action where panning shot films the action from one point
head room is where there is space above the head
rule of thirds is where the scene is cut up into thirds horizontally and vertically to help with the portrayal of the scene
high angle shots are usually used to show that the person is powerless
close ups are used for the face
extreme close ups are of the eyes or lips etc.
long shots are used to set the scene >> scenery
mid shots are to show half the body >> body language emphasises emotions/ persona
cut in shot is to show detail of the shot
extreme long shots- usually used for cities
panning helps to follow the action alongside
dolly shot helps audience to empathise with scene as it makes it more believable by filming it from one point
180 degree rule:
only see subject from one side otherwise disorientates audience
change the depth of the shot to convey emotions through the scene- helps the audience empathise with the scene
if the scene doesn't have different depths in the clips it makes it "static" which means the emotions are not portrayed and therefore the audience does not feel comfortable and disorientates the audience
if the scene uses different alternating depths it makes it more "dynamic"
camera angles/ shots used in the taxi driver
extreme close up of taxi
extreme close up on the eyes of man
close up through the screen of a car
long shot of city scape
extreme close up of the eyes of man
camera shots make or break the film
establishing shot - sets up the scene - beginning
close up shot - tightly frames person or object
medium shot - waist or knees up- body language
long shot- entire figure or object in relation to surroundings
tracking shot- follows action closely - camera moves
aerial shot - entire image from birds eye view
dolly shot- moves at constant rate- doesn't necessarily follow the action
handheld shot - shaky- subject's perspective
zoom shot- zooms in to isolate or zooms out to show wider perspective
shish pan shot- moves camera from one subject to the other quickly making it blur between
high angle shot- films down onto subject
reverse angle shot- switches between conversation subjects
low angle shot- knees up from below
arc shot- moves around the subject in a circular motion
match cut- loads of clips seamlessly edited together as if it were one fluid movement
point of view shot- helps audience empathise with what the character is seeing
head on shot- action comes straight at the camera
high angle and low angle shots are used to portray power
tracking shot moves with the action where panning shot films the action from one point
head room is where there is space above the head
rule of thirds is where the scene is cut up into thirds horizontally and vertically to help with the portrayal of the scene
Notes
The usual suspects: opening sequence
close up on man makes us focus on his expression/ emotions- he has given up on life. man in darkness is superior and victimising the man. man with cigarette lights the fire as if he has control over how he dies but man in darkness shows his superiority by urinating on the fire, but the low angle shot conveys that he has more power: he controls the man's life- shoots him with a gun. man in darkness drops cigarette to relight the fire- slows down the shot so the audience cannot miss it. slow motion effect emphasises the danger of the situation which is established by the eery/ dramatic music.
close up on rope implies that the men on the boat were trapped/ constricted onto the boat which reinstates that it was set on a boat. close up on fire trail shows how it is a deadly substance- panning the shot to show the damage it causes in a matter of minutes. following the trail of fire slowly reveals the dead bodies of other men- the viewer's journey.
close up on man makes us focus on his expression/ emotions- he has given up on life. man in darkness is superior and victimising the man. man with cigarette lights the fire as if he has control over how he dies but man in darkness shows his superiority by urinating on the fire, but the low angle shot conveys that he has more power: he controls the man's life- shoots him with a gun. man in darkness drops cigarette to relight the fire- slows down the shot so the audience cannot miss it. slow motion effect emphasises the danger of the situation which is established by the eery/ dramatic music.
close up on rope implies that the men on the boat were trapped/ constricted onto the boat which reinstates that it was set on a boat. close up on fire trail shows how it is a deadly substance- panning the shot to show the damage it causes in a matter of minutes. following the trail of fire slowly reveals the dead bodies of other men- the viewer's journey.
Notes
Match on action: same clip filmed from different angles.
continuity error: when the details are not the same.
final cut pro is a professional piece of editing equipment.
B=blade
A=arrow
To write text on a scene:
text >> text >> video drag >> controls
LA time-lapse 2 [SaveYoutube.com]
i=in
o=out
adding video footage
effects >> video filter >> stylise >> drag effect >> double click video >> filters >> choose
continuity error: when the details are not the same.
final cut pro is a professional piece of editing equipment.
B=blade
A=arrow
To write text on a scene:
text >> text >> video drag >> controls
LA time-lapse 2 [SaveYoutube.com]
i=in
o=out
adding video footage
effects >> video filter >> stylise >> drag effect >> double click video >> filters >> choose
Monday 23 September 2013
Saul Bass
He is a widely acclaimed graphic designer that is well known for his title sequences. Majority of his work was upon thrillers.
Notes
Catch me if you can
What does it tell you about the story?
detective/police chasing a man in disguises (pilot, lawyer, doctor) and always one step behind him until the end of the film.
What does it tell you about the characters?
a man is a criminal dressing and working in different jobs to avoid getting caught. detective is trying to catch man. man is a player.
What mood/ atmosphere does it create?
music creates an atmoshere of suspense- creates mystery
SUSPENSE>> Thriller
sound is 50% of film- it creates the mood
Title sequence exists for legal reasons
mini movie>> movie within a movie
-involve the audience
-sets the scene
Saul Bass designs thriller title sequences
Mood Board Checklist
-Location
-Setting
-Lighting
-Colours
-Costumes
-Props
-Iconography
-Characters
-Story Lines
What does it tell you about the story?
detective/police chasing a man in disguises (pilot, lawyer, doctor) and always one step behind him until the end of the film.
What does it tell you about the characters?
a man is a criminal dressing and working in different jobs to avoid getting caught. detective is trying to catch man. man is a player.
What mood/ atmosphere does it create?
music creates an atmoshere of suspense- creates mystery
SUSPENSE>> Thriller
sound is 50% of film- it creates the mood
Title sequence exists for legal reasons
mini movie>> movie within a movie
-involve the audience
-sets the scene
Saul Bass designs thriller title sequences
Mood Board Checklist
-Location
-Setting
-Lighting
-Colours
-Costumes
-Props
-Iconography
-Characters
-Story Lines
Notes
Seven Opening Sequence in depth analysis
the credits were in white which represents purity where the background was black which could symbolise the deadly sins;the contrast between white and black represent the opposites of the heros and the villains- this can be seen that the audience is watching from the ciewpoint of the heros. in the notes and books the person crosses out the words 'transvestite' and 'homosexuality' whic shows the person is against those types of things, yet circles the word 'sex' which shows where his mind is set. the word 'greed' was at the top representing the serial killer. the person sews pages together to make a book of the seven deadly sins of which murders he commited.
the bible appears throughout the opening title sequence which shows that it is in the act of god; it appears at the beginning and the end which shows it is reciprocal.
Seven Traier
the dramatic and suspense filled music adds to the effect of the clips as it gages a certain reaction from te audience to persuade them to think a certain opinion about the movie. it also shows the thriller theme. the pace speeds uup towards the end of the trailer. the length of the clips become shorter towards the end to emphasise the danger and thrill of the film, keeping the interest of the audience effectively. the metranone produces a 'tick-tock' sound that is diagetic sound as we can see the source of the sound howver it starts playing in the background of other clips which makes it non-diagetic sound. it adds to the mystery that is presented in the trailer. the lighting is dark and there is often a red glow which gives the impression that something bad has happened. the information given to us by the characters that describes the seven deadly sins- he tells us that only two murders have been committed and five more are most likely going to happen . the writing of notes and cuttings out of newspapers and magazines stereotypically associates with serial killers so the audience is assuming what the plot of the story is about. the creadits were written as if it were jaggedly handwritten giving the feel of danger and mystery.
the credits were in white which represents purity where the background was black which could symbolise the deadly sins;the contrast between white and black represent the opposites of the heros and the villains- this can be seen that the audience is watching from the ciewpoint of the heros. in the notes and books the person crosses out the words 'transvestite' and 'homosexuality' whic shows the person is against those types of things, yet circles the word 'sex' which shows where his mind is set. the word 'greed' was at the top representing the serial killer. the person sews pages together to make a book of the seven deadly sins of which murders he commited.
the bible appears throughout the opening title sequence which shows that it is in the act of god; it appears at the beginning and the end which shows it is reciprocal.
Seven Traier
the dramatic and suspense filled music adds to the effect of the clips as it gages a certain reaction from te audience to persuade them to think a certain opinion about the movie. it also shows the thriller theme. the pace speeds uup towards the end of the trailer. the length of the clips become shorter towards the end to emphasise the danger and thrill of the film, keeping the interest of the audience effectively. the metranone produces a 'tick-tock' sound that is diagetic sound as we can see the source of the sound howver it starts playing in the background of other clips which makes it non-diagetic sound. it adds to the mystery that is presented in the trailer. the lighting is dark and there is often a red glow which gives the impression that something bad has happened. the information given to us by the characters that describes the seven deadly sins- he tells us that only two murders have been committed and five more are most likely going to happen . the writing of notes and cuttings out of newspapers and magazines stereotypically associates with serial killers so the audience is assuming what the plot of the story is about. the creadits were written as if it were jaggedly handwritten giving the feel of danger and mystery.
Mood Board for what makes a thriller
this moodboard abled me to dictate what a thriller film is and what films are in the genre of a thriller. for example I thought 'house at the end of the street' was a horror but due to the fact of the music, shadows and the stock character that was a woman it ended up to be a thriller. it helped me decipher the difference between a thriller and an action film also.
Notes
What needs to be included in a title sequence:
-legal rights (e.g. paramount picture)
-names of actors and actresses
-names of directors, producers, etc.
Taxi Driver title sequence
music was jazz which gave a calm and olde day feel to the film, yet when the more dramatic, scary music was introduced, the man was looking over the city which could mean that he is going to wreak havoc and madness on the city. it then lightened again after that to the jazz music, yet the image presents a contradiction in shades of red and black which shows he is not all he appears to be.
the beginning of the title sequence is shown with smoke filling the screen; this is then interrupted by a yellow taxi driving through the smoke- the camera angle was low which gave the taxi the appearance of being a huge, menacing object. the man was sitting in the taxi which gives the impression that he is going to play an important role in the film.
Falling Down title sequence
the first sound the audience is ppresented with is heavy breathing which is thwn matched to a middle aged man that is dressed middle class that is sweating and seems to be trying to calm down yet his eyes show no emotion. the scenery around him is very hectic and people are looking at him, making it see he is about to do something. the music is eery yet dramatic which adds to the thriller theme.
Shutter Island title sequence
the spinning stairs introduces the film which gives the impression that everything will be an illusion and in the mind- falling down into darkness/ depression. the dramtic music sets the scene as an immense horror thriller- it makes the audience on edge and feel like they don't want to be there yet intrigues the interest of the audience at the same time. the gates opening is imposing giving the impression that it was supposed to keep people out and the madness contained. the guards show that it is dangerous place to be. the weather gives a dreary feel to the film, the rain shows the bleakness; the snow showing coldness. the font vaporates which gives it a ghostly and eerie feel to the film.
Vantage Point title sequence
the shots are cut off showing different angles of the same scene- this represents thjat there are many people overlooking the same thing and it is getting pieced together by many different vantage points. the sepia effect to the film gives it an old, mysterious feel to the film. the music is quite sinister and eerie which builds tension for the audience - presenting a mystery maybe even a murder investigation. the name of the film represents how over time the picture becomes clear and forms the right information but it is a mystery leading up to that final point that makes the point clear. the sniper sight symbol presents that there will be a murder; the president is introduced which gives the impression it could be about a murder on the president.
Fight Club title sequence
the first sound is of water glugging and then it turns into dramatic music with police sirens in the background: this shows that it might be about a criminal on the run from the police; this gives a dangerous edge to the film as it starts building and getting faster which enhances how the film will be leading up to a dramatic ending/ result. the visual images looks as if it is travelling through a body showing veins and capillaries and arteries as well as muscles, it then starts moving through space really fast which gives the impression that something in the bosy changes over time; this is supported by the fact that it goes through the body again, however this time it looks diseased- as something is destroying the delicate tissues of the body. however, this journey could be a metaphor for what happens to a person; that they were good once but over time they became bad and diseased in the mind (their thoughts and actions). there is flashing from light to dark which could symbolise the person getting hurt over and over again which could be reason why the person turns bad again. at the end it shows the surface of the skin, how the person is sweating- they did something bad. it then shows Brad Pitt held at gunpoint and he is frightened. at the very end he says, 'people are always asking me if i knew Tyler Durden'; this name symbolises what the plot of the film could be revolving around. the man looks scared which shows that he is faced with something that he doesn't know how to cope with.
Casino Royale title sequence
there are cards, the four suits and the roulette wheel which symbolises that it is set in a casino. all the villains being killed are in red which symbolises death was coming to them. at the end of the title sequence we see James Bond's face and then he is made into a silhouette again but the last thing that goes is his eyes which shows he is the new Bond. The music has lyrics repeating: 'you know my name'; it represents how everyone kows James Bond's name as it is constant but people don't know what he looks like as he continually changes. The cards represent the game of life and death throughout the film. A woman's face is in the queen of hearts which symbolises she will be a villain in the movie as the queen of hearts is usually associated as bad due to the part she plays in Alice in Wonderland. the music is dramatic and fast paced which doesnt match to the stereotypical Bond theme tune as it is a new twist- this intrigues the audience's interest as it has a hint of mystery creating an enigma for the film.
-legal rights (e.g. paramount picture)
-names of actors and actresses
-names of directors, producers, etc.
Taxi Driver title sequence
music was jazz which gave a calm and olde day feel to the film, yet when the more dramatic, scary music was introduced, the man was looking over the city which could mean that he is going to wreak havoc and madness on the city. it then lightened again after that to the jazz music, yet the image presents a contradiction in shades of red and black which shows he is not all he appears to be.
the beginning of the title sequence is shown with smoke filling the screen; this is then interrupted by a yellow taxi driving through the smoke- the camera angle was low which gave the taxi the appearance of being a huge, menacing object. the man was sitting in the taxi which gives the impression that he is going to play an important role in the film.
Falling Down title sequence
the first sound the audience is ppresented with is heavy breathing which is thwn matched to a middle aged man that is dressed middle class that is sweating and seems to be trying to calm down yet his eyes show no emotion. the scenery around him is very hectic and people are looking at him, making it see he is about to do something. the music is eery yet dramatic which adds to the thriller theme.
Shutter Island title sequence
the spinning stairs introduces the film which gives the impression that everything will be an illusion and in the mind- falling down into darkness/ depression. the dramtic music sets the scene as an immense horror thriller- it makes the audience on edge and feel like they don't want to be there yet intrigues the interest of the audience at the same time. the gates opening is imposing giving the impression that it was supposed to keep people out and the madness contained. the guards show that it is dangerous place to be. the weather gives a dreary feel to the film, the rain shows the bleakness; the snow showing coldness. the font vaporates which gives it a ghostly and eerie feel to the film.
Vantage Point title sequence
the shots are cut off showing different angles of the same scene- this represents thjat there are many people overlooking the same thing and it is getting pieced together by many different vantage points. the sepia effect to the film gives it an old, mysterious feel to the film. the music is quite sinister and eerie which builds tension for the audience - presenting a mystery maybe even a murder investigation. the name of the film represents how over time the picture becomes clear and forms the right information but it is a mystery leading up to that final point that makes the point clear. the sniper sight symbol presents that there will be a murder; the president is introduced which gives the impression it could be about a murder on the president.
Fight Club title sequence
the first sound is of water glugging and then it turns into dramatic music with police sirens in the background: this shows that it might be about a criminal on the run from the police; this gives a dangerous edge to the film as it starts building and getting faster which enhances how the film will be leading up to a dramatic ending/ result. the visual images looks as if it is travelling through a body showing veins and capillaries and arteries as well as muscles, it then starts moving through space really fast which gives the impression that something in the bosy changes over time; this is supported by the fact that it goes through the body again, however this time it looks diseased- as something is destroying the delicate tissues of the body. however, this journey could be a metaphor for what happens to a person; that they were good once but over time they became bad and diseased in the mind (their thoughts and actions). there is flashing from light to dark which could symbolise the person getting hurt over and over again which could be reason why the person turns bad again. at the end it shows the surface of the skin, how the person is sweating- they did something bad. it then shows Brad Pitt held at gunpoint and he is frightened. at the very end he says, 'people are always asking me if i knew Tyler Durden'; this name symbolises what the plot of the film could be revolving around. the man looks scared which shows that he is faced with something that he doesn't know how to cope with.
Casino Royale title sequence
there are cards, the four suits and the roulette wheel which symbolises that it is set in a casino. all the villains being killed are in red which symbolises death was coming to them. at the end of the title sequence we see James Bond's face and then he is made into a silhouette again but the last thing that goes is his eyes which shows he is the new Bond. The music has lyrics repeating: 'you know my name'; it represents how everyone kows James Bond's name as it is constant but people don't know what he looks like as he continually changes. The cards represent the game of life and death throughout the film. A woman's face is in the queen of hearts which symbolises she will be a villain in the movie as the queen of hearts is usually associated as bad due to the part she plays in Alice in Wonderland. the music is dramatic and fast paced which doesnt match to the stereotypical Bond theme tune as it is a new twist- this intrigues the audience's interest as it has a hint of mystery creating an enigma for the film.
Notes
Taxi Driver title sequence
1. What does the sound tell us about the character?
All sounds are emphasised for tension. heavy breathing suggests that he is panicking. the eeriness and dramatic music suggests that he maybe did something wrong. there is the sound of a man reporting a story which could imply he is telling something bad. the dramatic music conveys he is paranoid.
2. How do we know this is a thriller?
The dramtic, eery music connotes the thriller theme. the camera angles and length of shots give it a suspense building effect that is commonly used in thrillers to build the tension. he is running away when the sound of a helicopter approaches which connotes he is running from his problems.
3. What is the role of the opening of a film?
it is to set the scene of the movie; give an insight to what the film is about. it is to gage the interest of the audience to watch the film.
4. What happens in the opening of the film?
it builds suspense and tension to engage the attention of the audience.
1. What does the sound tell us about the character?
All sounds are emphasised for tension. heavy breathing suggests that he is panicking. the eeriness and dramatic music suggests that he maybe did something wrong. there is the sound of a man reporting a story which could imply he is telling something bad. the dramatic music conveys he is paranoid.
2. How do we know this is a thriller?
The dramtic, eery music connotes the thriller theme. the camera angles and length of shots give it a suspense building effect that is commonly used in thrillers to build the tension. he is running away when the sound of a helicopter approaches which connotes he is running from his problems.
3. What is the role of the opening of a film?
it is to set the scene of the movie; give an insight to what the film is about. it is to gage the interest of the audience to watch the film.
4. What happens in the opening of the film?
it builds suspense and tension to engage the attention of the audience.
Taken spoiler review
Taken spoiler review.
Luc Besson’s action thriller film, ‘Taken’, is fast paced and filled with fights and violence that keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats. Starring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills; a father who wishes for a closer relationship with his daughter, Grace; he earns money by working for a Central intelligence agency, which instigates his over protective attitude when concerning Grace. 
Grace wants to go abroad with her best friend but to persuade her father to agree, pretends that it is a school trip- however when he finds out, it is too late to stop her from boarding the plane. Grace is an innocent teenager that has not yet grasped the concept to not trust strangers- this is what spirals the world she is familiar with into the unknown that will change her life forever. 
Bryan Mills sets on a mission to rescue his daughter that has been kidnapped by slave traders; the road is long and viscous yet he overcomes every obstacle due to his motivation and love for his daughter. It also tells a message to the audience about what happens everyday around the world and that sometimes there is a wish for someone to rescue them just like what this film portrays; it is a hope many girls, women and children hold onto. 
The iconography used presents the film as a stereotypical thriller with the use of guns, explosions, fights, dark lighting and dramatic music that creates the ultimate effect to gage the right reaction from the audience. The mise-en-scene emphasises the genre by the dirty, grimy look to the towns and cities that the main settings include; east European countries are associated with danger and sex traders, which helps to convey the plot of the film as well as thriller genre. 
The characters are portrayed effectively through their clothes which can be used as representations: the slave traders are dressed in dirty, grimy looking clothes which represent what they do for a living; Bryan is dressed well in designer jeans and shirts at the beginning of the movie but when he sets off to find and rescue Grace he does not change his clothes, other than disguises he needs, which conveys how he will not stop for anything until he finds her; and Grace is dressed in young, bright colours which emphasises her innocence. 
In my opinion the film is 3 out of 5 stars as it has the correct iconography and mise en scene to associate with the thriller genre however it doesn't have a unique storyline; it conforms to the classic hollywood narrative.
this spoiler review made me realise how much I know about thriller films and how the storyline is either a classic hollywood narratuive or a with a new surprising twist. this film unfortunatley conforms to the simple classic hollywood narrative so is viewed as a 'safe' thriller film to watch if the audience in particular does not like change.
Inception spoiler review
Inception spoiler review
Inception is a science fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as ‘Dominick Cobb’ who works with his business partner, Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to infiltrate the subconscious of their clients through their dreams; to extract the information they want. 
Cobb is hired to do a special project known as ‘inception’ where they need to plant an idea into the clients subconscious whilst he is asleep to be able to influence his actions in the real world; to be able to do this they need to have six levels within the dream, each level has a ‘kick’ to allow them to move further in the levels; if they die in the dream they wake up into the real world, however there is a catch if they do not realise where they are and mistake reality for the dream they will die - this is why they have a small personal item to help them figure out whether they are in dream state or in reality.
Cobb has a murder against his name and has been promised by his employer that it will be cleared if he is to complete this mission successfully which will allow him to go home to his children. Unbeknown to his fellow colleagues, his wife haunts his dream which is why he tells them not to tell him the journey to where they need to go so she cannot infiltrate the mission and ruin everything.
The iconography used emphasises the thriller genre such as the lighting and dramatic, suspense building music that sets the scene for the audience. The mise en scene used is mainly in the dream world but in reality is centred in Los Angeles which is more believable for the audience as it is relatable due to it being in our world. The characters are dressed formally in business attire which gives the impression that what they do for a living is a well paid job and highly respected. 
In my opinion I think this film is 4 out of 5 stars as it uses the correct iconography and mise en scene to result with the ultimate effect for an effective thriller.
this spoiler review enabled me to read deeper into the storyline of inception and why the director used certain mise en scene aspects in the way that was portrayed. this film is psychological as it needs to be watched in depth to be able to piece the puzzle together; it keeps the audience engaged. this helped me analyse a thriller that does not conform to the classic hollywood narrative and why this intrigues the audience alot more than a film like 'Taken'.
Black Swan spoiler review
Black swan spoiler review.
Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller and horror film, ‘Black Swan’ stars Natalie Portman as ‘Nina Sayers’ who is part of a ballet dance company that is about to open with the season of Swan Lake.
Nina auditions for the part as the Swan Queen but is told by the director, Thomas that she is too rigid for the act and needs to loosen herself up. Thomas kisses her when she goes to talk to him about the part; it sparks a reaction that awakens an impulsive side to her that she has not yet been aware of. This sets in motion a dangerous turn of events after a night out with one of the other dancers in the company. Nina starts to experience hallucinations such as sleeping with a fellow female dancer, ripping feathers out of her skin, ripping her skin, killing the fellow female dancer and when she thinks she is turning into the swan literally when in actual fact it is her slow progression to her death at the end of the film. The psychological twist entices the attention of the audience to the grand finale at the end of the film where Nina dies after the final scene of the 
The iconography used such as, dark lighting, dramatic music and shadows create enigmas to create the right atmosphere for the thriller genre. The mise en scene is based in
Nevertheless, the costume is not the main effect used to portray Nina’s good and bad side- it is often the lighting; dark lighting shows that she is either hallucinating or her bad side has come out to play and when there is bright lighting it shows that she is still sane and herself- this helps the audience understand the story and journey Nina is going through both physically and psychologically.
In my opinion this film is 4 out of 5 stars due to the use of suspense and mystery and how it drops enigmas throughout the film so that it keeps the audience engaged up to the end of the film. The right use of iconography creates an illusion that captures the interest of the audience.
this spoiler review helped me read into the representation of characters in a thriller as there are alot of aspects like the film 'shutter island' that only make sense right at the end of the film. I have now come to realise representation of characters is key role in a thriller film to be able to gage the expected reaction from the audience.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo title sequence analysis
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Title Sequence Analysis
In this instance it is a theme of darkness, love and loss, shown through the colours that emphasise feelings of isolation and loneliness, supported by the classical music in the background that conveys these emotions. There is a short clip where a lit match falls down to the ground emphasising the hope that sparked into existence has been lost.
Additionally, all the shots have a black substance that flows through them, making it look like it is consuming the journey and representing the destruction that is yet to unfold. Moreover, the motives are shown through the money, keyboard and computer wires, emphasising the plot (technology) and the goal (money). Importantly, the shades of black and grey enhance the dark assets that are the background story. Furthermore, the woman crying represents how the woman is hopeless and sad. The phoenix represents the feel to escape and the success of freedom which ignites the hues of orange and gold; it shows that where the hope was once lost, it has now soared back into being once more; this symbolises the progression of the woman’s journey; the holding of hands conveys the support and unity that helped her to overcome the problem.
Also, the blossoming flower could represent the progression in her journey to how she has grown in herself. There is an image of a man sinking below water that could represent that hope is lost; but when in an embrace with the woman it conveys the lust and love in the movie providing information of a romance and how they help each other through their ups and downs; creating the enigma which engages the interest of the audience. The use of iconography explains to the audience that this film is a thriller and has a technological investigation as the plot.
this analysis aided me in understanding the role and need for a title sequence: the main one is to tell the story. the opening title sequence has shown me that you can tell the story through metaphors and symbols rather than acting it out; this enables the audience to be encaptured and try to fugure out the meaning behind the sequence of images.
Notes
The Usual Suspects
What makes it a thriller?
use of a silhouette to create mystery. eery music creates tension. gun shot- non diagetic sound creates suspense and mystery. fire to cover villains tracks: creates danger. dramatic music builds up towards the end yet with a sense of sadness.
Who are the characters? Identity/Roles
man smoking could be a man that got in the way of the villain- smoking to take away the pain. seemed calm in stature but panicking in the eyes. villain is dark silhouette so showd he is bathed in darkness- evil. also creates mystery as to what the villain's identity is. man smoking said a name when the villain appeared infront of him so conveys they have a history and know one another. the villain is a man due to his broad shoulders and height but also his stature and the fact that he eurinates on the fire before descending the steps to make a dramatic effect.
What mood does it create? How?
it creates mystery by us not knowing the identity of the villain. creates tension and suspense- builds up to the death of the man and the explosion of the boat. boat was in the middle of nowhere- a desolate spot to choose so there would be no witnesses which creates mystery as to why he targeted this group of people. dead bodies on the floor show that something happened beforehand. the bodies on the floor are slowly revealed through a close up when following the trail of fire.
Opening title sequence
-reinforces the story
-establishes the plot, character >> murder >> sociopath/psychopath
-builds suspense
-entices the interest of the audience
-legal rights>> production company >> director comes first
-18-24 title slates
What makes it a thriller?
use of a silhouette to create mystery. eery music creates tension. gun shot- non diagetic sound creates suspense and mystery. fire to cover villains tracks: creates danger. dramatic music builds up towards the end yet with a sense of sadness.
Who are the characters? Identity/Roles
man smoking could be a man that got in the way of the villain- smoking to take away the pain. seemed calm in stature but panicking in the eyes. villain is dark silhouette so showd he is bathed in darkness- evil. also creates mystery as to what the villain's identity is. man smoking said a name when the villain appeared infront of him so conveys they have a history and know one another. the villain is a man due to his broad shoulders and height but also his stature and the fact that he eurinates on the fire before descending the steps to make a dramatic effect.
What mood does it create? How?
it creates mystery by us not knowing the identity of the villain. creates tension and suspense- builds up to the death of the man and the explosion of the boat. boat was in the middle of nowhere- a desolate spot to choose so there would be no witnesses which creates mystery as to why he targeted this group of people. dead bodies on the floor show that something happened beforehand. the bodies on the floor are slowly revealed through a close up when following the trail of fire.
Opening title sequence
-reinforces the story
-establishes the plot, character >> murder >> sociopath/psychopath
-builds suspense
-entices the interest of the audience
-legal rights>> production company >> director comes first
-18-24 title slates
Timeline for title sequence of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'
00.00
T1 - Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn Mayer pictures present > Distributors
T2 - A Scott Rudin . yellow bird production > Production Company
T3 - A David Fincher film > Director
T4 - Daniel Craig > Main Actor
T5 - Rooney Mara > Main Actress
T6 - The Girl with the dragon tattoo > Title of film
T7 - Christopher Plummer > Actor
T8 - Stellan Skarsgard > Actor
T9 - Steven Berkoff > Actor
T10 - Robin Wright > Actress
T11 - Yorick Van Wageningen > Actor
T12 - Joley Richardson > Actress
T13 - Geraldine James > Actress
T14 - Goran Visnjic > Actor
T15 - Donald Sumpter > Actor
T16 - Ulf Frieberg > Actor
T17 - Casting by Laray Mayfield > Casting Director
T18 - Costume Designer Trish Summerville > Costume Designer
T19 - Co-producer Berna Levin . Eli Bush > Co-producer
T20 - Sound design by Ren Klyce > Sound Designer
T21 - Music by Trent Reznor . Atticus Ross > Soundtrack producer
T22 - Editors . Kirk Baxter.ACE . Angus Wall.ACE > Editors
T23 - Production Designer Donald Graham Burt > Production Designer
T24 - Director of photography Jeff Croneweth. ASC > Photography Director
T25 - Executive Producers . Steven Zaillin . Mikael Wallen . Anni Faurbye Fernandez > Executive Producers
T26 - Produced by Scott Rudin . Ole Sondeberg . Soren Staermose . Cean Chaffin > Producers
T27 - Based on the book by Staeg Larsson . Originally published by Norstedts > Book
T28 - Screenplay by Steven Zaillin > Writer
T29 - Directed by David Fincher > Director
02.34
T1: 0.06- 0.07 > Lasts 1 second < white text on black background
T2: 0.09- 0.10 > Last 1 second< white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T3: 0.12- 0.14 > Lasts 2 seconds< white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T4: 0.15- 0.17 > Lasts 2 seconds< white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T5: 0.18- 0.20 > Lasts 2 seconds< white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T6: 0.21- 0.23 > Lasts 2 seconds< metallic grey text on black background and then covered by black water
T7: 0.25- 0.27 > Lasts 2 seconds< white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T8: 0.28- 0.30 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T9: 0.33- 0.35 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T10: 0.36- 0.38 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T11: 0.39- 0.41 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T12: 0.43- 0.45 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T13: 0.50- 0.52 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T14: 01.02- 01.04 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T15: 01.05- 01.07 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T16: 01.09- 01.11 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T17: 01.13- 01.15 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T18: 01.18- 01.20 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T19: 01.21- 01.23 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T20: 01.24- 01.26 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T21: 01.27- 01.29 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T22: 01.30- 01.32 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T23: 01.33- 01.35 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T24: 01.38- 01.40 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T25: 01.46- 01.48 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T26: 01.49- 01.52 > Lasts 3 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T27: 01.53- 01.56 > Lasts 3 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T28: 02.07- 02.09 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T29: 02.20- 02.22 > Lasts 2 seconds < white text on dark alternating animated backgrounds
T1- T2 = distributor and production companies
T3= Director
T4- T5= main actor and actress
T6= title of film
T7- T16= actors and actresses
T17- T29= behind the scenes input
this timeline clearly outlines how a title sequence is set out- it will help me in further tasks that include title sequences.
Napolean Dynamite remake
this napolean dynamite remake showed me how capable I was at creating my own version as well as where I can improve for future production tasks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)