Inspirations for my opening scene
For the last few weeks I have been analysing several different thriller clips and the different techniques used in them, such as, mise-en-scene, cinematography, camera angles and sound. The clips that I have looked at have given me lots of ideas of what to incorporate into my own opening scene.
I first analysed a clip in 'The Conjuring' and looked at the different examples of cinematography used, such as, mid-shots, handheld camera movements, shallow focus, close ups and a two shot. Handheld camera movements and shallow focus appeal to me most from this clip that I'd like to try to incorporate into my own thriller film opening. Shallow focus is used very effectively in the clip to create a sense of insecurity, being unsafe and a fear of whether the objects/people in the blurry background you can see, in this case, a pair of hands, is her daughter or a 'supernatural being'. The handheld camera movement is used to create a jerky, unsteady motion to give the audience a sub-conscious feeling of being in danger and expecting something to happen, this creates suspense and tension amongst the audience. The mid-shots that are used show a lot of background and the character from the waist up, not only does this show where the character and what they are doing but also an insight in their personality and character through their clothing and their body language.
I also analysed a clip from 'Scream 3' called 'The cutting room' and I focused on the effectiveness of the editing styles that were used. Editing styles such as a reaction shot, jump cut and a variety of timing of shots, such as being slowed down or sped up, are used in the clip. I can implement a similar reaction shot to the one used into my own thriller opening since it is a simple yet effective convention of a thriller film. I can use a reaction shot to show what situation the character is in, how they are feeling while also allowing the audience to sympathise with them by putting them themselves into that relatable situation. This will help build a relationship between character and audience while also helping the audience to understand the narrative more clearly and easily.
I first analysed a clip in 'The Conjuring' and looked at the different examples of cinematography used, such as, mid-shots, handheld camera movements, shallow focus, close ups and a two shot. Handheld camera movements and shallow focus appeal to me most from this clip that I'd like to try to incorporate into my own thriller film opening. Shallow focus is used very effectively in the clip to create a sense of insecurity, being unsafe and a fear of whether the objects/people in the blurry background you can see, in this case, a pair of hands, is her daughter or a 'supernatural being'. The handheld camera movement is used to create a jerky, unsteady motion to give the audience a sub-conscious feeling of being in danger and expecting something to happen, this creates suspense and tension amongst the audience. The mid-shots that are used show a lot of background and the character from the waist up, not only does this show where the character and what they are doing but also an insight in their personality and character through their clothing and their body language.
I also analysed a clip from 'Scream 3' called 'The cutting room' and I focused on the effectiveness of the editing styles that were used. Editing styles such as a reaction shot, jump cut and a variety of timing of shots, such as being slowed down or sped up, are used in the clip. I can implement a similar reaction shot to the one used into my own thriller opening since it is a simple yet effective convention of a thriller film. I can use a reaction shot to show what situation the character is in, how they are feeling while also allowing the audience to sympathise with them by putting them themselves into that relatable situation. This will help build a relationship between character and audience while also helping the audience to understand the narrative more clearly and easily.
The third clip I analysed was from 'What lies beneath' which was a good clip to use to look at the conventions of the thriller genre which included low-key lighting which is effective at adding suspense and terror to the situation. Many reaction shots are used to show characters reactions and facial expressions so the audience can relate. The use of non-diegetic sounds adds lots of suspense and increases the pace of the scene. It also adds emphasis through the use of parallel sound.
The clip I looked at for my research into sound in thriller films used, silence very effectively when the movie reel player was switched off left the audience to prepare for a shock. Non-diegetic and diegetic sound is used very well as well as eerie sounds when the face is seen in the trees to add emphasis and give a sense of terror and shock to the audience.
I will need to think about all the techniques mentioned above to incorporate into my own opening scene to make it as thrilling, suspenseful and intriguing as possible to keep the audience interested. Non-diegetic and eerie music used as a soundtrack if a vital convention used in thriller films and I think it is imperative to use in my own opening scene.
The clip I looked at for my research into sound in thriller films used, silence very effectively when the movie reel player was switched off left the audience to prepare for a shock. Non-diegetic and diegetic sound is used very well as well as eerie sounds when the face is seen in the trees to add emphasis and give a sense of terror and shock to the audience.
I will need to think about all the techniques mentioned above to incorporate into my own opening scene to make it as thrilling, suspenseful and intriguing as possible to keep the audience interested. Non-diegetic and eerie music used as a soundtrack if a vital convention used in thriller films and I think it is imperative to use in my own opening scene.
You have provided a very good explanation of the inspirations you have taken from the first two films analysed, explaining what you found inspirational and how it is effective in relation to the audience; however, you have not completed the last three paragraphs to the same standard.
ReplyDeleteTo improve your post you need to:
1) Make sure you analyse all points as effectively as you have the first two
2) Elaborate on points further by explaining why they are inspirational/conventional etc.
3) Make sure you mention how you will incoporate all of these ideas into your sequence whilst making them your own
4) Include paragraphs on mise-en-scene and characters
5) Use PEER to analyse points more effectively