Kate Harrold's Media Blog: AS Research

The History Of Thrillers Research

Thriller Conventions In 'Face Off'

Camera Shots

All these camera shots are part of what is known as the 'Classical Hollywood Style' which was created in the 1950's. It focuses on narrative and characters and makes the viewing of the film seamless for the audience.

Long Shot - Head to toe of a person
Close Up - Focuses on a particular body part or object to show detail/emotion
Mid Shot - From the waist up
Over The Shoulder - Positioned behind a characters shoulder and usually used in a conversation between two characters
Establishing Shot - Shows location and time and usually comes at the beginning of a scene
Master Shot - The whole scene is recorded as a long shot and can be used as a reference
Wide Shot - Allows us to see location and characters
Two Shot - Shows us two characters
Ariel Shot - The camera is positioned overhead and looks down from above
Point Of View - Puts the audience in the characters position so they can see exactly what the character can see

Camera Shots in The Opening of 'Face Off'

An establishing shot is used when we can see the whole of the fairground. This introduces us to our location. The effect of this on the audience is that they clearly understand where the narrative is taking place which is why the director would have chosen this shot. It's purpose is to show us where the story will start. The significance of the playground setting is that it is usually associated with innocence and fun which contrasts the death which is about to happen. This heightens the 'thrill'.

A two shot is used and this can be seen when we see Sean Archer and his son riding on the carousel. The effect of this shot is that it introduces two characters to us and gives a glimpse into their relationship through the interactions they have with each other which also sets up the narrative. The director would have chosen this shot as it's useful for establishing characters for the audience as we can clearly see who they are. This shot is very important in adding drama to the narrative because it's crucial that the audience knows the characters. We get to see how much the father loves the son from the look on his face.

A point of view shot is used when Castor Troy is looking down the scope of his gun at Sean and his son. The director would have used this shot to make the audience feel like they are actually a part of the film. It would make the audience feel tense as we get the impression that he is about to shoot them which helps set the atmosphere and mood of the film. This matches the conventions of a thriller movie as tension, suspense and violence is common.

Research On Film Classification

Camera Angles

The angle is the level at which the camera is held. These are the three camera angles used:

Straight - When the camera is at eye line with the actor and is used to make the audience feel like a part of the action
High - This is when the camera is elevated and looking down. It's usually used to make an object or person look smaller or weaker
Low - This is when the camera is positioned from below, looking up and it can make objects or characters seen bigger or more dominant

Camera Angles In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

A straight angle is used and this can be seen when there is a close up shot of Castor Troy's face. This angle would have been chosen by the director as it puts the audience at the same eye level as Troy. This allows us to see that he's doubting himself and whether he should shoot his victim because Archer has a son. This has good dramatic effect because it makes the next shot more shocking.

A high angle is used when Sean Archer is injured on the floor. This angle would have been chosen as it makes the character appear weaker as we as the audience are looking down on him. It also gives us the impression that he's helpless because the camera stays at a high angle throughout the shot.

A low angle is used when Sean has been shot and he's falling off the carousel. The director would have chosen this angle as again, it makes the character appear weak as we see him falling to the floor. It also makes the fall look longer and more dramatic which would have added to the shock and tension which is a key convention of the thriller genre.

Camera Movement

Pan - When the camera is moved horizontally from side to side whilst remaining on a tripod
Tilt - When the camera is tilted up and down vertically whilst remaining on a tripod
Track - When the camera follows a moving object
Dolly - When the camera is mounted on a moving platform (Ie. Car)
Crane - The Camera is situated high in the air, usually looking down
Steadicam - Allows you to walk with the camera whilst keeping it still and steady
Hand Held - When the camera is moved freely and is usually used to make you feel part of the action
Zoom - Changes the distance of an object or person from the camera

Camera Movement In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

A pan is used when Sean is injured on the floor and we pan over to see his son. The director would have chosen this shot as it doesn't reveal everything that is happening in the scene in one go. The audience looks around the scene just as a character would which makes them feel extremely involved in the action as they are placed directly into the scene and the characters shoes. A tilt is used when we first meet Castor Troy and we tilt from the bottom of his face to the top. This gives him the appearance of dominance which is why the director would have chosen this shot as it sets up to the audience that this is going to be our villain. Hand Held is used when Sean has been shot and he's crawling along the floor. This makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the action because the movement is jerky and shaky rather than smooth so they feel as if they are there which adds good dramatic effect. It also makes the scene tense as the shaky movement creates a frantic and panicky atmosphere which is important in the thriller genre. A Zoom is used when Troy is looking down the scope of his gun as the scope allows him to see his victims closer than they are. This movement would have been chosen as it makes Troy appear more powerful and as if he controls their fate which is how the director would have wanted us to view this character.

Camera Focus

The focus of the camera dictates the depth into the picture in which the objects are in clear focus. There are two main types of camera focus:

Deep Focus - Objects or people in different planes of depth are all in focus
Shallow Focus - Only one plane of depth is in sharp focus which means there is a restricted field of depth. This is used to draw attention to something

Camera Focus In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

A shallow focus is used when Sean Archer and his son are on the carousel as they are in clear focus whilst the background isn't. This is to draw the audience's attention to the characters which reveals to us that they are father and son because we are shown the loving looks on their faces. Due to the fact that the characters are emphasized, the audience gets the impression that they are crucial to the narrative.

A shallow focus is also used when it's revealed that there is a gun but only the barrel of the gun is in focus. Guns are a common convention of a thriller so this fit's the genre well. Also, the use of a close up shot unknowingly puts the audience in the place of Sean as the gun is pointing directly at them. This also heightens the tension which is good for a thriller movie.

Composition

The composition is how a shot is made up and the arrangements of objects and people in that shot. It usually reveals something to the audience about the importance of a person or object or the relationships between them.

Framing

Framing is deciding where an image begins and ends. It's used for a number of reasons but here are a few examples:

It can aid the narrative
It can make things stand out
It can give more information

Having two objects in the same frame can show a connection or relationship between them.

Framing In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

The director chooses to slowly enlarge the frame when the camera is on Castor Troy's face. After he spots that Sean has a son, we are lead to believe he's deliberating whether to still go ahead through his facial expressions but as the frame changes, we actually learn he was just about to take a drink. This reveals to us that this is the villain of the film whilst also making the scene more shocking as we think he's actually good and contemplating not taking the shot for a moment.

Framing In 'Arrival Of The Train at La Ciotat'

This shot is framed as if the audience are the people standing on the platform and the train is going past. Due to the fact that you don't see where the train stops, it almost feels like it's coming towards the audience which would have been very effective at the time. To improve this shot, you could have used an Ariel shot to follow the train or have a track going along side it.

Rule Of Thirds

The rule of thirds is an aesthetically pleasing way to compose a frame. The frame is spit into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The rule suggests that the centre of the images subject should be placed at one of the intersections where the lines cross and not right in the centre. This is because naturally, our eyes are not drawn to the centre so it balances the image which makes it more attractive to look at.

Example of Rule of Thirds in Face Off

Rule of thirds is used in the close up shot of Castor Troy's face. He is on one intersection whilst the gun is on the other. This means that the audience's eyes are drawn to the most important part of the shot which is the gun and his eye. His eye is important because we can see through his facial expression what he is thinking whilst the gun hints at what he is about to do.

Sound Motif

A sound motif can condition the audience emotionally for the intervention, arrival or actions of a particular character as well as provide a sound association for a particular character. A sound motif can also signify mood or theme.

Sound Terminology

Sound Perspective - The sense of a sounds position in space due to volume, pitch etc. It can make a sound appear closer or further away
Foley - Mimicking a sound source in a recording studio to stop a scene sounding shallow
ADR (automatic dialogue replacement) - Dialogue that can't be salvaged from film footage is re-recorded in a studio so that it matches the original shot
Sound Effects - Any sound that is added in post production
Sound Mixing - When you mix different sounds together
Soundtrack - Pre existing songs used that capture the spirit of the film
Diegetic Sounds - Any sound that comes from within the film world (a sound the character can hear)
Non Diegetic Sounds - A sound that comes from outside the film world (Only the audience can hear it)
Synchronous - A sound that is matched with what is viewed
Asynchronous - Doesn't match what we see (eg. hearing a siren before we actually see a police car)
Score - Music composed to specifically accompany a scene
Incidental Music - Non Diegetic music that accompanies a scene or even change
Ambient Sounds - Background sound (eg. birds chirping)
Dialogue - When the character speaks
Voiceover - A form of narration
Theme or Sting - A piece of music that is specific to a particular Film Series or TV Show
Mode Of Address - How a character talks to the other characters or audience through their directness and point of view
Sound Bridge - The sound that plays as a scene fades in or out

Sound In The Opening Of 'Scream'

Sound perspective is used when we hear the voice on the phone as the voice wouldn't actually be that loud. The sound has been manipulated so that the audience can hear it too. This is used so that we understand the narrative as it wouldn't make sense if we couldn't hear him. It also makes the audience more tense and makes them feel as if they are a part of the film as we are hearing the same thing as the protagonist. A score is used when the protagonist is running around the house and locking all the doors. This piece would have been composed for the scene as it's very quick and frantic and definitely builds tension and makes the audience feel the same terror that the character is feeling.

Sounds In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

A sound effect is used when the cloth is removed to reveal a gun as well as sound perspective as this is louder than it would actually be. This draws the audiences attention to it as it's important to the narrative whilst also making it appear more sinister. Guns are an important convention in thriller movies. A score is also used which changes to match the mood of the scene. When the scene opens and we see Sean and his son, the music is very high pitched and atmospheric and suits the fairground setting. When we meet Castor and it's revealed he has a gun, the music becomes a lot lower and more sinister to identify him as the villain. It again changes when Sean and his son have been shot to match the sadness of the narrative.

Mise En Scene

Denotation - Literally what something is.

Connotation - The suggested meaning of the elements in a scene.

Mise En Scene is made up of five parts:

Setting & Props - Are used to aid the narrative but can also manipulate the audience
Costume, Hair & Makeup - Can indicate a characters job or personality or the year something is set. Certain costumes are instantly identifiable with a certain character
Facial Expression & Body Language - Can show how someone's feeling as well as the relationship between two characters
Lighting & Colour - Can highlight a certain character or object or shadow them. The two main types of lighting are Low Key (Moody & dramatic, only uses key and backlights, creates contrast and deep shadows) and High Key (More filler lights, realistic, natural look)
Positioning of The Characters/Objects In a Frame - Can be used to draw attention to something or to show the relationship between two things

Mise En Scene In The Opening Of 'Face Off'

The opening is set at the carousel in a fairground which manipulates the audience. This is because they are led into thinking the scene is happy and safe when actually it's the complete opposite. This makes the rest of the scene more shocking. A gun is used. This contrasts the setting of the fairground. The gun fits the codes and conventions of a thriller and is also a very important part of the narrative in the opening of this film. The gun also builds tension as we get the impression something bad is going to happen.

The villain of the film - Castor Troy - is introduced in dark clothing which is one of the reasons why we recognise him as a villain. The colour black reveals a lot to the audience about him such as that he's evil and sinister. The hair and makeup in the opening is very plain and ordinary as we are supposed to believe Sean is an ordinary person who's thrust into a crazy situation.

In the two shot of Sean and his son, we can see how close they are through their facial expression and body language as well as their positioning. They are both smiling and laughing which shows they are happy whilst the fact that they're positioned very closely together and they're bodies are touching shows us the close relationship which is why we know they are father and son.

The director has chosen a 'Sepia' colouring effect for the opening which tells us one of two things. One on hand, it could be to tell us that this is a flashback and we learn after the opening that those events happened six years ago. On the other hand, it could be used to show the draining of life in the scene. As Sean's son dies, maybe the Sepia is supposed to represent the loss of life as the colours are drained.

Thriller Film Research

Editing

Editing is a post-production technique in which footage from production is cut up and reassembled to tell the story of the film in the correct order. There are two main types of editing: Continuity and Non Continuity. Editing is important because it:

Affects the films narrative
Decides the timing of each shot
Chooses the images to edit between (which can build relationships)
Can build emotion for the audience

How long a clip stays on screen for is referred to as Length Of Take. There is a Long Take which stays on for more than a few seconds and allows the audience to see more detail or a Short Take which is on for less than a few seconds.

A Transition is how one take changes to the next. There are four main types:

Cut - The most commonly used where there is an instant change from one shot to the next
Dissolve - One image is gradually mixed with another until the new image fills the screen. This can soften the changes between shots and it often used to enhance emotions
Fade - Where the shot fades to a single colour (usually black or white)
Wipe - Uses movement across the screen. As one shot moves off the screen, the new one 'chases' it on

The Continuity Editing System is the most common way of editing and is a part of the classical Hollywood style of film. The editing is almost invisible to the audience which makes for a seamless viewing of the film. It can be used to achieve a number of effects such as shifting the audiences attention to a particular thing, imply emotion, cut between different events and locations are to vary point of view's. These are the main techniques used in this system:

180 Degree Line - This is an imaginary line that keeps the action on a single side of the camera to avoid confusing the audience on who is standing where
Cross Cutting - When events in two different locations are cut together to imply that they're either related or happening at the same time
Eyeline Match - A cut which allows the audience to see what a character is looking at that was previously off screen
Match On Action - An action that takes places over two shots as we see it begin in the first but finishes in the second which disguises the cut
Shot Reverse Shot - Is used one a 180 degree line has been established as we can cut back from one end of the line to the other which allows us to usually see both characters (often used in conversations)
Cutaways - A shot of an object or person that isn't part of the scene but is relevant to it
Graphic Match - An effect where two objects of a similar shape are dissolved into one another
Insert Shot - A shot of a small element in the scene which is shown to tell the audience of it's importance

The Non Continuity System isn't used as often as it's not a part of the Classical Hollywood Style of film. The narrative is not the priority in the Non Continuity System which can often confuse the audience. These are the techniques of the Non Continuity System:

Jump Cut - An edit that jumps from one shot to another without any attempt at continuity
Split Screen - Splitting the screen in two and showing two different shots that are from completely different stories
Freeze Frame - The effect of stopping a film in order to focus on something

Some editing techniques can be a part of either system depending on how they are used such as the following:

Flashbacks/Forwards - This is when we see a past event or a future event. This is technically Non Continuity as it doesn't always show events in chronological order but it is part of the Classical Hollywood Style and it prioritises character so we do accept this as part of the Continuity system.
Montage - This is a collection of images. Again, it is typically Non Continuity as the images are often unconnected but if they are connected and reveal something about or prioritise the character, we class it as Continuity. It is also part of the Classical Hollywood Style.
Juxtaposition - This is the placement of two opposites in an image or scene. If the 'opposites' are connected in some way and once again, prioritise character and narrative, we class it as Continuity. If the 'opposites' have no relation to the story or characters, we class it as Non Continuity.

Special Effects are added to enhance normal visual effects (for eg. lighting) or to add effects that are too expensive or hard to produce during production (eg. gun shot or explosion).

Analysis of Take Length and Transitions in 'V For Vendetta' Final Fight Scene

Short takes are used when the fighting begins and they are edited together using the cut transition. The director would have chosen this as it creates a fast, high tension pace in the scene which is suitable for a fight scene. It also reflects the pace of the character as we see how quickly he reacts during the fight. The use of the cut makes the editing seamless and unnoticeable for the audience which fully immerses them in the action.

Analysis of Editing in the Opening of 'Face Off'

The whole of the opening is a flashback and the director would have chosen this as it establishes characters to an audience as well as the event which then goes on to shape the rest of the story. It also sets up the Villain Vs. Hero dynamic which is a common convention of thriller movies. The Dissolve transition is used between the different shots of Sean Archer and his son. This gives the scene a dream like effect which gives the audience a false sense of security. Due to this and the setting of the fairground, they are led into thinking the scene will be happy but as the scene continues, we find this isn't the case. Slow motion is also used during the shots of Sean and his son. Once again, it adds to the dream like state but it also slow down the pace so we are forced to concentrate on the characters so we really get to see their relationship.

Analysis of Panic, Tension & Chaos in 'Vertical Limit'

Here is the script of the opening scene of Vertical Limit. We listened to the scene without watching it and I wrote what I thought the director would have chosen to do in blue pen. We then watched the scene and wrote what the director actually did in pink pen. I learnt from this that Close Up shots are a lot better at creating tension that long or ariel shots. This is because you can see the panic and emotion in a characters face in a close up shot and the close proximity between the audience and character creates a sense of emergency. Ariel shots are good at establishing the danger but close ups are necessary to maintain the tension. I also found the use of high angled shots very effective in this scene. These were used when the climbers fell from the wall. They showed the height at which the remaining climbers were at which again, demonstrates the danger which increases tension. I will use these techniques in my Thriller opening to make it effective.

Elements Of A Thriller

Tension
Excitement
Crime
Fight/Chase Scenes
Investigations
Revenge
Killing
Obsession
Conspiracy
Suspense

Sub Genres

Conspiracy thriller
Disaster thriller
Legal thriller
Medical thriller
Psychological thriller
Crime thriller
Supernatural thriller
Mystery thriller
Political thriller

To What Extent is the Opening of 'Seven' a Successful Thriller Opening?

A thriller is a hybrid genre which usually consists of a mixture of action and horror. It uses suspense and tension to keep the audience enthralled which is achieved through the use of violence, high action scenes and usually an urban setting. The opening should hook the viewer and being the 'thrill' so that the audience wants to carry on the film. It should also introduce us to the characters and narrative.

The font used in the opening credits appears to be handwritten. This creates a sense of mystery as the audience don't know who's written it. It looks slightly scratchy too which ties together well with the music as the music also has a distorted sound. The font is small and white and the director would have chosen this as it ensures the audiences attention is not on the writing as they should be watching what's happening which suits the thriller genre.

The score during the opening of seven is high pitched and almost sounds distorted and scratchy. This creates a tense atmosphere for the audience as it has a sort of psychological effect. The director would have chosen this to set up the mood of the film. The opening starts with an explosion sound effect which might surprise the audience. Again, this creates tension and tells the audience that they should expect shock and surprises throughout the film. This all fits with the conventions of a thriller.

A lot of short takes are used which gives the opening a quick pace. This increases tension. An example is when we see lots of short takes of someone doing various things such as looking at photographs or crossing out words. Again, a sense of mystery is created as we don't know why this person is doing this but we get the impression that this is the villain of the film as it comes across as quite sinister. Photographs are also a common convention of thrillers. This also sets up the narrative as we get the idea that this person has been planning something and we presume that we will get to see this unfold. Point of View shots are used when we are shown pages of writing. This makes the audience feel as if they are a part of the film. Shots during the opening credits are edited together using the fade transition which reveals that they are all connected. They are slightly distorted to which makes suggests it represents something psychological so we get the impression the villain is a psychopath.

Lots of props are used during the opening credits such as photographs, an old film strip and pages that have been written on. These create suspense because of the mystery surrounding them. They are the only objects on screen so our complete attention is on them which suggests they are important but we don't yet know how they place into the film which keeps us intrigued. Low key lighting is used to make the opening dramatic and tense. This also creates a lot of shadows and shadows are also a convention of the thriller genre. The only body part we see is hands which again creates a sense of mystery as we aren't introduced to any characters.

Overall, I think the opening of Seven is extremely successful as an opening of the thriller genre. Lots of things are introduced to the audience such as the actions taking place during the opening credits that make the audience want to watch on to see what happens. The short takes create a build up of tension whilst the low key lighting creates shadows that build mystery. I like how this opening doesn't give too much away yet still completely hooks a viewer and makes them want to carry on watching to see how the different things are linked. I can use the idea of mystery and lack of identity in my own thriller opening.

Time Lines Of Opening Credits

Juno:

Face/Off:

Se7en:

I have learnt from this that it's important to put the actors playing the main characters near the beginning as it shows their importance to the narrative of the film. Also, I noticed that having the film's title at the end of the opening credits leaves a lasting impression in the viewers mind and leads them nicely into the rest of the film. Finally, I have also learnt that the fade transition is good if you would rather the audiences attention be drawn to the action rather than the names. These are all things I can think about when making the opening of my thriller.

Conventions Of A Thriller Opening

Names of Main Cast & Crew - Is often promotional as it shows the films unique selling point (ie. the most famous actors/actresses in the film) but it also shows the audience the film will be worthy of their time
The Films Title - Usually displayed in a font that fits the genre
An Introduction to Main Character - Allows the audience to see what the main character is like which sets it up to how they will react to the rest of the narrative
Indication of Place - Usually through an establishing shot to help the narrative
Indication of Historical Period - We are often introduced into what era the film is set which allows the audience to make certain predictions
Information Regarding Mood & Tone - Sets the audience up for the rest of the film as well as giving them an idea of what type of film it is that they are watching
Information Regarding Genre Delivered Through Technical Aspects - Openings usually adhere to the codes and conventions of that genre so the audience can see its recognisable features
Events that are Original, Challenging or Shocking - To tempt the audience into watching the rest of the film and to set expectations
A Narrative that will Raise Questions in the Viewer - Needs to hook and engage the viewer to get them asking questions so they want to carry on watching to see how it unravels

The Opening Scene Of 'Casino Royale'

How Successful is the Opening of Casino Royale as a Thriller Opening?

The film opens with the Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo which is a prestigious film production company. This sets the audiences expectations highly before the film even begins as it is well known for making successful, big budget movies within the film industry. The colours of the logo have been changed so that they are black and white. This is a common convention of a thriller as it shows the side of innocence (white) against the side of evil (black) which is a mechanism of foreshadowing as most thrillers adhere to the hero Vs. villain storyline. It also creates a mysterious mood for the viewer which makes them want to carry on watching.

An establishing shot is used to show us that the scene is set in a high rise city building. Again, this suits the thriller genre as cities and suburban areas are conventional settings. A low angle is used to look up at the building which makes it appear even bigger. This could be telling the audience about foreboding danger. There is also a continued use of black and white which along with the smoke in the shot, continues the sense of mystery and that something is being hidden. We can also see from the establishing shot that the scene is set at night which allows the audience to raise certain questions. We begin to think that if this is set at night, there must be something that is trying to be kept a secret. This shot also reveals to us that this building is in Prague as it's written in a simple white font in the corner. The white font fits the genre well as it allows the audience to read the wording easily but it doesn't draw too much attention away from what is happening. This is also why the director would have chosen to have the writing come in by using the fade transition. The setting also tells us that the characters involved in this film are of a higher class and power due to the impressive building and the fact that the scene suggests an international affair.

The audience is introduced to the villain through a low angled mid shot. We get the impression that he is a villain as he is dressed in all black and this is common in thriller films. The director would have chosen to use a low angle as it makes him seem bigger and more powerful. Mise En Scene is used in another way to show that we shouldn't trust this character. We can see through his facial expression that he is suspiciously looking around as if someone is following him. He is next shown to us going up in a lift. Again, a lift is very fitting for the thriller genre as they suggest the idea that there will come a point where the character cannot go up any further and they must face something. It hints that the character is getting closer to danger. The rising numbers of the different floors are shown to us to build tension as we know he is getting nearer and nearer.

We are then introduced to our hero through a mid shot. He is covered in shadows due to the low key lighting and he is also dressed in black. This is unusual as we usually associate both these things with the villain of the film. I think the director chose this as it hooks the viewer. They want to find out why our hero appears as a villain. The fact the he removes the bullets in this scene before the villain enters shows that the main character - Bond - is very clever and always one step ahead. The use of a gun is another convention of a thriller as the genre is usually focused around danger. Long takes are used between the two characters to build tension. Dialogue and ambient sounds are the only sounds we can hear which gives the scene an eerie quietness and again, is very effective in building tension and suspense. Due to the gun in this scene, we get the impression this film is set in the present day which is important to the narrative.

A flashback is used when we see Bond fighting a man. Short takes are used that are put together using the cut transition. This gives the fight an extremely quick pace which helps build tension and suspense whilst the violence of the fight fits the thriller genre well. Match on Action is used often throughout the fight. We see a mirror during this scene which is a thriller convention as it suggests the character is questioning themselves.

Finally, we are shown the opening credits of the film including the films unique selling point - Daniel Craig. This increases the number of people who are likely to see the film as a well known established actor is likely to attract a wider audience. The typography used is a simple white font against a red background. White would have been used as it shows innocence which is associated with our hero whilst the red background could signify blood as thriller films are often violent. The opening credits follow a casino theme which fits the films narrative and gives the audience a sneak peak at what is to come for the rest of the film. It draws them in.

Overall, the opening of Casino Royale is very successful as a thriller opening. It manages to hook the viewer into watching the rest of the film through it's narrative and use of suspense and tension whilst also using many of the common thriller conventions such as guns, mirrors, violence, shadows and the hero vs. villain story.

The Opening of 'Kill Bill'

How Successful is the Opening of Kill Bill as a Thriller Opening?

The film opens with a quote about revenge which suggests that revenge is a strong theme in this movie. This fits the thriller genre well as the theme of revenge is often incorporated into the narrative. It is written in a simple white font against a black background. This colour scheme is often used in the typography of thriller films as it represents the side of good vs. the side of evil which fits along side the hero and villain story in a film of this genre. As the quote appears on screen, the sound of a woman can be heard in the background. She is breathing heavily and sounds to be distressed. This builds suspense as the audience wants to know who the woman is and why she feels like this. The sound is asynchronous.

The first shot we see is the reveal of the woman we hear. The close up shot shows her face covered in blood. This suggests violence which is a key thriller convention. The director would have chosen a close up shot as it allows us to see the emotion on the woman's face and how in pain she is. A high angle is also used in this shot to look down upon the woman which makes her seem powerless. This evokes empathy within the audience and makes them feel a part of the film. The shot is also in black and white which suggests narratively that this is a flashback. The low key lighting also produces lots of shadows across the woman's face which makes her more mysterious and again, this is common in thrillers. The asynchronous sound of footsteps approaching can also be heard which builds tension as we don't know who is getting closer. It could symbolise the coming of danger.

The next shot is a close up of the feet we previously heard approaching. This shot really builds tension and suspense as it is not revealed to us who the feet belong to. This makes it more menacing and sinister as the audience are fearing a person who is unknown to them. This character does appear to be wearing black which strongly suggests alongside the dialogue, that he is the villain of the film. Sound perspective has been used to manipulate the sound of the footsteps so that they sound louder. The director would have chosen to do this has it has more of an impact on the audience. The whole opening of Kill Bill uses long takes to elongate the suspense.

It is then revealed to us in the next shot that the villainous character is called Bill. His props reveal certain character traits. He appears to be wearing an expensive looking bracelet and is using a handkerchief with his name embroidered. This suggests to us that he is wealthy which also means he has power. The director would have purposefully chosen to position these props in this shot so that we start to build a picture about who Bill is. The female character and Bill also have very close contact in this shot that reveals they are familiar with each other and maybe once had a very close relationship. Bill then shoots the woman (guns are another thriller convention) which hooks the audience as they want to find out why.

Finally, the opening credits begin to end the scene. First to appear is 'The 4th Film By Quentin Tarantino'. This is a major unique selling point to this film as Quentin Tarantino is an extremely well known director due to his individual style of making films. Seeing his name will instantly make people trust that this is going to be a good film. Next to appear is 'Uma Thurman' which again is a USP of this film. She is an established actress - especially in the thriller genre - which means people will want to see this film because they know she is good. She has partnered with Quentin Tarantino before which will also draw people to see this film as the first time was a success.

Overall, Kill Bill's opening is very successful as a thriller opening as it includes many of the conventions of the genre such as violence, guns, shadows and the good against evil storyline. Suspense is used to engage the audience and a mysterious narrative is sure to hook them to carry on watching.

Independent Cinema Research

Production - Production consists of five stages. The first is development which is when the film is outlined and a script is produced. The next is packaging and this is when the film idea is pitched and staff are hired. It then goes onto production which is when the script is finalised, a storyboard is drafted out and the logistics and expense of the film is worked out. The next stage is then principal photography which is the filming stage, Finally is post production which is the editing process and where any sound or special effects are added.

Distribution - Distribution is the release of the film. It can be released via a number of platforms including theatrical distribution, exhibition (airlines, military bases etc), videogram distribution (DVD, VHS etc), Online distribution, streaming and pay or non pay television.

Exhibition - How the audience view the film.

Independent Cinema is technically, any film that less than 50% of its funding came from one of the big six film studio companies. These are Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios/Touchstone Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios. A film is often deemed independent if it is character driven and made outside the typical Hollywood system with a small budget. They usually have a limited release. Mainstream Cinema is the complete opposite and is a film that comes directly from one of the big companies. They differ as mainstream cinema has a bigger budget and wider distribution. Independent films are often made to satisfy the directors vision as well whereas mainstream is to entertain an audience.

Examples of Mainstream Producers: 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, New Line Cinema and Walt Disney Pictures.

Examples of Independent Producers: Edison Trust, Republic Pictures and Grand National.

Independent films finance their movies through arrangements with studios, bank loans, investments, venture capitalists and private placements.

Distribution: Film festivals are very important because they provide your film with an audience, give it exposure and present it to distributors, buyers and promoters. Self Distribution has advantages as it means you maintain the rights over your film so you can decide where it gets shown. It also means you don't have to give any of the money earned from it to a distributing company. On the other hand it can limit sales and take up a lot of your time. Online Distribution is another method. The advantage to this is that you get a global audience, feedback and the opportunity for industry insiders to see it. Screening is also a distribution method. There are two types - Theatrical and Non Theatrical. Theatrical is showing it to a paying audience (eg. in a cinema) which can be costly to but on whereas Non Theatrical is showing it to a free audience (eg. at a park).

Examples of Independent Distributors: Direct Cinema, Lionsgate, Fox Searchlight, Balcony Films or Halo 8.

Independent films can be exhibited through film festivals like Sundance and Cannes. This gives the film exposure and an audience. They can also be exhibited online as this easily gathers a large audience.

Kill Bill: Kill Bill was produced by Miramax Films, A Band Apart and Super Cool Manchu. It was distributed in the US by Miramax Films. Some of it's international distributers include Buena Vista International, RCV Film Distribution and Nordisk Film. It was exhibited in Cinemas.

The Bourne Identity: It was produced by Universal, Kennedy/Marshall, Hypnotic, Kalima Productions and Stillking Film. It was distributed in the US by Universal Pictures. Some International distributors include United International Pictures and Sony Pictures. It was exhibited in Cinemas.

Casino Royale: It was produced by Columbia Pictures, Eon Productions and Stillking Productions. It was distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment worldwide. It was exhibited in cinemas.

Memento: It was produced by Summit Entertainment, Team Todd, I Remember Productions and New Market Capital Group. It was distributed by New Market films in the USA and Pathe Distribution in the UK. It was exhibited in cinemas.

Reservoir Dogs: It was produced by Live Entertainment and Dog Eat Dog Productions. It was distributed in the USA by Miramax Films and in the UK by Rank Film Organisation. Other international distributors include Nordisk Film, Egmont Film and Fox Crime. It was exhibited originally at Sundance Film Festival and it was then released in 19 cinemas across the US.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy: It was produced by Studio Canal and also distributed by them in the UK. Some other interntional distributors include Top Film Distribution, Entertainment One and Focus Features. It was exhibited at Venice Interntional Film festival before being released in cinemas.

Breaking And Entering: It was produced by Miramax Films and Mirage Enterprises. It was distributed in the US by The Weinstein Company and by Miramax Films worldwide. It was exhibited at Toronto International Film festival before being released to cinemas.

My Own Independent Film:

My film will be distributed by Koch Media as this specialises in action, thriller and horror movies and ours is a thriller. It will be exhibited online on websites like YouTube and at film festivals. It will produced by me.

Sources Used For Research:

Thriller Characters

The Bourne Identity Essay

How are character presented in the clip from Sin City?

Opening/Tense Sequences Research

By watching tense and opening scenes from thrillers, I have learnt that it's important to includes lots of codes and conventions of the thriller genre such as an urban setting, guns, violence and shadows to clearly identify what genre the film is. I really liked the use of cross cutting and close ups as I found that they made the pace of the film much faster and therefore much more tense and this is something I'd like to use in my own thriller. I've also found that it's very important to have an intriguing narrative otherwise people wont want to watch the rest of the film so I need to ensure my plot is gripping.

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