Primary Audience Research: How can I make my thriller appealing to my audience?

Primary Audience Research

I have created a survey for a range of people to take in order for me to collect research on what people want to see and prefer. I focused on gender, age, thriller features, thriller characters and questions suitable to my thriller ideas so far.

Click here to take survey

Research : How can I make my thriller appealing to my audience?

The British Film Industry's (BFI) website has a Industry Statistical Yearbook which has many statistics regarding films. Essentially, the statistics range from genre and classification, to audiences and distribution. This website will aid me in finding out which thrillers appealed to the audience and how popular thrillers were in general. Essentially. I will be researching how gender, social group, genre and audiences all effect each other.

Genre
One can identify that thrillers were 7th out of 16 in the list of genres ranked by gross box office; this tells one that thrillers were fairly popular in 2011. What's more, one has noticed that the highest gross box office was at the age certificate 12A with £227.8 million - although this was not a thriller it conveys that a thriller film would be harder to market as it would have to be quite a child-friendly, subtle film to fit into this age bracket. The lowest age range for a thriller that made it into the top 10 in 2011 was Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy at an age certificate of 15; therefore making it the top released thriller film in 2011. Overall, this tells one that to make my thriller appealing to my audience I will have to make a clear age bracket for it to fit into so I can decide how 'dark' I can make it.

Gender
Significantly, the gender within the thriller genres are very intriguing; there is a clear pattern between men, women and the equal gender split. The Black Swan film had a higher percentage of female viewers (61%) to male viewers (39%) - this was ranked 8th in the top female viewing audience. This suggests to one that females prefer psychological thrillers on topics that are generally perceived as more feminine - like ballet. In contrast, the 127 Hours film had a higher percentage of male viewers (68%) to female viewers (32%). This conveys that males perhaps enjoy more of a gory thriller on a typically more male topic. One can identify that the film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy appeals to a mixed ratio of males (52%) to females (48%). Perhaps this could be due to it being more of a mystery based film as opposed to fitting some conventions that appeal to a certain genre. So, my research on gender signifies to one that it's mostly down to the conventions and topics that the film portrays. If I was to make my thriller based around a female character and her vulnerability, it would possibly appeal more to females and vice versa. Thus, to make it appeal to both audiences I must get a balance of the right sort of characters so that it generally appeals to a wider range of people.

Audiences

Crucially, one has noticed that 77% of people view films on television; this is 71.5% greater than the downloaded/streamed proportion of films watched. This is significant due to the fact that my thriller will be released on Youtube and will therefore be one of the films that is available for the 277 million people to view online. This means that to appeal to my audience of online viewers I must include references that they will understand. Additionally, this also means that the length of my film will differ from that on television or in a cinema because an online viewer will want to view a shorter film so they can watch multiple ones.

Interestingly, figures show that more people aged between 15 and 24 watch films in the cinema than any other age category. This is a big indication that my film must appeal to this age range as they watch the most films. This is evident from 1997 to 2011 so this is a reoccurring pattern that will be most likely to be the same for 2012 also. Furthermore, one can note from the graph that 45+ used to be the least likely to watch a film in the cinema - however, this has gradually swapped to the 35-44 age category. One might suggest that this is due to the nature of people's lifestyles and the lack of time that people have to watch films. So, if I wanted to appeal to this age range perhaps a shorter online film would appeal to them more because it's more convenient to watch whenever they have time. Moreover, 46% of people aged between 15 and 24 saw the 127 Hours film in 2011. This was the highest ranking thriller for this age range; conveying to one that perhaps this age range favor more of a gore/suspense thriller.

Social Group
Social group in terms of films are split into the upper-class (AB) and the lower-class (DE). The film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy ranked second in the AB category for thrillers with 47% of the film's total audience being the upper class. Conversely, DE films which are viewed by the lower class, are generally more about adversities that the lower class face - thus they are more suited to this audience because it is a topic that they are familiar with.

When researching on http://www.rottentomatoes.com - a leading film review website - one can find out further information as to how I can make my thriller appeal to my audience. One has found that 83% of people on this website liked 2011's top thriller film Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Some people's reviews claimed "very close attention must be paid, but the rewards of doing so are considerable". Essentially, this indicates that the audience like the film to have hidden meaning and implicit plot lines running through it - so to appeal to my audience this is something I can consider for my film. Moreover, one reviewer said it was "a very gripping, brilliantly directed character driven genre film, with top class performances from a flawless ensemble cast". Clearly, this demonstrates that to make my thriller appeal to all audience types the cast must be "flawless"; this will effect the decisions I make in the casting process. Other reviewers claim that it has a "hushed and methodical approach" which further highlights that I must ensure to approach the film in a more implicit way to appeal to my audience. decisions 

Cinema City - North by Northwest Media Trip

Today we went to see Alfred Hitchcock's film North by Northwest at Cinema City in Norwich. We were invited to the pre-film talk by Charles who is a Hitchcock specialist. His insight to Hitchcock's works were fascinating and he was able to talk about many interesting facts and things that we should look out for in the film.

My notes from Charles' talk:

• Hitchcock makes an appearance at the beginning of his films so that the audience aren't watching for him for the whole film.
• Quote: "The appeal of Hitchcock to the theorist and historian of film is impossible to overstate. To study him is to find an economical way of studying the entire history of cinema". - Paula Marantz Cohen.
• Alfred Hitchcock lived from 1899-1980 and he spent 50 years as a director: 1936-1976, with his last film being in 1975. 
• He was a silent and sound film director. 
• Hitchcock made over 20 films in Europe and some in America.
• Two of Charles' recommended Hitchcock films are Blackmail and The 39 Steps. 
• Hitchcock brought out a trilogy of films that did things (in terms of asthectics) TV can't do: 


• 1958 Vertigo
• 1959 North by Northwest 
• 1960 Psycho
• Hitchcock was very focused on the psychology of film viewers. He realised that the film had to be continuous so people could watch it beginning to end and that the audience was in mass so he liked to see their reactions to what was going on in the film.
• Hitchcock used celluloid projection methods (see below).
• Two important men in Hitchcock's career were Bernard Herrmann who was in charge of the music and Ernest Lehman who wrote the original scripts. It has been said that without them Hitchcock wouldn't have been as successful. Due to this, Hitchcock was referred to as a 'great collaborator' and a 'sponge'. 
• Hitchcock loved using 10 minute scenes which carried the audience along with the images and not a lot of sound. This was evident in North by Northwest in the scene where the plane is trying to attack Roger Thornhill in the desert area. 
• Quote: "The silent cinema was the purest form of cinema". - Alfred Hitchcock
• Quote: "I aim to give the public beneficial shocks". - Alfred Hitchcock 

My view on the film:

Personally, I felt that Cary Grant's acting let the film down a little bit as at times it was unrealistic and stiff. Additionally, the film was very long and Hitchcock had merged a few story lines into one film; this became quite annoying in the last half an hour when I thought the film was coming to an end several times but it continued. However, I did enjoy the narrative and I managed to spot many of Hitchcock's conventional film techniques - like the long scene without a lot of sound. I also enjoyed the music choices in the background as they really helped to build tension in some parts - also the gun shot sound, which did make me jump! Overall, I thought the film was okay and I enjoyed the trip. 

Labels

Attached are all the labels that I will need to make the navigation of my blog easier.

Task 3: Thriller Scenes

How is sound used to create suspense and other effects in the scene?

Title: Watchmen
Director: Zack Snyder
Release Date: 6th March 2009
Location: UK
Star Rating: 4/5
Running Time: 162
Worldwide Gross: $185,258,983

Sound is used to create suspense very explicitly in this scene. The non-diegetic music has a very fast paced beat which allows the audience to anticipate that action is about to occur. What's more this beat is very heavily accompanied by guitars which add a sense of urgency and pace to the overall soundscape. Moreover, suspense is also created by the over the top diegetic sound effects that have been used. Essentially, these create suspense by being predominant over the non-diegetic sounds of the music and thus making the audience expect that something will happen. The diegetic sounds are also very harsh and violent and therefore signal to the audience that this scene mirrors this effect; hence building suspense in what is going to happen to the protagonists in this scene. 

However, the sound doesn't only create suspense; it magnifies how the two protagonists are represented. The diegetic sounds of them swooping in the air and punching/kicking the prisoners allows the audience to convey them as powerful and strong. This is because the sounds mimic the forcefulness of their actions. Also, one might suggest that the fast paced, non-diegetic, beat at the end of the scene portrays the characters as physically fit due to the fact that it sounds like a heart rate after intense exercise. So, the sound portrays the two protagonists as powerful, strong and physically fit.

In addition, the non-diegetic futuristic sounds at the outset of the scene implicitly create a sense of suspense due to the fact that they are not typical sounds that the audience are familiar with. The robotic swooping sounds of the space shuttle and the protagonist flying out of it all make the audience feel tension as to what might happen as they cannot relate to the non-diegetic sounds. One might imply that the futuristic sounds also create a sense of mystery for the same reason; the audience aren't sure what the space shuttle might do and are therefore surprised when the protagonist flies out. 

In conclusion, the sound in this scene from Watchmen is used to create suspense and many other effects in various ways. The music builds up to create a sense of suspense and urgency, the harsh and violent sounds create tension as to what might happen to the protagonists. Moreover, the protagonists are represented as powerful and strong due to the sound mimicking the forcefulness of their actions. Finally, the futuristic sounds create suspense for the audience as they are not familiar with them and therefore don't know what to expect. 

Task 3: Thriller Scenes

How does the location and use of light and dark depict the emotional landscape of the character?

Title: Shutter Island
Director: Martin Scorsese
Release date: 12th March 2012
Location: UK
Star Rating: 4/5
Running Time: 138 minutes
Worldwide gross: $294,804,195

Scorsese uses the location of this scene to mirror the emotional landscape of Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio). From the outset one notices that there is water dripping from the ceiling which can be clearly seen in the long shot of the corridor; running water is typical thriller iconography. Essentially, the

 dripping water (seen above) suggests to one that because the water is not flowing Teddy's emotions are quite distorted and sporadic during this scene. Additionally, water could perhaps be a symbol of his life and therefore demonstrate that his life - much like his emotions - is faltering (represented by the inconsistent dripping. The location is also set in a maze of long, narrow corridors with cells either side. The long corridors could be an indication as to the length of the mystery he is trying to solve (due to the maze-like tunnels) and thus depict his emotional landscape with vehemence. Scorsese also uses a shot on the stairs where fencing is entrapping Teddy (seen above). Imperatively, this entrapment is a typical thriller theme and the fence could be seen as bars which is typical thriller iconography. The fact that he is almost trapped could depict that he feels emotionally isolated in this scene due to him being conveyed as physically isolated. This isolation and entrapment is further shown with the high angle shot in the 'caged' area; thus the location is depicting his emotional landscape. 

Similarly, one can identify that light and dark is also used to depict Teddy's emotional landscape. Crucially, Teddy uses matches to light his path and the matches burn out quickly. This could signify to the audience that when the matches burn out his emotions become more frantic and thus his overall emotional landscape conveys fear. Furthermore, the lighting and location work together to depict Teddy's emotional landscape when the lights flicker in the corridors. One could perhaps suggest that this portrays that he is uncertain or doubtful because his emotions are reflecting the flickering of the lights which are inconsistent and uncertain. In addition, the close up of the match being lit could signal to the audience that Teddy's emotions are intensifying; much like the brightness of the light. In the moments of 'darkness' when Teddy's face is not lit it is possible that Scorsese is attempting to convey parts of his darker side - the one that has not yet been revealed to the audience in this scene. Thus, overall light and dark have been used in this scene to convey fear, uncertainty, doubts and hints of evilness.

In terms of other characters, light and dark and the location has been used to depict their emotional landscape too. The fact that their cells are in darkness clearly conveys to one that they are evil characters who have dark sides; thus their emotional landscape is very psychologically disturbed and broken. Dissimilarly, the fact that the male character in the last cell in this scene has some light in his cell conveys that his character has some goodness in him and is therefore perhaps wrongly imprisoned. Thus his emotional landscape must be frustrated and angered. As earlier mentioned, the fact that bars - which are typical thriller iconography - have been used to entrap them conveys that they too are emotionally isolated due to their physical isolation.

In conclusion, the location and use of light and dark work conjointly to depict the emotional landscape of the characters in this scene. The location conveys the emotional isolation, sporadic emotions and intensity of his mystery. Similarly, the light and darkness both depict the frantic emotions, uncertainty, doubtfulness and evil in Teddy's character. However, as mentioned previously the other characters' emotional landscapes are also mentioned due to the location and light and dark. 

Thriller Film Titles

Typography:

• The capitalised letters have an impact on the viewer because they are bold and noticeable - perhaps mimicking the aliens?
• The sans serif font type adds a sterile/clean cut appearance to the title. This might reflect the futuristic "alien" idea and represent a modern thriller genre
• The word ALIEN clearly links to the ideas and themes of the film as it describes the main narrative.

Connotations:

• The spacing between the letters could symbolise the isolation and vulnerability of the aliens in space. Alternatively, it could symbolise the isolation of the characters in the film. 
• The black background and white letters could represent space and the stars. Black has connotations of darkness, endlessness and mystery so it reflects the typical thriller conventions well. White has connotations of clean, sterile and pure so that could reflect the possible futuristic life forms that appear in the film. 
• ALIEN has clear connotations of life forms, mystery, science and sci-fi so it would help appeal to a certain audience type. However, there are no apparent links to other things due to the fact that it's a noun with no other meanings except that of it's original one.

Typography:

• The capitalised letters almost add a shouting/echoing effect - the sort of effect one would get from shouting in a room. Alternatively, they are used to draw the viewer's eye to them as they are bold.
• Again, the sans serif font makes the film appear to be more modern and possibly mirrors the edges of the room?
• The fact that the word PANIC has connotations of fear, hysteria and lack of self-control would make the audience instantly know that it is a thriller film because they are typical emotions that would be expected in a thriller film. 

Connotations:

• The fact that the letters are close together and in italics might suggest connotations of claustrophobia or a tight space. This links to the idea that they are stuck in a room which would make them feel claustrophobic. 
• Red has negative connotations of danger, death and violence. However, it also has positive connotations of passion, love and warmth. One might suggest that due to the fact it's called PANIC ROOM the red colour is meant to provoke negative connotations as "panic" isn't a positive word. 
• Again, the black area around the title has connotations of darkness, endlessness and mystery so it also reflects the typical thriller genre conventions.
• "Room" has connotations of enclosed space and entrapment - thus further building the idea of claustrophobia. Also, these are typical thriller themes. 

Task 3: Thriller Scenes

How are women represented in the 'Bathroom Brawl' scene in 'Fatal Attraction'? Consider stereotypical representations of the thriller genre such as the femme fatale and the victim.

Title: Fatal Attraction
Director: Adrian Lyne
Release Date: 18th September 1987
Location: US
Star Rating: 4.5/5
Running Time: 119 minutes
Worldwide gross: $320,145,693

Similar to the typical thriller character conventions, the two females in this scene of Fatal Attraction could both be described as being femme fatales; due to their sexualised image. Crucially, one notices that the director's choice of colour represents the two women in various ways. White typically symbolises light,  innocence and goodness - such connotations only conform to the persona of the female character with the brown hair (character A). One might suggest that white also connotes virginity and purity; thus juxtaposing the female character's persona with the blonde hair (character B) as she had an affair. Essentially, this confliction means that character B is represented in contrasting ways; one being the exterior representation and one being her inner self. Moreover, the colour white is also used in the scene to make the character B's brutality more predominant. This is done by enhancing the bright red stains of the blood on the clean white shirts, floor and bathroom surfaces. Additionally, character B is wearing red nail varnish; red has negative connotations of blood, danger and violence. Red also has connotations of passion, love and warmth - feelings that she may have felt during her affair with the male character. Once again, these two contrasting interpretations could both be representing her exterior and interior self - making the audience see the character's two sides. One might also suggest that the water is running onto character B's head towards the latter part of the scene could be seen as ironic. This is because the running water could be a symbol for the fluidity of life (plus it's one of the typical thriller themes) and the character is coming to the end of hers.

As well as the semiology, the camera angles also represent the two women in various ways in this scene. One notices that even at points of weakness (like when she was pushed), character B is still conveyed using a low angle shot (as seen to the left). This suggests to one that she is represented as being a superior character - until she is shot by character A. Significantly, character B is presented as the more prevailing character until she is temporarily drowned by the male character. One can tell this because once she has been drowned there is a high angle shot of her - thus representing her as weak and

vulnerable. At this point, she is looking up to the now powerful male character (using a low angle shot). Imperatively, one can identify that most of the shots of character A are mid shots (except one high angle shot which makes her seem inferior and therefore a weaker character. This is mirrored in the narrative as she has been cheated on by her husband). One might suggest that the mid shots represent her as quite a concealed character - due to the fact that her full body isn't shown which only gives the audience half of an impression of her. Again, this is reflected in her blindness to her husband's affair.

Moreover, sound is also used to represent the women in numerous ways. the diegetic sound of character A's screams and character B's frantic breathing both have different effects to the way they are represented. The screams from character A are shrill and terrifying; representing her as being genuinely scared and in danger. When compared with the heavy breathing sounds, character B is represented as more manic and psychotic because of the way that she is breathing as if she is working hard to kill/hurt character A. Furthermore, the diegetic sounds of the knife stabbing the ground and cutting the shower curtain fabric are very sharp and vociferous. Essentially, this highlights character B's savageness and therefore represents her as brutal. On top of this her grunts represent her as animalistic which mirrors the savageness of the diegetic knife sounds. Similarly, the silence which was followed by the gunshot from character A's gun was piercing and sharp - therefore breaking the calm and representing her as just as brutal as character B.

In conclusion, women are represented in the 'Bathroom Brawl' scene in 'Fatal Attraction' in two juxtaposing ways. character A is represented as a weak/vulnerable femme fatale who conceals part of her character but could be seen as just as savage as character be. Dissimilarly, character B is represented as being brutal, savage and psychotic with hints of failed attempted goodness on her exterior.

Thriller Title Sequence Analysis

Se7en

Imperatively, the title sequence for Se7en uses many different techniques to make the audience feel the suspense, tension and mystery. The director, David Fincher, used sounds, editing and semiology to allow the audience to feel uneasy and to make them question how the narrative will follow on after the title sequence.

When focusing on sound, there are a variety of methods used to intensify the visual images. Essentially, the title sequence is made up of a mixture of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds; the drum beat and rewinding tape are both diegetic and the robotic noises are non-diegetic. There is a constant drumbeat throughout the first minute of the clip; one might suggest that this beat is symbolic of a heartbeat. Thus, when this beat is sped up after a minute the audience may feel that the tension has been increased as the pace 'heartbeat' has increased - suggesting panic. Moreover, sound is also used effectively when one can hear the tape rewinding backwards. This sound gives the audience the impression that someone is being recorded/monitored which is quite disturbing. Additionally, this fits in with one of the typical genre conventions of being watched/followed because to record someone the criminal would have to follow them. What's more, one can identify the sound of the wind knocking something which could imply that something/someone is trying to get into the room. Not only does this conform to the typical thriller theme of vulnerability, but it also makes the audience feel uneasy due to the eeriness of the noise. One might suggest that as the overall sound scape is quite broken and disjointed that this reflects the criminal's mind and they are also quite incoherent.

Additionally, one has noticed that the editing in the title sequence of Se7en mirrors the possible state of mind that the criminal has. At the outset the editing is slow when focused on the book, however this could be the time period when the criminal is thinking. Therefore, when the editing becomes faster and more jump cuts are used this could demonstrate that the criminal is in his element and he has planned what to do. Moreover, the faster edits could be a way for Fincher to conceal what the criminal is doing to build tension as the audience won't know what to anticipate. Another way that the editing creates tension is by making the transitions very sharp; this could reflect the violence of the criminal and therefore make the audience feel unsettled. Also, the out of focus close up of the book (as seen above) conveys mystery to the audience and could be interpreted as some parts of the narrative are less obvious - further increasing the suspense.

What's more, the semiology of the title sequence also aids the tension/suspense build up. One of the more implicit ways that mystery is built is by one hand being in the light area and one hand being in the dark area (as seen to the left). This could be a sign that the criminal has two sides to him; one side that misleads people and one side that is his exterior self. Moreover, the camera is looking down on the crooked hands; suggesting that these hands are not that of the criminal because they are below him, therefore whoever's they are is seen to be of a lower status than him in his opinion. Additionally, one can tell that the criminal is obsessive because of the two overlapping shots of the writing in the book (as seen to the left). After research, one can identify that the designers of the book - Clive Piercy and John Sabel - wanted an "obsessive quality to the handwriting". One believes that the methodical approach to the book and the grid paper all reinforce this obsessiveness and organisation. Similarly, the criminal could be seen as anal and disturbing when he sews into the edge of the page; this conveys that he has to get the book absolutely perfect and he uses a surgical needle to do this. Significantly, the image of the blade symbolises danger and thus builds tension by representing the criminal as a dangerous figure.

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Dexter

Significantly, the title sequence for Dexter uses many different techniques to convey violence and cruelty. Sounds, editing and semiology have been used to allow the audience to notice the pleasure that the male character gets through violence. When comparing Se7en and Dexter there is one main obvious difference; the male character in Dexter is very explicit about his violence and brutality. Whereas, in Se7en the violence is implicit as he is represented as more of a psycho. 

In terms of sound, this thriller opening is unlike most other thrillers. The background music seems quite menacing due to the upbeat tempo and the instruments used. When focusing on the diegetic sounds however, one can identify that they enhance the character's animalistic and violent representation. The sounds effects of him cutting, frying and chewing/ripping the meat are very predominant in the overall soundscape; hence the audience could feel disturbed by his enjoyment through cooking and eating the meat. Also, this could be symbolic of cannibalism or a love of blood - giving the male character the representation of a murderer, which is one of the typical thriller characters. Moreover, the diegetic sound of him slapping the bug on his arm also creates the same sort of representation of the man. This slapping sound almost jolts the audience and pulls their attention to the man as the music prior to that had been very jolly. One might suggest that it is this juxtaposition of the jolly non-diegetic sound and the violent diegetic sounds that sets the audience on edge and builds tension due to the fact that they are being given mixed signals of the genre.

Crucially, one might suggest that it is the mixture of camera angles (as seen to the right) that convey the variety in the story of this thriller. This might be due to the fact that instead of a movie - like Se7en - it is a set of TV programmes. Additionally, the constant editing might reflect to the audience that the morning routine that they see is a constant one for him; thus violence is one of his personality traits. One also notices that the audience don't see the male character's full appearance until  the closing shot of the opening sequence. This might be because the directors wanted the audience to gain the opinion that the man is cruel before they see that he looks like an ordinary man. Moreover, the mixture of close up and extreme close up shots are a clear indication to the audience that something is being hidden from them as only part of the object can be seen. Therefore, the audience's suspense and tension is built as they anticipate that something is happening that they cannot see.

    

    

What's more, the semiology of the Dexter title sequence continues with the symbolism of violence and cruelty. At the outset the red blood splatter on his name (as seen to the left) is a clear indication that he is connected with the violence as blood is linked with danger, death and wounds. Thus, the male is immediately represented as being a possible murder/criminal - two conventional thriller characters. The theme of blood is continued throughout the sequence; when he is shaving he cuts himself - implying that he is used to being violent with weapons and therefore forgot his own strength. The blood is further intensified when the tissue is used to soak it up; the tissue is pure white and when the blood was stained onto it it looked even more intensified. This same colour contrast was used when the blood dropped into the bath; suggesting that the blood is clearly of significance because the directors have highlighted it so that the audience notice it. Blood is also implied in other areas of the sequence; when the food is being cut up and the dark brown sauce is splattered across the plate, much like the blood was in the clip with his name. Conversely, the semiology of the character's hands is very implicit. One might suggest that the hands represent his control and hard work (as they are worn and manly). This portrays to the audience that that his work involves killing as they are used throughout the sequence to demonstrate the violent things that he is doing. This is evident when he grabs the coffee strainer with his hand, when he's cutting/squeezing the orange, wrapping the dental floss around his fingers and tying his shoelace. All of these things are completed by either grabbing, squeezing or wrapping so that his fingers and knuckles go white with strain - clearly conveying anger, violence and brutality. Furthermore, the close up of him locking the door (above) is of great significance when talking about semiology. One could interpret this as him leaving behind one life in his house and when he steps outside, he is showing a new self; demonstrated by his confident walking style and cheeky grin. This cheekiness is reinforced by the 'ting' noise as he looks at the camera; it suggests that he has a connection with the audience without them knowing it. 

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Psycho

Crucially, the title sequence for Psycho uses many different techniques to make the audience feel the isolation and suspense. The director, Alfred Hitchcock, used sounds, some editing and semiology to allow the audience to anticipate what might happen next. Unlike Se7en and Dexter, Psycho doesn't use a character to portray certain themes or ideas; it uses animated text and lines.

The sound is the most important aspect to this title sequence. This is due to the fact that there are no characters to portray a certain emotion or action so the sound must create an atmosphere for the audience. Essentially, at the outset there are 5 beats and then the fast paced music starts; this fast pace conveys that there is a sense of panic and distress. Additionally, when the long violin pieces come in a sense of urgency and speed is added to the piece as it creates an illusion that fast paced action lies ahead. One might suggest that the high pitched violin sounds towards the end symbolise screaming; perhaps of the psycho or the victim. The whole soundscape is non-diegetic as no natural sounds were used to build tension or create an atmosphere. Again, this isn't like the previous two title sequences that I analysed.

Imperatively, the sequence starts with the Paramount logo with a bar effect on it; bars (especially on windows) is one of the typical thriller themes. The bars theme also continues throughout the opening sequence when they are used to fill the gaps in the screen (see right). One notices that the colours used are grey and black; this juxtaposes the bright contrasting colours that one would think would be used for a psycho as they are more bizarre. These colours are dull and match the grey scale film that was used at the end of the title sequence. However, the colours do highlight the emptiness of the screen when there is only white text in one space. This emptiness could be symbolic of isolation and vulnerability; especially when the film's name - Pyscho - comes on the screen. The fact that the name Psycho is also split into bars (see right) could suggest that the psycho in the film is broken into sections and distorted; therefore is a dangerous person. Conversely, it could imply that the psycho needs to be locked behind bars. However, the fact that is is in the middle of a black background conveys that the psycho is isolated - perhaps this demonstrates to the audience that this is why he/she is psycho. Crucially, the fact that the lines move in different directions could be an indication that they represent the psycho in that the directions they travel in are different. 

How does the sound and camera work help create a sense of tension in 'A Mother's Son'?

'A Mother's Son' is an ITV drama that was first aired on Monday 3rd September 2012. It is a narrative based on a teenage girl being murdered in a quiet coastal town. A mother finds a stained pair of trainers and suspects that either her son or stepson had something to do with the death. The opening sequence lasts for one minute fifty-five seconds and has many camera angles/shots and sounds to create a sense on tension.

Primarily, the sound and camera work are used together to build a sense of vulnerability and isolation; two typical thriller conventions. The extreme long shots and establishing shots clearly convey that the female character is alone in the beach environment, despite the fact that she keeps looking behind her to see if anyone is following her. What's more her vulnerability is reinforced by the close up shot of her stumbling feet; this creates tension as the audience recognise that she is not able to walk properly and would therefore struggle to run away from someone/something. Moreover, the camera shots are used with diegetic sound to create tension as one can hear her breathing. This gives the audience the impression that she is out of breath and therefore vulnerable to a further attack if she was to collapse. So, the sound and camera work helps to create a sense of tension by making the female character seem vulnerable and isolated (away from help).

Furthermore, the hue/colour wash also helps to create a sense of tension. This is because the clip has a blue-grey hue effect on it; this makes the audience feel as though the female character has been washed out and creates a sense of danger as she looks pale. Also, this colour wash helps to emphasise the bright red blood on her white shirt later on in the sequence. Clearly, this would create a sense of tension as the audience are unsure if she will die or not; therefore anticipation is built. Not only does the colour wash represent the female character in a certain way, but the high angle camera shot also portrays her as weak and inferior. Crucially, this could suggest to the audience that whoever attacked her before is still lurking in the tall grass (which looks like a maze) as she is still being seen as the weaker character.

Significantly, from the outset the sense of tension is built using diegetic sounds. The initial sound of the waves makes the audience feel calm as the wave sounds have connotations of relaxation, holidays and fun. However, when the seagulls begin to squawk the audience's calmness is broken and they feel on edge because it sounds like the seagulls are laughing. Additionally, when this is paired with the low angle shot of the sea gulls the audience feel inferior to them - enhancing the fact that the sea gulls are laughing at them (or the female character). Conversely, non-diegetic sounds are used to create tension; there is a sombre sound of the flute playing which gives one the impression that something sad is about to happen; thus tension is built for the audience. The music then increases in tempo to indicate that anticipation and suspense is being built and the audience can feel the tension created. Again, the increase in music tempo is then mirrored in the editing and the jump cuts become faster to make the situation seem more panicked. One notices that the music then stops when the female subject falls down; this allows the audience to hear the gradually nearing footsteps and the sense of tension is at its peak. In this break in the sound scape the audience hears the female's weak and quivering voice for the first time: "I'm sorry". Essentially, this helps to create a sense of tension in a large way due to the fact that the audience are unsure what she is apologising for and if the attacker will do anything to her.

Finally, one can identify that the female character is not seen fully for a good amount of time in the opening sequence of 'A Mother's Son'. So, when the extreme close up of the eye is shown that is the first time that the audience can connect with the character. Significantly, the eyes are the most emotive part of the face so the audience were able to clearly read what she was thinking. The director has chosen to put a grey scale effect on the shot of her eye; this could be so that the audience really focus on the terror and shakiness of her eye or alternatively so that the reflection of the person is clearly visible. However, it is this new connection that the audience has with the female character that creates tension as they are left to wonder what happened to her.

'No Country for Old Men'

Film poster for 'No Country for Old Men'.

Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen in 2007, No Country for Old Men is an American thriller film based on a book written by Cormac McCarthy. The story is about an ordinary man who is delivered a fortune that isn't his and him and two others cross paths in a 1980 West Texas desert landscape. The themes in the film include: fate, conscience and circumstance.

No Country for Old Men was awarded 4 Oscars at the 2007 Academy Awards, 3 British Film Academy Awards and it was selected at the best of 2007 by the National Board of Review.

Joel and Ethan Coen grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota  and went to St. Louis Park high school and then Bard College at Simon's Rock in Massachusetts. In 1984 the brothers wrote and directed their first film together - Blood Simple. Since then they have been writing and directing various films together.

Information from: Wikipedia

Initial Camera Experiences

On Thursday 20th and Friday 21st September I was able to start experimenting with the camera, tripod and dolley during media. I worked with my table group to produce a short clip with all of the angles, shots and movements. Overall, I found the camera simple to turn on, insert the tape and get started.
Imperatively, it was the camera angles and shots that I felt were the easiest to get right as they involve keeping the camera on the tripod as using your hands to keep the camera still make it too wobbly! The camera shots that we tested were:

• Extreme long shot
• Long shot
• Mid shot
• Two shot
• Close up
• Point of View shot
• Extreme close up

Additionally, the camera angles and movements that we experimented with were:

• Over the shoulder angle
• High angle
• Low angle
• Tracking shot
• Sideways tracking
• Tilt shot
• Zoom
• Arc shot
• Crane shot
• Panning shot

I didn't find the movement shots particularly easy as they often required moving the camera with your hands and I don't have a steady hand. However, I had never used a dolley before but despite this I thought it was easy to use and after a few attempts managed to get a decent tracking shot of a portrait on the wall. I think the dolley will be easier to use on a smooth surface though because the carpet was bumpy and provided an uneven surface for it to be moved on.

Thriller Film Posters Convention Analysis

Crucially, the Pulp Fiction film poster has many typical conventions of a thriller film poster. The character, narrative, themes and iconography each have different conventions that can be seen.

One notices that colours have been used to connote different things. For example, red has been repeatedly used (as part of the header, lipstick and background furniture); this conveys connotations of death, violence, danger and blood - all of which are typical narratives and themes in a thriller film. What's more, yellow has been used in the film title and the cast list. One can identify that yellow is a very bold colour and therefore mirrors the bold image of the femme fatale on the poster. However, despite being a bold colour, yellow juxtaposes the thriller genre as it is a very cheerful, happy and bright colour; thus meaning Tarantino wanted to represent the film as having multi-genres when it doesn't so that a larger audience would go to see it.

Furthermore, the poster has many explicit and implicit narrative and iconography conventions. One of the more explicit narratives that can be seen almost immediately is the gun; a symbol of assassins, death, deception, revenge and gain. Conversely, a more implicit narrative convention is the cigarette - a symbol of death, fire, burning and danger. Moreover, two other implicit iconography conventions are the blinds and the lamp; the blinds resemble bars on a window and the lamp could be similar to a street lamp - both thriller conventions.

Significantly, one could suggest that the femme fatale has been represented as a sexual image because her lipstick, nail varnish, cleavage and heels are all symbols of femininity. What's more the female subject in the poster is represented as controlling as her hand is placed over the Pulp magazine in a dominating way and her eyes are focused directly on the audience; suggesting power. Additionally, the femme fatale presented as sharp with her edgy haircut and spikey heels.

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Imperatively, the Psycho film poster also has many typical conventions of a thriller film poster. Once again, the character, narrative, themes and iconography each have different conventions that are visible.

Essentially, this poster has clear thriller theme conventions of isolation and entrapment. The femme fatale in this poster is trapped by the blue boarder around her, separating her and the two males. Thus, when thinking about gender representation, she is portrayed as being vulnerable. What's more, her vulnerability is implied through her being in her underwear; this suggests to the viewer that she is an obvious target. Additionally, the fact that she is looking behind her suggests that she is being followed unexpectedly which fits into the typical thriller narrative of being watched. Conversely, one could suggest that her dominance and power is demonstrated as she is larger than the male subjects; this is a clear contrast between the two typical conventions. Overall, the two genders are represented in various ways to convey them as both dominant and weak. 

Similar to the Pulp Fiction poster, this one also uses colour as a symbol of the typical thriller narratives. Significantly, the blue and yellow colours are contrasting, hence they clash and possibly suggest violence or death. Furthermore, the femme fatale is yellow and so is the Psycho writing so this suggests that either she is the psycho or the psycho is effecting her in some way. It is this contrast of interpretations that mirrors one's earlier point about her dominance and vulnerability. Also, the yellow and blue colours are rather bizzare; therefore adding to the fact that the film is titled Psycho. The black background enhances that blue and yellow colours so they stand out on the poster and are therefore emphasised.

Crucially, the two male subjects look animalistic and therefore could represent criminals or psychos - two typical thriller characters. One can tell this because the male without a shirt on and with his muscles showing looks bare and wild, thus portraying an animal. Also, the other male subject's eyes look piercing and cold which could be similar to an animal hunting it's prey.

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Primarily, The Box thriller film poster is another example of a poster that conveys many typical thriller conventions. One can identify the character, narrative, theme and iconography conventions.

The female subject in this poster is looking behind her; thus conveying that she is being watched or followed - two typical thriller narratives. What's more her facial expression looks worried or concerned about something so this demonstrates that she doesn't know what or who is following/watching her.  However, her dominance is shown over the two males on the poster as she is larger than they are, she takes up more of the poster and she is at the top of the poster (so she is the subject that the viewer would see first). Furthermore, she has a rough edged block of pinky-red on half of her face. This could mean that she is turning/has turned into someone else as half of her is different or that she is non-threatening as pink has connotations of respect and admiration.

Moreover, all three subjects seem isolated even though they are together. This is because the black background makes them seem like they are there alone and therefore trapped away from everyone else. One could suggest that Cameron Diaz is playing an isolated character as the spacing on her name at the top is large and each letter stands alone. Once again, isolation and entrapment are two typical thriller themes.

Crucially, one could suggest that the male subject of the left is represented as the typical criminal because his face is half shadowy and he therefore resembles an edgy and mysterious character. Conversely, he is also looking over his shoulder which demonstrates that he is perhaps being followed or watched also. So, his character could be seen as controversial from the poster as he is portraying contrasting thriller conventions. Dissimilar to this, the male subject at the bottom of the frame certainly conveys a mysterious character. One can identify that he is wearing a hat and has his jacket closed; therefore covering himself from the outside world and possibly shutting himself away. Also, he has a slight smirk on his face which can be seen as sinister. Importantly, although he is at the bottom of the poster and should be conveyed as the lowest in the hierarchy of the subjects, he is carrying the box which is also the title of the film; thus his character has significance as he is linked to the title.

** AMENDMENTS MADE ARE IN BLUE**

What is a thriller film?

(Alfred Hitchcock, a successful thriller director and producer).

Essentially, the thriller genre makes the audience feel suspense, tension and excitement. So, thriller films create an adrenaline rush for the audience as they are usually fast paced so make the audience's emotions mirror those of the character. Red-herrings, plot twists and cliffhangers are used a lot in the villain-driven plot lines. Ultimately, thrillers make the audience alert and on the edge of their seats.
There are 5 common sub genres:
- psychological thrillers

- crime thrillers

- mystery thrillers

- political thrillers

- paranoid thrillers

Information from: wikipedia