The History of a Thriller Film
Thriller films, also known as 'Suspense' are a broad genre of literature, film and television programming. They all use suspense, tensionand excitement as the main elements. Thrillers stimulate the viewers mood by giving them surprise, uncertainty, high anticipation, anxiety and terror. Most thriller films tend to be gritty, fast paced and cause an adrenaline rush. Red herrings, plot twists and cliffhangers are used extenisvely through or in the film. A thriller is a villian-driven plot, whereby he/she presents obstacles that the hero must overcome.
The main aim for a thriller film is to keep the audience alert and on edge whilst watching the film. The protagonist in these films are set a mission or mystery. Every sub-genre which falls into the thriller genre will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful cl;imax. The coverup of important information from the viewer and fight and chase scenes are common methods in all of the thriller sub-genres although each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and methods.
Sucessful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hichcock (13th August 1899 - 29th April 1980)
Formally known as Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was an English film director and porducer. He pioneered many techiniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood.
Hitchcocks's career spanned more than half a century and he fashioned for himself a distinctive and recognisable directorial style. He framed shots to maximise fear, empathy, anxiety and used innovative film editing. A wide range of Alfred Hitchcocks films have twits endings and thriller plots featuring depictions of violance, murder and crime. His films usually feature strong sexual undertones and many themes from psychoanalysis.
Alfred Hitchcock became a cultural icon through his cameo appearances in his own films, interviews, film trailers and the television program 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'.
Hitchock directed more than fifty feature films in a career span of six decades.
Earlier Examples:
1. The Lodger (1926) - A taut thriller of a lodger accused of murder by a jealous detective
2. Number 17 (1932) - A comical thriller about the escapades of a luckless hobo who happens on a thief's hidden fortune
3. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - A political adventure thriller of an American couple caught in an assassination plot later remade by Hitchcock himself.
4. The 39 Steps (1935) - An espionage thriller which involves spies, murder and mistaken identity.
5. Lifeboat (1944) - Psychological thriller about survivors trapped on a lifeboat with limited supplies. Features nail biting suspense.
6. Dial M for Murder (1954) - An heiress and her husbands's oh-so-perfect plot to kill her make up in this taut thriller.
7. Vertigo (1958) - caught in a never-ending spiral of deception and obsession, a private detective must discover the truth behind the death of the woman he loved.
8. Marnie (1964) - A beautiful kleptomaniac and the man who loves her clash in this psychological thriller.
9. Topaz (1969) - Danger and intrigue abound in this complex espionage thriller.
10. Family Plot (1976) - A phony psychic fades off with a jewel thief in this thriller/comedy.
What is a Genre?
Genre is a French word meaning "type". It is the category of literature of any form of art or entertainment. For example; Adventure, Thriller, Documentary, Romance, Horror, Western, Talk Show, Reality etc...
What is a Hybrid Genre?
A Hybrid Genre is a crossed genre. A genre which consists of two types. For example; Period Sitcom, Rom Com, Crime Drama, Sci-Fi etc...
What is a Sub-Genre?
A Sub-Genre is a subcategory of that genre. For example; Black Comedy, Erotic Thriller, Comedy Thriller etc...
Types of Sub-Genre Thrillers:
- Conspiracy Thriller These are known as 'paranoid thrillers' and these are generally about journalists or amateur investigators who get themselves mixed up in conspiracies which go all the way to the top. These are often to 'recreate' what might have happened during a historical event. Examples; From Hell (2001), The Ghost (2010), Shutter Island (2010)
- Crime Thriller These have more action-adventure and suspense in them. they may involve spying, frequent killings and other non-criminal conflicts. These could be conflicts between the characters. Most crime thrillers will often involve fast pace, suspense, action suspense and violence. Examples; Pulp Fiction (1994), Untraceable (2008), Se7en (1998), The Departed (2006)
- Political Thriller These are usually about a political power struggle and might also include the elements of political corruption, warfare and terrorism. The most recent political thrillers refer to terrorism or the 9|11 attacks or both. Examples; The Interpreter (2005) - Zimbabwe banned the film in their country after the release because of strong parallels between the story and the regime of the director Robert Mugabe.
- Action Thriller Examples; Inception (2010), Die Hard (1988), Children Of Men (2006), The Professional (1994)
- Disaster Thriller Examples; I Am Legend (2007), The Road (2009), 2012 (2009), The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Psychological Thriller Examples; Black Swan (2010), Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Sixth Sense (1999), Vertigo (1958)
- Supernatural Thriller Examples; Shutter Island (2010), The Others (2001), The Devils Backbone (2001), The Dead Zone (1983)
- Erotic Thriller Examples; Fatal Attraction (1987), Body Heat (1981), Swimming Pool (2003), Femme Fatale (2002)
- Comedy Thriller Examples; Fright Night (1985), Sneakers (1992), The Guard (2011), The Matador (2005)
- Complex Narrative Structure
These are used my authors to add interest by complicating the story.
- Clues and false paths
These are used to confuse or create enigma's for the audience.
- Murder and killings/deaths
In thriller it is often that a killing or death may happen (usuing in crime thrillers).
- A crime at the core of the narrative
This is usually what the main reason is for the crime that has been committed.
- Investigations
These investigations usually happen if a crime or murder/death has happened and they are carried out by people who work in the police force (police officers, investigators etc...)
- Extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations
This is when something out of the ordinary will happen in an ordinary situation. People may not understand why it has happen but it is usually revealed in the end
- Themes of identity and voyeurism
Voyeurism is the sexual interest in or the practice of spying on people engaged or in intimate behaviors such as undressing or sexual activities.
- Enigmas are establishedEnigmas are created or established to make the audience think or wonder what is going on or what has just happened.
- Secrets
Secrets are used to hide something that has happened or is about to happen.
- Fast pace
This is used to build tension in a situation or event. Usually gets the audience anxious.
- Protagonist
This is the main character in a film (usually seen as the "good guy").
- Antagonist
This is the competitor/enemy in a film (usually seen as the "bad guy").
- Suspensions
Suspensions has a variety of terms used, but it in film the term is used as shock absorbing or something being built up.
- Cliffhangers
These are used to leave the audience interested to find out what happened or to leave the audience to imagine what happened next.
My Collage of Thriller Representations
My AS Media class and I cooperated in creating this mood board of thriller representations. We all had to bring in one picture of a photograph which we thought symbolised a 'Thriller Genre'. All of the pictures which are shown in the photo above fit in with the conventions of a thriller. Examples of these would be weapons, blood, Police, scared/shocked facial expressions, hand prints etc... My group are going to try and include some of these conventions in our main task (2:00 minute thriller opening). We have thought about including a knife and possible some blood and facial expressions.
Conventions of a Thriller Film:
Thriller films, also known as 'Suspense' are a broad genre of literature, film and television programming. They all use suspense, tensionand excitement as the main elements. Thrillers stimulate the viewers mood by giving them surprise, uncertainty, high anticipation, anxiety and terror. Most thriller films tend to be gritty, fast paced and cause an adrenaline rush. Red herrings, plot twists and cliffhangers are used extenisvely through or in the film. A thriller is a villian-driven plot, whereby he/she presents obstacles that the hero must overcome.
The main aim for a thriller film is to keep the audience alert and on edge whilst watching the film. The protagonist in these films are set a mission or mystery. Every sub-genre which falls into the thriller genre will emphasize the danger that the protagonist faces. The tension with the main problem is built on throughout the film and leads to a highly stressful cl;imax. The coverup of important information from the viewer and fight and chase scenes are common methods in all of the thriller sub-genres although each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and methods.
Sucessful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock.
Alfred Hichcock (13th August 1899 - 29th April 1980)
Formally known as Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was an English film director and porducer. He pioneered many techiniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, Hitchcock moved to Hollywood.
Hitchcocks's career spanned more than half a century and he fashioned for himself a distinctive and recognisable directorial style. He framed shots to maximise fear, empathy, anxiety and used innovative film editing. A wide range of Alfred Hitchcocks films have twits endings and thriller plots featuring depictions of violance, murder and crime. His films usually feature strong sexual undertones and many themes from psychoanalysis.
Alfred Hitchcock became a cultural icon through his cameo appearances in his own films, interviews, film trailers and the television program 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents'.
Hitchock directed more than fifty feature films in a career span of six decades.
Earlier Examples:
1. The Lodger (1926) - A taut thriller of a lodger accused of murder by a jealous detective
2. Number 17 (1932) - A comical thriller about the escapades of a luckless hobo who happens on a thief's hidden fortune
3. The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) - A political adventure thriller of an American couple caught in an assassination plot later remade by Hitchcock himself.
4. The 39 Steps (1935) - An espionage thriller which involves spies, murder and mistaken identity.
5. Lifeboat (1944) - Psychological thriller about survivors trapped on a lifeboat with limited supplies. Features nail biting suspense.
6. Dial M for Murder (1954) - An heiress and her husbands's oh-so-perfect plot to kill her make up in this taut thriller.
7. Vertigo (1958) - caught in a never-ending spiral of deception and obsession, a private detective must discover the truth behind the death of the woman he loved.
8. Marnie (1964) - A beautiful kleptomaniac and the man who loves her clash in this psychological thriller.
9. Topaz (1969) - Danger and intrigue abound in this complex espionage thriller.
10. Family Plot (1976) - A phony psychic fades off with a jewel thief in this thriller/comedy.
What is a Genre?
Genre is a French word meaning "type". It is the category of literature of any form of art or entertainment. For example; Adventure, Thriller, Documentary, Romance, Horror, Western, Talk Show, Reality etc...
What is a Hybrid Genre?
A Hybrid Genre is a crossed genre. A genre which consists of two types. For example; Period Sitcom, Rom Com, Crime Drama, Sci-Fi etc...
What is a Sub-Genre?
A Sub-Genre is a subcategory of that genre. For example; Black Comedy, Erotic Thriller, Comedy Thriller etc...
Types of Sub-Genre Thrillers:
- Conspiracy Thriller These are known as 'paranoid thrillers' and these are generally about journalists or amateur investigators who get themselves mixed up in conspiracies which go all the way to the top. These are often to 'recreate' what might have happened during a historical event. Examples; From Hell (2001), The Ghost (2010), Shutter Island (2010)
- Crime Thriller These have more action-adventure and suspense in them. they may involve spying, frequent killings and other non-criminal conflicts. These could be conflicts between the characters. Most crime thrillers will often involve fast pace, suspense, action suspense and violence. Examples; Pulp Fiction (1994), Untraceable (2008), Se7en (1998), The Departed (2006)
- Political Thriller These are usually about a political power struggle and might also include the elements of political corruption, warfare and terrorism. The most recent political thrillers refer to terrorism or the 9|11 attacks or both. Examples; The Interpreter (2005) - Zimbabwe banned the film in their country after the release because of strong parallels between the story and the regime of the director Robert Mugabe.
- Action Thriller Examples; Inception (2010), Die Hard (1988), Children Of Men (2006), The Professional (1994)
- Disaster Thriller Examples; I Am Legend (2007), The Road (2009), 2012 (2009), The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Psychological Thriller Examples; Black Swan (2010), Silence of the Lambs (1991), The Sixth Sense (1999), Vertigo (1958)
- Supernatural Thriller Examples; Shutter Island (2010), The Others (2001), The Devils Backbone (2001), The Dead Zone (1983)
- Erotic Thriller Examples; Fatal Attraction (1987), Body Heat (1981), Swimming Pool (2003), Femme Fatale (2002)
- Comedy Thriller Examples; Fright Night (1985), Sneakers (1992), The Guard (2011), The Matador (2005)
- Complex Narrative Structure
These are used my authors to add interest by complicating the story.
- Clues and false paths
These are used to confuse or create enigma's for the audience.
- Murder and killings/deaths
In thriller it is often that a killing or death may happen (usuing in crime thrillers).
- A crime at the core of the narrative
This is usually what the main reason is for the crime that has been committed.
- Investigations
These investigations usually happen if a crime or murder/death has happened and they are carried out by people who work in the police force (police officers, investigators etc...)
- Extraordinary events happening in ordinary situations
This is when something out of the ordinary will happen in an ordinary situation. People may not understand why it has happen but it is usually revealed in the end
- Themes of identity and voyeurism
Voyeurism is the sexual interest in or the practice of spying on people engaged or in intimate behaviors such as undressing or sexual activities.
- Enigmas are establishedEnigmas are created or established to make the audience think or wonder what is going on or what has just happened.
- Secrets
Secrets are used to hide something that has happened or is about to happen.
- Fast pace
This is used to build tension in a situation or event. Usually gets the audience anxious.
- Protagonist
This is the main character in a film (usually seen as the "good guy").
- Antagonist
This is the competitor/enemy in a film (usually seen as the "bad guy").
- Suspensions
Suspensions has a variety of terms used, but it in film the term is used as shock absorbing or something being built up.
- Cliffhangers
These are used to leave the audience interested to find out what happened or to leave the audience to imagine what happened next.
My Collage of Thriller Representations
My AS Media class and I cooperated in creating this mood board of thriller representations. We all had to bring in one picture of a photograph which we thought symbolised a 'Thriller Genre'. All of the pictures which are shown in the photo above fit in with the conventions of a thriller. Examples of these would be weapons, blood, Police, scared/shocked facial expressions, hand prints etc... My group are going to try and include some of these conventions in our main task (2:00 minute thriller opening). We have thought about including a knife and possible some blood and facial expressions.
Conventions of a Thriller Film:
This is an iconography image of thriller conventions which i found on the internet (google images).
Analysis of thriller film openings
Vertigo:
- Who is being represented in the opening scene? Are these representations positive or negative?
Females are being represented in this opening scene. The visuals show a womans eye which is a close up. We are able to understand the emotion/feeling she is giving across which i believe is scared or worried. The colour red gives a sense of danger along with the instrumental music which is showing us a bad representation.
- What do the titles for the opening look like? Does this tell you that it is a thriller genre?
The typography is illustrated in white bold lettering. The of the words are in capital letters and are also transparent which means you dont miss anything in the background. The way the titles are coming from her eyes attract attention and focus your eye to the centre showing us that the genre is a Thriller.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The camera glids across the womans face starting with her lips and ending up with her eye. All of the shots are close ups. The sound is a non-diegetic as it has a soundtrack over the top. The soundtrack is an intrumental which gives an eary effect. The shots fade out when switching scenes and the typography is white bold lettering. The lighting is low key and the backround is blacked out. This focus' our eye to the womans facial features. These technical areas make you aware that it is a thriller film.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
In the opening scene, we can tell that the woman is the protagnonist as she has a scared facial expressions. These expressions show that she could be worried. The fact that we could only see parts of her face shows suspicion and makes you think about why they have shown it in this way.
- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?
Paramount Pictures and Vista Vision were the production companies which made the film. This could influence the film as Paramount Pictures are a conglomerate and have alot of money and power.
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
I think that the woman who is shown in the opening scene is going to get murdered. This would relate to the conventions of a Thriller.
- Timeline:
0:00 - VistaVision moton picture high-fidelity
0:09 - James Stewart
0:21 - Kim Novak
0:29 - In Alfred Hitchcock's
0:41 - VERTIGO
0:54 - Co-Starring: Barbara Bel Geddes with Tom Helmore, Henry Jones, Raymond Bailey, Ellen Corby, Konstantin Shaynes, Lee Partick.
1:07 - Screenpiay by Alex Coppel & Samuel Taylor
1:17 - Director of Photography Roberty Burks A.S.C
1:26 - Art direction Hal Pereira & Henry Bumsteam. Special photographic effects John P.Fulton. A.S.C. Progress Photography Farciot Edouart, A.S.C & Wallace Kelley A.S.C. Set decoration Saem Comer & Frank Kelvy, Title designed by Saul Bass
1:42 - Edited by George Tomasini, A.C.E. Assitant director Daniel McCauley. Make Supervision Walley Westmore, S.M.A. Hairstyle supervision Nellie Manley, C.H.S Sound Recording by Harold Lewis & Winston Leverett.
1:59 - Costumes Edith Head special sequence by John Ferren
2:06 - Music by Bernard Herman
2:12 - Conducted by Muir Mattileson
2:17 - Associate producer Herbert Coleman
2:32 - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Jaws:
- Who is being represented in the opening scene? Are these representations positive or negative?
The teenagers are being represented in quite a negative way as they're drinking and smoking around a bonfire on a beach. However, their feelings and emotions look quite relaxed and content. The non-diegetic music is quite a popular soundtrack which is quite fast pace.
The teenagers are being represented in quite a negative way as they're drinking and smoking around a bonfire on a beach. However, their feelings and emotions look quite relaxed and content. The non-diegetic music is quite a popular soundtrack which is quite fast pace.
- What do the titles for the opening scene look like? Does this tell you that it is a thriller?
The titles appear through a fade during which would have been included in the editing in post-production. The titles start with a background and then progress onto the screen in the foreground of the clip. The typography is bold, white lettering and this hints to the audience it could be a thriller.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The non-diegetic sounds (music) starts off quiet and slow and then builds up and gets louder and quicker. This is happening while the camera is in the point of view of the shark moving through the seaweed. I notice that there is a mouth organ being played whilst showing the beach party. The camera then shows a wide shot of the beach with the girl and boy running. we can hear the nose of the sea in the background. The camera switches between the girl and the shark, below and above the water. The camera then zooms into the girl kicking her legs. The lighting is quite low throughout the opening scene. The costume looks casual (jeans and top/t-shirt), as well as the makeup of the characters. I am aware that this is a thriller because of the technical area examples i have given.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
The titles for the opening scene are on a conventional screen. The background is black and the typography is bold white. You can also here a voice over but are un-able to see it. This suggests that it is a thriller as you can here was is happening but you cant see it as the titles are coming up.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
We first hear narrative voice over of the incident which is being shown on the news. The narration starts off on a black background then continues onto an action clip (non-conventional to conventional). The camera is in a mid shot showing a group of people in a shop whilst a man is walking through them with an bothersome expression on his face. As the man walks out of the shop, he is followed by the camera the lighting is quite mid tone bight whilst inside the shop and then natural light is shown as he ventures outside. the camera continues to follow the man. Non-diegetic music is playing through out (sounds slow and pitiful) until outside when we hear diegetic sounds of car horns and vehical engines. The camera pans around the man (keeping the 180 degree rule) and then we hear an explosion go off which is a diegetic sound. The opening scene ends with a point of view shot, of which appears to be a man runningin the direction of the explosion.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
Title Sequence Analysis:
Napoleon Dynamyte:
The titles appear through a fade during which would have been included in the editing in post-production. The titles start with a background and then progress onto the screen in the foreground of the clip. The typography is bold, white lettering and this hints to the audience it could be a thriller.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The non-diegetic sounds (music) starts off quiet and slow and then builds up and gets louder and quicker. This is happening while the camera is in the point of view of the shark moving through the seaweed. I notice that there is a mouth organ being played whilst showing the beach party. The camera then shows a wide shot of the beach with the girl and boy running. we can hear the nose of the sea in the background. The camera switches between the girl and the shark, below and above the water. The camera then zooms into the girl kicking her legs. The lighting is quite low throughout the opening scene. The costume looks casual (jeans and top/t-shirt), as well as the makeup of the characters. I am aware that this is a thriller because of the technical area examples i have given.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
In the opening scene, a girl gets murdered my a shark. Murder is a thriller convention and the attack is built up before hand. The fact that we hear the "deadly shark" sounds and the point of view of a shark, gives us a clue that the girl could get killed when she swims in the water.
- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?
Zanuck/Brown were the production company which produced Jaws. Richard Zanuck and David Brown joined up and became an independent production company at Universal Pictures. They have produced other popular films such as Big Fish (2003), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) and many more... Because of these big productions, this could be a good influence for what could appear in the film.- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
In the rest of the film, i reckon that there is going to be a lot more shark attacks going to happen. Possibly to some of the others at the beach party if they go to look for there dead friend. This would relate to the conventions of a thriller.
- Timeline:
- Timeline:
0:10 - Universal an MCA Company
0:39 - Robert, Roy Shaw Richard Schider Drefuss
0:50 - JAWS
0:56 - Co-Starring Lorraine Gary
1:00 - Murray Hamilton Carl Gottlieb Jeffery C.Kramer Susan Backline
1:07 - Music by John Williams
1:11 - Film Editor Verna Fields
1:25 - Director of Photography Bill Butter
1:32 - Screenplay by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb Based upon the novel by Peter Benchley
1:39 - Produced by Richard D.Zanuk and David Brown
1:46 - Directed by Steven Spielberg
Children Of Men:
- Who is being represented in the opening scene? Are these representations positive or negative?
The people in the coffee shop are being represented positivly where as the man who walks in doesnt take any notice of the news. these representations show that the pubic are upset about the boys death, where as Clive Owen is quite cold and doesnt take any notice. I think that the representation is positive as he walked into the shop and brought a coffee. As he walks out and starts to walk down the road, he turns around and the shop blows up, full of people. this could be a bad representation as it makes you think, what has the man done. There is also a bad represention of incidents on the news. A young famous boy "Baby Diago" was stabbed after spitting in a fans face. This is a very bad representation of crime and crude.
- What do the titles for the opening scene look like? Does this tell you that it is a thriller?The titles for the opening scene are on a conventional screen. The background is black and the typography is bold white. You can also here a voice over but are un-able to see it. This suggests that it is a thriller as you can here was is happening but you cant see it as the titles are coming up.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
We first hear narrative voice over of the incident which is being shown on the news. The narration starts off on a black background then continues onto an action clip (non-conventional to conventional). The camera is in a mid shot showing a group of people in a shop whilst a man is walking through them with an bothersome expression on his face. As the man walks out of the shop, he is followed by the camera the lighting is quite mid tone bight whilst inside the shop and then natural light is shown as he ventures outside. the camera continues to follow the man. Non-diegetic music is playing through out (sounds slow and pitiful) until outside when we hear diegetic sounds of car horns and vehical engines. The camera pans around the man (keeping the 180 degree rule) and then we hear an explosion go off which is a diegetic sound. The opening scene ends with a point of view shot, of which appears to be a man runningin the direction of the explosion.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
The narrative in this opening scene match the thriller conventions as the man which walks in to the coffe shops looks as if he is the protagonist. He is then placed in danger as an explosion arrises. We are also shown a crime at the core of the narrative, which is a murder beiong released on the news.
- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?
- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?
Universal Pictures presents a Strike Entertainment in associatioin with Hit and Run productions. The big movie studio Universal is well known and could help with the having other big producers. The production company will always help market and film.
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
In the rest of the film, i think another explosion could happen. I think it could be based around children or youths because of the films title and also because of what was being shown on the news in the film (young 18 year olds death).
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
In the rest of the film, i think another explosion could happen. I think it could be based around children or youths because of the films title and also because of what was being shown on the news in the film (young 18 year olds death).
- Timeline:
0:15 - Universal
0:30 - Strike
0:40 - Universal Pictures Presents
0:43 - A Strike Entertainment Production
0:46 - In Association With Hit & Run Productions
2:25 - Children Of Men
Panic Room:
- Who is being represented in the opening scene? Are these representations positive or negative?
In the opening scene, i believe that buliding and sky scrapers are bring represented. I also think that these representations are negavtive as the music suggests something is going to happen. This is because the soundtrack sounds like danger.
- What do the titles for the opening scene look like? Does this tell you that it is a thriller?
The titles for the opening scene are bold and look 3D on an un-conventional screen. the typography colour is silver and it looks shiny, maybe suggesting that the representations are expensive. I think these do tell us that it is a thirller film as the music lets us know that something is about to happen. Having the titles on an unconventional screen but not showing any action is quite interesting.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The camera is panning around each of the different buildings. There is a quick shot from bulding to building to create suspense. The music starts playing before anything is shown on the screen. This convention automatically give an enigma to the audience for them to wonder and question what is going to happen. The non-diegetic music is a soundtrack which is quite fast pace with a strange ticking noise in the background. This could relate to a stop watch and a limited amount of time. This is also closely linked to the film title "Panic Room" as limited amount of time can make you panic. The opening credits and titles are shown on a non-conventional screen as action is being shown at the same time. All of the technical areas analysed make me aware that it is the thriller genre.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
Columbia Pictures was the production company with mad Panic Room. This could influence a good film distribution as Columbia Pictures is a very well knows American production and distribution company. Is is owned my Sony Pictures Entertainment which is also massively well know and popular.
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
In the rest of the film, i think that different characters perspectives are going to be shown from one event which is going to happen. However, i believe something big, like an explosion or something in a room is going to make a lot of people panic and situations could get out of hand.
- What do the titles for the opening scene look like? Does this tell you that it is a thriller?
The titles for the opening scene are bold and look 3D on an un-conventional screen. the typography colour is silver and it looks shiny, maybe suggesting that the representations are expensive. I think these do tell us that it is a thirller film as the music lets us know that something is about to happen. Having the titles on an unconventional screen but not showing any action is quite interesting.
- Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The camera is panning around each of the different buildings. There is a quick shot from bulding to building to create suspense. The music starts playing before anything is shown on the screen. This convention automatically give an enigma to the audience for them to wonder and question what is going to happen. The non-diegetic music is a soundtrack which is quite fast pace with a strange ticking noise in the background. This could relate to a stop watch and a limited amount of time. This is also closely linked to the film title "Panic Room" as limited amount of time can make you panic. The opening credits and titles are shown on a non-conventional screen as action is being shown at the same time. All of the technical areas analysed make me aware that it is the thriller genre.
- Does the narrative in the opening scene match the conventions of the thriller genre? How?
The titles are on a non-conventional screen as their is action being played at the same time. An enigma is created as only buildings are revealed so the audience is left unknowing what is going to or could happen next. These specific narratives in the opening scene make me believe the conventions are of a thriller genre.
- Which production company made the film? How might this influence what appears in the film?Columbia Pictures was the production company with mad Panic Room. This could influence a good film distribution as Columbia Pictures is a very well knows American production and distribution company. Is is owned my Sony Pictures Entertainment which is also massively well know and popular.
- What do you think might happen in the rest of the film?
In the rest of the film, i think that different characters perspectives are going to be shown from one event which is going to happen. However, i believe something big, like an explosion or something in a room is going to make a lot of people panic and situations could get out of hand.
- Timeline:
0:14 - Columbia
0:24 - Columbia Pictures Presents
0:27 - A Ho'fflund/Polone Production
0:30 - An Indeliable Picture
0:36 - Jodie Foster
0:39 - Forrest Whitaker
0:42 - Dwight Yoakam
0:47 - Jared Leto
0:51 - Panic Room
0:58 - Kristen Stuart
1:01 - Ann Magnusen
Ian Buchanaji
1:05 - Patrick Bauchau
Paul Schulze
1:10 - Casting by Laray Mayfield
1:14 - Costume Designer Michael Kaplan
1:17 - Music by Howard Shore
1:22 - Film Editors James Haygood and Angus Wall
1:27 - Production Designers Arthur Max
Napoleon Dynamyte:
Juno:
Sherlock Holmes:
Once Upon A Time In The West:
"The Audience!"
All media texts are made with an audience in mind. Generally, but not always, the producers make money out of that audience.
The Importance of Audience Research:
Media audience research is important for advertising agencies which are aimed to target the right audiences. As all of the media messages are produces by keeping the target audience in mind, therefore, through media audience research it is assumed that you are fulfilling the aim to produce the right message. If audience does not take interest in any advertising message then it is of no value and it gets a sunk cost for the company. Therefore, before making a media message to go through a media audience, research is very necessary.
BBFC - British Board of Film Classification
All films have a certificate rating which is publish by the BBFC. At least 2 examiners in the company look at all films which are distributed to the public and give them an age classification based on these following issues:
- Discrimination
- Drugs
- Horror
- Imitable Behaviour
- Language
- Nudity
- Sex
- Sexual Violence
- Theme
- Violence
The examiners also consider other issues such as:
- Context
- Tone
- Impact (how the audience might feel)
- Release Format (DVDs viewed at home - underage viewing)
Film Certificates:
Suitable For All
It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.
Parental Guidance
General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
Suitable For 12yrs and Over
Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.
Suitable For 15 years or Over
No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work. This may be because of violence, language, imitable behaviour etc...
Suitable For Adults Only
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video work. This may be because of sex, language, discrimination, nudity and sexual violence.
To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.
Existing Film Production Company:
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20th Century Fox is a U.S film production company which was founded in 1935. Star Wars Saga, Avatar, and The Chronicles Of Narnia are their most successful productions. They are claimed to be one of the 6 best production companies as of 2012.
The logo says the production companies name in big bold writing in the center which shows the importance. The lettering is gold which suggests wealth, expense and royalty. The sky in the background also suggests royalty as the colour is purple and this is represented to be an extremely royal colour.
Having a low angle shot shows the importance and dominance in the image as the main focal point is high up.
Hammer Films Productions are a British production company who specialise in Gothic 'Hammer Horror' films but also produce a range of thrillers, sci-fi film noir and comedies. They also produce TV series and TV programmes. The company was founded in 1934 and were financially beneficial in their most successful years when they dominated the horror film market. between the 1950's until the 1970's.
The logo (H) stands out but gives the conventions of a horror genre, more than a thriller film. The typography suggests the conventions of a thriller genre, minus the colour; red. The logo is in a central position with a larger font to act as a main focal point. The lettering stand out alot as the background is a dark black shade.
Fox Searchlight Pictures are a low budget production company who were established in 1998 and specialised in independent or indie British films. One of their most famous films were Napoleon Dynamite which was a low budget film which cost around $400,000 to film and produce.
The logo is similar to the "20th Century Fox" logo as it has the came composition and layout. It has big, bold, gold lettering which suggest wealth, and a professional appearance. It also shows a lot of importance being quite a large font. Again, the background is dominated by a purple shaded colour which suggest royalty and money. The lights shining up on the building look similar to the spot lights which are shown in theaters; can be symbolic to a performance.
Questionnaire:
This is a questionnaire we constructed to see other peoples views on films and thriller films in particular. This is the layout we used which consisted of open and closed questions.
1) Gender? (please circle)
Male Female
2) Age? (please circle)
12 or under 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-25 20 or over
3) What do you expect from a thriller film? (please circle)
Crime Suspicion Investigation Comedy Death Romance
Fast Pace Adventure Drama Other
4) How would you define a thriller film? (please specify)
________________________________________________________________
5.a) Do you watch thriller films? (please circle)
Yes No
5.b) If yes, name the latest thriller film you have watch? (please specify)
_________________________________________________________________
6) What sub-genre thriller do you prefer? (please circle)
Action Thriller Conspiracy Thriller Crime Thriller Disaster Thriller
Psychological Thriller Political Thriller Spy Thriller Supernatural Thriller
7) Do you enjoy going to the cinema? (please circle)
Examples of the filled in Questionnaire:
Example 1.
Iconic Sounds Connected to a Thriller Genre:
A lot of sounds and music that are used in thriller films start off with a loud distinct noise that the audience recognises. For example, it could be a loud bang that would then drift quietly into a piece of music that is quite fast paced. The sound could be of someone running away as this would be a frequent convention form a thriller film. It suggest to the audience that something bad might happen or has just happened. Sometimes the music will pick back up and we will hear certain sounds such as heavy breathing or footsteps.
In other films, some piece of music that are used are quiet and soothing but they have a consistent beat to them throughout the whole piece of music. This usually happens if they want the audience to have a fright or sudden jump. This shows an opposite affect to how the audience may react. The type of music chosen can cause a lot of suspicion or tension/anxiety and create a whole atmosphere.
Other iconic sounds may include:
- The dripping noise of a tap
- Footsteps gradually getting louder or closer
- Flapping of birds wings in a scurry to get away. This could be crows as they are symbolic to death
Jaws is a Thriller Film which shows good examples of iconic sounds which connect to the genre of thriller.
Below is the opening scene of Jaws:
Below is a link to the opening credits of Jaws:
Font Analysis
The Ring:
The font used on the title, makes the words look like they were quickly hand written, creating a sense of panic. This shows that it is a thriller film because in thriller there is normally a sense of uneasiness and suspense, and the films make people unnerved. This is exactly what the font looks like, like an uneasy, unnerved person wrote it. The fact that the colour of the font is white, is creating a red haring. It also stands out alot as the background is a dark black colour. White is also a conventional colour for font in thriller genres. This it because the colour white is normally associated with purity and innocence but because it’s a thriller film it is highly unlikely that it will be innocent, so it’s like the colour is trying to throw us of the fact that it’s a thriller film.
Friday The 13TH:
The font for Friday The 13th tells us that it is thriller film because of the font being red. The red colour symbolises danger, death and blood, things which are commonly found in thriller films (also in the moodboard of conventions). The fact that the “FRIDAY” and the “13TH” in the title is bigger makes us think more about the omen behind the unlucky superstitions linked with it. Another factor is that above the main title it says “from the producers of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, even if you hadn’t that film, you would know that it wouldn’t be a happy family film because of the usage of 'chainsaw'. So if this film is from the same producers, it’s highly likely to a thriller as well.
