Saturday, 31 January 2009
a new era
Hey there thrill fans, as one project comes to a close another opportunity to create a thriller masterpiece opens, but this time, its a little bit longer. the new brief is to create an opening to a feature length film of the thriller genre. Expect to see thriller conventions, possible credits and ideas coming your way.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Analysis of opening sequence of 'Se7en' by Luke Graham
Film: Se7en
Directed by: David Fincher
Release date: 1996
The opening scene begins with an introduction to Morgan Freeman’s character in his apartment. Through diagetic sound we can hear city noises e.g., passing traffic, people walking and talking, cars beeping etc. which tells the audience that he is situated somewhere centrally in the hustle and bustle of the city. The use of discontinuity cuts quickly shows us the routine in which he gets ready; this introduction to the character shows the audience his personality and a little of the apartment and setting in which he is inhabited. We see the character as a reserved man who keeps his apartment clean and tidy and probably lives alone since he comes across as being independent and seems to keep himself to himself.
The use of low key lighting in this opening sequence of Se7en creates a depressing and mysterious atmosphere; demonstrating the depressing nature of the lead characters occupation and the eerie location. Another demonstration of low key lighting is the scene in which Morgan Freeman’s character, Detective Somerset, is viewing the murder scene in an apartment with another officer; the shot of the body is a mid-shot and at a slightly high angle so it is as if we are actually viewing the body whilst standing over it. During the opening to this film the audience is presented with a lot of this type of shot, making the audience feel as if they are there amongst the characters, this technique helps to heighten anticipation and helps to increase the realistic feel of the film.
The titles during the opening of Se7en include images, moving images and words. The ‘scratchy’ effect on all of the elements in this sequence makes the audience feel tense and anticipant for the film. The writing is small and white on a black background, the words are placed around the screen and the font seems handwritten and scruffy, much of this sequence includes bright flickers and the title animation seems as if the words are being scrawled into the images; portraying an almost vicious mood to the sequence and entices the audience with the interesting use of font size and style. The still and moving images consist of many different and strange things, the use of quick cuts, distortion and extreme close ups make these images quite hard to tell. We also see flickers of people’s faces, razorblades and splatters of either ink or blood. This entire sequence is in black and white and this effect means that the audience cannot tell whether or not these splatters are of ink or blood; this causes intrigue and suspicion felt by the audience. Another element of the titles is the sound used; we can hear a mixture of muffled drum beats and a high pitched scratching sound which parallels the music to the images and wording. The slower paced moving images help to intrigue the audience and make them interested in what is happening, for example we see hands touching and almost playing with a razorblade, as well as putting the audience on edge I think the director used this because it may have some significant to the rest of the film. Because we are shown a short scene before the opening titles, introducing main characters and understanding that we are watching two detectives who specialise in homicide, we instantly interpret that the hands are probably of a murderer who may be entering the film later on.
The use of mise en scene in the opening sequence helps to show us a little more about the characters that we are introduced to. The use of body language is a key part of this and near the beginning we see the characters of Detective Mills and Somerset walking alongside one another down a street. In this scene we notice that Mills bumps into a passer by and looks at him angrily as he carries on walking; this instantly tells the audience something about his character, that he is non submissive to anyone and that he has somewhat of a chip on his shoulder. Also, the dialogue between the two characters tells us a lot about the story so far and explains why these two seemingly opposing characters are brought together; Detective Somerset seems to have the upper hand over Mills as he seems to be more experienced with his work as a detective and we see that Mills is unhappy working under him, this also shows Mills’ personality and his arrogant attitude.
The lack of a soundtrack during the opening scenes with the characters has an interesting effect; the use of a soundtrack is commonly used to convey the emotions of certain characters or to reflect the pace of the film, by using no soundtrack the audience are clueless to what the characters are feeling which creates intrigue and curiosity, it aids in the realism in which they are trying to create and lets the acting talent convey the characters realistically and effectively.
Many of these conventions are used throughout the thriller genre to create mood, atmosphere and suspense and can easily be interpreted by the audience. Following the similarities seen in the majority of thriller films I believe our group will be able to present feelings and ideas that are all too present in thrillers effectively in our project.
Posted by-Luke Graham
Directed by: David Fincher
Release date: 1996
The opening scene begins with an introduction to Morgan Freeman’s character in his apartment. Through diagetic sound we can hear city noises e.g., passing traffic, people walking and talking, cars beeping etc. which tells the audience that he is situated somewhere centrally in the hustle and bustle of the city. The use of discontinuity cuts quickly shows us the routine in which he gets ready; this introduction to the character shows the audience his personality and a little of the apartment and setting in which he is inhabited. We see the character as a reserved man who keeps his apartment clean and tidy and probably lives alone since he comes across as being independent and seems to keep himself to himself.
The use of low key lighting in this opening sequence of Se7en creates a depressing and mysterious atmosphere; demonstrating the depressing nature of the lead characters occupation and the eerie location. Another demonstration of low key lighting is the scene in which Morgan Freeman’s character, Detective Somerset, is viewing the murder scene in an apartment with another officer; the shot of the body is a mid-shot and at a slightly high angle so it is as if we are actually viewing the body whilst standing over it. During the opening to this film the audience is presented with a lot of this type of shot, making the audience feel as if they are there amongst the characters, this technique helps to heighten anticipation and helps to increase the realistic feel of the film.
The titles during the opening of Se7en include images, moving images and words. The ‘scratchy’ effect on all of the elements in this sequence makes the audience feel tense and anticipant for the film. The writing is small and white on a black background, the words are placed around the screen and the font seems handwritten and scruffy, much of this sequence includes bright flickers and the title animation seems as if the words are being scrawled into the images; portraying an almost vicious mood to the sequence and entices the audience with the interesting use of font size and style. The still and moving images consist of many different and strange things, the use of quick cuts, distortion and extreme close ups make these images quite hard to tell. We also see flickers of people’s faces, razorblades and splatters of either ink or blood. This entire sequence is in black and white and this effect means that the audience cannot tell whether or not these splatters are of ink or blood; this causes intrigue and suspicion felt by the audience. Another element of the titles is the sound used; we can hear a mixture of muffled drum beats and a high pitched scratching sound which parallels the music to the images and wording. The slower paced moving images help to intrigue the audience and make them interested in what is happening, for example we see hands touching and almost playing with a razorblade, as well as putting the audience on edge I think the director used this because it may have some significant to the rest of the film. Because we are shown a short scene before the opening titles, introducing main characters and understanding that we are watching two detectives who specialise in homicide, we instantly interpret that the hands are probably of a murderer who may be entering the film later on.
The use of mise en scene in the opening sequence helps to show us a little more about the characters that we are introduced to. The use of body language is a key part of this and near the beginning we see the characters of Detective Mills and Somerset walking alongside one another down a street. In this scene we notice that Mills bumps into a passer by and looks at him angrily as he carries on walking; this instantly tells the audience something about his character, that he is non submissive to anyone and that he has somewhat of a chip on his shoulder. Also, the dialogue between the two characters tells us a lot about the story so far and explains why these two seemingly opposing characters are brought together; Detective Somerset seems to have the upper hand over Mills as he seems to be more experienced with his work as a detective and we see that Mills is unhappy working under him, this also shows Mills’ personality and his arrogant attitude.
The lack of a soundtrack during the opening scenes with the characters has an interesting effect; the use of a soundtrack is commonly used to convey the emotions of certain characters or to reflect the pace of the film, by using no soundtrack the audience are clueless to what the characters are feeling which creates intrigue and curiosity, it aids in the realism in which they are trying to create and lets the acting talent convey the characters realistically and effectively.
Many of these conventions are used throughout the thriller genre to create mood, atmosphere and suspense and can easily be interpreted by the audience. Following the similarities seen in the majority of thriller films I believe our group will be able to present feelings and ideas that are all too present in thrillers effectively in our project.
Posted by-Luke Graham
Thriller Similarities
There are many similarities between thrillers. For example:
Mise en scene; Usually uses dark colours, low key lighting and tends to be contemporary. It is also usual placed in a busy town or quiet area. Most of the scenes are usual within the victims home; as this is were people tend to go when they are upset or scared.
Sound; Usually the pace is fast into a dramatic and loud creshendo or silence. Thrillers use silence to build tension and get the audience concentrating on sound effects such as squeaking, banging or odd noises. The music in the background is almost always instrumental and tends to be non-diagetic to create an ambient within the scene and make it feel more dangerous, tense and edgy.
Character types; There is always a victim and villain (or several of each) within a thriller. The victim is almost always innocent caught in the middle of something and the villain tends to always be some kind of psycho. However during the main part of the film the villain maybe an 'invisible threat' to the characters but can sometimes be visible to the audience. Also most films have members of authority IE. the police or they have a neutral character (one that is not involved) that the victim confides in. Both male and female characters can be either a victim or a villain.
Mood; Using all the above generally makes a exciting, edgy and chilling thriller that may contain aspects of fear, sympathy and anxiety from the audience. It also makes the suspense within the film and the enigma that keeps the audience intrigued and 'on the edge of their seats'. Some scenes make the audience feel uneasy with the use of, for example, watching a character get killed or their dead body's.
Main ideas; In all thrillers and most films there are always twists and unexpected happenings. The film may be following a trail but then some kind of betrayal happens and the audience is back at square one trying to guess all over again, what is happening? Most thrillers make the victim have no idea whats going on. They maybe oblivious to certain relationships, crimes or plans of revenge that are happening or obviously going to happen. All thrillers tend to be based around the idea of murder or crime that the victim has to find the culprit for. Sometimes the audiences knows more then the characters and there fore are shouting out at them what to do or not to do. However it maybe the other way around and the audience are gripped by the question of 'Who is it?'. These are the 2 main ideas: 1) The audience nows the villain and 2) They don't.
So the overall aim of a thriller is to keep the audience intrigued, curious and on the edge of their seats right untill the very end. To fill them with fear, excitement and sometimes sympathy but more importantly for them to be willing the next vital piece of information. Generally prompting them to ask the questions: What happened? Who did it? and most importantly, Why?
Mise en scene; Usually uses dark colours, low key lighting and tends to be contemporary. It is also usual placed in a busy town or quiet area. Most of the scenes are usual within the victims home; as this is were people tend to go when they are upset or scared.
Sound; Usually the pace is fast into a dramatic and loud creshendo or silence. Thrillers use silence to build tension and get the audience concentrating on sound effects such as squeaking, banging or odd noises. The music in the background is almost always instrumental and tends to be non-diagetic to create an ambient within the scene and make it feel more dangerous, tense and edgy.
Character types; There is always a victim and villain (or several of each) within a thriller. The victim is almost always innocent caught in the middle of something and the villain tends to always be some kind of psycho. However during the main part of the film the villain maybe an 'invisible threat' to the characters but can sometimes be visible to the audience. Also most films have members of authority IE. the police or they have a neutral character (one that is not involved) that the victim confides in. Both male and female characters can be either a victim or a villain.
Mood; Using all the above generally makes a exciting, edgy and chilling thriller that may contain aspects of fear, sympathy and anxiety from the audience. It also makes the suspense within the film and the enigma that keeps the audience intrigued and 'on the edge of their seats'. Some scenes make the audience feel uneasy with the use of, for example, watching a character get killed or their dead body's.
Main ideas; In all thrillers and most films there are always twists and unexpected happenings. The film may be following a trail but then some kind of betrayal happens and the audience is back at square one trying to guess all over again, what is happening? Most thrillers make the victim have no idea whats going on. They maybe oblivious to certain relationships, crimes or plans of revenge that are happening or obviously going to happen. All thrillers tend to be based around the idea of murder or crime that the victim has to find the culprit for. Sometimes the audiences knows more then the characters and there fore are shouting out at them what to do or not to do. However it maybe the other way around and the audience are gripped by the question of 'Who is it?'. These are the 2 main ideas: 1) The audience nows the villain and 2) They don't.
So the overall aim of a thriller is to keep the audience intrigued, curious and on the edge of their seats right untill the very end. To fill them with fear, excitement and sometimes sympathy but more importantly for them to be willing the next vital piece of information. Generally prompting them to ask the questions: What happened? Who did it? and most importantly, Why?
Thursday, 22 January 2009
peer evaluation.
Location/ setting-3,5,4,4,5,5,5,5,5,4
Comments: Simple, Unique, scary, realistic, anonymous, bleak, ambiguous.
Props-4,3,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
comments: simple, effective, good use of hat, significant.
Lighting-5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5
comments: Amazing, effective, harsh, sinister, invading, excellent, creates mood, carefully placed.
Costume and make up-4,4,4,4,4,4,4,5,4
comments: Brilliant, believable, evil, possibly made Joe more scruffy. Dan needs shoes!
camera framing-4,4,5,5,5,4,4,5,4
comments: Not steady on first shot, close ups good, well framed.
variety of frames-4,4,5,4,5,4,5,5,4
comments: Wide, impressive, very well used, simple, effective.
angles-5,4,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
commments: Interesting, vareiety, consistant, shows character.
movement-4,4,2,3,4,5,5,4
comments:good, lil quick in one shot, good movement around hostage, flowed well
180 degree rule-5,5,5,5,4,4,5,4
comments:broken adding effect. confusing in a good way. Really good.
match on action-1,1,1,1,3,5,5,3
Comments: wasnt one, didnt see it, not included i dont think, not allot needed, worked well.
shot/ reverse shot-5,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
comments: excellent to show reaction, used very well, good facial expressions, showed character relationships well.
Our responses.
Match on action: when watching the piece back we showed we actually give 5 examples of this technique. With the statement a piece is edited well when the audience dont notice the edits, we feel 1's are a compliment to our work.
movement: we ran a little quick on one shot, however it was difficult to shoot as it was fast action and quite a tight shot.
Shot duration: Some shots were possibly a little too long, by placing others in we get better angles and more variety.
Costume and setting clash: Due to the location of the shoot Dan wasnt wearing any shoes. However this can easily be corrected when we come to shoot the real deal.
Comments: Simple, Unique, scary, realistic, anonymous, bleak, ambiguous.
Props-4,3,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
comments: simple, effective, good use of hat, significant.
Lighting-5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5,5
comments: Amazing, effective, harsh, sinister, invading, excellent, creates mood, carefully placed.
Costume and make up-4,4,4,4,4,4,4,5,4
comments: Brilliant, believable, evil, possibly made Joe more scruffy. Dan needs shoes!
camera framing-4,4,5,5,5,4,4,5,4
comments: Not steady on first shot, close ups good, well framed.
variety of frames-4,4,5,4,5,4,5,5,4
comments: Wide, impressive, very well used, simple, effective.
angles-5,4,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
commments: Interesting, vareiety, consistant, shows character.
movement-4,4,2,3,4,5,5,4
comments:good, lil quick in one shot, good movement around hostage, flowed well
180 degree rule-5,5,5,5,4,4,5,4
comments:broken adding effect. confusing in a good way. Really good.
match on action-1,1,1,1,3,5,5,3
Comments: wasnt one, didnt see it, not included i dont think, not allot needed, worked well.
shot/ reverse shot-5,5,5,5,4,5,5,4
comments: excellent to show reaction, used very well, good facial expressions, showed character relationships well.
Our responses.
Match on action: when watching the piece back we showed we actually give 5 examples of this technique. With the statement a piece is edited well when the audience dont notice the edits, we feel 1's are a compliment to our work.
movement: we ran a little quick on one shot, however it was difficult to shoot as it was fast action and quite a tight shot.
Shot duration: Some shots were possibly a little too long, by placing others in we get better angles and more variety.
Costume and setting clash: Due to the location of the shoot Dan wasnt wearing any shoes. However this can easily be corrected when we come to shoot the real deal.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Storyboarding
During the initial stages of planning we created a storyboard to aid us in the shoot; this was used as more of a loose outline of what we wanted as during the shoot we altered the majority of the shots, as we wanted a much more graphic look than what we had come up with in the storyboard, but kept the structure of the scene very much the same.
At the bottom of the page is the storyboard.
At the bottom of the page is the storyboard.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Can you hear voices?
In order to achieve the voice over Luke read the script in the way we wanted into an MP4 redcorder. We then made it a bit deeper to achieve the effect we wanted on Garage Band. We then added it to the film in post-production.
Posted by Dan Shambrook
Edited by Luke Graham
Posted by Dan Shambrook
Edited by Luke Graham
Monday, 5 January 2009
The Brief- mmmmmmmmm Briefs
We were asked to shoot a short 1 minute sequence consisting of a character walking into a room and interacting with another character. We had to show an example of the 180 degree rule, shot reverse shot and match on action.#
Posted By Dan Shambrook
Posted By Dan Shambrook
The Sin City look
Using editing software i was able to drastically increase the contrast and desaturate the colour to gain a similar look to that of 'Sin City'; we wanted the look of our sequence to be as near to the Sin City style as possible, increasing the contrast too much would lose detail in the characters faces but we wanted certain parts of each shot bright white (similarly achieved in Sin City) so after testing out the style on a few shots i came to a level of harsh contrast which reflected our desired look and yet keeps vital detail present in each shot.
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