Collateral Textual Analysis

Key:
Camera work
Mise En Scene
Editing
Sound
Narrative Story

The opening starts with shallow depth of field, medium shot of the first male character walking. Then there is a very quick cut to another shallow depth of field, medium shot of the second male protagonist, however in this scene the second male character is walking with a quicker pace compared to the first male protagonist. Both Characters costumes are very formal suggesting that they have a very important job to do. The first character is wearing a grey suit and tie with black sunglasses. The colours he wears are solid, connoting that he is a strong and professional character.

There is no soundtrack in the first 30 seconds of the film, only sounds of footsteps and a low sound of people. This created an eerie notion which is slightly disturbing to listen to due to the fact that it is very quiet. The silence is then broken when the two characters bump into each other, forcing the audience to stay focused on them both. This is a cardinal technique because the audience need to the characters switch cases to understand the beginning of the opening. The soundtrack then begins as soon as the first male character picks up the suit case. It begins with a solid rhythm playing while he walks off and the taxi garage scene begins. This soundtrack with combined with the jump cuts that put in place create a fast paced motion and keep the audience engaged and entertained. 

The lighting is bright in the airport, which shows no character is hidden from public view, yet the two characters are deliberately shown in focus to show their significance in the scene. Their actions help them to blend in to the crowd supporting their professionalism and mystery in the opening

After the airport scene, there are a selection of jump shots that present the atmosphere of the taxi garage. The use of jump shots show the garage's busy schedule and stressful responsibilities. Once the character in glasses shuts the door. The sound is muffled to almost a silence, and we see him set up his 'office' in his car. This implies that this character is happiest in his car, and not the garage as it is loud and stressful. The close up shots give detail as to who he is and how important he is in the film. At this point we understand that he is the protagonist.

However during the whole taxi garage scene there are a lot of repetition of close ups giving the impression that this film wants the audience to stay focused on the details of the narrative. This reflects on the characters feelings because the protagonist wants and has to stay focused on his job. In addition there are also a lot of extreme close up frequently used to show the protagonists hopes and dreams. Perhaps he is looking for a better life elsewhere? Maybe he needs a goal to keep him motivated in his occupation. These ideas support the hatred that the protagonist has for his job and reflects his character's ordinary life.

In the whole opening there aren't a whole lot of long cuts in the sequence, it mainly consists of jump cuts and close ups. This suggests that the motion of the film is fast paced and explosive, helping the audience on the edge of their seats at all times. This also implies that the whole film will be action packed. There are many obscure angles that the camera focuses on in the taxi garage. For example, an over the shoulder-type shot looks at the window of the taxi which seems odd to look at on its own , but when it is added to the other jump cuts, it gives places to ordinary people. This is typical of a thriller films as spectacular consequences can happen at any time.

Focusing in and out with the lens is used to vary the camera shots and to employ more detail in the mise en scene elements. These variations create questions within the audience and help to build more anticipation as more objects come into focus without any real action being recorded.

Near the end when the protagonist shuts his car door there is a build up before cutting dramatically to the door shutting. There is still a constant rhythm playing while he is in his car, but it is stripped down to one synth which sets a calming yet apprehensive mood. This undisturbed atmosphere helps the audience to focus on the protagonist, supporting his important role in the film. The rhythm still plays as he slowly exits the garage, ending the opening with a good level of anticipation.

The opening does follow the Narrative theory of Todorov. It starts with an equilibrium of both of the two characters in suit walking in the airport. Then suddenly they both bump in to each other, this is where the disruption of the equilibrium is. There is then a reinstatement of the equilibrium when both characters check if the other is fine and apologise. 

Conclusion
Overall I think this film is suitable for people ages 12+ due to the fact that the opening foreshadows not a lot of strong language or gore. The opening uses jump cuts very well and keeps the film fast paced and steady. The unusual camera angles and the camera work with the lens focus makes the film look very pleasing to the audience eyes which therefore makes it a nice watch.

Bourne Ultimatum Textual Analysis


Key:
Camera work
Editing
Mise En Scene
Sound
Narrative Story

Instantly the opening starts off with a big close up shot of the protagonists legs. From this shot we can tell that he is in a rush due to the fact that there is nothing else in the frame apart from his legs and the snow suggesting that the opening will be about a chase of some sort. The diegetic soundtrack also gives the audience information that he is running away or is in danger in view of the fact that the soundtrack is very tense and exciting (includes various crescendos). Therefore this emphasises that the opening will be pack full of action. A diegetic sound of a train is implemented straight away and overlaps the soundtrack to inform us that the train will pay a big part during the opening. 

We are also greeted with various camera angles and shots e.g. a close up, side angle of the protagonist walking as fast as he can while injured. Another close up positioned behind the protagonists. This gives the feeling that we are following him, also the camera not being steady strengthens this effect. Then straight after a long camera shot of the protagonist, it transitions to a POV of a long distance shot of the trains suggesting that he is on his way to board the train. Following a few cuts of other camera shots we are again greeted with another POV. However this POV establishes that the protagonist is running away from the police, making the opening more tense and exhilarating. The diegetic sounds of police sirens overlapping each other gives more power to the fact that the protagonist is in big trouble.

After the police arrive there is a fade in of diegetic sound (which is done  post production) of people talking in the background which foreshadows that the protagonist will have difficulty boarding the train because of the reason that he is injured and a crowd of civilians will slow him down. Therefore this makes the scene more apprehensive as the audience will be double thinking if he will make the train or not. Another diegetic sound of a car honking is used to add to the tense atmosphere being created. The car horn also establishes that where he goes danger is happening.

Quick simple cuts are used from 19 seconds to 24 seconds to place emphasise that the police are gaining distance on the protagonist. The quick cuts are also backed up by a long distance shot of a group of police running to the train, and a close up shot of the protagonist with a concerned and anxious look on his face. Shortly after there are three cuts of a close up and mid-shot. The close up being a MOA of him opening the door to board the train. The other two shots being a medium shot of the police attempting to chase him and stop the train from leaving.

Match On Action then plays a big role during the train scene as he is entering room to room trying to loose the police.After a while of hiding and running from the police in the train the protagonist manages to escape just before the train gains to much speed. A medium long shot is used to track him jumping of the train, however the camera is unsteady during this scene to increase the effect that the jump made his injury worst and that he is feeling uneasy and can not control his balance.

55 seconds in to the opening he is leaning by a wall waiting for the police cars to pass by. Behind him is a white wall which contrasts his shadow giving the idea that he is using the darkness to his advantage to make it to safety. Again diegetic sound of police sirens are consistently used as a constant reminder that he is on the police top wanted list. After a POV of the protagonist staring anxiously at the police cars passing by there is a transition of a out focus shot to the camera focusing on the hospital. In sync with this transition is the soundtrack where the soundtrack hits a crescendo and then suddenly stops in proportion with the editing of the blur then transitioning to a focus. This is an establishing shot informing the audience that safety is within an arms reach

Straight after the establishing shot there is a quick zoom, blur then fade in used as a short transition giving us information that he is in the clinic looking for medicine. Inside the clinic MOA is again used along with very quick cuts highlighting that he is in desperate need of medication to reduce the pain he is feeling. While he is looking for medication there is a diegetic sound of heavy breathing to foreground that he is in critical condition.

As soon as he finds the right medication to restore him he quickly finds a room to cure himself. Shallow depth of field is in use while the camera is behind the caging. The tempo of the soundtrack at this point of the opening has noticeably picked up pace and the instruments have all changed to percussion instruments to give an effect of his heart beating fast but to also make the audience go on the edge of their seats. 

Close up shots of the camera positioned behind the protagonist are used while he is healing himself in front of the mirror. However Shallow depth of field is also used to create the effect that the audience are behind him watching. This generates the feeling of stress and on edge. The mise en scene element of facial expression is noticeable as the audience can see the pain that he is in. At this point of the opening the camera shots are all mostly big and extreme close ups of the protagonists face.

The Narrative theory of Todorov is used in this opening however it starts with a disruption which not conventional for most films. Instead it starts with a disruption to equilibrium of the main protagonist running away while he is injured. However he then finds medication to treat himself, this is the reinstating of the equilibrium.


Conclusion
Despite the fact that the opening is unconventional that it does not start with a equilibrium. The whole opening is still effective as throughout the opening the audience are kept on the edge of their feet with the use of an amazing tense soundtrack and quick fast paced cuts of different camera angles using MOA to present and highlight important actions in the opening. Overall I think this film is suitable for people aged 14+.

The Usual Suspects Textual Analysis

Opening sequence to the Usual Suspects:

Key:
Camerawork
Mise En Scene
Editing
Soundtrack
Narrative Theory

Straight away when the scene starts the use of pathetic fallacy using dark skies and strong wind in co-existence with the use of diegetic foley sounds coming from the ship bells on the harbour generates a sense of uneasiness from the spectators.

In figure 1 we see a tracking shot of a trail of fire passing what seems to be identified as a dead body. The use of the eye level shot lets us easily identify the dead body but also seems as we have become the fire. This connotation brings intensity as we have no idea who's body it is and why is this guy setting fire to the ship.


                                                                                          Figure 1

Shortly after the trail of fire is ceased by a man from above dressed in nothing but black, urinating onto the fire. This shot is also supported by another tracking shot as we see the camera rise from a eye level angle to a very low angle to introduce an establishing shot to introduce this new mystery character. This shot generates a hierarchy which allows us to differ the protagonist and the antagonist.

When this ominous character is introduced a crescendo was added through post production editing which created an atmosphere of intensity and fear. In addition the use of back lighting has masked his body in a thick black silhouette makes him seem as if he doesn't have an identity. Finally the use of a very timid and eerie soundtrack being performed whilst the tracking shot is being executed further flourishes the intensity of the scene and immediately lets the spectator know that he is an antagonist.

Throughout the entire scene the antagonist is never seen in anything larger than a medium shot on the lower half of his body. This is because this use of cinematography allows more enigma to be created as not being able to even acknowledge he has a face which makes him seem almost supernatural. This again makes the spectator ask more questions due to narrative theory and the fact this character is yet to have an identity brought to light.
The use of mise en scene and the prop gun being exhibited so suddenly after a lack of dialogue makes for a fantastic opening as we wonder why the gun needed to be used and why he deserved to die.

In addition, the fact that when the foley off screen gun shots were used the scene used the cut transition to showcase cinematic shots of the harbour. This concept generates a lot of enigma as we don't know if he actually died as we don't actually see it through camerawork we only here it through editing.

Finally the Usual Suspects has defied Todorov's theory and has started the film with closure instead of the usual equilibrium that most films start with. The use of the non-linear approach has made it so as a spectator we are asking questions after seeing this opening and we want to know more.

Alice Creed Textual Analysis

Alice Creed Textual Analysis
Key:
Camerawork
Mise En Scene
Editing
Soundtrack
Narrative Theory

The opening starts off with a dolly shot and quick cuts to vehicles to inform the audience that the location is in a car park (Establishing shot). In addition, 8 seconds into the opening; it cuts to the scene of the two male protagonists Danny and Vic. During this scene we quickly realise that Vic clearly has higher authority because of the way the two protagonists are positioned in the scene. Danny is positioned behind Vic doing work and has a frustrated look but, however in contrast to that Vic looks calm and collected and is positioned in the front of the frame. Therefore this informs the audience that there is a hierarchy implying that Vic takes on the leader role between the two and that Danny is the sidekick (Vic is on a pedestal compared to Danny).  Another way the audience acknowledges power is through the use of a blur. This done through a close up camera angle focusing on Vic’s body and the background behind him is out of focus. This gives a feeling of fear and tension to the audience due to the fact that Vic has a intimidating look on his face.

After the first scene. The opening transitions to Danny doing more work. However, this scene emphasises that Danny does the dirty work in the relationship between the two male protagonists. This information is given via the positioning and setting of where Danny is and also through the use of a high camera angle focusing that Danny is on the floor taking off a number plate.

Throughout the whole opening we also notice that there is no dialogue which gives rise into enigma. Therefore this suggests that the two male protagonists are mysterious and have no identity during the opening. The costumes used for the protagonists contrast the idea of intimidation by the reason of their costumes being normal clothing and nothing too striking. On the other hand this could also denote that it is a cover up for their real identities and plans.

The diegetic soundtrack which is post production editing is used during the whole opening. It does not include any crescendo or decrescendo which is unusual as the track is still building up tension and enigma. The whole track creates a very ominous feel to the movie. 

Match on Action is frequently used during the opening especially in the shopping scene. The Match on action in this scene highlights the tools and equipment they are purchasing. The equipment purchased e.g. the drill, suggests that they are going to use the tools for installing. Match on action also makes the whole scene fluid and easy on the audience’s eyes

Close up camera angles are also used very often to focus the attention to what the protagonists are doing due to the fact that these shots establish what the whole opening is about. The Match on action and close ups and big close ups of their actions forebode the plot of the opening. These two techniques. Match on action and close camera shots are used to generate mystery and to intensify the opening because during the early stages of the opening we are clueless with what the protagonists are up to.

3 minutes and 33 seconds into the opening. A panning shot to the right is used to reveal what they are about to do. During this scene we see a pistol, mask and handcuffs which suggest that they have set up to abduct a person and trap her in the apartment they have rearranged.

The narrative theory is used productively in this opening as the scenes match up with the editing, camera work and mise en scene elements. These techniques work hand in hand with the narrative theory as it matches with the story due to the fact that the opening is all about a set up for an abduction. Therefore each scene is a step forward to the crime. However this does not follow Todorov’s theory (which is typical for most movies) because it follows a linear sequence of actions where the whole 4 minute opening is strictly all about setting up. 

Conclusion

Overall I think that the main target audience for the film is between the ages of 16-28 because the opening suggests and leads to a dark and immoral action. Therefore this links to realism as abductions and immoral crimes do happen in real life. In addition this would not be suitable for children and is not a family film.

The techniques used in the movie such as the camera work do a productive job to create enigma during the opening, as we do not know what they are setting up for until 3 minutes in to the opening. The idea of enigma manipulates Todorov’s theory and emphasises the idea of mystery and crime.

The Guvnors Textual Analysis

The opening to The Guvnors:

Key:
Camerawork
Mise En Scene
Editing
Soundtrack
Narrative Theory

Immediately when the scene starts we are greeted with an eery diegetic soundtrack from post production editing which consequently, introduces the scene as being very off key and ominous. In figure 1 we see two men one sitting and one standing. Using this performance we can develop a hierachy within the scene which is a powerful aspect as we are yet to be able to identify who either character is. In addition the use of camerawork via a high angle shot being used as the establishing shot allows us to be able to take in the setting and decor in the shot which also creates more enigma in relation to narrative theory and the story as a whole.

Once the scene starts an atmosphere is generated that emits fear and intensity via spectator response. The low key lighting, shown in figure 2, used can contrast to this topic. The low key lighting makes the setting have an almost decaying feeling as everything in the room has desaturated colouring which again makes the scene become more on edge and timid.

The costume used in this thriller opening have been used to intimidate the spectators at an early stage to make them keep watching. The black clothing on the 1st man sitting down makes him almost have no identity in addition, the lack of dialogue in the early stages of the opening generates more enigma.

The powerful tracking shot, shown in figure 3, when the man on the right passes a pistol to the 2nd man makes the scene escalate immensely as the use of the prop pistol being exhibited so suddenly generates fear amongst the spectators. In addition we can identify that the intensity within the shot has increased as we hear a crescendo again being inserted via post production editing which adds to the intensity of the tracking shot.

The dialogue that was exhibited is extremeley intimidating in contrast with both characters holding props that have bad connotations being a ciggarette and a pistol. In figure 4 we see them both stood up and the camera transitions from a high angle above the man sitting down to an eye line match of both men stood up in a wide angle medium shot. This implies that now the 2nd man has possesion of a gun he has now become a much more powerful prescense within the opening and back to a previous point he has moved up the hierachy so that he can face this other man.

Throughout the opening we can identify the camera angles becoming more and more focused on the characters facial expressions. Doing so we see the camera start at a medium long shot/2 shot, figure 5, then transition to a medium shot, figure 6, to a close up, figure 7, then cut to when a gun is put to the mans neck we see a big close up, figure 8, and finally with the addition of a second crescendo the camera transitions to an extreme close up. All of these techniques together have synergy with eachother to create a huge amount of intensity until final the opening ends and a cut to black is added to continue with the rest of the film.

This film has very effectively used narrative theory to manipulate the story in order to create enigma at an early stage in the film to get the spectators stuck into the storyline. Starting the film in a way that defies Todorov's theory and originating the film with recognition instead of a linear approach such as an equilibrium really intensifies the entire film by doing so leaving quires in every spectator.

Conclusion:

- I'd say the target audience for this thriller is 16-25 as it is quite a dark film in the sense that it is a realist thriller which creates fear from the spectators as the events exhibited in the film happen in real life.
- The techniques presented make for a great thriller and use cinematography extremely effectively to create different emotions from spectators.
- The film has manipulated narrative theory very well to generate enigma and leave everyone asking questions and want to unveil the identities of the two men.

Garage Band Sound Exercise
Fast And Furious
 

Body Language and Facial Expressions

Body language and facial expressions are the foundations of every film ever made. If the body language and facial expressions don't relate the scene and or story then it can completely destroy the momentum of the product which is why we are casting carefully for our film.

As directors we need to make sure that we can forge characters out of who we cast to act in our film. We believe that due to the film being an opening and it being a heist setup, we will not need to focus on creating identities for these characters as of yet.

Using shady and restrictive body language will generate an intense but still secretive atmosphere that will further generate audience response such as enigma. We plan to use low key lighting near the starting points of the product to hide our characters identities from the audience to have the guessing who is who and what the purpose of the scene is until it's unveiled at the end.

Target Audience

The target audience of almost every thriller film made is targeted towards males between the ages of 15-25. We feel the ideology of a heist short film is more targeted towards males. This is because in heist films there is a large exhibition of guns, explosives, illegal activity and on-edge scenarios. In addition we feel males are our target audience due to the similar relation to the popular record smasher game Grand Theft Auto 5 and the addition of heists within the game. A lot of males between the age of 15-25 play this game and consequently can relate to the idea of a heist as they have played through them in the game.

We have made our characters very edgy and ominous so that the audience are left asking questions and want to know more. We feel this aspect is targeted at all genders and ages. On the other hand, we have dressed our characters in all black to keep them from having an identity. This concept in co-existence with the idea of illegal activity and action will run some males minds wild as they can imagine playing Grand Theft Auto 5 and could only dream of things such as past life, back story etc...

Finally we feel that due to the way action thrillers have been marketed over the past decade has had a huge impact on the target audience of this film. Posters and trailers are a big factor to this as when these new action thriller blockbusters are marketed to us "the audience" we are shown guns, explosions, car chases, trained men and stunts which immediately will attract many males within the 15-25 demographic.

Audience Feedback

 

Audience feedback is an important part of creating film so that you can identify positives and negatives within your product and adapt to the feedback received.

The ways we plan to gather audience feedback:

YouTube - Posting our thriller opening onto YouTube will allow anyone to view our product and give feedback on it via the comment section or through liking and disliking the video. In addition using tags on the video will allow our video to appear in the search tab more when key words such as "film" "thriller" "heist" is searched for.

Friends and Family - Showing the video to members of your family or friends will allow you us to be able to get multiple amounts of feedback and queries about the film to help us improve or pursuit certain aspects of the film that were good and make them more frequent.

Members of Staff - At the college we have a vast film and media department who are trained professionals at what they do so consequently, showing them our ideas and final product will give us excellent feedback as they can identify positives within the product and also negatives on the product whilst also, informing us of techniques we can add to the film next time to improve.

Final Prelim Video

This is my finished prelim video showcasing continuity editing and sound such as match on action, 180 degree rule and so on.

Lighting and Colour

 

As this thriller is suppose to create intensity, tension and fear as a spectator response we believe the perfect way to amplify this concept is to import extremely low key lighting and dark coloured jells on our lighting. Doing so will allow the thriller genre to flourish. The low key lighting will generate privacy and secrecy in the scenes which contrasts to the scene as the characters are preparing to perform a heist which of course is illegal. The reason we have decided that using jells like a dull yellow will give off the impression of the scenes being shot at night and the light could be coming from lights in the streets. We also plan to use a lot of  intense back lighting and side lighting. The ideology behind this is to hide our characters identities when they are gathering resources so that the only time lighting isn't cloaking there identities is when they have the masks on to further cloak their identities.

Costume

 

Due to the storyline of the thriller being built around a heist setup we are requiring our cast members to be dressed in full black and we have taken inspiration from the game PAYDAY and we are using masks to hide our antagonists identities to create a sense of enigma. In addition the use of the black clothing brings connotations of something ominous and not having pure ambitions which links perfectly with the synopsis of the story. In order to access the antagonist's costume we are going to be able to provide most of it ourselves as everyone has black clothing available and any additions pieces of apparel required we can borrow from the college via David Upcraft and the prop cupboard. The masks on the other hand are less accessible so we are prepared to buy them from websites and shops so we can have the ones we think fit the story the best and will look the most presentable when filming. Other than full black clothing and masks I believe that should be enough to present our antagonists in as fierce and ominous way as possible.

Sound Editing

We chose our music by looking on YouTube to find the most suitable scary clips to go with our film. We found one called "Chase Soundtrack" which fitted perfectly, so we added it to our filming during editing. We recorded our sound while we were filming, instead of using a sound recorder as we thought this would be best for our film. We chose our soundtrack because it has a fast pace, and worked well with the ambience of our film.