Inspirations
Firstly, we need inspiration from other film's and clips before we can create our sequence because it helps us with our films by giving us idea's of different convention technique that could create effects in our films and have an impact towards the audience that are watching the film. Within this research we can take inspiration from other clips from thriller films and elaborate on the techniques that are being used. In relation to this thriller project I have taken inspiration from different clips from thriller films from youtube.
I have researched different sequences within different research areas such as; Mise-en-scene, Cinematography, Sound, conventions and editing.
Mise-En-Scene
In this part of my research, I analysed the clip 'Saw V (The Pendulum) to contribute within my research. From this clip we have used the inspirations of the facial expressions and the lighting:
The facial expressions that are being used in this clip, is a distressed which is what we have included towards the end of the sequence when Bettie is involved in the chase scene at the end where all the remaining characters are distressed that they might not survive and are panicking. This was inspiring because it would help us develop our key elements such as tension which is vital within a thriller genre which then impacts on audience because it makes them eager to watch the rest of the sequence and also makes the audience more engaged within the sequence so gives them the ability to create stronger relationships with the characters. I will try to incorporate this idea in my opening sequence when the chase scene is happening towards the end of the sequence between Bettie and the remaining characters so the audience are able to see the intricate details within their facial expressions and create a stronger connection with the characters. This will help within my sequence as it will create more tension and raise the intensity within the sequence so would help contribute in building stronger relationships with the characters.
Furthermore, from this sequence I have also used the inspiration of the lighting from the same clip I researched. The lighting that it is being included within this research is a low key lighting. I have decided to use this as an inspiration to include within my own sequence because it creates a bigger impact on the audience as it raise's their thoughts and curiosity. This technique is inspiring because it creates a mysterious atmosphere and creates a lot of suspense and tension because the dark lighting is alerting towards the audience as the dark lighting makes the characters more vulnerable and increases the level of danger that the characters are in because they danger could approach them from anywhere and the characters would be unaware the whole time. I will try to incorporate this idea in my opening sequence by using low key lighting throughout the sequence so the audience are knowledgeable that the danger is following the group members and also it will give the impression that the danger lies within the group. This will be conventional towards a thriller genre because it would raise the tension and suspense levels as it would keep the audience more engaged within the film and give them the ability to build stronger relationships with the characters by keeping the audience more paranoid.
Cinematography
In my research in cinematography post, I analysed the film "The last house on the left" to help contribute with my research. From this clip, I used the inspirations of POV (point of view), slow moving panning and zooming in.
Within the analysed clip, the technique of point of view is being included. This was identified at the moment where one of the characters is looking out of their window. I find that this technique is inspiring because it makes it easier for the audience to relate to characters because it gives the impression that the audience are in the characters shoes. Also, I find because of this it engages with the audience more because they can find it more relatable and give them the ability to witness the movements from their very own perspective instead of viewing it from another characters view point. I will try to incorporate this idea within my own sequence at the point where one of the characters sights Bettie crouching on the floor next to a body and the character starts walking towards her. As the character is walking towards her, the audience will be able to observe her movements from the characters perspective. I believe that this will create more suspense within the sequence because the cautious movement's in the characters perspective would make the audience more paranoid.
The analysed clip also includes the technique of slow moving panning. Within the sequence, this can be identified when one of the characters is swimming away trying to escape and results in getting shot on the back of her neck. I find this technique inspiring as the slow moving panning emphasizes the character trying to escape by building up the tension as the audience don't know whether she is going to escape or not. I also find that it's inspiring because it's a unique technique and also helps make the sequence more related towards a thriller genre as it build more suspense and tension because the motion is slower than normal. I will try to incorporate this idea into my own sequence at the point where Bettie is walking after the characters after they have discovered her true identity. I believe that this will impact the audience more by emphasizing her courage and dominance as it will clearly show that she is more overpowering than any other character. Furthermore, it will display that she hasn't got any fears and that she will go after anyone that stands in her way.
I also identified the technique of zooming in being included within the. This was identified at the point where one of the female characters was trying to escape and eventually got caught and as these movements were occurring, the camera was zooming in on her. I find that this technique was inspiring because it create's a drastic amount of tension as it emphasizes the moment and activity more. I also find that it was inspiring because it exaggerates the scenario and build up the intensity as the audience don't know whether she going to get caught or not. I will try to incorporate this idea into my own sequence by including a zooming in technique when Bettie's identity is revealed and shown to the camera with blood all around her mouth. I would like to include this technique at this particular point because it will emphasize her role as the antagonist and give the audience a better understanding. It would also help within my sequence as it would reveal her true identity and help the relationship between her and the audience become stronger. The zooming in will help impact by making her role stand out more so that she would now be the main focus.
Sound
For my research into sounds, I have analysed the film "Halloween H20: 20 years later" in order to help contribute towards my research. I have identified different inspiring sounds such as non-diegetic, and diegetic sound.
With regards to the non diegetic sounds, this could be identified where the female characters discovers the first dead body. When this occurs, a loud, alerting sound is created on top of this. I find that this technique has been included at this particular point to give a sudden shock to the audience and notify them that the scenario is bad. This was inspiring because it helps create a sudden shock which is a key element and which does not happen to occur that often through my sequence therefore it gives my the chance to include one of the uncommon elements therefore making my sequence more successful. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own sequence when Bettie's face is revealed to the audience and creates that sudden shock.
Also I identified that the use of diegetic sound was being included within the analysed clip. This could be displayed when the character picks up the knife and an exaggerated knife sound is heard. I found that this sound was inspiring because it exaggerates the use of the iconography while making the scene more realistic. Also, I find that the technique was inspiring at it creates more tension as it immediately alerts the audience of the weapon use. I will try to incorporate this idea within my own sequence by including this technique at there points where the stick is being thrown. I have decided this so that it would exaggerate the use of iconography and make the sequence more realistic and then makes my sequence more successful.
Conventions
Within this research, I picked the clip ( Caption: Insidious Chapter 2 - "Did You Believe Him" ) to analyse the conventions. I identified different convention inspirations to use within my sequence such as; low key lighting and antagonist.
The first inspiration that I identified was the use of low-key lighting. This technique could be seen through the majority of the clip. I find that this technique was inspiring because it sets the atmosphere to a mysterious mood which then helps create a more intense scenario therefore making the suspense levels rise. I also find it inspiring because it helps the audience become more engaged within the film because it helps the audience build a stronger relationship with the characters. Furthermore, I also find that it's an inspiring technique because it's a key convention to build up a lot of tension which is vital towards a thriller genre as it impacts the audience more as it engages them more giving them the ability to build a better relationship. I will try and incorporate this inspiration within my sequence by including it throughout my sequence as it will give the impression that the danger is consistently following the characters which would then help build up then tension. Also, the characters would be standing in the dark constantly which will give the idea that there is a death upon the group as dark colour's such as black symbolize death.
I have also taken the inspiration of the use of antagonist from the analysed clip. This was identified within the sequence as there was a killer with a hidden identity as the sequence did not reveal who the murderer was. I found this technique inspiring because it impacts the narrative more which then leads to engaging with the audience more giving them the ability to build stronger relationships with the audience. Furthermore, I also find it inspiring because it raises the tension as it leaves the audience questioning each individual character as they don't know who the killer which also impacts the relationship between the characters and the audience as it raises immediate tension. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own sequence by displaying Bettie has the antagonist with the hidden identity however I will reveal her identity towards the end of the sequence so that it gives the ability for the audience to become more engaged within the sequence as there would be a clear contrast in the protagonist and antagonists. I have done this so that I am not completing copying the idea but incorporating it so that it's displayed as an inspiration yet still my own idea.
Editing
With regards to my research in the 'editing' area, I have analysed the clip "Carrie 2013" to help contribute towards my research. Within this researched I identified elements such as slow editing, reaction shot and linking shot.
The first inspiration that I identified was the use of slow editing. This technique could be identified after Carrie attacks the vehicle and the slow editing is used to show the damage that is being caused on to the characters. I find this technique inspiring because it creates a sudden use of suspense and engages the audience within the moment because the intricate detail of the damage is being shown to the audience so it helps them build a better relationship with the characters. Also, I find it inspiring because it helps build depth within the narrative as it shows the clear contrast of the two different people which would then emotional impact the audience. It also raises the tension as the audience become more on the edge of their seats as they pay more attention automatically. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own idea by including the use of slow editing when one of the characters is walking up behind Bettie when she is crouching on the floor so that this builds up the suspense and engages the audience more making them eager and on the edge of their seats.
The second technique that I had identified was the reaction shot. This was seen to be used when the female character discovers that her male companion had died. I found that this technique is inspiring because it create's more sympathy towards the characters as the audience can have a clear display of the character emotions which then gives the audience the ability to create an emotional bond with the characters which then help create a better overall relationship. Furthermore, I find it inspiring because it makes the sequence more realistic because it's a realistic so makes it easier for the audience to relate to the character and build a better relationship. I will try and incorporate them into my own sequence by including this technique at the point where the characters realize that Bettie is a cannibal and the camera frame displays the characters reaction using a close up camera shot. I find that this will be effective so that the frame display's the same shock that the audience are experiencing so that this will make it more relatable making the audience engage more within the sequence while building up the suspense and tension at the same time.
The third technique that I had identified was the linking shot. This was identified when Carrie facial expression and the female characters facial expression after the incident has just happened. I find that this technique was inspiring as the audience can have a clear display of the contrast in the two characters and how they both have different reactions as they both have different mindsets. I will try and incorporate this idea within my own sequence by linking Bettie's face when her identity is revealed and the characters reaction. This will help be effective towards the audience as they will be able to see the terror and fear that the characters have towards Bettie which would create more tension and help build a better relationship. Furthermore, it will help raise the tension as we don't know how the characters are going to react to Bettie's behavior and also the fear within their faces will help build a emotional bridge between the characters and the audience.
To summarise, my research was useful in terms of getting ideas for my narrative because it gave me the opportunity to go back to each of my research's and identify what technique and conventions I could include within my own sequence to make it more successful. Furthermore, it also was useful as the research that I had already done with each analysed clip shows how each technique is conventional and how they give the ability for a relationship to be built which would make my sequence more effective. Various inspirations have made my sequence better by giving the ability for a stronger relationship to be built and also have made my sequence more conventional as each inspiration would build up more key elements e.g tension, surprise.
I have researched different sequences within different research areas such as; Mise-en-scene, Cinematography, Sound, conventions and editing.
Mise-En-Scene
In this part of my research, I analysed the clip 'Saw V (The Pendulum) to contribute within my research. From this clip we have used the inspirations of the facial expressions and the lighting:
The facial expressions that are being used in this clip, is a distressed which is what we have included towards the end of the sequence when Bettie is involved in the chase scene at the end where all the remaining characters are distressed that they might not survive and are panicking. This was inspiring because it would help us develop our key elements such as tension which is vital within a thriller genre which then impacts on audience because it makes them eager to watch the rest of the sequence and also makes the audience more engaged within the sequence so gives them the ability to create stronger relationships with the characters. I will try to incorporate this idea in my opening sequence when the chase scene is happening towards the end of the sequence between Bettie and the remaining characters so the audience are able to see the intricate details within their facial expressions and create a stronger connection with the characters. This will help within my sequence as it will create more tension and raise the intensity within the sequence so would help contribute in building stronger relationships with the characters.
Furthermore, from this sequence I have also used the inspiration of the lighting from the same clip I researched. The lighting that it is being included within this research is a low key lighting. I have decided to use this as an inspiration to include within my own sequence because it creates a bigger impact on the audience as it raise's their thoughts and curiosity. This technique is inspiring because it creates a mysterious atmosphere and creates a lot of suspense and tension because the dark lighting is alerting towards the audience as the dark lighting makes the characters more vulnerable and increases the level of danger that the characters are in because they danger could approach them from anywhere and the characters would be unaware the whole time. I will try to incorporate this idea in my opening sequence by using low key lighting throughout the sequence so the audience are knowledgeable that the danger is following the group members and also it will give the impression that the danger lies within the group. This will be conventional towards a thriller genre because it would raise the tension and suspense levels as it would keep the audience more engaged within the film and give them the ability to build stronger relationships with the characters by keeping the audience more paranoid.
Cinematography
In my research in cinematography post, I analysed the film "The last house on the left" to help contribute with my research. From this clip, I used the inspirations of POV (point of view), slow moving panning and zooming in.
Within the analysed clip, the technique of point of view is being included. This was identified at the moment where one of the characters is looking out of their window. I find that this technique is inspiring because it makes it easier for the audience to relate to characters because it gives the impression that the audience are in the characters shoes. Also, I find because of this it engages with the audience more because they can find it more relatable and give them the ability to witness the movements from their very own perspective instead of viewing it from another characters view point. I will try to incorporate this idea within my own sequence at the point where one of the characters sights Bettie crouching on the floor next to a body and the character starts walking towards her. As the character is walking towards her, the audience will be able to observe her movements from the characters perspective. I believe that this will create more suspense within the sequence because the cautious movement's in the characters perspective would make the audience more paranoid.
The analysed clip also includes the technique of slow moving panning. Within the sequence, this can be identified when one of the characters is swimming away trying to escape and results in getting shot on the back of her neck. I find this technique inspiring as the slow moving panning emphasizes the character trying to escape by building up the tension as the audience don't know whether she is going to escape or not. I also find that it's inspiring because it's a unique technique and also helps make the sequence more related towards a thriller genre as it build more suspense and tension because the motion is slower than normal. I will try to incorporate this idea into my own sequence at the point where Bettie is walking after the characters after they have discovered her true identity. I believe that this will impact the audience more by emphasizing her courage and dominance as it will clearly show that she is more overpowering than any other character. Furthermore, it will display that she hasn't got any fears and that she will go after anyone that stands in her way.
I also identified the technique of zooming in being included within the. This was identified at the point where one of the female characters was trying to escape and eventually got caught and as these movements were occurring, the camera was zooming in on her. I find that this technique was inspiring because it create's a drastic amount of tension as it emphasizes the moment and activity more. I also find that it was inspiring because it exaggerates the scenario and build up the intensity as the audience don't know whether she going to get caught or not. I will try to incorporate this idea into my own sequence by including a zooming in technique when Bettie's identity is revealed and shown to the camera with blood all around her mouth. I would like to include this technique at this particular point because it will emphasize her role as the antagonist and give the audience a better understanding. It would also help within my sequence as it would reveal her true identity and help the relationship between her and the audience become stronger. The zooming in will help impact by making her role stand out more so that she would now be the main focus.
Sound
For my research into sounds, I have analysed the film "Halloween H20: 20 years later" in order to help contribute towards my research. I have identified different inspiring sounds such as non-diegetic, and diegetic sound.
With regards to the non diegetic sounds, this could be identified where the female characters discovers the first dead body. When this occurs, a loud, alerting sound is created on top of this. I find that this technique has been included at this particular point to give a sudden shock to the audience and notify them that the scenario is bad. This was inspiring because it helps create a sudden shock which is a key element and which does not happen to occur that often through my sequence therefore it gives my the chance to include one of the uncommon elements therefore making my sequence more successful. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own sequence when Bettie's face is revealed to the audience and creates that sudden shock.
Also I identified that the use of diegetic sound was being included within the analysed clip. This could be displayed when the character picks up the knife and an exaggerated knife sound is heard. I found that this sound was inspiring because it exaggerates the use of the iconography while making the scene more realistic. Also, I find that the technique was inspiring at it creates more tension as it immediately alerts the audience of the weapon use. I will try to incorporate this idea within my own sequence by including this technique at there points where the stick is being thrown. I have decided this so that it would exaggerate the use of iconography and make the sequence more realistic and then makes my sequence more successful.
Conventions
Within this research, I picked the clip ( Caption: Insidious Chapter 2 - "Did You Believe Him" ) to analyse the conventions. I identified different convention inspirations to use within my sequence such as; low key lighting and antagonist.
The first inspiration that I identified was the use of low-key lighting. This technique could be seen through the majority of the clip. I find that this technique was inspiring because it sets the atmosphere to a mysterious mood which then helps create a more intense scenario therefore making the suspense levels rise. I also find it inspiring because it helps the audience become more engaged within the film because it helps the audience build a stronger relationship with the characters. Furthermore, I also find that it's an inspiring technique because it's a key convention to build up a lot of tension which is vital towards a thriller genre as it impacts the audience more as it engages them more giving them the ability to build a better relationship. I will try and incorporate this inspiration within my sequence by including it throughout my sequence as it will give the impression that the danger is consistently following the characters which would then help build up then tension. Also, the characters would be standing in the dark constantly which will give the idea that there is a death upon the group as dark colour's such as black symbolize death.
I have also taken the inspiration of the use of antagonist from the analysed clip. This was identified within the sequence as there was a killer with a hidden identity as the sequence did not reveal who the murderer was. I found this technique inspiring because it impacts the narrative more which then leads to engaging with the audience more giving them the ability to build stronger relationships with the audience. Furthermore, I also find it inspiring because it raises the tension as it leaves the audience questioning each individual character as they don't know who the killer which also impacts the relationship between the characters and the audience as it raises immediate tension. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own sequence by displaying Bettie has the antagonist with the hidden identity however I will reveal her identity towards the end of the sequence so that it gives the ability for the audience to become more engaged within the sequence as there would be a clear contrast in the protagonist and antagonists. I have done this so that I am not completing copying the idea but incorporating it so that it's displayed as an inspiration yet still my own idea.
Editing
With regards to my research in the 'editing' area, I have analysed the clip "Carrie 2013" to help contribute towards my research. Within this researched I identified elements such as slow editing, reaction shot and linking shot.
The first inspiration that I identified was the use of slow editing. This technique could be identified after Carrie attacks the vehicle and the slow editing is used to show the damage that is being caused on to the characters. I find this technique inspiring because it creates a sudden use of suspense and engages the audience within the moment because the intricate detail of the damage is being shown to the audience so it helps them build a better relationship with the characters. Also, I find it inspiring because it helps build depth within the narrative as it shows the clear contrast of the two different people which would then emotional impact the audience. It also raises the tension as the audience become more on the edge of their seats as they pay more attention automatically. I will try and incorporate this idea into my own idea by including the use of slow editing when one of the characters is walking up behind Bettie when she is crouching on the floor so that this builds up the suspense and engages the audience more making them eager and on the edge of their seats.
The second technique that I had identified was the reaction shot. This was seen to be used when the female character discovers that her male companion had died. I found that this technique is inspiring because it create's more sympathy towards the characters as the audience can have a clear display of the character emotions which then gives the audience the ability to create an emotional bond with the characters which then help create a better overall relationship. Furthermore, I find it inspiring because it makes the sequence more realistic because it's a realistic so makes it easier for the audience to relate to the character and build a better relationship. I will try and incorporate them into my own sequence by including this technique at the point where the characters realize that Bettie is a cannibal and the camera frame displays the characters reaction using a close up camera shot. I find that this will be effective so that the frame display's the same shock that the audience are experiencing so that this will make it more relatable making the audience engage more within the sequence while building up the suspense and tension at the same time.
The third technique that I had identified was the linking shot. This was identified when Carrie facial expression and the female characters facial expression after the incident has just happened. I find that this technique was inspiring as the audience can have a clear display of the contrast in the two characters and how they both have different reactions as they both have different mindsets. I will try and incorporate this idea within my own sequence by linking Bettie's face when her identity is revealed and the characters reaction. This will help be effective towards the audience as they will be able to see the terror and fear that the characters have towards Bettie which would create more tension and help build a better relationship. Furthermore, it will help raise the tension as we don't know how the characters are going to react to Bettie's behavior and also the fear within their faces will help build a emotional bridge between the characters and the audience.
To summarise, my research was useful in terms of getting ideas for my narrative because it gave me the opportunity to go back to each of my research's and identify what technique and conventions I could include within my own sequence to make it more successful. Furthermore, it also was useful as the research that I had already done with each analysed clip shows how each technique is conventional and how they give the ability for a relationship to be built which would make my sequence more effective. Various inspirations have made my sequence better by giving the ability for a stronger relationship to be built and also have made my sequence more conventional as each inspiration would build up more key elements e.g tension, surprise.
You can do it Malu!
ReplyDeleteThis post demonstrates good understanding of the research that you carried out and how it provided you with inspiration into creating your own thriller sequence.
ReplyDeleteYou have considered the various micro elements well and have considered the different ways in which it will help you with planning and creating your own sequence. You have started to consider your narrative but aim to make more points more detailed. This can be achieved by referring your points back to the group storyboard post.
Finally aim to include images to support the points that you have made.