1. What planning did you do for your filming task, and how did this planning aid in the filming?
To begin with, we planned the storyline for our filming task deciding what dilemma/characters etc we were going to include. We came to a decision that we would have an evil twin dilemma whereby a man walks in to a room and finds his evil twin in shock. Furthermore, we planned out a storyboard where we included all the different shots we were going to use in our film. This would help us further when we started to film, however we would be able to change it where we thought would be best. In addition, we planned out a shooting map, where we included the position of cameras/characters etc. David produced this on Ed excel and finally made it in to a paint document so we were able to upload it on to our blogs. This planning helped us further in the filming task as it helped us to have a guide to our storyline so we were able to produce costume/cast. Also, the shooting map helped us to position the cameras and cast to where we wanted so we were able to get the best shot possible. Before filming a quick script was produced so that our cast knew roughly what to say, but could improvise also. On the other hand, it may have worked to our benefit more if we produced an accurate script. However, the planning that we created worked perfectly and the outcome was our film.
2. What camera and editing techniques and codes did you use in your film and how do they influence the audience’s understanding of the film? (e.g. camera angles and shot types etc; Match on action, Shot/ reverse shot , 180 degree rule )
The opening shot to our preliminary task shows tracking shot of a pair of feet walking towards the camera as it moves backwards. This lets the audience know a character is soon to be introduced and they are on their way somewhere. We then cut to mid low angle shot of a door handle opening and the character walking in, yet to show his face mainly focusing on his legs. This creates an ambiguity to the character and leaves the audience wondering who he is and where he is going, leaving them on edge.
The scene is then established with a mid/long shot of a room introducing both characters as they meet. This lets the audience know that this is the scene where the film will be set. Next we used the 180 degree rule to show facial expressions and conversation, focusing mainly from the front of their faces. Doing this we cut to a close up of the ‘normal’ mans facial expression, looking suspicious. This connotes more ambiguity towards the other character and the audience may feel suspicious about him also. We then cut to a close up of the other mans facial expression, looking shocked and scared. This creates more suspicion and mystery towards the character and what is going on, leaving the audience to want to know what is going on. However, the audience have a clue to what is going on as the other character looks suspiciously similar to the first character, but with glasses. Furthermore, the camera then cuts back to an establishing shot of the room and two characters – where the first character sits down. We then cut to a text reading ‘moments later’ with French over-voice reading it out. This is an aspect of typical silent film, without the over-voice, which is where we found this inspiration. This creates continuity to the film so it will not confuse the audience. In addition, the camera soon cuts to two characters talking using a mid shot and the 180 degree rule. The conversation between the two engages the audience because they are curious as to what is going on, it may also have a comic value to it. We cut to a mid shot of the ‘evil twin’ on the computer talking back, continuing to use the 180 degree rule. The camera cuts back to mid shot of the first character, showing a typical aspect of filmed conversation as not to confuse the audience but to engage them. We do this until their conversation is over – until we finally finish with the first character finding out the ambiguity of the character as he takes off his glasses using a mid shot, to find that it’s his evil twin. The camera cuts to a close up of the evil twin’s face shocked as he does so and the suspicion is released as the audience finds out what has happened. The shocked face of the first character is brought in to the camera using a close up, where empathy is found in the audience as they are also shocked. The camera then cuts to another text reading fin, another aspect of silent film, and lets the audience know that the film is finished, leaving them to wonder what happened next.
3. How did you use new technologies in your construction, planning and evaluation
(e.g. digital cameras; non-linear editing software; YouTube and blog) and what skills do you have at using this technology? (Strengths and weaknesses. e.g. steady/ shaky camera; variety of shot types; smooth/ clumsy transitions; independence when using technologies…)
The digital camera we used helped us to film the story as we were able to use the camera how we pleased and alter the shots to how we wanted. We tracked the opening shot by putting the camera on a wheelie chair, in replacement for a dolly. It worked perfectly and was very smooth. Furthermore, we were able to use many close ups etc due to the alterations you are able to make with the camera. However, we were unable to use a huge variety of shot types due to our limitation on props to do so. For example, we were unable to use point of view or crane shots as we did not have the equipment to do this. Furthermore, the editing software that we used helped us greatly as we were able to edit the film so that there was a double of the character or his ‘evil twin’. We cropped the two clips together which made our film to be not confusing for the audience. Furthermore, it helped our transitions as we were able to cut from and to different shots and make a good continuity to the film. On the other hand, the lighting on the different shots did not match up perfectly.
YouTube helped us to upload the video so we were able to embed it on to our blogs, which helped to advertise the video and for people to see it. This will work to our benefit as we will get good/bad feedback and be able to improve on our weaknesses so that our films are better in the future.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Monday, 30 November 2009
Soundtrack research
The first soundtrack idea I had for our psychological thriller is a mellow unsigned artist from London called James Furlong. He is a solo artist contributing to the 90’s inspired alternative acoustic music scene, using inspirations from artists such as ‘Mogwai’ and ‘Radiohead’. His soft melodies are fit to create a disturbing, yet calm atmosphere in the opening scene. This will fit our villain’s characteristics as he is seen to be an alternative teenager with a slight dark side to his personality.
I am yet to decide which track I would most like to use and have messaged the artist asking for his permission to use tracks.
(www.myspace.com/jamesfurlongsolo)
By Harriet Bliss
I am yet to decide which track I would most like to use and have messaged the artist asking for his permission to use tracks.
(www.myspace.com/jamesfurlongsolo)
By Harriet Bliss
Friday, 27 November 2009
Locations research
Locations
Location no.1: Earlham Park
As I researched the public and available places for shooting in Norwich, Earlham Park became an idea. The park is a broad space of grass with a river running through – this is a perfect location for the shooting of our thriller as it is secluded during the night and has an eerie atmosphere in the dark due to the river and stance of trees etc in the landscape. Park benches would be available for a certain shot we have, which includes our villain running under a bridge and cuts to him placing himself on a park bench, where you see his ‘other half’.
Location no.2: Mousehold Heath
Mousehold Heath is located in Thorpe, Norwich by a prison. The forest and hill surrounding the area will give a sense of isolation. Furthermore, the prison near the area will connote danger is near. This would be a good location for our shooting as there are many shots available due to the surroundings in the area. At night time this would be a very eerie and thrilling place.
Location no.3: Chapel field Gardens
The path that runs through chapelfield gardens is a perfect location for shooting a tracking shot for our villain running. Furthermore, the location at night has a very dark and edgy feeling at night and is not a very safe place. The swings in the park may create a terrifying atmosphere in the opening due to the isolation of the park.
Location no.4: Lowestoft Train Station
The train station in Lowestoft is a possible location for our thriller shooting. This is due to the grimy appearance of the location. Its appearance connotes danger and the isolation of the place at night may create a sense of fear.
By Harriet Bliss
Location no.1: Earlham Park
As I researched the public and available places for shooting in Norwich, Earlham Park became an idea. The park is a broad space of grass with a river running through – this is a perfect location for the shooting of our thriller as it is secluded during the night and has an eerie atmosphere in the dark due to the river and stance of trees etc in the landscape. Park benches would be available for a certain shot we have, which includes our villain running under a bridge and cuts to him placing himself on a park bench, where you see his ‘other half’.
Location no.2: Mousehold Heath
Mousehold Heath is located in Thorpe, Norwich by a prison. The forest and hill surrounding the area will give a sense of isolation. Furthermore, the prison near the area will connote danger is near. This would be a good location for our shooting as there are many shots available due to the surroundings in the area. At night time this would be a very eerie and thrilling place.
Location no.3: Chapel field Gardens
The path that runs through chapelfield gardens is a perfect location for shooting a tracking shot for our villain running. Furthermore, the location at night has a very dark and edgy feeling at night and is not a very safe place. The swings in the park may create a terrifying atmosphere in the opening due to the isolation of the park.
Location no.4: Lowestoft Train Station
The train station in Lowestoft is a possible location for our thriller shooting. This is due to the grimy appearance of the location. Its appearance connotes danger and the isolation of the place at night may create a sense of fear.
By Harriet Bliss
Monday, 16 November 2009
Character Outline for Thriller
Character analysis
Villain:
The victim for my thriller is going to be a young teenage boy aged 18 named Josh. I have chosen this description because the innocence of a teenage boy will connote naivety and will create sympathy and empathy towards the character from the audience. However, his age will imply that he is able to think for himself and has a strong emotional personality. Although, this age will also connote that the character is easily influenced. My character’s costume will include baggy jumpers; band t-shirts; big woollen hats; backwards caps and converse. I have chosen this costume because I wanted to create an old-school alternative look for the character, which will connote he is not a cliché and has quite a strong personality and therefore is able to look after himself. My influence for this character came from Gus Van Sant’s ‘Paranoid Park’, an alternative thriller about a skateboarder who is involved in the accidental death of a security guard. However, the main character from this film is the killer; he is seen to be a victim due to the death being accidental. This film has greatly influenced my character as the director has chosen all the same conventions as I wish to portray in my film. The characters in both films share the same interests and influences. Josh, of my thriller, is a huge music fan who listens to alternative artists such as ‘Elliott Smith’ and ‘The Get Up Kids’. This adds to the emotional build up of my character and shows he is strong through his music taste. Furthermore, it connotes that his emotions may get the better of him after the tragedy that occurs. The music he listens to may connote that he has been through bad experiences in the past, which implies he is a strong character.
My character will mainly have an indirect mode of address, this is due to the fact that I do not want him making eye contact with the camera because he is supposed to feel alone and his character would not associate with anyone else in the real world. However, I may include some direct mode of address moments where the character is narrating previous events, using an over-voice.
Furthermore, this character is going to have the mental disability of skitzofrenia, which will add to his motive for killings. Also, this will add to the mysterious build up of the character and will emphasise the thrill of the film.
Villain 2:
The real villain of my thriller is going to be the “other half” of Josh, who convinces him to take part in unruly and bad events. His control over Josh shows the audience he is the real villain and Josh is the victim of him and not a true villain. An example of this concept is in film ‘Murder by Numbers’, whereby two teenage boys take part in the murder of a random victim. However, one boy does not kill the woman, he convinces the other boy to do it – thus making him the real villain. This villain is Josh’s multiple personality or skitzofrenia taking control of him. Therefore, the audience feel as though it is no fault of Josh’s, but it is his disorder.
Victim:
The victim for my thriller is a young girl aged 20 – this is due to the concept that women are more vulnerable than men and are more likely to be a victim in this situation. Furthermore, the promiscuous characteristic of the victim creates a motive for the killers and a negative point of view for the audience. The young woman’s career path led to a life of prostitution due to her abusive parents, forcing her to flee from home and live a life on the streets. However, she still holds on to the concept of her parents still loving her and carries their photo everywhere she goes.
By Harriet Bliss
Villain:
The victim for my thriller is going to be a young teenage boy aged 18 named Josh. I have chosen this description because the innocence of a teenage boy will connote naivety and will create sympathy and empathy towards the character from the audience. However, his age will imply that he is able to think for himself and has a strong emotional personality. Although, this age will also connote that the character is easily influenced. My character’s costume will include baggy jumpers; band t-shirts; big woollen hats; backwards caps and converse. I have chosen this costume because I wanted to create an old-school alternative look for the character, which will connote he is not a cliché and has quite a strong personality and therefore is able to look after himself. My influence for this character came from Gus Van Sant’s ‘Paranoid Park’, an alternative thriller about a skateboarder who is involved in the accidental death of a security guard. However, the main character from this film is the killer; he is seen to be a victim due to the death being accidental. This film has greatly influenced my character as the director has chosen all the same conventions as I wish to portray in my film. The characters in both films share the same interests and influences. Josh, of my thriller, is a huge music fan who listens to alternative artists such as ‘Elliott Smith’ and ‘The Get Up Kids’. This adds to the emotional build up of my character and shows he is strong through his music taste. Furthermore, it connotes that his emotions may get the better of him after the tragedy that occurs. The music he listens to may connote that he has been through bad experiences in the past, which implies he is a strong character.
My character will mainly have an indirect mode of address, this is due to the fact that I do not want him making eye contact with the camera because he is supposed to feel alone and his character would not associate with anyone else in the real world. However, I may include some direct mode of address moments where the character is narrating previous events, using an over-voice.
Furthermore, this character is going to have the mental disability of skitzofrenia, which will add to his motive for killings. Also, this will add to the mysterious build up of the character and will emphasise the thrill of the film.
Villain 2:
The real villain of my thriller is going to be the “other half” of Josh, who convinces him to take part in unruly and bad events. His control over Josh shows the audience he is the real villain and Josh is the victim of him and not a true villain. An example of this concept is in film ‘Murder by Numbers’, whereby two teenage boys take part in the murder of a random victim. However, one boy does not kill the woman, he convinces the other boy to do it – thus making him the real villain. This villain is Josh’s multiple personality or skitzofrenia taking control of him. Therefore, the audience feel as though it is no fault of Josh’s, but it is his disorder.
Victim:
The victim for my thriller is a young girl aged 20 – this is due to the concept that women are more vulnerable than men and are more likely to be a victim in this situation. Furthermore, the promiscuous characteristic of the victim creates a motive for the killers and a negative point of view for the audience. The young woman’s career path led to a life of prostitution due to her abusive parents, forcing her to flee from home and live a life on the streets. However, she still holds on to the concept of her parents still loving her and carries their photo everywhere she goes.
By Harriet Bliss
Preliminary Task Shot List
1 - Low angle tracking of feet through double doors
2 - Extreme close up/low angle shot of door handle turning
3 - Over the shoulder shot of moustached character
4 - Low to high panning of character with no moustache
5 - Tracking shot of character with no moustache walking to computer
6 - Character with no moustache realises what is noticeable about moustached character. We use an over the shoulder shot of the character with no moustache suprised
7 - Over the shoulder of man with moustache suprised
8 - Along the computer table. Still camera, shows both chars
9 - Extreme close of Normal man
10 - Extreme close of "Moustache Man"
11 - Close of Normal ripping off the fake moustache
12 - Close of Normal, shocked
13 - Close of Moustache Man, worried
14 - Cut and Blackout
2 - Extreme close up/low angle shot of door handle turning
3 - Over the shoulder shot of moustached character
4 - Low to high panning of character with no moustache
5 - Tracking shot of character with no moustache walking to computer
6 - Character with no moustache realises what is noticeable about moustached character. We use an over the shoulder shot of the character with no moustache suprised
7 - Over the shoulder of man with moustache suprised
8 - Along the computer table. Still camera, shows both chars
9 - Extreme close of Normal man
10 - Extreme close of "Moustache Man"
11 - Close of Normal ripping off the fake moustache
12 - Close of Normal, shocked
13 - Close of Moustache Man, worried
14 - Cut and Blackout
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Monday, 12 October 2009
Opening of thriller analysis
Opening sequence of 3 films
Leon:
The opening sequence of ‘Leon’ immediately shows a business deal between two of the main characters, which appears to involve the killings of other associates for drugs and money, thus making these people ‘hit men’ or ‘gangsters’. This connotes that there will be violence further in the film and immediate worry and curiosity is brought to the audience. Furthermore, the first scene of the film uses a short variety of shots – it merely uses extreme close ups and close ups. This connotes abstractness and mystery of the characters because it is hard for the audience to see and analyse their physical appearance as a character. The extreme close ups of Leon’s John Lennon inspired glasses restricts your relationship with the character immediately because you are unable to see. However, you are able to see that he is a man of arts through his Beatles inspired spectacles, which you later discover in the film. The characters indirect mode of address connotes concentration and seriousness as they speak to each other. Also, it makes the audience seem as though they are looking in on the business deal but they cannot be seen, therefore they can not be harmed and a sense of security in the audience is established. The use of cuts in the opening sequence is very immediate and sharp, which relates to the atmosphere of the film and makes the scene seem more serious and immediate. In addition, the lighting in this scene uses very dim and dark lighting – which adds to the element of mystery and anxiety in the scene. The use of diagetic sound makes the scene seem more realistic and intense.
Further into the opening, a man has betrayed a fellow business associate and it is Leon’s job to make him understand not to do it again and to leave. Leon kills off each and every one of this mans guards, leaving the man isolated in a dimly lit room. The lighting is the main aspect of this scene because it is so dark, which connotes mystery and leaves the audience feeling very anxious as to where Leon is and what he is going to do. The isolation of the man also reflects on the audience and empathy is revealed. Quick cuts and pans are used in the editing of this scene and it adds anxiety and immediacy to the scene. There is a quick change from non-diagetic sound to diagetic sound in this scene and it adds intensity to the scene because there is a sudden rush of killings and violence, but the scene suddenly becomes quiet and isolated. This leaves the audience on the edge of their seat because they know something is about to occur and Leon is nowhere to be seen.
Leon’s character is immediately seen to be violent and straight to the point – he will do anything for some money. This is seen as he is making a business deal and goes further to kill and threaten people. However, as you discover Leon’s love for milk, you feel he is more human and you can relate to him more. Furthermore, his relationship with ‘Mathilda’ is discovered as she is seen sitting on the stairs crying and he quickly asks what is wrong. At this point you discover that Leon is human and has emotions/relationships. You begin to like him more as this happens.
London to Brighton:
Firstly, the title ‘London to Brighton’ connotes the idea of from hell to heaven. This is due to the fact that London is seen to be more of a slum and full of violence and crime, which is clearly stated in the film. Brighton, on the other hand, is seen to be more of a paradise. This is because the majority of the population in Brighton are homosexual citizens, and the homosexual race, due to the discrimination against their sexuality, is seen to be more peaceful. Also, it is set by the sea, which is also a very peaceful and calm place to be compared to in a busy city like London.
The opening of the film begins on disequilibrium; the setting is typical grimy British toilets with dirty walls and a dark colour pallet. This connotes a negative atmosphere and fear is reflected on the audience creating empathy and sympathy for the characters. The ripped costume and unwashed clothing on the characters connotes danger and roughness – the audience is able to see that something bad has happened. Furthermore, the presence of a young girl in the opening connotes innocence in an evil place and bad situation, which brings sympathy to the audience for her. It also creates the audience to be fearful of what has happened or is going to happen to her. The swiftness of the characters input of McDonalds into her mouth connotes she has not eaten for a long time, which creates anxiety as she is clearly in danger. The isolation of the setting also reflects fear because there is no help for these innocent people. In addition, the black eye that is planted on the woman’s face definitely tells the audience that danger has occurred and these characters are on the run.
As the film progresses, the audience is informed that the woman in the scene is a prostitute. This is seen as she goes outside to perform for one of her customers. You sympathise with the character, but feel what she is doing is wrong at the same time and see her to be some kind of cause towards the isolation and danger this child is in.
The colour pallet throughout both scenes continues to stay dark, using colours of grey and black. This connotes negativity to the film and it is clear that something bad has happened or is going to happen. It also emphasises the mystery of what has happened and this shows the danger these people are in, which reflects on the audience as empathy is used. The mode of address throughout these scenes is constantly indirect, which does not make the audience feel as though they are there but simply looking in on the events. This makes the audience feel as though they are unable to help the characters and tell them that something bad is going to happen. Diagetic sound is constant throughout both scenes, which makes the scene more realistic and quiet, therefore isolated.
Psycho:
The title, ‘Psycho’, immediately gives the audience a sense of caution, anxiety and fear. It is clear something bad is going to happen and there is going to be tragedies in this film. Therefore, this builds up tension for the film.
The opening sequence of Psycho introduces Marion to be sinning and doing bad as she is having an affair with a married man, which in this era was seen as a very bad thing to do. However, you quickly discover she loves this man and you are able to relate to her and feel empathy with the character. As the opening progresses, immediate anxiety and paranoia in the character are revealed as she packs her things and leaves, being stopped by the police on the way. This provokes confusion and questioning for the audience as you are not quite sure what is going on. Her caution and fear reflects on the audience.
The shots used in the opening sequence show that Marion is being chased. It is clear because straight on shots are used to show her as she’s driving, giving a sense of movement or running. Marion’s obsessive checking in the rear view mirror also connotes that she is being chased. The low budget making of the film creates it to be more realistic and as if it is through the audience’s eyes. Furthermore, the black and white colour pallet of the film connotes negativity and age of the film. This makes the film more intense and adds to the build up of the film.
The non-diagetic sound to the film is very heavy and intense, which builds up fear and anxiety. It uses intense heavy classical music to build up tension for the climax, which also adds to the age of the film and connotes danger because this was a time where help wasn’t as available as it is today.
The innocence of Marion’s character make the audience admire her and feel sympathy for her as she is being followed. This creates empathy and the audience begins to feel as though they are being chased just like Marion is. Her mode of address is very indirect, which makes the audience feel as though they are looking in on her and she is completely alone.
Leon:
The opening sequence of ‘Leon’ immediately shows a business deal between two of the main characters, which appears to involve the killings of other associates for drugs and money, thus making these people ‘hit men’ or ‘gangsters’. This connotes that there will be violence further in the film and immediate worry and curiosity is brought to the audience. Furthermore, the first scene of the film uses a short variety of shots – it merely uses extreme close ups and close ups. This connotes abstractness and mystery of the characters because it is hard for the audience to see and analyse their physical appearance as a character. The extreme close ups of Leon’s John Lennon inspired glasses restricts your relationship with the character immediately because you are unable to see. However, you are able to see that he is a man of arts through his Beatles inspired spectacles, which you later discover in the film. The characters indirect mode of address connotes concentration and seriousness as they speak to each other. Also, it makes the audience seem as though they are looking in on the business deal but they cannot be seen, therefore they can not be harmed and a sense of security in the audience is established. The use of cuts in the opening sequence is very immediate and sharp, which relates to the atmosphere of the film and makes the scene seem more serious and immediate. In addition, the lighting in this scene uses very dim and dark lighting – which adds to the element of mystery and anxiety in the scene. The use of diagetic sound makes the scene seem more realistic and intense.
Further into the opening, a man has betrayed a fellow business associate and it is Leon’s job to make him understand not to do it again and to leave. Leon kills off each and every one of this mans guards, leaving the man isolated in a dimly lit room. The lighting is the main aspect of this scene because it is so dark, which connotes mystery and leaves the audience feeling very anxious as to where Leon is and what he is going to do. The isolation of the man also reflects on the audience and empathy is revealed. Quick cuts and pans are used in the editing of this scene and it adds anxiety and immediacy to the scene. There is a quick change from non-diagetic sound to diagetic sound in this scene and it adds intensity to the scene because there is a sudden rush of killings and violence, but the scene suddenly becomes quiet and isolated. This leaves the audience on the edge of their seat because they know something is about to occur and Leon is nowhere to be seen.
Leon’s character is immediately seen to be violent and straight to the point – he will do anything for some money. This is seen as he is making a business deal and goes further to kill and threaten people. However, as you discover Leon’s love for milk, you feel he is more human and you can relate to him more. Furthermore, his relationship with ‘Mathilda’ is discovered as she is seen sitting on the stairs crying and he quickly asks what is wrong. At this point you discover that Leon is human and has emotions/relationships. You begin to like him more as this happens.
London to Brighton:
Firstly, the title ‘London to Brighton’ connotes the idea of from hell to heaven. This is due to the fact that London is seen to be more of a slum and full of violence and crime, which is clearly stated in the film. Brighton, on the other hand, is seen to be more of a paradise. This is because the majority of the population in Brighton are homosexual citizens, and the homosexual race, due to the discrimination against their sexuality, is seen to be more peaceful. Also, it is set by the sea, which is also a very peaceful and calm place to be compared to in a busy city like London.
The opening of the film begins on disequilibrium; the setting is typical grimy British toilets with dirty walls and a dark colour pallet. This connotes a negative atmosphere and fear is reflected on the audience creating empathy and sympathy for the characters. The ripped costume and unwashed clothing on the characters connotes danger and roughness – the audience is able to see that something bad has happened. Furthermore, the presence of a young girl in the opening connotes innocence in an evil place and bad situation, which brings sympathy to the audience for her. It also creates the audience to be fearful of what has happened or is going to happen to her. The swiftness of the characters input of McDonalds into her mouth connotes she has not eaten for a long time, which creates anxiety as she is clearly in danger. The isolation of the setting also reflects fear because there is no help for these innocent people. In addition, the black eye that is planted on the woman’s face definitely tells the audience that danger has occurred and these characters are on the run.
As the film progresses, the audience is informed that the woman in the scene is a prostitute. This is seen as she goes outside to perform for one of her customers. You sympathise with the character, but feel what she is doing is wrong at the same time and see her to be some kind of cause towards the isolation and danger this child is in.
The colour pallet throughout both scenes continues to stay dark, using colours of grey and black. This connotes negativity to the film and it is clear that something bad has happened or is going to happen. It also emphasises the mystery of what has happened and this shows the danger these people are in, which reflects on the audience as empathy is used. The mode of address throughout these scenes is constantly indirect, which does not make the audience feel as though they are there but simply looking in on the events. This makes the audience feel as though they are unable to help the characters and tell them that something bad is going to happen. Diagetic sound is constant throughout both scenes, which makes the scene more realistic and quiet, therefore isolated.
Psycho:
The title, ‘Psycho’, immediately gives the audience a sense of caution, anxiety and fear. It is clear something bad is going to happen and there is going to be tragedies in this film. Therefore, this builds up tension for the film.
The opening sequence of Psycho introduces Marion to be sinning and doing bad as she is having an affair with a married man, which in this era was seen as a very bad thing to do. However, you quickly discover she loves this man and you are able to relate to her and feel empathy with the character. As the opening progresses, immediate anxiety and paranoia in the character are revealed as she packs her things and leaves, being stopped by the police on the way. This provokes confusion and questioning for the audience as you are not quite sure what is going on. Her caution and fear reflects on the audience.
The shots used in the opening sequence show that Marion is being chased. It is clear because straight on shots are used to show her as she’s driving, giving a sense of movement or running. Marion’s obsessive checking in the rear view mirror also connotes that she is being chased. The low budget making of the film creates it to be more realistic and as if it is through the audience’s eyes. Furthermore, the black and white colour pallet of the film connotes negativity and age of the film. This makes the film more intense and adds to the build up of the film.
The non-diagetic sound to the film is very heavy and intense, which builds up fear and anxiety. It uses intense heavy classical music to build up tension for the climax, which also adds to the age of the film and connotes danger because this was a time where help wasn’t as available as it is today.
The innocence of Marion’s character make the audience admire her and feel sympathy for her as she is being followed. This creates empathy and the audience begins to feel as though they are being chased just like Marion is. Her mode of address is very indirect, which makes the audience feel as though they are looking in on her and she is completely alone.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Print Ad
Print Ad
Firstly, the brief I have been given fits the target audience of male teenagers from ages 14-17. Therefore, I am going to use a celebrity icon that will appeal to this audience. The musical influence for this audience would generally be pop punk/ska music, such as ‘Less Than Jake’, ‘Reel Big Fish’ and ‘Sum 41’. Sum 41, being the most popular band, would be my first choice for a celebrity figure in my ad because it would produce a larger appeal. Due to the fact that my brief was a description of a teenage “skater” figure, I have chosen this type of music. For the celebrity figure I will use the front man of Sum 41, Derrick Whibley. He would strongly appeal to this audience and would fit the ad perfectly.
Furthermore, I am going to use dim colours with splashes of bright contrast to them. This will capture the idea of living and motion. I will also use a skateboard as a prop in the ad. The picture will show Derrick Whibley high in the air on a skateboard with the fragrance ahead of him. This will connote the idea of striving towards something and being closer to this fragrance. It will also connote that if you buy the fragrance you will be able to skate well and be somewhat like Derrick Whibley. The mode of address for my ad will be indirect, which will engage the audience into watching Derrick in action. It may also make the audience feel as though Derrick is superior to them because he is paying them no attention, which will make them want to strive to be more by buying the fragrance.
The shot for my ad will be a mid-shot, this is because it captures what is going on perfectly and makes the audience feel close to the character and fragrance. The lighting for this will be bright, but edited so it is toned down but you are still able to see it was once bright. This will capture the idea of leisure in the summer and skating.
Firstly, the brief I have been given fits the target audience of male teenagers from ages 14-17. Therefore, I am going to use a celebrity icon that will appeal to this audience. The musical influence for this audience would generally be pop punk/ska music, such as ‘Less Than Jake’, ‘Reel Big Fish’ and ‘Sum 41’. Sum 41, being the most popular band, would be my first choice for a celebrity figure in my ad because it would produce a larger appeal. Due to the fact that my brief was a description of a teenage “skater” figure, I have chosen this type of music. For the celebrity figure I will use the front man of Sum 41, Derrick Whibley. He would strongly appeal to this audience and would fit the ad perfectly.
Furthermore, I am going to use dim colours with splashes of bright contrast to them. This will capture the idea of living and motion. I will also use a skateboard as a prop in the ad. The picture will show Derrick Whibley high in the air on a skateboard with the fragrance ahead of him. This will connote the idea of striving towards something and being closer to this fragrance. It will also connote that if you buy the fragrance you will be able to skate well and be somewhat like Derrick Whibley. The mode of address for my ad will be indirect, which will engage the audience into watching Derrick in action. It may also make the audience feel as though Derrick is superior to them because he is paying them no attention, which will make them want to strive to be more by buying the fragrance.
The shot for my ad will be a mid-shot, this is because it captures what is going on perfectly and makes the audience feel close to the character and fragrance. The lighting for this will be bright, but edited so it is toned down but you are still able to see it was once bright. This will capture the idea of leisure in the summer and skating.
Friday, 25 September 2009
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G321 Thriller Planning, G321 Audience Research, G321 Thriller Research, G321 Preliminary Task, Exam
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