Analysis of other title sequences.

In preparation of making our storyboard we looked at four title sequences "Carlito's Way' 'Don't look here' 'No country for old men' and 'Heat'. We looked at the shot types and use of non-diagetic and diagetic sound and decided how to implement this into our sequence. A voice-over or narration over the top was effective in 'Carlito's way' and 'No country for old men'. We also thought the way the actual titles in 'Heat' faded and distorted was effective. The use of point of view shots in Carlito's way gave a different perspective and gave a way of the audience engaging with the character

Props

In our film sequence called 'the chase' we have to use a number of different props to go with our film sequence. One important prop that we need is definitely going to be a plastic see through bag with sugar or flour in to represent the drugs that we are going to use when the drug deal takes place in our film sequence. Another key prop that will be needed will be a lot of money and we will need this because when the exchange takes place we have to make it look like there is a big drug swap, so having a lot of money will represent that the drug exchange is a very important and the drugs are worth a lot of money. Another prop that could be used is maybe a pocket knife that both characters could use and these would represent the danger in both characters and how the drug deal is risky but on the other side it can show how they are poor and living a low quality of life because a wealthy drug dealer would most probably carry a more dangerous weapon. The last prop that we are going to need will be a picture of a woman who looks old, and this will represent a mum to the character in the film and this will influence the audience because it will make them realise that the character giving the drugs away is only doing it so he can make money and pay for his mum who needs help

Influences

There has been a number of things that have influenced us to make our film sequence called 'The Chase' one main thing that has influenced us was the film called "Banlieue 13" which is a film which has Parkour including into the film. This film shows a lot of chase scenes which is what our film includes as well. Another influence is that by using a film dedicated to drug use we can use some easy to get costumes that are brilliant for the sequence; and this is for example the use of hoody's which we can use to make the drug dealers seem more intimidating and this will add a sense of tension and suspense. We also thought that another influence was how we could use lighting and we decided that filming the sequence in a dark lighting is perfect for the use of drug dealing because it makes the scene look more thrilling. Using the low key or darker lighting also creates a more tense atmosphere for the audience.

Feedback.

Feedback session.

• Where are we going to shoot it?
• Very good.
• Would be very tense with the chasing.
• A lot of opportunities during some shots such as the running, hands exchanging.
• Could be jump cuts.
• Leave plenty of time to edit.
  
• Use a lot of effects such as filters and dissolves.
• Maybe think of changing roles for the main character, Simon could be sympathized with a lot easier by the audience. Whereas Jack is tall and could be seen more powerful and intimidating.
  

As a result of this feedback we will make sure that as a group we are organized so we leave plenty of time at the end of the shooting to edit, and make things as good as they can be. So we can use filters and dissolves, and change things if needed. During this time we can also experiment using different effects and and sounds when editing. After thinking about the characters, we feel that Jack is better actor to play the role of the main character, we think this because Jack is not meant to be sympathized with by the audience because he looks vulnerable, because this character is not. But because this character is meant to miss home and his family and his life. This is why we think the characters should stay as they are, although this was a fair point made during the feedback session.

This feedback made us as a group think of how much time we were going to spend on filming, we suggested we have one night of filming when everyone is free so we have the rest of the time to edit. We also thought a lot more about the location of where we are going to film. We came to the conclusion that we will be filming at the grand arcade. This is because its an enclosed pace and there could be a lot of potential there to film. We have also thought a lot about the organization of the group and who is going to be doing what and timing.

Action Points
...By the start of filming we are going to have achieved.

1. To have all props ready to use. ( we will all get our own props and if someone has something some one else needs, we will discuss this.)
   
2. A definite location.
3. How long were going to have the camera.
4. What time we will meet and end, so we know what time to go and what time to be picked up.
5. To know who'd doing exactly what.
6. Story board.
7. Definite idea what we are going to do when we get to the location when we are beginning to film.
8. What shots we are filming and in what order.
   
9. What lighting we will need.
   
10. If we need any more actors, or help.
    

The 'Human Factor' opening sequence by Saul Bass is very simple, yet i think effective. The red back ground gives a sense of danger. Considering there is an object that is compatable to communication, a telephone, it gives a clear indication that the film has something to do wtih communication or lost communitcation, or along those lines. This is all due to the colour red. As the shot pans across the wire of the telephone while the music that is being played in the back ground is digetic. The music is played with an acoustic guitar, which is creating confusion and tension, but at the same time a relaxed feel. As the sequence progresses so does the music, although it still has that relaxed feel to it, outbursts remind you that the film is horror. The image on the screen sometimes puts you off the music as they are very contrasting, the music is soft and security, but the image gives the feeling of being on edge, and not to trust what you are hearing. As the title sequence carrys on, it becomes clear that there is a break in the wire, hanging on my a strand. This backs my theory that the film is about lost communication, or broken communication. However it is just holding on. The title then comes up in a very blurry writting, this could convey the thought of communications being blurred or someones life e.c.t.

Pitch of an idea for a thriller sequence.

Next lesson our group has to pitch our idea for our film.

Narrative.

'The Chase' is about about a young boy who has to leave his family behind. A drug deal that goes wrong causes jack to leave home leave his family and his identity. Now hes on the run from his enemies.

Character.
Jack - This is the main character. He's 19 years old. Left home due to a massive drug deal, putting him and his family at risk.
Simon - In one of the shots, his hands and jacks hands are seen exchanging drugs and money. He is the drug dealer in the movie.
Ollie - This character is another drug dealer. Tied up for stealing money.
Other characters could be used to chase the main character, Jack.

Atmosphere.
The atmosphere of the film is going to be very tense, and upbeat. The chases will have tension and suspense, with an upbeat underlying sense. However there will be also a lonely emotion throughout, because he has had to leave his family and life.

Sub genre.
Action Thriller.

Our title will be 'The Chase' this because Jack is always running, and being chased through out his life.

The first shot will be of bloody hands.
Exchange of drugs and money,
running,
fast paced,
different angles at filming the same shot,
walking through a door,
character tied up,
more running and climbing.

Setting.
In Cambridge.

Lighting.
At night/dusk. Dark no special lights needed. Maybe flash light or torch.

Props.
The props we will need are limited. Money, bag with flour in, or sugar.
Red paint.
Rope.
Chair.

Costume.
Black clothes for jack.
Ollie jeans and normal hoodie.
Simon normal everyday clothes.

Sound.
Very dark and sinister, but faced pace. Maybe the sound effects of the water running, the rope tying and footsteps.

Camera work & editing.
Short duration shots to make it quick paced.
And there will be long duration shot also.

Anatomy of a murder

The title sequence of this film shows a dull grey screen and then it suddenly changes with a sharp loud sound which is used to make the reader feel unpleasant and shocked there is also a silhouette of a body lying on the floor and it has the words 'anatomy of a murder' put into the body and this clearly gives the idea that the film is based around a murder and creates a thrilling kind of atmosphere for the audience. The audience will also know at this point that that character who is the silhouette is murdered by the way the character is placed at the start. The rest of the title sequence continues to show body images in a bleak form and the technique used to do this is to have a quick pan from one body part to another and it creates the idea that the people murdered have been tore limb from limb and it makes the audience feel tense and nervous while watching this opening sequence. 0.06 seconds into the clip the narrative has a Spanish off screen narrator to say the title of the film very quickly and because the voice used is deep, and it gets played when the audience least expects it; it creates a image that the film will be more or less a crime thriller. Near the end of the clip there is a quick zooming in of hands and this represents a murder scene and how the investigators look in for little details on hands and gives a hint to the audience that the film may have a clue in it if you look at the murdered body's hand and it makes the audience feel exited and it allows them to pay close attention to the narrative too because they will be looking out for a hand. After the fast zoom in of the hand there is a complete contrast to the pitch black screen and a white title appears instantly and the narrative does this because it wants the audience to feel thrilled and shocked in the film and it gives a sense to the audience that the atmosphere in the film will be very jumpy and fast moving because of the title sequence.

Analysis of 'The Human Factor"

The title sequence of a Saul Bass film I am going to analyse is “The Human Factor”. The title sequence of the film starts off by zooming out and showing you an establishing shot of a object which is a telephone. This is on a dark red background, which is often associated with danger. The sequence doesn’t really give anything away to the audience it actually leaves you thinking what is going to happen in the film and gives you a sense of confusion as it gives nothing away about the film. This makes the audience tense because they do not know what the telephone is there to represent. The camera then pans across the telephone cord showing it at different angles. It then shows a break in the wire, which is creating a sense of tension and suspense. This could be suggesting that the film has something to do with murders or kidnappings. The brake in the wire could also be representing the loss of a person or the loss of trust that someone has in someone. When the camera finally shows you the phone with a medium shot it is still crating mystery for the audience. The music that is being used is diegetic soundtrack, which has no word to it. The music is an acoustic guitar. The music starts off quite dark at the beginning, which is creating confusion and tension. As the sequence progresses the music starts to lighten up a little bit but is still putting the audience on edge about what is happening. This is also contrasting to the image of he telephone and the red background because the music is making you feel at ease with what you are seeing but then you still feel a tension of what the films is going to bring. The break in the phone cord is where the title of the film appears. This could be showing a cut or break in communication leading to the loss of life and the failure to help someone in need.

The chosen film that we have both watched is sherlock holmes the movie. We both felt a strong emotional response to the movie because we identified with sherlock holmes and watson, and when they nearly got defeated this brought a huge emotional response and some people in the cinema started to cry from watching it. We both thought the film was really good. The storyline in the film was clever.

'Personal Response'

The film we have chosen to look at is 'Paranormal Activity'. We chose this film because we have both seen it and enjoyed the film. At the beginning of the film we got to know the characters, and it became apparent that the woman character was being followed by a demon. We identified with the character Mika this is because he is living with the character who is cursed by a demon and he reacts to how any normal person would. The camera used is a hand held, this creates an uneasy aura, it also gives the effect that it is all done by them and at home. I think this would be good to incorporate this into our thriller sequence.

Thriller analysis.

This thriller sequence is very simple and quite to a certain degree effective. The first shot of the sequence is of error codes e.c.t i think this as a first shot makes the person watching very confused about the genre of the film to come up. However i think this also becomes very effective. This group hold a shot steady where appropriate, throughout the whole sequence they use a shaking action to create depth to the sequence, causing confusion and disorientates the scene. They use this well towards the end, when the shot merges into the title. The editing on the title is excellent, making the film look a lot scarier, using fire. The lack of information in the sequence creates an ambiguous feel and leaves the viewer questioning the genre and ethics of the film as a whole. However the sound of the sequence lets it down. There are a lot of pauses for silence, however i don't know if this is for effect or a mistake in not planning enough to have time for a detailed sound track. On the other hand it doesn't give a lot away still creating the aura of suspense and mystery.

For all of these effects and editing techniques we will be awarding this group; 36/60. This is because they seemed to lose track of the aim, and rather than focusing on a good structure, they use there time up with editing for the title.

We will use this information to our advantage, putting this knowledge into our own thriller sequence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F8rj9mjyOg&feature=player_embedded

The thriller sequence called Easy Target is quite a good thriller sequence. This is one of the best openings we have seen from last year. It doesn't go into to much detail about what is going to be happening in the rest of the film which is a down side but on the other hand the sequence uses a lot of steady shots where appropriate. There is also a good use of mise - en - scene in the sequence which is very effective in making the opening sequence look like a thriller. he soundtrack used in the opening sequence also creates a sense of mystery and also makes you want to carry on watching. The way they have made the sequence makes the film mysterious and dark. Overall we think that this opening sequence could of been made better, but it is still on the borderlines of a high level 3 and a low level 4; we give this opening sequence a 48.

We will use this opening sequence to our advantage because we will use it as a guideline to when we make our opening sequence. The mise en scene in this opening sequence has told us a lot because it shows how using good props and costumes makes the clip a lot better.

The Dark Knight

How does it follow generic conventions (micro + macro)?

The dark knight does follow the conventions of a thriller film for example the mise en scene when the crooks use the scary mask that is used to represent evil, the masks also are used to make the men look mysterious but if you look closely you can tell who the joker is. Another way the dark knight follows the generic conventions of a thriller is because of the sound that is used; At the start of the sequence there is a screeching sound which sounds spine chilling but for the rest of the sequence the music is simple and makes the audience feel excited and on the edge of there seat and this is unusual for a thriller because the music should be more thrilling to fit the genre of a thriller film. One last thing that does follow the conventions of a thriller film is the narrative and how they go to rob a bank. this is stereotypical of a thriller film

The Dark Knight.

How does is follow generic conventions?
How does it make you feel?
How does it achieve this?

The first thing we see is a comic book looking opening, the cartoon smiles and low key lighting starts the scene with a tense apprehension. Another part of the sequence is the fire, this gives the impression that the film is violent, and the thudding of the music creates a tense atmosphere for the film to begin. The establishing shot is of buildings, this gives the audience a clear cut view of where the opening sequence will be shot. However the convention of a normal thriller hybrid is that it is set at night, but this scene is in the broad day light, which challenges the conventions of a normal thriller scene. The smashing of the glass seems much louder than the music that is playing in the background. This gives the smash a focused point in the shot. The masks that are worn in the whole sequence makes me feel uneasy. I think they used masks to disguise the criminals because a lot of people find masks, clowns, and things that are abnormal scary. They had the same effect on me, they also made me feel scared if the unknown. The use of guns during the whole sequence and how freely they are used made me feel uncomfortable, this is because guns are not meant to be used with a care free attitude. This gave the characters a care free veiw of death, which made it more on edge of what was going to happen next. There was also a hint of mystery when there is a long shot of man holding a mask in his hand and we cant see his face.

Notes about Vertigo.

In the opening sequence of the film 'Vertigo' a chilling tone is created. This is created through; Narrative, Character and Atmosphere. Firstly, the first thing we see if a mouth, then a close up of the mouth, this gives the sequence an edge of apprehension, this is because it makes the audience feel on edge when it is something to do with the human body, and harm. The music at this point in the sequence is very tense, using a string ensemble with a high pitch. When the camera leads to the mouth, and then lingers there the music changes into more of a tense and ends into a crescendo ( also when the character engages in dialogue, this is at the end of the opening sequence). Then after the focus on the mouth, the camera moved slowly up past the nose, towards the eyes. The same thing happens with the tone and atmosphere of the music when the camera hits, what looks like, a woman's eyes. This builds a lot of tension in this scene.

Cape fear - expectations

In the opening sequence of Cape Fear there is long lasting thrilling music which creates an atmosphere and it gives a sense that the film will be a thriller too. But by reading the start of the film it does not give any sign of being a thriller because the main villian 'Max Cady' is in prison and because he is in prison there is no way of him harming anyone so the audience would not be getting the thrilling feeling at the start of the film. But when the film gets about half way through and when 'Max Cady' is released the audience would start to feel suspense because they know the villian is out and most probably looking for revenge and that is why from the middle of the film onwards the audience would start to get thrilled.

The title sequence of the film doesn't have very much to do with the film. The image of a man that you see in the water could either be a representaion of 'Max Cady' or of 'Sam Bowden'. Seen as the film is a thriller it is more likely to be of 'Max Cady' as he wants to get revenge on 'Sam'. The idea using the water could be a good representation as the film is set in Florida and that is right on the coast of America. This is linking back to the synopsis because 'Max Cady' is seen as dangerous in the film and in the water.

Thriller Sub genres.

For the thriller genre there are several sub-genres. These include action, spy, political and even erotic thrillers. The reason for these sub genres is becasue the genre 'Thriller' could fit into various other genres including horror or fast paced action movies. The thriller genre can include the following sub-genres, although they may include elements of other genres.

* Action thriller: This may include movies such as the Bourne trilogy or the James bond movies. These often include a lot of fight scenes and fast action scenes which may include one character chasing another.


* Conspiracy thriller: Where one man/woman is against a large group or society.

* Crime thriller: Which includes a storyline solely based on a crime committed Recent movies including 'Sherlock Holmes' fall into this category.

* Disaster thriller: Movies such as war of the worlds and independence day fall into this category as they both show large scale (most of the time exagerated with CGI) disasters including the end of the world.

* Drama thriller: Drama thrillers conventionally have numerous plot twists and a slow pace. Movies such as 'The Illusionist'

* Erotic thriller: These include erotic scenes and also a plot that is thrilling and full of twists for the audience.

* Legal thriller: Usually there is a good character and a bad character and they make the viewer take a moral judgment on one of them. The setting is usually in a courtroom or a prison.

* Medical thriller: In which there is a rush (usually against time) for a hero-type character to save another character with medical skills. Films such as awake fall into this.

* Political thriller: This type of sub genre which the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Films such as Agency.

* Psychological thriller: In which the main character is mentally and emotionally disturbed instead of physically. Films such as 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' fall into this category.

* Spy thriller: This is when the main character has to go against enemies, usually this includes agents or in recent years terrorists. Films such as 'Mission impossible' comes under this sub genre.

* Techno-thriller: In which (typically military) technology is described in detail and made essential to the reader's/viewer's understanding of the plot. Films such as 'The hunt for the red October' are under this sub genre.

* Religious thriller: This is when religion is closely connected to the plot of the film. Films such as 'The Da Vinci code'.

prelim