Looking and comparing our film's story line will help show us if it follows the conventions of a psychological thriller, and will also help show us if it would be successful. We could tell this because if it is similar to other films that have been successful, then it is also likely to be.
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
In this film, the main protagonist finds a way to go back in time and to change the future. He has been a victim of childhood traumatic, which have been aggravated by stress, including memory loss.
This plot line is similar to ours in the sense that the main protagonist does not appear to be fully mentally stable, and for this reason, society may view him differently. It also shows a loved one, and the desperation to get them back, like Harry is trying to find his daughter. However, our film does not use elements like time travel or a tragic childhood, instead there are many twists in the plot line.
Identity (2003)
This film is set in a motel during bad weather, where ten strangers become acquainted with each other but realise that they are being killed off one by one.
This plot line is extremely different to ours. There is a lot of killing in this film, however as a group we wanted to stay away from this idea. This is because we wanted our film to be more psychological than thriller based, and as an independent film company this was easier to do as we did not want any deaths to appear fake.
Shutter Island (2010) Shutter Island is about an investigation of a prison for the criminally insane where a prisoner has gone missing and is supposedly near by.
This film is also very different to our film idea. Although both films have a disappearance, they are in very different contexts and make the films very different. This shows that conventions of a psychological thriller can be the same, however have different effects on both the film and the audience. This film is more crime based than ours, adding another psychological element to it. Although, in our film a small number of people are trying to solve a mystery, making the two films more similar.
Forrest Gump was produced in 1994 by Paramount Pictures and is a Drama and Comedy. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks.
Juno (2007) Opening Sequence Timeline
Juno is an independent film released in 2007 and produced by Fox Search Light Pictures, Mr Mudd and Mandate Pictures. It is a comedy starring Ellen Page and was directed by Jason Reitmean.
Inception (2010) Opening Sequence Timeline
Inception was produced by Warner Brothers and directed by Christopher Nolan. The action films stars Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Kite Runner Opening Sequence Timeline
The Kite Runner was released in 2007 and based on the book by Khelad Hossini. It is a drama and romance that stars Khalid Adalla and was directed by Marc Foster.
Looking at film opening sequences and creating time lines will help us when producing our film openings because it has allowed us to see which credits we need to include, roughly when they should appear and how long for. It has also highlighted any credits we did not consider. The opening credits will help out film opening look more professional, and allows everyone who was part of the film to gain recognition.
Institution names and logos appear at the start of every film and allow producers to 'brand' their work. They can sometimes consist of more than one production story.
There is a difference between mainstream and independent film institution logos.
There is a clear difference between these two logos. Universal, a mainstream company who are part of the 'Big Six' has a lot of animation and music. In contrast, Warp Film, an independent film company, have a simple still picture which was cheap to produce.
We shall be creating an independent film logo for our film. This means that is will not be very elaborate and possibly static. As a result, the audience may not think it is very impressive, however, it will help to show them that the entire film will be basic like the logo. It is likely that the logos may not be animated, and just a static picture, making the logo basic. The logo will be basic to help keep costs down.
It is important for us as a group to be aware of the conventions of a psychological thriller so that we include them within out film opening. Conventions of a psychological thriller may include:
The main protagonist is involved in the chain of events through chance or curiosity. It is important that we portray our main protagonist as innocent and show then going about their day to day life in order to show this. We will not show the chain of events in our opening as we do not want to reveal the plot line, however, we are able to hint at the events that will occur.
Steady paced or fast paced editing. This would then be echoed throughout the film, and can help to build tension. Throughout the film, Todorov's equilibrium theory may be used to build tension and reflect the apprehension of the characters in the film.
Low key lighting when protagonist is on their own or in a situation with negative consequences to help create a sinister atmosphere. However, high key lighting may be used when they are seen going about their day to day life.
Closeups on main protagonist to show their importance. Closeups may also be used to highlight objects which hold connotations of death or danger, for example blood or a gun.
Main protagonist is dressed in dark clothes, holding negative connotations.Slow sinister non-diegetic music, often strings, to help create a dark and sinister atmosphere. The pace may increase as the action picks up.
Titles in red connoting danger, or white connoting innocence on a black background which holds negative connotations.
This opening sequence has an open narrative and introduces the main protagonist.
The main title of the film was revealed in an exhaust fume, creating an eerie atmosphere. The yellow juxtaposes this dark atmosphere as it holds more positive connotations, connoting that a negative event will happen to an innocent person. It also reflects the color of taxis. The title was also revealed at the height of the fast paced, low pitched sinister diegetic music, adding to the suspense. This diegetic music is heard again when the main protagonist is seen. This connotes that he is the source of danger, and is a dark, sinister character.This is followed by a close up on the main protagonist connoting his importance. This then leads into a shot reverse shot with the man sitting at the desk. The main protagonist has the first shot, connoting his power within the film. A low angled shot is also used on the main protagonist further connoting his power and importance. While the main protagonist is talking to the person behind the desk, no non-diegetic music is heard, connoting an everyday scenario and representing the main protagonist as an innocent member of society. The normality of the main protagonist is further enhanced by the diegetic conversation hear, for example, he did not have a criminal record and also held a clean driving license.
Memento (2000)
This opening has an open narrative and introduces the main protagonist. It also hints what the film is going to be about through the backwards event, although does not reveal a lot. The backwards events signifies that the film is going to make the audience think. This combines with the blood and gun (which are signifiers of a thriller and denote death and danger) connotes that this film is a psychological thriller. This is also connoted by the glasses that have fallen to the floor, connoting wisdom, as the man shot could have solved the mystery of the film. The shaking of the picture and the picture fading also connotes this genre as, realistically, the audience know that that con not happen and therefore connotes that the film is going to make the audience think. The blood in the picture also connotes danger and death and the white background of the photo connotes the protagonist's innocence. There is low key natural lighting throughout this opening, connoting a dark and sinister atmosphere. The main protagonist is also wearing brown, holding negative and dark connotations. He is dressed in an everyday outfit, connoting that he is an innocent man who has been pulled into this situation through curiosity or a chain of events. Non-diegetic music of low strings are heard, this adds tho the sinister atmosphere, and adds sadness to the seen. It also helps to create an element of suspense. The main titles are in blue, connoting the innocence of some of the characters seen in the film. There is a constant closeup on the picture, connoting its importance and significance within the film.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
This opening also has an open narrative and introduces the audience to the main character. Although, they do not get to see his face, this adds to the element of suspicion within the opening. There is a low angled shot used on this man, connoting his power and dominance within the film. Many closeups are used within this opening to show objects such as fire and a gun, which both hold connotations of danger and death, highlighting the danger they connotes and suggesting their importance and significance throughout the film. Low key natural lighting is used throughout this extract, contributing to the dark and dangerouse atmosphere created. At the beginning of the opening, no non-diegetic sound is hear, enhancing the isolation of the character seen. However, slow low strings are slowly introduce, this non-diegetic music connotes a sinister atmosphere and give the audience the impression that something bad is going to happen.The diegetic conversation between the two men appears to be informal and colloquial, for example, "how you doing Keith". This connotes that the men have met before and implies that they are friends. This makes the following event a surprise.
The Talented Mr Ripley (1999)
This opening also has an open narrative and introduces the main protagonist. The narration creates an element of suspicion as it says that a chain of events happened due to a borrowed jacket. This introduces the plot without telling the audience the story line. It also shows that there is going to be a flash back and the narrator is looking over past events. It further connotes that the main protagonist was a normal person who got caught up in a situation due to coincidence. This is a convention of a thriller and psychological thriller. The main protagonist is revealed gradually, creating an element of suspicion about him. It also connotes that more will be revealed about the character as the film progresses. This results in a closeup of him, highlighting his importance. The titles are white and to begin with are show on a black background which holds negative connotations such as death. This connotes that the main protagonist is innocent, and should not be held responsible for the sinister events that will be told. "talented" is in red, connoting that the main protagonists talents are what caused him to be in danger, or may be a danger to others. This word had kept changing, creating a sense of confusion and briefly revealing some character traits to the audience. The non-diegetic slow piano and high pitched vocals are heard, creating a sinister atmosphere. To begin with, the lighting is low key and natural, adding to the sinister atmosphere and connoting that the chain of events have had a negative impact on his life. However, at the wedding, lighting is high key and natural, connoting that before he borrowed the jacket he lead a normal happy life.
Vantage Point (2008)
This opening is very simplistic and has an open narrative.The aerial and establishing shots used help set the scene, showing a city and also hint that there may be protests. Only part of the shots also being shown connotes that the events will be shown only through a narrow view. The titles are in white, connoting the innocence of the people involved. However, the main title is written in black, holding connotations of death. The black background further connotes death. The slow, sinister non-diegetic music helps to create a dark atmosphere, and helps add an element of suspicion to the scene.
In all of these openings, the editing is continuous and of a steady pace. This connotes that the person involved needs to take a step back and think about the situation before jumping to conclusions or taking actions. This should be reflected throughout the film.
We looked at the most popular films of our chosen genre for our opening to investigate their story lines.
One of the most popular psychological thrillers includes Silence Of The Lambs (1991). This film is about a psychiatric who is turned to a serial killer when he gets told to interview a patient at a hospital for the criminally insane.
Another popular psychological thriller is Rear Widow (1954) which is about a man who suspects that his naighbour may have murdered his wife and so turns to his girlfriend and nurse for help.
The Manchurain Candidate (1962) tells the story of dark secrets being held in the government and army and the reoccurring nightmares of two soldiers.
Taxi Drive (1976) is set in New York and shows a taxi driver slowly becoming disturbed by his own loneliness and alienation of the horrible and ugly world in which he reflects on.
American Psycho (2000) is about a man who is living the American dream but at night begins to experiment with fear and violence.
All of the main protagonists in these plots appear to find themselves in potentially dangerous situations unconsciously. The main protagonists all also appear to have lead a standard lifestyle. Also, in each of the films a dark secrete or a mysterious even occurs. In all of these films apart form American Psycho, either no or very little physical damage appears to occur within the film, but rather the event has a psychological impact on the protagonist.
As a group we have decided to produce an opening of a major genre-psychological thriller. To understand more about this genre, I have looked into its history.
An early psychological thriller is Gaslight (1944) directed by George Cuckor. It was about a scheming husband trying to make his young wife go insane in order to gain her inheritance.
Alfred Hitchcock is known for being a master of suspense thrillers by "manipulating his audience's fears and desires" and allowed the audience to associate the reality in which the character faced. His films often followed the plot of an innocent victim falling into a life threatening or terrorising situation due to a false accusation or mistaken identity. All of his films also featured similar techniques such as:
extreme zooms
cross cutting
screeching violin scores
fast paced editing
All of these techniques helped to heighten anticipation and are often used in both thrillers and psychological thrillers today.
Thrillers by Hitchcock include The 39 steps and The Man Who Knew Too Much.
In a thriller, the conflict between the main protagonists and antagonists is normally physical. However, in a psychological thriller the harm is mental and emotional. In these films, a character is brought into a situation in which they are not prepared to solve. In order to escape the situation they are going to require a a mental source as opposed to a physical one.
The Titanic (1997) was certificated a 12 due to it's sexual nature and mature themes. There is also the use of infrequent mild language. This certifications is a low one, opening the film up to a wider audience and allowing the film industry to make more money. It is common for industries to give their films as lower certification as possible to increase revenue. This film could also be classes as a family film, allowing more families to go and see it together due to the low certification.
The Holiday (2006) was rated a 12A due to the sexual references held and the mature theme for teenagers. Natural nudity is also seen. This means that the film is potentially suitable for children under the age of 12, however they will need adult supervision because parents may feel differently about their child hearing strong language and if the theme is too mature for their child to be viewing.
27 Dresses (2008) is also certified a 12 due to the moderate sex references and strong language. This certification allows the target audience of teenage girls to go and see the film with their friends at the cinema without adult supervision. The low certification also opens the film to younger teenagers as well as older one, increasing revenue and the audience.
This research has shown that the majority of romance films hold a certification of 12 or 12A. This is due to the sexual references made and the possible use of strong language. A romance film may be certified a 15 if stronger, more frequent sexual references are made.
I conducted a survey asking eight people questions about romance films to find out what they expect and enjoy to see in a film of this genre. Romance is one of our potential genres for our film opening, and can help us to create an opening to suit the potential audience. It also allows us to compare different genres for our opening. The survey includes a range of ages and gender, allowing us to see a range of expectations.
The results show that the audience expect a stereotypical boy meets girl romance film certified 12 or 12A. Majority of audience members felt that the main protagonist should be a young adult, and set in the modern day. However, there were mixed views as to if the ending should be happy and how many protagonists should be introduced in the opening.
Within our group, we covered a wide range of genres from romance to action. This is because we wanted to see what people thought of a variety of genres and so that we could gain an understanding of what people would want to see in an opening of each genre. This then allowed us to see what would work well in a student film and what we could produce in the short amount of time we will have to film and on the small budget that we will have. We need to take this into consideration because we do not want our opening to look like a student film, but more professional.
There are a number of reasons why we have film classification:
To stop people watching something that is not suitable for them
Legal obligations- to prevent material breaking the law
Audiences may need protecting from items that may cause them harm
To consider broader public opinion in mind with regard to language
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) were created in 1912 and are in charge of classification. In 1984 they passed the video recording act stating that all films for home use must be certified. They also have to make a note of any dangerous or criminal behavior seen in films and also be aware of the law especially those which protect children and animals.
Below are how films are certified:
No discriminatory language or behavior unless clearly disapproved of.
No reference to illegal drugs or misuse unless there is an educational purpose and the use is infrequent.
Scary sequences should be brief and the outcome should be reassuring.
No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
Infrequent use of very mild language.
Occasional natural nudity with no sexual context.
Mild sexual behaviour and references only.
Problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
Only mild violence and occasional mild threats.
Discriminatory language and behaviour is not acceptable unless in a historical or educational context.
Drug use must carry an anti-drug message.
Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense.
No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Weapons must not be glamorised.
Mild bad language only.
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Mild sex references and innuendos only.
Unacceptable behaviour in more serious issues should be condoned.
Moderate violence without detail should be justified.
Discriminatory language and behaviour must be condemned and must not be endorsed on.
Misuse of drugs must be infrequent, not be glamorised and must not give instructions on how to use them.
Disturbing sequences must not be frequent but physical and psychological threat may be seen.
Dangerous behaviour that can be copied should not be dwell on detail.
Moderate language is allowed but strong language must be infrequent.
Nudity is allowed but in a sexual context must be discreet.
Sexual references should not go beyond what are appropriate for a young teenager and sexual activity must be discreetly portrayed.
Mature themes are acceptable.
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail.
Must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
The film must not promote of encourage drug misuse.
Strong threat is allowed unless sadistic.
Weapons should not be glamorised and dangerous behaviour that could be copied should not dwell on in detail.
There may be frequent use of strong language.
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but not in strong detail.
There may be strong sexual references but sexual activity must not be shown in strong detail.
All themes are allowed providing they are appropriate for a fifteen year old.
Strong violence may be seen but should not dwell upon pain and injury. Gory violence is unlikely to be accepted.
In an 18 and R18 certificated film, adults are considered to be able to watch whatever they please bar a few exceptions such as treatment that may risk harming an individual.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) was rated a PG because there is no bad language, drug use, discriminatory language or actions and no sexual references. However, there are some scenes that young children could potentially find distressing although the outcome is positive.
Ghost Ship (2002) was rated an 18 because scenes of gore are seen and sexual references are made. Also, there is use of bad language and frightening sequences. Furthermore, activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol are seen as sociably successful.
We need to consider film classification because it will affect our target audience. We want to aim our films at teenage boys, and will be certificated a 15. If we had our film being certificated a 12, we would have to be more careful with the content we show, for example we would not be able to show a lot of violence and would have to consider if we could use the drugs in our opening. This takes an element of our plot line away, and the film we would produce would be less of a psychological thriller, and lean towards a thriller.
We have remade the opening of Superbad. By doing this, we have been able to practise with the equipment that we will be using when we film our opening. It has also given us the practise of putting in titles where they should be at the right times and allowed us to experiment with different settings of the editing software. Trying to keep close to the original opening showed us how much consideration we will need to put into our film opening as we will have more to consider. It also reminded us how long the editing process is, and how lighting can effect the quality of the film.
Superbad Shot List
This is our shot list for Superbad I created. We created a shot list to we could see what shots we needed to film, where we would film them and considered what we would need to be careful when filming the shot. We also needed to know how long each shot needed to be, so that we could film for slightly longer and then cut it down in the editing process as it is better to have more film than too little.
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