Initial Plan Developed

As we planned in our initial idea, we conducted research into a variety of films within the thriller genre. This included analysing a range of different films for: props, lighting, sound, camera movements, shots and costume etc. To be more specific when it comes to our groups final idea we came together and discussed the films we have analysed to help us come to a conclusion about our sub-genre.

As a result of the focus group, we have decided we want to film within the psychological thriller genre. We all agreed that this would be the most effective sub-genre to capture within an opening sequence. It also allows us to use many techniques and skills to make it as unnerving as possible to the audience without it being gory or too action packed. It was also the sub-genre we enjoyed watching the most and the fact we reached this as a group joint decision that everyone agreed on is good as it means we will all be passionate about the final product.

As we have all conducted a lot of research into the thriller genre which is all still relevant to the psychological thriller genre, we have planned to each watch a film specifically within the psychological thriller sub-genre. This means we have even more focused analysis and we can all share again which aspects we enjoyed from the different films. This might give us a better idea of the narrative we want to create within the final product and we can use our previous thriller genre research to help us challenge and conform to codes and conventions of the genre.

Further Typography Analysis

After deciding what font we are going to use in our opening sequence i decided to research what names are usually displayed and when the title is displayed.

What names are typically shown in opening credits and in what order:

• Name of the studio: 
• Name of the production company: 
• Director/producer: 
• Starring: 
• Film Title:

This shows me that in my groups opening sequence, it would be a good idea not to use our own names as the producers and directors etc as normally there is only one of each. However there are four in our group who have all taken a directors and producers role at some point. Therefore, we might have to do some research into psychological thriller producers and directors and use their names instead of our own to make the opening sequence seem more realistic.

The research also suggested that the title comes straight after all the other credits. Although this is what the research suggests we, as a group, could challenge this to make the title of the film the climax at the end of the built up tension at the end of the opening sequence to challenge stereotypes.

Typography Analysis

After researching codes and conventions of a generic opening sequence, titles and credits are a component that is found in every one is some shape or form. Therefore, we could make the decision to add titles and credits into our opening sequence. To do this I decided to conduct research into typical fonts and genre specific method of integrating them into an opening sequence effectively.

Fonts:
Firstly I decided to look at existing fonts that have been used in existing opening sequences.

First I analysed 'Se7en'. When looking at the font I realised straight away it had been made white to contrast the black background and make it more prominent. Compared to the low key lit background (which we also know is a convention of thriller films) it made what was going on in the background even more uneasy to watch as it appeared to be even harder to see in contrast. Also, when looking specifically at the font chosen it was not a block font. It was almost 'scratchy' and 'scruffy'. This links to the narrative of thriller genres being unconventional and difficult to interpret.

The next film I looked at was 'Lady in a Cage'. This was consistent with the first film I looked at as it was also white. However, this time the font was more generic and appeared to be quite formal. However, there were aspects that make it appear to be unique with some words being different sized fonts and some letters joined and linked to one another and others not. Instead some are placed in and around the other letters.

'The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo' again conformed to what I had found in the previous opening sequences in the way that the typography was white. However this font conformed more to the font used in 'se7en' in the way it wasn't conventional. Some letters appear to look more like symbols that letters and are placed and positioned differently to challenge a typical font. This makes it unique and the use of symbol like letters can suggest the mysteries and challenged within the narrative.

Finally, 'Run Lola Run' again used a white font. Although the titles are in a different language, it confirms that the thriller genre has stereotypical fonts used within it. This inconsistent font (in the way that all letters are of a similar font but there is no pattern in the way they are formed other than they are imperfect) is similar to the fonts I had found previously.

Secondly, I decided to analyse positioning of the lettering:
After watching all the opening sequences and studying the fonts, I realised there were consistencies throughout all of them based on the positioning of the lettering. In each opening sequence each title and credit was positioned in the frame corresponding to another aspect. For example many were integrated above or under a horizontal line. This meant the font blended into the shot more and almost seemed like a part of it. Also, the size of the font was similar in each opening sequence as it never took up the whole of the frame and was never too small so you didn't notice it. It was sized in according to other objects within the frame to make it proportionate but still never the key image.

How this has helped me:

Font: after analysing the font it became clear that it is a code for thriller films to use white fonts as this was consistent throughout every opening sequence I looked at. The font itself, although being less consistent throughout the opening sequences), always had a sense of imperfections. Eg. the letters had rough edges, were almost symbols rather than letters appearing unrecognisable and different shapes and sizes of letters within a word. However, despite this the font was still consistent throughout each opening sequence n the way that the font didn't change, there were just minor variations within the font chosen. Therefore, when creating my opening sequence I will be careful when picking a font that I chose a 'battered' effect around my font and make it white. However, to challenge the typical thriller genre expectations, I could chose a more typical bold font. This could change the viewers expectations of the film from the outset as a bold typical font is not associated with the thriller genre, suggesting everything is fine at the beginning of the film.

Positioning: The positioning of the typography was integrated into each frame in a variation of ways however, it was always integrated into a object or key feature within the frame so it never stood alone. Also, the lettering was always proportionate to the other objects within the frame. This is useful as it confirms that when we create our opening sequence we can have creative freedom to integrate our credits and titles into our frames in whatever way we want as long as we are careful not to make them the key focus of our frame. Also we can do whatever we would like in terms of editing the transitions of the credits as some opening sequences use fades, cuts, swipes etc. If we wanted to challenge the conventions however, we could change the proportions of the lettering within the frame depending on the significance, danger, superiority of the characters etc.

The fact that the opening sequences I analysed were all sub genres of the thriller genre but had the same conventions makes this analysis vital to us as it will be relevant to whatever sub genre of thriller we decide to use.

How has this helped me:
this has helped me as I now know the typical way credits are integrated into an opening sequence. This has helped me develop some ideas on ways I can integrate my own credits as although the credits are always horizontal across a screen, they're never exactly the same. For example I could place my credits behind objects in the screen so they appear to swipe across as it represents things being hidden. This would make our opening sequence unique and suggests plot event for the rest of the film as the audience infer they are being hidden from something.

Lighting Practice

To practice different lighting and to see which types of lighting come across the best on a camera, I decided to practice with different types.

Natural lighting: 

The biggest issue I found with natural lighting (as shown in the time-lapse) is that the lighting changes so much throughout the day that it would be very difficult to get the exact same lighting on different days. This would cause problems if I had to refill or if I had a long scene to film and the lighting changed throughout.

However, the use of natural lighting was easy to use as it required no equipment or setting up. It also portrayed the weather very well for example if I decided to use pathetic fallacy to represent a bad mood or dangerous situation. Natural lighting does this very well if the weather is already stormy etc. as it is picked up well by the camera.

Low key lighting:

 Low key lighting will more than likely be a type of lighting I will use frequently in my final product as it is a convention of the thriller genre. However, using no lighting with amateur cameras is not convenient as we don't have the equipment to film in low key lighting and still be able to pick up small details using specific back lights. Also, the camera quality in the dark is not up to the same standard that the quality would be in any other lighting which would look obvious and unprofessional when used in the final product.

On the other hand, low key lighting and lack of lighting is easy to recreate if you have access to lighting that is easily controlled e.g. home lighting that has a twister dial instead of a light switch. Also it gets dark every night so you can always have access to it.

High key lighting: 

High key lighting is not typically used in the thriller genre as it is not a convention. However, it can be used to represent a hero or when filming a character that is intentionally good looking. However, when practising with high key lighting using an actor/actress, it is very difficult without the right equipment to ensure they have no shadows on their facial features.

On the other hand, it is very easy to create and when arranged properly is achieves what it is meant to effectively; flawless features.

Back lighting:

Back lighting is typically used in the thriller genre when there is one character that is in danger and the back lighting is used to emphasise them. Because we don’t have a suitable source of backlighting as a group, I decided to use the sun to see how it appeared with my iPhone camera. When i took the picture, although the foreground of the shot appeared to look normal, the source of the backlighting itself went blurry as my camera couldn't focus. Howe veer, when I considered the opening sequence, I decided this shouldn’t be a problem as I don’t think there is a plan to include backlighting or low key lighting that would make backlighting necessary.

How has this helped me:

This has helped because i know know what lightning does ad doesn't work well with my camera. It has also made me consider what equipment would be beneficial to have when filming on the day eg. professional lighting. 

Framing And Composition Analysis

To help me when filming my final piece, I decided to analyse certain framing and composition techniques and in particular their symbolism and what they represent. This is so I could find techniques that are conventions to the thriller genre. When I researched the following techniques came up. I researched the ones most relevant to my narrative to give me an indication of how I can use the techniques effectively when it comes to our final piece. I also researched case studies from existing thriller films to help me.

Rules of thirds:
The rule of thirds is where each frame is split into nine equal squares/rectangles. The lines that makes these shapes are equally spaced. The rule of thirds suggests that a frame is more visually pleasing to look at when the objects within it conform to the lines or spaces according to the rule.

This picture shows two people positioned on the centre vertical lines in terms of the grid of the rule of thirds. This can be used to represent two people as being equal as they are positioned equally in terms of ration and distance from the edges of the frames. However, it can also be used to represent two people as against each other by separating them. They are split through a line of symmetry down the centre of the frame and it can use the theory of binary opposition to make them seem like enemies.

Having one object or person directly in the middle of the thirds can be used to highlight this person as the significant aspect of the frame. This is also used when there is a difference of lighting on the left and right thirds of the frame. It often suggests that the person in the centre has a decision to make and the two lights represent the options they can choose.

Head space:

This rule gives actors room above their heads within a frame. It says that there shouldn’t be more than half a head space above them but there also shouldn’t be any less.

In the film 'Se7en' This rule was broken throughout the film intentionally when it came to a female character who is the wife of one of the lead characters: Mills. In the end of the film she has her head cut off and sent to Mills in a box. To foreshadow this, the director ensured that in every frame possible that she was features in, they broke this rule cutting off the top of her head. This foreshadowed her having her head cut off throughout the film.

Symmetrical and Asymmetrical:

Symmetry within a frame is often used to represent a character’s feelings or emotions. It can also be used to portray the situation. For example, if someone is peaceful and relaxed symmetrical framing will be used to suggest everything is in order and how it should be. This can also be used to show how a character is feeling eg. content and happy. However, if there is a problem within a narrative, asymmetrical framing will be used to represent disorder. The emotions: confused and wary would also be represented through asymmetry.



Depth of field:

Depth of field refers to the distance between two objects that are 'sharply' in focus. Within depth of field you can have a very large distance or a very short distance. Short distances between two in focus objects can signify a relationship between them and the strength within it. A long distance can also signify this suggesting that even though the relationship may not be conventional, it is still strong. On the other hand, depth of field can also be used to signify a relationship coming together throughout a narrative. If the depth of field begins to be a shorter distance but progressively becomes larger, it could signify a relationship breaking and vice versa.


180-degree rule:
A rule stating that a camera should be placed somewhere inside 180 degrees on a particular side of the invisible line of a shot containing two people filmed in sequence.  If the camera crosses the line, confusion results for the film viewers, because it makes it look like the people are switching places as someone watches the film.
How will this help me:
This will help me think of the representation of the way props and character are positioned within the frame in my section. For example, because the villain is the more threatening character i could make sure he takes up the majority of the screen and break the head space rule to make him seem like a greater presence. I could also use the asymmetrical framing frequently throughout my opening sequence to display the disorder of the situation. 

Gone Girl: Camera Movement And Shot Analysis

In this scene of Gone Girl Margo (Nicks sister) asks Nick 'What is up?' When we initially see her ask him this the frame is a long two person shot. The two characters are positioned according to symmetry down the centre third of the frame. However, asymmetry is used within the miss en scene to show the left hand side of the frame as jumbled and unorganised and the right hand side as neat and orderly. This could be a representation of Nicks out look on life or current situation as being confused and having no order in his life. Where as, on the right hand side of the frame (the direction Mrago is looking) the miss en scene is tidy showing she has no worries or troubles. As the scene progresses the camera slowly zooms in on the two characters having their discussion as Margo continues to ask Nick what is wrong. This can show that she is slowly becoming closer to Nicks true feelings and personality and that the audience are being trusted enough to be in on their private conversation.The closer she gets to getting him to talk, the closer we get to the actors.









In this scene the audience witnesses the first meet of Nick and Amy. The two person mid shot immediately portrays the fact the characters have never met before. Again the use of the symmetry within the frame and the characters being in the centre third facing each other can suggests that at this moment in time they have made no judgement on each other and can also portray to the audience that they should be considered as equal. This could link to the ongoing theme throughout the film of a police investigation. At this moment in time the shot (with a different miss en scene) could be perceived as an interrogation between two people. The fact the symmetry is used could represent that when the police look back on this moment at the end of the film whilst investigating the events, that they are currently both equal to each other. This suggesting to the audience that they are now open to make their own decisions on the character as no one wants to persuade their opinions. However, when Nick asks Amy 'so who are you?' the camera angle switches to show a long shot in which Amy is in the foreground and is blocking Nick from the audiences view. This can portray to the audience that she is blocking Nick from the true her and as she walks away she is broadening the distance between them almost as if she is distancing Nick from her true self. This is then contrasted when Amy asks Nick the same question. The shot type has now switched from a mid shot to a two person head and shoulder shot. This is confusing as the previous shot suggests that we are being hidden from the truth however this change in shot types suggests they are getting closer. This could suggest to the audience that he is winning her over in  the way of romance and that he is falling for her deceit. This is continues when She asks him 'and you, who are you?' and the camera shot changes from a close up to an over the shoulder shot from nicks perspective through the use of a track. This visually brings the two characters closer together within the frame. This helps to signify the beginning of the relationship.

In this scene the intentional lack of camera movement is important. Amy has returned from 'capture' and this shot is dramatic. The use of having many detectives stood facing her with deep focus on them whilst she is out of focus is important. The audience at this point know she has spun many lies and this could almost be a symbolism of all those lies. The fact she is out of focus can suggest that the audience see the fake her and her real personality isn't clear. However, this shot is almost an over the shoulder shot but inst close enough to be so. The camera then cuts to show a high angled long shot from the detectives point of view. Considering they are interviewing her and getting dramatic information of what she allegedly went through, you would expect the camera to zoom in on Amy becoming closer to her as she opens up. However, the camera is position as far away in the room as possible and is a static shot. The camera then cuts again to be closer to Amy but uses Asymmetry to put her on one side of the frame along with the nurse looking after her but the interrogators on the other. This shows the clear distinction between her and them and uses binary opposition to display them as being against each other. The overall use of purely static shots in this scene represents how she isnt opening up or telling the truth. The camera is almost represented as how the audience feels towards her: cautious and staying at a safe distance away from her without getting closer.

How can this help me:

analaysing these film clips shows me that framing and camera movements are essential when portraying a character. The slightest camer achange can change the way an audience pereieves a character. Also, camera movements are typically zooms when you become closer to a chracter or learn soething more about them and this is a convention of films in general. The distance from the camera and the onbjects within it is often significant in portraying how much you can trust whatever the frame is showing.

Black Swan: Lighting And Costume Analysis

The first frame you see in the clip of the black swan begins completely black. Then a single sourced spotlight slowly brightens from the top left corner of the frame to reveal a female wearing what appears to be a white wedding dress. This is significant as the fading in of the light could suggest the progression of the narrative foreshadowing to the audience that they are about to witness something important. The fact that the spotlight it coming from the top left hand corner of the frame but is aimed at the centre of the frame could also connote, through the use of binary opposition light and dark, that she has a decision to make. The use of a spotlight to make the character seem as shining on appear to be in light yet still subtle light in contrast to the origin of the light source could suggest she is the level headed person in the situation the audience are about to witness. The implications of the use of the white dress suggests innocence and youthfulness continuing this idea. However, the fact it seems to be a wedding dress could suggest she is dependant on another person and is in a premature situation as she should still be living through her youthfulness.

The next scene switches to a close up of her feet using high key top lighting should create a shadow on the floor which could be quite eerie if the audience haven't yet seen her face. However, the use of the reflective surface the lighting is shining on it shows the reflection of her feet using symmetry within the frame to continue the idea of order and peace around this character. The reflection can also suggest what we see is a genuine reflection of her character and she has nothing to hide.

The scene then continues to show a long shot of the woman using a back light to emphasise the dress and we also get to see her appearance fully for the first time. However, the use of the back light (that is possibly still the top spotlight that she has purposely been positioned just in front of) could again foreshadow the narrative suggesting she has to watch her back as there is a presence behind her. Or that there is someone watching or following her.

The introduction of the male character in the next frame uses the theme of binary opposition of good vs evil again through the use of his black costume and her white dress. Also, the fact that no light or very subtle low key lighting is used on him when he enters the room continues to create an eerie feel towards him as if he has something to hide or is dangerous. Furthermore, in this scene when he reaches the woman the spotlight shines directly onto the top right corner of the frame using the hard light to create a glare. However, the contrast of the white bright light to the low key lighting of the rest of the room has been used along with the fact she is staring at it. The sudden intensity of this light could continue the idea from the beginning of the clip where she has a choice to make. The intensity suggesting the decision is now urgent as he has been introduced.Also, the change of lighting from the left of the frame the right of the frame can again suggest something is evolving and changing.

How this can help me:
This can help me as it shows the importance of lighting when portraying a mood/tone/character. Lighting is a good way to subtly foreshadow a characters intentions or personality. It can also be very effective depending on its position within a frame. It can show emotions and be a physical representation of feeelings. Eg. torn (spotlights on opposite sides of a frame), peacefull (symetrical or natural lighting with no source) etc. I have realised that in my final piece i will have to make sure the lighting used within a frame represents how a character is feeling or how the mood is developing.

Prop Analysis: seven opening sequence

Seven begins with a close up of an open book. The fact a book has been used straight away can connote wisdom and knowledge of whoever is reading it. It could also suggest who ever is handling the book strives to know as much as possible about things. The fact the page of the book flips over can also symbolise how the person or narrative is evolving. e.g. as the pages of the book turns, something is developing. Another way of decoding to book could be to link it to religion. Religion can be symbolised by their Holy books. This could foreshadow danger suggesting that whoever it is is praying for something; prayer which can be linked to asking for forgiveness.

The next frame shows the character, who the audience assume is the same as the previous frame, handling a razor. This creates a sinister tone to the audience as razors are often linked with violence and self harm connoting the state of the characters mind. It raises questions of how stable they are. Linked with the low key lighting consistent through the opening sequence so far, it suggests the audience are being kept in the dark about something. Considering the only human we have come across so far is this character, they assume its about them. The fact the razor has numbers/letters engraved into creates further enigma as it suggests it has been branded as if it has an owner. For someone to engrave something as simple as a razor suggests that the owner of it has a reason to be so protective over it.

In-between multiple shots throughout the opening sequence, the editor has edited very short shots of images of people in. The images have been used purposely to make the audience feel uneasy. The fact that the images seem to be quite disturbing but are not shown long enough for them to understand what it is can be disorientating and nerving to the audience. Furthermore, the use of the props of the images themselves can also effect the audience as it suggests the character we haven't really been introduced to has been watching someone. The symbolism of the photographs suggesting that he is always looking at them as they are a permanent thing.

Next we see the character using the prop of a pen and paper to write. The use of the fast paced editing and jump cuts to follow them writing across the paper creates a sense of urgency. The fact they are writing down makes this particularly eerie as it suggests he is rushing to get his thoughts down or rushing to record something. This could suggest some of their characteristics almost as if he is unstable as he is in such urgency to record his thoughts that he almost cant cope with them. On the other hand, it could foreshadow the narrative as it could suggest they are planning something in great detail.

Over all this opening sequence is effective as the audience are never introduced to the character. Instead they see him/her interacting with objects that all have sinister connotations. This forces them to make judgement on the character due to what props they see. The props have all been purposely selected to continue the early connotations the low key lighting, fast paced editing and threatening music all created. They generate an enigma as to the intentions of the character and the props add to this as they all have negative connotations but they are never confirmed to be used for the negative reason therefore, it leaves the audience in immediate tension and suspense for the rest of the film.

How this will help me:
This opening sequence will help me because i have realised how important the connotations of props are. As in our opening sequence we are planning on following our stalkers routine on preparing to kidnap the victim, i have realised we need to plan what props our stalker interacts with. I have also realised that you do not have to constantly include the characters interacting with props but it is equally as effective just to have frame that are filled with a specific prop that could foreshadow narrative events and characters personalities.

Preliminary Task

Preliminary Task Planning

For our preliminary task we were asked to film a sequence that included the following:

• Film someone opening a door
• walking across a room
• sitting down opposite from someone
• engaging in a couple of lines of conversation

Other than this we were given three specific requirements:

• We had to follow the 180 degree rule
• There had to be match of action
• We had to include the reverse shot

Therefore, when planning the preliminary task i decided to film it on my own and not in a group in order to gain as much filming and editing experience as possible. Originally i planned on using my two friends in my task and just filming them walking into a room and having an everyday conversation, of which i would have filmed from a range of angles and shot types. However when i thought about it i decided to change my mind and think of a short narrative that would compliment my genre and my current pitch idea. 

As a result i decided to plan my preliminary task in the form of a story board and shot list. My new plan was to film a girl as if she was the friend of the girl that goes missing in my current pitch idea. The idea was to make it seem she was at a counselling session talking about her missing friend. I did this intentionally so i could gain practise filming in relation to the thriller genre and could practise using shots that are conventional to the genre as well. 

Here is my initial storyboard plan:

Gone Girl Opening Sequence Analysis

How does this media text use media language to communicate and appeal to its target audience?The opening sequence of ‘Gone Girl’ conforms to the thriller narrative therefore appealing to its primary unisex target audience of eighteen year olds (in terms of the BBFC) to thirty year olds, who have psycho-graphics of thriller films. The first shot in the opening sequence appeals to the female audience who enjoy sub plots of romance. This shot appears to be a point of view shot and accompanied by the non diegetic dialogue, ‘I always think of her head’ it suggests there is an intimate relationship between Amy and whoever it is that is staring at her. The use of the pronoun, ‘I’ creates an immediate enigma around who the narrator is. The fact the narrators identity is also withheld through his absence in semiotics could also reflect that he sees Amy as most important and significant and therefore doesn’t want to take the attention away from her. As a result, this connotes to the audience that whoever is staring at Amy, who appears to be the hero in terms of Props character theory, is admiring her and appreciating her. This sets the tone of love and peace backed up by the intimate action of stroking her head. This appeals to mainly the female audience as they can relate to the intimacy and aspire to have that sort of relationship.

However, half way through this shot there is a tonal shift created through the use of the non diegetic dialogue: ‘I picture cracking her lovely skull and spooling her brains’. This creates an uneasy tone to the audience due to the juxtaposition of the intimate actions displayed through the use of semiotics and the violence suggested through his dialogue; Amy now appears a a victim. This also changes the expectations of the stock narrative, therefore appealing to a more mass audience of males who enjoy the violence denoted by the dialogue used. This offers the opposite interpretation from before as the audience now questions who the narrator is and worries for Amy's safety. The producers have also encoded Amy's body language to create the sense that she is not moving and have placed the narrators violent dialogue over the top to create a sinister feel. This could connote death and makes the audience feel uncomfortable almost as if they're witnessing something much more sinister than it originally seemed. Due to this, it offers the opposite interpretation that we are being withheld from the narrators identity as he has something to hide not because of his selflessness that we originally expected. The audience will now associate the narrator as having an almost psychopathic personality.

At the end of the narration the woman turns to stare towards the camera. This forces the audience to feel a sense of relief due to the denotation of her body language connoting death through symbolism. Due to the timing of her turning around it also makes it seem as if the narrator had been talking out loud. This connotes that they have a close relationship as she could almost read his mind and that maybe she is used to his dark thoughts and accepts them as if they're nothing as she doesn’t have a scared expression on her face. Already, the linear narrative that has lead the audience to confusion through different emotions portrayed. This can be a reflection of the narrative and the characters emotions therefore suggesting the film is a psychological thriller appealing to the target audience who have specific psychogrphics in this sub genre. Although the expression is not scared, she doesn’t appear to be relaxed, instead the straight mouth, wide eyes and lifted eyebrows suggest she is calculating and plotting something in her head. This assisted with the fact she inst looking directly into the camera, which is meant to be the narrators point of view, suggests that maybe we cant trust her as she can’t ‘look you in the eye’. This, to the viewer, creates intrigue into her personality and they expect an aspect of the narrative to explore why she doesn’t trust. They emphasise with her clearly slightly damages state.

             
As the narration moves on, the audience is again forced to change their opinions on the situation. The woman, who initially appeared as the victim begins to appear delirious as she moves slowly pressing her face into the mans stomach and her gaze now appearing threatening rather than loving. The intimacy of her being closer to the man switches the audiences worries from her to his safety. The use of the pale makeup they have used on her emphasises this making her appear ill and linking to her mental state. This could represent her to the audience as having inhuman traits, again adding to the mystery already created around her character. The use of the light in the doorway in the background contrasted with the more low key lighting on the woman herself makes her appear as if she is almost the dark side through the encoding of binary opposition. The fact the light is also in a doorway is significant as is symbolises that the man needs to escape building the tension of the viewer as they worry that the male character will not escape.

This close up shot is then followed up, through the use of a fade away, with an establishing shot featuring the title ‘Gone Girl’ in the centre. The fact that the establishing shot lacks any people suggests the location for the film will be isolated, it could also symbolise the feeling of the characters we just met and how alone they feel. The theme of secrecy is also continued from the first shot in which enigmas are created and not answered, as the use of the sea, dark and isolation have been encoded. This can link to the narrative suggesting that as the audience already know it is a thriller, this location can be the perfect place for typical thriller plots to take place: small, lonely and empty. Furthermore, the fact that the ‘Gone Girl’ title literally disappears through the use of a fade out suggests the narrative. The use of white also symbolising her empty space. So far the audience have only met one woman and this could foreshadow that she will disappear at some point through out the narrative. This conforms to the narrative theory that suggests the target audience appeal to what they know and what they can predict. However, the apposing theory suggesting that the target audience also enjoy a sense of the unknown can also conform to the opening sequence so far as the stock characters in terms of props character theory have not been established and the target audience are still confused and un-trusting towards the characters they have met so far.

The next shot shows Nick stood outside a house. The audience automatically infer that Nick is the male whose voice we heard in the narration in the previous shots. This instantly makes the audience feel threatened by him but also intrigued. This is continued by the hesitation before he turns his back to walk towards the house. His stance is also intriguing as his manly physique, creating the representational issue that all men should aspire for the muscly body type, is contrasted by his hunched posture almost as if he is anxious. The long shot used to frame this shot also keeps the audience in their comfort zone due to their instinct that so far the situation is dangerous: the long shot reflects that they are safer from a distance. However, it might also make some viewers feel like they want to get to know him on a personal level as they feel like they have been mislead towards his intentions making them feel guilty. The theme of juxtaposition is also continued in this shot. The juxtaposition of the abnormal feelings displayed by the male and the uneasy feel the audience generate for themselves after meeting the female for the first time are continued towards the characters. However, this abnormal tone created is juxtaposed to the familiar every day situation of being stood outside of a stereotypical American house and garage and carrying out normal every day activities suggested by the bins in the foreground of the shot, which again the audience can relate to creating a sense of surface realism to his character.

The final shot of the opening sequence remains a long shot outside the front of the house but has moved further away. It allows the audience to see Nick moving back towards the door of the house. As he does the non diegetic musics volume increases and quickens. This builds tension to the audience and makes them anxious to see what events will follow. However, because of the confusion generated towards the characters previously due to various changes in opinions, they will find it difficult to predict what he Is about to do or what is about to happen. This means that the function of the opening sequence has been achieved by the events and semantics encoded by the producer. As the audience are struggling to decode everything and make sense of what is happening, they are intrigued and almost ‘in to deep’ to stop watching now. They are so interested in the dynamics of the characters that have been created that they want to see how the narrative will play out. They have, by now, categorised the film into the thriller genre category and are inferring that the narrative will contain some sort of female disappearance and an attempt to discover where she if and who has taken her.

How will this helps me:
The main thing i can take from this opening sequence is how to use the miss-en-scene to represent characters and relationships. Also how to subtly suggest things about characters without instantly giving their personalities away. This helps to create a creepy tone from the beginning of thriller films as you're not sure weather to trust the character you think you are seeing. I think this is especially effective when meeting characters in a relationship as from previous opening sequence research (see previous blog post on Inception) i realised that when you meet two apposing character types together eg. hero and villain it is important to clarify their roles immediately.

Practice Editing: Sound

   
To gain experience in filming and editing i took a series of short slips simply following the 'victim' walking down a stairs. I decided to create a thriller genre tone and the aim was to build tension through the music so that at the end of the short sequence it made it seem someone had been following her. I made the short sequence on final cut pro and used sound clips in the sound bank and some of you tube that were available for download.

Sound:
I decided to mute all diegetic sound from the clips to get rid of ambient sounds. Instead i decided to practice using sound effects and soundtracks by layering them to build tension. I began by using the non diegetic pleonastic sound, synchronously with some of the actions like putting her hood up, taking her first step, appearing around a corner. I used this specific sound as it sounded computer generated but also as if something was brushing past her at speed. I did this on purpose to make it seem like their was an inhuman presence adding to the feeling she was being followed. I also tried to add this sound effect when there was a camera transition to create a sense of urgency between shots.

Furthermore, i added a non diegetic heart beat in post production towards the end of the sequence and in the final frame reading '...the woods' this is a typical sound effect used to build tension and represent the heartbeat of the character herself speeding up.

Layered on top of the soundtrack that is continuous throughout the whole sequence i added a sound crescendo clip at around 0;25 that also built tension as it got louder suggesting there was going to be a climax. Therefore, the audience feel tense as they are waiting for something bad to happen but aren't sure exactly when it will take place.

The non diegetic scream effect i faded in and faded out at the very end of the sequence when all other sound stopped. This added dramatic effect as the audience didn't get to see what the 'victim' saw and it suggested the narrative in the way that a scream signifies violence and fear. Therefore, the audience confirmed to themselves that she was being followed. The fact that they hear the scream but don't get to see what was so scary is effective as it creates an enigma.

Filming:
Shot types: i tried to incorporate a range of shot types when filming the sequence. I used a long shot, an over the shoulder shot, a mid shot, a point of view shot and a head and shoulders shot. I did this to firstly include the setting in the shots to represent her being isolated and vulnerable and also to see which shot types were more effective. Within the shots i also tried to keep the identification of the character to a minimum again to create mystery and intrigue.

Camera movements and transitions: I used a hand held shot, a whip pan and a track. I used the hand held shot to make the audience feel as if they were gaining an insight of her fear and horror to allow them to emphasise with her character. The track was a stationary track to create the impression someone was watching her from a far and the whip pan was used within the hand held shot to make the fact that she had seen something behind her more realistic and believable.

Audience feedback:
I asked a boy and a girl in my year at school to watch my sequence and give me brief feedback. I chose these two as they are in the target audience for my final product. Therefore, any feedback gained would effect what decision i make for the final product.

When asked specifically how the sound effects created tension and suspense the feedback was:

• 'I was the most scared when the music got louder and loads of things were happening at once'
• 'The scream at the end and the bit where the camera turns round really quick is what makes me want to watch what happens next the most'
• 'Watching her walk from all different places (meaning camera angles) made me feel confused which made me even more scared because i wanted to know what was going on'

When asked what i could include to make it scarier the main feedback i got was:

• 'I think hearing children's or someones voice whispering words over the top of the music would make it even creepier.'

How will this help me:

The fact i know that the layering of sound effects is effective along with the match of action, complemented by quicker cuts between shots as the sound effects get louder gives me something i can refer to when editing the sound used in my final product, again to create tension. I also have confirmation that is achieves what i intended it to and my target audience liked it. I also know that if i did this again the addition of whispers and voices layered on top of the sound effects would be even more effective.

Inception Opening Sequence Analysis

To help me decide on what I need to include when we create our own opening sequence we have decided to watch existing films opening sequences and title sequences. This will be useful as it gives us an insight into the codes and conventions of title and opening sequences and also gives us an opportunity to explore further existing films already existing in the thriller genre.

Inception opening sequence:


The opening sequence of 'Inception' uses the immediate close-up of the actor Leonardo DiCaprio to generate instant credibility to the audience. not only can the pre-existing mass audience of people with psychopathic of Leonardo DiCaprio films but his presence also instantly suggests an action narrative. This is appealing to the primary target audience of males aged between 15 and 25 years old. They may have interests in typical thriller genres that contain violence, chase sequences and confrontation, all of which are later denoted in the opening sequence. This also appeals to the narrative theory that the audience appeal to what they know and can predict.

Furthermore, the cut to the room in which we meet the villain in terms of Props character theory appeals to the audience. He is presented as a villain though the use of high low angled shots of him sat at the table suggesting his power and the long shots used to connote that the audience don't have an intimate insight into his real personality and should therefore stay away. The villain is sat at a mirrored table, consistent with the rest of the mirrored surfaced props. This denotation of the blurred reflected image of him therefore connotes that what we see might not necessarily be a true reflection of his personality. This links to the narrative plot suggesting that he will be the villain that leo, the hero, will have to fight so reveal his intentions. As well as this, the fact the villain is surrounded by body guards, whose faces aren't revealed suggesting inferiority, suggests he has something to hide. Exploring the minds motif suggests a vulnerability. This is backed up through the fast paced transitions between the next shot symbolising moving through depths of this mans subconscious.

This theme of secrecy is also continued through the diegetic dialogue. The villain says 'I will consider your proposal'; however, this is shown through a long shot suggesting you cant trust him. This is followed by him turning his back on the camera having a symbolic connotation of lack of loyalty, as he leaves into a bustling room. This suggests he is disappearing into the unknown and makes the audience question his intentions and also see how vulnerable the other characters are as they are in a location of unfamiliarity.

On the other hand; Leonardo decaprio, appeals to the audience as he appeals to the stereotype of 'tall dark and handsome' of which women appeal to. His confidence adds to his attraction shown through the forwards posture.This creates a secondary target audience of female aspirers who aim to have a handsome and rich husband (connoted by the tuxedo and luxurious locations).  However, this could also create the alternate view from women that they deem it offensive for the hero to be played by a strong male as it suggests women are materialistic, appealing o the dominant hegemony.

The ct to the scene of the car on fire continues to appeal to the audience. The denotation of the explosion connotes there will be danger and and violence throughout the narrative. This is appealing to aspirers as we have already been introduced to the male hero so they appeal to the male representation as an honourable hero. This means they can infer the hero will 'save the day'.

The further use of the costume continues to appeal to the audience. The introduction of the female princess (as suggested by props character theory) is important.the fact she is wearing a black cloaked hood can connote mystery and death. This is continued by the dialogue. 'if i jump will i die?'. This suggests she is not to be trusted and is a danger to the mission and to Leo himself. However, in the next scene she removes her cloak to reveal her shoulders and a more revealed side to her. This suggests he knows her on an intimate level. He continues to say 'i don't trust you Mal.' The use of the nickname suggest they have a history and there is love between them. Symbolically she seems to represent his inner desires and needs. This can infer the narrative suggesting she is the object withing his own subconscious he will have to overcome. this appeals to the members of the audience who enjoy a romance sub plot.

Finally the use of props appeals to the audience. The use of the envelope and the reference to the 'safe' have a symbolic meaning creating a motif of secrecy. This suggests to the audience there are secrets and aspects of the characters and previous narrative that they don't yet know but will slowly be unopened. Furthermore, the use of the guns and weapons introduced in parallel to the non diegetic sound track appeals to the young male audience who enjoy the thrill of a chase. The fact he is running up a flight of stairs and the camera is tracking him can also symbolise his own personal journey through his subconscious. It suggests he is navigating through it as if he has a final mission of his own. However, this can also create the representational issue that gun crime and chases are considered 'cool' and are being represented as something that is socially acceptable as it is shown in a positive way that celebrates Leos bravery. This conforms to the hypodermic syringe theory, encouraging the target audience to conform to gun crime.

How will this help me?
This research is useful to me to use in my final product. From this opening sequence i have specifically learnt the importance of semiotics for foreshadowing narratives. Also the initial representation of characters when creating first opinions as the way they are represented and portrayed can alter the audiences relationship with them from the outset. For example if you represent a hero with a negative undertone or negative suspicion towards them, you have created unwanted doubt towards them when that is not your intention. This could potentially alter the audiences expectations of the narrative and characters which will therefore leave them disappointed when they are not fulfilled as you incorrectly represented a character.

Practice Shots

To practice for filming i decided to practice capturing different shot types and angles specific to the thriller genre, including within it the typical villain makeup i learnt from my makeup research.

Extreme close up:
Extreme close ups are often used to create dramatic effect by creating a reaction shot. They often show a characters eyes (typically the hero/victim) looking at something beyond the camera that they are clearly scared of. This builds tension to the audience as they are apprehensive to see what it is that is causing the characters fear.

Close up:

Close ups can be similar to an extreme close up but allow the viewer to see more than just the eyes. It means they can see their whole facial expression so is often used for happier emotions as the mouth can also be seen.

Head and shoulder:

A head and shoulder shot allows the audience not only to see the characters facial expression but aspects of the miss en scene around them and their stance. Therefore, this shot is often used to show a characters emotions in relations to their surroundings. 

Mid shot:

A mid shot can be used to create emphasis on a certain part of a frame depending on its position within it. It can also be used to show a lack of trust between the audience and a character as they are not close enough to them to know them intimately.

Long shots:

Long shots can consist of one person or more (a two shot etc) to show the audience the location and what the miss en scene around them consists of.

Low angle:

A low angle shot is typically used on the villain in the thriller genre to represent them as being more powerful and threatening. This highlights to the audience that the character in the shot is usually the villain as they are the bigger and more prominent presence.

High angle:

This shot is usually used on the hero or the victim as it represents them as being small and powerless. It highlights to the viewer how vulnerable they are as they have a smaller influence at that moment.

Birds eye view:

A birds eye view shot is often used when a character, usually the hero or victim, is in an isolated location. It shows the viewer how small they are in comparison to their surroundings and can highlight how helpless they are. 

Shallow focus:

This can be used to show the viewer what is in the foreground of a shot whilst also creating an enigma around what is in the background. This shot will often be  used to put the victim out of focus in the foreground but the villain in focus behind the victim in the background to show the villain is stalking or creeping up on the victim.

Deep focus:

This shot is often used to show the villains perspective whilst stalking or creeping up on on a hero or villain. The villain will often be out of focus in the foreground and the hero or victim in focus in the background.

Establishing shots:

Establishing shots are often used to set the scene and location of a thriller film. They often consist of abandoned looking houses and isolated locations that foreshadow there will be typical narrative events taking place here (eg. murder/stalking) meaning no one is around to witness them.

How this has helped me:
Researching the representation behind different shot types has helped me think about the shot types I will include in my section of the opening sequence. For example, it has made me consider how the audience should relate to each character. I could use close ups to represent that the audience think they know a character well. However,er I could then gradually introduce more long shots to create enigma around the fact that the audience originally thought they knew the characters well but now more is being revealed, its not what they originally expected. It has also given me more experience in framing and composition within a shot and how to position a character to make them seem more threatening or vulnerable.