Q1 ) In what ways does your media product use, develop, or challenge the forms and conventions of real media products?
A1) One thing our media product has used that fits the conventions and forms of real media products is the use of opening credits, firstly to add credibility to the film itself, as well as break up the clip duration and make it more interesting for the audience. Secondly, we added approapriate background music, to helo set the mood and introduce the film itself. Finally the use of Authentic characters/actors, meant that the film seemed more realistic and added clarity along a variety of appropriate settings.
Q2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?
A2) Our media product represents modern youth, as being binge drinkers, and drug takers - This in turn links back to the plot itself as it also helps with the representation of recklessness through the use of these substances. Also it shows how youth rely on technology heavily in everyday life. For example the Boy is shown receiving a text to go and 'pick up' some ' stuff' and later is shown dead, because of his want for drugs, he was careless and willing to take risks.
Q3) What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?
A3) Hopefully a large Hollywood studio would distribute our final product to cinemas etc. for example Warner Brothers is a large Hollywood studio that could possibly distribute the product in the real market to cinemas and television etc.
Q4) Who would be the audience for your media production?
A4) Our audience would probably be largely aimed younger people between 15 -25 as they may be more able to relate to the activities taken part by the actors - I.e drugs and alcholol
consumption. we figured out our target audience from the feedback sheets handed out after showing a sample to a room of mixed age etc. the positive feedback seemed to come back from the younger audience rather than the over 25's.
Q5) How did you attract/address your audience?
A5) One way we attracted our Audience was with the creation of our poster/front cover, which caused excitement amongst the audience around our area. Secondly by using social networking sites such as facebook, we were able to promote and advertise our production.
Q6) What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?
A6) I have learn how to operate a video camera, apple mac computer and extras such as tri-pods etc, as well as upload and edit footage effectively. I have also learn that the technology used is expensive, and must be treated with care. Finally i have learned that it is better to over film and cut down footage rather than to film just enough and run the risk of not having enough imagery to play with.
Q7) Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?
A7) looking back at our task, i have learnt many things. firstly, it is clear that my ability to plan and organize has developed to a much better standard since we began to make and plan our film. Also, my teamwork skills have increased as the majority of the project had to be working along side others, such as actors etc. finally i have learn how to effectively use the editing tools available to me to edit, and neaten up our video clips, and put them together into a film!
Sunday, 2 May 2010
How to break up the clip to keep audience interest?
We decided the best way to accomplish this would be by introducing 'mini' credits, and statements that flash up throughout the intro for approximately 2 seconds at a time. As well as informing the audience of the stars, and people behind the creation of ,'The Condemned' the background chosen to present this text, also helps to set the theme and fits the conventions to go with our film.
This simple idea means that our introduction is broken up, meaning the video footage does not become boring.
This simple idea means that our introduction is broken up, meaning the video footage does not become boring.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Our final thriller introduction As Media studies - The Condemned
Our final finished piece after much planning and production.
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
The Youtube upload helped us to see what we could improve our film further by and helped the group to understand some flaws in our production, as well as give us some very positive feedback. the comments can be seen by clicking on the video and linking to youtube.
some of the comments ;
TheBethhh123 - Wow, this is really good : ) well donee!
Gazz095 - It's good Matt, i think the background track goes well with the video, however i couldn't make out the text on your phone.
07jonesy07 - Love the recording of the scenes, reminds me of Kidulthood!
ellisbaker93 - I like it matt, very professional
Audence feedback is very important to the group and throughout the project has helped to guide and mould our final production to help penatrate the target audience base and make our film as effective and good as possible.
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Ideas and guidance part 2
This video helped to remind, and teach us of the main ways to make a successful film. Combining all of the various aspects required in theory the finished production should be successful. The film outlines the importance of ;
- Fear factor
-Unique plot
-Have a good script
-Good crew
-Realistic actors
-Invest in the main 'villain' or 'monster' - film hangs on this
-Make a schedule
-Shoot the script
-Tense, frightening and creepy/scary
As well as video lessons and guidance, we were inspired by several directors whilst making our Thriller.
For example ;
Alfred Hitchcock - After watching both 'Pyscho' and 'The Birds' i picked up methods to build up tension and suspense within the audience. Hitchcocks clever use of black and white also temped the group to try a similar approach to give an eerie effect. Born in 1899 Hithcock's ideas revolutionised the film industry and gave the group many good ideas and techniques to making a good film.
Steven Spielberg - Creating films that dominated the market such as 'Jaws' and 'Jurassic Park' Spielberg was a huge player in the film industry and the methods and techniques he used helped us to develop our production and create the final piece.
Deciding the ending of the film
Initially we had come up with several ways to end the film. The first idea to show the girl tied to a chair in an abandoned house, being held hostage, was put aside as issues with the safety of the location were questionable and the risk of injury was too high. Likewise the second idea of one of the main characters being stalked, and the film ending with an arm rapping around them, using a crescendo to amplify the suspense was not used as after planning we thought our third idea fitted the story better, and gave a glimpse of the murderer himself.
The last idea put forward, was the one that we used in the end production. The build up shows the boy receiving a text as he departs from the girl, asking him to come and meet somebody to pick up some things. The boy is not again seen until a few minutes later. After the girl is shown drinking in her house, a 'mysterious' man is shown picking up a phone off the boys body lying on the floor and texting the girl to get her to come and meet him, she is obviously unaware that it is not her boyfriend. The girl is then shown running down to the body! and then is grabbed by the man. Finally the title of the film hits the audience, 'The Condemned' , followed by the credits, leaving room for though of what could have taken place after these events.
The last idea put forward, was the one that we used in the end production. The build up shows the boy receiving a text as he departs from the girl, asking him to come and meet somebody to pick up some things. The boy is not again seen until a few minutes later. After the girl is shown drinking in her house, a 'mysterious' man is shown picking up a phone off the boys body lying on the floor and texting the girl to get her to come and meet him, she is obviously unaware that it is not her boyfriend. The girl is then shown running down to the body! and then is grabbed by the man. Finally the title of the film hits the audience, 'The Condemned' , followed by the credits, leaving room for though of what could have taken place after these events.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Final name for Horror/Thriller
After much debate and input, the final for the name of the film has been decided.
It has been decided that the film should be named , 'The Condemned'. It is thought this is an approapriate name for the film as the definition in the context used is, no future and a lost soul, which of course is linked back to the murder incorporated into the film itself.
It has been decided that the film should be named , 'The Condemned'. It is thought this is an approapriate name for the film as the definition in the context used is, no future and a lost soul, which of course is linked back to the murder incorporated into the film itself.
Inspiration and ideas
Before the initial planning and designing of the horror thriller, the group watched many films to help give ideas of the conventions and good methods to use when creating the start of a horror/thriller film. some of the films we watched were ;
-Taking lives
-No Country for Old Men
-Seven
From watching these films we realized the importance of the beggining of films, and how they set the plot, and image of characters for the rest of the Story. Of course a title page was needed after the initial opening scene, which we learn was fairly routine in most of the films that we watched.
-Taking lives
-No Country for Old Men
-Seven
From watching these films we realized the importance of the beggining of films, and how they set the plot, and image of characters for the rest of the Story. Of course a title page was needed after the initial opening scene, which we learn was fairly routine in most of the films that we watched.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
what are the steryotypical conventions of a Horror/Thriller?
Most films of this mixed genre often follow a stereotypical pattern and use similar methods to develop the story.
One method often used by directors is the use of suspense and tension. By creating a tense scene in a film, the filmmakers have the audience sitting on the end of their seats waiting for something, anything unexpected to happen suddenly. A good example of this method is shown in the film, 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock's clever use of non-diagetic sound crescendos, choppy clips and twisted plot leave the audience in a state of angst and confusion at many points in his film.
Taking aspects from both genres and combining them, the mixed genre creates a whole new style of Horror. Horrors are commonly known for the blunt, easy to follow plot with jumpy scenes that often include gore and death, however when this is mixed with the thriller genre, a psychological aspect becomes incorporated within the plot, that makes it's viewers think and ponder throughout the film.
Obviously a horror/thriller, as well as being a story packed with mystery and confusion, still must include some aspects of a horror, that can be interpreted as 'scary' by the target audience.
One method often used by directors is the use of suspense and tension. By creating a tense scene in a film, the filmmakers have the audience sitting on the end of their seats waiting for something, anything unexpected to happen suddenly. A good example of this method is shown in the film, 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock's clever use of non-diagetic sound crescendos, choppy clips and twisted plot leave the audience in a state of angst and confusion at many points in his film.
Taking aspects from both genres and combining them, the mixed genre creates a whole new style of Horror. Horrors are commonly known for the blunt, easy to follow plot with jumpy scenes that often include gore and death, however when this is mixed with the thriller genre, a psychological aspect becomes incorporated within the plot, that makes it's viewers think and ponder throughout the film.
Obviously a horror/thriller, as well as being a story packed with mystery and confusion, still must include some aspects of a horror, that can be interpreted as 'scary' by the target audience.
Possible choices for background music etc.
Overall background music:
- The streets - blinded by the light
- Pheonic amadeus wolfgang - Armistice
- Creepy twinkle twinkle little star song - sang by a little girl
- you me at 6 - fireworks
Extra sound effects? :
-Quick sharp noise as picture of knife flashes up
- Same for the flashing picture of a dead body
FINAL DECISION FOR BACKGROUND MUSIC
We have final decided on choosing the instrumental for the song, blinded by the light - The streets. We chose to use the instrumental rather than the full song with words because we thoguht the music itself helped to set the scene, and allowed the few minutes we had to play with, run smoothly and effectivly.
- The streets - blinded by the light
- Pheonic amadeus wolfgang - Armistice
- Creepy twinkle twinkle little star song - sang by a little girl
- you me at 6 - fireworks
Extra sound effects? :
-Quick sharp noise as picture of knife flashes up
- Same for the flashing picture of a dead body
FINAL DECISION FOR BACKGROUND MUSIC
We have final decided on choosing the instrumental for the song, blinded by the light - The streets. We chose to use the instrumental rather than the full song with words because we thoguht the music itself helped to set the scene, and allowed the few minutes we had to play with, run smoothly and effectivly.
Final scene selection still pictures.
1) The first scene takes place at Co-op when the couple walk out of the shop.
2) The camera pans with the actors and follows them until they pass round this corner.
5) She is then shown drinking in her bedroom and then recieves a text off her boyfriend asking her to meet him.
2) The camera pans with the actors and follows them until they pass round this corner.
5) She is then shown drinking in her bedroom and then recieves a text off her boyfriend asking her to meet him.
Equipment list
Main Equipment
-1x Video camera
-1x Tripod
-1x Still camera
-1x Apple mac editing computer
-1x Dell laptop for research
Props
-2x large knife
-1x bottle of vodka (empty)
-10x used bottles of beer/wine etc
-Cocaine substitute (sugar)
-1x Debet card
-1x guitar
-2x Mobiles
Clothing
Murderer - 1x dark coat
1x coton bottoms
Main male actor (killed) - 1x white polo shirt
1x black cardigan
1x blue jeans
1x converse all stars
Actress - 1x black top
1x blue jeans
Makeup
-1x bottle of red food dye
-1x bag of flour
-1x Video camera
-1x Tripod
-1x Still camera
-1x Apple mac editing computer
-1x Dell laptop for research
Props
-2x large knife
-1x bottle of vodka (empty)
-10x used bottles of beer/wine etc
-Cocaine substitute (sugar)
-1x Debet card
-1x guitar
-2x Mobiles
Clothing
Murderer - 1x dark coat
1x coton bottoms
Main male actor (killed) - 1x white polo shirt
1x black cardigan
1x blue jeans
1x converse all stars
Actress - 1x black top
1x blue jeans
Makeup
-1x bottle of red food dye
-1x bag of flour
Friday, 16 April 2010
Cast and staff.
Main camera man - James Perry
Co-camera - Matt Marlow/Matt Bentley.
Actress - Hannah Fyfe
Main actor - Matt Bentley
Murderer - Matthew Marlow
Editing and effects - James Perry, Matthew Bentley and Matt Marlow
The cast and other staff all worked together and helped to introduce new ideas, methods, angles and creating the finished plot line.
Co-camera - Matt Marlow/Matt Bentley.
Actress - Hannah Fyfe
Main actor - Matt Bentley
Murderer - Matthew Marlow
Editing and effects - James Perry, Matthew Bentley and Matt Marlow
The cast and other staff all worked together and helped to introduce new ideas, methods, angles and creating the finished plot line.
Ideas and feedback part 1
What i think so far. Its good but if it is going to be 'Thrilling' then we need to flash to pictures or VERY short clips throughout the co-op scene and they could be of
Blood in a sink ?
Someone cleaning blood ?
Credits ?- if we could it'd be good to do them in a bloody font on photoshop first and just place them as stills rather than a title page, ill look into that on my PC
Bloody clothes ?
Matt Bentley dead ?
Alcohol ?
Drugs ?
Murder Weapon ?
Killer ?
Blood- Anything red ?
Anything that gives a bit away about the story line. Because at the moment, did you guess what's going on or is it just the same; drugs; alcohol and murder that every year 12 does ? So therefore flashing a weapon and/or a person would at least hint a possible story line ? :)
OH and, have you got any ideas of something special we could put in it to make it stand out ? like i know its a bit farfetched but having someone fall off a roof, just push the boat out to something no year 12 has done before!
Any more feedback ?
Also look through itunes at the streets songs, some of them could be sued for it and some of the dramatic 50 cent ones.
Leave me a 'stickie' to tell me what you have done and what you would like me to do when i get this back if i do!,
*feedback written by james perry
Blood in a sink ?
Someone cleaning blood ?
Credits ?- if we could it'd be good to do them in a bloody font on photoshop first and just place them as stills rather than a title page, ill look into that on my PC
Bloody clothes ?
Matt Bentley dead ?
Alcohol ?
Drugs ?
Murder Weapon ?
Killer ?
Blood- Anything red ?
Anything that gives a bit away about the story line. Because at the moment, did you guess what's going on or is it just the same; drugs; alcohol and murder that every year 12 does ? So therefore flashing a weapon and/or a person would at least hint a possible story line ? :)
OH and, have you got any ideas of something special we could put in it to make it stand out ? like i know its a bit farfetched but having someone fall off a roof, just push the boat out to something no year 12 has done before!
Any more feedback ?
Also look through itunes at the streets songs, some of them could be sued for it and some of the dramatic 50 cent ones.
Leave me a 'stickie' to tell me what you have done and what you would like me to do when i get this back if i do!,
*feedback written by james perry
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Design for front cover of dvd case/poster etc.
This is a first rough design that has been created for the front cover of our film.
The white spaces are roughly where text such as the title, and director's name etc will be placed.
The use of red background catches eyes of people and contrasts well with the black behind. The bluntness of the image, a head with knives stabbed in, suggests a scary, mysterious plot with potential for gore, and killings.
The picture of the wooden head is symbolic and could be seen as a metaphore for the dead by the audience. It takes a human head which is obviously asociated with life, butis made from wood, a dead, lifeless material.
The white spaces are roughly where text such as the title, and director's name etc will be placed.
The use of red background catches eyes of people and contrasts well with the black behind. The bluntness of the image, a head with knives stabbed in, suggests a scary, mysterious plot with potential for gore, and killings.
The picture of the wooden head is symbolic and could be seen as a metaphore for the dead by the audience. It takes a human head which is obviously asociated with life, butis made from wood, a dead, lifeless material.
'The Insane' short overview/analysis
This short horror film fits conventions of the horror genre as well as introducing the twists and turns included by Thrillers.
The opening scene of an establishing shot, helps the audience to gain a better understanding of where and when the story is taking place, and the title of the film, ' The Insane' that flashes up on the screen over the establishing shot automatically guides the audiences mind to what is to come next. The title alone is a good example of how the director has incorporated the themes and ideas commonly used in hybrid thriller films. 'The insane' title leads the audience to follow what is shown to them as the story unfolds, showing John Vincen slaying the 'crazy' murderers before him. However the twist does not become apparent until the end, where 'The insane' turns out to be John, and not the madmen shown to the audience.
The lunatics shown to the audience are shown through the eyes of John Vincen almost the whole way throughout the clip. a good example of this is is around 38 seconds into the film, where the director has used a point of view shot and jerky camera movements to imitate the walking, and sight of John himself.
Also, by using the classic movements, and clothing that we can all associate with the stereotypical mad, and creepy character, the director allows us to easily grasp and understand what is taking place.
Skipping to the end of the clip, once John enters the train after his ordeal with the 'mad killers', it becomes apparent to the audience that something is not right, once another 'normal' character is shown in the background of the clip through the use of a two-shot. once the main character believes that the man on the train is another mad killer, the audience realize instantly that it is in fact, him that is the insane killer, and the clever use of showing what John can see and what actually was in front of him the audience becomes aware of what they had been led to believe.
Possible names for horror thriller.
Several names have been suggested and thought over for the film. here are several examples ;
-The Cell
-The Asylum
-The phantom slasher
- The lunatic
-Maniac
As the filming is still in progress we have not yet decided on the name, and are still in the process of thinking, and welcoming suggestions.
-The Cell
-The Asylum
-The phantom slasher
- The lunatic
-Maniac
As the filming is still in progress we have not yet decided on the name, and are still in the process of thinking, and welcoming suggestions.
Deffinitions/ research on british film certificates.
After much thought, the decision has been made that the film should be classed as a 15, due to the content containing violent images and adult content.
Uc - 'Universal childeren' - suitable for young childeren to watch on their own.
U - 'Universal' - Suitable for all
PG - 'Parental guidance' - may not be suitable for persons under the age of 8 without permission.
12a - Content suitable only for persons 12+ unless acompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.
12 - Content only suitable for people over 12 years of age.
15 - Content only suitable for persons over 15 years of age.
18 - Content only suitable for persons over the age of 18.
R18 - Content only suitable for persons over the age of 18 and can only be surchased from licenced cinemas or sex shops.
Uc - 'Universal childeren' - suitable for young childeren to watch on their own.
U - 'Universal' - Suitable for all
PG - 'Parental guidance' - may not be suitable for persons under the age of 8 without permission.
12a - Content suitable only for persons 12+ unless acompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.
12 - Content only suitable for people over 12 years of age.
15 - Content only suitable for persons over 15 years of age.
18 - Content only suitable for persons over the age of 18.
R18 - Content only suitable for persons over the age of 18 and can only be surchased from licenced cinemas or sex shops.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Story board revisited! New outline of the story.
The story board for our film has been re-thought and changes have been made.
-Scene one : The couple leave the shop carrying a bottle of vodka.
-Scene two : Next the couple walk pa
st the shop and go round the corner.
-Scene three : The couple walk to a fork in the road, hug and walk their separate ways.
-Scene four : The girl enters her home up the side passage.
-Scene five : The girl is shown walking up the stairs from the raised view of the top of the stairs.
-Scene six : The girl is shown drinking, and doing drugs in her room. the camera shots become choppy to show how the girl is feeling.
-Scene seven : The girl receives a text message from her boyfriend asking her too meet him in the usual place.
-Scene eight : The girl leaves the house and on the way to meet her boyfriend she finds a shoe on the path.
-Scene nine : The girl follows the path and eventually sees her boyfriend lying face down covered in blood.
-Scene ten : The main title appears across the screen.
-Scene one : The couple leave the shop carrying a bottle of vodka.
-Scene two : Next the couple walk pa
st the shop and go round the corner.-Scene three : The couple walk to a fork in the road, hug and walk their separate ways.
-Scene four : The girl enters her home up the side passage.
-Scene five : The girl is shown walking up the stairs from the raised view of the top of the stairs.
-Scene six : The girl is shown drinking, and doing drugs in her room. the camera shots become choppy to show how the girl is feeling.
-Scene seven : The girl receives a text message from her boyfriend asking her too meet him in the usual place.
-Scene eight : The girl leaves the house and on the way to meet her boyfriend she finds a shoe on the path.
-Scene nine : The girl follows the path and eventually sees her boyfriend lying face down covered in blood.
-Scene ten : The main title appears across the screen.
Monday, 22 March 2010
First idea for film story board.
The first rough draft of a potential story board for the Horror/Thriller that is currently being planned and produced.
The rough idea:
-A girl is shown tied too a chair in a derelict building.
- The film then cuts back to how it happened and shows the girl walking, being abducted in a car.
- After the walk through of what happened in the form of a memory, the camera will switch down to door level, and see a man's legs clunk into the room and stop, and show the girl on the chair weeping on the other side of the room.
The rough idea:
-A girl is shown tied too a chair in a derelict building.
- The film then cuts back to how it happened and shows the girl walking, being abducted in a car.
- After the walk through of what happened in the form of a memory, the camera will switch down to door level, and see a man's legs clunk into the room and stop, and show the girl on the chair weeping on the other side of the room.
AS media studies, continuity piece.
This is our continuity piece for our AS media studies group. It shows basic camera shots such as over the shoulder, close ups and long shots as well as editing skills such as slow motion, titles, and adding voice overs.
However, the continuity piece could be improved. If we had the chance to repeat the exercise we would make the speech clearer and make it more in time with the video footage, as well as introducing more camera shots into the production.
still photos for potential setting selection.
These are the potential setting we have in mind to film our short horror/thriller introduction. the location was thought about because its eery, deralict look adds to the feel of a hideout, something with a mysteryous past and fits the conventions of a classic horror setting.
Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho', essay
Describe and discuss some of the ways Hitchcock creates tension and suspense in the film ‘psycho’.
The film psycho was released in 1960 and is still regarded as a respectable horror/thriller even today by audiences of all generations. This film is a good example of Alfred Hitchcock’s skill in film making with his use of suspense and mystery to engage the viewer. The films popularity can be explained because it addressed important issues such as adultery, theft, and murder set in atmosphere of suspense which enhances the story line.
Firstly, Hitchcock creates tension and suspense in the film with the strong use of blurred imagery. He uses this technique so that the killer’s figure is obscured meaning that the viewer cannot see the complete image of the person. By doing this the viewer is left wondering who the killer might be. A good example of this use of the blurring method can be seen in the shower scene of the film, where the killer is only faintly visible behind the shower curtain which gives the viewer only a chance to speculate the true identity of the person and to be left questioning could this be a man or a woman?
As well as the blurred images to conceal the murderer’s true identity, Hitchcock also uses very dramatic music to create tension within the audience of psycho. The scene is set using diagetic sound then suddenly it cuts to the use of high pitched orchestral music combined with only a close up of the weapon in hand and the expressions on the victims face. The combination of this use of sound puts viewers under the impression they have seen something horrific and as soon as that music starts later in the film they know something terrible is about to happen to the victim.
Hitchcock gives the audience two clear options to choose from when they are trying to guess the killer’s identity. Is it the son or could it be the mother? However by continuously twisting and turning ideas and giving snippets of information that are misleading to the audience they consequently have no clear idea of who the murderer actually is throughout the film. This is probably the best way that Hitchcock creates suspense and tension in ‘Psycho’ as it is a continuous theme from when the first murder takes place and leaves the audience in a state of anticipation.
Another way Hitchcock created suspense and tension was by deliberately choosing to film the production in black and white, rather than choosing to make the production in colour. As well as being more cost effective, it enabled Hitchcock managed to create an eerie atmosphere throughout the film. The lack of colour enhances the shadows etc, in a way that colour picture could not and has the effect of making ordinary scenes look creepy. The darkening of the background helps to imply something sinister is about to happen.
The name ‘Psycho’ itself incorporates suspense and tension into the film so before people have ever seen the film they wonder and anticipate about what could happen. The word psycho means mad, crazy, deranged and dangerous which of course is a strong title that reveals what the film could be about to the viewers before its even started and maybe even intimidates the audience as they never know in what way the film is linked to a ‘psycho’ or when he/she will strike.
My conclusion is that Hitchcock interlinks several ways to develop and create suspense and tension within the audience. His clever use of mind twisting ideas and false leads mixed with his use of image cutting, non-diagetic sound and use of black and white colour makes Psycho a production full of confusion, suspense and tension. This is designed to draw the audience into the story using varying levels of anticipation. The early death of what the audience first perceives as the main character is a well thought out ruse to challenge the audience and throw them off balance and helps to develop their sense of anticipation of identifying the murderer. The style adopted by Hitchcock means that ‘Psycho’ has an ongoing interest to a wide range of audiences.
The film psycho was released in 1960 and is still regarded as a respectable horror/thriller even today by audiences of all generations. This film is a good example of Alfred Hitchcock’s skill in film making with his use of suspense and mystery to engage the viewer. The films popularity can be explained because it addressed important issues such as adultery, theft, and murder set in atmosphere of suspense which enhances the story line.
Firstly, Hitchcock creates tension and suspense in the film with the strong use of blurred imagery. He uses this technique so that the killer’s figure is obscured meaning that the viewer cannot see the complete image of the person. By doing this the viewer is left wondering who the killer might be. A good example of this use of the blurring method can be seen in the shower scene of the film, where the killer is only faintly visible behind the shower curtain which gives the viewer only a chance to speculate the true identity of the person and to be left questioning could this be a man or a woman?
As well as the blurred images to conceal the murderer’s true identity, Hitchcock also uses very dramatic music to create tension within the audience of psycho. The scene is set using diagetic sound then suddenly it cuts to the use of high pitched orchestral music combined with only a close up of the weapon in hand and the expressions on the victims face. The combination of this use of sound puts viewers under the impression they have seen something horrific and as soon as that music starts later in the film they know something terrible is about to happen to the victim.
Hitchcock gives the audience two clear options to choose from when they are trying to guess the killer’s identity. Is it the son or could it be the mother? However by continuously twisting and turning ideas and giving snippets of information that are misleading to the audience they consequently have no clear idea of who the murderer actually is throughout the film. This is probably the best way that Hitchcock creates suspense and tension in ‘Psycho’ as it is a continuous theme from when the first murder takes place and leaves the audience in a state of anticipation.
Another way Hitchcock created suspense and tension was by deliberately choosing to film the production in black and white, rather than choosing to make the production in colour. As well as being more cost effective, it enabled Hitchcock managed to create an eerie atmosphere throughout the film. The lack of colour enhances the shadows etc, in a way that colour picture could not and has the effect of making ordinary scenes look creepy. The darkening of the background helps to imply something sinister is about to happen.
The name ‘Psycho’ itself incorporates suspense and tension into the film so before people have ever seen the film they wonder and anticipate about what could happen. The word psycho means mad, crazy, deranged and dangerous which of course is a strong title that reveals what the film could be about to the viewers before its even started and maybe even intimidates the audience as they never know in what way the film is linked to a ‘psycho’ or when he/she will strike.
My conclusion is that Hitchcock interlinks several ways to develop and create suspense and tension within the audience. His clever use of mind twisting ideas and false leads mixed with his use of image cutting, non-diagetic sound and use of black and white colour makes Psycho a production full of confusion, suspense and tension. This is designed to draw the audience into the story using varying levels of anticipation. The early death of what the audience first perceives as the main character is a well thought out ruse to challenge the audience and throw them off balance and helps to develop their sense of anticipation of identifying the murderer. The style adopted by Hitchcock means that ‘Psycho’ has an ongoing interest to a wide range of audiences.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Camera shots!
http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/
This website shows examples of:
close up
extreme close up
weather shot
two shot
extreme wide shot
wide shot
mid shot
over ther shoulder shot
Very useful
This website shows examples of:
close up
extreme close up
weather shot
two shot
extreme wide shot
wide shot
mid shot
over ther shoulder shot
Very useful
'Taking Lives', film analysis
In what ways does ‘taking lives’ conform or subvert what you consider to be the forms and conventions of the thriller genre?
One way the film ‘Taking lives’ fits the thriller genre is by incorporating heavy theme of mystery and confusion. For example no first time watcher would have figured out who the killer was in the film until very near the end, because of clever twists in the plot. By backtracking to scenes that occurred earlier in the film that are viewed from different perspectives the film ads confusion and a twist of mystery, fulfilling the thriller genre.
Another quality that ‘Taking lives’ has that makes it fit into a stereotypical thriller genre is the use of suspense to build up the tension of the people viewing the film. As in most good thriller based films, the suspense always begins once the background music either stops, or becomes fainter, so that a loud noise can suddenly erupt or so that the viewer can focus their attention on the next scene, that will shock them!
However, ‘Taking lives’ does not have all the ‘guidelines’ of a thriller genre. For example, the main character is a female FBI agent rather than the usual everyday ‘normal’ person in a horrific situation that usually helps the viewers to empathise for the character. In comparison to a film that does have a ‘normal’ person in an unlikely situation, e.g. ‘No vacancy’. Two everyday people are trapped in a hotel after their car conveniently breaks down outside, and are horrified when they realize the horror films in their room are real footage of people being murdered to death where they are sitting.
My conclusion is that taking lives has most of the aspects required to create a good thriller film, e.g. suspense, mystery and twists. However does show signs that are not commonly used in the genre. For example using a hero style character, rather than an antihero.
Saturday, 3 October 2009
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