For a few months now, ever since knowing we would be creating our own opening sequence, i have watched and studied as many opening sequences as i could. I did this as i thought it would hopefully help me to gain a clearer picture of what i am required to do, but also to see what big budget directors do with their own opening sequences. My research began by watching the first few minutes of 'The Usual Suspects' 'Dirty Harry' and 'Seven'. Throughout the clips there were several particularly good camera angles and shots that i would like to incorporate into my own piece. After this extensive research this is where we decided as a group to base our preliminary in the 'Thriller' genre.
This shot is my particular favourite from the movie 'The Usual Suspects'. I feel that it creates a sense of urgency and drama, telling a lot to the audience as to whats going to happen next. Possibly a death of some sort or an explosion considering the matches look like a semi explosion already. I am able to take away so much information from An Extreme Close-Up. Clever uses of Mise-en-Scene such as this is something i wish to achieve in mine.
There are a variety of features that need to be considered when producing your own opening sequence, especially one as complicated as a thriller. Through extensive reasearch i am positive in saying that the most important ones to consider are: Setting, Narration, Characterisation, Ideology, Genre, Sound. These are the aspects that i used the most when writing about studied opening sequences. They all in some way, shape or form helped me to grasp and describe what was happening in front of me.
Here is an overall evaluation of these conventions:
- Setting
The setting can make or break any piece of film, the setting needs to straight away establish genre and set the scene and tension for the audience. The classic Thriller setting's are usually in urban city's, this is possibly because of the mysterious colour scheme a city provides. All the buildings are tall and grey, providing mysterious shadows etc. This helps emphasise the thriller genre. The only other colours that may possibly be used within an urban environment would be to foreshadow something to come. For example the colour red is a symbol for love and passion yet also for blood and death. Mix this in an urban environment and what this does is foreshadow either a passionate love scene or a bloody death. The other advantage to an urban environment would be the closeness of the buildings, this provides a dark atmosphere and creates shadows that could possibly have villaineous things within.
-Narration
The narrative side within a thriller is usually seen in first person narrative. This technique means thatg the plot is narrated by one or more characters, who usually refer to themselves as 'I'. This direct involvement with the character bridges the gap with the viewer, meaning the viewer is much more involved with the character and the way his mind works.
-Characterisation
Characterisation play the most vital role in determining from the start the differant characters that will be introduced within the piece of film. Within the Thriller genre possibly the most important aspect to establish straight away is the Protagonist and Antagonist as these are the most vital character roles. Characterisation allows for a specific dress code to establish these roles, the Antagonist will usually be seen in the more dark colours, causing the viewer reaction to be one of suspicion. The Protagonist's will usually be more stylish clothes that make him/her stand out but not in an obvious way. Another way characterisation helps establish these characters is how a seemingly immensely strong Protagonist has a fatal flaw that an Antagonist is able to exploit.
-Ideology
Quite like Characterisation, Ideology within thriller is used to trigger off certain emotions from the viewer towards certain characters in film. An innocent old man will hopefully if done correctly give off the aspect of sympathy. Wheras a crazed psychotic killer will provide negative emotions. This interaction with the audience makes the film that little bit more exciting.
-Genre
Thriller is a broad genre that includes numerous sub-genres (explained later). The basic thriller is characterised by fast-paced frequent action and strong protagonist's who must thwart the plans of the better equiped villains. In simple terms its a villain driven plot whereby the Protagonist must overcome many harsh obstacles to defeat his foe.
-Sound
The norm when it comes to sound in thriller's is usually an eerie, suspenseful type of music. This is used by the director to create suspence and tension, or if the director wants the dialogue to be focused upon more than usual no music will be played whatsoever.
All these conventions help to create a succesful thriller
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