Reservoir Dogs (15 January 1993) Director:Quentin Tarantino
The opening shot of the film is abrupt as it features all of the characters in the film gathered around a table which the camera revoles around. However the audience do not gather much of an idea of these characters as no names are mentioned. the costume worn by the characters is more associated with with those of the upper-class. But from the industrial cafe in which they are in this stereotypical view is incorrect, instead the costume connotes the dress sense of a gang. The transitions used at this early stage in the film are steady and change when a different character talks.
The opening titles/credits appear with an overlaying soundtrack. A Cross fade effect is then used to fade the soundtrack out, so that screaming can be heard. The film then restarts with two characters in the car, still their names unknown, one driving a vehicle whilst the other is drenched in blood, however the audience do not know why this has occurred.
A sudden cut then shows a change of location, that being of a unused warehouse. The dull lighting of the scenery connotes an eerie feel to the location. The emptyness of the warehouse could also connote the emotions felt by both the wounded and other character. The camera shots used in this film sequence are jittery as though filmed by a handheld camera, giving the audience a perspective in the film. the slight tilt is used to connote the feelings of the camera, whilst the use of the two shot shows the characters bond.
The colour disfiguration of the film is made to make the film look set in the 60's/70's as the saturation of the cinematography is toned a lighter shade.
A long shot through a corridor is used to distance between the newly introduced character and the previous mobile character. The emptyness of the bathroom could also connote their emotion and personalities.
The use of flashbacks show what has happen after the groups failed bank heist from different characters. This is where the characters names are established. Each character is referred to a 'Mr. (then a colour). For example the fleeing character in the flashback is that 'Mr.Pink'.
Towards the end of the flashback it is shown from the perspective of another character, showing the violence between 'Mr.Pink' and the police. The rapid interchange of shots corresponds to the gunfire. When attempting to flee from the cops the windscreen of the car which 'Mr.Pink' is in splits, connoting panic and fear.
Women in the film are seen as objects to the male characters this is shown at the start of the film and when sexual references are used constantly.
As the characters 'Mr.Pink' and 'Mr.White' draw armes the camera zooms out to reveal another character 'Mr.Blonde', again this shot is used to connote the separation within the group after the incident. The transitions fit to the dialogue in the film sequence as each time a character is cut up by another in mid-sentence the camera reverts to the speaking character.
A generic signifier in thriller films is the use of the car trunk, which connotes mystery as anything could be in it. In this film in the trunk is an officer. The low angle shot from inside the trunk is from the perspective of the officer looking up at the supreme, towering figures of the men in suits.
Blank transitions are used when the flashbacks end, the voice-over then cuts in before non-diagetic sound is heard. The use of the shot getting all of the characters into the mise-en-scene connotes a divide within the group as though nobody can be trusted, seeing as they know of one of them being a double-crosser within the group.
Close-ups are used to show the cop being beaten up by 'White' and 'Pink' before they leave the warehouse. 'Blonde' is left with the hostage cop, a soundtrack is heard an upbeat, fast tempoed track which doesn't bode with the genre of film or the mood within the mise-en-scene. 'Blonde' swaggers up to the cop, tapped to the chair and removes a blade from his pocket, the use of lighting reflects of the blade. For a split second the use of the close-up starts to show him removing the cops ear before the camera turns away making the audience feel as though they are there witnessing this for themselves. the writing on the wall reads "Mind Your Head" which relates to the removal of the ear.
'Blonde' returns to his car trunk to the then remove a cannister of petrol, a close-up of this signifies potential danger. A non-diagetic sound of children screaming/crying coonotes anxiety and fear. When pouring the petrol over the cop, specks of the liquid go onto the camera lense which again involves the audience.
Monday, 22 March 2010
"Donnie Brasco" (Independent Research)
Donnie Brasco (2 May 1997) Director:Mike Newell
The opening credits of the film start of with a white font upon a black background. It then cross fades into an extreme close-up shot of a a set of eyes. Different effects such as overlaying transitions and images are then used to paint a picture of the film and the characters. The film soundtrack then cuts in which is the sound of violins playing which create tension.
The opening shot of this film starts with a close-up of a character, the non-diagetic sound of voices. All of the main characters are established with the opening few moments. A photolense shot is then seen from a different perspective, looking through the scope of a camera. The shot taken of 'Donnie Brasco' (Jonny Depp) in the the photobooth connotes his trapped emotions or the situation he is in, at this time the non-diagetic sound of sirens can be heard in the background connoting the possibility of something bad occurring.
Noir lighting is used to great effect in the film, this shown in the opening film sequence in the moon-lit streets the characters feature on. The use of the first two-shot in the film, is used to show both main characters, 'Donnie Brasco' and 'Benjamin "Lefty" Reggiero' (Al Pacino) which connotes their closeness to one another, a growing bond between them.
Many shots are taken whilst the characters are in vehicles, the use of a close-up through the windscreen. When in the bar brawling with a member of the barstaff the low-angle shot shows the character 'Brasco's' dominance over him.
The cuts used are all simular, simple that lead into the next scene rarely they fade into one another. The shot of the bridge in the sunset connotes something good on the horizon, it could also connote hope.
It then cuts suddenly to an extreme close-up of the revolving letter print of a typewriter printing details on the character 'Lefty' onto a document, however the identity of the writer is unknown connoting mystery.
The generic signifier of wet/damp streets connotes mystery and illusion. transitions of stills images are used to show the characters being tracked, the camera movement also connotes this.
Women within the film are portrayed as 'serving wenches' doing everything such as cook and look after the kids, a house-wife role.
With each two-shot used the camera draws closer to the main characters again showing a futhermore growing bond between 'Donnie' and 'Lefty'. The costume worn by the characters is that of being a suite and suite trousers, many off them were a trilby hat, often associated with mafia gangs in America.
The use of the aerial shot sets the scene of were the film takes place (New York) a major scene for gangsters in the late 70's/ early 80's.
'Donnie' starts to become attached to the mafia group putting them before his family, when arguing and when laying together the soundtrack from the opening credits begin playing which connote a sense of passion or sympathy for the partner of 'Donnie'.
A sudden cut then shows 'Donnie' driving (close-up), on a bridge. The structure of the bridge reflects upon the car windshield which could connote the possible future of the character possibly being locked-up if he stays with the gang.
A change of scenery again as the characters of the gang find themselves at an airport, The tempo of the soundtrack increases. 'Lefty' is led into a dark, unlit hanger, connoting fear, panic and claustrophobia. At the flick of a lightswitch the lighting comes on. a close-up of a lion in cage.
In a way the lion could represent the personality of 'Lefty'.
Often the dark scenes all connote violence, tension and fear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NewqTCakQ3Q
In the scene above it tells of
The opening credits of the film start of with a white font upon a black background. It then cross fades into an extreme close-up shot of a a set of eyes. Different effects such as overlaying transitions and images are then used to paint a picture of the film and the characters. The film soundtrack then cuts in which is the sound of violins playing which create tension.
The opening shot of this film starts with a close-up of a character, the non-diagetic sound of voices. All of the main characters are established with the opening few moments. A photolense shot is then seen from a different perspective, looking through the scope of a camera. The shot taken of 'Donnie Brasco' (Jonny Depp) in the the photobooth connotes his trapped emotions or the situation he is in, at this time the non-diagetic sound of sirens can be heard in the background connoting the possibility of something bad occurring.
Noir lighting is used to great effect in the film, this shown in the opening film sequence in the moon-lit streets the characters feature on. The use of the first two-shot in the film, is used to show both main characters, 'Donnie Brasco' and 'Benjamin "Lefty" Reggiero' (Al Pacino) which connotes their closeness to one another, a growing bond between them.
Many shots are taken whilst the characters are in vehicles, the use of a close-up through the windscreen. When in the bar brawling with a member of the barstaff the low-angle shot shows the character 'Brasco's' dominance over him.
The cuts used are all simular, simple that lead into the next scene rarely they fade into one another. The shot of the bridge in the sunset connotes something good on the horizon, it could also connote hope.
It then cuts suddenly to an extreme close-up of the revolving letter print of a typewriter printing details on the character 'Lefty' onto a document, however the identity of the writer is unknown connoting mystery.
The generic signifier of wet/damp streets connotes mystery and illusion. transitions of stills images are used to show the characters being tracked, the camera movement also connotes this.
Women within the film are portrayed as 'serving wenches' doing everything such as cook and look after the kids, a house-wife role.
With each two-shot used the camera draws closer to the main characters again showing a futhermore growing bond between 'Donnie' and 'Lefty'. The costume worn by the characters is that of being a suite and suite trousers, many off them were a trilby hat, often associated with mafia gangs in America.
The use of the aerial shot sets the scene of were the film takes place (New York) a major scene for gangsters in the late 70's/ early 80's.
'Donnie' starts to become attached to the mafia group putting them before his family, when arguing and when laying together the soundtrack from the opening credits begin playing which connote a sense of passion or sympathy for the partner of 'Donnie'.
A sudden cut then shows 'Donnie' driving (close-up), on a bridge. The structure of the bridge reflects upon the car windshield which could connote the possible future of the character possibly being locked-up if he stays with the gang.
A change of scenery again as the characters of the gang find themselves at an airport, The tempo of the soundtrack increases. 'Lefty' is led into a dark, unlit hanger, connoting fear, panic and claustrophobia. At the flick of a lightswitch the lighting comes on. a close-up of a lion in cage.
In a way the lion could represent the personality of 'Lefty'.
Often the dark scenes all connote violence, tension and fear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NewqTCakQ3Q
In the scene above it tells of
Looking at how the film "Football Factory" uses conventions and techniques of thriller films. (Independent Research)
The film " Football Factory" despite not falling into the thriller genre , the film uses many techniques and conventions that are used in a typical thriller film.
The use of bleak, dull lighting in certain settings such as the pub connote an eerie feel to the setting which at times depicts the characters personality.
The use of noir lighting in the tunnel where one of the main characters (played by Danny Dyer) gets beaten up connotes fear and vulnerability. He's vulnerability is also caused by the characters drunken state.
The characters playing the role of 'hard men' can also play the roles in thriller films. Often they are depicted as thug-like, set only on a motive to kill. That motive is in revenge or to conceal something. The characters within the film "Football Factory" are all over-reactive thugs. They all have a stereotypical depiction of them as they have a thugish look to them. The costume worn is that of what would be considered today as 'Chav' like. The characters wear tracksuit-bottoms and short-sleeved shirts/football shirts. On occasion a few characters wear suites showing their status within the group.
The violence within the film is very high in content. The use of close-ups capture the violence that occurs, making the audience feel more involved in the many brawls that feature. At one point in the film the the camera lense is splattered by blood, again involving the audience. When in the action scenes the camera tracks movement, incorporating many different shot types such as close-up, tilts and low angle shots.
The use of bleak, dull lighting in certain settings such as the pub connote an eerie feel to the setting which at times depicts the characters personality.
The use of noir lighting in the tunnel where one of the main characters (played by Danny Dyer) gets beaten up connotes fear and vulnerability. He's vulnerability is also caused by the characters drunken state.
The characters playing the role of 'hard men' can also play the roles in thriller films. Often they are depicted as thug-like, set only on a motive to kill. That motive is in revenge or to conceal something. The characters within the film "Football Factory" are all over-reactive thugs. They all have a stereotypical depiction of them as they have a thugish look to them. The costume worn is that of what would be considered today as 'Chav' like. The characters wear tracksuit-bottoms and short-sleeved shirts/football shirts. On occasion a few characters wear suites showing their status within the group.
The violence within the film is very high in content. The use of close-ups capture the violence that occurs, making the audience feel more involved in the many brawls that feature. At one point in the film the the camera lense is splattered by blood, again involving the audience. When in the action scenes the camera tracks movement, incorporating many different shot types such as close-up, tilts and low angle shots.
Fonts used in our thriller film for titles, credits and company branding
This is the font we used for the company name for our thriller film. Of course this company isn't real otherwise it would be copy right. In order to create this company name many stages were used. The first was that of finding a suitable font to suite the company name of "Granite Production".
Granite is a solid rock therefore to correspond with this we needed a solid, bold font.
The font was taken from the site "DaFont", a site were fonts can be created and
Using 'Adobe filmmaker' and describing which effects were used in our film
For creating our thriller production we used the computer software "Adobe Premiere film maker". With this piece of software we were able to piece together and construct all of our raw footage to make it into the end product... That being our thriller film opening.
There are many effects that be used on the piece of software. Transitions can be added to create effects such as illusions and overlaying images. This was used in our film to merge the soundtracks and fade cinematography in and out of the frame.
When creating the film it was easy to prioritise the footage into order by simply dragging it along the time frame.
A key effect used on our film was that of the use of slow motion. This effect enabled us to reduce the limp the actor had put on when filming. If we had wanted we could of made the film saturation brighter due to the sheer darkness of our thriller, however it was decided against as the film would not then fit the sub-genre of thriller film we were hoping for, that being a psychological/noir thriller.
One completed we added titles for the film. We added a production company name and also credits. The font and font colour were chosen by us to stand out from the noir lighting of the background of the film.
There are many effects that be used on the piece of software. Transitions can be added to create effects such as illusions and overlaying images. This was used in our film to merge the soundtracks and fade cinematography in and out of the frame.
When creating the film it was easy to prioritise the footage into order by simply dragging it along the time frame.
A key effect used on our film was that of the use of slow motion. This effect enabled us to reduce the limp the actor had put on when filming. If we had wanted we could of made the film saturation brighter due to the sheer darkness of our thriller, however it was decided against as the film would not then fit the sub-genre of thriller film we were hoping for, that being a psychological/noir thriller.
One completed we added titles for the film. We added a production company name and also credits. The font and font colour were chosen by us to stand out from the noir lighting of the background of the film.
Equipment listing with details
A standard Tripod
The tripod was used to capture a better image. It held the camera firmly in position and enabled us to get many different shots from different angles when used.
A Casio cassette video camera
Used for capturing all cinematography we filmed. The inserted tape was capable of holding many minutes of film.
USB Port/Cable
Used for transfering the film footage from the video camera to the computing software we used for editing.
The tripod was used to capture a better image. It held the camera firmly in position and enabled us to get many different shots from different angles when used.
A Casio cassette video camera
Used for capturing all cinematography we filmed. The inserted tape was capable of holding many minutes of film.
USB Port/Cable
Used for transfering the film footage from the video camera to the computing software we used for editing.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Monday, 15 March 2010
Evaluation on film title
The thriller film me and my work partner have created is called "Horns Lane". It may not sound to exciting but in conensides with the street name, where we shot the majority of our film.
Horn's lane is located off 'Ber Street',Norwich.
This image taken from google maps/earth below,shows the location in comparison to the city centre.
The title would appeal to a wide range of audiences, more likely however to attract the attention of male audience. A connotation of the film name could be relating to the street/film name, "Horns Lane", could link it to being satanic in way, devil like as the title features 'Horns' an asset related to devil's...
The use of a blunt title is that of being mysterious and entising therefore making it more appealing. From the title the audience may gather an idea of what could possibly be expected but not know to much detail.
The film title would integrate quite well into the film, as the action in the created two minute trailer/opening features a satanic, villinous act again corresponding to the title.
Horn's lane is located off 'Ber Street',Norwich.
This image taken from google maps/earth below,shows the location in comparison to the city centre.
The title would appeal to a wide range of audiences, more likely however to attract the attention of male audience. A connotation of the film name could be relating to the street/film name, "Horns Lane", could link it to being satanic in way, devil like as the title features 'Horns' an asset related to devil's...
The use of a blunt title is that of being mysterious and entising therefore making it more appealing. From the title the audience may gather an idea of what could possibly be expected but not know to much detail.
The film title would integrate quite well into the film, as the action in the created two minute trailer/opening features a satanic, villinous act again corresponding to the title.
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Soundtracks with analysis
These are the soundtracks that we found off of http://www.unsignedbandweb.com/.
On this site me and my partner searched through the numerous amounts of genres in which it has to offer.
Having conducted research into what the soundtracks of thriller films feature, we came to a selection (listed below), to choose from to make the soundtrack to our thriller film.
http://www.myspace.com/audiocompanion
http://www.myspace.com/hyperionsfate
http://www.myspace.com/jylamaki
http://www.myspace.com/unmorphproject
Having debated the possibilities we had decided that 2 of the above were suitable.
Those being:
'Gauzy Dark Matter' by Yuri
My work colleage then emailed the artists, who created these tracks, to asking for permission to use their tracks as our soundtrack for the thriller film.
The emails feature below with replies...
In the end we decided to merge the two tracks into one another on our thriller film at the crucial point in the film. At this point a rapid drum beat kicks in () to create tension. At this point in the film, the character enters the location of the film to stumble across a daed body. That being of the flat.
On this site me and my partner searched through the numerous amounts of genres in which it has to offer.
Having conducted research into what the soundtracks of thriller films feature, we came to a selection (listed below), to choose from to make the soundtrack to our thriller film.
http://www.myspace.com/audiocompanion
http://www.myspace.com/hyperionsfate
http://www.myspace.com/jylamaki
http://www.myspace.com/unmorphproject
Having debated the possibilities we had decided that 2 of the above were suitable.
Those being:
'Gauzy Dark Matter' by Yuri
My work colleage then emailed the artists, who created these tracks, to asking for permission to use their tracks as our soundtrack for the thriller film.
The emails feature below with replies...
In the end we decided to merge the two tracks into one another on our thriller film at the crucial point in the film. At this point a rapid drum beat kicks in () to create tension. At this point in the film, the character enters the location of the film to stumble across a daed body. That being of the flat.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Changes to film. From original idea to now
Over the time we have started our filming we have decided to change many things over this time period....
The original idea narrative structure
Originally the film was going to be called "Crippling Intentions but since we have completed the editing we have decided to call it "Horn's Lane" which corresponds to the location of filming.
This image is taken from the street view application on google images showing the location of filming.
Over the course of time we had decided to change the narrative structure of the film. With the idea of 'Crippling Intentions' being just psychological thriller, but since filming we used the poor lighting to our advantage to create conventions that would be seen in Noir films.
At first we had complex ideas of creating transitions of photographic camera flashes, when so different time frames. However we decided to base the filming at dusk/night which again coincides with the idea of a noir film.
In our original idea we had decided to feature different characters. In the end we decided to stick with two. Originally the film was going to also feature a female character, the wife/partner of the murdered character. Other characters that could of featured were a photographer and two forensic scientists who would of appeared in the crime scene shot.
The original idea narrative structure
Originally the film was going to be called "Crippling Intentions but since we have completed the editing we have decided to call it "Horn's Lane" which corresponds to the location of filming.
This image is taken from the street view application on google images showing the location of filming.
Over the course of time we had decided to change the narrative structure of the film. With the idea of 'Crippling Intentions' being just psychological thriller, but since filming we used the poor lighting to our advantage to create conventions that would be seen in Noir films.
At first we had complex ideas of creating transitions of photographic camera flashes, when so different time frames. However we decided to base the filming at dusk/night which again coincides with the idea of a noir film.
In our original idea we had decided to feature different characters. In the end we decided to stick with two. Originally the film was going to also feature a female character, the wife/partner of the murdered character. Other characters that could of featured were a photographer and two forensic scientists who would of appeared in the crime scene shot.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
Charcter profiles
This is the information of the characters in the thriller film:
Main Character (Villain)
- Name: Curtis Clarke
- Age: Early 30's.
- Job: Hit man.
- Costume: Normal darkish clothes. (Black Jumper/Dark Jeans/Trainers)
Background History: He had a troubled past, got into trouble a lot as a child and left school with no qualifications. He was sent to prison for an attack on a old man when he was 17. In prison, Curtis was adopted by Jimmy, leader of London's most feared gang. When Curtis sentence is over he goes on the word of Jimmy on the outside, doing his dirty work and keeping his authority in order. Curtis' next job is too assassinate Jerry (the other character) so that another member of the gang is safe from the threat of a prison sentence.
Second Character (Victim)
- Name: Jerry Tanner
- Age: Late Teens.
- Job: Sports shop assitant
- Costume: Sportswear (Tracksuit/Trainers)
- Background History: Left school with 8 qualifications, and wants to be a sports coach. Is always being a joker which ends up with him getting in trouble with the wrong people. He saw a murder take place, went to the police as a witness and is now set to appear in court. The man that he is giving evidence against is a important member of Jimmy's gang.
The idea of the character profiles came from watching different films and tv drama/thrillers such as 'Wallender'. The background histories were thought up by my work partner. He to had been inspired by the certain tv drama series. The names were thought up entirely at random, we brain-stormed different first names and surnames then matched them up to see which fitted well together. We also chose the names which would fit the profiling. The names are bold and tough sounding, corresponding to the character profiles relating to a rough background.
possible thriller endings
With our thriller needing a more clearer, sinister way of ending we thought of two alternative endings.
Idea 1
- Curtis draws a knife out ready to attack Jerry.
- Curtis then walks into the room where Jerry is. Curtis finds Jerry's body laying on the floor, already dead.
- In the shock of finding the body, the limping character drops the knife onto the floor
Idea 2
- Jerry picks up a letter and opens it with a knife.
- Jerry read the letter with the audience able to see what is written on it. There is a court date written on the letter.
- Curtis walks into the flat, and picks up the knife that is on the side, the knife that Jerry used to open the letter with.
- Curtis then walks into the room where Jerry is. Curtis finds Jerry's body laying on the oor, already dead.
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