Here is what i found:
RED EYE
Narrative structure
The story begins by establishing important narrative strands. The opening of the film starts with the camera going across several photographs of the same girl, this, straight away, establishes that this girl will be the main character or the film will be centred around her. A wallet is then stolen, thus, showing the audience that this will become important later on in the film. We then see a crate of fish being shipped from one place to another and we see plans of a building being studied, this will then let the audience know that these are connected.
Thriller codes and conventions
Throughout the opening sequence of the film the most obvious convention used is partial vision; the audience do not know exactly whats going on as important information is being withheld. In the sequence we can not see any of the characters faces and we do not see the bigger picture of whats going on. Another main thriller convention used is the music used, the music that has been used creates tension. Also, in this sequence, enigma codes are used in order to raise questions like:
- Who's the girl?
- Who takes the wallet?
- why is the wallet taken?
- what's on the box?
- why is it hidden by fish?
- whats the significance of the building?
Camerawork
Throughout a large part of the opening sequence close ups are used in order to hide the identity of the characters, this will make a bigger impact when the villain are revealed. There is also a slow tracking technique in order to put emphasis on how important the wallet is in the film., the tracking technique also shows the wallet travelling. There is also high angle shots which look down on the objects that appear in the sequence, this is used in order to create a sense of power that the crooks hold.
Mise-En-Scene
Throughout the opening scene dark colours are used in order to create a sense of mystery and wonder as the audience can not fully see what is going on. The characters in this scene are wearing dark clothes and suits this creates a feeling that the crooks seen don't want to be seen by anybody themselves, thus, showing the audience that they cant be getting up to anything honest. Linked to the idea of dark clothing being used, there is also low key lighting used in order to create shadows which in itself creates an eery atmosphere. There are also important props like a wallet and photographs used in order to show a background to the main character and to give hints of what is about to unfold.
Sound
As in all films diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used. Within this sequence diegetic sounds like the sound of the wallet and the keys dropping on the table. Also, there is footsteps heard throughout the scene to add to the realism. Non-diegetic sounds are also added to the scene; there is a constant driving rhythm throughout. Opening music is very intense causing a dramatic atmosphere. As the title of the film appears on the screen the sound of a plane taking off can be heard, this links to the title of the film as the films called 'red eye' and this is the name of the over night flight, it also gives the sense of the beginning of a journey. When images actually appear on the screen of photographs and the wallet being placed on the table, there is a crescendo as we zoom in on the wallet, leading to a boom as the wallet is taken. Also, the orchestral music that is heard throughout the scene signifies the serious tone of it.
Editing
The opening scene is clearly occurring over a period of many days, however, the scene has been edited in order to show the audience the main occurrences of these days in a matter of two minutes. The scene also takes place in several different places and a montage is used in order to show these places. The dissolve technique is used in order to introduce photos of buildings smoothly.
Graphics
The title of the film appears in red capitals and zooms out, this is done in order to put emphasis on the link to the airplane. The different names that appear on the screen whilst the scene is occurring are written in a plane white sans serif font with a slight drop shadow in order to make it look modern looking.
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN
Narrative structure
The opening sequence of this film is linear meaning that it is continuous. Two men go to a train station and get on a train, they sit opposite each other and accidentally bump feet. Their paths cross.
Thriller codes and conventions
Partial vision is used in this scene as we can only see the feet of the men as they are walking to the train station, this is done in order to preserve the characters identities. The idea of a transformed city is also used; the setting is Washington and its used as the location for an exciting story. Another thriller convention that has been used is the idea that an ordinary man has been thrown into and extraordinary situation; Guy meets Bruno and Bruno asks if he wants to swap murders. Enigma codes are also used in this sequence as certain questions are brought up:
- Who are these men?
- Where are they going?
- How are they connected?
Camerawork
The scene opens with an establishing shot of Washington, thus, showing the audience where its all taking place. The majority of this open scene is a mid shot of the two characters legs, just showing their feet and concealing their faces. Once the men are on the train a point of view shot is used from the front of the train showing the train tracks, thus, showing the start of a journey. The final shot used is that of the two men sitting opposite each other on the train.
Mise-En-Scene
The shoes that are used in this scene are used in order to suggest what the characters are like; Guy's shoes are plain and like everybody else's suggesting that he is ordinary and like everybody else, whereas Bruno's shoes are two toned brogues suggesting that he is theatrical and out of the ordinary. Also tennis rackets are used in order to show guy's occupation. When the railway tracks are shown they form a cross shape which links with the criss cross motif of the film.
Sound
The obvious diegetic sounds that are used are that of the likes of footsteps and the sound of the car doors shutting. Once the men are in the train station the announcer can be heard telling the passengers to board the train, adding to the realism. As well as diegetic sounds, non-diegetic sounds can also be heard, orchestral music can be heard throughout, however, the same foreboding music that usually occurs in a thriller film is not used, Hitchcock liked to add a sense of comedy in his films and this is clearly seen in this opening sequence. The same melody is used for both characters, but, a different in different keys to show there is a difference between each character.
Editing
Throughout the beginning of this scene a cross cutting technique is used in order to link the two pairs of feet to make it seem as if the two were destined to meet. In the train station a dissolve is used showing the train tracks, the floors matches the tracks in this instance.
Graphics
The only graphics seen in the sequence is when they appear over the establishing shot, these are the only graphics in the opening as they all appear at once, leaving no need for there to be any when the film has actually began.
STATE OF PLAY
Narrative structure
This opening sequence is a linear one. It starts with a man running across a busy street getting hit by cars and bikes. He then runs into a china shop and out the back into an alley where he hides. Once he thinks that he is safe to come out he is shot by a mysterious gun man, who then shoots a passing cyclist who witnessed the murder.
Thriller codes and conventions
Like most thriller films, partial vision is used in order to create mystery and tension. The film occurs in Washington which would seem ordinary but in the film it is transformed into a thrilling backdrop. Enigma codes are used in order to create questions like:
- Who is the man?
- Who is he running from?
- Why is he running?
- Who is the gun man?
- Why is he shooting him?
Camera work
The opening establishing shot is a wide shot of Washington showing the audience where t he film is set. As the man is running through the streets a hand held camera is used to follow him, this is used in order to create a panicky realistic view of whats going on. Later on in the scene once the man has been shot the camera quickly pans to the gun man in response to the gun shot as otherwise it would seem as if it had came from nowhere. The final shot of this sequence is zooming in on the cyclist as he is dying.
Mise-En-Scene
In this opening scene the majority of it consists of a sweating man running through the main street and then back alleys of a main city, showing that the man has been running for a while. The scene is also very dark and low key lighting is used in order to create a sense of mystery, and to add to the darkness, the characters used are all wearing black. When we first see the gunman we can see his breathe in the cold, this has connotations of evil and danger as mythical creatures such as dragons breathe smoke. The audience will also think that the killer is a professional killer as he is using a silencer in order to keep secret.
Sound
In the establishing shot of the scene we can hear a helicopter and police sirens, this will be added in order to create a feeling of crime being committed. When we finally see the first shot of people we can hear the sound of people talking and traffic passing by, this is to show normality until the running man occurs and we can hear him being hot by cars and smashing china in the china shop. Throughout the scene there is subtle non diegetic music heard, when the man is hiding we can hear a low buzzing which causes an ominous feel. After the man has been shot the music becomes more clear and it then becomes louder when the cyclist is shot.
Editing
As the scene as a linear sequence, long takes have been used in order to create continuity. These takes show the man running.
Graphics
Block capitals are used in order to make the writing clear and modern.
SEVEN
Narrative structure
Only fast images of a dark scrap book being made can be seen in this sequence. It looks like a crook is creating a scrap book of crimes and investigations.
Thriller codes and conventions
Partial vision is used in this sequence so that the audience don't see the face of the man, so that his identity is concealed. There is only flashing images used as well so we focus on the villain as if he is committing a crime. The majority of the colours that are used are black, white and red which have dark connotations of death and danger. Like normal thrillers seven has enigma codes which raise questions like:
- Who is the person?
- What is he doing?
- Why is he doing it?
Camerawork
Extreme close ups are the main shot used in this scene, these will have been used in order to place us very close to nasty things. Occasionally the camera pans in order to follow what the man is doing.
Mise-En-Scene
In the Scene we see fingers with bandages on, this is to give the audience clues of whats going to occur later on in the film. We also see lots of sharp implements this is to make the man seem more menacing. Also, to add to the menacing feel we see photographs of violence.
Sound
All that we can hear in this scene is non-diegetic sounds which is a reflection of a twisted mentality. This consists of a low thumping beat with lots of layers; scratching, creaks, screams. Towards the end the sound builds up to a climax and the words "you bring me closer to God" are used so that the music links to the images on the screen and a religious theme is established.
Editing
A fast montage of jittering images is used to make the man seem more mentally unstable. Also, jump cuts are used to show the audience the man has taken a lot of time on these journals.
Graphics
A white distorted font has been used in this scene, the words jump around on the scene and it looks hand written this adds to the reflection of a twisted mentality.
The Number 23
Narrative Structure
The number 23 is shown along with facts that are related to the number. Blood later appears and seems to consume the writing, it then keeps appearing and splats on the screen covering the writing.
Thriller codes and conventions
Throughout the sequence the only colours used are black, white and red which have connotations of death and danger. Also, enigma codes are created like:
- Why is this number so significant?
- Why does it appear so much?
Camerawork
The screen moves around edgy and fast with close ups of the numbers and words, it also pans across the numbers.
Mise-en-scene
Throughout the scene the music works in time with the movement of the words. The contrast of the black and red against the bright red makes what the words are saying more shocking.
Sound
The only sound in this sequence is non-diegetic. The music heard steadily gets faster and the thumping beats become louder, this builds anticipation throughout, especially when more layers are added.
Editing
As real camera work was not used and it was computer generated this means no editing in terms of the smoothness of the sequence was needed.
Graphics
The writing throughout the sequence is written as if on a typewriter in order to make it modern and clear. The title of the film is written in red whereas the actors names are written as black, this is done in order to set the title of the film apart from the rest of the characters in the sequence.
American Psycho
Narrative structure
A meal is being prepared and set on tables, waiters are telling customers of what is on the menu. Four men sit around a table talking, they then go to a club and order drinks.
Thriller codes and conventions
At the beginning of the sequenceimagery of a knife and dropping fruit that looks like blood is shown. To show this partial vision is used in order to make the audience ask questions like:- Why is there a knife?
- why is there blood?
As well as these questions other enigma codes are created:
- Who are the men?
- What are they talking about?
- Is this important to the film?
Camerawork
At the start of the sequence the camera pans over meals on the tables and follows the waiter. When, the men are sitting around the table the main shot is a midshot of the man that is talking, this is used in order to allow the audience to see whos talking.
Mise-en-scene
Bright lighting is used throughout the sequence, this makes it seem as if the film isnt a thriller, however, when the characters go into the nightclub the lighting goes darker, this is used in order to allow the audience see that the chacters will have a darker side to them. Also, the characters are eating in a posh restraunt and wearing suits, this could be an indication of social class.
Sound
The non-diegetic sounds that can be heard within the sequence are the music in the restraunt and the music in the night club. The music in the restraunt is classical and claming with diegetic sounds such as people eating and talking heard. In the club the music is a song by new order which is loud pop music which will indicate the type of venue they are in.
Editing
Continuity editing is used in this linear sequence to show the men talking. It then cuts to the night club to show a different location.
Graphics
Black capitals are used at the start of the sequence when there is a white background. Here the letters look modern and neat which could be a reflection on the charcters in the film. Credits then come on durinmg the sequence, here, large white capitals are used to make the noticable.
According to our research, opening scenes of thriller tend to use the following conventions:
- Important narrative elements are suggested without being made too obvious.
- There is the sense of a narrative beginning in which ordinary life is disrupted by some threatening force.
- There may be a contrast between good and bad characters.
- The narrative structure may be linear or non linear.
- Enigma codes are used to raise important questions in the minds of the audience
- partial vision is often used to withhold important information
- Settings are usually urban - a city that will be transformed into a place of excitement and danger
- Close-ups may be used to produce partial vision - enigma codes
- Lighting may be low key producing shadows with connotations of mystery
- Objects, costumes etc may be used to suggest ideas about characters and narrative
- Montage editing may be used to combine images from different times and places linked to the narrative.
- Continuity editing may be used starting the narrative off with a thrilling taster scene
- Diegetic sound often combines with non diegetic music
- Dark, serious music is usually chosen to signify to the audience what kind of film it is
- Graphics may be designed to reflect the dark themes of the film.
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