Analysis- Brick

I chose these selction of clips from the opening sequence of Brick as I think they represent the theme of the film well.

1. I chose to select a title on this contact sheet as they are important in film making.

2. This shot is an extreme close up of the characters eyes, i chose this as it shows hurt and desperation, which is an emotion that the charcter feels later on in the film due to the loss of his girlfriend.

3. This is an effective shot as the dark tunnel represents the idea of danger, and the dead body on the floor makes the audience wonder how she died and if the boy had anything to do with it.

4. The clip of the dead girls legs shows that she is wearing heels, this could mean that she was preparing for a night out before she did, so therefore makes the viewers want to watch the whole film and find out what happened.

5. This close up of the boys eyes again show concentration on his face, and make the audience want to know why he is just sitting there staring at the dead body.

6. This shot isconcentrating on particular body parts, this helps to unravel the story of the where the girl had been when she died and what she was doing, this creates an uneasy atmosphere as the audience are forced to figure out the story in their head.

7 & 8. These two shots show a distinctive braclet, this shows the audience what the girl was doing before she died, as well as being a clue to solving her murder.

9. The film title is shown in a black background and bold, white writing. This is a font that is repeatedly used in thriller films as it really stands out and emphasises to the viewers that the film will not have a happy ending.

10. Furthermore, there is a clip which has writing saying 'two days previous', this is included as it gives the audience a better understanding of what is happening and allows the film to begin.

11. This shot again shows the emotion on the characters face.

12. The final clip shown is of a cigarette with an arrow drawn on it, this is one of the first clues that is given to solving the girls death, so is an important factor to the opening sequence as it draws the viewers in and makes them want to know what the arrow on the cigarette actually means.

Analysis & Job Titles-Fargo

The titles used in Fargo:
Job Titles:
Director & Producer: Joel & Ethan Brothers
Music: Carter Burwell
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Editing: Roderick Jaynes

Logos:
Polygram Filmed Entertainment
MGM Productions
Working Film Titles

What is striking about the opening Sequence?
-Characters were introduced
-Uplifitng Music (a contrast to a thriller opening)
-Establishes the storyline
-Shot Reverse Shot
-180degree Rule
-Eyeline Match
-Performance of characters shows their personality.

Ideas to Steal for own Opening Sequence:
-Fading and Cross Dissolve of Job Titles and Actors names
-Establishing Shot
-Composition of the Frame
-Low Key Lighting (Fog)
-Loud, unsettling music.



Job Titles used in Films:
The prodcution company:
A company responsible for the development and physical production of new media, performing arts, film, radio or a television program. The company may also be directly responsible for the raising of funding for the production or may do through an intermediary.
-Who the casting was by:
In the performing arts, casting (or casting call) is a vital pre-production process for selecting a cast of actors, dancers, singers, models and other talent for a live or recorded performance.
-The music producer:
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the production of an artist's music.
-Costume designer:
A costume designer is a person whose responsibility is to design costumes for a film or stage production. He or she is considered part of the "production team.''
-Who the film was edited by:
a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
-Executive producer:
An executive producer is a producer who is not involved in any technical aspects of the film making or music process, but who is still responsible for the overall production. Typically an executive producer handles business and legal issues. See also film producer, line producer.
-Producer:
someone who finds financing for and supervises the making and presentation of a show (play or film or program or similar work)
-Written by:
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
-Directed by:
someone who supervises the actors and directs the action in the production of a show.

Conventions of a Thriller Film.

There are many conventions of a thriller movie, and the main aspects that need to be included, which most other thriller films consist of are:
-Dark Background with Bold, White font for the title of the film.
-Slow, dark music being played in the background.
-Low Lighting.
-Quick Cuts.
-Props, which show the characters personalitys.
-Scary Locations for the Setting.

Analysis- Fargo

Potential Thriller Opening Locations

This photograph shows a padlocked gate. I chose to take this photogrpah because it makes the viewers question what is behind the gate and why it is padlocked? As well, the positioning of the photograph hides what is behind it, which adds to the eerieness of the picture.

In this picture, a human figure dressed in black can be seen standing next to a tree. I chose to take this photo as it's quite a creepy photograph, and it could mean a number of different things. As well, the figure is covering the whole road sign, which could be seen as though it's a hidden location, in which is a secret. Also, the photo has a tinted red effect on it, which emphasises that it is night time.

I chose to take this photo as the dark night creates quite a scary affect. As well, the branches on the trees could connote someone reaching out and grabbing somebody, which could be a possible narrative for my thriller opening well. Finally, in the right hand corner of the photograph, there is the roof of a shed, this could be seen as a place where someone could hide, or even be taken, as this represents the themes of a thriller.

I chose to take a photograph of this scene, as i think it portrays the themes of a thriller well. For example, the road is dark, deserted with no-one around which creates a eerie atmosphere and makes the audience wonder where everyone has gone? As well, the road leads into the distance to somewhere that cannot be seen clearly, which again makes the viewers think where does the road lead to?

I chose this photograph as the black and white effect creates a dark mood. As well, the darkness in the background could represent someone or something lurking around. The snow falling in front of the camera is usually represented with happiness and exitement, so therefore the darkness around could be seen as a contrast to what will really happen in a thriller.

This picture is set in a park, in my opinion this is a good setting for a thriller opening sequence as there are many trees around which could be interpreted as somewhere that bad things can happen. As well, this park is deserted, which again can make the viewers question where people are? The camera angle used here is a wide shot, i chose this because i think it was important to get the whole scene in the photograph, including the snow and the trees.

This photo is of railings surrounding a field. I chose to include this picture as i think it shows the elements of a thriller by having the darkness in the background, and giving the viewers the chance to wonder what is beyond the railings and why your not allowed in there. Also, i think the effect of seeing bright metal rails but nothing else is interesting as it creates a dark, scared atmosphere.

Sixth Sense- Analysis

The title of the film is shown in the first few shots of the opening sequence. The font and colour of both the title and the descriptions shown in the opening sequence is blue with a dark background, the writing also appears slowly. This adds to the effect of eerieness and begins to scare the viewers slightly. The setting and location of the film is first set when the lightbulb appears. Again, this appears onto the screen slowly which adds a dangerous mood and makes the audience expect something scary to happen when the light turns on. Props are first introduced when the women character is in the cellar getting a bottle of wine. This implies to the audience that the women is with someone and starts to unravel the story.


The characters introduced in the opening sequence are a couple, this is shown by the affection that they show towards one another. We are also shown that they are ordinary people by the costumes they are wearing. As well, when the naked man is seen in the bathroom, we find out that he is a patient and that the other character played by Bruce Willis is in fact he's old psychologist.


A Close up camera angle is included in this opening sequence to show the expression on the characters face, this helps the audience to understand that the man is scared, and adds a jumpy atmosphere to the movie. Furthermore, the shot seen above of the smashed window and broken telephone portrays the idea of a thriller movie as it shows that something bad is about to happen. Finally, special effects are used in my favourite shot when the man is shot with a gun. The explosive from the gun lights up the whole screen and makes the viewers feel shocked, as well being the only source of light from the usual dark, deep colour of the opening sequence.

Memento- Analysis of Opening Sequence.

Cinematography:
-A Wide shot is used during the opening sequence of Memento, this was included to show the location of the warehouse, which helped the viewers to understand where the character was and what was happening.
-A close up camera shot is also used of the character, Lenny's face. This has been used to emphasise the expression of anger and hurt on his face as his wife was raped and murdered.
-A mid shot is used in the opening sequence of Memento.

Sound:
-During the opening sequence a dark, slow soundtrack is used, this highlights the theme of the film being a thriller, as well as setting an eerie mood to the film.
-Dialogue is included throughout the movie as well as in the opening sequence to show the audience what is happening and to help them understand the storyline.

Mise-en-scene:
-The opening sequence is set in an old warehouse, this creates a scary mood to the film as the audience anticipate that something bad will happen, it again links to the theme of a thriller.
-As well, ordinary day-to-day costumes are worn by the characters, to show that they are just ordinary people. Teddy wears a policeman uniform, this shows the viewers what job he has.
-A contrast of both dark and bright lights are used in the opening sequence, the bright lights show that it is daylight, and the dark lights represent the mood of fear.

Editing:
-An eye-line match is used when Lenny and Teddy are having a conversation to make the scene seem as realistic as possible.
-Also, some black and white scenes are used throughout the film to show that the character back in time.

Brief

To create the titles and opening of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes.

Group:

Memento-Analysis of Opening Sequence.

The title of the film appears in the opening sequence right at the very start, in a big bold blue font. Each letters are separated as a connotation of the different fragments of the film. The location of the opening sequence is situated in an abandoned warehouse. This connotes the eerie atmosphere of the film and captures the audience in the first very few minutes. One of the props that is used in the opening sequence is a photo, which links to the title of the movie, as it is a memento. Other props include a camera, bloody glasses and a gun. The camera also links back to the ideas of the title 'Memento,' whilst the bloody glasses and the gun links back to the location of being in a abandoned warehouse.

Camera angles in the opening sequence of 'Memento' include a close up of the photograph. This would have been used so ensure the audience focus on the photograph in detail, as it is the main theme of the film. As well, editing is used so the audience can notice the photograph fading and then becoming clearer, which could be seen as a connotation of the character Lenny's memory fading. Furthermore, a mid- shot is shown of Lenny when he is holding a gun to Teddy's head, this is used to show the viewers exactly what is happening to prevent any confusion.

Finally, the main character Lenny is shown in a violent light during the opening sequence as he is seen murdering someone. A close up camera shot is used of his gun, and then of the dead body on the floor. Aswell, a dark and slow soundtrack can be heard in the background to emphasise the eerie and shocking atmosphere to the film.

Analysing Opening Sequences Of My Thriller Genre

Panic Room Opening Sequence:


Cinematography:
In the opening sequence of Panic Room, there are many different camera angles used.Firstly, there is a long shot of New York City shown, this helps the viewers establish the setting. A Pan shot is also used to show the town, which again familiarises the audience with the setting and gives them an idea of where the action of the film will take place. Finally, a high angle shot is included when the camera focuses on the buildings, this emphasises how big and important the buildings are.

Sound:
During the opening sequence, a fast paced soundtrack is included with a ticking noise being played. This suggests to the audience that the film will contain fast, panicking moments, and sets the audience up for what to expect from the film. As well, dialogue is used towards the end of the opening sequence when the two women are having a conversation. This creates a realistic feel to the scene, but also highlights how busy their lifes are by the conversation they are having.

Mise-en-scene:
The film Panic Room is set in the busy town of New York, this is shown in the opening sequence. As well, the actors in the film are all wearing normal day to day costumes. This shows the audience that they are all normal people, and creates a realistic atmosphere.

Editing:
At the beginning of the opening sequence, the clips fade in to create an eerie atmosphere to set the audience up for whats to be expected in the film.



The Final Destination Opening Sequence:


Cinematography:
Wide Shot camera angles are used during the opening sequence of Final Destination to show the body parts being injured in the clips. This helps give the audience an understanding of what may happen during the film, and shows that it's gory. Close ups are also used to show the injuries to body parts, such as an arrow through an eye. This is used to ensure that all the audience's attention is on this particular clip, and to emphasise what is happening.

Sound:
In this opening sequence, fast rock music is used to go with the fast paced shots. This makes the audience feel more on edge and makes them expect a lo of action in the film. As well, the viewers can hear screaming sounds during the opening sequence from characters, this highlights that the film is a thriller and makes the audience feel quite scared about what to expect from the film.

Mise-en-Scene:
The use of dark colours used in mise-en-scene shows that the opening sequence is eerie and gory. It emphasises the theme of the film and again sets the viewers up for what to expect in the rest of the film.

Editing:
Slow motion is used in this sequence to attract the audiences attention to a particular thing, it also creates a creepy atmosphere, due to the changing pace of the clips. Finally, visual effects are used when the flashing images of arrows and skulls are shown, to again emphasise what the film is about and to create an atmosphere for the viewers.

The difference between an opening sequence and a trailer.

There are many differences between a movie trailer and an opening sequence, for example a trailer shows the highlights of the movie and gives an overview of the plot, whereas an opening sequence is the beginning of the movie which begins to familiarise the setting with the audience, without giving anything away.
A movie trailer includes who is starring in the film and also shows the good parts, as a way to persuade the audience to watch the movie. A movie trailer is released as an advertisment to grab the audience's attention, and tends to have a voiceover, which informs the viewers of the details about the film. Trailers consist of montage editing to show random clips of the film, as well as fast paces shots. In contrast, opening sequences contains slower paced shots, to lead the viewers into the storyline of the film. Opening sequences begin to introduce the characters, and establishes the mood and genre of the movie, this is used to hook the audience and make them feel engaged. Many films have a soundtrack playing during the opening sequence to help set the scene and create an atmosphere. As well, opening titles are generally used as an introduction to get the audience settled before watching the movie.


Sixth Sense Trailer:




Sixth Sense Opening Sequence:








Se7en Trailer:




Se7en Opening Sequence:

Preliminary Task.

To begin our coursework, we had to complete a preliminary task. This was to show our understanding of continuity editing and to ensure we can use match on action, shot/reverse shot and the 180degree rule whist filming. The task had to involve a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character, with whom she then exchanges a couple of lines of dialogue.

In my group of three with Charlotte Hannah and Amy Martin, we decided that the narrative of our preliminary task would be a young girl who came home late, drunk and had to face the consequences of her mother, who was angry with her daughter. We began our short film with the young girl, played by Charlotte, running up the drive of her home and unlocking her front door. There were three different camera angles and shot types used in this beginning section, so it was vital that we used continuity editing. We then showed the young girl walking through the front door in two different shots, which again required continuity editing. Then, the young girl has to run through her hall way and into the kitchen where her mother is waiting. In this section match on action is used. After this, a few lines of dialogue is exchanged between the two characters where the 180degree rule and shot/reverse shot is also used.

In this film, we used a number camera angles and shots, these included:
-Close ups
-Mid shots
-Long shots
-Over the shoulder shots

Once we had finished filming, we had to upload the film onto the mac and then begin to edit. The editing of the film consisted of cutting parts of clips that were not needed, as well as making sure the clips ran smoothly without any jumps. We also added a few transitions into the film to ensure it looked interesting but natural.



180degree rule:




Shot/reverse shot:

Induction Task (EBI)

Throughout the whole induction process, i think that the least succesful film i made was the Push a Little Button advert. This is because it was the first film i had ever made as i had never studied media before, so i wasnt completly sure on how to use all the equipment and what all the terminology meant. Whilst creating this advert, we didnt use a tripod or decide on what camera angles to use for different shots which meant that the film looked junmpy when put all together and sometimes the camera would shake. As well, it was the first time i had ever used imovie, therefore i found myself clicking wrong buttons which resulted in taking a long time to edit the film.

Induction Task (WWW)

In my opinoin, Donnie Darko was the best piece of work produced during the induction stage as it was the last task we completed so i felt i had learnt alot more and understood alot more than the first tasks we completed. For instance, when it came to filming the re-created scenes of Donnie Darko i knew loads more shot types and camera angles that could be used, i had learnt how to set up and use a tripod, and how to use imovie including how to cut the clips at the appropriate times. When making this film, i also learnt about continuity editing, which helped to make the clips fit in well and ensured that the audience were not put off the film by the cuts of shots.

How I Personalised My Blog.

To personalise my blog, i begun by clicking on 'design', when the new page appeared i clicked on 'template designer'. I then chose the 'background' tab on the left hand side of the screen. After this, i had to click on the preview picture to change the design. I then selected the image i liked and pressed 'done'. To save the new picture as my background, i clicked 'apply to blog' in the top right hand side of the screen, and then pressed 'back to blogger'. Now my background had changed to how i wanted it and i was able to upload posts.

My First Blog Practice

1) Firstly, i clicked the tab labelled 'add image'.
2) I then clicked the 'browse' button and selected an image from my pictures.
3) Once i decided on the picture i wanted, i chose which layout i would like, in which i chose the 'centre' position. I then clicked 'upload image' and waited for the picture to appear.