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Thriller Genre There are two types of thrillers; action thrillers and psychological Both generate suspense/excitement and mystery as a major part of it’s.

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Presentation on theme: "Thriller Genre There are two types of thrillers; action thrillers and psychological Both generate suspense/excitement and mystery as a major part of it’s."— Presentation transcript:

1 Thriller Genre There are two types of thrillers; action thrillers and psychological Both generate suspense/excitement and mystery as a major part of it’s narrative There are key elements which make up a thriller genre like: cinematography, mise-en-scene, narrative conventions, sound and editing usually following the equilibrium

2 History of the thriller genre Thrillers have always included suspense, tension and anxiety elements. Alfred Hitchcock wanted to ‘’give the public good healthy mental shakeups’’ and this was his intention for creating thrillers. He believed thriller had to have the ability to create anticipation and suspense. Alfred Hitchcock set important ground rules for thrillers: Who done it (isn’t important) Leading hero; can be a bystander False clues, which seem important but are really irrelevant This set a certain standard for thrillers which has continued to be frequent key concepts in all thriller now.

3 Thriller hybrids and subgenres Thrillers are often hybrids with other genres: action-thrillers, western-thrillers, film-noir thrillers, comedy-thrillers. Another closely-related genre is the horror film genre. Thriller and suspense films are coincide. They are the types of films which promote suspense/anxiety/excitement/anticipation and a heightened expectation, which fills the audience with tension.

4 Narrative themes and conventions Most narratives follow the theme of Todorov’s equilibrium: 1.A state of equilibrium 2.A disruption to the equilibrium 3.A recognition of the disruption 4.An attempt to repair it 5.A reinstatement of equilibrium Or Syd Fields 3 act plot structure: Act 1: Introduction – genre, characters, narrative Act 2: confrontation, extreme situations they seek to resolve Act 3: hero takes control, confrontation, resolution Thriller character profiles Typical characters for thrillers Antagonist; convicts, criminals, stalkers, serial killers, psychopaths, individuals with unpredictable behaviour, usually very intelligent (seemingly invincible) the antagonists identity is often hidden for some of the film; like ‘Collateral’. Protagonist; innocent, the victims, sometimes those with a dark past, ex- cops/detectives, ordinary/everyday people. ‘Princess’; often the victim, or the prize for the protagonist, shown as vulnerable.

5 Mise en scene Setting/location/set design Geographical Emotional/psychological Props; key to the narrative, creating mystery for the viewer Contribute to the narrative Indicate genre Offer information on the character; giving an emotional connection to the viewer and character Décor; character/location/time Costume and makeup Historical context Time zone Social status Character situations and changes Emphasis on character ‘placing on stage’ Figure expressions/body language Proxemics (distance between) easy to know the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist Eye contact; makes the audience connect with the characters which creates suspense Gestures Body posture Lighting and colour Generates atmosphere/mood which is key in thrillers as it helps to build tension and anxiety. Colour is read differently to different people Tinted colours; adding to emotions, certain colours link to thrillers like black, red, blue, grey. Desaturated, colour drained ; commonly used in thrillers as it creates an eerie chill to the scene.

6 Technical aspects Long shot Wide angle shot Mid shot Medium close up Medium long shot Close up Extreme close up High angle Low angle Point of view Associated point of view Eye line match Long shots in thriller tend to be used to establish the area, this gives an idea of where the action will be set Wide shots; are sometimes used for the same reason, in thrillers they can be used to show the mass of an area, to create an exiled/alone emotion Close up and extreme close up are to show the characters facial expressions, often used in thrillers to show the reactions from the characters High and low angles are used to show power fluctuations/struggles Point of view/associated; are used to create more tension for the viewer as it is placing them in the antagonists/protagonists mind which can also create empathy, an emotional connection Eye line match is commonly used to create anxiety for the viewer and mystery

7 Target audience/expectations The audience for a thriller expect to be ‘thrilled’ without the suspense created and other elements which help to create a psychological approach; the audience would not feel ‘in danger’ which is key in order for a thriller to be successful. Thrillers are iconic and follow a certain structure which the audience/viewers expect. The target audience would be 12+ however some thriller which involve more explicit content like drug taking, would be for a higher audience. Most psychological thrillers would be 15+ or 12a+ as they are harder to understand as the narrative isn’t as clear as an action thriller

8 Sound and editing There are different aspects to both sound and editing; editing is the placement of separate shots together, they often seem oblivious in films as then it flows and don’t disrupt the run. If however the editing is noticeable this is often a technique used by the director on purpose to show un comfort and non-continuity. Continuity editing is when it gives the impression that the edits are natural it supports rather then dominates the shot and completely remains focus on the actual scene taking place. 180 degree rule, used mostly in conversations where the camera is constantly moving back and forth between the two or more speakers; this is where the camera stays behind an ‘invisible line’ and the camera never goes past it unless it is intentional to create mystery/confusion/dissolution Graphic match; familiar relationship between shots to make the change seem smoother (similar actions, similar subject) e.g Brick; arm, bracelets to show change in the plot/identity/time difference. Graphic contrast; the next shot is in obvious contrast to the last, like going from a wide shot to a close up. Match on action; the ‘cut’ is made on action (hero jumps out of the window, next shot is a floor shot)unlikely to notice this change as the action draws attention away from the change. (in Batman, car shoots into the wall) Eye line match; the character reacts to something on screen then the next shot is what they were looking, typical in thrillers as it builds up suspense, and gives the viewer a sense of involvement. Shot reverse shot; one character is shown looking at another (usually by an over the shoulder shot) then it switches to the next character, and as the characters are shown opposite each other it implies dialogue Parallel editing; ‘cross cutting’ the technique cuts continually between two or more scenes, giving the assumption that they are happening at the same time/same place, connecting the two together (Silence of the lambs wrong house) 180

9 Brick opening title sequence: Editing Techniques Eye line match, there is a close up of the characters face (frightened facial expression) then the next shot is a wide shot of the body, which creates a nervous anticipated emotions for the viewer. Graphic contrasts, close up cuts to a wide shot, which creates an impact and suggests there’s an emotional connection between the two character (cuts from a close up of the dead body, to a wide shot of the other character crouched down looking at her) Parallel editing, when the car passes by and the girl’s voice becomes scared and high pitch giving the impression that both the girl and the car are linked Graphic match, the note and the sign post, and the bangles on the girls wrist which are used as a plot device to determine time passing by Match on action, the car driving past, also when the character turns there’s a wide shot of the movement, then a close up as he enters the phone booth followed by a close up of his hand answering the phone and when he watches the car drive past = these are also following the 180 degree rule

10 Bullet boy opening title sequence; Editing techniques Continuity editing: when he’s being release from his cell, First there’s a shot of him getting up from sitting to then A shot where he’s gotten up and is walking through the Door, this edit is barely noticeable and gives the impress- ion that the viewer is watching him complete a full action. Match on action: The younger boy starts to hit the roof of The boot, which then cuts to a shot of the driver turning around realising the noise, the cut is made however The viewer is unaware as it gives the impression both are In the same car and the figure/facial expressions draw Attention away from the cut. Parallel editing: it cut between a shot of the guy picking Up his bag about to leave the prison, then a shot of the Road through the wide screen of the car which implies That the characters are linked in some way, or either a Passing of time/happening at the same time. Shot reverse shot: between the ‘criminal’ and the ‘prison Guard’ short dialogue providing the audience of the ident- ity of the man being released from prison, also the close Up shows the characters key facial expressions which is Key to thrillers as it presents the emotions.

11 Sound Either diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are frequently used in thrillers Non-diegetic sounds that would compliment the thriller genre, would be a fast paced soundtrack(when the action occurs) but also it can be slow paced as that does subconsciously build up suspension and tension for the viewer, it also gives a ‘what will happen next’ feeling creating anticipation. Also a slow paced soundtrack would benefit the film as it build up a sense of danger/un-easiness. Diegetic sounds commonly used in thrillers, may be the surrounding; like traffic or birds, ambient sounds; naturally occurring, however sometimes these are heightened in order for them to be more obvious and make more of an impact/creates certain authority (which would be added during editing making them ‘SFX’ non-diegetic). If this was to be the beginning shot for a film this type of scene the sound is more likely to be diegetic, as it’s an establishing shot and isn’t where the action is most likely to be set more like the build up to the action In contrast to this setting where the action is more likely to take place, which would usually have backing music/a soundtrack which flows with the action taking place, however there could be elements or diegetic sounds (like traffic) to emphasise how busy the area is/the mass of the area.

12 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK7qz34P-88 Brick original motion picture soundtrack ‘Emily’s Theme’-Nathan Johnson This is the opening title sequence song for ‘Brick’, it has a chilling and eerie tone to it; as well as the high pitched bells it represents a depressing, sad manner, which links well with the theme being shown (the boy watching the dead girl nervously), this also has a timbre tone to it as it almost sounds sharp and piercing, also I found that in some parts the music symbolized the water in which ‘Emily’s body lay’ which could almost be pleonastic as it sounds like the water droplets/movement. It generated between high pitch and low pitch sounds, which is usual in a thriller, particularly when there is no murder/death scene only the aftermath. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd2nSe9Oo2o Bullet boy soundtrack ‘Bullet boy’-Massive Attack This individual song creates a hauntingly depressing emotion, although it is a slow placed song it has some aspects of fast beats, there is a strong dark tone towards it and it is extremely low pitched, with lyrics that are slowly pronounced and prolonged to create an eerie ‘dead’ feeling. This piece of music would be featured just before or after the action has occurred as even though it is intense it isn’t fast paced to create a massive build up of emotions in that context. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYD8XiBU94 Bullet boy soundtrack ‘Drawing board’ Terri Walker This song relates to the theme/storyline of the characters and film, it’s a R&B song which is associated with ‘black culture’ which is referenced back to and suggested of by the character stereotypes, it’s high pitched and the lyrics present those of a ‘soul singer’, this is an unusual type of music used for thrillers as it doesn’t create the type of suspense used for that specific genre, it only relates back to the theme and almost identifies the culture/typical association.

13 Mise-en-scene What mise-en-scene would you typically find in Thriller and why? Setting/location/set design: used to create a ‘trapped’ and ‘lonely’ feeling for the viewer, also used to emphasize the genre. Props/décor: sometimes used as a plot device; to lead the protagonist and viewers off the real track, also used to indicate the genre; a gun and a car chase is most likely to be used in a thriller as they create a build up to suspense. Costumes/makeup: hints at the identity of the characters, also makes certain characters stand out and gives historical context to the narrative. Figure/facial expressions: portrays emotions; between the protagonst and antagonist, meaning there is a clear indication of who is who, also provides the relationship between character due to their distance. Lighting & colour: creates the tense atmosphere frequently used in thrillers, also builds the viewers emotions; as dark/dull lighting and grey colouring is used to make the viewers scared/fully aware of what could happen next (suspense)

14 The Setting/Location Most likely to be somewhere deserted/secluded, like the outskirts of an urban area, giving a negative feel to the surroundings; usually fit’s the typical murder scene, also creating a dark/sinister feeling. ‘Se7en’- they’re in a desert looking rural area which creates a threatening atmosphere, this is the area of choice by the antagonist which already gives an eerie feel to the place, not to mention it’s deserted and like most thriller areas are its secluded /abandoned. The Props They contribute to the narrative; leaving unanswered questions which entice the audience, they also indicate the genre and are sometimes plot devices. ‘collateral’-the briefcase is the prop used to create/build the narrative and it’s the most important prop as it drives the narrative forward and Everything in the storyline is based on the briefcase. ‘Collateral’- the films set in an airport; this is typical to the thriller genre as even though it’s not secluded, the busyness of the area creates an uneasy feeling, also this is where the two main characters are both introduced; giving them a link.

15 The costume/makeup To give an historical context to the genre, and also puts emphasis on certain characters, they can make the characters relatable to the audience whilst giving a clear indication to the personality and motives. Also they often show the difference between the antagonist and protagonist, as usually the protagonist is portrayed as an ordinary person. ‘Shutter Island’- Leonardo Di’Capro is dressed as a laid back detective whereas his partner is dressed smarter, which is what the audience would expect a detective to wear as it’s an iconic role being portrayed ‘iconography’, it also hints at social status/class. Figure/facial expressions As you expect in thrillers, there will be suspense filled actions/gestures; it shows who’s the protagonist and the antagonist, like in ‘Se7en’- there are no clear movements/expressions that Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt illustrate which differ from the antagonist. It also shows the proxemics; their social distance which indicates the relationship between the two characters, also shows the emotion in the characters which creates empathy towards them.

16 Lighting and colour Generates atmosphere and mood, which in thriller is key as it provides anxiety for the audience almost telling them what to feel, and what to be aware of, in thriller desaturation is commonly used as it literally drains all the colour from the image; giving an eerie/mysterious/negative tone to a particular scene. Also low-lighting and shadows create a mysterious/unnatural effect, generating discomfort. ‘Brick’- The beginning scene by the water, ensuring the viewer is filled with unanswered questions, making the viewer feel incredibly uncomfortable watching, making it clear something dark/horrible has happened and it’s not a natural death.

17 Cinematography Which shots/angles/movements are typically used in thriller and why? Long shot, wide shot, mid/medium close up, point of view, associated point of view, close up, establishing shot, tilted, hand held, low. Low/high angle shots; used to connote power between the protagonist and antagonist, often power struggles and the flaws of the protagonist that makes them ‘weak’. ‘Se7en’- Brad Pitt is standing over the antagonist, which shows he is in control. Close up; often highlights the important props/facial and figure expressions, that are key to the narrative or are false leads to make the audience believe it is of some importance. ‘Brick’- the two shots of the bracelets where the arm is in exactly the same position show time difference/change. Or in ‘Collateral’ the briefcase is key to the storyline and is the main prop used.

18 Cinematography Extreme close up; builds tension, suspense and fear, the spectator is aware and often feels empathy towards the character/characters involved, their emotions can be easily read. Like in ‘Collateral’ this extreme close up of Brad Pitt makes the audience feel his emotions which makes them very empathetic towards him. Wide shot/establishing shot; commonly used together as there’s usually a wide shot of an area which establishes where the scene is set, this can show how big an area really is giving the sense of no escape, however establishing shots aren’t frequently used in thrillers as a thriller follows a restricted narrative; meaning there’s a limited amount of information, like in ‘Brick’ where the setting is unknown/unclear and the audience has to figure it out. Point Of View and Associated Point Of View; p.o.v places the audience in the shoes of the protagonist/antagonist, this creates an uncomfortable and emotional connection between the spectator and character, which is a key element in thrillers as the spectator is suppose to feel ‘thriller’ and out of their comfort zone. However a.p.o.v is similar to an over the shoulder shot as the viewer, the camera is placed behind the subject making it unclear to the viewer if it’s the actors point of view or the audiences, used in thriller to build emotions between both the characters and the audience. ‘ Se7en’- a.p.o.v; it’s unclear whether the audience is seeing it from the antagonist point of view or just a spectators

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20 In the boot of the car Typical to thriller: A body in the boot of a car, our initial reaction is danger, whether that is a kidnap/or undiscovered, it’s a small confined space which is seen as negative due to the dark lighting, it also suggests trouble/threat/vulnerability all known to typical victims/protagonists in thrillers How does it contribute to the representation of the characters? The representation of the boy inside the boot of the car is that he is frightened however he seems crafty (as he waited a while until he started to bang on the roof of the boot) it suggests the boy might be a trouble maker/out of his comfort zone In a prison, in the cell Typical to thriller: The prison indicates criminal activity which is typical in thrillers as most narrative start because of a crime, also the fact he is being release creates an uneasy feeling for the viewer, as he was/may have been a risk to society How does this contribute to the representation of the characters? The portrayal of the man in prison; he’s mysterious as it’s unknown as to why he was in the jail cell, also stereotypically known as ‘hard’ or someone to be frightened of, it also suggests that he might be a re- offender as the dialogue between both the officer and him seems almost casual/as if they’ve known each other before.

21 On the road (through the car, inside the car) Deserted area, driving down a long empty road by greenery/countryside Typical to thriller: The road also seems deserted, it’s an area of derelict land, meaning it looks rarely used and the surrounding include fields/trees which is typical to thriller locations as they’re usually set in area of seclusion/rural areas or the outskirts of urban areas to create an alone/helpless emotion How does this contribute to the representation of the characters? The man driving the car seems quite shifty and the fact that he’s driving along what seems to be a deserted road makes him look susceptive/mysterious, like he could potentially be the antagonist.

22 Describe lighting/colour stock Dark, black, grey tinted/tinged Bright in parts like outside/in the prison cell which contrasts to inside the boot where it’s dark with shadowy low lighting How is this used to create atmosphere? This creates an eerie, mysterious, negative feeling for inside the boot; which indicates a threat/danger Which is dissimilar to the feeling created outside, although it’s bright it has a grey ting to it which provides anxiety to the viewer as it’s emphasising on the boy in the boot, providing empathy towards him The lighting alternates between light/dim/dark, same place/time but different lighting to suggest danger and unawareness

23 Mise-en-scene - Performance Describe the costume/ appearance of the characters ‘Ricky’ wears a grey tracksuit and Nike trainers which links with the theme of the story as it’s set in the ‘rough’ areas of London and this is stereotypical of that area also of a typical offender The police officer wears a uniform which is iconic to that specific role, (what we’d expect to see) The young boy is hard to identify what clothing he is wearing but presumably it is similar to what ‘Ricky’ is wearing as they are from the same area/typical theme The other man driving the car; he is wearing a denim jacket/shirt What does this connote? it sets the time/date whether it is modern or not; in this case it is a modern film which appeals to younger audiences

24 What props are used? How are they typical of the genre? How do they add to the action? What additional information do they give us about the characters? ‘Ricky’s’ bag; this is typical to the thriller genre as it is unknown to the audience as to what is in the bag; key to thrillers as it’s creates a sense of mystery, this particular prop doesn’t contribute much to the action, the bag may indicate that he travels light, he doesn’t have many possessions, also it suggests his social class as it isn’t an expensive looking bag which links in with the area that the film is set in. A gun; this is the most important prop, which is frequently shown/used throughout the film, it is which drives the narrative, this is typical of a thriller genre as there is commonly a murder in thrillers and weapons/violence as key features, the gun is the action, the gun is the main prop t the narrative as portrayed in the title ‘bullet boy’ it also is what starts off all of the conflict and which in turn provides the storyline. This suggests that in the area it’s set in that it’s not uncommon for people to be handling gangs and that it is quite a ‘rough’ area, also it gives an idea of the characters as even the little kids who handle the gun aren’t actually afraid of it and see it as a game, the gun is used by most characters and makes it hard to establish the antagonist and protagonists

25 Describe the actors’ Performance Body language/ accent/ paralanguage Key phrases etc. What does this tell us about the social status of the character? What does it tell us about the personality of the character? All of the actors performances are shifty, there body language towards each other is belittling which suggests they all think that they are ‘hard’ typically those portrayed a gangsters, they all speak with a south London accent which is commonly portrayed as a ‘rough’ area, this suggests that the social status of the character is that of someone’s who is shown as in ‘poverty’, however the main character ‘Ricky’ seems to be the only one with the aspiration to move out of that environment and ‘make something of himself’ which implies that his personality is different to those around him, and that he actually has empathy towards people. Each shot/ angle and movement for the first full minute – why has the director chosen to film this sequence in this way? What meaning is created? The first shot is a mid shot of the boy in the boot of a car, it is a side on view and the camera is at a higher angle than the character to suggest he is in the weaker position/making him seem vulnerable which relates to his surrounding as he is in the boot of a moving car. The next shot is a medium close up which switches into a mid shot, this shows movement from the character, shown from the point of view from the police officer; this creates a certain sense of power as the police officer is watching the ‘criminal’ the first shot is a low angle which then changes to a pint of view from the officer, the director used this potentially to show a certain vulnerability/low feeling from the person inside the cell.

26 Editing The type of editing is fast pace, this is to show continuity as it is harder for the audience/viewer to notice when it changes, however some cuts are more obvious to show a change in setting/area. This creates the sense that it’s all happening at the same time and there isn’t any time differences (in the past/future). Examples of dialogue, music, sound effects etc. Sound e.g. Voices, Accents/ dialogue, Voice over, Music, Sound effects, Ambient sound, Silence There’s dialogue between the police officer and main character ‘’come on sleepy head, time to go home’’- the guard says this to the prisoner whilst opening the cell door, this indicates the obvious that ‘Ricky’ is being released from jail and that what he was in for wasn’t as serious as the prison guard is quite friendly towards him, it implies that he broke the law and to some extent he is a criminal. Up until the first dialogue spoken there is a constant soundtrack which changes in pitch and tone when he is released suggesting there’s something mysterious/eerie about the character. There’s ambient sounds of a car in the first scene, also there’s jingling of the keys in the prison, a door slamming, and the stamp used to say he is released, the lighter; these all suggest they have been heightened to create more of an affect on the viewer, it also implies that these props are important to the narrative. What information does it give / how does it create / imply meaning?

27 List images that give us clues as to the narrative / characterisation in the film to come How do they convey the genre type? This scene hints at the narrative being crime based, and that crime/criminal activities is going to be common and the main theme. This conveys the genre type as the usual starting point of a thriller is when a crime has been committed This suggests at the different types of characters portrayed, the fact he’s smoking suggests anxiety or stress which makes it relatable to the viewers, commonly in thriller the antagonist has a habit and frequently it is smoking. This hints that this is an area of desertion which is typically to thrillers as they are usually set in derelict places, which seem secluded. This scene suggests danger/trouble is going to be key to the narrative, it also portrays this character as vulnerable, this feels the viewer with un-answered questions and mystery is very recurring in thrillers.

28 Collateral Mise-en-scene LA airport Typical to thriller; Not often typical to thrillers as it isn’t a deserted/secluded area, however the busyness provides a hidden identity for the antagonist; which is common to thrillers as the antagonist identity isn’t usually known towards the beginning. How does it contribute to the representation of the characters? The characters represented in this location are those dressed smartly, this suggests they are business men travelling away for a meeting, also the main Tom Cruise’s identity is barely known as he wears glasses and acts very shifty this contributes to his hidden identity as there are many other people dressed like this, so he isn’t of main focus/doesn’t stand out which is key for his role. There is a dodgy encounter which hints at mystery Taxi rank Typical to thriller; The protagonist usually is an ordinary person with some connection to the antagonist, this is typical to thriller as the protagonist is a taxi driver/everyday man making him relatable to the audience. How does it contribute to the representation of the characters? The taxi driver is represented as a ‘loner’, he keeps himself to himself, it makes him seem like a normal everyday man just about to start his shift as a taxi driver.

29 Describe lighting/colour stock How is this used to create atmosphere? There is a grey tint to the overall scene, although it is well lit as it is set in an airport. How is this used to create atmosphere? Its creates a subtle serious tone to the whole film, and hints towards the character Vincent in a negative way suggesting he is a threat/dangerous, also the lighting highlights him which draws in focus from the audience to his actions, making him known as a key character

30 Mise-en-scene Performance Describe the costume/ appearance of the characters Hair/ makeup/ dress etc. Vincent is dressed smartly in a grey suit this connotes that he is well presented and takes care of his appearance, it also indicates that he is a businessman and suggests that his personality is very serious and that he’s efficient (in the way he works) His sunglasses are used to hide his identity, partially covers his face, suggesting he doesn’t want people to know who he is. Max, the taxi driver is dressed is ordinary clothes, portraying him as normal and innocent, and different to Vincent. What props are used? The most important prop used is the briefcase Typical to thriller genre; commonly in thrillers there is a certain prop which builds the narrative How do they add to the action; the briefcase is part of Vincent’s work, and is key in order for him to succeed and get paid, inside is a list and the whereabouts of people he must kill as he is a hit man What additional information do they give us about the characters? They suggest that Vincent is a business man, that he is highly paid and wealthy it also suggests he takes his work very serious

31 What props are used? Another prop used is a picture that Max keeps in his taxi Typical to thriller genre; It provides a flaw for the protagonist; he’s alone and has aspirations How do they add to the action? It suggests his personality, his vulnerabilities which he has to overcome in order to stop the antagonist What additional information do they give us about the characters? That he is different from the other taxi drivers, he has aspirations and the photo is significant to him, it also hints that he may have ocd, and that he creates an identity within the taxi. Describe the actors’ Performance Vincent’s body language is assertive it suggests power and dominance, it also shows that he’s a very serious man who shouldn’t be underestimated, it hints that his social status is high and he has some authority, he’s well spoken and condescending. However Max is completely different his body language is shy and natural; to show he has a vulnerability/he is alone, it hints that his social status isn’t very high but he wishes it to be

32 Each shot/ angle and movement for the first full minute – why has the director chosen to film this sequence in this way? What meaning is created? There is a mixture of shots used in the first full minute of the scene, there are constant mid shots to not give much away, creating a secretive narrative, there’s a close up shot of the briefcase signifying that they are of significant importance to the narrative, there’s also a close up shot of Tom Cruise’s face; almost making the viewer have to piece together his character before he is shown full length; this creates a connection with the audience as they a predicting his height/ characteristics. There are many establishing shots, I think the director did this as he wanted to emphasize the location, and make a point on how dangerous the character might be to make a deal in the middle of a busy airport. The angles used are high and low giving the sense of power/dominance to each character. The camera is seen ‘following’ the characters like an outsider would, it tilts when both men are putting down the briefcases; moving the power from them to the case. The editing is fast paced which suggests the pace for the film, however most cuts aren’t obvious; showing it’s all happening at the same time and setting the pace for the rest of the film as it’s full of action.

33 The two men have a conversation whilst they ‘bump’ into eachother intentionally, what can be seen as a normal conversation the ‘you alright?’ and ‘yeah, are you alright’ is actually in business terms, a less obvious. The backing music/soundtrack is that of fast pace and low pitch, creating a mysterious/dark and eerie feeling towards the character, also silence is used to create tension. Sound

34 Age Rated Certification The most typical age rate would be 15+ sometimes 12 but mostly present with an adult or an 18. This is usually depending on how explicit common themes like violence, drugs, nudity/sex, language are presented. In thrillers violence is frequently glamorised however when it comes to sexual violence; its most likely that only the before and after/strong verbal references would be shown to indicate sexual assault rather than graphic content. Also the representation of drugs in thrillers are usually not to promote or encourage drug use, as it often shows the misuse and consequences; rarely in 15’s is drug use shown the narrative often hints at the affects of drugs and the use rather then the actual view of them taking the drug. There isn’t use of strong detailed nudity in thrillers, also there may be strong verbal references to both nudity/sex, these references have to be justified within context otherwise they aren’t tended to be featured, Language is repeatedly used in thriller to initiate violence, however the repeated use of a certain language is unlikely to occur or the strong use

35 The age rating for psychological thrillers is usually higher than those of action thrillers, as the narrative is seen as more complex and aspects of it are too explicit to those of a younger age; violence, drugs, nudity/sex, language. The kind of audience response we expect from thrillers; Is for them to be intrigued rather than scared/paranoid, a thrillers intention is to ‘thrill’ the audience doing this by; cinematogrphy, mise-en- scene, sound and editing and the overall narrative/acting. The type of reaction we expect from thrillers is what they were initially made for; which is to build suspense/emotions and a sense of loneliness/confusion, this is expected from thrillers as it’s such an iconic genre, if you were to watch a thriller that didn’t include these aspects you would question the genre. The difference between psychological and action thrillers

36 The reason ‘In Time’ is rated by BBFC 12a: Moderate violence One use of violent language It’s not recommended for those under 12 without the accompany of an adult ‘In Time’ is also a sub-genre with action, sci-fi; this is because the film is set in the future, it also included intense chase scenes which makes it a suitable action film. I think this film was given the age restriction of 12a by BBFC because even though violence is featured within this film, it’s filled more with chase scenes/escaping, and more physical fighting scenes that at the age of 12 aren’t as surprising than those featured in disturbing thrillers; which is why it’s a joint action genre. There also isn’t graphic sex scenes and hardly any violent language represented.

37 Sub-genre; Action/Thriller/Crime BBFC and IMDB rate the age restriction for ‘Taken’ a 15 Violence; as the narrative contains strong violence throughout, and there are scenes of torture and suffering. Drug references; although there are no scenes of drug use, there’s use of alcohol, and indications of drug use by the aftermaths/state of characters. Sexual content; There are references of prostitution and auctions of women, the men are represented as the girls ‘pimps’. Language; there is some content but not an obscene amount


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