Lost Mini-Analysis.

Although Lost is neither a film nor more specifically a thriller film it contains a stock event that would be seen in a thriller film that I wanted to include in my research and take ideas from. The part of my opening sequence is a chase. Quite frequently the directors of Lost have successfully created an effective chase scene which, creates a feeling of tension and uncertainty and therefore would be valuable for my to study in terms of my filming and trying to create the same atmosphere. I have only chosen a few of the codes and conventions which I want to focus on.


Camera Work:
The scene uses a wide range of camera range and angles. The scene starts as Kate emerges from the plane wreckage, the range used here long and the angle is high. This sets the scene and also shows the vulnerability of the three as they try to escape the monster. Following this shot a range of close shots are used. Significantly the one of Jack's face. The proximity of the camera captures the extreme fear on his face. None of the shots are steady shots. All of the have a lot of movement and makes it look like the camera is running away too, creating a lot of excitement and suspense. The majority of the time the shots only show part of the characters bodies. For example at once point we just see a pair of legs running, or a torso, this also makes it more exciting in that, the audience cannot see the whole picture and it, along with the manic shots gives a disjointed effect. Some of the time the camera tracks along side the person that is running. This is most likely to have been done using a track, however I will not have a track to use so if I want to create an effect similar I will have to simply run along side my victim. This good turn out well in that it will have the 'bumpy' effect that is used in Lost as the camera bounces up and down, but it could also end up looking like terrible camera work too, so I will have to do some text runs before I decide whether to use this technique or not. 



Editing:
In total, the chase scene which I am analysing, is one minute long. Throughout this the frame or shot changes just over thirty times. This means that each frame is about two seconds long. All the edits are quick simple cuts changing the shot used. The quick pace of the editing creates the suspense, excitement and tension amongst the audience all of which are typical of a thriller film. When doing the storyboard for my chase scene I had each frame to last about 3 seconds each. After watching this I now know I need to make them at least a second shorter each in order to really create the feeling that I want. The longest shot is five seconds and is just before the character of Charlie falls over. At the end of the chase scene my victim falls over so I will try in encompass this specific finding into my work too. My chase scene was also lasting just twenty-three seconds and after watching Lost I feel I can include more shots and make my chase scene longer to make it still effective. Otherwise, if the scene in lost had finished after thirty seconds the chase would seem petty and incomplete. 

Costume:
The costume in this scene becomes really muddy and wet. Although at the start the clothes were not in the best condition throughout the scene they become significantly worse become splattered with mud and soaked right through. Kate and Jack are wearing white tops whereas Charlie is wearing black. This could relate to the previous scene where Kate and Jack purely went the the wreck to look for survivors and call for help, but Charlie just went to retrieve his drugs. It could also relate to the chase scene in that the black signifies he is the one that will get into trouble be falling over and Jack having to help him. In the picture Kate's top is supposed to be completely white whereas at the moment it gives the impression it has been dipped dyed brown. Also Jack's white t-shirt is covered in mud splatters that he has flicked up as he runs. It would be effective for me to do this as it gives the impression that the victim is running fast and not carefully to miss puddles in order to get away from what it chasing them as soon as possible. 

Sound:
Due to the music at times it is difficult to hear any sound. But when Charlie falls over the music quietens down to just discorded strings and a 'plink' on the piano. Now you hear the rain, the splatter of mud as he falls and then the sounds of the monster getting closer. The only dialogue is also when Charlie falls as Jack helps him up and tells him to run. 

Music:
The music in this scene is very prominent. It is plays throughout right until Kate stops running and hides, and we can just her her subdued cries and the sound of the torrential rain hitting the forest fall.  The music consists of a bass drum hit at random intervals, a symbol also at random intervals and a fast run of notes on string instruments. The whole thing creates a quick, tense and rather scary piece which increases the excitement of the scene and carries it along, fitting in nicely with the change of shots. I think it is necessary that I find or create some music that is similar to use in my thriller sequence.

Shutter Island Analysis.

Shutter Island was directed by Martin Scorsese in 2010. It comes under the sub-genre of mystery thriller. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Marshal Teddy Daniels who is investigating a murderess who has escaped from a hospital for criminals who are insane. This is a different sub-genre of thrillers to the other ones I have analysed so far, and will be useful in planning my opening sequence of a thriller film. 

Codes.

Camera Range:

The film uses a variety of camera angles. The first establishing shot is of the boat that Daniels is on, setting the scene for the first part of the film. Another establishing shot is used a little later on, showing Shutter Island in its entirety and indicating the fate that awaits the two detectives. A series of close-ups are used on Teddy as he convinces himself not to be affected by the water. First we see the side of this face looking out the window then we see his hands getting water from the tap and finally his face. This all depicts his mood and his expressions of his face in great detail giving us an idea of how he is feeling and the mood the director is trying to create. The first time we see Aule is from behind a meshed fence. This could represent the entrapment of either of the two as at the time Daniels is trapped in and Aule is on the outside but it could be viewed that Aule is the trapped one because the camera is in his direction. Similarly is could also indicate that the both of them are trapped just not together. During the conversation between Daniels and Aule lots of shot-reverse-shots are used in their conversation swapping sides every few seconds, this creates a fast paced scene making it seem more exciting than it really is keeping the audience's attention. 

Camera Angles:

The whole time that Daniels and Aule are on the boat the camera angle stays pretty much the same. It is always at eye level with the two, portraying them as neither vulnerable nor strong. The camera moves and wavers as the boat moves on the water creating effect of being on the sea and making it much more realistic than keeping the camera dead steady throughout the sequence. Here the truck looks large, intimidating and strong however, a high angle shot from a helicopter zooms in on the truck driving across the island, and this puts into proportion how small and insignificant the men are and perhaps indicates how little power they have over the situation on the island. Similarly a shot from the truck looking up to the big building of ward C shows the inferiority of the detectives compared to the power of people inside and the building itself, this can make the audience feel uneasy about what it inside and consequently what is to come. From the perspective of the Deputy Warden we look slightly down on the two detectives, this doesn't necessarily depict the two as vulnerable but highlights the authority of the marshal over the situation. 

Composition:

Usually Daniels is placed in the centre of the shot. When the three men are walking up to one of the hospital buildings he takes up the centre place indicating that he is the main character of the film and that he is also trustworthy and perhaps the hero of the story. Right at the beginning of the film we view him from the view of the mirror as he is looking into it. Once again he in the middle of the shot indicating his role in the film.

POV:

The main POV shot comes when Daniels focusses on the lady doing the garden. As he carries on walking the audience views her from his perspective as he walks past her and locks eyes with her. This encompasses the audience in the film very much as combined with the sound it makes you feel like you can't look away and makes you feel uneasy, a common feeling when watching a thriller film. 

Editing:

The editing at the beginning of the film is very interesting. Each frame of the title sequence fades in to the next and then at the end it fades to grey. After a few seconds out of the grey a boat emerges as the grey turns to mist bringing a very dull and mysterious mood over the opening sequence, as the audience waits to see the entirety of the boat emerging from the mist. 

Music:

Before the film even starts the music indicates the nature of the film and is very typical of a thriller film. The normal sound accompanying the 'Paramount' titles is replaced by an eerie suspenseful piece of music making the audience on the edge of their seats an in anticipation for the film. The same music carries on when the film starts and we see the opening shot of the boat. During Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo's conversation the music fades down and almost out but as the flashback begins the volume is increased to it's previous height, implying something is a miss about it and creates once again a sense of tension and mystery. It very much contrasts the expressions on the twos faces as they both look happy when the music is clearly not, this suggests that this is a distant memory and now everything is a sinister as the music. Deep string music is used a little later on as they approach the island once again to increase tension and suspense and indicate the mysterious nature of the island. 

Sound:

As Daniels is walking up to enter the hospital building he notices a lady patient doing some gardening. As he focusses on her the voice of the marshal drowns out and becomes muffled as all his attention turns to this one lady. The bird and wind can still be heard but everything else is drowned out and a ringing sound is apparent, perhaps reflecting the mental state of the woman.

Graphics:

The font used for the title sequence is very straight cut. It gives an industrial feeling and having the colour of grey makes it seem, sombre and dull foreshadowing the mood of the following film and the characters.

Lighting:

The lighting at the beginning is very dull, (seen in first establishing shot at the top) The sky is overcast and a very sombre feeling is portrayed by this. The feeling of sombre is very much a key aspect of a thriller film. We are actually told by the captain of the boat that a storm is coming which could be indicating a serious, grave event that is going to occur. The lighting somewhat reflects the mood of Teddy as he remembers his previous life and enters Shutter Island in anticipation of what he will come across.

Mis-en-scene:

All of the items placed in the shots are there for a reason. The hanging cuffs from the ceiling of the boat show the nature of Daniels' job and his background. It also foreshadows the cuffs that are around the patients hands and ankles in the hospital. The pictures and the record player in the flashback show the happiness of his previous life as they are the standard homely items that really make a house yours and make it more homely. The flowers in the complex are there to represent the new life that they are trying to create for the patients and also create an ironic twist in that something so beautiful and bright could be in a place where the atmosphere is so morbid. 

Ideology:

This film presents the ideology that anyone can change and everyone deserves a second chance. The hospital takes patients that can't be kept anywhere else and aims to reform them or at least help them become slightly better. 

Conventions.

Props:

Ruffalo and DiCaprio both have cigarettes (shown in picture below), normally detectives in films will have cigarettes to 'help the stress' and consequently they have become a necessary prop when playing a role such as this, which are very typical of thriller films. We also see a close-up on the deputy marshal's badge showing the authority and the stock prop that is associated with police men or marshals. Driving along road to the hospital Daniels notices a sign saying 'Remember us for we too have lived, loved and laughed'. This could imply that later in the film deaths will occur or that they have already occurred and it was of innocent people who had ordinary lives. The sign is hanging from one corner which could portray corruption amongst either on the island in general or in the mind of the criminal who committed the murders. Teddy and Chuck are required to hand over their role defining fire arms as they enter the hospital. This somewhat strips away part of their character as they no longer have the power of defending themselves with it and you would expect detectives to always carry a gun in case trouble arises. When removing the pouch in which the gun is contained, Daniels removes it with one swift movement, but Aule struggles and takes a few seconds longer to fully release it, this indicates his lack of experience compared to Daniels. 

Costume:

The two detectives both wear fawn trench-coats, which immediately indicate their profession and therefore their likely role in the film, the two stand out from the standard navy uniform the the US marshals that are on the island when they arrive, this could indicate that they will be more important that the others who blend in more.

Setting:

Thrillers usually take place in isolated, run-down places. Shutter Island is consequently the perfect setting. When the detectives are approaching the island we see that it is completely alone  (once again shown by the establishing shot) with no surrounding islands and it is also thick with trees creating the perfect setting for the stock events of a thriller, like getting lost in the woods, being isolated and alone and getting confused as to where you are. The electrified perimeter of the hospital reflects the entrapment of the people inside and also the entrapment of Daniels and Aule in the case that they are about to become heavily involved in. Notabley ward A and B take on a much more pleasant appearance to ward C which holds the 'dangerous' patients; this gives the impression that C is the one that the two are unfortunately destined for.

Stock Characters:
Leonardo DiCaprio plays a detective called Teddy Daniels and his co-star plays another detective called Chuck Aule. The two are big stock characters of a thriller film. Thriller films usually involve a crime of some sort making it imminent detectives to play main parts in the film and this is precisely the role of Daniels and Aule.

Stock Events:

Within the opening of this film there are no real main stock events, however the debriefing from the Deputy Warden could be classed as one as it is a common ritual that all federal agents have to go through when working on a case so you would expect to see it in a thriller film. We also witness Daniels looking around and taking information in as he walks through the grounds of the hospital this could be seen as him noting evidence or knowledge as a detective should do in order to piece together a story later. For example we see him note the chains that connect a prisoners ankles, which he could use later when working out how murder escaped if they had this chains around their ankles.

Propp's Narrative Threory:
Using Propp's narrative theory of their being eight main characters in the film we can apply this to the first part of Shutter Island. So far we have been introduced to Daniels who will play the hero. Aule looks as if he will play the helper, and we know that there is a woman that has escaped who will be the villain. We don't have much more insight into any other of the main character types but it seems as if either the Deputy Warden or the Doctor they speak about could be the father figure. We are yet to find out who the doner, messenger  and heroine will be, but so far it supports his theory. 

Cloverfield Analysis.

Cloverfield is a thriller film but also has a horror slant to it. I have chosen to analyse this film as I believe it will be valuable to see how the two genres mix and whether from the opening sequence it seems like a thriller or a horror, and what codes and conventions it includes in order to achieve this. With my opening sequence I aim to make it as much like a thriller as possible, so if I come across horror aspects in the opening sequence of Cloverfield then I will try to avoid having these aspects when I film mine. I will analyse the first ten to fifteen minutes of the film to give me a thorough insight into the techniques used.

Codes.

Camera Work:

The camera work in Cloverfield is very unusual, but it creates the desired feeling of curiosity, mystery and suspense. In the opening sequence and then for the duration of the whole film, is filmed from what you would think to be a domestic ‘handycam’. Not at any point within the first few minutes are there any professional cameras used. Using, this technique makes it feel like it’s not a story that’s being told but something that actually happened. This makes the film seem more realistic and that it could happen to the audience, therefore creating more tension and an element of mystery amongst the audience. There are no specific angles or range for the camera work and it is all very erratic, barely holding the same shot for very long. The only time that shots are held for a long time is when the people at the party are giving their testimonial for Rob. Throughout the first several minutes we see flashes of the girl that was with Rob at the beginning on a train. There is 

 

Composition:

There is a distinct lack of composition in the sequence once again due to the nature of the filming. However, when the testimonials are recorded the people speaking are placed in the middle. This gives the impression of two things. Firstly, being placed in the centre implies that they are trustworthy, noble and innocent; none of these characters are going to turn out to destroy the city. Secondly, it replicates the image of a newsreader. They are normally placed in the centre of the screen, portraying the standard position for  interviewing or relaying information, and also once again suggesting they are a trustworthy source for relaying information. If they had been placed at the side that would imply they were not so trustworthy and had a bad side to them. The majority of the shots are canted shots, this could show the drunk nature of parties and also the carefree life of the characters which is all about to change.

POV:

Due to it all being filmed on a ‘handycam’ the majority of the shots are POV shots (as shown in the two pictures above). Once again, this makes it more personal like the audience is the one filming it and makes them more involved. It gives the audience their own character in the play, helping to emotionally trap them in the film, helping them imagine they are at the party, they are running through the damaged streets of the city and they are the ones affected. This is a really useful technique if you want to get your audience involved in your film.

Editing:

The editing of the opening sequence is very simple. It uses straight cuts as it replicates the nature of watching back a home-made video, where you have recorded something, stopped recorded and then started recording something else.

Music:

There is no music in the first few minutes of the film. The only music used is at the party, creating the party atmosphere and making it seem like a real event. The music is very quite but you can pick it out in the background, and doesn't drown out the dialogue that is taking place.

Sound:

All of the sound used is diegetic. At the beginning we can hear the footsteps of Rob as he walks over to the window to look out and we can also hear the sound of the road. This could relate to how quiet and normal their lives were before the big attack. It also helps to create a carefree atmosphere of the party and the life. The dialogue at the party stands out from the background noise. 

Graphics:

The film starts displaying graphics. There is a watermark in the centre reading ‘PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT DO NOT DULIPCATE’. From this we can understand that the following footage is under investigation. The font used to this is a serif font, projecting the heritage and authority of the US government. In contrast the font used to display the director’s and producer’s names is a sans serif font. Like on a police tape, there are a series of numbers counting the time the video has been running. Throughout this sequence, distorted black and white shapes interject into the titles creating the typical sense of tension and mystery because you can't work out what it is.

Lighting:

The lighting throughout is very dull. At first just a few lights in the room, provide the light as it is completely dark outside, however there are also lightings from the buildings and cars outside which provide some light too. Being filmed in the early hours of the morning enhances the idea of the city that never sleeps, showing how perfect it is and how through the night it doesn't stop, and implying that nothing can. Which will be tested later in the film as the action occurs.

Conventions.

Props:

During the party the main props used are the drinks that people are drinking. The majority of people are drinking alcohol from red plastic cups. Whilst these are a typical item at a party the colour of red has the connotation of danger and perhaps indicates that something bad is to come for the attendees of the party. 

To the right we can see an example of the red cups and also of the costume that some of the guests are wearing.

Costume:
The costume worn by the characters is a smart dress that coincides with the event of the party. The women are wearing dresses, with their make-up and hair done and the men are wearing suits. This defines the event and also the class of the people. From the first setting of a top floor apartment in New York we can assume that there is some wealth amongst the characters, so naturally the costumes will be up market too. 

Setting:

The setting of Cloverfield is a large city. At first we are in a top floor apartment of a skyscraper, looking down on the bustling city below, the party is in a bar or club assumingly in a similar location. This gives the impression of the perfect sophisticated lifestyle. However it all seems too good to be true, thus making the audience feel tension and making them feel like something big is about to happen.

Stock Characters:

Within the first ten minutes of this film, it is difficult to tell who the main characters will be. We can understand that the man and the woman at the beginning are likely to play main roles within the film but we do not yet have an insight into which. On the face of it, one could assume that they will play the victims, a very typical thriller character, and that perhaps the whole party will fall victim, but technically there is no indication of the role which each of the characters introduced will play.

Stock Events:
Once again like characters, no prominent, thriller stock events are presented in the opening part of Cloverfield. However, the main event is a party so you could look at that and say that it makes the basis of something going wrong or a disaster occurring, thus providing the grounds for the a stock event of a disaster to happen at some point during the film.

Narrative Threories:
Todorov's theory about equilibrium can be applied to the start Cloverfield. At the beginning, everything is as normal, there is an equilibrium, a status quo in the lives of the characters. To carry on with this theory the film must next break the status quo, have people plan to fix it, contain the 'fixing' and then finish with a similar but equal equilibrium. From the brief summary of the film it is evident that at least the next stage will occur and looks to follow this theory to the end. 

Overall Cloverfield does not contain any horror aspects in the opening sequence. It also appears to lack many thriller aspects when comparing it the Se7en. However, the director has cleverly used the camera work among other things to create correct atmosphere for a thriller film. Elements of mystery and suspense show through from tiny little pieces put together like the camera work, setting and idea that you know that something cannot stay as well as it seems. Also the fact that it barely resembles any genre makes the audience be in anticipation for what is the come later in the film, and makes them want more to be revealed. It is evident that Cloverfield is trying to be unique and it succeeds. The lack of camera work and editing subverts the genre conventions of a thriller, this is a risky move to choose but for this film it appears to pay off. 

Questionnaire Results.



I conducted a survey as part of my research into thriller films. It will help me to confirm my target audience and give me an insight into some of the codes and conventions that my target market would like to see in the opening sequence of my thriller. I gained 31 responses in total after putting it on sites such as Facebook, Twitter and emailing it to my family. For my first question I asked gender of my participants. I received 21 responses from females and 10 responses from males. 

My second question ask the age of the participants. My target audience is teen to late twenties therefore I will compare the rest of my questionnaire results with my desired target audience and the other results to see whether there is a huge gap in what they can expect in a film. If the gap is small and they suggest the same things then although, primarily my film is aimed at the younger population it could be indicated that it would appeal to people over the age of that group making it more marketable.

Thirdly I asked whether they enjoyed watching thriller films. 39% said that yes they do, 10% (three people) said that they did not and finally 51% said sometimes. They indicated that the story has to be of their taste and in later questions gave examples of their ideal thriller film and what it would contain.

I wanted to find out if my idea for my thriller film contained the stock events that my audience wanted to see so my next question asked "What stock events do you think a good thriller film includes?". My idea for my thriller includes an chase ending in an abduction potential murder which is set in an isolated place creating an atmosphere full of suspense. I was looking to see how many people mentioned these ideas and also if there were any additional ideas that would fit in well with what I plan to do. My first five responses alone mentioned abductions, suspense, danger and lots of emotion. The responses carried on in the same direction and included ideas about isolation, tension and mystery. All of which I aim to include in my opening sequence.

Similar to my previous question I then enquired about stock characters. The suggestions followed the stereotypical characters of a thriller film and were mostly centred around, a girl victim and a mysterious bad guy. The answers also included an unlikely hero or a conventional hero however because I am just making the opening sequence of a thriller film I feel it is not necessary to include this character in my film.

Props, costumes and settings are very important in any thriller film as they help to define the genre and create the desired atmosphere within the film. Therefore my next question was centred around finding out what my audience thought to be appropriate for my opening sequence. These two answers represent the overall answers I received. Most of the answers wanted a dull, natural setting; fitting in with my ideas of setting it mostly in the woods. They wanted the clothes to be related to the character and specifically to the time in which my film is set. As my film is a modern thriller I will be asking my actors and actresses to wear everyday clothes that relate to their characters.

Camera angles are also important in films. They have the ability to show you everything but can also be subjective and hide items from view. I asked my participants to say which shots they think would be most used in a thriller film. Firstly they put a close-up shot. In the comments they commented on how not seeing the whole picture will add mystery and suspense which is the exact feeling and atmosphere that needs to be created by my film. They also said that a whole range of shots should be used to create excitement. If I did not include a range of shots the sequence could become monotonous and boring and not have the desired effect. 

Finally, my last question inquired about the amount of detail within my opening sequence. I provided three suggestions about the amount of detail from not much, to moderate and to showing the ending, then the rest of the film showing how it came to that. The most popular was moderate, containing some excitement. Due to this I have decided to carry on with my idea of a chase being the opening action and then if the film were to continue we would follow the course of getting the girl back by completing tasks that the abductor sets.

To conclude, my questionnaire research has enabled me to really define what my target audience expect to see within the opening sequence that I will be making. It has confirmed that my initial ideas were on the right track and has provided me with extra inspiration for my film piece. By conducting this research and basing my film on it, my film should then appeal to my target audience and as indicated from what I have seen hopefully a bit more wider audience than I was originally expecting.