Thriller Micro Elements

Sound

Earlier in the year we created an opening for a Thriller. One of the micro elements that was included was use of sound. We created a soundtrack that we thought fitted the whole sequence. It created quite an eerie and mysterious vibe, this is an example of non-diagetic sound. Another example of non-diagetic sounds is the sounds we used for the transitions for the flashbacks. We also used diagetic sounds, like the sound of the train at the beginning, and footsteps. We used visceral sound when the man is hit. This technique is used to emphasise and focus on certain sounds.

Editing

We edited the flashbacks to be viewed in black and white, so the audience could understand that it was in the past. This worked well along with the transition sound, to create a fluent change. Another editing technique we used was changing the speed of clips. We cut up a number of clips, in which we sped up and slowed down. This built up tension throughout the sequence, leaving the viewer on edge. We used simple opening credits which appeared by the side of the appropriate character. At the end of our sequence, we paused the film whilst the character was in 'mid-punch'. We created a break in the music to go with this. At the same time, our opening title 'Rependo' appeared on the screen.   

Mise-on-scene


Straight away, a scary isolated setting and location is put in place. This instantly informs the audience that something is not right. Costume is very important in our video, as it creates a hierarchy. Will, the obvious antagonist, is dressed in smart informative clothing, whereas Saul is dressed in bloody cheap clothes. We used make-up on Sauls face, to show he had been beaten and was in danger. The lighting in the scene is completely natural and dull. We purposely filmed in the evening to emphasise the eeriness, as darkness is associated with the Thriller genre.

Cinematography 

We used many PoV shots in our opening. The first PoV was in the view of the antagonist. This PoV shot is very strong and focuses on the protagonist. Afterwards, the next shot is in the PoV of the protagonist, and you can instantly tell the character can barely hold himself up. When the character does manage to look at the antagonist, he is looking up from a low angle. This shows that he is in a weak position.

SFX


We only used a couple of special effects, a fake gunshot and a stunt with the punch in the face. The gunshot made the death of Will's brother more vivid and realistic, as well as the punch.

Thriller....

Cinematography:
- Opening panning shot, establishes the setting and follows the character on screen.
- Close up of victims face showing that she has been gagged, making the audience question what has happened to her.
- Mid-shot of the business woman shows her facial expressions, she looks bored as if she is just doing her day to day routine and just wants to get home from work. She is completely unaware of what is happening to her friend.
- The close up of the phone is to inform us that the business woman has had a missed call from her friend, this shot develops the story because so far there has been no speech to explain anything.
- The close up of the victims face is clearer this time which draws you into the story
- There is a long shot showing the whole of the victims body, we discover that she has been kidnapped and tied up unable to escape. The quality of the shot is fuzzy and dark which makes you realise that something bad and mysterious is happening and being kept secret.

Editing:
- There is a quick fade at the opening to establish the setting
- There are random black and white, out of focus, jumping shots in between the ordinary shots of the business woman. These random shots are intended to look like CCTV footage and are very effective at gripping the audience's attention.

Mise - En - Scene:
- Lighting and Colour: The shots of the business woman are in natural light, the colours are very ordinary and dull to show that there's not much excitement in her life and every day routine. There is a complete contrast in lighting and colour when the camera is on the victim, it is very dark with a torch light on her face creating a creepy atmosphere. This shows the story is focussed on her.
- Costume: The business woman is dressed in a black and white suit which you straight away link to an office job. The victim is wearing ordinary, every day clothing of jeans, boots and a purple top which shows she was going about her every day life when she was kidnapped unaware.

Sound: The music starts off quite boring but becomes more exciting when the beat comes in. The footsteps are visceral sounds as they are really loud and creaky.

Analysis of Micro Elements in Thriller Project

Sound
The soundtrack is impressive, the pace of the music matches the action on screen and the change of instrument gives the effect of suspense and then a chase. The heartbeat effect is good as it shows the characters increasing nerves and when at the bush it increases to show a build-up of the cliffhanger.


Editing
At the end of the video the tempo is slow to show that the protagonist has been captured and allows the audience to realize what has happened. The colour changes to black and white which makes the ending negative and thrilling. The jump cuts from feet to feet depict the chase is on and then it speeds up to show the "prowler" is after the protagonist.

Mise-en-Scene
Use of props are normal the bag and jewelery is common for a female character whereas the antagonist does not give too much away as he has his hands covered up and clothed in black. This makes it obvious to the audience that he is the antagonist. Colors are appropriate for the thriller, dark colours shows the nature of the thriller as it is negative throughout. Lighting is natural and is not enhanced until the last part of the video because it is slightly dark then the rest of it, moving away from continuity.  

Cinematography
We used jump cuts between the feet of the stalker and Heidi to show how fast the stalker was to her and how he was following here move for move. We also did a tracking shot from in a bush to make it seem like somebody is watching her and trying not to be seen, this is a good effect to show how vulnerable she is and how unaware she is. We used a long tracking shot to show how far she had to run and also to show how fast she was running. We used a head cam shot to give the audience a feel of what she was seeing and going through.

Special Effects
NONE!!!!!

Analysis of Micro-elements in Thriller Project

Cinematography
Hand-held shot - the audience sees what they are seeing.  This entices the audience into the introduction. It also creates distortion as the view is limited and you can't see what's around in the location.
Pan - There's a pan around the Saul and Hakan which builds up the tension and you know that something bad is going to happen.
Close-up - The close-up of Hakan and Will's face emphasis the emotion of the scenes
High angle - Shows vulnerability of Saul as Will comes from the higher ground


Mise-en-Scene
Blood - the use of blood shows realism of the scene and makes the audience sympathize with Saul.
Chairs - Saul was using the chair as a prop in which he was tied down to the chair.  Use of props again shows realism of the scene and shows that he is trapped.
The Location - the location looks deserted and in the middle of nowhere which builds  up suspense amongst the audience because anything can happen.  This also builds up on the point that he is trapped and he has nowhere to go.  
Facial Expressions - no one looks happy - everyone looks sincere and this gives it a more serious tone.  The audience are going to have an idea what sort of film it is going to be.
Colour - there are lots of dark colours, nothing is bright.  There is also the use of black and white which furthermore shows the genre of the film - the audience aren't going to expect a comedy.
Costume - Saul is wearing a white t-shirt which highlights the blood which contrasts the blood and shocks the viewers.


Editing
Black and white scene - this is used to clearly show the flashbacks and so the audience realize this.
Reverse footage - the footage stuttered when panning round Saul - it gives off a delusional effect which emphasises the genre of the film.
In-shot zoom - the zoom was from a medium shot to a close up shot - this showed the sincerity in Will's facial expressions and from this the audience will realise Will's intentions.


Sound
Diagetic sound - Hakan speaking, the train passing and when Will punches Saul - you can tell where the sound is coming from.  The audience realise the grittiness of the film.
Non diagetic sound - this includes the soundtrack in the background of the opening.  It keeps the pace of the film and creates suspense and tension.  The sounds are quite tinny and penetrating to hear which makes the audience feel uneasy.


Special Effects
Gun noise - This is used to create realism and shock the viewer.

Thriller Analysis

Microelements:

Sound:
It starts off with a scary/spooky theme while the credits are going and high pitch sounds are added in to give a better effect. When the murder scene is happening to add emphasis and build tension. The music continues to play in the background until the characters start speaking. All the sound in this thriller is Non Diegetic  apart from the characters speaking.

Editing:
This group used their editing skills to take some of the colour away to make it darker and have a scarier effect.  At the beggining there is a slight fade after the logo to start showing the thriller. When the credits appear on the screen they have a thriller style to them. The way the title is appears at the end gives off a decoding effect to link with the thriller theme.

Mise-en-Scene:
In the this thriller there is not much lighting used to fit the dark theme of the thriller and so that the killers costume doesn't stand out as he is wearing dark clothing. Adam's character is wearing a white shirt to show that he is the good guy in the thriller and to make him stand out. There are many props used in this thriller such as the belt, reports and the suicide note to show that this is meant to be a psychological thriller. The location of the crime scene is meant to portray a dark warehouse at night time to show that Dom's character is alone is a dark and secluded area which builds tension when the murderer walks into the room.

Cinematography:
There is alot of close ups of the props to emphasise their meaning such as the  close up of the reports which is used quite often in thrillers to give off the story. In the scene where the note is being placed next to the body a hand-held shot is used to add mystery to the story of who the killer is. Shot reverse shot is used in the scene where the two characters are having a conversation. An over the shoulder shot is used when Adam is sleeping to build tension as a hand comes on screen hinting that it could be the killer.

SFX:
There is a quick blinding effect to show that the murder is either a flashback or dream to keep the audience guessing.

analysis of thriller project

thriller project

Micro elements:

Mise-en-scene:

costume: Max was wearing a black suit, gloves and glasses shows his hiding his appearance. Conventional to thrillers as Spooks or agents in political thrillers are normally dressed like this. Using conventions to make themes more obvious.

lighting: Outside was dull represents the mood of the scene. Thrillers are often moody and poignant and use visual representations to get this across, in this case, the weather

colours: mainly black, grey and navy blue represents the theme overall of the negative atmosphere.

props: gun, phone, suitcase, glasses and gloves, conventions of thriller, show he was on a task and the way these props were shown gives the audience the impression that there is more to be revealed about the character.

location: town centre, car park , busy atmosphere so the criminal doesn't get caught. Thrillers are often up to date, normally never set in the past, use current affairs for themes.

cinematography:

the camera shots varied , close ups showed the facial expressions which were mundane as its a serious task.
 Long shots, when Max was walking in the car park , establishes the scene as the assassin has chosen a secluded area of the busy atmosphere to perform the assassination.
over the shoulder shot, creates suspense and point of view shot reveals the target. the Camera is mostly steady, going against conventions of modern thrillers which go for the shakey cam techniques.

Sound:
The soundtrack is very intense and reacts to what is going on in the scene. For example, when the film speeds up as Max walks towards the camera, the music subsides and a sound affect is played to emphasize this. As Max gets closer to killing the target (or James), the music gets louder until finally stopping to have the gun shot play over silence, this is soon followed by alot of sound affects being played as the camera tracks from the target to the assassin, and ends with the basic bass line which played throughout the scene. The soundtrack is very electronic, with no percussion whatsoever, applying to the modern nature of the film.

Editing:
Very basic cuts with drastic changes of speed in key places. Two stills with red filters are put before and after the long sped up tracking shot.

Special effects:
added a crosshair to point of view to make it seem more realistic.

Thriller Micro Elements

Sound 
Use of non-diegetic soundtrack to emphasize the mood of the physiological / crime thriller, which is slow and dingy which links to the mind as if its like a time bomb e.g. repetitive tune. This is used to create a fearful atmosphere. The music is playing while he is dreaming to separate this from reality. The music then stops when he wakes up and talks with his wife.This also shows how the dreams are affecting him and he cannot stop thinking about them.

Editing
We use a flashback effect when switching from a dream back to reality, to make it obvious he is dreaming.
Use of credits as a type writer effect so it comes up slowly in time with the music. Also when the title comes we use a odd symbol effect to give the audience the idea that this story isn't very straight forward. A lot of thriller storyline will have twists in them so this follows the characteristic normally seen in a thriller film. 

Mise En Scene 
Use of rope as a prop to show the audience that Dom has been hung, and business cloths to represent hes at work, and a dressing gown showing it is late at night. This is very common of thriller movies because of the darkness and the unknown that comes with it and most crimes happen in the dark because they are less visable.
Dom white foundation to represent death whilst hanging, when you are dead you go pale, hanging represents the storyline of a murder that has been covered up, Psychological thriller because it plays with your mind.

Cinematography
Slow panning shots in time with the music to create a dark and doomy scene, panning across to pieces of crime evidence showing its a long and slow process. This is very common in thriller movies as the build up is normally slowly moving onto a quick bit of action.
Shot reverse shot when Browen and Adam have a conversation.
Birds eye view over the pieces of evidence to fill the screen making each piece clearer to see.

SFX
Use of fades and transitions when panning across to maintain and dark a slow atmosphere.
One scene was very dark when talking to Bronwen making it hard to see each person because of this we used a SFX to make the scene lighter.

 What we would do different?
Not use cheesy American accents.
Different locations as it made it less realistic being at college with lockers and board notices around.
Different story line, was completely run by Bronwen.
was occasional editing faults e.g. when it cuts to Bronwen it accidentally does another quick cut to her in another scene.
I would probably create a comedy thriller as it is difficult to create a crime / serious thriller scene at Long Road Sixth Form grounds.

Micro Element anaylsis of P3-67 Thriller video:

Sound: 

- Non Diegetic/Sound bridge.. background noise - Adds suspense

- Different tones.. loud/busy environment to quiet phone ringing - out of the ordinary, gives the impression something going on in the background which viewers cant see

- Visceral sound.. exaggerated voices, cars and phones (town) - gives sense of wariness 

Mise-en-scene: 
- each character has the appropriate costume e.g. investigator wearing a long coat, scientist wearing glasses and an apro. Screen time judges who is the main character in the film.

- Make up used for Squids effect (blood) - shows the damage that's been done

- Props e.g. forensic scientist equipment, paper, masks, microscope. Masks had riddles on them to indicate clues for the investigator to find the killer, explains the storyline better. Props make it visual and therefore easier to anaylse rather than all information given through sounds and dialogue.

- Set/Location - only a few used e.g. bathoroom and bedroom, but the sound effects make it seem like there should be more e.g. busy town.

Cinematography: 
- Long shot to show the locations and the full effects of the thriller such as the body at the beginning. Its important to see the whole incident with the set, props and actors to add effect to the thriller and show the purpose in this case its where the investigator has to figure out who killed the girl.

- Mid shots - allow you to see a lot in the frame but still focus in at a particular point.

- Close up to enhance the effect and look at a specific feature. So you can see the makeup and costumes. It mixes mise-en-scene with cinematography.

- Track shot at the very beginning, to follow actor and makes the audiences' eyes focus on what you want so they see the importance of the opening. 

Editing: 
- All similar screens.

- Flashes to and from different scenes using the titles and credits.

- Normal pace transitions 

Special Effects:

- Squids effect (Fake blood)

Application of micro elements to Harry Brown

The film 'Harry Brown' gives the impression that is a realistic portrayal of life in this area of the country with natural lighting, sound, costume etc. The location of the film is in a defaced block of flats in London the area gives a strong impression that crime rates are high. The sounds of making tea and breakfast are emphasized to show a day to day routine to highlight how lonely he is with his wife in hospital. A clear divide between youth and the elder generation is shown when Harry Brown is walking to the hospital and decides not to take the shortcut due to being frightened of the youths in the underpass. The youths in the film are portrayed in a typical negative manor with drugs and guns used in everyday way, most of the youths are filmed on a mobile phone showing the modern day technology. To introduce harry brown there is as close up of him indicating the main character.

Application of micro elements - Harry Brown

Editing
When the teens are on the motorbike there are lots of jump cuts, this helps emphasis the thrill and speed the teens are riding at. Shot reverse is used between Harry Brown and his friend in the pub, they are talking about the pub ownership and the youths dealing drugs, having under age sex. They use close ups on Harry brown regularly to show his emotion of his life. When the film starts they use a slow fade in to the alarm clock, this contrasts the speed of the opening scene to bring the film back down to earth, and establish Harry Browns old, quiet, cobbler life.

Sound
Most of the sounds in the opening scene are diegetic and all sounds are natural this represents the realism of the film. When he is getting up doing his morning routine, the sounds of him making his tea etc are visceral to emphasize how alone he is without his wife. The lack of other sounds also help to show his lonliness as the only sounds being made are by him and not others. In the opening scene with the youths on the bike, there is a sound effects used for the gun and the boy shoots the woman which helps highten the realism by providing real gun sounds.

Cinematography
When Harry Brown is walking across the park, there is a long shot of him stopping to look at the tunnel where the yobs hang out. This shot is effective at showing us that he chooses not to go that way to avoid confrontation. In the scene where he gets ready there are lots of close ups which helps the audience to better understand his life and how he is lonely. There is a scene at the beginning of the scene that is handheld on a motorbike. This creates a thrill and makes the audience feel like they are actually in the film. Another long shot is used when Harry Brown is in his apartment looking down at the man getting his car broken into by yobs. The long shot makes clear that the violence is happening, but no one is willing to do anything. It also makes us understand that Harry Brown is aware that the violence is happening, but it helpless to stopping it.

**MESSAGE TO AIDAN** I'm done editing. (From Jack)

Harry Brown Micro Elements

Cinematography
There was a few long shots of Harry Brown, this shows how lonely he is. For example, in the hospital it pans across all the empty beds and outside he's just alone in a park. There were lots of close-ups on his features and props, this just emphasises how the film is focusing on him. The hand held shot at the beginning helps the audience feel as if they were there as it's shot in the character's point of view.

Sound
There were visceral sounds in the apartment like when he's buttering his toast and doing his routine, this emphasises his loneliness.  There was always background noise such as screaming and car alarms, this shows how depressing his life is.

Mise en scene
The lighting was very natural, most of the colours were grey and dull which represents his life.  The

Micro Elements in Harry Brown

The sound in Harry Brown is either very obvious using the visceral technique of emphasizing them and his routine or either slightly muffled with non-diegetic sounds; furthermore it was frequently transformed to diegetic sound due to the change in visuals.

Mise-en-scene is very stereotypical to the location of the film. Colours are mostly bland and related to the concrete greys of the estate. Props are also linked to Harry Brown and the teenagers whether it be old photo frames or

micro elements in Harry Brown

The micro elements are mise-en-scene, sound, cinematography, editing and sfx. An example of sound is the visceral sound of Harry Brown making tea which emphasizes his loneliness. An example of mise-en-scene is the darkness of his flat at night, lit by a single dim light which displays his isolation from the outside world. An example of cinematography is the close up on Harry Brown's face when he wakes up, indicating immediately his position as the protagonist. An example of editing is the hand held shots of the two scenes at the beginning represent point of view and make the scenes seem more authentic. And an example of SFX is the stunt double for when the bike hits the lorry, which gives the stunt more or a risk factor to it.