The Preliminary task was done for the purpose of experimenting and getting to grips with the equipment. how the camera operates and different shots we were capable of taking, also to find out who is best suited for the jobs of editor and camera operator
we decided on an idea of a character being on the run and hiding as it allowed us to use a variety of angles and shots and the tempo and speed of action could be changed as this scenario is common in the thriller genre and will be helpful in when we create our final thriller
High angle point of viewpan shot
When selecting production roles we
found that I would be a definite actor as I have experience in the particular
field and are capable of portraying the desired role. I will also take and the
role of editor although the editing will be divided up between me and onat other roles we found due to this task was camera lady. we established that Jessica was best skilled with the camera and possessed the skill needed to take on this role.
creating this task was helpful towards our group as it allowed us to establish a few of the best roles for creating our thriller. we also discovered what angles movents and shot sizes worked well and what didnt work so well. also the task gaves us all a chance to attempt what we will specialise in allowing us to get a head start on working together to creating a magnificent and effective thriller
Costume in a film is used for establishing characters whether it be hero, villain, upper class, lower class or victim. Costume is used to represent this and make the character easier to read and determine what there goals are. it is also used to determine what genre the film is for example having old victorian dresse will mean it is a period film and characters wearing combat uniforms could mean action or war.
The character luke skywalker from the film Star Wars wears a loose fitted shirt with utility belt with white trousers and combat boots. this typicall means that the genre of the film is action sci fi due to his gadgets on utility belt loose fitting clothes meaning he needs to be nimble for a fight. Also the fact that he is wearing white represents him being a hero.
The mysterious ghost faced killer from Scream wears a black hooded cloack with a mask hideing his identity along with gloves and black boots. not only is the black colour of his costume conventional to thrillers he is also in a cloak representing the thrilling figure of a ghost.
Officer John Mcclane wears a rough white open shirt with white vest that represent good and a hero also combat trousers this represent a strong protaganist character that is ready for action he also has a LAPD badge on a chain around his neck signifying he is an officer of the law and holds authority and power. The audience respond to his costume as a reflection of hiss attitude a rugged cop who is capable of handaling difficult situations.
Costume
in this scene is conventional to its genres stereotype as the audience witness
their protagonist wearing an all-white suit white shoes and white gloves. White
represents good and purity so this automatically makes the audience take
Preston side due to the conventional outfit. The antagonists who fight Preston
however are all dressed in black leather whereas the lead antagonist in the
large room wears an all-black suit with black shoes. This clearly represents
how the antagonist and protagonist are opposites and are enemies. The use of suits and leather represents wealth
and uniform. This information is received by the audience, making the narrative
easy to follow. When the audience see white, they associate Preston with a
saviour figure in constant to the antagonists black uniform which they
associate with evil.
Cinematography
is important in films because as a variety of shots make up interesting an effective scenes I believe it is important to think about the
cinematography, especially in thriller films because and using a certain type of camera shot or camera movement can make the scene all the more thrilling for the audience the difference between having a low angle making the protagonist seem dominant and a high angle making the protagonist seem weak makes all the difference in creating the desired response from the audience of fear for the weak protagonist or joy for the strong accomplished protagonist. Some
of the conventional uses of cinematography in thrillers are made up of shot sizes for example close ups camera angles like low angles and movement like pan shots.
a close up shot is conventional to thrillers as they can be used to capture all the detail on the faces on a victim in agonising pain or being petrified. the low angle can also be used in the same way to represent strength and uneven dominance used to evoke the emotion from the audience of fear for anyone that will have to face them. a pan shot can be used to capture all of one movement it shows all the detail in that movement and may reveal important information.
The cinematography I plan to use in my thriller consists of
the following:
1. Close-up will be used when we introduce our main character as we have a close up shot to shot the confusion and fear on her face we used this shot as its both conventional and effective hoping to evoke a balance of confusion and concern from the audience.
2. A high angle shot will also be used to assert the dominance of the antagonists over the protagonist while she is laid on the table looking up at the the villains tied up. the response we hope the audience will have will be fear for the victims safety.
3.establishing shot displaying the area setting the scene and creating an atmosphere. the establishing shot will be of the boarded up house making the house seem abandoned and secluded.
4. A long shot will be used when our antagonist is at her table and in the background have her stalkers watching her in secret the shot Will make her look defenceless clueless and oblivious.
5. Pan shot will be effectively used in our thriller to keep track of the action and display the area and how unsafe and vulnerable she is capturing all her nervous steps highlighting her body language as she walks through the bare park.
6. Zoom shot will be used to highlight the claustrophobic atmosphere the innocent protagonist is feeling when she is cornered by the villains. this will show her fear and show detailed emotion on her face
7. A mid shot will be used in the making of a thriller to show the antagonists huddled and planning on the helpless protagonist well being. the mid shot will make the audience feel apart of the scene as the view would be the size they would get in that situation.
Body language and facial expressions is one element from mise en scene made up of 5 different aspects. body language and facial expressions are used to show the emotions and the type of character is. This can be shown through a variety of methods for example an open body posture shows that the character is welcoming and friendly and a scared facial expression can represent fear.
Body language
The use of body language is key in punctuating a genre and sub genre: for example:
martial arts action
The protagonist Bruce lee has a well toned lean and strong body, leading the audience to believe that he is capable of fighting a lot of battle that will come his way. he is also in a stance that enhances the feeling of power as he looks ready for a fight.
Action Adventure Crime
The protagonist in Sherlock Holmes holds a stance where he seams confident and calm, the traits an audience expect from an investigator and makes the genre clear. his hands in his pockets also represent his care free nature and makes the audience question if he is the man for the job.
Thriller drama
fantine in les miserables is sitting alone with her hands between her legs with a hunched back. Her closed posture shows that she is unhappy and portrait a little extra information about her feelings. the audience see this and feel sympathy towards her.
facial expressions
The use of facial expression in film is important for when a characters feelings need to be shown without dialogue, examples of this is:
Action sci-fi
The hero of this film "The Terminator" has a very stern and macho facial expression. he appears focused with his jaws clenched and no smile he looks aggressive and as though he is on a mission.
Crime Thriller
Antagonist the joker from the dark knight is a sociopath with a sadistic look on dis face which imply he has evil and wicked intent on his mind, this is inferred from his cheeky and disturbing smile and gaze.
Horror
Jason fro Friday the 13th wears a mask hiding all facial features and identity. this makes the audience feel like this psycho murderer can kill without flinching showing no emotion. his piercing gaze adds to his terrifying persona.
Equilibrium analysis
The
facial expressions of the protagonist are especially important as his face is exposed,
whilst the villains wear tinted helmets hiding all facial expressions. This
creates a sense of mystery around the villains leading the audience to question
if the enemies are simply emotionless machines that do not have any remorse or emotions,
thus making Preston stand out as the audience can relate to and respond to his
emotions. His facial expressions reveal a message of determination and
seriousness. The audience are given a glimpse of this just before he begins his
attack as he composes himself, which the audience respond to with excitement
and nail biting nervousness due to the velocity of the situation. The body
language in the scene displays that all of the villains have the same intent. This
is because all of the characters are specially trained officers who are in
combat and are prepared for an attack with high performance, agility and power.
Preston has also been trained in the same way, so he shares similar body
language. For the audience witnessing this allows them to infer that the
showdown will be epic due to him fighting men who are on his physical level. This
increases the audiences concern for his safety as each solider is a reflection
of his own physical ability.
