Sub genres and audiences

Sub genres and audiences

Thriller hybrids:

Action – Appeals usually to males aged 15 – 40.

·         This is because it contains weapons like guns and knives. Also because it is sometimes quite over the top, which many explosions. It contains women and car chases that get men interested.

Sci-Fi – normally aimed at people aged 18+ from both genders.

·         Aimed at these people because it usually contains adult themes and content, that adults would appreciate more. Both genders can enjoy this hybrid genre as it contains futuristic themes.

Noir – Aimed at people aged 18+ from both genders.

·         The thriller – noir hybrid genre contains a variety of characters, such as the femme fatale and the male hero. This will appeal to both genders, as they will be able to relate to the characters of their gender.

Crime/gangster – Aimed at men who are aged from 18+

·         These types of films usually contain a male dominated cast which would appeal to men. It also contains adult themes such as violence and drugs which would appeal more to an adult audience.

 



Thriller conventions

Thriller conventions

 

Camera work - Mid shots and close ups to show expressions and what the characters are doing. Close ups show involvement and makes the audience feel claustrophobic. Framing may exclude certain things to keep the audience guessing and to create tension. Lots of low angles to emphasise who is the more dominant character. Angle shots to show power. Range of different perspectives to add tension.

 

 

Editing - Dissolves are used to link key events. Fades to black or white to show flashbacks or time movement. Fast cuts to build speed and tension. Non chronoligically edited to add mystery or tension.

 

Opening - Titles show the director and cast. Often there is an ident to show who funded the film. Titles show the name of the film. The opening introduces key characters. Also creates an unsettling atmosphere. The opening shows a little bit of plot.

 

Sound - Music creates an atmosphere. It also enhances the plot. Ambient music to create an unsettling atmosphere. Voice overs can be effective.

 

Mise-en-scene - The props used dictate the direction of the narrative, e.g the use of a weapon. Setting is realistic and believable to the audience, however often use isolated settings. Males often shown to have more power. The killer is nearly always a man. Women are usually used as being the damsel in distress, however femme fatales have more power. Lighting is often low key, which creates mystery as you aren't shown the whole picture.

 

Narrative - Revenge. Justice/crime. The time sequence is often changed. Dual narrative. Sometimes things don't follow in a logical sequence. These all have a psychological effect.

 

Sub-genres - noir, supernatural, disaster, action, crime, religious, political, mystery, romance, psychological, medical and spy.

Why are some thriller openings good?

Why are some thriller openings good?

Goldeneye:

Goldeneye has a very good opening as it starts in the action. For example, it shows a man running across a dam. As well as that, as the amount of action increases, the pace of the editing speeds up. Furthermore, the opening of Goldeneye fits in with a lot of common thriller conventions. When Bond enters the complex, it is very dark with a lot of shadows on the walls. Also, the metal bars in one of the opening shots create straight shadows on the wall which is another thriller convention.

28 Days Later:

This film has a very good thriller opening. This is mostly because of the effective music that Boyle has chosen to include. The music used is chromatic, which gives the viewer a sense of impending doom, and that the character’s fate is inevitably going to be bad. As well as that, it is a good thriller opening because it creates an atmosphere of tension as the character is shown to be isolated and alone. Furthermore, as the audience is shown that there has been a zombie outbreak, the pace of the music gets faster which builds more tension.

The Departed:

The opening of this film is effective as a thriller opening because it starts off with self-shot footage which creates an atmosphere of realism. This means the audience can more easily relate. As well as that, Jack Nicholson’s voice is used as a voice over which gives the effect that he is all knowing and powerful, and that he will dictate this film.

Memento:

Memento has a very effective thriller opening as the audience knows what is going to happen to the man who gets shot. It also effective as it isn’t chronological which adds an element of mystery and tension. Furthermore, it is a good thriller opening as it creates tension. The fact that the character has short term memory loss is effective as it makes him a loose-cannon, which means that the audience will be surprised by his every move.

Film Noir mood board

How is gender represented in Shallow Grave?

How is gender represented in Shallow Grave?

Danny Boyle represents women as being quite sexual during Shallow Grave through his choice of costume. Throughout this whole scene, Juliet is shown wearing a low cut, revealing dress. This tells the audience that she is quite a provocative character. By doing so, Boyle has created the effect that Juliet likes to show herself off. On the other hand, Boyle has represented the men in this scene quite differently to each other. David is shown wearing a tuxedo, whereas Alex is shown wearing an open buttoned suit. Boyle has done this to show the contrasting personalities between the two men. As David is shown wearing a tuxedo, it creates the effect that he wants to convey a  more upper class character and that he cares about his appearance; which is unordinary as this is stereotypically a trait carried by women. Alex contrasts David heavily during this scene as he is very sloppily dressed in comparison.  As Alex is shown wearing an unbuttoned suit, it shows the audience that he is not as appearance conscious as the other two characters, and that he is more interested in having fun than showing himself in a positive way.

Boyle also represents the two contrasting genders through his use of diegetic sound. Boyle represents the men in Shallow Grave to be quite aggressive and masculine. David shouts “you’ll end up inside a f*****g bin bag” during this scene which is extremely hostile. Boyle has chosen to do this as it shows to the audience that the men in this film are dominant and they take over the situation without necessarily thinking about the negative consequences. Furthermore, the men in this scene swear quite a lot because it makes them seem short tempered and quite easily aggravated. As well as that, the men shout these swear words as it sounds quite harsh to our ears and it makes them seem more aggressive to us as we aren’t used to hearing these words shouted often. On the other hand, Boyle chooses to use diegetic sound to make the woman in this scene seem quite submissive and innocent. Juliet does not shout during this scene, which contrasts how the men choose to speak. This creates the effect that she is much calmer and collected than the other two, and that she does not feel the need to shout to get her point across.

Cinematography is very significant in Shallow Grave when discussing how Danny Boyle represents gender. Quite an important shot in this scene is when Alex is on the floor and Juliet is standing above him with her shoe placed on his mouth. A low angle shot is used to show Juliet which represents her as being more dominant. This is unusual as the male is normally shown in the more dominant role. By using this particular shot, Boyle has created the effect of giving Juliet more power over Alex in this scene. Boyle has chosen to do this, as it is a flip of what we are usually used to in film. As Juliet is standing over Alex, looking down on him, it tells the audience that she almost has control over him and that she can use her sexuality to make him do what she wants. Alternatively, Danny Boyle uses a high angle shot of Alex as he lies on the floor under Juliet. Boyle has chosen to do this as it almost emasculates Alex as he is shown under a woman. In this particular shot, Alex is shown to be the less dominant character as the camera angle shows Juliet looking down on him as he lies powerless on the ground. Throughout this whole scene, Juliet is shown to be a more submissive character; however in this shot there is a role reversal.  By using this type of camera shot to show Alex, it creates the effect that he is powerless and that he is out of his comfort zone, as usually he can be seen as the more powerful character.

Danny Boyle uses varying types of mise-en-scene, sound and cinematography to represent a particular gender in a certain way. Men are stereotypically and traditionally the more dominant characters in film, however Boyle challenges this idea as he switched the roles briefly in this scene. Instead, the woman in this scene is giving more power over a male. As well as that, Boyle’s use of diegetic sound is very significant as it represents the genders very differently. The men are shown to be more aggressive and masculine, whereas the woman is shown to be more submissive and quiet.

Analysis of 'Psycho' shower scene

Analysis of ‘Psycho’ shower scene

There are a variety of shots used in this scene in Psycho, comprised of different elements. For example a lot of close ups are used. These types of shots are effective in this scene because it draws emphasis to a certain reaction or object. The editing is also significant in this scene to create tension. As the danger becomes more prominent in this scene, the pace of the editing quickens. The fast paced editing makes the audience feel more chaotic as they don’t know what exactly is going on. It also brings them in to the scene as they feel the emotions of the victim. As well as that the sound plays a big role in this scene for making the audience feel suspenseful. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound makes the audience feel suspenseful and calm at points. Before the stabbing, the sound is diegetic; however this changes after the stabbing. The whole feel of this scene is quite calm and real before the killer enters.

The use of camerawork is extremely important in this scene. For example a close up is used on the victim’s face after she is stabbed. This shows the shock on her face and also shows the life leaving her eyes. Close ups are significant and regularly used in this scene. This particular close up is used of the victim’s face, to show the audience her reaction to the killer. It also emphasises the look of shock on her face. This close up tracks the victim sliding down the wall. As she is sliding, a trail of blood is left behind on the wall. This is significant because the blood is dirtying an otherwise clean bath room. This reflects the events in this scene, in the way that the victim is fine and pure before the incident, however the killer – represented by the blood – enters and ruins her life.

The use of editing is used effectively in this scene. For example, before the stabbing the editing is quite slow paced. However after and during the stabbing, the editing quickens. The change of pace in editing reflects the mood of the scene. Before the killer arrives, the scene is very peaceful therefore the editing is slow paced. However the mood of the scene changes to chaotic and dangerous as the killer enters. This is reflected by the increase in pace of the editing. This brings the audience in to the scene and lets them empathise with the victim. It makes them feel disorientated and suspenseful as they don’t know what exactly is going on. The editing slows down again once the killer has fled the scene which tells the audience that the excitement and danger is dying down, along with the victim.

Diegetic and non-diegetic sounds are used throughout this scene to make the audience feel suspenseful. Diegetic sounds are used before the stabbing, however non-diegetic sounds are used during and after the stabbing. Diegetic sounds are used before to make the scene feel more realistic and calm. This makes the audience feel at ease; however they expect something dangerous is round the corner. The non-diegetic sounds are used during the stabbing to bring more excitement to the scene and to get the audience’s hearts racing. A high pitched screeching of violins is used during the stabbing which syncs up with the movements of the knife. This emphasises the danger and fatalness of the situation. Low pitched music is used after the stabbing to give the scene a more sombre tone to it. Low tones are also usually associated with evil and danger. The low tones bring the audience’s mood down, so they can feel sympathetic towards the victim. The ferociousness and danger of the scene is reflected heavily by the fast paced sounds during the stabbing. This brings the audience in to the scene and makes them feel the danger for themselves.

The shower scene in Psycho uses many different shots and techniques to make the audience feel suspenseful, and to build tension. Editing, camerawork and sound are all used to convey these emotions to the audience and to put them on the edge of their seats.

How does Thompson create an atmosphere of threat in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear (1962)?

How does Thompson create an atmosphere of threat in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear (1962)?

Thompson uses a of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds during this scene to create an atmosphere of threat in Cape Fear. Diegetic sounds such as footsteps can be heard throughout this whole scene. Thompson has chosen to do this as the two characters in this scene have distinctly different sounding footsteps. Nancy has very fast and light sounding footsteps, however Cady’s footsteps sound heavier. This has the effect of making Nancy seem clumsier and fearful as she tries to escape Cady. It also gives the impression to the audience that she is physically outmatched by Cady, which exaggerates her small framed body. It also has the effect of making Cady seem more controlled as his footsteps are slower and heavier. By doing this, Thompson has made Cady seem more menacing as his footsteps make us think that Nancy is heading towards inevitable doom. The non-diegetic sounds used in this scene are also very significant in creating an atmosphere of threat. The soundtrack is manipulated to make the audience grow increasingly more tense as the scene progresses. Chromatic music is used as Cady walks towards Nancy. This builds up tension within the audience as it makes Cady seem more evil. Furthermore, Thompson uses the pace of the music in this scene to evoke certain emotions from the audience. As the scene progresses, the pace of the music quickens. By doing this, it makes the atmosphere of the scene more tense and exaggerates the threat in which Nancy is put under. The pace of the music at the start of the scene is quite slow which has the effect of giving the scene quite a neutral atmosphere. However as Cady is spotted, the pace of the music picks up which reflects the quickening of Nancy’s footsteps and places the audience in the scene. Thompson has done this to make the audience feel the threat which Nancy would be feeling.

As well as that Thompson uses diegetic sounds to portray certain connotations to the audience. The first shot of Cady shows a water fountain, which can be heard quite distinctively. Thompson has decided to do this as the noise of the water fountain reflects Cady’s character. The fountain makes a hissing noise which can be related to a snake. Snakes are traditionally linked with and associated with the devil. The devil is the physical embodiment of evil which reflects Cady’s character. As well as that, snakes are aggressive predators which can also be linked with Cady as he preys on Nancy.

Thompson uses the setting and location during this scene to create an atmosphere of threat. The setting of this scene is a school, which is quite ironic in itself as they are usually very safe places to be. Furthermore, a fence surrounds the schoolyard, which Nancy finds herself trapped in. There is a shot of Nancy behind some bars in the school yard which creates the effect that she is imprisoned by Cady in this yard and that she has nowhere to run or escape to. By doing this, Thompson has suggested to the audience that Cady has the upper hand over Nancy, and that he is significantly dominant over her. By choosing to shoot this scene in a school, Thompson has made the atmosphere feel very sinister. It feels sinister as schools have connotations of innocence and children; however this scene shows a man chasing down a little girl.

The props, acting and costumes used in the schoolyard scene in Cape Fear are very significant when creating an atmosphere of tension. As Cady is introduced in to this scene, he is shown smoking a cigar. Thompson has chosen to do this as it gives the effect that Cady is taunting Nancy with it. The cigar has sexual connotations as it is a phallic shaped object, which gives the effect that Cady possibly intends on raping Nancy. As well as that, the costumes of both of the characters are very significant. Nancy is shown wearing a school uniform. Thompson has done this as it makes the audience think that Nancy is very innocent and pure. This has the effect of making the audience feel more sympathetic towards her. Alternatively, Cady is shown wearing white smart clothes and a hat. The colours of his clothes have connotations of purity which heavily contrasts his character. As well as that, Thompson has made him wear a hat as it makes him seem more mysterious because it slightly hides his identity. This makes Nancy seem in more of a threat because she doesn’t know what to expect from him.

How does Wilder convey the characters and their relationships in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity?

How does Wilder convey the characters and their relationships in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity?

Wilder conveys the characters’ relationships through the use of effective cinematography. Neff and Dietrichson are regularly shown in the same shot. The use of a two shot usually displays to the audience that the characters on screen are linked somehow. As Neff enters the scene, he comes directly in to frame with Dietrichson and says “hello, baby”. This shows to the audience that these two characters have a past; however the dark lighting suggests that it is a seedy one. The two characters are in the same shot for the majority of this scene, which has the effect of making them seem closer in terms of relationship status. Furthermore, when Neff is in a shot on his own, he is shown from a low angle. This has the effect of making the audience seem inferior and vulnerable towards him. As well as that it also tells the audience that Neff is a more dominant character to Dietrichson. The fact that the male in this scene has more dominance over the femme fatale is a generic feature within the Noir genre. Whenever Dietrichson is shown, she is shot from a high angle. This creates the effect that she is quite helpless in this situation. This is also shown later on in the scene when the two characters are shown on screen and Neff is standing over Dietrichson, whom is seated. As Neff is standing over Dietrichson, it gives the effect that she will bow to his whim and that he has full control over the situation.

Wilder also uses lighting in the penultimate scene of Double Indemnity to convey the characters. Low key lighting is used throughout this whole scene which creates the effect that these are two shady characters with a dark past. Low key lighting is a very generic feature within the Noir genre as it lowers the mood, and makes the audience feel suspenseful. There is some light in this scene, coming through the blinds on to the back wall. As Neff enters the scene, he is illuminated by this slight glow through the blind; however his face reminds hidden. By doing this, Wilder makes the audience wonder who has entered and makes them question, is it a dangerous person or a threat. It also gives the effect that Neff has something to hide, and that maybe he wants to keep his motives to himself. The light through the blinds creates sharp shapes on the back wall which is quite common and conventional to the Noir genre. Furthermore, Dietrichson’s face is quite softly lit throughout this whole sequence.  This fits in with the classic femme fatale stereotypes as it helps her appear more sweet and innocent, however the audience knows that she is quite the opposite. Her face is well lit which suggests that her personality and motive are quite clear to the audience and creates the effect that she is quite vulnerable and easily read.

The use of mise-en-scene and props is significant when discussing how Wilder conveys the characters and their relationships. Suits are quite conventional and stereotypical when dressing the main male lead in a Noir film. Neff is wearing a plain suit in this scene which shows the audience that he is an average, middle aged male. As well as that, the props are important in telling the audience about the characters. From this whole scene, Dietrichson is shown smoking a cigarette. This creates the effect of adding a harsh edge to her character, makes her seem a bit wilder and fits in with the femme fatale conventions. Furthermore, a gun turns up at the end of the scene. This fits in with the generic features of a classic Noir film as there is almost always a weapon of some kind. The fact that there is a gun creates the effect of danger and suspense as you don’t know who will come out on top. As well as that, it puts the audience on the edge of their seats as they realise that one of the main characters is about to be killed. The femme fatale is the character who draws the weapon which shows the audience that she is extremely dangerous and resourceful. As well as that, it also shows the audience that she is an evil character as she had the weapon ready for Neff’s arrival, which shows us what she intended to do with him once he arrived.

How does Hitchcock use cinematography to create tension in the parlour scene in Psycho?

How does Hitchcock use cinematography to create tension in the parlour scene in Psycho?

Hitchcock uses cinematography to create tension in the parlour scene in Psycho by using low angle shots. When Lila Crane mentions Bates’ mother, Hitchcock uses a low angle shot to show Norman. This has the effect of giving Bates a more dominant figure as the audience is below him physically. This creates tension by making the audience feel on edge. The fact that Bates is more dominant makes the audience think that he could go off at any second, and that he has the power to manipulate the scene in his favour. This could be linked to the same technique being used in the shower scene. In this scene, Hitchcock uses a low angle shot to show Bates’ character when he is murdering Lila Crane. The use of this technique in the parlour scene could be foreshadowing the events that are about to unfold. Furthermore, in this shot Bates’ stuffed birds are shown over his shoulders. The use of these birds builds tension because they are spooky looking which creates quite a timid atmosphere. As well as that, the use of these birds in this shot cast a great shadow behind them as they are lit from below. This creates quite a tense mood as shadows are closely linked with horror.

Secondly, Hitchcock uses cinematography to create tension in the parlour scene in Psycho by the manipulation of lighting. In this scene, Vera Miles’ character is very well lit, however Norman Bates is left in a dark corner of the room. By doing this, Hitchcock creates an invisible barrier between the two characters. This has the effect of making Crane look quite calm and normal, however makes Bates look shady and menacing. This creates tension as Bates looks unpredictable, and makes the audience think that Crane is in trouble. As well as that it makes the audience feel vulnerable as Bates is hidden away.

Shot types are very significant in achieving a tense atmosphere in the parlour scene in Psycho. Hitchcock uses a variety of shot types in this scene to achieve different effects and to pull in the audience’s emotions. For example, when the ‘mad house’ is mentioned Bates goes from a mid-shot to a close up of his face. By doing this Hitchcock shows the audience his reaction, and that he is displeased with Crane. This sudden change in shot type shows the audience the sudden change in atmosphere. This creates tension because Bates is shown to be a loose cannon, and that he could explode at Crane at any second. This makes the audience feel empathetic towards Crane’s fear of Bates. As Bates leans forward to show his displeasure, he emphasises his power and dominance over Crane and the audience. This makes the audience feel vulnerable as Bates has full control over this scene. This could be linked to the same technique used in the shower scene. A close up is shown of Bates when he is stabbing Crane which makes the audience feel claustrophobic and enclosed as there is no escape from Bates. This technique in the parlour scene makes the audience feel like there is no escape from Bates’ aggression, just like how the audience feels when they can’t escape Bates’ stabbing.

The use of camerawork within this scene is very significant, as it determines how the audience will view the characters. One notable camera technique is that throughout the scene we continually see Marion from the front, showing her whole face, whereas with Norman we generally only see him from side on. Through doing this, the audience is led to view Norman in a negative light as it shows his potential for evil. Likewise the use of shadow that covers his face halfway, suggests to the audience his split personality as a character. We are meant to view Marion as pure and wholesome as a character, and Norman as abnormal and sadistic. Furthermore, framing is very important to this scene. Throughout the whole scene the characters never appear within the same shot, which adds a sense of separation between the two. Hitchcock is trying to suggest to the audience the significant contrast between Marion and Norman as people.