Introduction to Thrillers (1st February)

In this lesson we had an introduction to the main part of the coursework- the task of creating an opening sequence to a Thriller. We first discussed what everyone thought a Thriller was. I had the impression that Thriller's are fast paced and usually a race against time to stop an antagonist carrying out a plan usually fuelled by the want for money, war or revenge. This was true, however my impression was more of an action thriller than a thriller in general. We looked at some conventions of thrillers, which we will need to know so the style and feel of our sequences are correct. Some conventions are- having a natural evil rather than supernatural villain, generally they aren't scary but incorporate dark or mature themes, they can range from political intrigue or cat and mouse in style. The stories are often on a grand scale and usually follow characters trying to stop someone or solve something.

Next we looked at the openings of three actual Thrillers , again this will help us be aware of the style a Thriller opening has. We analysed the sequences, focussing on how Camera, Sound, Editing and Mise-en-Scene were used. The films we looked at were:

1. Lost Highway (David Lynch, 1997)
2. Signs (M. Night. Shyamalan, 2002)
3. Blood Simple (Coen Brothers, 1985)

'The Lost Highway' used a long sequence of a point of view shot from a car travelling down a motorway with loud beating music. The length of the shot and the music combined to create tension as the audience wonders of the significance of the shot. The opening went onto live action and the rest of the sequence was a complete contrast to the start. The use of silence and ambient sounds like birds created a tense atmosphere as if building up to something happening or a moment in which you are made jump- which never comes. This is powerful in the opening sequence in a film as you are immediately on edge and asking questions as to what is happening.

In 'Signs' a similar technique is used- within the title sequence loud, high-pitched dramatic music is used continuously as credits appear. Then once the film starts in earnest there is silence with only a few ambient sounds being heard. The low lighting creates a dark mood and surroundings are not easily visible. Again as an audience member I was asking questions as to what is going on and you are plunged into the story immediately. At the end of the opening sequence tension is created by a close up of Mel Gibson's character's feet walking slowly through a field. This is creates a 'heart beat' slow motion like moment in which you wait to see what he is approaching. The camera cuts to a close up of his face- a reaction shot- this builds up tension by delaying the revelation even more as you wait to see what he is looking at.

'Blood Simple' felt very similar to the Lost Highway. Near the end of the opening a character sits in silence- moments go by with little happening and little noise. This creates tension as you wonder what is happening.