Opening Sequence of a Thriller.

For this lesson I was assigned the opening sequence of Se7en, in which I had to analyse and note down the aspects that I see and the meanings behind them. 


My previous opinions of opening sequences to any film, was that they were pointless. However, in light of recent analysis of thriller opening sequences, I found that they did have a point and are very vital in the making of films. For instance, the opening title sequence to Se7en incorporates iconography associated with the thriller genre, hence establishing an atmosphere or suspense and mystery. Such iconography in the sequence includes; a man slicing of a part of his finger tip with a razor blade, blood dripping on a piece of paper and blacking out the eyes of people on photographs. Therefore from the very start of the film we are in tune with the mood the makers want us to feel.


The opening title, alike to the general storyline of thrillers, builds up the suspense by leaving a lot to the imagination, as in Se7en, there is no inclination of a pattern and leaves us with an enigma code; What is going to happen in this film? Who is this person in the opening title?


Music*
Font*

Iconography of a Thriller.

For the iconography of thrillers, I composed a mood board in order to demonstrate the typical aspects in which make up a horror. For example, as you can see in the mood board below, I have included images such as blood,  weapons and a dark city setting, imagery also known as genre conventions found in films of the thriller genre. 

In order to incorporate the correct images which coincide with the Thriller Genre, I conducted some research into the genre itself and the conventions commonly found in the genre. 

My research included watching various thriller films, such as; Fight Club, The Descent, Double Indemnity, Inception, Shutter Island and Enemy of the State. I analysed each thriller as I watched and noticed that each thriller contained at least one of the following conventions. These conventions can be divided into the following:

Characters

Psychotic  individuals

Detectives

Criminals/Antagonists

Victims/Protagonists

Themes

Forms of death; Suicide, murder, etc.

Character's being watched or followed.

Deception.

Psychological trauma.

Narratives

Revenge, personal vendettas.

Entrapment/Isolation.

Enigma Code.

Iconography

Blood.

Weaponry; guns and knives in general.

Dark city landscapes.

Street lamps.

Running water.

Shadows.

Red, black and white.

Confined spaces.

Continuity Sequence

For this lesson we learnt about the three aspects of Continuity; Match on action, Shot Reverse Shot and the 180º Degree Angle.


The 180º angle is the process of a shot continuously filmed on a 180º line, as shown in the video above. It is essential when filming to ensure that the line is not broken. This is due to the constant eye line of the characters in the scene being shown at the same angle so that it is clear where their eye level is focusing. If we break the 180 angle then the shot does not have the same effect and the eye levels are not in the right direction.

Match on action refers to the continuous flow of a shot so that the audience is well aware of what is happening as it happens, the shot is generally one narrative. For instance, even though the camera angles may change, the shot still shows the character's continuous movements from shot to shot.

Shot Reverse Shot is a film technique where the camera angle alternates between one character to another, this denotes to the audience that the two characters are interacting with each other, for instance having a conversation.

Se7en - Opening Sequence

For this task my lecturer assigned me the opening sequence of Se7en which I had to analyse. I took note of the conventions used within the sequence and compared them to those used in the Thriller Genre.

In the opening sequence of Se7en there are many aspects in which coincide with the conventions of the thriller genre. As a group, we were assigned the task to use Garage Band to create a voice over describing the aspects in question.

The Definition of a Thriler: MindMap

I have composed this mind map in order to brainstorm the different aspects that make up a thriller.

Welcome!

Hey guys, welcome to my AS Media blog.
My blog is for the sole purpose of showcasing the essential information including images and video clips in which demonstrate the journey I will be taking on this course. I will be posting regular updates on my progress and the work at hand. 
So, welcome and enjoy!