Opening Credits

Objectives : To be able to identify the purpose of credits within a film.

Learning Outcomes:
ALL: Will be able to describe the purpose of the opening credits. E
MOST: Will be able to analyse how the credits are used with appropriate examples. C
SOME: Will be able to create their own credits for their thriller film. A

Generally the term refers to all individuals responsible for the aspects such as the technical areas, hair and make up, directors and producers ect. All having some responsibility or role in the making of the film.

- Actors/ Actresses: Those who have acted within the film are noted, sometimes alongside their character name. Most commonly the most known or popular celebrity or the main character is noted first following the rest of the cast.

- Studio distrbutions : Bigger companies such as DreamWorks, distribute in the making of many films. They are also credited at the beginning of films.

Opening Credit:

The purpose of opening credits in a film is to show at the beginning of a film a list the most important members of the production/ actors and actresses/ sponsors and companies involved with the making of the film. The text can be superimposed on a blank screen or static pictures, or sometimes on top of action in the show. Some opening credits are built around animation or production of some sort. Opening credits usually only mention the major actors, guest stars, producers and director, as opposed to closing

credits which lists the entire production crew.

- The production team consist of those who have had some input of the making of the film. 

The opening credits are important in regards to recognition of both the actors and those who have contributed to the making of the film, the way in which these are displayed can indicate the genre of the film before it even begins. The uses of font and colour can determined and develop the conventions of a thriller genre, such as in these two clips.

Film openings, such as 'Se7en' and 'Panic Room'. Had a very similar order that members of the film production team and cast are displayed in. I discovered that it is mainly as follows;

The production company and their logo.

The directors name.

The main characters of the film.

The co-stars.

Other members of the filming team (Editors, cameraman, hair and makeup artists (Production designer).

The introduction to the film first shows an introduction to its sponsors ‘ Liongate ‘ and ‘ Twisted Pictures’  the animated effects relate to a thriller like genre, the deep red clouds and barbed wire both represent this by use of colour and effect. The credits themselves have a ghost like edit, where they fade in and out in a transparent white font.

The style of the opening credits can determine the genre. In the opening sequence of ‘Se7en’ s font style of the credits look as if they are etched in, such as in Gothic text. The colour is white and contrasts with the darker background.
This is affective as the font is placed over the action of the film, it consists of the conventions of a thriller as it creates a creepy effect. The order of the appearance starts with the producer of the film as well as the creator, following the main/ most famous actors in the play such as Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. 


Relation To My Own Thriller Film :

I have created this font style for my group’s potential opening credits. i have chosen to do this style mainly because of the colouring is very dark based such as a typical thriller. I wanted to keep it the typical conventions of a thriller so it is immediately obvious of the genre. The writing font is etched it similar to se7en slightly, its a sharp edge as in done with a razor or knife, which connects to the narrative of our film. I also like the ghostly effect that Saw’s credits do , the wipe out effective make it fairly chilling, so i added a dark glow on the outline of the font text.

Film Certification

Lesson Objective:

 To understand the purpose of film certification and to apply to a thriller film.

Lessons Outcomes:

ALL: Will be able to understand what a film certification film is and will be able to explain its purpose. E

MOST: Will be able to understand what a film is and will be able to explain its purpose, referring to one example and apply the knowledge. C

SOME: demonstrate an understanding of film certification and explain its purpose with reference to more than one example. A

Film Censorship

Censorship is the removal of material which may be considered offensive, sensitive, or harmful  in accordance to a media censor, this is usually generalised and avoided by the introduction of age restrictions or age recommendations for films. In Britain we have the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). This classifies films and certifies them for public distribution, alongside several acts of parliament such as the Obscene Publication Act.

 Over the years film ratings have made changes and advances. New age ratings and tighter restrictions have been introduced following events such as in 1992 The James Bulger murder led to  tightening classification for violent films, especially on video. As modern society progresses and ideologies change from earlier times, film restriction must be modified to keep up with the present changes within society, such as in 1937 the increasing representation of sex in films following later in 1959 for the first time Homosexuality starting to appear in films.

This short documentary on BBFC I found during research highlights the change in the media industry in regards to how films have changed over the years and how this has effected how we rate them in age categories.

The changes within the BBFC have affected the way society accepts aspects shown in films :

Today, the film ratings are as followed:

Universal  U: 
 Films are suitable for audiences aged four years and over, yet seen as suitable for any age group.

Parental Guidance PG: 
Children have viewing rights if accompanied by an adult, these are usually generalised under the idea to make it family friendly. Parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Suitable for ages 12 and over 12 :

The 12A category exists only for cinema films. 

These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

In regards to most thriller films the typical age rating for them is 15 and 18. This is because the context with thriller films can only apply to an older audience as the conventions satisfy what is legally allowed within the 15 and 18 category.

Suitable for ages 15 and over 15 :

 No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. As it may contain some aspects that may be seen as offensive.

LanguageThere may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). However other use of language (eg Bitch) is acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

NudityIn terms of Nudity, it may be allowed in a sexual context but not where such strong explicitly of the nature is broadcasted. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational documentary or film as this is for educational purposes.

SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

ViolenceViolence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Drugs Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

Horror Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

 

Suitable for ages 18 and over 18:
In this case, the majority of the film may contain content of adult related areas or subjects and is unsuitable for viewing to anyone below the age of 18. Many thriller films are rated either 15 or 18, this is because of the excessive content that may be unsuitable for those under these age groups. Thrillers contain many gory, violent and sexual scenes.

Taken From The BBFC Website this highlights the age content of an 18 rated film.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

·         Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – eg any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, eg eroticise or endorse sexual assault

·         The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a ‘sex work’ as defined below.

In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’, while sex works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.

Relation To My Own Thriller Film :

When thinking of film certification, i also have to think of the type of audience i wish to attract. Teenage boys are stereotypically known to be more attracted to thriller genre films because of the psychological aspect as well as the horror it can have. Films such as silence of the lambs are higher rated because of the excess of violence. Whereas, a thriller such as panic room does not have the extent of violence and has no gore. When applying this to my own opening, depending on the content i wish to put in will depend on what film certification would be appropriate. I am aiming for a film certification of 15 /18 as these are the usual rating for thrillers and horror genres.

Mise En Scene

Learning Objective:
To be able to understand how mise-en -scene is used to create meaning within a genre.

Learning Outcome:ALL: Will be able to explain one element of mise-en –scene. E
MOST: Will be able to identify 5 elements of mise-en-scene with some examples. C
SOME: Will be able to identify 5 elements of mise-en-scene and use media language effectively to explain with examples. A

Mise En Scene (mes):  

Is a French term meaning ‘what is put into a scene or frame’ and what is seen. Moreover it can also be defined as the arrangement of scenery and properties to represent the place where a film is enacted. The elements of Mise en scene are pointers of what the genre would be and as an audience what we would expect to see in that genre.


1) Lighting and colour -  With the use of lighting the audience can assume on the genre by the way the lighting is displayed, In my own thriller,  i will be using different levels of low key lighting as it creates a mysterious or suspense like atmosphere. Romantic comedies tend to use high key lighting to produce the romantic atmosphere of love. Colour is also a key convention for mise en scene as we associate emotions and thoughts with different colours, red can be associated with love, rage and blood. I can apply this to thriller conventions and use dark greys,black and red. Symbolising blood and death.

2) Costumes and Make-up/Hair - The use of costume and make up make actors appear lifelike to their character,  how we present the character reflects on how the audience perceive them. Costume is a style of dress, including garments, accessories and hairstyle. With make up you can make actors appear glamorous, with the lack of make up you can make them look like everyday people. Make up in the earlier years of cinema was used to highlight facial features as black and white film could not register detail very well, so more make up had to be used.
In relation to thriller films if you want to show a woman fearful and in tears, smudged make up can be used to display her emotions. Costumes also give the impression of something else.

3) Setting And Props - The setting can relate to location, where the scene is being taken place or where a scene is set. This can be an outside location or inside. With a thriller film the typical conventions of setting would be a haunted house, dark ally.

Props are object used by the actors performing in a film; depending on the props used these objects can help determine the narrative, identity of character and genre.

4) Facial expressions and body language -  By the use of these elements, we are able to capture the emotion of the characters. This includes the gestures, postures, and facial expressions by which a person  can make clear by various physical, mental, or emotional actions. With the non verbal communication the audience is able to assume characteristics about the character and how they are feeling by not being directly told. For example, if a character is scared we can tell by para language, proximity's ect.

5) Position of characters and objectives in a frame -  The way characters are positioned within a frame can tell the audience a lot about the character, levels of supremacy  can be identified, how characters are centred and angled. In murder scenes the killer is usually the dominate the victim is the minor character, this can be displayed by staging and levels of the characters.

- Connotations are those that we associate with something else. The text is the larger picture and the signs within that text display connotations we as a society have a agreed represent it, with different societies/people connotations  can vary because we view things differently.
When thinking of a thriller, we associate things such as murder, blood, psychological killer.
In regards to the use of colour different societies connect colour with various emotions and objects, in film these connotations of colour can be used to show the typical conventions of colour in a thriller film. Base/ natural colours such as black dark greys and white are mainly used.

- What do i associate colour with ?

White – Purity
Green – envy
Black- darkness/evil
Red- Lust/ anger/danger/love
Blue- Cold/ sadness/ depression
Yellow- sunshine/ happiness

Task : Watch the opening of Natural Born Killers – Discuss the mise en scene.

[ NATURAL BORN KILLERS OPENING ]



Lighting And Colour
The use of colour is extremely effective in the opening scene. The animals shown in their wild habitats ( those that are born killers) such as the snake and wolf are shown in black and white, with low key lighting. A red/orange tint used during the train shot indicates various emotions for the audience because of the connotations of the colour red, alongside the lighting this could indicate fear or upcoming danger. The opening does flicker in and out of black and white to colour through out this is also effective as we tend o focus on the black and white scenes seem to be unreal or an illusion, such as when the male character is talking to the waitress.

Hair/ Make- Up/ Costume 

Focusing on the main two characters the male and female who are the killers, their character  is represented by what they are wearing and use of make up and hair.
The female is wearing limited clothing showing off midriff, the audience assume her character is portrayed to be sexy, yet childish with pigtails. What she wears has a great impact on how the audience believes her character to be. She has tattoos and her make up is fairly heavy with red lipstick, giving the connotations of being quite slutty.
In addition, the male characters costume is similar to a cow boy way of dressing, the pink tinted glasses are also part of his costume, what he wear is a idea of his character. He wears his hair in a ponytail which can also be seen as his character being rough and untamed.

Setting and Props 
The setting is made evident at the beginning that it is in a desert like surroundings. The main action takes place within a cafe on the outskirts of a dirt road, usually where truckers stop.  Numerous props used to indicate the narrative, a newspaper with 666 deaths on it draws attention to the potential narrative of what the film may be focused around.  Although the males tinted glasses can be noted as costume it is also a prop in displaying the type of character he is.

Facial Expression/ Body language
When the shootings start to happen the expression and posture of the ones being shot change from cheerful, careless dancing to terrified, some put their hands up in fear. The female main character finds it amusing while the others are afraid this shows who are the dominate characters. Her body language is very confident; she dances with the strangers in a way that is meant to be sexy while the strangers lust for her by showing the enjoyment of her dancing with their facial expressions.

Positions of characters
 How the characters are positioned says a lot about the dominate characters, during the fight with the female character and the stranger he is very low down when she is kicking him this position shows she is in control , this shows how important some characters are to the audience.

Kill Bill Vol 1 :

When analysing this picture, immediately the main attraction is the bright yellow from the central character, positioned in a fighting position clashes with the darker background of the men in black outfits. The audience are able to separate the two because of how colour brings out one character compare to the rest. The use of colour contrasts as black is a base colour that is mainly used for backgrounds, whereas yellow is initially a bright colour in any shade.

 Reservoir Dogs 


 In this picture of a scene in reservoir dogs, The use of colour is not as dominant as in the Kill picture above. The background has the same blend of darker tones as the dominant thing in the picture which should be the characters. The black blends in with the background and can hardly be see.


Relation To My Own Thriller Film :

Props: When thinking about typical use of props in a thriller opening, such things as weapons come to mind. I want there to be a killer so a knife, gun may be used. Other props that demonstrate characteristics. For example, if there is a female character she may have a handbag. Or a child may have a toy with them.

Lighting: The lighting will be very dark and gloomy located at a forest or in an eerie house or ally way. To keep with the dark themes, low key lighting is very conventional of any thriller film as it builds up suspense and keeps the audience on the edge.

Setting: The dark forest setting is a more stereotypical associated with psychological and crime thrillers where murders and conflict can take place.

Costume/ Make-up: Any female character ( to satisfy the stereotype) will be very girly or dressed seductively if she portrays those types of characteristics .For any injuries fake blood to be produced( use of red colour to connote danger pain).
Male character depending may be more dominant by use of dress in darker tones.

Facial expression/ body language : In thrillers typical characters posses suspense or fear, by the use of their facial expression and body language, sweating/ heavy breathing, very self conscience of their surrounding.

Narrative Theory

Learning Objective: To be able to show an understanding on what a narrative theory is.

Learning Outcomes:
ALL: Will be able to describe the different points of the theory. E
MOST: Will be able to explain the different theories with appropriate examples. C
SOME: Will be able to use media language effectively to discuss the purpose of narrative theory with a variety of examples. A

Narrative Theory

In everything there is a beginning, middle and an end. A narrative in its most central sense is a series of events, but in order to construct meaning from the narrative those events must somehow be linked together.

Conventions : There are a series of codes and conventions  that help us interpret and understand the text. They need to be considered when we look at a narrative:

Genre

Character

Time
 

Form

Propp’s analysis of folk tales:

Vladimir Propp analysed a whole series of Russian folk tales and decided that the same events kept repeating in each of the stories, creating a repetitive consistency within all tales. Morphology of the Folk Tale, was first published in 1928 and has had a huge influence on literary theorists and practitioners ever since.

Propp extended the Russian Formalist study of language to his analysis of folk tales. He broke down the tales into the smallest possible units, which he called narrative functions, necessary for the narrative to exist and displays a consistent pattern in most stories.

 

Propps Theoretical Idea of Narratives:  

Characters that perform a function

The Hero – The major character is usually the hero (protagonist) with whom the reader will normally associate most strongly and who is the key person around which the narrative is told.Although this person is often a hero in some sense, they may also take another form, such as a victim or a seeker after some treasure or knowledge.

The Villain –The main person who seeks to stop or destroy the hero is the villain, such as Darth Vader in Star Wars. The Villain typically is morally bad, highlighting the goodness of the Hero. The Villain may seek to prevent the Hero from achieving the goal or may quest after the same thing. The Villain may also be a tempter, for example, Darth Vader tries to seduce Luke Skywalker over to the 'dark side'. 

The Donor – The Donor is a person who gives the Hero something special, such as a magical weapon or some particular wisdom. They may typically be Gods, sorcerers or wise Persons, although they may be gatekeepers.

This role may be combined with that of a Helper. The Donor may also be capricious and not easily swayed and may not give up their gift without setting the Hero another task, from a simple riddle to a whole other quest.

The Dispatcher – An early role in the story is that of the Dispatcher who sends the Hero on the mission. This may be a family member, mentor or close friend. It can also be the Princess's Father, who gives the Hero a set of quests to be completed before he gains the hand of the Princess.

The Dispatcher may also be combined with another role, for example the False Hero who then trails along behind (perhaps disguised as a Helper).

The False Hero – A variant on the villain and a potential complication within the plot is the False Hero, who appears to act heroically and may even be initially mistaken for the real Hero.

The False Hero will try to steal the Hero's thunder, grabbing the credit and perhaps trying to marry the princess instead. The False Hero may also gain the respect or other control of the Princess's Father, thus frustrating the Hero's ability to gain the hand of the Princess.

The Helper – The Hero is supported in his or her quest by a Helper, often a wise old man or magician, who appears at critical moments to provide support. The contrast between the limitations of this person and the hero may provide a further exposition of the hero's defining characteristics such as intelligence, determination, courage, etc.

Other helpers appear along the way as friends or random people who fall into the predicament and support the Hero.

The Princess – The Princess may take two forms. First, she may be the object which is deliberately sought by the Hero, perhaps finding where the Villain has taken her. Secondly, she may be the reward, such that after completing some other mission, he gains her affections or hand in marriage.

The Princess may be seen very little in the story, perhaps appearing only at the end, or may be an integral character, for example where she accompanies the Hero on his mission, where he may win her heart by the courage and determination of his actions.

The Princess may be wooed by many, in particular by the False Hero. When we see the Princess being won by the False Hero we may rail and rant in frustration as we see her falling unwittingly into her clutches.

 Her Father – Finally, there is the Princess's Father, who constrains the Princess or who may Dispatch the Hero on his mission to save the Princess.

The Princess's Father is a key figure for the Hero to persuade, as the Father is almost always protective of his daughter. The Father may also be in competition in some way with the Hero for the Princess's affections and a triangle may form.

Preparation

A community/kingdom/family is in an ordered state of being

A member of the community/kingdom/family leaves home

A warning is given to the leaders of the community or a rule is imposed on the hero

The warning is discounted/ the rule is broken

The villain attempts to discover something about the victim of the broken rule

The villain tries to deceive the victim to gain advantage

The victim unwittingly helps the villain

Complication

A state of disorder
The villain harms a member of the community/kingdom/family
One of the members of the community/kingdom/family desires something
The hero is sent to get what is desired
The hero plans action against the villain

Transference

The hero leaves home

The hero is tested or attacked/ he meets the test and is given a magical gift or helper

The hero reacts to the donor

The hero arrives at the place he can fulfil his quest

Struggle

There is a struggle between the hero and the villain
The hero is branded
The villain is overcome
The state of disorder is settled

Return

The hero returns
The hero is pursued
The hero escapes or is rescued
The hero arrives home and is not recognised
A false hero claims rewards
A task is set for the hero
The task is accomplished

 RecognitionThe hero is recognised
The false hero or villain is unmasked
The false hero is punished
The hero attains the reward (princess/ kingdom)

 

Criticisms

 Some critics claim there are many more character types than Propp suggests that we should identify.

Propp’s theory of narrative seems to be based around a male dominated idea that they are the hero’s of the story. It is not likely for the storyline to reverse in anyway. E.g. the hero could be a woman; the reward could be a man.

Critics argue that Propp’s order of characters and events is restrictive. Changing the traditional format would change the whole way Propp proposes a narrative should be. E.g. the hero may kill the villain earlier in the narrative.

Also Propps theory applies to Fairy tales and similar narratives based around quests, it does not apply to all narratives.

             Todorov theory on narrative:

Todorov suggested that stories begin with an equilibrium or status quo where any potential opposing forces are in balance. There are events, setting in chain a series of events. Problems are solved so that order can be restored and the order of the narrative continues. It consists of five stages .

- A state of Equilibrium (all as it should be)
- A disruption of that order by an event.
- A recognition that the disorder has occurred.
- An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
- A return or restoration of a new equilibrium.

* Armoured handsome man - Stereotypically handsome with blonde neat hair, good looks, he parades to a castle on a horse. The importance of this character sets the scene of a fairytale and how he could be a handsome prince about to rescue a defenceless princess.

* Wolf in grannies clothes – Similar to the famous fairy-tale of little red riding hood, the importance of this character shows that the story will not be a stereotypical fairy-tale as it breaks the idea of Propps theory. Already we are expected to see a princess lying in bed as we can assume this male character is a princess on a quest to rescue a princess.

Relation To My Own Thriller Film :

Although these theorists ideas were crucial when thinking about narrative theory for my opening thriller, i believed it did not really apply to the dynamics of a thriller opening, but more like a fairy-tale, So in research of other theorists and came across Rowland Barthe's narrative theory  on conventions and codes. Roland Barthes' narrative theory claims that a narrative can be broken down into five codes or sets of rules. These are,

Action code which refers to the events taking place

Enigma code which refers to the questions raised and answered

Semantic code which refers to the characters and characterisation

Referential code which refers to the information and explanation

Symbolic code which refers to the connotations of sign

 

Directed in the way we see a narrative can be viewed from different angles and perspectives. A story may give a significant meaning that is obvious to everyone but when the story untangles or viewed from a different viewpoint it may be a complete different story. I think this compliments thriller genres film as to keep the suspense and mystery you want to be able to give a wider narrative to keep the audience aware what is always going to happen next, when basing this on psychological thrillers. The narrative of the story may be something the audience does not expect at all.

In this clip of the film Identity (2003), the narrative the film has displayed so far is a group of travellers who are stuck in an area due to bad weather conditions. One by one each of them are killed by a supposed killer, all accusing each other they identify a common similarity amongst them. The audience believe that the only narrative within the film is the one we have been showed, the narrative I have described above. However, the audience then become aware the characters and the situation at hand is a make believe story created in the mind of a man with split personality. Each character is an imaginary persona of this one man, and the killings are not real.  When looking at Barthes theory this type of thriller compliments his ideas and approaches of the audience being shown a different view point to a film and all is not what is appeared to be ‘ obvious’. We believed the narrative of the film was about this group of people being killed when in fact the narrative was something completely different.  Adding this to my own thriller may help support the 3’s , shock , surprise, suspense.