Inspirational Sub-Genres

After completing my Events Diary Blog I've found that the most suspenseful sub-genres are Conspiracy, Political, Relion and Crime. I find these sub gemnres the most inspiring as they appear to be the most controversial and are on the whole gripping, suspenseful and enticing.

Final Cut Pro: Technical Audit of Bait Tutorial

I underwent a tutorial in Final Cut Pro to acquire basic skills in editing. During the tutorial I learnt how to mark rushes to obtain relative footage; the importance of the two screens; how to overwrite, insert and replace; how to add effects and music; add transitions; how to split footage and how to create different editing techniques such as a match cut.

There are several key features infinal cut. Such as: the canvas which is the first screen on the left of the programm that contains the original unedited footage; the viewer,which is the remaining screen and shows you the sequence you have created thus far. the time line is at the bottom of the screen is where footage can be rearranged and seen precisely at different intervals; the tool bar at the right side enables the users to switch between different tools such as the cursor or razor blade tool music can also be chosen on that side of the screen; the panel it the top left show the user a list of all the footage (which can be renamed to give a more descriptive definition); additioanlly the tool bar at the top enable the user to vary they're settings and that of the time line.

To obtain relative footage you would have to mark in and out points on the rush, to show the program exactly which pice of material needs to be extracted. This can be done by pressing 'I' for 'in' and 'O' for 'out' on the keyboard. Then dragging the footage from the canvas screen onto the time-line. You can then press 'play' on the viewer to see your extracted material.

Data can also be split using the razor blade tool, this can also you to implement transition rearrange data or delete unwanted material.

Three buttons which appear on the viewer: yellow, red and blue stand for 'inset', 'overwrite' and 'replace' respectively. This too helps when editing footage.

Transitions should be added before effects and music and a popular choice is 'Dissolve' which can show a change in time. Effects can also be used by selecting 'Command T' where an array of special effects can be used to highen the intensity of our thriller film.

Editing techniques, such as, a match cut can be created with meticulous editing and careful mark points.

Its important to make sure editing runs smoothly and that a match cut correctly shows the action; no prop or character must disappear when the action is completed.

Collateral Opening Sequence

Collateral (2004) is a crime drama thriller making it a hybrid genre. The Michael Mann directed film stars Tom Cruise, as wells as, Jason Statham, who are both present in the opening sequence of the film. Unlike conventional Hollywood films there are no titles and the film begins instantly; suggesting that it's a modern take on the thriller drama.
The film begins instantly and we see a medium shot of Tom Cruise walking amongst civilians in a crowded terminal (we are aware of the setting because Cruise walks past a flight board); a tracking shot follows the character and is focused only on him, whilst the slow motion special effect slightly slows the character down. The scene cuts to blurred figures and actor Jason Statham emerges from the crowd (with a newspaper), the camera is too focused on him as he appears to be walking in the opposite direction to Cruise. Subsequently, a close up shot cuts back to Cruise as slow motion decreases the frames speed. Suddenly a two shot depicts the pair colliding whilst the tilit down to close up illustrates two identical briefcases falling to the ground; diegetic sound emphasises the 'thud' as the brief case hits the floor. This scene specifically creates suspense as the audience anticipate what will occur (a briefcase switch). Dialogue is used as the pair regard each other and an over the sholder shot depicts Cruise retreating with the wrong briefcase. A non-diegetic musical score interrupts which consists of high tempo beats, which further mounts the tension.

Both actors are given a formal costume which suggests they're involved in business. However Tom Cruise is shot wearing sunglasses, his anonymity also buildds suspense as the audience aren't able to gauge his expressions and hence can't empathise with him.

On the whole the thriller film doesn't use titles but has a fast paced suspenseful opening which is a key convention in thriller films; it builds anticipation amongst its audience.

Suspense Defined

There are numerous definitions of suspense but the most common is a feeling of unease, anxity and tension; suspense is a key convention in the thriller film genre which aims to create and mount anticipation amongst its audience.

Blade ll Opening Title Sequence

Here's the Blade ll opening titles sequence which was analysed by my group:

BLADE II

Blade II is a 2002 'sci-fi action thriller' directed
by Guillermo Del Toro and starring Wesley Snipes. This is an immediately recognisable film by Del Toro due to the addition of darkness and monsters and evil which are reaccuring conventions we see in a lot of his movies.The film title's name 'Blade II' is thrown into the 'frame' like daggers and is written in a metallic silver shade to connote the blades in a sharp knife form which leads to the text also looking like a blade. The title The first thing we see is blood red text in a back background which is 'New line cinema' the 'distributor' of the movie. As this is the first thing we can see, i can 'suspect' it is due to their pivitol role in the 'production' of the movie. It is placed on the left hand side of the frame, to differentiate with from the other companies. Therefore the 'Amen Ra Films production' following it was placed at the centre of the frame with 'Imaginary Forces' following in the centre shortly. This vampire 'horror/action thriller' uses great 'elements' in creating an effective 'title sequence'.

The first element we recognise over the 'New Line cinema' title is the straight 'non-diegetic sound' of base and treble is the conventional superhero tone.
This sound builds a sense of 'suspense' in the thriller and gives the reader a strong feel of anticipation.

Then during the introduction of 'Amen Ra Films productions' opening clip there is a low 'crab shot' setting the 'scene' of the setting which is already introducing the audience to our 'character', his domain and already an insight into the films 'plot'. 'Imaginary Forces' are also credited in the clip.

They have used a negative camera effect in 'editing' the memory of his childhood. This effect shows an obvious change in the time frame of the story in the sequence. Other elements of shooting in a darker setting connotes that this is an 'action thriller' which is back up by the equipment that he has.
However this is slightly different to other thrillers in which they tend to hold back information about the films plot to keep the suspense and the viewer guessing, but in the title sequence of the film we have our main 'protagonist' telling us about the brief goings-on in the movie; his birth, his training and his 'motive'. Very action thriller like. This might be useful if we are trying to get out point across to our audience.
However back to the usual 'conventions of a thriller' we do not see the character face at all in the title sequence, only parts of his body and the weapons he has at his disposal, and the 'connotations' of this may be as when we do not see the full body of a character, it could imply that the character is somewhat incomplete, which would be fully plausible in a thriller and would be very much an aspect we would like to give our main 'antagonist'.

Opening Title Sequence: Blade II

Blade II (2002) is an exemplar action horror thriller produced by Amen Ra Films and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro. The film's titles blend in the other features of the opening sequence, like the camera shots and voice over, and are framed in such a way that they don't distract from the overall narrative style opening of the film (it's a sequel).

The titles depicted in the opening sequence are minimal and only convey the key production companies (Amen Ra Films and Imaginary Forces) and main distributor (New Line Cinema). This is done for numerous reasons. Such as: to make the film appear innovative; so the audience remained focused on the key character Blade (played by Wesley Snipes); to create an over all artistic and fast paced title sequence.

The colour and font of the tiles are semantic to the images they're placed over. Throughout the opening sequence the lighting remains dim which contrast with the red titles. Red connotes danger, bloodshed and love, blades, blood and darkness as well as a blood covered newborn being taken from a mother emphasises these meanings. The end title conveys blade ll written in a silver sharp-edged font, similar to daggers, the diegetic sound of a sword slicing through the air reinforces it's appearance. The font of the titles are similar to that of a comic book font, relates to the film's identity as it was based on a series of popular comics; Marvel Enterprises were also involved in the film's production, although they aren't mention in the films opening credits.
Overall the titles reinforce the films genre which is an action horror thriller.

The main shot used throughout is panning at eye-level it gives the impression that we are spying and are given an exclusive insight to his ominous life. A majority of the shots are close ups on key props which key are conventions of vampire films, such as, silver bullets, swords, guns and the black leather costume and shades presents Blade as a reluctant hero. Over the shoulder shots of Blade are also used which build curiosity and suspense amongst the audience. Special effects, like a blur into the main distributor at the beginning of the sequence and the use of negative to present key characters which have formed Blade's persona (mother and Whistler his mentor) are also present in the opening this implies that the film may have a surreal element, whilst the negative shows it's the character's flashback. Non-diegetic medium tempo music is also used to create a seedy atmosphere and mount tension and suspense amongst the audience.

The Blade ll opening title sequence is particularly effective because although it appears minimal it conveys a lot about the films genre through the use of colour and font

Blade 2 Title Sequence

Blade II.

Blade 2's (2002) opening title sequence has shown many aspects of thriller, horror and action elements within the first couple of minutes. It is produced by Amen Ra Films and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro. The fast paced movement of the scene and images used match with the narrator's tone of voice, speed and story.
There isn't a lot of credits that were shown in the opening title sequence, where it is blended in together with the sequence to create a thrilling effect, to appeal to the audience.

The opening title sequence of Blade 2 starts off with a blackened screen, whereby the name of the distribution company is presented in bold red fonts - "NEW LINE CINEMA presents". The colour red connotes blood and danger. It could also foreshadow dangerous events that will happen later on. This helps build up tension.

The narrative voice in the background also intensifies the suspense that's implemented. By using a deep voice to build the dilemma, this implies that the main protagonist is somewhat masculine and deadly.

Most of the sequence is smouldered in dark places, hardly showing any faces or light. The protagonist still remains anonymous to the audience, and this builds up suspense as the viewer anticipates for the identity of the character to be revealed.

The background music used to go with the narrative suggests that the thriller is sci-fi based, as it uses alienated sort of sounds that seem retro and funky. However, this also adds to the suspense created and sets the atmosphere for the awaiting audience to watch further on.

How is suspense created in Marathon Man?

Marathon Man (1974) is a thriller directed by John Schlesinger. It stars Dustin Hoffman and the film is highly praised for its fantastic shots and twisted plot. The ongoing build up of tension mounts suspense all through out the film.


This is a classic scene from Marathon Man, where it starts off with Babe being in the dark and alone. This implies that he is in danger and is in a vulnerable position. We also see that he is struggling; which makes the audience think, why is he in this situation in the first place (assuming you haven't watched the film completely). As the light bulb gets switched on, we also see another 2 men entering the same room as Babe. The silence between the 3 of them really creates a sense of authority that the man in the grey suit has over the man in the dark suit. The way he just snaps at the man in the dark suit, really emphasizes on his authority, and Babe dares not to say a word nor struggle any more. At this point, we feel scared for Babe as we don't know ourselves what would happen and all we can do is sit and watch.

Then more lights switch on, and an old man carrying a briefcase enters the room. The briefcase
gives it a sinister feeling as we don't know what the exact contents of it is, yet. Babe also starts twitching while the old man goes to wash his hands. We cannot help but feel nervous for Babe, as we know something bad is about to happen.

By maintaining the suspense of the scene, there is a follow up of mid shots of the two men who entered the room earlier. There is a shot reverse shot of Babe and the two guards, which shows the expressions and power they have over Babe (looking down at him). This puts emphasis on who's the protagonist and the antagonist in this situation and further intensifies the amount of suspense, that was already there previously.

Whilst the old man continuously asks "Is it safe?", this builds on the empathy we already have towards Babe as the old man doesn't even know of the dangers himself. However, the old man still remains calm, which is contradictory; as he is about perform something dangerous towards Babe. The last time the old man asks "is it safe?", Babe releases an scream that pierces through the silence, which leaves the audience to feel the pain within his scream.

Photo Activity

DEPRESSION
















This image refers to the description as DEPRESSION. this shows depression by having a guy sitting at a table looking down in sadness although we can not see his face we can tell he is sad or upset due to the way his hand is holding his head up. This depression may have occurred by having a stressful day at work and having the tissue next to the cup may have been because he has been crying and the coffee can symbolise sleepless nights at home.

Paranoia

This image shows paranoia as Rex is trying to get out the lift as fast as he can while the doors appear to be closing or opening. me and Nicole look like we are going to grab him TO KEEP HIM IN THE LIFT OR TRYING TO HELP HIM who knows?.

Also the look on Rex’s face shows that he is trying his hardest to get out the lift and his hands on the lift doors show how big his knuckles are which could show he is really trying to hold the doors.

Futuristic

This image shows the clues of what the future might hold, cold streets dark and gloomy buildings, no light or a complete disturbed imagination. As this image was took inside a building this may have been done so you get the feeling that there is danger outside and from this image it looks like that this area is completely deserted.

Phobia

This image shows that Canhan could be getting held in this life as there is not a lot of room in most lifts this looks like she is stuck in the corner and in front of her we see two guys which are not giving her any space to move. The look on Canhan’s face looks like she is very worried what’s going to happen to her.

Photo Activity.

- Paranoid.

This photo evokes the word paranoia. The guy at the front is trying to escape from the others at the back that are out to get him.

- Claustrophobic.
This photo has a claustrophobic feel to it. This is a point of view shot from the victim. By having the 3 people surrounding the victim, it gives of the sense of invading the personal space. By looking down at the victim it also seems intimidating and the victim is powerless.

- City.
Taking a picture of the city at an high angle exposes most area's of a city. By looking at this picture it shows the modernisation of London; the clean roads, the high infrastructure and contemporary buildings all signify the wealth and power of this particular area.

- Futuristic.
Eventhough this picture doesn't look like it, it is used to illustrate futuristic. The stereotypical, high-techy, future may not be attainable, and therefore we have used an abandoned construction site and old buildings to depict the idea of corruption and terror, that may be caused in the later years to come - the negative effects.

Conveying Meaning Through Photographs

Along with my group I set about finding photos that issued particular moods and feelings, such as, claustrophobia, paranoia, the hectic city, depression and the future. My ultimate aim was think about creativity and originality when creating my thriller film opening.

The first shot conveys the emotion of depression. I believe this photo evokes a strong sense of the emotion depression as it shoots the character from a high angle position, which makes the key subject appear weak and futile. Additionally, the props which are a scrunched piece of paper and a coffee cup suggest that the character is stressed due to work issues; the film has a clear back story.

The second photography conveys the bustling city. A long shot from a high angle makes the lens appear cluttered and busy. Many conventions of the city are seen such as, a double-decker buses, high rise apartments and construction sites.

I hoped to portray the emotion of claustrophobia in the third photo. In this three shot the central character appears enclosed. Also the faces of the two males aren't shown the audience feel detached and share the central character’s suspense which creates dramatic tension. Also the red string around the central characters neck (a college pass) acts as a noose, because the red in this instance connotes danger and insecurity; the audience again share the characters apprehension.

The fourth picture clearly conveys paranoia the subject is seen grasping defiantly in the hope of prying the doors open whilst the other subjects restrain him. But we hoped to highlight an anxiety that comes with paranoia.

The last picture aimed to illustrate the future: a desolate landscape and abandoned construction sites are conventional signs of change but here we've used them as indicators of negativity.

Ultimately I hoped to create meaning through the photography by altering camera angles and making my subjects original.

Preliminary Match Cut Film

Match Cut Film

We had to do a preliminary 'match cut' exercise which our task was to create a piece of 'filming' which included a match cut through a door, as well as the '180 degree rule' with a subject walking across a room and sitting down opposite another charcter. The sequence must include 'dialogue'.

We had the idea of a package being delivered from an agent to a high crime lord figure. Like our previous task we had to use varied 'angles' and an array of shots to show understanding and a good use of the camera.

Whilst having our subject walking towards the 'rendez-vous' place we use 'tracking shots' to follow him as well as the 180 degree rule shooting him from the left side then match cutting to the right side as though he is walking in a different direction although he is walking in the same direction. That is the point of the 180 degree macth cut to be an inconspicuous 'continuity' of the two shots.

Our main match cut action was when our subject walks through the door as asked. we had a close up of our subjects hand opening the door from one side, then the match cut of him walking through the door on the inside.

It was untill we got inside when we were able to show our array of different shots and angles as well as dialogue. We switched from 'low angle shots' to 'high angle shots' of shooting our character once inside the room to show that he is no longer the powerful and main figure, but is now just an agent of the 'crime lord'. We had her sitting door legs crossed looking confident and sure of herself.

With the dialogue we wanted to send a secretive message across by using fairly 'coded' language like "I've always expected alot from you." We had various 'shot reverse shots' during the dialogue to show that the 'conversation' was clearly between the two subjects. 'Over the shoulder shots' were also used to show when the opposite charcter was speaking. 'Two shots' were used to show the relationship both characters had for each other in term of the agent in awe and respect of the crime lord.

The package was of a folder which the audience does not know the 'contents' to keep the 'suspense' and the 'intrigue'.

Teamwork is also a very important aspect that has been consistent throughout our period of making the film and coming up with out ideas. Each member has been crucial in every piece of production.

"As our second attempt on shooting
the inprovement we made was very
clear to see as our steadi-cam shots
were alot more still and we had a
much wider aray of shots on show
as well as character placement.
Our various match cuts also show
our growth in understanding which
is back up by our execution of the
180 degree rule. We can only look
to progress from here and carry
on to improve thus creating a very
good final product."

Photo Activity

Depression

Our depression is simply just the subject feeling distraught and miserable. Our high angle shot of him, shows that he is completely out of power and has no control of his situation. We isolated the subject in an enclosed very small room with a circular table and cup of coffee exacerbates our characters emotions. This is also backed up by his solitary body language with his hand on his head and his head down.

Claustrophobia

In this image of claustrophobia we try to convey the effect it will have on a person physically and psychologically. By our subject being corned by two larger figures in an already compact space. By our impression of using shoulder shots we can show levels in terms of size against our subject who is cramped and feels very uncomfortable. Using the inside of the lift and its cold cramped metallic look allows us to execute our deliberate image of insecurity and psychological fear.

Paranoia.

The image of paranoia in our representation is of the subject of the photo feeling surrounded and his imagination of psychological demons chasing him. The high angle shot with our subject on his knees as well as his struggling facial expressions and our two persecutors standing over above him shows the levels of authority and the balance of power in his mind. Our subjects struggle with being closed in to a compact space with his worse nightmares and his fears fighting against him and his myopic mental thinking.

City.

Our depiction of 'City' shows a wide shot of the modernisation and the urbanisation of a city. With high towering infrastructural buildings symbolising wealth and money, are contrasted with the old tower clock representing a continuosly remembered history. Multiple buses and bustling traffic shows overcrowding and pollution which is backed up by the leafless trees which connote death and lifelessness.

"These representations of different elements using shots
can allow us to view a wide range of alternative when
try to convey out a meaning in our short film as each
shot connotes something different rather than the clear,
obvious external image we can see, the meanings also
very much vary, and if we can apply that into our film
then we should create footage which leaves audience the
excitment of being able to figure out the meanings for
themselves."

How is Suspense created in Marathon Man?

Marathon Man (1976) was produce by the conglomerate Paramount and directed by John Schlesinger. The classic Thriller has numerous scenes where suspense and high tension brews amongst its audience. I aim to explore three key examples where I believe suspense is most evident, successful and heightened.

A key scene where suspense is created is when two elderly men are arguing on a New York street, cross cutting is used to convey the action whilst medium shots focusing in and out of the characters arguing highlights this. Comedy is soon replaced by fear when the male behind rams in to the others car; diegetic sound emphasises the crash. An extreme close up shows incident followed by a cutaway of puzzled bystanders and a point of view shot of the aggressor; his victim drives away. This scene ends with an explosion as the pair collides into an oil canister, suspense is particularly created when victim tries to swallow a key that holds his wealth but inconveniently dies beforehand. An extreme close up of the remaining key combined with eerie non-diegetic music mounts suspense.

Diegetic sound of a black male playing ethnic drums in a dingy alley is semantic to voodoo and the audience suspect danger will soon follow. A tracking shot then follows the squeaky wheels of a black buggy; black connotes death. This parallel cutting switched to the victim. The buggy is depicted later in the sequence positioned next the targeted agent’s car. A zoom into the stranded buggy shows that it contains a doll, as its glassy eyes open we realise it’s a death trap. The digetic sound of a ticker bomb builds suspense until the black buggy explodes. The slow build up to the culminating scene creates suspense.

Suspense is again created towards the end of the film when the central character (Dustin Hoffman) is in a secluded suburb and becomes outnumbered by three rogue government agents. A long shot conveys him surrounded by the three agents. He then foolishly orders them into a unoccupied home, this mounts suspense as he audience realise that he’s inexperienced and sense danger. Later in the scene suspense and tension increased when Hoffman is compelled to kill all three agents-when they retaliate- in order to save his life. Diegetic sound of shots being fired highlight the danger and intensifies the suspense and tension.

These scenes convey key conventions of a thriller film which all mount tension for its audience and create a feeling of suspense. John Schlesinger achieves his aims of creating suspense mainly through the use of diegetic sound and camera shots as it mounts the feeling of unease and tension amongst its audience.

Definition Of Suspense.

Suspense:
A state or condition of mental uncertainty or excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome, usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or anxiety.

Eg. Suspense may operate in any situation where there is a lead up to a big event or dramatic moment, with tension being a primary emotion felt as part of the situation. In a film, the director might create suspense by leading the audience to believe that something bad is going to happen, yet they are powerless to help or prevent the events that are going to occur.

Collateral

Starring:
- Tom Cruise
- Jamie Foxx
- Jason Stafen

Suspense is instantly felt in the opening scene of Collateral. The use of no distinct sounds and only the murmur's of people in the background creates the build up of tension. Additionally, the effect of having Tom Cruise move in slow motion through the busy sea of out of focus, people, creates the sense of danger, or foreshadows a bad event - as if he's doing something wrong. Furthermore, Tom Cruise is seen a grey suit and dark shades. This creates the atmosphere of suspicion as it could reflect the character that he is playing - he doesn't want to be seen/trying to blend in with the crowd.
The camera then moves onto another man (Jason Stafen) who seems to be moving in real time, through the sea of out of focus people. However, he is only dressed in a black suit. Most of his face is exposed and he seems to be in no rush at all.
Tom Cruise and Jason Stafen bump into each other coincidentally, where Jason looks completely lost, whereas in Tom's perspective, it seems all planned out (looking down - maybe at watch, beforehand). A briefcase exchange then happens at this scene, where the most prominent sounds are the dialogue of the two characters. More suspense is then built up when Tom Cruise exits the airport with the exchanged briefcase and heads to a taxi.

Collateral (2004)

I watched a clip of Collateral starring Tom Cruise and Jason Statham. The first shot is a mid shot of Cruise walking in a shopping mall. This mid shot introduces his character. In comparison there is also a 'mid shot if Statham also walking in the shopping mall, this also introduces the viewers to his character. once the characters come across each other there is a two shot of them to show the relationship they have although they don't know each other. This adds suspense and tension to the scene and leaves the audience waiting for something to happen.

As Cruise is walking the editing is slow down whilst showing his character, whilst Statham's character is edited in 'real time'. The slow-motion of Cruise walking adds intrigue to the scene to make the 'audience' try and deduce the kind of character he is. Maybe as a calm and collected figure, or possibly a false description of our character.

Both men are wearing suits to show their level of power and authority. Cruise is wearing an metallic silver blazer and black sunglasses to elaborate that he is possibly the 'focal point' of the scene and and the light colour of his suit his attitude and that may illude us to think that he is the main protagonist (untill later revealed). Whilst in contrast Statham is wearing a black suit which connotes darkness and a evil side we would think.

When Cruise is walking we hear the diegetic sound of his footsteps, walking through the mall. It is the sole significant sound we can hear, connoting isolation and possibly a confrontation. Once they have their 'confrontation' we can hear Cruise's voice is very subtle and calm and reassuring as he say "are you ok?" to make sure the Statham is film and this gives us a good impression of him which would later on trick us whilst Statham's character's voice is also reassuring "yeah i'm fine mate" however by his 'facial expressions' and what we have already deduced from his we can almost infer a slight more malice in his voice.

This moment is pivotal in the scene as it breaks the 'continuity' of both characters walking a poses a possibility of strained 'tension' between the two which we can see in the 'two shot' and a real 'climax' about to happen that balances on both characters reaction to one another.

Suspense 1: Is a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety about the outcome of certain actions, most often referring to an audience's perceptions in a dramatic work.



Suspense 2: A state or condition of mental uncertainty or excitement, as in awaiting a decision or outcome, usually accompanied by a degree of apprehension or anxiety.

"After watching the clip of 'Collateral' as well as
analysing my definitions, i have been able to
understand they various ways in which suspense
in a thriller can be portrayed. In 'Collateral' there
was not a blaitent act of tension before the
confrontation, however i still have the feeling of a
very much ever present climax about to happen.
My two analytical images also back the definitions
of two different types of suspense. One an obvious
physical suspence whilst the other is alot more
mental and psychology. Using both in my thriller
would enable me to vary my use of suspense
and send several messages across to my audience
which would work very well for us."