Research
Iconic thriller directors:
Alfred Hitchcock
Name: Alfred Hitchcock
Born: 13 August 1899 - 29 April 1980
Occupation: An English director and producer.
Biography: Hitchcock is commonly known for his inventable pioneering techniques within the
suspense and psychological thriller genres. Hitchcock
moved to Hollywood, on 19 April 1955 he became an American citizen while
remaining a British subject. Hitchcock directed more than fifty feature films in
a career spanning six decades. Often regarded as the greatest British
filmmaker.
Born: 13 August 1899 - 29 April 1980
Occupation: An English director and producer.
Biography: Hitchcock is commonly known for his inventable pioneering techniques within the
suspense and psychological thriller genres. Hitchcock
moved to Hollywood, on 19 April 1955 he became an American citizen while
remaining a British subject. Hitchcock directed more than fifty feature films in
a career spanning six decades. Often regarded as the greatest British
filmmaker.
James Cameron
Name: James Cameron
Born: August 16th 1954
Occupation: He is a Canadian film director, film producer, screen writer, visual artist and
editor. he also does deep sea exploring.
Biography: A science fiction fan as a child, James Cameron grew up to become one of the
most visionary filmmakers in Hollywood. He initially pursued physics as a
student at California State University at Fullerton, but he left to follow his
cinematic dreams. Working as a truck driver, Cameron would pull off the road to
work on screenplays. He has successfully directed and produced of some of the
most highly acclaimed and biggest box-office hits of all time. Some of his most
famous films include The Terminator, Aliens,
Titanic, True Lies, and Avatar.
His productions are grand, expensive, and ground break. He frequently
produces stories in the genre of science fiction. He has won numerous awards for
his work.
Born: August 16th 1954
Occupation: He is a Canadian film director, film producer, screen writer, visual artist and
editor. he also does deep sea exploring.
Biography: A science fiction fan as a child, James Cameron grew up to become one of the
most visionary filmmakers in Hollywood. He initially pursued physics as a
student at California State University at Fullerton, but he left to follow his
cinematic dreams. Working as a truck driver, Cameron would pull off the road to
work on screenplays. He has successfully directed and produced of some of the
most highly acclaimed and biggest box-office hits of all time. Some of his most
famous films include The Terminator, Aliens,
Titanic, True Lies, and Avatar.
His productions are grand, expensive, and ground break. He frequently
produces stories in the genre of science fiction. He has won numerous awards for
his work.
Steven Speilberg
Name: Steven Speilberg
Born: December 18th 1946
Occupation: An American fiml director,
screenwriter and producer. He also designs video games.
Biography: Spielberg produced a series of
films, including Evolution (2001), The Haunting (1999) and Shrek (2001). he also
produced two sequels to Jurassic Park (1993). An amateur filmmaker as a child,
Spielberg went on to become the enormously successful and Academy Award-winning
director of such films as Schindler's List, Back to the Future,
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and Saving Private Ryan. In 1994, he
cofounded the studio Dreamworks SKG, which was purchased by Paramount Pictures
in 2005. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered
many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films
were seen as archetypes of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. In later
years, his films began addressing such issues as the Holocaust, slavery, war and
terrorism. He is considered one of the most popular and influential filmmakers
in the history of cinema. He is also one of the co-founders of DreamWorks movie
studio
Born: December 18th 1946
Occupation: An American fiml director,
screenwriter and producer. He also designs video games.
Biography: Spielberg produced a series of
films, including Evolution (2001), The Haunting (1999) and Shrek (2001). he also
produced two sequels to Jurassic Park (1993). An amateur filmmaker as a child,
Spielberg went on to become the enormously successful and Academy Award-winning
director of such films as Schindler's List, Back to the Future,
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and Saving Private Ryan. In 1994, he
cofounded the studio Dreamworks SKG, which was purchased by Paramount Pictures
in 2005. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered
many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films
were seen as archetypes of modern Hollywood blockbuster filmmaking. In later
years, his films began addressing such issues as the Holocaust, slavery, war and
terrorism. He is considered one of the most popular and influential filmmakers
in the history of cinema. He is also one of the co-founders of DreamWorks movie
studio
Understanding Camera Angles
The low angle - This shows the subject from below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.
Eye level - This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High angle - A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Birds eye - This shot is from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Eye level - This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High angle - A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Birds eye - This shot is from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Iconography associated with a thriller
This collage shows the typical icons associated with thrillers; The picture on the bottom middle with the question shows that the audience doesn't know what to expect next as it could take a turn and anything could happen making it more exciting and engaging to watch. It aslo shows that most of the crimes committed are mysterious and the killer is antagonist is undercover until the protagonist manages to find them out and expose them. The picture of the knife and hands covered in blood show that thrillers also include murders and deaths. The picture on the top left on the two men holding guns shows that thrillers can also include action and violence.
This also shows the usual icons associated with thrillers; the woman screaming shows the thrill and fear associated, it also shows that there a jumpy parts included in a thriller. The black and white contrast of lighting that shows a shadow holding up a knife reveals the suspense within a thriller.
Thriller Poster Analysis
We can infer that it is a thriller poster as it has the conventions of a thriller, such as bold capital letters and a dark background with white text.
The island in this poster is made up of a montage of different photos patched together. This could explain why the sky in the back has sharp edges where two different shades make contact, and the broken waves around the island base are not in a continual outline. This gives us a small insight into the synopsis of the film suggesting that it involves an investigation trying to piece things together much like a puzzle.
The title font is quite sketchy and written in a bright red colour It stands out against the monotone background. It could also symbolise blood emphasizing the thriller genre of the film.
The smoke from the match stick outlines the right side of his face saving it from having to take up too much of the poster with his cheek and ear which would distract focus from his facial expression where the left of his face is left to blend into the darkness. His facial expression builds a lot of tension in this poster. He appears to be confused yet frightened and concerned at the same time. The diagetic lighting from the match stick makes him look more mysterious with half of his face shadowed. It suggests that he may have something to hide or something that has not yet been uncovered.
This film poster (Shutter Island) is directed by Martin Scorsese who also directed other hit films such as The Departed, which draws interest to the film. The poster is also promoting Leonardo DiCaprio by displaying his name in a large, bright white font that stands out against the dark background. This will also help to attract audience to watch the film as Leonardo Dicaprio is a well know actor especially for his famous starring in films such as Titanic and Romeo And Juliet. The first thing that the viewer’s eye is drawn to on the poster is the island with the mysterious white glow around it that highlights it. It is also in sharper focus which makes it stand out stronger. The tower on the island then quickly brings your eye up to the match which, being one of the only sources of colour it immediately catches your attention.
The title font is quite sketchy and written in a bright red colour It stands out against the monotone background. It could also symbolise blood emphasizing the thriller genre of the film.
The smoke from the match stick outlines the right side of his face saving it from having to take up too much of the poster with his cheek and ear which would distract focus from his facial expression where the left of his face is left to blend into the darkness. His facial expression builds a lot of tension in this poster. He appears to be confused yet frightened and concerned at the same time. The diagetic lighting from the match stick makes him look more mysterious with half of his face shadowed. It suggests that he may have something to hide or something that has not yet been uncovered.
This film poster (Shutter Island) is directed by Martin Scorsese who also directed other hit films such as The Departed, which draws interest to the film. The poster is also promoting Leonardo DiCaprio by displaying his name in a large, bright white font that stands out against the dark background. This will also help to attract audience to watch the film as Leonardo Dicaprio is a well know actor especially for his famous starring in films such as Titanic and Romeo And Juliet. The first thing that the viewer’s eye is drawn to on the poster is the island with the mysterious white glow around it that highlights it. It is also in sharper focus which makes it stand out stronger. The tower on the island then quickly brings your eye up to the match which, being one of the only sources of colour it immediately catches your attention.
Certificate Ratings - BBFC
These are all the possible ratings that can be given to videos, movies or anything that can be viewed (including video games) within the UK.
What do these ratings mean?
U - universal; All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children
PG - Parental Guidance; All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for young children. May contain mild language and sex/drugs references. May contain moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy).
12A- This applies to cinemas only. (Introduced in 2002). Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture. However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence/sex references.
12-Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating.
Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, infrequent use of strong language, brief nudity, discreet sexual activity, and moderate violence.
15- Only those over 15 years are admitted.
Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong language and one use of very strong language, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and undetailed sex activity.
18 - Only adults are admitted.
Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context.
R18 - Restricted 18 Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops and only to adults, those aged 18 or over. Films under this category are always hard-core pornography, defined as material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity, strong fetish material, explicit animated images, or sight of certain acts such as triple simultaneous penetration and snowballing. There remains a range of material that is often cut from the R18 rating: strong images of injury in BDSM or spanking works, urolagnia, scenes suggesting incest even if staged, references to underage sex or childhood sexual development and aggressive behaviour such as hair-pulling or spitting on a performer are not permitted. More cuts are demanded in this category than any other category.
PG - Parental Guidance; All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for young children. May contain mild language and sex/drugs references. May contain moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy).
12A- This applies to cinemas only. (Introduced in 2002). Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture. However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence/sex references.
12-Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating.
Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, infrequent use of strong language, brief nudity, discreet sexual activity, and moderate violence.
15- Only those over 15 years are admitted.
Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong language and one use of very strong language, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and undetailed sex activity.
18 - Only adults are admitted.
Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context.
R18 - Restricted 18 Can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas or sold at licensed sex shops and only to adults, those aged 18 or over. Films under this category are always hard-core pornography, defined as material intended for sexual stimulation and containing clear images of real sexual activity, strong fetish material, explicit animated images, or sight of certain acts such as triple simultaneous penetration and snowballing. There remains a range of material that is often cut from the R18 rating: strong images of injury in BDSM or spanking works, urolagnia, scenes suggesting incest even if staged, references to underage sex or childhood sexual development and aggressive behaviour such as hair-pulling or spitting on a performer are not permitted. More cuts are demanded in this category than any other category.
Typical thriller synopsis
A typical synopsis follows the usual narrative structure of the protagonist finding themselves tangled in danger. This is usually due to conflict or finding themselves in rare situations, which usually ends up exposing the protagonist's flaw. However for Crime thrillers the typical synopsis is; it usually focuses on the criminal or person trying to establish the the crime, its main concentration is on the crime that has been committed or that is going to be committed, as I previously mentioned they emphasise on the action over the psychological aspects of the film, the crimes are usually murders, robberies, heists etc. However supernatural thrillers consist of disasters such a earthquakes, tornado's and other environmental and naturist disasters.
Audience expectation of a thriller
I created questionnaires to see what audiences usually expect from a thriller.
From the information and feedback we gathered, we realised that the audience relate to the conventions of a thriller. Results showed that all age groups like to watch thriller and all expect some sort of disaster to occur within the movie. They also show that the audience expected it to be interesting and keep them engaged, they look forward to something being scary/jumpy and sending shivers down their spine, however they want to see unusual, supernatural things take place. Most people that watch thrillers look towards the out come and seeing the rescue operation resolve the issues.
From the information and feedback we gathered, we realised that the audience relate to the conventions of a thriller. Results showed that all age groups like to watch thriller and all expect some sort of disaster to occur within the movie. They also show that the audience expected it to be interesting and keep them engaged, they look forward to something being scary/jumpy and sending shivers down their spine, however they want to see unusual, supernatural things take place. Most people that watch thrillers look towards the out come and seeing the rescue operation resolve the issues.
The History of thriller
Thriller and suspense films are
types of films known to promote intense excitement, suspense, high expectations,
uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension.If
the genre is to be defined strictly, a genuine thriller is a film that
restlessly pursues a single-minded goal - to provide thrills and keep the
audience cliff-hanging at the 'edge of their seats' as the plot builds towards a
climax. The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a
menacing situation or mystery, or an escape or dangerous mission from which
escape seems impossible. Life itself is threatened, usually because the
principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or
potentially deadly situation. Plots of thrillers involve characters which come
into conflict with each other or with outside forces - the menace is sometimes
abstract or shadowy.
types of films known to promote intense excitement, suspense, high expectations,
uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension.If
the genre is to be defined strictly, a genuine thriller is a film that
restlessly pursues a single-minded goal - to provide thrills and keep the
audience cliff-hanging at the 'edge of their seats' as the plot builds towards a
climax. The tension usually arises when the main character(s) is placed in a
menacing situation or mystery, or an escape or dangerous mission from which
escape seems impossible. Life itself is threatened, usually because the
principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or
potentially deadly situation. Plots of thrillers involve characters which come
into conflict with each other or with outside forces - the menace is sometimes
abstract or shadowy.
Sequence Analysis of Vertigo, Jaws and Se7en
1. Who is being represented in the opening scene? how are they represented? Is this positive or negative?
Vertigo:
A woman is represented by showing close ups of her facial features, she is represented to be serious and maybe dangerous. This is negative because it only focuses on her lips and eyes and no other aspects.
Jaws:
Se7en:
A murder or crime scene is being represented this shows that it could be a crime thriller. It could also be representing a killler plotting for his next victim. It gives a negative representation and sets a murder/crime based narrative. the close ups of the hands reveal that it is possibly a man as the hands look of a male structure.
2. What do the titles for each opening look like? Do they symbolise the thriller genre?
The opening tiltles are in white bold fonts, in capital letters. The white colour font text on the black background symbolises the thriller genre as it adds to the suspense.
The titles for this opening is in bold white, block capital writing. This could symbolise the thriller genre as the white automatically builds a sort of suspiscion and uncertainty and the bold block capitals create sums up the expected tragedy in a thriller.
The opening titles in se7en definatly go with the thriller conventions. The fonts are white on a black background, there are also stylised to look rough and un neat hand writing, eefects were also added to make it flash adding that extra thrill and adreniline.
3. Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The music builds suspision and tension, building up the thriller genre, the use of the coloured spinning graphics creates a hypnotizing effect drawing thrill towards the audience. The black background with bright colours on top, and the camera close ups also go hand in hand to make this a thriller genre.
The camera shots and angles make us as the audience aware that it is a thriller genre as it helps to create a tension. The extra long shot of the girl in the sea, along with the music gradually increasing and getting faster builds adreniline which symbolises with the thriller conventions.
The music links in with the title sequences and the action that is taking place in the scene. The pictures, film reels, black markers and newspapers all used make us aware that it is a thriller genre. Also we are only shown the hands of the person in the scene with close up camrea shots, the camera the camera emphasises and focus on the props being used, what is being done and the hands/fingers of the person which look male.
4. Does the narrative in the opening correspond to the conventions of a thriller film? How?
Yes, because its looks mysterious and the narrative leaves clues and enigmas of what may be to come, the music also builds suspense and matches the scene.
Yes, as it creates a tragedy in the opening scene and someone dies.
Yes, this is because
5. Which production company was the film made by? How might this affect the film content?
Paramount Release and Vista Vision, It might affect the film because they can give or take funding which may or may not benefit the content of the film.
Universal. An MCA company
6. What do you think might happen in the rest of the film? Give a brief suggestion of the narrative.
I think the woman may be the main person behind a crime or something, the narrative may be that someone dies and investigators try to solve it.
I think that something is going to revolve around the sea and possibly more deaths happen there, it will then be ivestigated and attempted to be tackled and solved with obstacles along the way.
Title Timeline;
Starts: 00:02 secs
Ends: 2:57
Starts: 00:08 (00:37)
Ends:1:45
Vertigo:
A woman is represented by showing close ups of her facial features, she is represented to be serious and maybe dangerous. This is negative because it only focuses on her lips and eyes and no other aspects.
Jaws:
Se7en:
A murder or crime scene is being represented this shows that it could be a crime thriller. It could also be representing a killler plotting for his next victim. It gives a negative representation and sets a murder/crime based narrative. the close ups of the hands reveal that it is possibly a man as the hands look of a male structure.
2. What do the titles for each opening look like? Do they symbolise the thriller genre?
The opening tiltles are in white bold fonts, in capital letters. The white colour font text on the black background symbolises the thriller genre as it adds to the suspense.
The titles for this opening is in bold white, block capital writing. This could symbolise the thriller genre as the white automatically builds a sort of suspiscion and uncertainty and the bold block capitals create sums up the expected tragedy in a thriller.
The opening titles in se7en definatly go with the thriller conventions. The fonts are white on a black background, there are also stylised to look rough and un neat hand writing, eefects were also added to make it flash adding that extra thrill and adreniline.
3. Analyse the camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene. How do these technical areas make you aware that this is the thriller genre?
The music builds suspision and tension, building up the thriller genre, the use of the coloured spinning graphics creates a hypnotizing effect drawing thrill towards the audience. The black background with bright colours on top, and the camera close ups also go hand in hand to make this a thriller genre.
The camera shots and angles make us as the audience aware that it is a thriller genre as it helps to create a tension. The extra long shot of the girl in the sea, along with the music gradually increasing and getting faster builds adreniline which symbolises with the thriller conventions.
The music links in with the title sequences and the action that is taking place in the scene. The pictures, film reels, black markers and newspapers all used make us aware that it is a thriller genre. Also we are only shown the hands of the person in the scene with close up camrea shots, the camera the camera emphasises and focus on the props being used, what is being done and the hands/fingers of the person which look male.
4. Does the narrative in the opening correspond to the conventions of a thriller film? How?
Yes, because its looks mysterious and the narrative leaves clues and enigmas of what may be to come, the music also builds suspense and matches the scene.
Yes, as it creates a tragedy in the opening scene and someone dies.
Yes, this is because
5. Which production company was the film made by? How might this affect the film content?
Paramount Release and Vista Vision, It might affect the film because they can give or take funding which may or may not benefit the content of the film.
Universal. An MCA company
6. What do you think might happen in the rest of the film? Give a brief suggestion of the narrative.
I think the woman may be the main person behind a crime or something, the narrative may be that someone dies and investigators try to solve it.
I think that something is going to revolve around the sea and possibly more deaths happen there, it will then be ivestigated and attempted to be tackled and solved with obstacles along the way.
Title Timeline;
Starts: 00:02 secs
Ends: 2:57
Starts: 00:08 (00:37)
Ends:1:45
Thrillers are often hybrids - there are lots of varieties of
suspense-thrillers:
- Action or adventure thrillers
- Sci-fi thrillers
- Crime thrillers
- Western thrillers
- psychological thrillers
suspense-thrillers:
- Action or adventure thrillers
- Sci-fi thrillers
- Crime thrillers
- Western thrillers
- psychological thrillers
Conventions of a thriller genre
the antagonist
Understanding Camera Angles
The Low Angle - This shows the subject from below, giving the impression of being more powerful or dominant.
Eye Level - This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High Angle - A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Birds eye - This shot is from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for
dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Eye Level - This is the most common view, being the real-world angle that we are all used to. It shows subjects as we would expect to see them in real life. It is a fairly neutral shot.
High Angle - A high angle shows the subject from above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject. This has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant or even submissive.
Birds eye - This shot is from directly above. This is a completely different and somewhat unnatural point of view which can be used for
dramatic effect or for showing a different spatial perspective.
Iconography associated with thrillers
This collage shows the typical icons associated with thrillers. The picture on the bottom middle with the question mark shows that the audience do not know what to expect next as it could take a turn and anything could happen making it more exciting and engaging to watch.
It aslo shows that most of the crimes commited are mysterious and the killer is antagonist who is undercover until the protagonist manages to find them out and expose them. The picture of the knife and hands covered in blood show that thrillers also include murders and deaths. The picture on the top left on the two men holding guns shows that thrillers can also include action and violence.
It aslo shows that most of the crimes commited are mysterious and the killer is antagonist who is undercover until the protagonist manages to find them out and expose them. The picture of the knife and hands covered in blood show that thrillers also include murders and deaths. The picture on the top left on the two men holding guns shows that thrillers can also include action and violence.