Thriller soundtracks

The Ring



Low, gradualuse of sound time would be useful for building up tension. Although this is for a horror soundtrack, this would also be suitable for a pyschological thriller as it creates suspense.

Psycho



Fast pace violins inspired for the cross cutting scene where the protagonist discovers her identity is missing in our thriller opening 'Erased'. The fast tempo would work well with the pace of the scene.

The Grudge



Again, starts off slow, this would be effective for a pyschlogical thriller. The violins creates suspense while the tinderbox sound effect creates a chilling atmopasphere.

My Thriller review: Lucky number slevin

Lucky number Slevin is about Max (Scott Gibson) in the late 1970s who makes a bet on a fixed horse (Lucky Number Slevin) owned by two crime lords, The Boss (Morgan Freeman) and The Rabbi (Sir Ben Kingsley) who kills the man and his family as an example to anyone else with the same idea. Twenty years later, his son, Slevin Kelevra (Josh Hartnett) who was presumed dead is back for revenge with the help of the assassin who was meant to kill him, Mr GoodKat (Bruce Willis). They come up with a plot using mistaken identity and debts that are owed to both crime lords to kill anyone connected with the murder of the family.
The themes and issues are crime, revenge and karma on the crime lords using the same kind of brutality that was inflicted on the family; which insinuates crime does not pay. These are the usually conventions for a crime thriller for the protagonist to seek revenge. This is done by picking away at the hierarchy and power struggle of The Boss and The Rabbi. There is also police corruption and complicity; some of the police officers are willing to follow the corrupted officer when he intimidates Slevin. But ultimately regardless of how bad life has been, love can be found and prevail.

A key shot is towards the end of the film is where the composition is when the two crime lords are bound to chairs and the chairs are facing away from each other but the backs are touching. This was shot well as it reflects how close the enemies were living together but was worlds apart. The cinematography has a lot of restrictive shots which adds mystery but also delays the suspense for the spectator from knowing who is involved. There are high and low angle shots used as in the scene with Mr GoodKat who is about to kill the boy in an isolated area. The low angle from Mr GoodKat’s feet gives a strong air of dominance and while the low angle starts at the feet of the boy, when he turns to face the assassin it changes to a high angle which shows the boy in a submissive state.




The production design and props like the telephone and the bold large print wallpaper used as in the hallway and hotel room scenes suggests a link to the past which has not yet been broken. This subverts the convention for a crime thriller as it usually consists of dark colours and low lighting. The use of the Kansas City Shuffle soundtrack at the end of the film connects to the narrative by Mr GoodKat at the beginning of the film giving a thread of continuity, but also subverts the convention of an eerie tense soundtrack used in a thriller. The lighting was often dark which is often used in thriller films. The dark shadows used can also connote a dark side to Slevin’s personality and the fact he has a dark past that has obsessed him for a long time. However, when he walks out of the shadows from the left of the frame to the right, a transition towards the light means he is finally leaving that side of his life behind; the protagonist and the spectator can now have closure.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and felt suspense when during chase scene. I also enjoyed working out the enigma codes and the final reveal that the protagonist was the son of the victim and that he was an assassin. The acting was excellent and the storyline was very entertaining and thrilling. I would definitely watch this again.

Production Log

Wednesday 21st Jan 2010-
As a class, we watched various past students thriller openings and gave our own personal grading. This included anaylsising for conventions of a thriller and whether they hit the criteria of the assessement.The first opening we assessed was 'Above the law'. I rewarded it a low level three as it had a very good use of mise-en-scene, especially with props such as the crime scene. The narrative was also clear, but there wasn't a variety of locations and the cinematography could have been more creative. There was some use of original diegetic sound but no original soundtrack was denoted. The typogrpahy was also simple and could of been moe creative.

The next sequence was 'One last kiss'. I awarded this a low level four. It contained an effective storyline and used various of intreseting shots to portray this. The use of sound was excellent, denoting of unsychrounus sound of glass smashing to create an emotinal response from the audience. The mise-en-scene is also effective as the use of blood and makeup fpr bruises creates engima and a sense of realism. The last opening sequence was 'the unborn'. I awarded it a low level, as it did have some good mise-en-scene such as the candle light in the dark and used restricted framing. However,it was only shot in one location and used no original soundtrack. The credits also showed a lack of skill in typograpghy.
Watching these opening helped our group to decide what sub genre we wanted for our thriller and techinques we would like to recreate for example, we would like to use a graphic match.

Tuesday 26th Jan 2010- Brainstormed terms and conventions for thrillers that we would like to included in our thriller.We then watched opening thriller films.This included 'Gone baby gone' a psychological thriller and 'Leon' a action thriller. Brainstorm ideas for own thriller opening. During class, we alson complied a list of do's and don't when filming a thriller. This included:



Do's:
Use creative typography
Compose orginal soundtrack
Use sound effects
Various locations
Think carefully about mise-en-scene (ie, props)
Conventions of a thriller (ie, red herring, cheap surprise, restricted framing...)



Don'ts:
Film at school (lazy location!)
Break into horror genre
Create a complex plotline
Copy something you saw from a film directly!

All of these points has helped to form our pitch of our thriller opening.We decided to chose espionage as the genre as this is not filmed often in student films. Our final basic storyline of identity being taken over by mysterious person and 'erasing' the original person.

Wednesday 27th Jan 2010-



Created group logo 'Cats Eyes Production' through photoshop and uploaded to blogger. We decided to use cats eyes as they suggest mystery and films that contain dark topics such as identity theft. We also created a detail brainstorm of our thriller pitch, using the title 'erased' and the tagline 'Do you know who you are?'.





Friday 29th Jan 2010-
In lesson, we dicussed what makes a good treatment. This included a detailed, intresting storyline but also shows technical potential. We looked over past students treatments and graded which was good and bad by the amount of detail they put in and whether we could visually imagane it. We began to create our own thriller treatment for 'Erased'.

Tuesday 2nd Feb 2010-
Completed our thriller treatment for 'Erased'and began looking into audience research. This included making an audience demographic for our intended audience.

Wednesday 3rd Feb 2010-
Pitched our treatment for 'Erased'infront of teachers and fellow students. Feedback was generally good, including that we had a sound storyline although it should slightly be altered, so more locations could be included. This included to the change of location where a basement would be used as a setting for the antagonist. I began to create the storyboard for the opening.

Monday 8th Feb 2010-

There was still much work to be done, so seperated roles were assigned. I continued with the storyboard, while Roxann asks random students what makes a thriller for our audience research. In the meanwhile, Rayna uploaded pictures from our open auditions for the film.

Tuesday 9th Feb 2010-

Roxann and Rayna recce for interior shots of the home and the basement while I recce for extoior shots such as alleyways, including asking permission to film inside a police station. However this was not allowed and so a police station used within the film is impossible.

Wednesday 10th Feb 2010-
Recce shots was uploaded and Audience feedback was uploaded onto blogger. Storyboard uploaded to blogger and turned into animanic. This helped us to have an estimated time of our thriller opening.

These are some shots from the storyboard:


Opening titles typography


Our protagonist typing her bank details



Her bank details appearing in the screen



first shot of the antagonist in the basement



A shot towards the end of the film where the antagonist is cutting the picture of the antagonist. This was then used towards the end of the film instead of the mid point.


These are also shots from the original ending:


The long shot of the police station was orginally going to be used when the protagonist calls the station for help



The antagoinst walking with a briefcase


The antagonist is handing over the briefcase to another antagonist, which is full of the protagonist personal documents...



The id card of the protagonist, who now belongs to another person

The original ending had to be abandoned as it was impossible to film the police station (refused permission) and that it took a large amount of screen time within the opening. This ended up being a vital decision when filming as it saved time and was not necessary to the plot.


Tuesday 23rd Feb 2010-
Began to dicuss and oragnise props for filming, such as making ID cards through photoshop. Created filming schedule and organising times for actors to film.

Wednesday 24th Feb 2010-
Completed organising and created props for opening. Began test shots.

Friday 26th Feb 2010-
Filmed at interior location one- house scene with actress. Filming went well, with 3/4 of the beginning of opening scene. Also filmed an additional exterior off the storyboard. This scene is where the protagonist is going to the cash point and getting her card declined.

Monday 1st March 2010- Uploaded the opening sequence and sorted clips.

Tuesday 2nd March 2010- Created id cards using photoshop.

Wednesday 3rd March 2010- Created a rough edit of the opening sequence. Feedback received from teachers included that some shots have to be filmed with a better tripod and to try to adapt the lighting to have a more 'sinister' effect.

Friday 5th March 2010- Brought supplies for the basement scene. This included candles, matches, bin liner (to create the desired lighting) and printed off id cards.

A creepy atmosphere was created via candles:



Monday 8th March 2010-Filmed interior shot 2- the basement. This is where the antagonist forges and takes the protagonist's identity.

Tuesday 9th March 2010 and Friday 12th March 2010- Continued filming in basement.

Monday 15th March 2010- Updated Production Log. Reviewed the rough edit opening for our thriller. Made a list of things that needed to be refilmed.

This includes:
A shot of the protagonist walking away from her house
A floor shot that doesn't expose any wires
Make sure the location is completely ready for filming (ie removing unwanted photos)
Letters coming through the letterbox and her opening her bank statements. This will aid the plot in which she will discovered that her identity is being used for other things and help to build tension throughout the scene.

Tuesday 16th March 2010- Updated production log. Continued making soundtrack for thriller by using Garageband. We also searched Youtube for thriller soundtracks that would be ideal for our opening. See Thriller soundtrack.



Wednesday 17th March 2010- Searched for additional sound effects such as typing and walking heels effects to add to opening and uploaded to opening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z06fBU41Xn4&feature=related

Friday 18th March 2010- Uploaded reshot footage that was listed on 15th of March 2010.

Props: Letters created by scratch used within opening.




These props are key to the opening as it alerts the spectator that the character is in conflict and drives the narrative.

Monday 21st March 2010- Re edited opening. Cut the running length from 7:10 mins to 3:36 mins. This was achieved by cutting uncessary shots such as the protagonist walking to the sofa. This was also achieved by cutting down actions such as the antagonist opening the laptop. Doing this saved valuable time and made me realise it is not necessary to film every shot.

Tuesday 22nd March 2010- Added production logo to opening. Added transitions such as fade outs.

This screengrab is from the end of the opening. Using Imovie, i chose the option fade out to the footage. This connotes that the film has drawn to a close and leaves the spectator guessing to what will happening to the specatator.



Monday 19th April: Recieved feedback from teachers of opening. This included synch sound back into place, adjust title font of production logo and check over production log. The titles had to readjusted as feeedback was that it was too cartoonish. Production title font has been adjusted by using new font form dafont.com and changed with photoshop software. Sound is back in synch by realining it with moving images from imovie, as well as credits during opening not after sequence. Production log has been updated and thriller opening is now finished!

A2 Student Thriller Opening- 'Cairo'

Cairo is the sub genre of crime thriller. The uses of sound is convincing such as the sound effects of the guns and the non diegetic soundtrack of violins and drums create suspense within the scene. The mise-en-scene is convicing; denoting of a deserted car park at night, with low lightning. This connotes that an illegal operation is taking place. The use of costume is also powerful,the black mask conceals one of the antagonist, creating enigma and the suit the assassian is wearing connotes that he is professional and perhaps with little emotion. The use of props is extremely impressive and convincing: denoted the white powder connating drugs and that drugdealing is taking place. Also denoted was a gun that drove the narrative along and blood splattered across the camera is visually intresting for the spectator.

The cinematography is skilled. Various of shots were denoted, includiing a high angle over the shoulder shot as the characters do the drug exchange. This creates the impression to the spectator that they are watching something secretive as if they are in the position of a cctv. There is use of restricted framing, a convention of a thriller to keep the antagonist's identity a secret. A key shot that was technically sound was when a p.o.v shot was denoted while the hitman tried to reach for his gun. Other techniques such as vertical tilting to reveal the gun creates suspense for spectator. This was very effective as it shows creativity with the camera and engages the spectator.

The sequence was well edited, denoting of contunity. The editing used to denoted flashbacks work well within the sequence. The rapid jump cuts with flashes connotes confusion, as the character experiences the same emotion. The colour denoted has also changed to black and white, a convention of showing a flashback. This is also a convention of a thriller as it creates engima for the spectator. Denoted, the use of slow motion of the hitman walking which creates a sombre and tense atmosphere. Sound is used well, especially the use of silence when the drug dealer and the hitman. This creates a climax to when the hitman kills the drug dealer. There is also impressive use of non diegetic sound effects such as the gunshots that had been added in during editiing.

The video effect denoted of the aging film was an visually impressive effect and tied with the film's narrative. The typograpghy however, is a bit simplistic and could be more intresting. There was also more diagoule than neccessary and the fight scene looked amateurish and unconvicing. However, I would awarded this with a level 4 as it effectively conveys the conventions of a thriller while portraying a cohesive and original narrative.

Thriller sequence- Day Of the Jackal

The Day Of The Jackal is a political thriller. Denoted is an over the shoulder shot of men talking then running, although the diegetic sound of their conversation is muted. This creates enigma as the narration is restricted. Juxadpostion is also used, the cheerful diegetic sound of the marching band is effective as the body and facial language is tense and irate. Cross cutting is also denoted, from one part of the parade to another, where one is hectic and the other still. This builds up suspense within the scene as the spectator is aware that something bad will happen but is unsure to what and the consequences to the other characters involved. Cross cutting is often used in thrillers to create apprehension between the antagonist targeting their unknowing victim.
The cinematography uses restricted framing that conceals the sniper's identity, again another convention of a thriller to hide the antagonist. Video effects is also denoted, to be a p.o.v of the sniper looking through the gun. This persepective creates an emotinal response from the spectator as they are in the position of power. A lack of non diegetic soundtrack is denoted and this subverts the convention of a thriller, however it still builds suspense. There is also no cheap surprises nor red herring, which again subverts the convention of a thriller.

Typograpghy

Font 1) Denotes a thicker font, as if drawn with marker pen/ handwritten stlye. Good typography for a pysgological thriller or perhaps a political one.

Font 2)Denotes of a thinner font, with imagages of newspaper cuttings- this could connote a pysogological thriller where the antagoinst uses newspaper cuttings as a form of communication, silmiar to 'Se7en'. Out of all five typography, I would use this typography for my thriller opening as it is silimar to our film's plotline- forging and stolen identity. This could also be used for the sub genre espionage as the typography looks as it invovles something secret.

Font 3) This typography could be used for an action thriller. It denotes of chunky black faded letters, conntoting action within the narrative and perhaps a male protagonist.

Font 4) The typography could be connoted for the sub genre supernatural thriller. It denotes of a thin typography and slightly slanted font creating an unsettling effective for the specatator.

Font 5) The final typography denotes very thin sharp handwritting. This could also connote the sub genre of a supernatural thriller.


Example of opening credits I would like to recreate:





For typography, I have been inspired by the opening credits for the psygological film 'Se7en'. The scratchy handwritten font could perhaps connote that the antagonist state of mind is unstable and so conforms to the convention of a psygological thriller. The editing is effect as well- jumpcutting images in the background creates a distorting experience for the spectator and shows engima codes such as newspaper cuttings, and so engaging the audience.
The use of drums also creates tension for the spectator, effectove soundtrack is a convention of a thriller to create an emotonial response from the audience. By using an effiecent soundtrack, typography for titles and place engima codes at the beginning to drive narrative makes it an effective thriller opening as I hope to achieve this with my thriller opening.

A2 Student Thriller Opening- 'Lonely Hearts'

The film starts by fading into a house, a setting that creates normailty which is a convention of a thriller. This lures the spectators into a false sense of security. The antagonist face is hidden and creates enigma for the audience. The mise en scene is very effective; the lighting is dark and use of candles creating an eerie almost ritual atmosphere. It also consist of decedant items such as red roses that connote romance and wealth. The newspaper that the antogaonist uses also creates enigma for the specatator and is an effective plot device to progress the story. Props such as blood also adds impact to the story.

The piano music and use of Ella Fitzgerald creates a juxadposition to when the antagonist murders the girl. This is another convention of a thriller that is effect as it plays on the emotinal response of the spectator. There was three different soundtracks and competant use of sound bridges. There is also various use of locations- from the interior of the house to a vast countryside surrounding. This shows the group had scouted for suitable locations that work within the narrative. There is a visual motif present- the colour red. Roses, lipstick, napkins and a flower are all denoted the colour red, which is siemotic for danger and passion. The cinematography is technically competent and creative. An example of this is an over the shoulder shot is effective as it conceals the identity of the antagonist and creates enigma for the spectator. This is another convention of a thriller and is often used to when a character is being followed or a serective action is taken place. Restricted framing is also used, the spectator never sees the antagonist's face, and is often used for thrillers. The P.O.V shots from the antagonist is also very effective as it creates an emotinal response from the spectator that they are in the shoes of the killer.

The editing is smooth and works within the film. The fade out of when the girl falls is powerful as the murder isn't seen, but the aftermath. The murder is often not shown in a thriller as it creates theatre of the mind and creates a more emotional response from the audience- almost shock. The rapid fade outs on the girl's body also reveals the damage that the antagonist has done. At the end of the film, rapid cuts is denoted of newspapers, the dead girls and a rose. This connotes that all the enigma codes are 'pieced' together and reveals the ending- the antagonist is a serial killer. This also brings closure to the end of the film. I think that this short film is a very effective thriller that is technically sound and creative that consist of a clear narrative. I would award this short film a level four although it could of gained more marks by using original soundtrack and more diegetic sounds.