Analysis of AS Media Film Opening Sequence

Script: 'Captive'

What is the genre? How do you know?

Freya – I believe that the genre for ‘Captive’ is horror, due to the conventional features presented.

Mise-en-scene: the character is tied up to a chair and has dried blood all over his hands, which connotes that he’s been trapped there for a while. This immediately conveys the genre to the audience, as you would not expect this in an opening sequence to a romance film for example. Furthermore, another feature is the abandoned location. The use of this location signifies that the antagonist doesn’t want the character to get away as there will be no one around to help him. This also creates suspense and tension within the audience, as it is very mysterious and eerie. The characters facial expressions incline from confusion to desperation and panic. Some props used, such as the doll, are very conventional of the horror genre because they are often used as a ‘mystery’ character and this adds to the scary element of the film and creates suspense and tension.

Robbie - Sound: The sounds is another feature used to illustrate the genre to the audience. The ambient sound emphasises how isolated the character is, due to the fact that you can hear a miniscule sound, such as a droplet of water into a puddle, shows there’s no one around and no help. Secondly, the constant eerie, mysterious non-diegetic music in the background slowly builds up to reach its crescendo. This accentuates the genre even more as this is an effective way to present tension towards the audience.

Freya - Camera: There are many close-up shots of the character tied up to the chair as it emphasises his facial expressions. This also helps the audience engage with the character and see how he is feeling. There is also a use of long shots to exaggerate how alone and isolated he is. High angle shots of the character to present his weaknesses and inferiority. This conveys how hopeless he is and that he cannot get out.

Robbie - Editing: Jump cuts – there are many used throughout the opening sequence. These are very conventional for this genre as they create a sense of disorientation. In this opening sequence it helps show how confused he is.

Flickering – this represents the antagonists mind and how distorted, and not right her mind is.

CCTV – this makes the film look extremely professional.

Freya – The use of narrative enigma throughout the opening sequence is very successful as it engages the audience and gets them asking questions as to what is going to happen next. Also as to why the boy has been tied up and why is the girl tying him up. This would encourage the audience to carry on watching the film, as they will want to know the answers to these questions.

Robbie – The fact that this opening sequence goes straight into action is effective as it can instantaneously get the audience gripped. This challenges Todorov’s Narrative theory, as it does not start with an equilibrium, where all is fine. Instead, the opening sequence begins with a disruption, as it is more effective in engaging the audience. This is conventional of a horror.

What predicted level would you give the piece?

Robbie – I would have given this opening sequence an A grade.

Freya – I would also have given this opening sequence an A grade.

Reasons for predicted grade?

Freya - The use of varied shots gives each scene a sense of depth that makes it engaging for the audience. The use of sound was also effective as it was slow and tense but the speed of the music inclined throughout to build up suspense and tension; which is typical of the horror genre.

Robbie - To add to this, the use of the enigma codes was very effective and conventional of this genre as it makes the audience engage with the scene, wanting to carry on and think about what is going to happen next.

How can it be improved?
Robbie and Freya - The plot of the opening sequence wasn’t completely clear and was somewhat confusing, as it all didn’t make sense. For example, the fact that the boy was randomly taking pictures with his camera was a bit odd. Also, the doll that was used within this opening sequence also had no relevance as to how he got tied up to the chair. Therefore, to improve, they should make the plot a bit clearer.

 

Initial Ideas

INITAL IDEAS 

Representation in Films

Representation In Films

Gender:

Stereotypically, men are portrayed as the antagonist within horror and thriller films with the victim often being an innocent and vulnerable woman. The main protagonist also tends to be a dominant male figure that tries to protect the victims. An example of a male antagonist and female victim is 'Sleeping with the Enemy' with Julia Roberts. Within the first few scenes, the husband is abusing and taking advantage of his wife, shocking the audience. This has stereotypical features, women are represented in a stereotypical weak, powerless and delicate way, clearly showing the audience how they may be the victim within the film. According to the theorist, Laura Mulvey, there are only two roles for women in the media believes that women in the media are treated as objects. 
1) The virgin - represented as weak, innocent, subservient to men and an object to be cared for.
2) The w*ore - represented as sexually promiscuous, a sex object and sexually strong. 
In many horror films there is a girl who is the 'virgin' and the girl who is the 'w*ore', the stereotype in horror films is that sex is seen as morally wrong and therefore anyone who tries to have sex in the horror film, must die. 

Camera:

When representing more dominate figures such as male characters within the film, low angle shots may be used to portray superiority and power. This shot gives the impression that the victim, likely female, has to look up to the figure, further signifying authority and control within the situation. High angle shots may also be used within stereotypical scenes as it gives the impression the more dominant figure, perhaps male, is looking down at its victim, showing her vulnerability and fragility. Over the shoulder shots between male and female characters could also be used to show authority as the heights of the two subjects may differ. Stereotypically, the male character would be taller, so if this shot was used it could connote the woman is weak and powerless in contrast to the domineering role of the man.

Editing:

Various editing techniques could be used to portray each gender, for example, a shot/reverse shot could be used to display the disparity between the relationship of two genders, such as when the protagonist (male) is saving the victim (female). The use of this shot can show the various expressions of the two genders and how one character may seem heroic and the other perhaps frightened or relieved. The use of cut shots during an emphatic part of the dialogue could also be used to show emotions between two characters. For example, a male character may be saving a victim, within the dialogue a key sentence may be told and at this point the camera moves closer towards his face and creates a dramatic scene. This could be used for both genders and their certain feelings towards a situation.

Sound:

Non-diegetic sound of music may be used to build tension within each scene, depending on which gender is being shown. The music may be eerie and jumpy when the camera is on the woman, presenting her fear and vulnerability, however the music may be loud and sharp when the camera is on the man, showing his dominance and power within the sequence. Amplified sound of a high dynamic range may also be used within the scenes to create effect. For example, within a horror film, these sounds may be used when the victim is in danger, perhaps creating distress or vigilance within the audience towards the situation.

Mise-en-scene:

Women are often dressed in bright colours within the scenes of a horror film, connoting innocence or helplessness, as these colours are often associated with the victims within the scenes. The women also tend to have either little clothing, showing her defenceless nature or lots of clothing, making it harder for the victim to get away from its killer. The men are often dressed in smart or casual attire within the scenes. When dressed smart, it makes the characters look masculine and powerful. When the man is dressed casually, it suggests he could be a victim or with baggy clothes, a criminal figure. It is also conventional for weapons to be shown within the scenes. It is often the male antagonists with the weapons, connoting this villainous role and desire to kill.

Ethnicity:

Usually, the role of ethnicity doesn't have a large part to play in psychological thrillers. But there are many stereotypes directed towards eastern Europe. Many foreign people are portrayed to be very smart who originated from eastern Europe and usually as the antagonist. An ethnic group is a group of people who share the same race or nationality that have a distinctive culture. These groups tend to have similar set roles within the stereotypical horror/thriller genre films. White people are often portrayed as the protagonists and victims as they are seen as ‘good’ and ‘innocent’. However, people within different ethnic minorities are often shown to be the antagonists within the films as they are portrayed as both violent and dangerous, or as victims for being inferior and weak. For example, within the film ‘12 Years a Slave’ the afro-american figure is shown to be a slave, showing the weakness and vulnerability of his character whilst the white characters were in control of them. 

Camera:

Both high and low angle shots may be used within the scenes within the various ethnic groups. These shots could be used to show how some groups have more power than other or it could reflect their status within society. For example, one race may be shown with a low angle shot, making them look bigger and more power, reflecting their authority within society. Extreme wide shots may also be used to show the area in which each character may live. For example, a stereotypical upper class white character may be shown living in a mansion within the countryside. This could show the relationship between the character and their location.

Editing:

Short take shots of the ethnic minorities may be used to portray their lack of importance compared to other characters within the play, showing how they are not significant within the scenes. Cross cutting may also be used to compare the lifestyles between each ethnic group and how their differ from each other. Another conventional editing technique that may be used is ‘wipe’, showing how society wants to push them out.

Sound:

When shots of the various ethnic minorities are shown, cultural music may be played within the background to give the audience a better idea of the culture behind the group and their background. For example, within ‘Karate Kid’, cultural music is played to show the audience the background behind Chinese culture. The use of dialogue could also be used to present the various ethnic minorities. For example, the films may have characters speak in their regional languages, such as African or Indian, showing the background of where the characters come from. Another technique used may be the use of accents; this shows the audience the stereotypical location from where each ethnic group is from.

Mise-en-scene:

A common convention of placing characters within their cultural costumes is a typical technique used in a variety of films. This allows the audience to clearly recognise the location and culture of each of the figures. For example, Indian characters may typically be wearing saris, emphasising their racial background. Various items or props may also be used to stereotypically portray the ethnic group presented. For example, a white character from England may very stereotypically have a pot of tea and crumpets as the use of props, representing where they are from.

Age:

Within horror or thriller films, children or the elderly are often represented as being vulnerable, innocent and rely on others for help and care. Teenagers are often represented as being lazy, violent, and aggressive, and often causing harm to other characters. This is conventional and stereotypical within films such as 'Kidulthood' as this perceives how teenagers act in that manner. However, adults are portrayed as being clever, hard working and diligent. Within thriller films, the adults are often the characters who are either the antagonist or protagonist. This leaves the other age groups such as children or the elderly being perceived as weaker and innocent characters, therefore the victims within the films. For example in 'Domestic Disturbance', starring John Travolta, the boy is being taken advantage of by his step father throughout the film - all due to the fact that he is smaller and not as strong as him. This clearly shows an age imbalance between characters.

Camera:

High angle shots facing towards characters of a young or very old age may be used to show their weakness and inferior nature in contrast to the adults, showing how they may be the victims within the sequence. Point of view (POV) camera shots may also be used to show the perspectives of different characters. For example, a child may be shown with a low angle POV shot, showing how they are young and innocent. However an adult may be shown with a high angle POV shot showing show they are more dominant and powerful than the older frail characters or young vulnerable characters.

Editing:

Jump cuts may be used for younger children or the elderly creating a distorting effect. This could be used to show how they may be confused within certain situations and unable to address what it happening within the scene. Shot/reverse shots may also be used to show how different age groups react towards each other, such as the relationship between a father and child. Shots with deliberate continuity errors may also be shown for young children or the elderly, showing how they may be confused and disorientated within certain situations. 

Sound:

Depending on the various ages being shown, the use of music may change significantly. For example, if an elderly person was shown on screen, old 1960s music may be played to show the music of their era. Using quiet tones such as nursery rhymes of soft, rhythmical tones may portray the use of young children. The use of tone within vocal dialogue may also be used to reflect different ages. For example, young children may have high-pitched noises, where as adult men may have deep, low voices. The use of the tone within the adult’s tone may also be used to patronise or frighten other characters to show their ability to control them as they have more power.

Mise-en-scene:

The children within the films may be seen wearing bright colours with comical or animated characters on their clothing. This could be used to show their innocence and defenceless characteristics. Teenagers may stereotypically wear hooded jumpers showing their ‘violent’ and ‘thug-like’ features. This could be used to show how they commit crimes and are always stereotypically bad within society. Adults may wear smart clothing such as suits, showing how they have authority above other characters and have professional careers. Old people may often be dressed in smart clothes such as long skirts, jumpers and sweater vests. This could show how they are old fashioned and dress appropriately within society. The setting within each age group may also differ. Children may be seen within a nursery environment with various toys, showing how they are innocent and young. Teenagers may be seen within dark alleys, showing how they have a criminal nature. Adults may be seen within a typical office environment showing their profession, whilst elderly people may be seen within an elderly home as they rely on others for help. 

Social Class:

Social class also doesn't have a large role to play in psychologically thrillers as it doesn't usually tie in or have any relevance with the storyline. The way in which different classes are portrayed within a film is dependant on the storyline. Upper class characters within films are often presented as snobbish, obsessed with money and always getting out of trouble because of wealth. Working class characters are often represented as being poor, aggressive criminals who often commit crimes and inflict pain upon others. However, class may be irrelevant within many horror films, however location may be focused in a working class environment creating realistic and eerie atmosphere. The working class characters are often portrayed as weak, whereas rich characters are represented as powerful. This is conventional within various films as it shows the power of wealth and how it can affect people. For example, within 'The Great Gatsby" the lifestyle is around wealth and how the characters are all involved within money and power. There aren't many thrillers which involve the imbalance with social class.

Camera:

Low angle shots may be used for when the camera is faced upon upper class characters as it makes the audience look as if they and underneath the wealthy characters, showing how they rich have the ability to control the working class characters. High angle shots may be used when the camera is pointed towards the working class characters, showing how they are weak and vulnerable compared to people with a higher status. Close up of objects may also be used to show how people are of a different social class. For example, a close up of accessories such as a gold watch or necklace may be used to show how some characters may be wealthy and within the upper class society. A two person shot could also be used to illustrate the contrast between the different classes.

Editing: 

Slow motion scenes could be used for the working class characters to create an emotional effect. This could allow the audience to emphasise with the characters on screen and feel what they may be going through. Cut shots may also be used to show the difference between the classes, such as the rich and poor, showing how their lifestyles are dramatically dissimilar. Cross cutting may also be another technique to show the difference between diverse classes and how their lifestyles differ.

Sound:

The use of dialogue and how people talk could be used to show how they are from different classes. For example, if a character uses lots of slang and speaks in a ‘cockney’ accent, they may be seen as working class as it is conventional for these characters to be presented within the way in films. If another character speaks in a formal manner with well-pronounced vocabulary, they may be seen as upper class as these are conventions for this status of characters. The use of music may also be used to present the classes, for example, orchestral music may be used to present the upper class connoting their sophisticated and mannered characteristics. However, perhaps rap music may be used to represent the working class as it often uses slang and taboo within the lyrics of the music, reflecting the language used by those within that class.

Mise-en-scene:

Upper class characters may be wearing branded suits with lots of expensive accessories such as watches and jewellery. Women may often wear items with many diamonds and gold if she was in the upper class, showing how they have lots of wealth and men wearing watches and smart suits showing their success. Working class people may wear casual clothes perhaps showing how they cannot afford the branded products. The upper class characters may often boasting about their wealth through luxury items, where as the lower class may treasure what they have. It is also conventional for a weapon to be used by this class within thriller or horror films.

Opening Sequence Analysis - 'Silence of the Lambs'

Opening Sequence Analysis - 'Silence of the Lambs'

At the beginning of the opening sequence we first notice the mysterious setting, it looks very dull and the trees look very dead. This could give us an indication of the genre of the film. The opening sequence of Silence of the Lambs uses a lot of enigma and action codes throughout. Enigma codes are the questions that are being asked whilst watching the film, such as in this film, we ask, why is she running and why is she in the woods? The immediate high angle shot of the woman running shows the audience that she looks weak in this shot and that she is small in her figure, right from the beginning of the opening scene she is made to look small and weak. Later on, there is a close-up shot of her face, this connotes she is very determined, by her facial expressions, and tells the audience more about her personality and we know that she isn't someone who is willing to give up. This presents some of her character to the audience as it signifies that she is a hard worker. This is reinforced again, later on in the sequence. 

 The opening credits are black, with a white boarder, this indicates that something is nice, pure and simple on the outside but may have something darker to reveal from the inside. This could represent Hannibal and shows a hint to characters that will feature a big part in the film. The writing resembles the font of a newspaper headline, this gives a hint about the genre of the headline. The writing is very simplistic, which juxtaposes with the plot of the story. This may cloud the audience's perceptions of the film, and challenges the stereotype of a psychiatrists mind.

Expositional dialogue and props were used in the opening sequence. This is when a piece of dialogue or prop is said or used to expose a piece of information to the audience that they need to know. This happens when a man also out of breath shouts "Starling!" we are introduced to this female character by her second name, Starling. This makes the film seem more realistic for the audience. He is also out of breath, which hints the woman is very fit as the man was struggling to catch up with her. The man tells her, "Crawford wants to see you in his office." To which she thanks him and without hesitation starts running back the way she came. The man looks at her incredulously. This signifies that she is something special, or there is something about her that he admires Also, an expositional prop is used to show who these characters work for. The colleague of Starling wears an FBI hat, therefore this presents to the audience that they both work for the FBI, and this piece of information did not need to be verbalised. This moves the narrative along quickly and easily. 

The mise-en-scene starts in a thick woodland are, clouded with fog. There is orchestral non-digetic music, a mellow but panic-sounding symphony of strings, which goes well with the mise-en-scene of the mysterious woodland. Nearly straight away we see a woman running through the woodland, sweating and panting for breath. The audience assume the woman is running away from something in panic or fear. It is quickly revealed that this is not the case, when a climbing net comes into view and the woman proceeds to climb over it, performing a forward roll on the way down. She is running on an assault course. In such a quick space of time, the audience has gone from thinking the woman is venerable and scared, to her being not at all a stereotypical female but a tough independent woman, just from what they have seen, with no dialogue at all. Whilst this is happening credits are being shown on the screen. 

The next shot is the woman running out of the woodland and past a sing that reads, 'HURT, AGONY, PAIN, LOVE IT.' This resembles the effort that she was previously putting into her training, which enforces her strength and power. She runs past other officers, also training, and into what must be the police compound. By now the music has slowed to a more calm tune, which is empathetic to how she is surrounded by other people and in a safer environment. Whilst in the compound, she is still running through corridors, almost as if she is trying to make up for her training that she was previously cut short of. Once again this enforces how seriously she takes her job. All of this time the credits are still rolling.

Within this opening sequence it is unclear to see who the hero and the villain is. Vladimir Propp states that all stories feature very similar character types who all play specific roles in developing the narrative. The fact that it is unclear signifies that the film is very distorted and causes the audience to feel very insecure and uncertain as the film follows a different structure. This keeps the audience guessing of what's going to happen next. This follows onto Neales genre theory that audiences enjoy a film especially because it avoids the usual conventions of the genre and does something a bit different. This is due to the fact that it is very ambiguous who the hero and the villain are.

Opening Sequence Analysis - 'Se7en'

Opening Sequence Analysis - 'Se7en'

'Se7en' is a thriller film about two detectives' hunt for a serial killer who is murdering people and justifying the crimes by absolution for the worlds ignorance of seven deadly sins. The two detectives try and track down the serial killer who chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins. 

Camera - 

The title sequence uses a combination of clever camera shots put together to make a fast paced montage. The several clips shown make an ambiguous setting, creating narrative engima. The sequence begins with a close-up shot of a book, this creates a sense of mystery for the viewer as they dont know what's in it, the next camera angle is a high-angle shot looking down on the book, revealing to the viewer what is on the page. It then shows lots of different shots of close-ups on objects that dont seem to have any meaning to the viewer at that point which creates narrative enigma and keeps the audience guessing. There are no long shots in this title sequence so it doesnt allow the audience to see what is fully going on, reinforcing the mystery of it. Throughout the opening sequence all of the camera angles are high angles or at eye level which connotes that the director doesn't want the audience to see anything of real importance yet, and that all the objects shown are of little importance as they are looked down on. The use of graphic, disturbing imagery of the characters hands also creates a tense aura as it makes the audience squirm at the sight of peeling skin and razor blades. However, this may be affective in addressing the genre of the film. The use of rapidly showing images for a short amount of time creates a subliminal effect as the audience are triggered with flashing sights of disturbed figures, making them apprehensive or afraid of what may follow.

Mis-En-Scene - 

The Mis-En-Scene puts across very significant ideas in the opening title sequence, for example, like what to expect from the film and the overall tone it puts across, which is ominous. The props and setting used within certain scenes of the sequence makes the audience awear of the genre of the film. The use of dark colours such as black and red are conventional of the thriller genre. Therefore the audience know what the film may be about. The use of weapons, such as the razorblade, is also conventional of this genre, so the use of props allows the audience to pinpoint a specfic genre to the film. 

Editing - 

The editing used within the oepening sequence consists of fast cuts between various shots of the characters hands, paperwork and collection of data. These sudden changes in clips and also titles displayed creates an effect of striking fear, confusion and mystery within the audience as they are not awear of what may follow. However. the editing allows tension to be built as the ambiguous connotations of each aspect of the film have various meanings, which creates an eerie atmosphere. The credits shown throughout help define the genre as they are messy and flicker on the screen, the credits flickering makes the viewer think of a flickering lightbulb about to run out of light, which creates a sense of foreboding. Most of the images shown look as if they're being doubled but they are blurred, which connotes to the audience that the character is not mentally stable and doesn't see things clearly.

Sound - 

The sound used in the opening sequence is mostly non-diegetic but some sounds are made to sound natural. For example, occasionally in the sequence, a very high pictched noise occurs which tricks the viewer into thinking it's someone screaming, which signifies danger and someone desperate for help. This sets the audience up for the rest of the film. The background music is heavy sounding and is quite fast. This is typical of a thriller movie as it creates suspense.

Dominant Ideoloigies - 

The opening sequence does not seem to have any particualr dominant ideologies or representaions due to the lack of story behind the scene. There is no particular way in which the montage of clips link together, this creates mystery and interrupts the possibility of being a standout ideology.

Narrative Engima - 

According to Roland Barthes, the use of certain codes (such as enigma, action and semantic) help audiences interpret and have a better understanding of the narrative. Narrative enigma is explored thoroughly througout the opening aspect of the sequence to emphasise the genre of the film. This technique is used to make the audience question why certain things occur and create various reactions such as confusion and shock with the viewer. The use of the collection data such as images and articles also makes the audience suggest whether the killer has murdered many people within the past or if he is planning to do so. The use of using narrative enigma within the oepning sequence makes the audience fully engaged with the film and make them question why certain things happen. 

Conventions of Opening Sequences

Conventions of Opening Sequences

Film opening sequences are created to grab the attention of an audience and make them interested and engage with the content of the film. As well as causing them to wonder what is going to happen as the seqence continues. They may also get an idea of what the film is about and the ways in which the film was produced to create a certain affect. Every opening seqence varys in the way that film producers and directors use techniques to present the ideas of genre, themes and narrative approach. The opening sequence should be clear to identify the genre of the film along with possibly giving a location or setting that has relevance to the film's genre. Additonally, by the directors using conventions of multiple opening sequences, they are able to create a successful opening  that would be enaging for an audience. 

The main conventions of opening sequences would be: the use of credits, institutional logo, the title of the film, music/sound (usually non-digetic), introduction of characters, narrative engima, mis-en-scene and loaction. 

Firstly, opening seqences should focus on the credit titles, these can give away the genre. Most, if not all films include opening credits to inform the audience who will be within the film and those who were part of creating the film, such as the director. If someone see's an actor/actress/director they are fond of, they are going to immediatley have a better response to the film. The audience may also be aware of directing styles and previous films created by the dircetors so will be apprehensive of what they may expect to see. For example, in the new James Bond film, "Spector", within the opening seqence the main actor, Daniel Craig, is named so the audience may be aware that the film they are watching is action packed. 

Furthermore, opening seqences should also entail narrative enigma so the audience is consantly thinking and wondering what is going to happen next or what the storyline is about. For example, in an opening seqence we might experience narrative enigma such as "who is the man in the mask?", "will she get away?". The theorist, Roland Barthes, believes that all media texts contain codes which audience can interpret to help them understand the narrative. Other techniques such as editing, whether it be fast paced editing, slow paced editing, montage, transitions and cuts, they all help to build suspense within an audience and help the audience get ideas about the genre of the film. For example a horror film may use a 'jump cut' which is when the camera suddenly cuts away to to create a dramatic point which then shocks the audience and makes them jump which is what a horror film aims to do. 

Another convention of opening seqences is the use of displaying the title of the film before the first scene begins. The name of the title can tell the audience what the film is about and what they might be expected to see. Some directors choose to 'mix' up the order in which they layout the opening sequence as many titles are now seen at the end of the opening sequence. This influences and encourages the convention of engima codes and gets the audience to think off their feet and use their imagination to think of what they think the film may be about. The way in which the title is presented may also give an indication of what genre the film falls into. For example, the 'Monsters Inc' title name gives the impression that the film is targeted towards children and that its going to be a joyful and fun family film. Due to the bright colours and the quirky font. 

Moreover, another convention that is vital to an opening sequence is the introduction of one or more major charcaters in the film. This allows the audience to figure out who the main characters are and figure out what part they have to play in the film and how the story will be narrated. By intoducing the main characters early in the film it enables the audience to build an emotional connection with the protagonist and antagonist. Another extensive part of the opening sequence is the Mis En Scene: what props, lighting, location, costume etc. have been used to create a specific mood or connote specific genres? By production designers choosing particular objects to be placed within each set, the auduience can determin the genre of the film and prehaps what may occur. 

The use of sound whithin the opening sequence allows the director to create emotions and feelings within an audience. The dialouge and voice overs may also give the audience more of an idea about what the film may be based on. A very famous voice over is Morgan Freeman, his undeniably cool are harmonious voice is the reason he is chosen to voice over many films. For example The Shawshank Redemption and Bruce Almighty. The sounds may allow the audience to interpret various aspects of the characters. For example, if the charater has a deep low mysterious voice, they may be percieved as the antagonist. Music can also be used to create the identity of the film, such as the music used in Jaws, it is used to signify a heartbeat and it getting faster and faster as the tention builds. 

Research into Genre - Psychological Thriller

Research into Genre - Psychological Thriller

The genre, psychological thriller, is a thriller story which emphasises the psychology of its characters and their unstable emotional states.It is a specific sub-genre of the broad range thriller and horror. There are many different themes which are related to this particular genre that many films follow: reality, perception, mind, existence/purpose, identity and death. In psychological thrillers, characters often battle their own minds: they attempt to determine what is real, who they are, and what life's purpose is.

Conventions: 

• The main colours used are usually white, red and black. Red and black are also closely linked to horror, these colours signify danger, violence, blood and mystery. Low key lighting is often used on the main characters to create enigma and mystery. In some cases the low key lighting is used to represent the inner darkness within the character. The background is often dark to emphasise this. It also helps to create an unsettling atmosphere, to build tension. 
• The music usually used in a psychological thriller is very eerie and tense, directors used this to build up tension in a scene or create shock within an audience. 
• Quick camera movements are used to reflect the panic in a scene which then makes the audience feel the same emotions as the character. 
• Props such as mirrors are commonly used to portray the use of reflections of a characters inner self as well as representing the 'dark side' of a character. 
• Most commonly the antagonist or the 'villain' wear casual or smart clothes to fit in with the theory that most psychological thrillers are set in an urban and modern setting. Also that most villains are undercover and try to 'act' as a normal person. 
• Montage editing is used frequently to highlight the emotions and feelings, suspense and tension within a scene. Flashbacks is a typical convention as it shows what previously happened to the villain and give an insight into their past and show the audience why the character is how they are.
• Conventional actors and actress' include: Julia Roberts, Ashley Judd and Tom Lee Jones. 
• Companies that mainly work in this particular genre include: New line cinema, Columbia and Icon.

According to Steve Neale, film genre goes through a theoretical cycle and changes throughout its lifetime. These changes consist of its signs, orientations and expectations. Genre is not something static, as it is always evolving.He thinks there is a cycle consisting of the following stages:

1. Form finds itself - this is the ground breaking film: Psycho

2. Classic: Cape fear

3. Pushes boundaries - this is tweaking elements: The sixth sense

4. Parody - focuses on elements in the genre and mocks them: Scary movie (parodies the sixth sense etc)

5. Homage - makes reference to other films as a mark of respect: Seven

Audiences enjoy watching physiological thrillers for different reasons. The uses and gratification theory is able to explain why certain audiences enjoy watching thrillers. 

Information - finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings and gaining  sense of security through knowledge. 

Entertainment - escapism, being diverted from problems, relaxing and emotional release
Social interaction - gaining insight into circumstances of others, identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging, helping carry out social roles. 
Using the uses and gratifications theory it is clear to see that thrillers are watched for entertainment, information, social interaction and personal values, therefore it is a popular genre.

Famous psychological thrillers: 
- Seven 
- The Machinist
- The Silence of the lambs