The two thriller opening sequences i am going to compare are the Bourne identity and jaws.
The Bourne identity was created by Doug Liman and released in 2002. The bourne identity is about a man named Jason Bourne, who is picked up by a fishing boat. Left without any memory and injury from being shot Jason races to escape from assassins and recover his memory loss from amnesia.
Jaws was released in the year of 1975 and created by Steven Spielburg. This film is about an enormous great white shark that is terrorising a small village. The head chef policeman, a shark expert and a fisherman set out to destroy the beast.
Both of these films use the sea within the opening sequence, however they use it in different ways. Jaws uses it as a location establishment as the film is based within the sea and on the beach. This therefore helps the viewers to understand that the film is about a shark as a young women is pulled underwater and eaten alive. Creating tension as we know that its out there but when dont know when it'l strike.
Where as The Bourne Identity uses the location of the sea to inform the audience that the man character is in the water. We are introduced to him as believing he is dead floating within the sea. However we then realise he was alive and shot, making him seem suspisious against the innocent fishermen who saved him. The main character comes across as very strong and violent but also very confused as he didnt know where he was or that he had been shot. Therefore there is no prime location within the film The Bourne Identity as it is about a man running away and trying to descover who is really is,by he is travelling around the world.
At the beginning of the films they both start with credits and the title, allowing the viewer to know who created the film and what its called. However Jaws contains many detailed credits at the beginning of the film. The Bourne Identity on the other hand doesn't start straight away with the credits it focuses more on introducing the viewers to the main character and the scene. It contains very few credits and shows them apart. During this there is music playing in the background, this music is the main theme tune for the film. Jaws's sound track has a deep loud sound of der dum and gets faster to create tension. Where as the Bourne Identity starts very quiet with the music and then begings building up to the theme tune with a quick faster paced tune. This is because at first we see Bourne floating within the sea, and then are introduced to the fisherman spotting Bourne. This then building up the tension and panic of the scene as they try to save him.
These Two films are based on different types of characters, Jaws is about a shark who is murdering innocent people, in order to survive. Its a natural instinked for a shark to hunt for its pray. As a consequence we believe that the Shark is evil and must be stopped, we think this because of the way its potrayed. Where as Bourne is in fact the victim and doesnt mean to kill people. However we then find out that during his past he was trainned to kill innocent people as it was his mission. But after the accident he is then hunted down becuse he couldnt face killing a man with his family around him which was his mission. Therefore he ends up being the victuim as his boss wants him dead, giving him no choice but to kill the assassins as its him or them.
The use of mise en scene was very diferent from each other. This is because The Bourne Identity contained the use of guns and a secret bank code within his skin, therefore contributing to the action and mystery sub genres. Bourne was dressed in a wetsuit and kitted up with a life vest and fancy equipment, from this we know he wasn't a normal person. As no one would be left in the sea like that. Jaws on the other hand didn't have any props that defined the genre of the film as the main character doesn't have any props. However both of these films are located within the sea during the opening sequence. As well as containing dark lighting to make the scene more intense and mysterious. As we hadn't actually seen the shark and couldn't see Bourne's face at the begining, making the audience interested in what they look like.
Both of these films contain a group of people enjoying them selves, safe and happy. As in The Bourne Identity we are introduced to a group of fishermen drinking and playing cards, this helps the scene become more exciting as they find Bourne floating. The music also builds up, creating a more interesting and intense scene. Jaws uses a group of teenagaers having a beach party with a bomb fire and drink around them. The scene then becomes more dramatic as the music and scene changes making the viewer on edge waiting for something to happen.
In conclusion i have found out that these two thriller films contain similar opening conventions. As they are both based within a similar location as well as containing a murderer as the main character. The theme music isnt the same but is still very important within both the films as it makes the audience become familiar with that theme music. For example within Jaws when we hear the theme music we know the shark is going to strike. Its the same within The Bourne Identity as we know that there is going to be some type of action scene as Bourne is fighting his way to freedom. Therefore showing that thrillers are usually produced similar to each other, from introducing the main characters to establishing the main location.
Showing posts with label Jasmine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jasmine. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Friday, 21 January 2011
The Codes and Conventions of Crime and Action sub genres
The conventions of a film are what is usually used within a film, its what the audience expects to see for them to understand. For example at the opening scene of a film there are usually cresits and the film title, There is ususally an establishing shot of the location of the film. Codes are the signs used within a film to establish what type of genre and sub genre it is based on. Codes and conventions address the viewer on what type of film it is by using particular shot types, sound tracks and use of characters.
There are many conventions used within a crime sub genre. One type of convention is the use of a villain character, as well as a good character. It would ususally conatain a bad character steeling valuables and the good guys would try to stop them. Another type is the location establishment, this would be within a bank or safe where the valuables would be kept. Mise en scene is used as the type of props and costumes used would be guns, usually dark clothing for the bad character and a cop type cstume for the good character. This relates to the crime aspect as people commiting crimes would be likely to own weapons and destory anything or one who gets in their way.
Codes for instance like the use of camera work, there may be close ups of the characters to show their emossion as well as long shots to establish the location as well as what the characters are doing, if the bad character was trying to crack a safe we would have a long shot to show where they are and a close up of the safe and the characters face to show what is going on. Other types of codes are the use of the characters body lanuage, this allows us to see how the character is feeling for instance if they are walking up and down or figating it shows they are nervous and anxious about something. Music is also a type of code as fast paced music allows us to feel the suspence the character is feeling and makes us more engaged within the film. Codes and conventions work together to produce a film, without them the film wouldnt be as interesting or have a message to it.
A good example of a thriller and crime genre film is The Dark Knight. Throughout the film there are several uses of codes and conventions. convention of this film is that the bank robbers are all wearing black costumes, showing that they're bad. The use of the joker masks is also important as criminals usually try to hide their identity so they wont be caught. We can also see them holding guns, this is usual as crminainls arent affraid to kill someone as long as they get what they want, in this case is money. Codes used within the robbery is the body language of the victims withn the bank, they are stiing on the floor with their hands up. This informs the viewer that they are terrififed of the robbers as they have weapons on their person. The body lanugage helps the audience to engage within the film and understand how the victims feel. Another code used is the camera work, we see a mid shot of one of the criminals breaking into the safe as it then shows us a shot of a victim being hit with a gun, to remind us that the general public is in danger. Another convertion is the fact that one of the good guys fights back, but trying to shoot the villains. This is something we'd expect to see within a crime film as it makes it more exciting to watch. The use of fast paced music create sespens and tension as the good guy fights back, making the audience feel on edge waiting for something bad to happen. Another convention is the use of the amount being stolen, many crime films are based aroung a large amount of valuables being stolen. Finally the real villain is revealed allowing the audience to understand that the man in the mask is the joker, and that he is the main villain within the film.
There are many conventions used within a crime sub genre. One type of convention is the use of a villain character, as well as a good character. It would ususally conatain a bad character steeling valuables and the good guys would try to stop them. Another type is the location establishment, this would be within a bank or safe where the valuables would be kept. Mise en scene is used as the type of props and costumes used would be guns, usually dark clothing for the bad character and a cop type cstume for the good character. This relates to the crime aspect as people commiting crimes would be likely to own weapons and destory anything or one who gets in their way.
Codes for instance like the use of camera work, there may be close ups of the characters to show their emossion as well as long shots to establish the location as well as what the characters are doing, if the bad character was trying to crack a safe we would have a long shot to show where they are and a close up of the safe and the characters face to show what is going on. Other types of codes are the use of the characters body lanuage, this allows us to see how the character is feeling for instance if they are walking up and down or figating it shows they are nervous and anxious about something. Music is also a type of code as fast paced music allows us to feel the suspence the character is feeling and makes us more engaged within the film. Codes and conventions work together to produce a film, without them the film wouldnt be as interesting or have a message to it.
A good example of a thriller and crime genre film is The Dark Knight. Throughout the film there are several uses of codes and conventions. convention of this film is that the bank robbers are all wearing black costumes, showing that they're bad. The use of the joker masks is also important as criminals usually try to hide their identity so they wont be caught. We can also see them holding guns, this is usual as crminainls arent affraid to kill someone as long as they get what they want, in this case is money. Codes used within the robbery is the body language of the victims withn the bank, they are stiing on the floor with their hands up. This informs the viewer that they are terrififed of the robbers as they have weapons on their person. The body lanugage helps the audience to engage within the film and understand how the victims feel. Another code used is the camera work, we see a mid shot of one of the criminals breaking into the safe as it then shows us a shot of a victim being hit with a gun, to remind us that the general public is in danger. Another convertion is the fact that one of the good guys fights back, but trying to shoot the villains. This is something we'd expect to see within a crime film as it makes it more exciting to watch. The use of fast paced music create sespens and tension as the good guy fights back, making the audience feel on edge waiting for something bad to happen. Another convention is the use of the amount being stolen, many crime films are based aroung a large amount of valuables being stolen. Finally the real villain is revealed allowing the audience to understand that the man in the mask is the joker, and that he is the main villain within the film.
Friday, 14 January 2011
BBFC Research
The BBFC stands for the British Board of Film Classification. They are in charge of distributing films with the correct classification age for viewers to watch. The classifications are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18.
I am going to research the classification of 15 and 18, I have decided to look into these two categories because thriller films are always for viewers aged 15 or over.
This means that no one under the age of 15 is able to view this film within a cinema or purchase the film. There are many reasons why some films are rated as a 15, one reason is the fact it is likely to include a strong amount violence and bad language.Even though bad language is allowed as a whole it should not represent any type of discrimination verbally or behaviour. The use of bad language can also contain verbal references to sexual violence. However, this cannot contain images of sexual violence or a large amount of pain.Sexual scenes are not prohibited within a 15, but nudity is allowed. Nudity may contain a Sexual concept, although the content can only be minor. Drugs are another concept that may be used within a 15 film, however it must not promote the use of drugs or persuade the audience to use drugs.Certain types of drug use for example solvents as well as aerosols are not allowed to be used, as they are highly accessible and dangerous to use. Although dangerous behaviour such as suicide is allowed but on a small range of content and must not be very detailed, as many weapons for example knives are easy to access.
A good example of a thriller rated 15 is 'The Stepfather' this is about a man named Michael. As he returns home from military school he finds out his mother is happily in love and living with her new fiance. As the two men get to know each other, Micheal becomes more and more suspicious of the man who is always there with a helpful hand. However the films begins with the male shaving within this home, he then eats some toast and walks out the door. We then see the horror of his wife and her 3 children dead around the living room and kitchen. As a result throughout the film we know that Micheals mother's fiance is a murdered and wait in suspense for him to attack.
This category means that no one under the age of 18 is authorised to view this within a cinema or purchase the film. Like the 15 classification there are reasons to why some films are for the ages of 18 and above. this classification is aimed at adults as it usually contains sex within the film,showing clearer images. However the use of sex is usually fake and simulated. Actually sex scenes containing strong clear images or even sexual material is not permitted. 18 rated films are allowed to include the use of violence and bad language. it can be based on a criminal offence or
An example of a thriller rated at 18 is Seven. It is about two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, who hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Obviously there will be lots of violent and disturbing images of the serial killer killing his victims and this is why the film is rated as an 18.
The thriller project I am producing will be a 15. I have chosen this for many reasons. one main reason is my age, being 17 I am more used to watching 15 rated films and therefore have more of an understanding of what is usually allowed and used. Another reason is that fact that it cant contain a large amount of violence, for example a extremely detailed murder. This is helpful as we are unable to pay a professional stuntman and so would be safer for us to produce a less violent film.
I am going to research the classification of 15 and 18, I have decided to look into these two categories because thriller films are always for viewers aged 15 or over.
This means that no one under the age of 15 is able to view this film within a cinema or purchase the film. There are many reasons why some films are rated as a 15, one reason is the fact it is likely to include a strong amount violence and bad language.Even though bad language is allowed as a whole it should not represent any type of discrimination verbally or behaviour. The use of bad language can also contain verbal references to sexual violence. However, this cannot contain images of sexual violence or a large amount of pain.Sexual scenes are not prohibited within a 15, but nudity is allowed. Nudity may contain a Sexual concept, although the content can only be minor. Drugs are another concept that may be used within a 15 film, however it must not promote the use of drugs or persuade the audience to use drugs.Certain types of drug use for example solvents as well as aerosols are not allowed to be used, as they are highly accessible and dangerous to use. Although dangerous behaviour such as suicide is allowed but on a small range of content and must not be very detailed, as many weapons for example knives are easy to access.A good example of a thriller rated 15 is 'The Stepfather' this is about a man named Michael. As he returns home from military school he finds out his mother is happily in love and living with her new fiance. As the two men get to know each other, Micheal becomes more and more suspicious of the man who is always there with a helpful hand. However the films begins with the male shaving within this home, he then eats some toast and walks out the door. We then see the horror of his wife and her 3 children dead around the living room and kitchen. As a result throughout the film we know that Micheals mother's fiance is a murdered and wait in suspense for him to attack.
This category means that no one under the age of 18 is authorised to view this within a cinema or purchase the film. Like the 15 classification there are reasons to why some films are for the ages of 18 and above. this classification is aimed at adults as it usually contains sex within the film,showing clearer images. However the use of sex is usually fake and simulated. Actually sex scenes containing strong clear images or even sexual material is not permitted. 18 rated films are allowed to include the use of violence and bad language. it can be based on a criminal offence orAn example of a thriller rated at 18 is Seven. It is about two detectives, a rookie and a veteran, who hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Obviously there will be lots of violent and disturbing images of the serial killer killing his victims and this is why the film is rated as an 18.
The thriller project I am producing will be a 15. I have chosen this for many reasons. one main reason is my age, being 17 I am more used to watching 15 rated films and therefore have more of an understanding of what is usually allowed and used. Another reason is that fact that it cant contain a large amount of violence, for example a extremely detailed murder. This is helpful as we are unable to pay a professional stuntman and so would be safer for us to produce a less violent film.
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