Music within thrillers

I am focusing on a clip from the beginning of the film, the two protagonists have just reached the island and they are driving in a car towards the gates to the mental hospital that they are about to enter.

Within this film, the music moves from loud to quiet and vise a versa to create tension, there is also a lot of repitiion within the sounds. There are sharp sounds and occasionally siren sounds, there are deep orchestra and trumpet sounds. At the beginning of the film, as the boat approaches land and the protagonists take a car journey towards the centre of the facility, the music creates an ominous atmosphere. the music begins with a powerful low bass ostinatio.The climatic point begins when they enter a narrow brick corridor, and camera angle is from the view point of the car as they approach the gates; this makes the viewer feel as if they are inside the car with the characters; this builds a constant fear of the beyond.

Within this film, the music is generally builds from quiet to loud, there are also repetition of the music and of the sounds. There are moments of loud and dramatic symphonies. There are ambient sounds of waves and sounds of children in the background. There is an ambient calm tide coming in at some points of the film. An eery sound develops throughout the film. There are very sudden and sharp sounds for example screams.

Following on from these two analysis' - I have decided to compare their music to the opening sequence of 'Se7en'. The opening sequence of Se7en has more of a sci-fi sound and consisted of more computer generated sounds. This is different to the 'Shutter Island' clip as that clip contains sounds created by an orchestra rather than robotic sounds from a computer. This clip is also different to the analysis of 'Inception' as  throughout the clip I analysed it was loud all of the way through whereas the opening sequence 'Se7en' ends quietly. However it is similar to both 'Shutter Island' and 'Inception' as is has sharp thunder and lightening sounds during all of the clips.

Evaluation questions

As a group, we look at the evaluation questions and we decided to sett ourselves a criteria to work from so that we would make good progress towards the final product so we end up with successful/positive answers to the evaluation questions.

• In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?• How does your media product represent particular social groups?• What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why? • Who would be the audience for your media product? • How did you attract/address your audience? • What have you learned about technologies from the process of constructing this product? • Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learned in the progression from it to the full product?

Questionnaire

www.surveymonkey.com/s/wcxt3wy

By using Survey Monkey for a survey we managed to gather and collect results far more effectively than if we did it by hand. The questions we used for survey were decided with the intention of finding out which target audience the thriller genre best suits

.1) What is your Gender?     - Male     - Female

2) What is your age range?     - 5-12     - 13-17     - 18-25     - 26-31     - 32+

3) What is your favourite genre?     - Action     - Sci-Fi     - Romance     - Thriller     - Comedy     - Horror

4) What is your opinion on thrillers?     - Like them     - Hate them     -Don't mind them

5) Do cliffhangers add interest to the opening of a film?    - Yes    - No

6)  What is your favourite Thriller film?      - Box left open to person filling out survey

7) What music adds to an atmosphere of a thriller film?     - Eerie     - Mysterious     - Calm     - Up-Beat     - Classic

8) What setting would best suit a thriller?     - Abandoned Building     - Graveyard     - School     - Woods

9) What aspect of a Thriller movie scares you most?     - Relation to characters     - Jumpy Scenes     - Ambience     - Music     - Antagonist

10) What would you expect to see in the opening of a thriller film?       - Gore       - Death       - Mystery       - Weapons       - Other

Survey Results Analysis

Question 1:

Female: 67.89%     Male: 42.11%          
From this we can tell that out of the people who filled out the survey, the majority of them were female, however the difference between the numbers isn't too great, with just three more people being female. From this we can gather that the thriller genre appeals to both genders.

Question 2:

5-12: 0%         3-17: 84.21%            
8-25: 5.26%              
26-31: 0%                  
32+: 10.53%          
   From this we can tell, people aged 5-12 have little interest for the Thriller genre, likely due to the age limits on thrillers rarely going below 12. The graph shows that age group which Thrillers are most popular with are people aged 13-17, the teenage years. From this we can get a good idea on who to aim the Thriller at, and what age rating we should suit it towards.
Question 3: What is your favourite genre?

Question 4:

Question 5:

Question 6: What is your favourite Thriller film?

- Psycho- Insidious- Sinister- Shutter Island- The Dark Knight Rises- Dark Skies- The Pact- Phone Booth- Pulp Fiction. These results were gathered from an open box, these movies were choices from the surveys. These will be good for later research into what makes the movies popular with the target audience.

Question 7:

From here we can tell that the audience believes that Mysterious music is the most effective addition to the atmosphere. This will be useful when deciding on what sounds to include within the opening sequence.

Question 8:

From this question we can gather that the Abandoned building is the most preferred or recognised setting for a thriller film. We also can tell that the school is the next favoured. This will help give us some foresight on how we should go about making our thriller opening sequence.

 Question 9:

From here we can tell that the Jumps in thriller films is the most effective way to scare someone through a thriller film. From previous  research on the conventions of thrillers, making it scare the audience in some way or another is an important part of making the thriller genre.

Question 10:

Survey Analysis
52.63% liked the genre comedy over any other genre. However if they were to watch a thriller, our results told us that 63% of people like thrillers and don't mind watching them, however there were 15% of people who completely hated them. Furthermore we were told that 80% prefer cliff hangers. I'm my opinion I think this would be because it keeps the audience engaged with whats happening throughout the film, and to also make sure the film has an effect on the audience post watching it. When we asked what peoples favourite thriller film was the majority of the answer ranged from 'Pulp Fiction, 'Sinister', 'Insidious' and an indian film called 'Talaash' however the most preferred one was 'Psycho'. The type of music that people thought added the most mystery to an opening sequence of a film was a mysterious type of sound. In my opinion i think this would be because it adds a sense of suspense. To add to the suspense the public decided that an abandoned building would be perfect for a thriller.
The idea of a thriller is that it makes the audience will jump when something unexpected happened. and this is what the majority of people preferred 'Jumpy scenes'. Finally to finish off people generally prefer to have a mysterious opening sequence. To conclude I think it is for them to be engaged and 'sucked' in so that they can't stop watching even if they want to!

From our survey results we found out that the majority of participants were female and 13 and 17.

Mark Scheme

The following; is a mark scheme for our thriller opening project in general, we will be marked against this for our research; planning;  filming and editing (production) and the final product.

for video

for research and planning 

for the evaluation

Codes and conventions

The conventions have to be decoded and broken down to then relate to representation; they are broken down into the four following categories; speech; sound effects; music and editing. 

Speech: This is how the character is seen to develop and change and how the character is accepted throughout the narrative of the film or text. This is also looked at as a way of performance (how he/she performs the narrative)

Sound Effects: This questions how the sound effects that are added or that are natural to the scene add to the realism of the scene.

Music: This looks at the use of diegetic and non-diegetic sound. It also looks at how both of these add to the dramatic effect; atmosphere and realism of the verisimilitude. 

Editing: This aspect known as 'editing' is to ensure that there is a constant flow to the piece of media - to make sure that it makes sense. This flow of the piece of media is effected by  different editing techniques such as a fade; dissolve; jump cut; cross sits etc. All of these effects link back and add to the effect of representation. 

However the codes and conventions of a thriller film include object, colour, shadow, sounds, location, lighting, quick cuts and camera angles which gradually build up and add to the tension. Overall, to conclude, it is clear that the use of code and conventions within a thriller is very effective. The use of music and sound effects can create a certain atmosphere. A tense, orchestra set of sounds will build tension and make the audience feel more suspense overall. This is what a thriller is supposed to do, create tension, create suspense and overall to create an atmosphere for the audience. Although, the codes and conventions can be diverse, for example, the less speech in a scene, the more intense it can make the audience feel, although some people may find this awkward and may not like it. However in my opinion, I think if there is no dialogue from the characters and the only things you can hear are footsteps or a door creaking, the tension and suspense increases a lot.

Age restrictions

This is the age classification for films and the differences between each age restriction. 

Each film is rated for a certain age for specific reasons. Our group has decided at his point in our research to base our opening sequence between the 15-18 year old age group. there is a large difference between a '15' film and a film with an '18 certificate'.  I have done some research into the difference between both age certificate to find out why each is classed as they are. This is done as some films are seen by the media as having some unacceptable content for certain ages, so they are given a restriction so when people go to see it a the cinemas to buy it on DVD, they are required to have an ID if questioned to buy the film or the ticket to prove they are at the age where it is acceptable for hem to view he film.
 an 18 certificate .A film that is rated 18 will include some if not all of the following; frequent strong violence, a lot of strong language / frequently;  strong verbal references to sex; sexual scenes; a strong horror  blood or gore of a strong nature; drugs; discrimination for example racism or homophobic references.

  an 15 certificate. A film that is given the rating as a 15 will include some if not all of the following; fairly strong language (this will occur frequently); sexual references; brief scenes of a sexual nature; brief scenes of a violent nature; small if any references to racism; homophobia/ any other discriminating behaviour.  

The art of a title squence

The art of a title sequence is the way in which he opening of a film is set. When someone intends to create a title sequence, they have to consider the features that effect the way a title sequence is created. These factors are dependent on the typography; this includes the background, sound used, style of text and the meaning and feeling that is being portrayed through he opening. The art of a title sequence is especially important when creating a thriller film.
Below, within our group, we have analysed a few thriller openings in reference to the at of a title sequence; this has helped us and given us a better understanding overall of how the openings are edited and altered to create a certain effect for the audience.

Se7en- 1995
The typography used in this film is hand sketched in quite a rough and uncomfortable way. This style of text is used to add a layer of temporal distress. 
The sound used starts of slow and eerie building a sense of suspense, slowly the sound turns electric becoming more uncomfortable.
The use of flashing images portrays a disturbing feeling.
To conclude the opening scene introduces the themes of hopelessness, apathy, desperation and violence.


Ernest Scared Stupid- 1991
This film is a mix of physical comedy, puns and reference to classical films (during the opening scene)

The typography used is very colorful yet has an element of thriller by the blood dripping down. 
This gives the feel of a comical thriller.

The imagery used connotes that the film is like an old style haunted house type of film. However in 1991 this type of film may have been considered scary but at present it wouldn't be considered scary because as an audience we have become desensitised to that type of sub genre and makes us laugh more than anything.

The sound used also adds to the art of the title sequence because it starts of with the sort of Dracula horror then gradually has a comical element added to it.

Coursework - a thriller opening

We have been put into our groups and we have been set out coursework task. our task is to create a two minute opening sequence to a thriller film.

We will be marked on our; research; planning; production and final product.

Our first task is to do all of the necessary research in order to ensure that we have all of the relevant and correct information for us to create an amazing final product and gain the most marks.

Editing techniques

There are many different techniques when editing, to put together the final product. Different types of editing are used for different reasons to create different meaning and a different narrative when edited in the correct way. The following techniques are some that are used when editing; 

Cut: This is a sudden shot change from one location or viewpoint to another/different one. During television, you often find that there is a cut every 7-9 seconds. Doing this (cutting) can result in a lot of different things, for example; compressing time; changing the scene; vary/change the point of view and also build up a certain image of idea.

Jump cut: This is when a quick with from one scene to another is used; this can be used to make it seem more dramatic and portray this drama to the audience.
 Matched cut: This is making the relationship and the change between the two scenes smooth. This type of cut is used more in action films than any other film or television. It can be used for the; continuity of direction; a change of angle; something in the frame with a similar need for attention; a completed action and a change in shot size.

Cutting rate: frequent cuts will be used deliberately to add drama or emphasis or shocks and surprises. 

Cutting rhythm: this can be shortened to increase tension or create excitement for the viewer.

Motivated cut: this is where the cut is made just as the viewer may want to see something that is not yet visible. Editing and camera work can be determined by the action and what is happening in the film/television. 

Cross-cut: this is a cut from one line of action to another. 

Reaction shot: most likely a cutaway; when a participant reacts to an action that has just occurred.

CA- cutaway/ cutaway shot: this is an intercut shot between two shots of the same subject, object or character. It may be used to hide the technical 'ugliness' of a jump cut.

Buffer/neutral shot: This is normally taken using a different camera; it is a bridge shot; separating two shots which would have revered the continuity of the direction.

Wipe: This is an optical effect and it marks the transition between two shots. I makes the image on screen appear as it is being wiped off the screen.

Superimpositions: Two or more images that are placed directly over each other.

Split screen: this is the division of the screen; so that it can show the viewer more than one image at once; this shows different perspectives; this can convey drama and excitement; but the producer must be careful not to overload the viewer.

Grammar of film & TV

Film and television, use certain conventions - these are often referred to as the grammar of film and TV. This means conveying a meaning through aspects such as camera movements/angles and editing techniques.These conventions are NOT rules of film. They are always used for certain reasons. 

The types of shot sizes that are used are as above.XLS - extra long shot / LS - long shot / MLS - medium long shot / MS - medium or mid shot / MCU - medium close up / CLU -  close up / BCU - big close up (rarely used) / XCU - extra close up.

The types of shot angles that are used are as above.

Above are the camera movements that are used through film.

Camera movements

There are many different types of camera movements, they are all used to create an effect on the piece of media. 

Aerial movement: this is the filming from above, the camera moves at a high angle.
Effect; you get to see as much as the location as possible, it emphasises where the event is happening. In the example we looked at, it was based at a race track, we were able to see the end of the racecourse before the cars had even got there. This shows how important the racecourse is, you wouldn't be able to see as much of it if a different camera angle was used.

Tracking shot: this is when the camera moves along and follows the movement of a character an object.Effect; this camera movement can make the audience feel as if they are actually there. it signifies what is important. The example we looked at was based in a restaurant as a couple seated for dinner, rather than walking to the table as the woman did, the camera followed the male as he walked around the whole restaurant and observed everyone else - this showed us as an audience how important he was, it showed his power.

Tilt shot: this is where the camera is completely stationary apart from when it tilts/moves up and down.Effect; this allows the audience to see a lot more of the location, you get to see how big the location actually is, it gives you a perception of depth. The example we looked at showed us a tilting shot of the whole ceiling down to the floor of a chapel/church - it gave us a sense of how grand the location actually was and showed us all of the detail. Using a different shot probably couldn't have made the location look as grand as the tilt shot did. 

Pan shot: this is again where the camera is completely stationary but this time it tilts/moves from left to right / vice versa. Effect; This again shows you more detail and shows you more of the location. The example we looked at was a short clip of a boy playing with a football in an alley. Further on into the clip we realised that the boy was not the main part of the clip. The pan shot showed the audience the rest of the alley way, The shot highlighted the graffiti and showed how dirty the alley actually was.