Editing ideas

What is a Thriller?

What is a Thriller?
A Thriller is a  genre of film, and television that uses tension, excitement and suspense as the main elements. A thriller film is made to stimulate the audience's moods which could include giving them a high level of anticipation, anxiety and uncertainty. The also tend to be quite fast paced and adrenaline-rushing. In general, thrillers tend to include plot twists, cliffhanger, a villian character and often, a heroic character. Examples of thriller films are: The Shining, Se7en and the Bourne Supremacy films.

What are the main aspects of a Thriller?

There are many conventions which go into a thriller film, but mainly they normally include either:

- A character/characters in conflict with either themselves or another character.

- Psychological confusion and danger aswell as physical.

- Dramatic and mysterious storylines

- Confusion over what is make believe and reality (dreams).

- The fear of death in comparison to the fascination of death.

- The battle between characters (e.g. good and evil)

- The want from a character to discover their purpose

- Unwanted or lonely characters who blame the world for their problems.

- Characters with physcological problems.

What should a Thriller opening include?

Changes in Thriller Opening

We decided to change our idea of our thriller opening. The main reason we done this was because there were quite alot of health and safety hazards with our idea and it was difficult to film. However, we quickly came up with a new idea to compliment the murder/suicide scene which we were going to originally include aswell. The first thing we done once changing our idea was researching new influences:
New Influences and Comparisons:
Because our thriller opening has changed so it is focusing mainly on the suicide, we thought it would be appropriate to do more research on suicide based openings. Kidulthood was the perfect example for us to compare our thriller opening too because it involves a young girl much alike out initial idea. The clip from 3 mins 40 secs onwards shows the same atmosphere and tension that we wanted to be in our thriller.

The different shot types are a big aspect of this seen which we particularly admired. The sharp and shortly cut camera shots create a more confused atmosphere. This scene also causes the audience to feel alot of sympathy for the suicidal character and makes us wonder why she is wanting to do it. We then used this scene as an influence to draw out new storyboard:

Storyboard and Role allocation:

This new storyboard show our new idea for the thriller opening, just in less detail. We included these specific shots in the storyboard because they are the shots that show the most key parts of the opening (the most interesting shots e.g. the pan shot). The next thing we done once changing out idea was to give each person in the group specific roles for the filming process. We had to change this mainly because we needed more acting involved in the new idea:
Acting roles:
Suicide character: Emily Huelin
Evil character: Eloise Fuggle
Dead character: Yasz Webb
Technical Roles:
When it came to designated the technical roles, we decided that it would be most benficial if we shared them equally. Because 3 out of the 4 members of the group are going to be acting at different times, we will all take part in the filming process (including hair, make-up, lighting etc) and in the editing process (including making the music).

Music changes:
Even though our first idea included us using music from Knife Party productions; with our new idea, we thought it would be more original to use music that we have made ourselves on GarageBand. This is because we wanted to be able to fit in specific sounds in different places and this wouldn't be possible with using an already made track. The type of music we are now wanting to use is low toned, heavy, dark music which builds up as different things are revealed. Also, with the different shots going from the bathroom scene to the wood scene, screeching sounds will be added to give it a jumpy feel. Unlike the first idea, we decided to add in some dialogue as an overall voiceover. This voiceover is going to be the suicidal character talking about the events that have occured and why she wants to kill herself. However, it is going to be as if she is talking to herself, so she will not reveal any specific information. An example of the voiceover we want to use in the opening is the begining of the 'We Found Love' music video by Rihanna and Calvin Harris. We also created a script for the new idea:
Script (rough):
 Suicidal character:
Why would I want to give anyone the horrible thoughts I'm having.
(Pause and heavy breathing)
I just have to do it. (pause)
Theres no turning back now.(pause)
Things would never be the same. (pause)
No one would ever believe me if I told them anyway. (pause)
But they will all find out soon, it will happen to everyone. (pause)
Then everyone will feel like this. (pause)
So I need to leave now, before things get worse.

Deciding on Certificate

When deciding on the classification of thriller opening we had to consider many things. We used the BBFC (British Board of Film) to use as a guideline. The BBFC is a non-governmental organisation, which is funded by the film industry. It is responsible for the classification and censorship of films within the UK. It has a statutory requirement to classify DVDs, videos and some video games. The classifications are:
 The U sign stands UNIVERSAL. This means that it has been all ages admitted. This means that the film does not contain anything unsuitable for children over 4.
 The PG sign stands for PARENTAL GUIDANCE. Like Unviversal, this means that it is all ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under the age of 8. It may May contain mild language, sex/drugs references and moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy thoughts).
The 12A sign stands for suitable for children the ages of 12 aslong as they are accompanied by an adult. This was only introduced to cinemas in 2002. Films under this category are said to be unsuitable for young people.. It is not recommended that children under 12 should watch the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, soft drugs, moderate swear words and moderate violence/sex references.
The 12 sign stands for nobody younger than 12 can watch the film. Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, use of strong language, brief nudity, sexual activity, and moderate violence.
The 15 sign stands for only those over 15 years are admitted. Films under this category can contain adult themes, drugs, strong language, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and sex activity.
The 18 sign stands for only adults are admitted to watch the film.Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context.

After looking at the different aspects of each certification, we then looked at the openings and certifications of different thriller and non-thriller films to compare to ours:

-Kidulthood: 15
(The reason we looked at a film such as kidulthood is because the opening scene involves a suicide which is related to our thriller opening)
-4,3,2,1: 15
-Se7en: 18
-The Bourne Supremacy: 12A
-The Shining: 18
-No Country For Old Men: 15
-Inception: 15

From looking at these different film opening, it appears that thrillers are generally certificate 15. However, more gruesome films which involve more blood are 18's. Our thriller opening does not include and blood or gore so the certificate 15 seems to be the most appropriate for us to use. Our opening involves a suicide which is less gruesome then the suicide in Kidulthood which is a 15, which is another reason why we decided not to certficate it an 18. However, because it does include a 'death' and quite intimidating music, we did not think it would have been appropriate to certificate it a 12 or a 12A.

Changing Our Idea

at last minute we decided to change some of our idea, we are still keeping the flash back/suicide scene but after have some trouble filming the party scene we decided that maybe it wasn't the best idea, we thought about adding in a virus or something that could effect the outside world which has caused the girl to take her life because she was so distressed, we went to the forest area behind our college and decided to use the surroundings to our advantage. we thought that our idea so far was very unoriginal and needed to add to it to make it more original and not a typical thriller where people can guess the outcome and not leave them wanting more. we liked the films such as "i am legend", "the crazies" or something like "28 weeks later"

these films have a virus out break which because certain people to try and stay alive and turns them insane,we first of all decided to film random things that we could add in to look effective, such as we had a blackbird walking along the field that we filmed because they signify death, we also filmed the camera looking up a tree onto the branches and leaves, it looks really good and but we will probably be put into black and white. we managed to film many clips so that we can get rid of what we didnt need. me, eloise and emily were involved in acting as well as some filming and alyssa was incharge of filming and a bit of directing making sure what we were doing made sense, after we had filmed me, eloise and emily started editing all the clips to fit them inbetween the bathroom scenes so it is flashes, while alyssa started on redoing our story board so people can understand our idea now.

Thriller Opening Analysis

                                                                         The Shining
                               

The thriller that I have chosen to analyse is the Shining. The Shining is a film made in the 1980's by a director called Stanley Kubrick. It is starring Jack Nicholson, Shellet Duvall and Danny Lloyd. The opening begins with a dramatic, eerie trumpet sounds which is then built up with additional instruments such as a xlyaphone. The music in the first couple of minutes already builds up the tension and causes the audience to begin to feel confused already. In contrast to the music, the imagery of the opening scene seems to be quite pleasant scenerey which consists of mountain sides, rivers and roads. The opening begins by going quite quickly throughly the river and round the mountain which then reveals the car which is driving. This makes audience feel as if we are trying to catch up with this character in the car. These action shots are then moved to a birds eye view of the car which is driving to this unknown location. The music and scenery together arise many questions; but the main one is, where is the person that we are following going. However, the bird eye view shot of the car makes us feel for whoever is in the car because they have a sense of vunerability which is built through the sharp edged music. When the credits are first introduced, the contrast between the background and the vibrant colour of the names appearing on screen are quite sharp. This thriller opening is unlike others in the way that it doesn't reveal the characters in the first 2 minutes.

Questionaire (Alyssa)

Question 1. What is your favourite thriller film and why?

- Ana, 17: The Shining, its so scary!
- Shaunagh, 16: Harry Brown because its modern and its set in London.
- Amy, 17: Seven because it has Brad Pitt in it.
- Nate, 19: Definitely Seven because it has a twisted storyline which confuses you and always keeps you thinking.

Question 2. Who is your favourite thriller actor/actress and why?

- Ana, 17: I don't really know many thriller actors but I liked Jack Nicholson in The Shining
- Shaunagh, 16: Probably Jack O'connell because he was good in Harry Brown and Skins.
- Amy, 17: Brad Pitt because he is such a good actor, all the time.
- Nate, 19: Matt Damon because he always makes it seem so realistic.

Question 3. Whats your favourite film opening for any genre and why?

- Ana, 17: I liked the film Tangled's opening because I like fairytales when they tell a story at the beginning but then go back to the beginning of the story for the whole film.
- Shaunagh, 16: The beginning of Adulthood is good because its a massive party scene and it gets you in the mood to watch a modern, fun film.
- Amy, 17: Not too sure really, I like loads of films. But my favourite film is Anuvahood definitely!
- Nate, 19: I like the beginning to the South Park movie because its intriguing, and funny.

Question 4. What would you expect to see in a thriller film?

- Ana, 17: Lots of blood and mystery.
- Shaunagh, 16: A good looking man character who works out a problem.
- Amy, 17: Someone who has mental issues, a physco.
- Nate, 19: Crime and mystery but not too much blood and gore.

Question 5. What do you think a thriller opening scene should consist of?

- Ana, 17: It should raise lots of questions and reveal the main characters slowly
- Shaunagh, 16: It should have the killer if there is one, but shouldn't show it's face
- Amy, 17: The credits and load music to build the atmosphere
- Nate, 19: It shouldn't have much in it because thrillers are all about people thinking for themselves.