Columbia

Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. is an American film production and distribution company. Columbia Pictures now forms part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Sony

The studio, founded in 1919 as Cohn-Brandt-Cohn Film Sales by brothers Jack and Harry Cohn and Joe Brandt, released its first feature film in August 1922. It adopted the Columbia Pictures name in 1924 and went public two years later. The name is derived from "Columbia", a National Personification of the US, which is used as the company's logo.

Questionnaire

Questionnaire

This lesson, we have been tasked with creating a questionnaire with the intention of discovering what interests an audience in a thriller opening to ensure our thriller will have the most impact and include elements that interest and entice the audience.

1)      What gender are you?

Male                                             Female

2)      What age group do you fall under? Circle your answer.

11 - 13                                             14 – 16

17 - 19                                              20 +

3)      What is your favourite genre of film?

Action                                             Comedy

Horror                                            Thriller

Drama                                             Sci-Fi

Romance

4)      Do you enjoy watching the genre: Thriller?

Yes                                                  No

5)      What age rating would you expect a typical thriller film to be?

U                                PG                 12A

12                              15                    18

6)      Why do you think this?

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      7)      Would a thriller appeal more to you if it was set in a local area?

Yes                                                      No

Explain why…

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8)      What do you think would be your favourite sub genre of a thriller film?

Political                                                Crime

Conspiracy                                           Psychological

Disaster                                                 Mystery

Legal                                                      Religious

9)      What do you think makes a good thriller?

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10)  What do you think makes up a typical thriller character?

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Thriller Plan

For our final idea we decided to combine both of our ideas to produce one intensive opening containing the combination of a unique storyline and a range of distinct shot- types which will create a truly unique and psychological thriller.

Study scene set in Stevens Conservatory:

• Mise-en-scene:

Props: Lamp, books, stationary, drawing of previous events (psychological), pills.

Scenery: cold winter night, fan spinning, general study set up, dim light room.

Sound: Non diegetic: rain falling, fan spinning.

Diegetic sound: Self composed theme tune.

• Unique enticing shots:

-Close ups of fan (to add tension) and pan shots of study (to set environment).

- Drawing is blown to Stevens’s attention by the fan which triggers flashback: slow motion: drawing blowing past Steven. Close up of drawing (from Stevens’s perspective).

-When flashback is triggered there is a macro (close up) shot of his eye then it flashes to the lake where it all happened.

-Shot from outside the window looking in on Steven (the back of his head and his reflection from mirror in shot).

• General plot:

Steven is working in his study when a drawing is drawn to his attention, this triggers a flashback to the horrific events that took place while he was on this psychological drug at the fishing lake.

Fishing lake scene:

• Mise-en-scene:

Props: Fishing equipment, fake blood, bait etc

Scenery: calm Lake surrounded by woodland, typical fisherman scene but containing lively teenagers.

Sound: Non deigetic: Noise of a line being cast into the lake a splash when the float lands, general countryside noise (birds etc)

Diegetic sound: Self composed theme tune but a drastic change when the drug is taken, possibly a high pitched noise when the drug is kicking in.

• Unique enticing shots:

-         Using a high saturation mode on the camera when the drug is taken, this will make colours seem bright and intense.

-         Close ups of pills being handed out.

-         High angle shot of everyone when they are on the drug (exterior outlook shows how what seemed fairly normal whilst in first person, looks very strange looking back on it).

-         Spinning, distortion.

-         An underwater shot looking up out of the water and then blood sinking through the water the lens.

• General Plot:

This entire scene is a flashback so we need to include distortions etc to signify that it is not in real time. Steven along with his friends are fishing at the lake then his friend  pulls out his bottle of pills and dishes them out to his friends, they all seem quite calm then the strange events start occur when Steven is drifting in and out of consciousness. 

Donnie Darko scene evaluation

Donnie Darko is a brilliant and intense psychological thriller that plays with the idea of a tangent universe that has been created and distorted around Donnie with Frank (a big bunny rabbit)  acting as his mental guide, created from his imagination to help him get through this parallel universe.   

The screen shot above is a scene were Frank appears in his mirror. His facial expression connotes confusion and disbelief as if he were in a trance. Tension is created through his dagger like glaze creating a link between him and the knife. Frank stares back; Donnie raises the knife and begins tapping on the mirror. This has a creepy, dark effect on the audience, the sound of tapping and the water like effect on the mirror continues the idea of a supernatural, dream like state that Donnie falls under as frank appears throughout the film.

The film uses its slow paced plot to its advantage by explaining the changes that occur around Donnie’s life incorporating deep and dark moments of his journey to his ultimate end accompanied by a soundtrack that creates a sense of sadness and uncertainty. Ticking and droning sounds are used throughout and help to create the mysterious nature of this film.

BBFC Classification

Universal - suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.

 ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

Parental Guidence

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch.

 A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.

However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Suitable for 12 years and over

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

Suitable for 15 years and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Memento Review

Memento is a classic example of an unconventional thriller with a unique and original plot. The film begins with a bold, blue font on a black background, strings instrument then zones in and builds up creating a intertextual link to the thriller genre as a sense of mystery and wonder are immediately brought in. the first shot is of a Polaroid in reverse with connotes confusion as the audience still doesn’t know what’s happening playing on the psychological aspects of a thriller genre. This continues throughout the film as the story unravels in reverse making this film highly original.

The film focuses on explaining and exploring the life of Lenny who has recently suffered from short term memory loss. It plays out in a detective style as he tries to piece his life together again using strict routine and conditioning. The way the film has done this is very effective because it creates mystery and confusion and requires concentration from the audience. Non-diegetic drowning out and ticking sounds help emphasize the feeling of mystery and are extremely effective in created the right mood during each scene. There is also a dual narrative connecting Sammy Jenkins and Lenny together. Lenny is shown in black and white talking to Sammy and his wife about Sammy’s condition; this is a simple yet effective way to show that it is in his past, a memory, a segment representing what he did in his former life. He uses these memories to try and piece his life back together and get revenge on the man who killed his wife (teddy). Teddy is the brilliant villain; he appears to be a lovable friend, trying to help Lenny however, is the man that murdered his wife.  The audience have a slight idea as the film begins with this information creating mystery and confusion as the plot slowly unravels. He is a dark, confusing and brilliant villain relating to the psychological aspects of a thriller. 

Prelim Evaluation

We shot our prelim and had specifics to include within the short 1 week time span

-          Walking

-          Going through a door

-          Conversation

These specifics were included in the task set to show off a wide range of shots that we had previously learnt giving us an opportunity to play with different ideas and camera angles  for example, ‘over the shoulder shot’ and  ‘reverse over shoulder shot’ usually used for conversation.  As well as thinking about camera angles, we also had to think about the mise-en-scene and sound.

Basic plot- our group consisted of me (Steve) and Lorry, a small group which meant we could collaborate and agree on ideas quickly. It became apparent, very quickly that we wanted a fast paced action thriller so this is what we decided; one man holding a gun trying to reach his destination quickly to retrieve an item “antidote”. A confrontation between the hero and villain over said item, then the death of hero.

Range of shots – I feel we included a wide range of shots within our prelim and composed them well. To ensure we got the best shots each time, we did scenes multiple times and selected the best one from each. We included long shots, close ups, mid shots and an effective first person shot that emphasised a key moment in the scene. The angles on the conversation could have been shot a little cleaner as sound is muffled and light levels are low at times however it could also be said that it added an effective element to our action thriller.

Sound – the music used to accompany the story fit nicely to continue the theme of a fast paced thriller. Sound effects on the rifle were loud and believable enough, combined with the first person shaking of the camera helped to recreate the effect of getting shot. The weakest part of the piece revolved around the conversation, as speech is unclear and quiet; however I have learned from this experience and will apply this knowledge when thinking of ideas for our next task.

Overall I am pleased with what we created and believe it meets the requirements set for the task. It was a lot of fun filming and a new experience from which we took a lot away from. I feel more dialogue could have been added with perhaps a few more angles but aside from that felt it went well. 

The Happening Analysis

The Happening is a thriller based in real time that focuses on unexplained yet extremely powerful forces that cause the victims to lose control of them leaving themselves wide open to horrific self harming actions that result in their own death. It has a plot that slowly unravels and reveals both how and why these events are taking place whilst making it extremely clear of the effects. Doing this created a sense of mystery and confusion whilst maintaining both thriller and horror aspects of the film.

As you can see with the shot above, not a lot has been revealed. From first glance you see what appears to be a close family holding on to each other with shocked, scared and upset expressions creating mystery and confusion. The background however appears almost entirely empty

Setting the scene in a town or city, this also adds confusion as the streets of a city are usually filled with pedestrians. Where is everyone? What’s happening?  These are questions that come to mind when I see this poster and because of that it is clear that the right emotions and reactions for this genre have been made apparent to the audience.

The film begins with a stop motion shot of the clouds passing by combined with a non-diegetic soundtrack that connotes sadness and mystery. Both piano and the harp are used to build up tension suggesting, perhaps a bad forecast/omen. The title eventually appears centre screen, in a big, bold white font drawing in the attention of the audience and the sound of wind creeps in. A violin slowly enters creating more tension and layers to the soundtrack which again suggests a bad omen is approaching.

It could also be said that the soundtrack has been synchronized with the clouds which also has a mysterious and eerie effect.

The next shot depicts an entirely ordinary, average day in what appears to be central park. A long shot is used to show the contextual surrounds and makes it clear that, for the moment, the day is normal. The wind is then brought back suggesting that something is about to happen. The camera then focuses on two blondes sitting on a bench talking about there day, everything is still normal until one of the women hears a scream, after this more of these unconventional screams are herd. The shots then become increasingly fast paced and sudden suggesting something’s not right. Reaction shots of the woman depict Confusion and fear to the audience making them feel uncomfortable and agitated. There is then a close up of the other blonde, she has a blank facial expression and then starts to speak, the dialogue is fragmented and unclear adding to the confusion.

The women then reaches for something, a high angle shot is used to show the weapon, the sound of drums are then brought in which seemed like an intertextual death march  creating a sense of fear and terror until eventually she drives it into her neck. This is actually shown as the film doesn’t focus on blood and gore like a tradition horror, it focuses on playing on the viewers emotion and successfully provoking a reaction making it a great addition to the thriller genre.

Steven & Lorry's Prelim Story Board

1)      Close up on actors feat walking up stairs 2)      Shot looking down on actor walking to the top of the stairs	1)      Close up of actor reaching into his pocket 2)      Close up of hand opening primary door door closing behind
1)      Actor walks through secondary door 2)       Close up of door closing behind	1)      Actor enters room, close up of secondary actor dying on the floor 2)      Stagger shot flicking backwards away from dying actor (adds dramatic tension)
1)      Actor communicates with actor dying on the floor (shouting) “who did this to you!” (over the shoulder  view) 2)      Dying actor responds with “behind you” using his last ounce of strength to point at the attacker (over the shoulder view from other actor)	1)      Primary actor turns around draws his gun and shoots the murderer in the head (close up of finger on trigger) as soon as trigger is pulled, camera cuts to black (gun sound)# 2)      Roll on credits

My Pyscho Analysis

Psycho fits perfectly under the thriller genre for a variety of reasons. I will attempt to break down and explain what techniques have been used, where they have been applied and most importantly explain what effects they give off.

The shot above is one of the key moments in the shower scene as it helps to build up tension before the inevitable. The camera is placed inside the shower and pans across enough to see a shady figure in the doorway whilst maintaining our view of the victim. This is great as it clearly shows that the victim is unaware that there is another presence in the room however due to the shower curtain the attackers’ identity is uncertain creating an eerie sense of mystery simultaneously creating tension for the audience. The shower curtain is a nice element of this scene and is vital to creating the tension behind it.

This shot is perhaps the best shot of the killer we get. The light is coming from the upper right emphasising both the knife and the female attacker whilst keeping her face shrouded in shadows. This allows us to get a close up of the attacker without revealing their identity thus adding to the tension.  It is clear by the attackers body language that she is about to strike without mercy which lets the audience know that there is going to be death which adds a terrifying aspect to the scene. The size and build of the knife suggests that this will be a particularly brutal and gruesome death however still maintains its realistic qualities because it’s still an easily attainable everyday household item.

This is an extreme close up of the victim, is shows her screaming as she first sees the attacker and the knife. The camera zooms in emphasising the terror of the situation as well as the fear which gives of a strong message to the audience, telling them it’s nearly the end. The use of the victims scream is a good non-diegetic sound that helps create dramatic tension in this scene, combined with the close up it creates a great sense of horror and anguish for the audience.

This is a nice close up shot of the victims eye once the attack had finished, her pupils dilate, which suggests her life draining away from her which is a nice technique to use in the circumstance as it works really well… following this is a shot of the plug hole in the shower.

This extreme close up shot of the blood rich water is in direct correlation between the shot of the eye because it symbolises her life draining away as well, and used together proved to be a tense, dramatic and unique idea that helps represent the brutality and savageness of the killing. 

The final shot of the victim’s lifeless corpse left without dignity on the bathroom floor. For this the camera decreases in pace to emphasis that the attack is over and that she is dead where as before, prior the attack the camera consisted mostly of straight cutting suggesting all is normal and then during the attack, quick, dramatic shots are shown causing a sense of panic and chaos. This is something “Psycho” has done well during the scene as it makes it easy for the audience to follow, also despite breaking the 180 degree rule; the scene is still shot well enough to avoid confusion and ends up getting some nice effect shots in the process. 

Lesson Recap 08/09/2011

What is genre?

Genre is a type or category of film. it is a way of classifying a film to help us identify it so we can

 Create

 Choose

 Understand

In the lesson we went through all the different genre's we could think off.
Then broke all genres into three main categories,

Major genre – broad throughout

Sub genre – specific

Hybrid genre – combined

I think the lesson went well and gave a good breakdown into what genre is and how to recognise it.

FACE/OFF

An intense action thriller about an FBI agent going after a psychopathic terrorist that had mudered his young son , from this, a powerfull connection is formed between  Sean Archer (John Travolta) and Casta Troy ( Nicolas Cage). Throughout the film it offers great action and plenty of thrills, from a massive jail brake to a high speed boat chase this film will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film focuses a lot on emotion and portays both characters fantastically throwing twists and turns at you at every corner.

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