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