Research: Conventional Thriller Openings - Ms Quinlan
Why are film openings important?
Film openings are really important as they expose the background information and story of what to expect from the film. Also if an opening isn't appealing to the audience its early enough to walk away from and not watch it. For this reason it is really important the opening scene is interesting enough to keep watching but secret enough to keep the audience wondering whats in store. The conventions of a thriller openings lighting and colour are low-key lighting and greyscale colouring. A bit of action to keep the audience interested and paying attention to the screen. Information such as the main characters, a glimpse of the dilemma and also what type of props to be used such as guns and cars is really important for a film opening.
Analysis of Thriller film openings
The Dark Knight rises:
In the opening scene we could see an extreme amount of action, As it is a Action Thriller film it is enjoyed by its audience. The lighting is high-key which is not really a convention to a thriller film, however it fits in and runs smoothly for the film. We are introduced to a villain and a crime already takes place which is conventional to a thriller. Overall the film seems to have suspense and tension which fits in perfectly for its genre. 
Silence of the lambs:
The opening scene takes place in a forest as you would expect a thriller film to have a setting like this. The background music is classical and builds up tension and curiosity. We are introduced to a female character whom seems to be the protagonist. There doesn't seem to be any blood or gore, not even any violence, which is not conventional for the films genre.
Inception:
We are introduced to the protagonist and antagonist as soon as the film starts. The setting takes place in some kind of old building which is really conventional to a thriller film, also the characters are all dressed smartly in suits which conveys power and danger. There is violent crimes taking place and the building collapses which builds up suspense. Also the fact that all of this takes place due to an envelope builds up feeling of mystery.
Conclusion
I have learnt the wide variety of conventions for a thriller opening, from learning about the conventional thriller openings I could use this information to make my opening scene really interesting and eye catching for the audience. I have learnt that giving out information has a really big and positive effect towards the audience as it makes them wonder and get drawn in.
- Please remove the highlighting/formatting as I am unable to read your post.
ReplyDeleteThere is a limited level of understanding of how thriller openings are structured, and the purpose that they serve. There is a basic range of examples used with limited analysis.
ReplyDelete- In your introduction, be more specific about the types of conventions seen in the opening of thrillers and how these might change between sub-genres.
- Also explain in more detail the type of information that needs to be conveyed to the audience in the opening.
- For every film example analysed, please include the opening clip, not a still image.
- For each analyse, you need to include far more detail on all the micro-elements used and the MES used.
- Try to include details on the themes and narrative used in the openings as well.
- In your conclusion, be more specific about what you have learnt and how you will apply this knowledge to your own thriller opening.