Third Draft Of Thriller Planning (With Costume Design)

After realising that our plot was going to be too complex to make in a two minute film, we scaled down our ideas untill we had a relatively simple storyline involving a crime commited by the main character.
We have decided to have our main character (known as Eve) steal something from an already burnt down house and then have her chased/followed/hunted down by two hitmen. If we have enough time in the film left we are going to shoot a few shots that imply it was Eve who burnt down the house in the first place in order to steal her chosen item.
The film will cut after the two minutes when the Hitmen finally reach her, where she is trapped. Before any action takes place- we thought this would be a good cliff hanger.
Specific Details
.Eve playing with a lighter in some shots (indicates mania and pyromania).
.The hitmen spinning their weapons round in a proffesional fashion  (indicated terror).
.A scream after cutting to black at the end of the film (a soundbridge that acts as a cliffhanger).

Costume
EVE
.Using her bright red hair to show she is the target, and that she likes fire.
.All black clothing to contrast the hair
.Leather Jacket as it relates to Jason Locke (Essex Boys).

HITMEN (x2)
.A gasmask to cover up their identity and create terror like in Dead Mans Shoes.
.Full suits with black ties (relating to Jules + Vincent from Pulp Fiction).
.Trainers because we want someway of showing the hitmen are not complete proffesionals.

the gas mask we have ordered for our film

 

Jackie Brown [Case Study]

A little about Jackie Brown:
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Release date: 25th of December, 1997
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
How Tarantino uses generic thriller conventions in Jackie Brown.

INTRO SCENE



The title sequence of Jackie Brown establishes to the audience the significance of the character that the opening scene is focussed upon. We meet Jackie Brown herself in her workplace where she is wearing a bold blue uniform. This conveys that she is independant and self sufficient, and audiences realise this from the very first shot which is tracking. Mixed with her body language and facial expression viewers infer that she is calm and collected within her workplace- showing she has control and is intelligent as well as strong.
The scene continues and the camera action switches to a low angle tracking shot, following Jackie as she marches across the airport. The low angle was used to convey how important this character is. The full body is revealed and her elegancy is portrayed in a much more dramatic fashion when the camera is filming from below pointing up.
The emphasis on her arm swinging whilst walking shows that Jackie 'means business'. Her expression is very strong and shows determination without revealing any hints of frustration (even though we see her begin to run as though she is late). Her emotional strength gives the sense that she is a very powerful women, and a very capable main character. Which is a typical stem for creating a believable and classic thriller film. Brown is similar to Kiddo from 'Kill Bill' in the sense that both main characters are female, and both are very strong willed, as well as determined and independant.

Jackie

Kiddo

Another link to the KillBill movies would be the high saturation and colour contrast within this scene. Jackie stands out in her blue uniform due to the editing effects, the same effects were applied in the intro to KillBill VolI.


'GET IN THE TRUNK' SCENE


This scene features chiaroscuro lighting, this could be representing the two characters, or it could simply be a subtle hint to film noir. The setting for this scene is a worn down, beaten up set of flats, which is a typically great place to shoot a thriller. One of the characters we meet wears no shirt for the majority of screen time- this could be infering his weakness, and vulnerability as well as show how naive this character is. The fact he has his back to the camera for a long period of time too could be forshadowing his death later on in the film. Ambient lighting was used throughout the scene to give a more natural and realistic feel to the conversing between the two characters.

Midway into the scene, Tarantino uses his well known 'car boot' shot. When the camera is placed within the trunk looking up at the characters who look enlanlarged due to the angle. This shot alone represents thriller not only because it makes the characters look more menancing and powerful, but because Taraninto uses this exact shot frequently in his film production.

MELANIE'S DEATH



Throughout this scene Melanie shows no independance from her 'partner'. A series of pans and tracking shots reveal that Melanie is constantly following him step by step as though she cannot survive on her own. This character is completely differen to Jackie Brown and this puts even more emphasis and how much of an individual Jackie actually is. Arguing and conversing is the main aspect in this scene and the anger frequently builds up across screen time keeping audiences on edge. As they characters are walking away across the car park, we can see yet again that it is the male leading, with Melanie closely following, showing again her lack of self sufficientcy. Also she is smoking a ciggarette which could be a small hint to her fate that we witness within a few seconds.
The male character shoots Melanie out of frustration and shows no sympathy nor empathy for his actions, its as though he doesn't think twice about murdering someone. His detatchment from emotion is similar to Jason Locke's from 'EssexBoys' and it is displayed by the various long shots and lack of closeups. The character gives off a very psychotic impression, as he murders the female in broad daylight in the middle of a car park. Having a psycopath in a thriller is a classic thriller convention and Tarantino uses the generic idea widely, as well as the car park location.

Avengers Assemble (Personal Viewing)

A little about Avengers Assemble:

Directed by: Joss Whedon
Release Date: May 4th 2012
Genre: SuperHero, fiction, action

 

Viewing how thriller aspects are applied in the 'Recruitment of Black Widow' scene.
The scene is kicked off with a train hastily passing onto the set and then off set, the train symbolizes importance and character within the next part of screenplay as many thrillers use trains to represent an arrival like in The Third Man.The speed at which the transport flies past could possibly be a reference as to the adrenaline Black Widow is feeling (as we see her situation next) or the train may be a metaphor for the entirety of the scene, claiming that the screen time is rushed, dangerous, exciting and prestigious.
The camera slowly pans up and reveals the inside of a building, where we can just about see a group of characters. It cuts forward and this is where we see Black Widow, tied to a chair wearing all black, surrounded by three men

Non Ambient lighting has been used on this set, this makes the warehouse look more real and deadly. The use of the very enormous building the characters are situated in says that they are alone, and that there is no one around for miles- adding to the fear. The posture of the three men is very casual and calm- showing that they are not scared, implying that they are experienced and terrifying. Also, two of the henchmen are wearing leather jackets just like Jason Locke from Essex Boys. 
One of the villains steps aside and moves over to a table. We gather he is the leader at this stage from his costume and status among his henchman. The intentions are revealed and viewers realise they plan to torture the female as we see the leader take a pair of pliars from the table with many other tools on it.

the mirror with context refferences asside it, (AK47 machine guns, and some paintings)

My favourite shot during this scene is when the camera pans backwards whilst looking at a mirror, we see the reflection of the three criminals with Black Widow facing them. I think this shot is powerful because it draws attention to the characters whilst also showing viewers culture references surrounding the mirror, which could represent the context of the conflict going on between the good and the bad in this scene. As well as this, the reflection in the mirror could be representing that things are not as it seems, perhaps the director was inferring that Black Widow has a secret identity (which she does) or that this confrontation should be viewed in a different way.

After waiting long enough, Widow decides she is leaving and abruptly takes out the three characters against her. The scene is extremely well choreographed as despite it looks like she has no hope of escape, when she takes out all three men it looks very believable. This actually challenges classic thriller conventions as it is rare to have such a skilled female fighter in a film, although it has been done before. This is scene is similar to many of the times when Bride from KillBill vol1 and vol2 has no hope of escape but still comes out on top because of her insane fighting skills.

 The camera then cuts to a low angle shot of Black Widow strutting away holding her heels in her hand. This posture and body language shows how powerful she is, as its as though she is walking away casually after a night dancing. The low angle says she is dominant and fear worthy. 

SoundBridge

When the scene begins with the carry-over sound from the previous scene before the new sound begins. This technique is used in KillBill volume I when we hear the cries of the bride before we are introduced to her.

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is the strong contrast between light and dark, as well as used in films- chiaroscuro is used widely across media appliances, many artists use chiaroscuro in paintings to generate a more vivid affect. Within films chiaroscuro can represent good and evil, as well as give an implication of impending doom.  This type of lighting can be used on many levels, it can create depth as well as highlight key areas that are subliminally important. Chiaroscuro lighting was used in the opening scene of Essex Boys.

Heavenly Creatures [Case Study]

A little about Heavenly Creatures:

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Release Date: 1994

Genre: Biopic

Analysing how Jackson uses, develops or challenges thriller conventions in the murder scene.

Characters:

The mother turning to face Juliet as she stands alone and distant.
(over the shoulder shot)

Juliet Hulme: As the older of the two sisters, Juliet surprisingly shows less power than her sibling does in their relationship. Juliet comes across as weak and helpless, obeying all of Pauline's wishes. She is skinny and frail- with a pale face, mostly dressed in grey throughout the film. This gives a sense of unbalance throughout the feature, meaning audiences are going to be aware that something terrible happens and that the two sisters are unhealthy in the mind. Despite Juliet finally pulls off the murder, it is Pauline who suggests it, and begins the attack. This shows that Juliet finished everything her sister starts, and enhancing what the audiences may already have noticed, which is that Juliet carries out all her sisters commands. To have the older sister dominated by the younger is unusual, which immediately gives the film a sense of unease. Jackson cleverly challenged the iconic thriller convention that females do not commit murder, as 90% of the time it would be a man to kill somebody. Peter Jackson carried out the scene perfectly- as it represents shock, terror and suffering (despite the audience may already know the tragedy of the story). Viewers may already know what is going to happen to the mother, but the way it has been put together still generates an intense amount of suspense and shock. Each shot pans and zooms for a intensified period of time, making the murder last a long time- generating more and more terror each second.

This shot focusses on the mothers head, telling audiences
that the strike will hit here, where the hat acts as a target.
The camera zooms onto the figure adding suspense, making
audiences realise that the killing will take place any second.

The Mother: The unsuspecting mother is completely unaware of her fate that lies around the corner in the scene of the murder. And this shows greatly to viewers. The actor Diane Kent, performs perfectly as the kind,loving parent she is. Her costume in the murder scene is bland like the two other characters- however the one thing that makes her stand apart from her daughters is the hat placed on her head. Jackson may have used this hate to silently imply that her death will come from a head injury. The hat is black and placed softly on her hair- I think the director deliberately chose to give the mother a head garment because it makes her stand out from the other two characters in the scene- the hat can also act as a target for the daughters.

A low angle shot showing audiences that Pauline is menacing, powerful and evil.
The use of trees in the background matching the angle makes Pauline seem
a lot bigger than she really is, this makes it more terrifying as in comparison to
the mother who is knelt down it seems like there is no hope for their victim.

Pauline Parker: Pauline is the ugly sister, short, stubby and fat. Coincidently she is the one resembles the most evil out of the two sisters. Pauline comes up with the plan to murder their mother and is the one to first strike in the scene of the killing. In the scene of the death, Pauline is wearing a green coat, a similar make to her mothers and her sisters. However she is different to the other two, she is the only one wearing green- this could resemble how different she is compared to her family also implying even more that it was Pauline alone who decided the fate of her parent (as Juliet is wearing baby blue, whilst her mother is wearing Navy blue). The use of the bag on Paulines shoulder makes the audience constantly wonder what she may be carrying, keeping viewers constantly wondering is a good way to keep suspense and generate a thrill when the weapon is finally revealed. Jackson challenged classic thriller conventions greatly with this character, as it is very unusual to have a young girl so eager to kill her mother- however this makes the film even more powerful, as the murder is so very disturbing and shocking.

Locations

The woods: the entirety of the final scene is based in the woods. The use of woods is very ideal for a murder as they are isolated making the three characters look very alone. Also the use of ambient lighting gives a feeling that the killing is a lot more realistic, there is no special effects and nothing added to the scene- just the characters and the scenery, this gives viewers a far better experience as it makes them feel as if they are right there at the terrible scene. One other point, is that woods are often seen as very spiritual places, as tree's provide oxygen for us to live it is ironic that the death of the mother took place here. The tree's resemble a fairytale just like the relationship between the two sisters.

Props

A Jewel: in order to make their victim vulnerable the sisters make their mum look down to the ground and see a peace of jewellery. She kneels down to pick up kind of purple gem, mysteriously placed on the dirt. The jewel represents the mothers life, as it is bright and shinning compared to the dirty undergrowth that it is laying on. I think it is representing her life because as she goes to pick up the item her hand is over so slowly trying to reach it- this could be a metaphor for how slow her death is but also how short she has left to live.

The mothers hand reaches very slowly whilst the camera zooms in to the ground. This indicates that the jewel is important and that it could represent something more in the film, as well as be a metaphor for the mothers own life.

Essex Boys [Case Study]

A little about Essex Boys:
Directed by: Terry Winsor
Release Date: 14th July 2000
Genre: Thriller
How does Terry Winsor establish the Thriller genre within the first title sequence?
Characters:

Billy driving Jason through the tunnel.

Billy Reynolds: As the first character we are introduced to, we immediately see Billy as calm. He shows no aspects of a murdering psychopath and collectively paces the scene and starts the old run down car.Throughout the sequence he says hardly a word, but fortunately for the audience he narrates. I think this was a very clever aspect of the film because the viewers know very little about why he is there and whats actually happening so revealing his thoughts with narration gives the audience that sense of security they need. Charlie Creed-Miles gives an excellent performance assuring that he is in control of the situation and that he's not afraid, even though the viewers may well be. His costume comes across as 'ordinary'. He wears mostly black with a formal approach. From what he is wearing we establish that he has some standards, and he has decent financial stability as he wears a classy black coat. Billy is dressed as nothing extraordinary, representing his part in the film as just an regular person caught up in a mess.

Jason Locke

Jason Locke: First appearing on screen through a dirty windscreen sends a powerful message. The grime and dust surrounding his portrait shows his character, it tells viewers that this is the corrupt man Jason Locke. His posture and expression truly add to the shot. His face is saying 'I don't care' and he definitely looks like a criminal. His costume also relates to this, the use of a bright yellow patterned shirt is bold and says a lot about his character as well. It shows he isn't afraid, and he does what he wants. His essence gives a sense of detachment from emotion and reality. He says few words but every word he does is menacing or sadistic in a strong Essex accent. Sean Bean does the job of creating a disturbed: corrupt and psychotic criminal extremely well. Without anything being said the audience can tell that he means trouble.

Locations:
The first shot we see in the film is of a dark and dingy garage. The gloomy scene sets the tone for the rest of the film and sequence, as well as keep people glued to their seats right from the start. The use of lighting is minimal showing that this film is very dark, (not literally). The lack of light could also represent the lack of hope that the victim (who is introduced later) has. This scene represents the Thriller genre because it is: sunless, shadowy, dismal, dim and unwelcoming. The use of Chiaroscuro lighting which is used widely in Thriller films, sets big contrast between light and dark within the garage. A clever thing the director Terry Winsor did in these scene was place a light above the car, hinting to the audience that it is important. The use of cobwebs and dust imply a dirty and uninviting feel to the garage, as well as the rest of the film- this is clever because it keeps audiences enticed from the beginning (we want to know why the character is eager to get the car started). This location represents the thriller genre well because a garage is an enclosed space- meaning something terrible could happen and there's only one way out. Small cramped rooms like this old car port give a sense of claustrophobia which adds more fear and tension.

Scene1

scene2 the tunnel

The next location we reach is an underground passage which we see the characters drive through. The tunnel has a vanishing point and could represent the two going somewhere with no hope or going somewhere different, it could mark a stage in their journey that brings them to the next step.
The tunnel looks creepy and mysterious. Just like the whole intro to the film, it portrays exactly how the audience should be feeling at this point. Using a tunnel in a thriller film is a good way to convey slight suspense and tension-  the idea of being cut off from the world creeps in to the viewers mind- there's no light from above and no light up ahead. Perhaps Terry Winsor deliberately made the tunnel scene last a significant amount of time to show just how cut off from the world these two characters are. Another aspect of this clip that adds to the thriller seance- is that their car is the only one on the road. This makes questions spring into the mind, like: Why are they there? Where are they going? All of this continuously keeps the audience enticed, they feel like the driver as if the film is going somewhere and they know its going to be interesting.

Finally, the last location in the sequence is the most powerful. The use of ambient lighting makes the fate of Jason's victim seem more real. We reach a causeway that is desolate and empty. It shows no life at all and only incorporating colors that are very dim and dingy.

scene 4 the causeway

The brutality of the characters is truly shown here. They leave a very beaten man on this small piece of land- soon to be covered by the high tide. The causeway was a good asset to use for a thriller as it can represent time running out- creating suspense subliminally. As the audience we can assume the tide will come in and cover the track, as well as the man if he doesn't pull himself together in time. Terry Winsor creates so much suspense by doing this and he really makes the audience terrified for the characters. This title scene is superb and definitely entices you to watch more. It represents a thriller on many multiple levels. The sense of isolation and vulnerability is constantly present throughout the sequence.

Ellipsis

Ellipsis is used in films to cut out a sequence that is unecessary for viewing. It is done to show what happens before and after an event. For example ellipsis is used in Kill Bill Volume II when the main character begins to escape from the coffin she had been buried in underground. The only sequence viewers see is her beginning to punch her way out and she has finally resurfaced.

Preliminary Task Final Cut