Thriller Film Research - Laurel Drew

I have chose to research the following films:
- 44 Inch Chest -
- Run Lola Run  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXkUzf1et4
- Goodfellas - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ2RofOEAEU 
- Oldboy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhTbqWlUeI0&feature=related
- Inception - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VXkUzf1et4

Inception

Camerawork

It begins with a clear establishing scene of a rough sea and the waves crashing onto the rocks. This gives the characters context and places them in a location allowing the audience to begin to get an understanding of what is happening.

There is a close up of a character lying in the sea, motionless showing cuts and blood over his face (See Mise en Scene). This shows that an event has already acured causing this. (See Narrative Structure) This shows the detail of the character and the foreground of what the audience are meant to be concentrating on. It may also show that he is going to be one of the main characters during the film.

These shots are juxtaposed with the shot of the children play in the sand, this shows the children as being innocent and naive to the world around them, and shows that they possibly may be in danger as the plot progresses.
Shallow depth of field is used to draw our attention to the man, the children and the armed guards which guides the audience to what they need to be looking at.
The armed guards are shot using low angles to give them authority. Also having armed guards on a beach creates enigma and confusion because it is a strong juxtaposition between the beach and their authority. It also shows that there may be danger ahead for the characters as they are carrying guns as if they are expecting something.
The close up of the spinning top creates enigma because it is a small and appears to be a meaningless child toy. This reinforces that this may be important to the story line.



Mise en Scene
The makeup on the man shows blood and cuts which shows that some sort of fight or other violence must have taken place before hand. This also shows the audience that there may be other possible danger around the corner for this character. The character may also be the protagonist or victim in the film, which is also shown by his injuries. This also create enigma because we don't know what has happened to the character.
The use of the gun props shows that the armed guards have authority and adds to their characterisation. It also highlights that crime and violence may be involved which are key themes in many thriller films.
The costumes, hair and makeup used are very realistic which adds to the realism of the film which is another key part of thriller films as they are meant to be realistic.
The interior setting is much darker than the beach highlighting that the danger or threat may be inside rather than out. The brightness of the beach may have lulled the character into a false sense of security which adds the suspense when he enters the room.
As the guards drag the man into the room the audience begin to get a sense of who may be the antagonists within the film. As they still don't know what has happened they begin to guess for themselves to try and make sense of it.
The costumes change and become suits which shows that the characters may be well off, powerful and successful people. This is juxtaposed with the previous tattered costume of the victim, showing that the narrative may have jumped back in time showing him previously.


Sound
There is no dialogue at the start which create enigma for example (Who is he? How did he get there? What happened to him?) and confusion for the audience which is a main part of thriller films.
The use of the diegetic sound of the waves and the sea create realism and put the character in context and allows the reader to begin to understand the location.


Editing
Discontinuity editing has been used because we start part way through the story and then jump back in time. This is create a lot of enigma and confusion for the audience. This creates a tense mood because we know something has already happened we just don't know what yet.
The juxtaposition between the injured man and the children emphasises the danger this man may be in and highlights that these children may also face danger at some point during the film.


Narrative Structure
The film begins with the disruption creating enigma as to what has previously happened. Because of this there was no set up, and therefore this may come later in the film showing further alteration to the chronological narrative structure.   
There is restricted narration because like the character we don't know where he is and who the other people are. However the character knows what has happened to him and we don't, which creates enigma for the audience.
As the audience don't know what has happened they being to create their own story about the character from the plot they are given. However as the film progresses the true story will be revealed.

This opening to Inception works really well because there is a lot of enigma and confusion as to what is happening. There are a lot of questions that they audience want answering but the film doesn’t answer them straight away. It also works as an opening because like a lot of other thrillers it begins with a disruption and has no set up creating yet more enigma. However it uses discontinuity editing and begins after the disruption has happened which is another factor a lot of thriller films use. There is limited dialogue in the opening which allows the reader to make there own minds up about what has happened to the man.

Oldboy

Camerawork

Enigma is create instantly when there is a close up of a man's hand holding a tie. However at first we can't see what it is, which is what creates the enigma.

There is no establishing shot in this opening which is contrasting to Inception. This creates enigma as to where the characters are and creates confusion while the audience tries to place them in context. However when we see the man being held over the edge of the building we are able to begin to understand that they must be in a city because of the high rise building they are on top of and the others around them.

The camera tilts up to the man holding the tie's face almost creating a worms eye view and point of view from the person below. It also gives the character authority and importance showing that he is most likely to be the antagonist within the film. This is also reinforced by the high angle and over the shoulder shot of the man below.

The camera remains still, which shows observation and point of view creating suspense.

Mise en Scene

Both men are dressed in suits and this costume shows that they may both be succesful and important. Also this create realism and helps us to understand the context because they are in a city so there will be offices around where they may be working. Also creates enigma because successful men aren't usually associated as being hung of the edge of high rise buildings.

The man is also holding a dog which shows he may be caring and like animals.

Sound
Limited dialogue which is main feature of many thriller films and confuses the audienceand create enigma for them. The dialogue that is used however are questions and these are the questions that the audience wants the answers to themselves.


Editing
This opening sequences uses discontinuity editing as it begins with the man being held over the edge of the building. This creates a huge number of questions including who is he? how did he get there? and why is he being hung over the building?
At the end of the sequence there is a cut to another man with a bloody nose which choses possibly more crime and violence (key parts of thriller films) and creates more enigma about who this man is, and maybe if he is somehow linked to the first man.
The previous scene is cut before the antagonist reveals his name which my create frustration for the audience but also have them gripped to the film because they want to find out who he is.


Narrative Structure
There is restricted narration in this because we only know as much as the character and in this cas eis that he is being over the building. This is shown by the man asking who his attacker is and is a question the audience will also be wanting an answer to.
The general narrative is changes because it goes straight into the second stage of thriller films which is the disruption. This alters the story order and breaks the general three stage rule of set up, disruption and resolution. However similarly to Inception the set up may be revealed as the film progresses. This creates confusion and enigma for the audience.


Similarly to Inception this opening works very well because it creates a lot of enigma and leaves a lot of questions unanswers. However there is not a establishing shot which confuses the audience and makes it hard for them to understand the context of the film. Although this does have an impact on them because it creates further questions, it may mean that they are not able to understand the story as much because they are unsure of the context. I think it also works really well because it is very clear who the antagonist and protagonist are in this scene which is enhanced by the angles of the camera, as well as the simplicity on one holding the other over a building.

Run Lola Run

Camerawork

The close up of the monster face amulet adds to the mystery of the opening and creates questions like who/what is this monster? and how is it important? Mystery is another example of a main feature in thriller films, and keeps the audience on their toes.

The camera tilts up the clock gradually revealing more of it and allowing the audience to take it in gradually. The shot of the monster on top of the clock again highlights more that this will be important to the story and draws are attention to it more.

It only shows the peoples body’s rushing around, you don’t see their faces which creatine enigma as to who these people are? It also adds to the confusion because we can't identify any of the people. This may also refer to their unimportance within the film because they are unidentified as well as reinforcing that they could be anyone.

However a shallow depth of field and close up of certain characters are used and they remain still while the other people are moving around them. This shows they may be the important and main characters within the story. It also creates enigma because we don’t know who they are or what their story is.

The camera zooms out of the group of people and reveals the name ‘Lola Rennt’. This shows that this character must be important but create enigma because we don’t know who she is, but highlights that she may be in danger and gives the impression may be under threat which is a common theme in thriller films. 

A low angle is used on the police man showing his authority and giving him a sense of power during the film. This also may communicate that he may be a protagonist within the film (see mise en scene) and creating respect of him.

It is a fair way into the sequence before we see an establishing shot which is this case is an extreme long shot of a city containing a river and the camera swoops doing through the city into our setting/location. This adds to the confusion of the opening and creates enigma about the setting and context which unlike Oldboy is then later answered. Enhancing this further is that the camera tracks though a house allowing the audience to get a sense of where they are.

A close up of the phone allows the audience to suspect it will ring and begin to make sense of the story. This also allows them to gain some control over the events and begin to understand more.



Mise en Scene

The clock prop shows time ticking by and that time is possibly running out for the character. It
creates enigama about what it may be to late to for? It also adds to the tension and suspense often portrayed in thriller films.

It is a fair way into the opening before we begin to get a sense of what the setting and location may be. There is lot of black background towards the beginning adding to the confusion and mystery. Also having no setting possibly showing that the character is never in the same place of very long.

The lighting used is quite dark when the monster and clock are shown this may mean that they in linked in some way to the antagonist. However the lighting brightens when the people are rushing around which may mean that they will become the protagonists. The lighting from the house where ‘Lola' is, is dark and contrasts to the bright light of the man who is outside in day light adding to the tense atmosphere.

The amulet prop creates enigma, key part of thriller films.

The cartoon sequence creates a contrast between the reality and continues to hide the setting creating further confusion. More colour is also used and the setting the character is running through is unrealisitic which gives an impression that this my be a dreaming sequence.

The Policeman's costume shows us he is a policeman and immediately creates respect for him because of his job. We assume he is trust worthy because we normally associate the police force with trust and security. It also links to the theme of crime, (key theme of may thriller films).

The other costumes are very natural and realistic as so is the make up adding to the realism of the film.  

Lola’s hair colour is also contrasting to her dull coloured costume, possibly highlighting that her character may be outrageous and confident.

Sound

 

Compared to the previous 2 films i have research there is a fair bit more dialogue in this film which is in the form of a voice over asking questions that the audience is also asking and wants answered. However it is limited which is what creates the enigma and no answers are given at this stage. 

There is diegetic sound of a clock ticking to highlight time passing and to create realism. This also adds to the mood and atmosphere because it symbolises time is running out.

Editing

The shot of the public are sped up adding to confusion and suspense. It creates enigma as to where they are and what all these people might be doing. This also shows that they are unaware of whats around them and are carrying on their normal lifes which reflects that there may be a possible threat. The camera movement through the house has also been sped up adding to confusion and creating enigma.

Throughout the sequence the camera moves very fast highlighting that time is running out and creating enigma about what these events are building up to. The speed creates uncertainty and confusion creating suspense.

The opening credits are created almost like they are being arrested, portraying the theme of crime. 

The hands of the clock have been sped up which shows that time is quickly running out and adds to the suspense and unexpectedness of the film.

Narrative Structure

The events are happening almost chronologically because the police man only hints that something might go wrong yet we haven’t actually seen it yet. This shows a set up of events that are going to happen and the disruption will occure later on.

During the phone conversation we are shown a flashback to someone’s motor bike (possibly Lola’s) being stolen. We then also see who stole it showing us possibly who the antagonist is in the film. This creates partly restricted narrative because like the character we know that the bike has been stolen. However there are still many questions left answered which possibly shows that the characters know more than we do at this stage.

I think this opening workes really well because it creates enigma and suspense which is important of a thriller film.  There is no establishing scene which creates confusion and uncertainly of the audience and they become unsure of what to expect. The limited dialogue of questions by the policeman is really effective because they are questions that the audience want answering yet they dont' get them. This grips the audience and makes them what to watch the rest of the film to find out. The clock also works really well because it shows time is running out but the audience dont' know what for.

44 Inch Chest

Camerawork

The camera pans the room, gradually revaling the mess and the scene. The grips the audience and creates enigma as to what happened in the room.

There are close ups of certain objects emphasising their importance and showing that they may be relevant to the plot or story.

A close up of a man's face and hands is also uses hinting that he may be dead which increases the impact when he moves causing the audience to jump becauase it was unexpected. This keeps the audience on their toes because they don't know when they will next jump. It also increases the tension and suspense because they were misled.

The first shots with in the scene were still shots of objects and movement is brought in slowly to which then almost goes unnoticed because it is not what the audience expect to see.

Focus pull was used and an example would be when the feathers start to move. This draws your attention to them and create enigma about their importance and how they got there.

Mise en scene

There were a lot of props scattered around the room creating mess. A lot of them were broken which shows violence and destruction. It also creates enigma about what happened there and why.

The dark lighting used creates sadness and mystery to the room, letting the audience use their imaginations as to what might be around the corner as things were in shadows.

The setting and props automatically tell us that something bad has happened but questions are raised as to what this may be.

Sound 

Contrapuntal music is very common in thriller films as it confuses the reader but enhances the impact of the scene being shown. It creates tension because the music is unexpected and doesn't fit into the scene its being played in.

The soundtrack is quite an emotional love song.

There was no dialogue creating enigma for the audience and allowing them to make up their own senarios in their imagination.

Juxtaposition between the sound with the man and then the couple showing normaily of the couple and how circumstances can be very different. It also shows the changes in setting, location , props and characters.

Mundane sound

Editing

The cuts between shots were timed to the music, and the editing was sharp and abrupt creating tension and suspense.

Narrative structure

The film starts with the aftermath of the story which is a common feature of thriller films, showing the ending of a story before the beginning. This works well because it creates questions from the audience which is a main point that makes thrillers and horror films different.

Goodfella's
Camerawork

The shot of the back of the car establishes that the characters are in the car which sets up a bit of the scene so the audience knows what to expect and understand the context of the characters. Also helping is that words ‘New York, 1970’ which appear on the screen, these give the audience a better location.

The zoom or track towards the car shows us that whatever is making the noise is coming from the car, this draws are attention to the car and shows the audience that it must be important.

The low angle of the man closing the boot shows he may be important and that he has status within the film.

The medium shots enable the audience to see the characters expressions and body language when they see the body in the car and allows the audience to feel the same shock and horror at what they have seen.

Mise en Scene

The lighting is dark which adds to the mystery and suspense of the sequence because you cannot see the setting or context.

The men’s costume, hair and makeup are natural and simple which gives the scene realism.

The makeup on the body in the car shows that they have been beaten or attacked in some way and it looks realistic. This creates enigma because we haven’t seen how the body got into the car or what happened to it.

Sound

There is non-diegetic sound at the beginning of the credits which is very mysterious and adds a lot of tension to the seen because you cannot see where the noise is coming from. It’s seems dark and spooky and helps establish the mood and create an atmosphere.

The previous non-diegetic sounds become diegetic as we see the car driving down the road. This aids are understand and makes the scene look more realistic.

There are sound effects of birds tweeting when the men get outside the car, this adds to the tension because it shows that they are the only people around and that if something was to happen they are isolated and no-one could help them.

There is limited dialogue and dialogue there is is fairly simple this creates enigma because we are yet to find out who these characters are or where they are going.

The banging sound effect creates tension and suspense because like the characters we don’t know what is making that noise, which also create enigma.

The contrapuntal music shocks the audience because it’s not expected and contrasts with the events that have just happened.

Editing

There is no establishing scene but they have editing the words ‘New York, 1970’. This gives the audience the information about where and when enabling  them to picture where the characters are and put them into a context.

Sharp cut to the car from the men shows that the noises are coming from the car and that draws are attention to it and shows us what we are supposed to be looking at.

Narrative Structure

The narrative structure is altered during the scene as it begins immediately with the disruption without the set up. However like most of the other films I have researched this may be shown throughout the rest of the film.

Restricted narration is used because we only know what the characters know and the audience will find out more throughout the film.

The use of ‘New York, 1970’ hints that the film may jump back and forth in time to cover different events. This is also communicated when the character says ‘as far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster.’

This opening works well because a lot of enigma is created by the body in the boot of the car. It also works because it begins with the disruption which immediately grips the audience’s attention from the start and makes them want to watch the rest of the film to get the answers to the question. The restricted narration also compliments the opening because it makes the film more exciting if the audience get to guess along the way with the characters. The costumes, hair and makeup are realistic which makes the opening good because it is believable. The establishing shot of the car and the ‘New York, 1970’ helps the audience to understand the context of the characters.  The sound also works very well within this opening sequence because it builds up suspense and tension increasing the impact of the body to the audience.

This opening works really well because it establishes the scene and in a short space of time create a huge number of questions that the audience what answering like ‘what happened to the man in room?’ etc. There is an element of mystery to the story which is a big part of a thriller film as they often answer the questions slowly and one by one giving the audience time to think about what they think may have happened and to use their imaginations. The music is contrapuntal which is often used in thrillers as well as creates tension because the music is so unexpected. Having no dialogue also makes this opening work because it allows the audience to take in the setting and props to begin to understand the story for themselves. Many thrillers have a theme of crime and the messiness of the room shows that some sort of crime may have taken place which makes it similar to a lot of other thriller films.