Vox Pops

My group decided to undertake 4 vox pops as part of my research, in order to further my primary reasearch.




Recording the vox pops themselves went very well, we selected a wide range of ages which gave us a variety of opinions from our interviewees.As a result of us completing this task, my group are able to have an understanding of the types of thrillers that each age category are more likely to watch, and what makes it enjoyable to watch. We can identify what thrillers are popular, what an audience expects to see within, and what unique aspects might attract them. All these features help my group in determining what we need to include within our thriller ,to attract an audience with a wide range of ages included.

Preliminary Task

The main purpose of doing the preliminary task was to test our skills for the first time; the idea of what the scene is going to consist of, thinking about particular codes and conventions that assist the scene, selecting the appropriate location, the range of camera shots used, playing a characters role, how well it is performed, editing techniques and so on.

I found this task very interesting as I learnt for the first time, the correct camera settings to be on during certain features of a scene, in order to assist in portraying different emotions. The use of a tripod to keep the camera straight and in focus during a variety of camera shots. I was able to try out the editing program for the first time, and begin to take in what does what; how to join camera shots together without the picture just suddenly jumping to the next.

Groups Preliminary task














I feel completing the preliminary task is going to help me significantly when making my own 2 minute thriller. I felt this way due to the amount I've learnt about the camera when filming, and the editing stages after. This enables my group to blend camera shots to help create our thriller itself. For myself taking on the role of camera operator, it gave me a better understanding of the range of shots you can use, for the scene to flow nicely. This task also helps myself and my team in learning how use different editing features; knowing what does what. Within this preliminary task I feel we could of thought of a better story line, maybe have spent more time planning; making it more dramatic and serious, although I did feel the shots we edited flowed and complimented each other, making it more enjoyable to watch.

Evaluation

Within this evaluation I will be portraying my findings from my research into target audience. The purpose of a target audience in a thriller is to know the boundaries of what can be included, without causing psychologically disturbance within the audience. When targeting a specific age one has to consider abiding by certain legal rules. For example for adults 18 and above real life situations are allowed to be included: swearing, explicit scenes, violence and so on. Where as for a target audience of young children, none of the above is to be included; only unrealistic and happy scenes. Target audience can also help us to develop certain features that that age group expect to see and want, in order to keep them on the edge of their seats as a result of the suspense built.

As a group we carried out a wide range of primary research, therefore having information that is valid and recent, giving us a good understanding of what our audience would like to see in a thriller. We conducted a 10 question questionnaire giving a range of multiple choice answers of which they could choose from, this enabled us to analyse and record our findings in a simple and straight forward format. As a result of doing this questionnaire we were able to find out appropriate information specifically on thrillers.

Within my group we chose to question 40 people, as we felt it was an appropriate number, in order to enable us to get a good variety of opinions through randomly aged individuals, that then came under certain age categories. Due to our group having 4 members, we equally split and were responsible of conducting and interviewing 10 people. We then combined all of our findings, then created pie charts to portray the information clearly, helping us to analyse the statistics and being aware of the demand for the individual elements of a thriller, that want to be shown by certain age groups.

We carried out a series of vox pops to further our primary research. I feel they were very successful due to being easily accessible information that didn't take up too much time. It will assist when planning our thriller, as I know what features different age groups what to see when watching in order to enjoy, therefore their feedback to friends and family are positive and attracts more viewers.

What do you expect to see in thriller films?
Weaponry   Flashbacks  Gore  Death  Other

The question above was taken out from the questionnaire that we carried out, and the graph below shows our results. Our findings show that the biggest percentage consisted of the answer 'Death' and use of iconography of 'Weaponry'. These two seemed to be the most popular, with flashbacks and gore. Within our thriller it will consist of death but minus the gore. Weaponry is not focused on, but we are still planning to include good iconography which could be seen as a good source, but not used in that context. To compensate, we emphasis on portraying a characters flashback.

What characters do you like to watch in a thriller film?
One main character   Group of people   Young girl/boy   Vulnerable woman

This question above was also taken from our groups questionnaire, and results are shown in the form of a pie chart below. Feedback shows that over 20 interviewees choose to watch thrillers which involve a vulnerable woman to play the role of victim. As a group we took this result on board and responded; choosing to feature a vulnerable female, although of a very young age. We collaborated both of the top choices as we felt it was well suited to our thriller.

What colour of clothing do you expect the victim and villain to be wearing?
Black/ grey and white   Blue and pink   Orange and green   Purple and black

Again this question was taken from our questionnaire, and the results are displayed below. The findings from this question were incredible, as we can see a  vast amount of our interviewees can distinguish the difference of clothing worn by a victim and villain; villain wearing black/grey to portray dominance and authority, and the victim wearing white to show innocence. For our group it is important knowing that they have this ability of understanding which characters playing which role, which enable us to use the typical colours with our characters and not have to worry that they will in any way struggle with differentiation.    

As a result of carrying out the two forms of primary information, we were able to as a group find out exactly what our interviewees like to see within a thriller, so that our audience enjoy our two minute thriller that we will soon be making. Having these results enables us to take into consideration and analyse the findings and include any features that we may have missed out, or emphasis on the ones we have that came back as a particularly popular answer, this is all part of fulfilling the audience expectations. 

Pie Charts

As a group we decided to put our newly found primary information into pie charts. We felt this was a clear way of portraying our findings. The results from out questionnaire are shown below:

I decided to create pie charts, as it clearly portrays my findings from my questionnaire. It shows exactly what the audience expects to see within a thriller, what features they find the most interesting/exciting, and what age category they prefer to watch. As a result my group and I were able to critically analyse our findings with ease, without any added complications.

Questionnaire

1) What gender are you?

    Male     Female

 

2) How old are?
 

    12-15     16-18     19+

3) Which age certificate for a thriller film do you prefer to watch?

 

    12    12A    15     18

 

4) What made you want to watch a thriller film?
 

    Tv advertisements     Recommendation    Posters      Other

5) What do you expect to see in thriller films?

    Weaponry     Flash backs     Gore     Death     Other

6) What type of sound would you expect to hear in a thriller?

 Tension building     Horror sounds     sound effects      other
 
7) What characters do you like to watch in a thriller film?

    One main character    Group of people    Young girl/boy   Vulnerable woman    

8) What do you find shocking in a thriller film?

 

    Types of characters     Plot      Iconography (props)      

 

9) Do you know the common plot for a thriller?

 

   Yes    No

10) What colour of clothing do you expect the victim and villain to be wearing?

Black/Grey and white      Blue and pink     Orange and green        Purple and black 


Questionnaire Information
The questions within a questionnaire have to relate to the task, and be useful information that will potentially help you within the project. For example within my questionnaire is asked 'What do you expect to in thriller films?', along with this I gave 5 options in which individuals could choose from. This question directly relates to my focus of 'thriller films'. It helps he find out generally what features dominate thrillers and what audiences pick up on the most. I chose within my group to question 40 people to collect information for my survey, as I felt that it is a reasonable number to get enough of a variety of opinions from randomly aged individuals. Fairly as there are 4 members in our group, we decided to be responsible for surveying 10 people each. This task is beneficial as it shows that we have undertaken primary research, that is valid and recent, which gives us a good understanding of what people today like in thrillers.

Narrative Theory

Vladimir Propp's Theory

In Propp's theory he believes a narrative is not important within a film, he feels the characters have a narrative function that provide structure for a text.

•The Hero – a character that seeks something
•The Villain – who opposes or actively blocks the hero’s quest
•The Donor – who provides an object with magical properties
•The Dispatcher – who sends the hero on his/her quest via a message
•The False Hero – who disrupts the hero’s success by making false claims
•The Helper – who aids the hero
•The Princess – acts as the reward for the hero and the object of the villain’s plots
•Her Father – who acts to reward the hero for his effort

This narrative doesn't apply to all narratives, usually related to fairy tales based around an adventure. A prime example for this is Shrek. 

Tzvetan Todorov's Theory

In Todorov's theory he believes that a characters aren't important, as he believes a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium within an narrative, in order to give a more complex interpretation of film texts. 

This theory follows a specific guideline of starting of with an equilibrium; happy, normal scene that is then followed by the disequilibrium; something bad happens and caused disruption. In recognition of this occurance the narrative is driven to attempt to repair the disorderly interruption.  As a result a new equilibrium is created by the end of the narrative, but does not match the original. 

Aristotle's Theory

Aristotle believes all that is needed within a film is themes. Headings that are frequently used by producers and screenwriters that are similar to Aristoles himself are:

• Inciting incident
• Dramatic question
• Character goal
• Antagonist/protagonist
• Stakes
• Resolution
• Sympathy/empathy

Aristotle was most famous for his unities of time, place and action with his most complete analysis of tragedy, that is now the basis of most serious drama.

Which theory relates to my narrative?
My thriller opening relates most to Tzvetan Todorov's theory; the theory that states a film should be focused around an equilibrium and disequilibrium. I feel this suits my thriller as the story relates; a child innocently walking her dog (equilibrium) to suddenly being attacked and murdered (disequilibrium).

Group Narrative

Groups Members:
Jenna Van Bergen

Ruby de-Gallerie

Sam Pearl

Sam's idea: 

The beginning may start with an obscured chase scene with the male chasing the female. She may hide and think the male has disappeared but he appears behind her and abducts her and takes her to a room that is abandoned/alone. The man goes downstairs to make a cup of tea. The girl is unconscious and wakes up in the room that has pictures of her all over the walls. She can then hear him walking back up the stairs and each footstep is more and more defined. Then then the door may fly open and it will end.

ADVANTAGES: Easy to obtain.

DISADVANTAGES: Too cliche.

Ruby's idea:

The beginning of my thriller will start with two girls walking there dog in a forest in a small town, however hours before a murderer has just escaped from prison and was last spotted by the forest the girls are walking their dogs. whilst on the walk the murderer comes up and takes the girls to a deserted house basement and torches the girls. The murderer leaves the basement and the girls are left. one of the girls has a key in her pocket which she uses to cut through the thin rope slightly to eventually pull it apart. Both girls struggle toward the front door where the murderer is close by. one girl manages to run out of the door but the other one is too weak. As the girl is running away she hears the gunshot of her friend being killed.

ADVANTAGES: Easy to carry out.

DISADVANTAGES: Unlikey features.

My idea:

Grandmother sitting her granddaughter down and telling the story of her mothers disappearance as she begins to wonder what happened to her when she was 8. A traumatic experience that was never understood as a child and her curiosity kicks in as she starts to question. A video of her mother happily playing with their pet at the crime scene as a young girl herself. Flashback of one mid-evening dog walk the grandmother and mother in their well known fields, a strange appearance of a farmers tractor parked randomly. To avoid they enter the woody section and noises from unknown locations causes confusion and the mother is taken from behind, as her mother tries desperately to get her back but it unable to. Police are called and she is never found.

ADVANTAGES: Detailed, expanded story line.

DISADVANTAGES: We wont be able to include all elements e.g tractor within her ideas.

Group Idea

Mother sitting down gazing into a photo of her daughter. This is followed by a flashback of the mothers memories; the events that occurred on the day of her daughter disappearance. The flashback consists of her daughter in white clothing, walking their dog in the fields down the road from their house. She comes across clothing with blood on it, with a knife beside. Deciding to redirect her route, she enters the dark forest. The fact that she goes from high light to low light  forebodes that something bad is to come from this decision. Sounds are heard from an unknown direction and she panics, the dog is released and Ruby, the daughter begins to run, then stops to phone her mum. During this occurrence she is taken from behind and is dragged through the forest. The mother picks up the phone call and hears screaming. Immediately she goes to find Ruby. Ruby is shown to be dead and the villain, wearing dark clothing turns off the torch that she let go of when being dragged. This portrays to the audience that he is covering up the evidence. This is the final shot that puts an end the thriller as it creates an enigma. The fact that the victim and villain are in conventional clothing colours gives a clear differentiation of who is who. The variety of shots used to show the representation of the character match their role; victim is often shown a a high angle to make her seem small and vulnerable. The villain when passing through the trees is shown at a low angle, so that it makes him seem like the dominating character. The location is isolated therefore making it conventional as the victim can not be heard.

This narrative builds a relationship with my target audience as it connects to the conventions of the age category 15 thriller. The fact that the victim and villain are in conventional clothing colours gives a clear differentiation of who is who. The variety of shots used to show the representation of the character match their role; victim is often shown at a high angle to make her seem small and vulnerable. The villain when passing through the trees is shown at a low angle, so that it makes him seem like the dominating character. The location is isolated therefore making it conventional as the victim can not be heard.

Individual Narrative

A narrative is important as all films have to follow a story line of some kind.

Conventions of a thriller:

• Setting- Forest
• Enigma- Someone is following 
• Iconography-log, knife
• Characters- killer; man, victim; teenage girl
• Plot/ narrative idea- Grandmother sitting her granddaughter down and telling the story of her mothers disappearance as she begins to wonder what happened to her when she was 8. A traumatic experience that was never understood as a child and her curiosity kicks in as she starts to question. A video of her mother happily playing with their pet at the crime scene as a young girl herself. Flashback of one mid-evening dog walk the grandmother and mother in their well known fields, a strange appearance of a farmers tractor parked randomly, with no one to be seen in it. To avoid the tractor, they enter the woody section and noises from unknown locations causes confusion and the mother is taken from behind, as her mother (grandmother) tries desperately to get her back but it unable to. Police are called and she is never found.
• Music- Eary and jumpy.
• Clothing- White for the mother and grandmother, kidnapper in black.

An example that I can relate my idea of plot is to 'The Blair Witch Project', where individual characters are taken in an abandoned house in the woods.

Age Certificates

BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is important to the film industry as it in charge and responsible for national classification within a film and video games. It was formed in 1912 and age certificates were introduced purely for safety reasons, in order to stop young children from watching films that are too gory and violent that may encourage behavior changes. Young children are hard to predict on what will effect them as everyone's different, therefore this is why they are set.

 

 

With a 'U' classification it is suitable for all, as the U stands for universal. It's very hard to predict what will upset small children as they are very venerable. It is for children preferably over the age of 4 based around a happy, innocent film, merely without any violence or horror; usually a cartoon. A perfect example of a 'U' is Toy Story; a cartoon adventure story. This film belongs to this age category due to it being far from reality, happy with unreal characters, children are able to understand the actions occurring are not real, therefore are not effected in any way; for example when witnessing two characters fighting, it's as if their invincible and the emotion of sadness doesn't occur to the extent it would if the characters and setting where real. Young children are included within the film, therefore connecting with its audience.

A 'PG' stands for parental guidance. It is okay for general viewing as most scenes are suitable, although having certain scenes that would be unsuitable for the younger ages. This film is allowed to be watch unaccompanied, although parents may need to consider whether it is suitable for a child under the age of 8, as any younger may be traumatised by mild forms of violence within for example a fantasy context, such as  in Ice Age. Ice age is classified as a PG and not any higher due to it still being cartoon based. The reasoning it is not classed as a U is because of the slight increase in the amount of violence portrayed. PG however does have that element of leeway as parents can decide whether they think its suitable, therefore there's not a particular age limit. This means that PG is not far from a U as the realism still does not occur, meaning children are in no way effected from what occurs in the film.

 A '12A' and '12' are suited for anyone 12 and over. 12A only currently exists in cinemas and has to be seen with an adult that's 18 or over, 12 is used outside of the cinema and is seen if an adult feels it is perfectly suitable for their child to be watching. This category may have implications about sex and most likely some violent scenes. An example of a 12A classification is Taken 2. This particular film includes many violent scenes that can be seen as disturbing, which is exactly why parents are asked to accompany their child. In this age group films become more realistic, with situations that relate to the real world. This change from a cartoon has a knock on effect to children as they struggle to differentiate whether the film in fiction, or non-fictional. Taken 2 belongs to this category as it enters the real world, involving teenagers and adults, therefore being able to connect with the audience, portraying vivid images of violence, drug usage and murder. 

A '15' category is purely to stop anyone under the age of 15 to watch. In cinemas they come down hard upon making sure people are asked for ID before entering a 15 classification. This is due to it containing violence, drugs, strong language, adult themes,sexual references and mostly non-graphical nude scenes, although these features do have limitations of some kind. A film such as Paranormal Activity is seen as very disturbing to the eye and tends to leave people even 15 and over shaken. It involves violence and presence of evil which tend to haunt the audience. For a child this is far from appropriate. Paranormal Activity enters this age category and not in an 18, due to the fact of not including vivid sexual scenes or being incredibly gruesome, focusing more on making the audience jump in fright. The fact that the film enters the real world, with normal looking adults that are taunted by things that are never seen, has a knock on effect within the audience as they are always unaware of what is to come next, therefore tension is constantly being built. Most Paranormal Activities consist of a teenager within part of the film, therefore the audience are able to connect with the characters more, and they always consist of death.

'18' category is purely only for adults over the age of 18. An 18 category has absolutely no limits on bad language, violence or the amount of drugs portrayed. Compared to a 15, scenes include detailed sexual activity and references, that may also involve strong sexual violence. The difference of detail within gore of characters deaths is to the extreme. A prime example of a film that is related specifically to gore is SAW. SAW is classified as an 18 as it is a film based upon deaths that are unimaginable, the vivid imagery that is portrayed when characters attempt to escape from death throughout the film, and the pain they experience is difficult to watch. This example is why these types of films are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18, because they are usually seen as mentally disturbing. Death and the way people are killed are the main focus which follows the common plot for an 18. Characters in their late teens and older are usually shown so that the audience have a better connection.






An 'R18' classification is another 18+ film that can only be viewed at licensed adult cinema or bought from a licensed sex shop. They involve vivid pornographic scenes in great detail, that may include underage age sex and violent behavior. An R18 film has the most cuts than any other age category.




Based on the ideas I have for my thriller film, I feel I am at the mid point between age category 12A or 15. I think this because I imagine my film to have certain elements of violence, and depending on this feature will be the deciding point of what age classification I would give it, due to whether I feel it would be appropriate for 12A. The story line that I would hope to follow would mostly likely be classed as a 15, although it's whether they portray my ideas to a certain extent with the resources available.

What is a Thriller Film?

Code and Conventions

 

There are many codes and conventions that make up a thriller film, and these are the features that puts a film into a particular category. Codes and conventions create numerous effects and play with the audiences emotions. Common, well known conventions of a thriller film consist of; enigma, this is the mystery that is always set within a thriller. Representation of characters, always good and evil and for how the victims are being presented as being weak or at a disadvantage, for example in Cabin in the Woods they're in a remote area with a disadvantage of being able unable to escape, at the same time as being chased by strange creatures that are out to kill them all. Low key lighting, this is to create distant shadows and silhouettes to portray mystery within characters.The well known setting of abandoned, dark places where victims can never be heard. Types of editing such as slow editing in order to match up with the themes of shock, surprise and suspense that should be portrayed within the film. Iconography plays a big part as there is always going to be the murder weaponry used in the killing scene, with the typical ones being a knife, gun or some form of metal. The use of color usually through clothing; victim dressed in white to show innocence and venerability, killer dressed in either brown or black to keep their identity hidden and show dominance, an example of this is in Prom Night.

Saw 1 Opening Scene Analysis

Through watching the opening scene of Saw 1, the audience are able to understand that it is a thriller due to the codes and conventions, but also crosses over with the category of horror due to the blood and gore.

There is a clear venerability through representation of characters, but not the typical female victim, instead two male victims, although at the disadvantage of being chained by the foot, restricting movement and any chance of escape, due to the two characters being chained, this creates an enigma as the audience may question 'why are they tied up?'. This also relates to the plot that the abandoned bathroom in the unknown building is assuming the place of their death. These four conventions; setting, enigma, plot and representation of characters closely link and give clear understanding to the audience, enough to create dramatic irony of what will happen to the characters next with the mystery from the enigma. Representation of characters show specifically their role, on whether they play the victim or the killer, at an advantage or disadvantage.

From the very beginning of the opening scene it is low key lighting, in order to show minimal detail of the character that awakens in the bath. This creates an enigma as the audience wonder who it is. In panic the man begins to shout for help, and parallel as well as non-diegetic sound is heard. From the dramatic irony of the opening, the audience are able to see roughly the environment and setting that he is in from the blue back lighting, more of which he can see. The fact that the lighting is blue creates an atmosphere of confusion, this itself relates to the reality of the scene. The parallel and non-diegetic sound combines well as it builds tension within the audience. Off-screen sound then follows by the second but unknown character in the room as he speaks, which creates mystery for the audience as well as to the seen victim. When the key lighting is turned on in the bathroom, the contrast from dark to almost a strobe light effect, with the blurred camera effect also portrays confusion; this lighting is followed by a jump cut editing style. This jump cut focuses on a supposedly dead body in the middle of the room. This editing style is immediately followed by a reaction shot, focusing on the shock of the two victims. This creates understanding for the audience of the characters emotions. Sound, editing, colour and lighting are key conventions of a thriller film in order to create a specific atmosphere and building of emotions. These elements created relate exactly to conventions of a thriller film.

This opening scene helps to define the genre as it ticks all the boxes on conventions of a thriller film; the enigma, setting, sound and so on. By watching this opening scene helps me as I begin to plan my own thriller. I plan to follow the conventional guideline that Saw has followed productively, and use elements I feel have been portrayed well in my own thriller opening.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Watching the basement scene in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ the audience are able to identify through codes and conventions that it is a mystery thriller; continuous suspense is built up throughout, with the mystery finally revealed towards the end of the film.

There is a clear differentiation between the victim and the villain just by looking at the positioning of characters. Even though it has not got the commonly used women/child, Bloomvist is placed in a restricting movement device, also being under the influence of drugs making him extremely drowsy, therefore being unable to escape or defend himself. This portrays to the audience that he is the victim due to his vulnerability. Whereas Martin sits comfortably on a chair, with no restrictions. This also portrays to the audience that he is the villain, holding Bloomvist captive. The idea of how much the characters are able to move gives a clear understanding of who is the dominating character. Why Bloomvist is tied up creates an enigma as the audience begin to question ‘why has Martin tied Bloomvist up if he’s trying to help his family?’. Positioning of character is very important when trying to differentiating what role is played by the characters, but within this scene it is very clear who the victim and villain are.

The setting of the scene gives the impression of an isolated area, where Bloomvist cannot be heard; this follows the common plot of someone dying at the end of the film. The fact that he is placed against a plainly tiled, white wall with high key lighting verifies that Bloomvist is the victim and at this point of time his life is in great danger. Martin contrasts, as he is sat in black clothing in a low key light area of the room, which portrays his power. The setting plays a big part of a film as it can give a sense of danger, as it does within this particular scene. Lighting and colour also do this, as well as making the characters emotions clear, portraying dominance and vulnerability.

The dominating diegetic sound of Martin’s dialogue voicing his story of the truth; explaining his character and his importance in Bloomvist’s investigation, revealing that he is the killer. Non-diegetic eary sound is also included to help build tension, as the audience are eager to find out what’s going to happen next. Whilst Martin begin to mention about his father he begins to scratch his hand; this is a sign of weakness as he becomes nervous. As he gets up and moves around the room the audience can notice that is face is never shown against the same, white wall as Bloomvist. His body passes it but his face is always cropped off. This shows that he does not want his identity shown in such a clear lighting. This is conventional as villains never like to reveal their identity, they always like to create a mystery, this is done through the shadows created on his face whilst against a dark background. Sound is vital within a film as within a film it is what helps to build the most suspense and tension, keeping the audience on their toes.

This scene consists of many deep focus and mid shots, making the character seem as if their in the lime light, with the background blurred. This helps to portray the characters emotions clearly to create a better understanding for the audience. The audience become aware that Martin is filming Bloomvist whilst at his worst, this shows that Martins character is extremely unstable. Although him doing so clearly show his plan of action for what he does in the story that he explains to Bloomvist. The use of different editing styles is important as it’s what puts the film together to create meaning and make the film run smoothly. The editing styles used within this scene focus on the characters and their emotions to give the audience a greater understanding.

This basement scene is the scene that reveals the truth of the enigma that is created throughout. It connects to all thriller conventions; sound, enigma, lighting, positioning of characters and so on. Watching this scene helps me to understand what aspects I need to focus on when creating my own 2 minute thriller opening.

Mise-En-Scene

Prom Night Analysis

Mise en scene is everything that is put into a scene or frame. Each aspect of mise en scene has hidden meanings within and sends signals to the audience about how we are supposed to feel at certain points.

During 'Prom Night part 3' the setting and iconography play an important part as it builds expectations of what will happen during the scene. It is set in a hotel on the night of student’s prom. There is a major disruption due to the fire alarm going off and the students are instructed to evacuate the building. Donna, a student that plays the victim within scene 7-9 disappears to her room in the hotel to pick up her mothers shawl and to look for a friend, unaware the caretaker accompanies her. Donna, then realising his presence goes into a panic, that she then attempts to lock him out of any possible entry. As a result, this triggers him to use a fire extinguisher that is placed near the rooms door, in order to bolt the door down. After breaking the door down and gaining access, he draws out a knife. This immediately tells the audience that her actions of desperation to try and escape have backfired, resulting in the caretaker becoming violent and angry, therefore weapons become involved. This is conventional to a thriller film as the particular iconography, being a knife, is a commonly used weapon within a thriller during a murder scene. This is due to being easily hidden and quick and easy to pull out. The audience know that this will be a potential muder scene due to the iconography and as it follows the common plot and conventions of a thriller.

Facial expressions within a film provide a clear indicator of how someone is feeling. Body language also indicates how a character feels towards another character to reflect their state of relationship. During this scene as the caretaker enters her room and closes the door behind him, Donna's facial expressions portrays her panic and shock. This is shown in the way her jaw drops and her eyes widen. Her emotions contrast when comparing to the villain due to his sturdy, calm facial expression as he begins to speak. After managing to lock the villain outside the room, her body language of standing in the centre of the room, turning in circles, tightly squeezing her head, whilst the villain is attempting to re-enter her room, shows that she is unable to think straight, unclear of what to do next. Whereas, after the caretaker re-enters the room after knocking the door down, his body language of walking around the room, attempting to find where the victim is hiding, illustrates that he is in no way scared, just worried about the thought of her escaping. This is conventional to a thriller film because power over weakness between the victim and villain is always going to be portrayed within a thriller, as it builds tension and makes the audience sympathise the vulnerable victim.

The costumes, hair and makeup signifies the particular event; formal and fancy. It also portrays certain personalities within the student crowd; popular compared to the geeks etc. The villain contrasts within scene 7-9, as his clothing is dark and casual, therefore being at an advantage in terms of movement. Whereas, the victims clothing puts her at a disadvantage from length and weight, therefore resulting in being unable to travel quickly. Her ruined hair and makeup after the caretaker reveals himself, informs the audience of her frame of mind; being a nervous wreck, therefore making the audience feel a sense of sympathy. This is conventional to a thriller film because it gives understanding and clarity for the audience of the characters feelings and thoughts, creating mixed emotions for themselves.
 

Positioning of characters and objects within a frame is extremely important, in order to draw attention to them. Characters can also be positioned to indicate relationships between themselves and others. The positioning of furniture in the room is typically set up as a everyday common hotel room, therefore creating no specific atmosphere. The killer is dominant in this situation as he is the bigger character, placed in a more advantageous position of being on his feet, whereas stereotypically the victim is at a disadvantage and currently hiding under the bed. This is a typical positioning within a thriller to show the killer has the most power. A previous victim in an earlier scene is placed beside Donna, the current victim. This foreshadows what is going to happen to her if she's caught, this thought is shown in her shocked facial expression once realising her friend is beside her, dead. This in conventional to a thriller film as the villain is always seen to be the most dominant character, in an advantageous position, with the victim in a vulnerable one.

Lighting and colour are crucial when film making, in order to achieve a variety of effects. This includes highlighting important characters and objects, reflecting their mental state etc. Due to the flashing lights in the room the killers face is never revealed long enough for the audience to study his features, this is shown when he first enters her room and closes the door behind him, begging to talk to Donna as he does so. Whereas, when we begins to search for Donna after being locked out and entering the room for a second time, the lighting is dim and low key which creates a calm atmosphere, but contrasts to the reality. The colours of clothing between the two characters relate exactly to their role; white for innocence worn by the victim, brown worn by the villain for him to blend in the background so that his identity stays unknown. This has been used purely to differentiate good from evil.The lighting and clothing is conventional, as the victim is often shown in high-key lighting, to suggest vulnerability, with the villain shown in low-key. The colour of clothing follows common conventions of any thriller, in order to highlight and differenciate the roles each character plays. 

To conclude, mise en scene in my opinion is one of the most vital aspects when making a thriller film, including all 5 elements and making sure they relate directly to what your trying to portray to an audience. I found the lighting and colour are the most interesting to look at, as it can achieve so many effects and play with the characters and audiences emotions. I find its something you really need to focus on and go into great detail with, to create effects such as, revealing hidden emotions in characters and creating enigma with the use of shadows. I will be looking at all 5 elements, taking what I have learnt from this analysis and using my knowledge when it comes to making my two minute opening of a thriller,