Se7en - Opening Sequence

In my media class we analysed the opening of the Thriller film 'Se7en'(1995)starring the actor(s) Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Director: David Fincher.

My first impression of the film (introduction) was that i knew it would be a film where you have to watch closely on whats going on and be on a close look out! Immediately i felt suspicious of the film about what was going to happen. By the way the characters portrayed themselves in some cases immediately gave out their personalities.

Titles

The titles are presented/signify a Horror Film! The Font Makes it looks like a thriller also unsettling. Its obvious that the titles are highly edited! The sounds and images in the titles seem obsessive, hostile environment, unpredictable with lots of dark colours.

Shots

Many shots were used in the opening sequence, at first it looked as if there was someone watching the character. As the cameras followed what he (Morgan Freeman) was doing the audience could immediately get an idea of what the character is like.

-Over the shoulder shot

-Panning

- Tilting

As the camera looks up from a low angle to show the audience watch actions the character is making

-Two shot

Movement

- Tracking

Tracking is used when Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are walking and talking from a low angle. Again it looks as if someone is watching them and tracking is portraying that the conversation is important.

Themes

The opening setting is at a crime scene, so immediately we are let into action.

The generic themes in 'Se7en' show that Morgan F. is a dominant independent character, that knows and is very much into what he's doing! He portrays this by the setting of his home, he has a single bed, he's very clean and lives alone.

Sound

Non Diegetic at the introduction. There's a lot of natural sounds (E.g. Rain), which is a good effect as it will make the film more realistic and believable.

Mise-En-Scene
Morgan F. addresses his personality showing that he's caring. As it is set in the city, you know that they are never alone which brings out the realism of the film.

Thriller Films - Opening

A Thriller is a genre of fiction, some thriller writers explain it as "the sudden rush of emotions, the excitement, sense of suspense, apprehension, and exhilaration that drive the narrative, sometimes subtly with peaks and lulls, sometimes at a constant, breakneck pace."

A Thriller is not only what their stories are about, but also how they are told. its got to be up to High standards, always keeping the audience engaged. Also non-stop action, plot twists that both surprise and excite, settings that are both vibrant and exotic, and an intense pace that never lets up until the the main plot is let out! The plot of a thriller is usually driven by the villain, who makes obstacles that the hero must overcome.

Codes & Conventions:
The conventions of the thriller genre involve sound and editing e.g. quick cuts and camera angle, the music that gives tension. It can be to do with lighting, mainly shadows, mirrors and stairs. The codes and conventions are what the audiences expect to see in a thriller. In some/ a lot of the thriller movies they include action, adventure, sci- fi etc which is called Sub-Genres. This gives the audience more to look out for and can make the film much more exciting! What audiences expect to see is what producers need to include in attracting their audience.

Locations, Set Designs, Costumes and Props
Thrillers often take place in exotic settings such as foreign cities, deserts, polar regions, or high seas. but it often depends o the type of thriller film (for example a Crime Thriller can be set in a crime scene in a busy city etc). Thrillers always tend to have hero's, they may be ordinary citizens, Strong Men (that are used to danger). On the other hand women hero's have become common for example the female main character in the movie Alien (1979). Characters in Thriller films usually wear dark casual clothing's or a suite, which signifies that they are normal citizens working and living their lives. This all helps to make the thriller realistic.


Other Sub Genres of thriller films are:
-Action Thriller
-Sci-Fi
-Conspiricy Thriller
-Crime Thriller
-Political Thriller

Examples of famous Thriller films are:
-Phone Booth
-The Bourne Identitiy
-Jurassic Park
-The Da Vinci Code
-Angels & Demons

Type Of Shots (1st Media Lesson)

In Media, I recently had a lesson on the type of shots that are used in the Media profession, and the type of shots we will be using.
Example of shots mensioned were:
Close up shots
Over the Shoulder Shots
Two shot
Low angle
Worms eye view, Long shots
Zooming
and Many More!

Evaluation – Filming Around The School

Evaluation – Filming Around The School

Today In Media we were set a task, to be in groups of 3, to film a journey in school (Brit)of our choice using a tripod and camera. This task enabled us to get used to using the camera and working in groups. In my group there was Nikki, James & myself.
I have been now been reminded how to use a camera, as I use one at home. When working in groups you realise that everyone has an idea and we have to work as a team to decide on one result.
I enjoyed the task because it helped me to explore the different times of shots and experiencing how to direct. The types of shots we used were, close up shots, over the shoulder shots, two shot, low angle, worms eye view, Long shots & zooming.
I now look forward to the future of this course in making thriller Films!

Hi - Introduction To Shanice

Hi,
My name Is Shanice, I'm currently a Music student at Brit and have chosen to study AS Media! I Chose to study Media because I do a lot of it in my spare time and wanted to learn more in preparation for my future. Also I like technology, designing, analysing and the Media! The course helps me with certain areas within my music course and I have been considering studying it at University! I will benefit from both practical and theory sides of the course as it offers film making, analysing etc and will increase my knowledge.