Section 3-Classification of Film

15 Certificate content
 The following is a list of the content that can be shown in a 15 certificate film which i took from the BFI website:
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.

Language: There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable. Continued aggressive use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.

Nudity: There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex: Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

Violence: Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

Imitable techniques: Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives).

Horror: Sustained or detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.

Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.



We have decided to classify our film as a 15. Being under the aged of 18 we could not a film a 18 certificate and also want to reach out to a wider audeience range and feel when sutible a film shouldnt miss the key age bracket of 15-18. We feel a 12 would be too young and would restrict our film, we want to develop and present ideas that would not to be right to be shown to someone under the age of 15.

Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-DARK KNIGHT

 Narrative Structure
The films begins with a bank job conducted by men wearing clown masks, this instantly gives off the impression they are hiding something and also hides there emotions which would highlight there ruthlessness at getting the job done. The eyes are red which can be interpreted as a sign of blood perhaps what is to come. Upon completion of each specific job one clown robber shoots the other (less people to split the cash between) showing their lack of mercy and signifying just how deadly these men are. Something which is repeated when they display their aggressive prowess when beating up those in the bank and putting grenades in each of their hands, this is a big indication of the type of lengths these people will go to. During all this their is small dialogue about "the joker" and the men express their views on his lack of involvement, leadership and persona, this creates a echo around an unknown character. The bank manager then pulls out a shot gun and begins to fire on the 3 men, this is stark contrast to the previous control that the men had and he is dominating, however having ran out of bullets he is shot down, perhaps signifying you cannot defeat these men. They all seem to have a incentive to kill one another, expressing greed yet its the Joker who is the mastermind as he has been in clown disguise all this time and has conducted not only the bank job but the killings off of all the others. When the bus arrives and casually drives out into a row of other school buses the job is complete and this has set the tone of just how clever and efficient this joker character is.

Cinematography
The scene is set well by a long shot of city landscape and then we see how effective zoom can be as it zooms in one window(of many) which eventually cracks to reveal the clowns. This is a good way to introduce the danger as there was a build up of tension signified by the zoom. In the zip wire scene the shot covers just how high up they are to give the audience as sense of how big this operation is. When the clones are killed off by their partners the camera both times is showing from in front of the victim displaying the killer raising the gun, this elevates the element of surprise that the killer has as your seeing him do it yet the victim can't. Also the victim's dead body/blood is never shown properly so this highlights the efficient, swift and cold blooded nature of the killing.

Sound
Straight from the off there is a loud boom once the window is smashed, this puts into motion the music and is intended to bring the audience straight into the action with no delay. The theme then develops and is a edgy ticking theme, perhaps suggesting what is to come, It is setting the tone for the importance of rhythm and time in this operation. This theme continues throughout the heist but there is a pause in it when one clown assassinates the other, emphasising the sound of the gun and giving the killing a deeper effect. Itt quickens in tempo as the action gets more aggressive and the bank manager begins to fight back, music is in parallel with the attitude and pace of the robbers. However once the bank manager is disposed of and only the Joker (disguised) and one robber is left the music cuts completely, suggesting an end to the operation and foreshadowing the impending death of the other clown (who is then hit by a bus) which is the final piece in the puzzle of each clowns murder. No music can be heard as the joker escapes in the bus, perhaps to show how his plan has been a success as he is fitting back into the normal world (e.g. only the noises of the city can be heard).

Character Profile
Each clown seems to represent a specific job required in the heist (e.g. one for cutting power, the other for opening safe ect) suggesting these men are professional and also experienced killers. This highlights even further the Joker's intelligence as he has chosen the best but is able to dispose of them all. The clown masks give them all a unity and disguise emotion which give them all a more cold and mercy less persona. The Joker himself (as I'ver touched on) is incredible smart in the conducting of this plan. He plots he man against the other using their lust for money for his advantage, but ultimately its his lust for the job to be success by ensuring each one is killed. He also informs another clown that the bank manager is out of bullets when he isn't, the hope the bank manager will kill the clown thus leaving more for the Joker, this shows how disloyal he is and that he is in it for himself and himself alone. Another good example of the extreme lengths the Joker will go to is the brutal handling of the staff and how he makes them hold grenades, representing his inhumanity. Yet he has craft, style and intelligence. To pit each man against each other, get all the cash and escape into a heard of school buses that the police cannot possible be sure of is a cunning plan and it is a hint of what is to come form the Joker and what a difficult enemy Batman is likely to face. I think this bank scene was all about setting the platform for the Joker's enigma to be bolstered before he weaves his way into the plot involving Batman.

Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Narrative Structure

The scene is set in erey woods with a fine mist settluing in the backround, Jodie Foster's character is only and appears to be on some form of assualt coure, suggesting possible occupations. As she jogs alone the dramatic music builds up and the camera behind he is a hint that she may being followed which hightens the audiences anticipation for something to come. Yet she is stopped by a official of some kind and sent to see someone. This cuts all the previous tension as the man is acting as a sense of secuirty and previous thoughts of something bad happening to her whilst on the run are gone yet it seems was puroposeley done to create false fear. We get indication she is a central character and is also ranked quite highly as she is asked to visit a senior and has position in a male dominated environment, something which is highlighted in the opening sequence (e.g. she enters a lift with 5+ other men and no women). Also mostg inside the bulding are in formal dress and she is in "joggers and sweats" perhaps suggesting she is (and viewed) as an outsider. This may just be my impression but I think it comes across she is rather independent. The first sign of sinister insentives comes in the office when we see graphic images of a murder on the wall and the mention of a current enigmatic character "Hanibal Lecter".

Sound

The music is almost violent but in a structured tempo, its quite sharp and dramatic yet has a pace that suits the ereyness of the scene well. Gradually it builds and this adds to the idea that something is going to happen to Jodie Fosters character.

Mise En Scene

Woods is a typical setting for a thriller and this is somewaht of a convention, It's a area which can represent mystery and a labryrinth. The mist also adds to this effect, mist is associated with the unknown and the unseen, suggesting danger and that something may be lurking in the mist. The lighting is very stereotypical, low and dull again creating a deep mood. Also another point to make is the bare trees, autum time, the trees are stipped of any properity of pleasentry the leaves may represent. In terms of props, uniform is a key element, as I've already mentioned the formal dress is in contrast tot he main character and also her uniform and the man's vest/cap give some backround (FBI).

Cinematopgraphy

Begins with long shot to show the overasll setting before honing in on the main character, introducing her and what is going on. Then the camera tracks her as she continues on the run, from a distance that is close enough to give the audience every aspect of what she is doing but also to take in the surroundings. Also it moves in a slightly disturbed way suggesting it might be someone who is looking at her as the angle chops and changes like an uneven run. Then finally a close up shows her facial expression and the audience can interact with her emotion incase anything drastci happens.

Graphics

The titles to begin with are extremely bold and simple. Unlike other thriller films there is no montage for the opening which we can withdraw clues from however the large bold font is almost a statement of intent, no-nonsense and to the point.

Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Narrative Structure

The films begins with first person narration voicing over shots of scenery, relevant to the setting of the film. This technique is commonly used to not only set the story/back round or give it a moral meaning (e.g. sommersets' voice over at the end of the film "Se7en") but also to give is a abstract effect. For example in this film Tommy Lee Jones introduces himself as Sheriff of this county ,that we are seeing several shots off, yet soon moves onto a story of a young boy who murdered a girl and claimed he would happily do it again and knew he was going to hell. This although on first hearing slightly irrelevant It has a deeper meaning and sets the tone for the whole film. It is almost foreshadowing what is to come, the theme of the film and the nature of the murderous character (pure and undoubted evil). The audience can almost have a taste of what they are in for form this narrative and the distant shots and low humming wind give a all together chilling opening. We then are given the first indication to who is involved in this film. A formidable and creepy looking man is taken to a Sheriff's station, we then see the man walk behind the Sheriff and strangle him to death, he does this with apparent ease suggesting he is a experienced killer and giving the audience a sign or more sinister things to come form him. He then performs another murder on a apparently innocent man, luring him to the side of the road in a police car and calmly yet brutally shooting his point blank in the head with a captive bolt. Giving more indication to just how cold and inhuman this man really is, and adding to his mysterious and fearful persona.

Sound

In terms of music to put it simply, there is none. However this does not mean there are not clues to be extracted for this reason. Music is often used to give a added dimension to a scene, the music often fitting in with whats happening on screen and more often than not in a thriller it is dramatic. Although a lack of sound can be just as effective, firstly, It focuses the viewer to the dialogue (in this case the all important narrative) and can create a sense of mystery and build tension. This is used especially well in this film as the setting is in distant country in American meaning it is underlining the isolation all these character have. The sound is all digetic meaning each foot on gravel and closing of door can be heard, really adding to the suspense and sense of evil amongst the distance (county ) that is apparent in the start of this film.

Character Profile

Tommy Lee Jones' character (although heard not seen) can be interpreted as a good-to-do Sheriff who is perhaps coming to the end of his tenner. This is not simply because he sounds old but because he talks of "the old timers" and is recollecting on the past. We can gather that this Sheriff will play an important role in this film having seen what the man who murdered the young Sheriff is capable of. The man (unnamed at this point) is a very interesting character, he appears to lack any form of human sincerity or emotion, he carries out his murders in a ruthless fashion (showing he has done this before and could be some form of assassin or bounty hunter).His voice has a very distinct deep and husky tone, a clever ploy to add to how unique this man is, but in the most terrifying way. He is calm and collected displaying a almost alien nature in the way he appears to have no real morals or code of conduct. His methods are blunt and sinister and It reflects the theme of the film and adds tot he tension in the ensuing "cat and mouse" chase later on as this character is so enigmatic.

Mise en Scene
Credit should go to the director's of this film (Cohen brothers) who's mise en scene takes in every tiny aspect and detail and translates it into a film that is more believable than most. There is a variety of ways in which this is done, for example the lack of elaborate graphics and introduction titles give the audience a view they are immersed in the story of the film right form the beginning and aren't introduced to some spectacle merely meant to entertain them (as film is also meant to connect with the audience, especially ones portraying realistic scenarios). Once again the lack of music adds to this effect as it all sound that you could hear if you were present in the film. In the opening there isn't a single shot that seems distant and un-real, all is relevant and its all blends together in a compact realistic setting that blurs the lines between film and reality. In terms of props it is all very in theme e.g. the police car is distinctly worn down and the uniform and clothes are typical of the time period (1980's) and the setting in which it all takes place. A example of this would simply be, American countryside, cheque shirt and denim wear would be common clothing. These details culminate to create a sense of reality that is unnaturally close to that of our own.

Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-AMERICAN PYSCHO

Narrative Structure
The opening titles are set against a backdrop of falling blood drops, this is indication of what is to come yet It doesn't necessarily fit with the elegant music and upcoming scene. All seems initially quite well as Patrick Bateman (Main character) and friends discuss affairs at a privilege restaurant, showing Bateman is a upper class member of citizen and is socialising with what you may call "toffs" giving the audience back round info. This is leading the audience Into a somewhat false sense of security as we see now impending danger. Bateman then travels to a nightclub and we see the first sign of his psychotic behaviour. Whilst talking to a waitress he mutters of how he will brutally murder her before turning pleasant once more (the following day he goes to the dry cleaners with a set of bloodstained sheets, suggesting he committed this act and thus the first act is thought to have been committed but no confirmed as it hasn't been shown). Although brief we know now that there are clearly underlying issues and the viewer anticipates how these will be carried out. The next scene is Patrick describing his persona whilst carrying out a rigorous morning routine and with through his choice of words there is more proof that things are becoming sinister in his head and perhaps for those around him. His routine is unbelievably precise and detailed, taking great pride in his appearance but perhaps to a creepy extent. Coming across as isolated but embracing this and not content with others around him. His apartment is classy and modern reflecting his care in appearance. With all these factors combined the audience can't help but feel something seedy lurks in this characters background and that this immensely healthy image on the outside is a indication to dark on the inside. Then in the last moments of the scene he transfers from description to a brief but chilling account of how he is a "entity", and "simply not there" distancing himself from the edges of human sanity.

Sound
Music plays a key role in the opening part of the film, It is in theme with the upper class and high society lifestyle Bateman and his colleagues lead, piano based with a classy feel. Setting the scene and linking with Bateman's image well. Also it quite dramatic and is in theme with the images and showing of blood in the opening credits. In the routine scene the music is calm in sound yet fast piano playing with a repeated theme and rise and fall in tempo (notably lower when he speaks). As Bateman's dialogue changes to more sinister meanings the theme takes a change to and becomes a bit darker, in a lower key before ultimately tuning out and into a quite screech. This is parallel to the mood of the scene, steady and rhythmic then a twist at the end. In the card scene this technique is used again, the music come sin when Bateman is getting frustrated and is echoed and dark, with a slight beating drum in the distance.

Character Profile
Patrick Bateman (portrayed by Christian Bale-best known for Batman) is a complex character with a twisted set of values and moral views. He is a complete enigma and manages to display a image that keeps his bloodthirsty self at bay, until it is released in certain instances. Yet there is a constant insanity within the man and he appears to embrace this. He is not a stereotypical serial killer in film, his methods are tested and cunning. Luring people in with his false facade and then brutally murdering them. However in the opening scenes no murder has yet to take place and we can only judge Bateman on the occasionally "slip of tongue" he gives about his seedy and sinful ways. He is constantly smart and well groomed, adding to his convincing portrayal, and is usual well spoken and intelligent. Yet snippets of his delirious self are shown, e.g. when he is in the cleaners he openly shouts how he will kill the shop owner yet this is disregarded. "My mask of sanity is slipping away" a quote that suggest even Bateman himself is doubting himself and how he can go hiding his lust for killing. He seems to detest many aspects of life and is ignorant to those around him e.g. when his girlfriend is talking of marriage he has his headphones in and dismisses it with "I can't take time off work". Also his is very observational and present everything he says as spot on. A final point to make is when Patrick states "I want to fit in" indicating he sees himself as a outsider and backs my point made earlier about him seeming, inhuman.

Cinematography and Mise en scene
The shots in the routine scene are particularly interesting, a distant shot of his apartment gives the audience a feel of this man's lifestyle and then we cut to Bateman, close up of his reflection in a panting is used to good affect as it represents a duel personalty. Each action Bateman describes is shown in the scene e.g. the shampoo and a close up of him peeling off his facial mask is symbolic of his "mask of insanity". The props used e.g. the facial cream, ice pack etc are used well to create greater effect on the detail Bateman is going into. The other characters around Bateman are presented as fat cats of the business world and although intellectual we are given the view that they are below Bateman's superior knowledge, e.g. the way he judge's/accesses them in the office commenting on how he is alike some someone yet has "a slightly better haircut" and "this complete dickhead Marcus", suggesting the fickle and. The card scene being a fantastic example of this, in which they compare company cards (all very elegant), a very materialistic and snobby act yet one which highlights Bateman's fragile mind as he becomes notable disturbed that theirs are better, to the point where he physically sweats. The camera shows a close up on Bateman to reveal this and thus makes the scene even more intense.

Section 2-Analysing Thrillers-JAWS

Narrative Structure
The iconic music is played in a rhythmic tempo that rises as the scene goes on. The titles are blue and green (same colours associated with the sea) which gives indication as to what is to come. The view is from the Shark, it is moving at a fast streamline pace as if It has a goal, this introduces tension from the very beginning. We then see It cut to a scene of a young group of teenagers on the beach. The audience can gather the time period by the use of clothing, hair and attitudes/social situations of teenagers at the time. Initially it appears as a calm setting, the hum of guitar contrasting to the previously on edge theme. Perhaps laying down a false sense of security as there is unease about what is to come. The camera stops panning right and we are introduce to what would appear the two main characters in this scene (Chrissie and a young male). After making eye contact they decide to run and go swimming, Immediately the audience is alerted by the fact they have left what can be seen as comfort zone (the group of teenagers). Suspense builds as they get further and further way and Chrissie strips of showing her vulnerability as she enters the vast seen alone. The male is feebly chasing after her clearly intoxicated despite claiming "I'm not drunk". This leads to a poor lack of awareness and he ultimately passes out on the shore. Chrissie swims out a fair distance and the audience begin to speculate, more a question of when the Shark will attack than if it will. No noise can be heard just her and the water to emphasise just how alone she is. The sun is rising yet the water is a murky grey and the sky a dull sheet, this use of colour is setting the atmosphere for the attack. As I will elaborate on later the attack scene is very much a suspense building and a climatic finale to the build up of the previous scenes. The shark is shown to be in power and the girl helpless as she is thrashed around producing screams of help to terrify the audience. She is engulfed under the water and nothing else is seen,the shot lingers over the sea to show she is well and truly gone and for the impact to have its effect.

Cinematography

When we are shown the group of teenagers there is a pan shot from left to right, this is introducing the atmosphere and characters so the audience can interact with the situation. It stops and we see a close up on the two main characters to introduce them as the vocal point of the upcoming scene. What is known as a "worm shot" is used to show the Shark's view from underneath Chrissie, emulating its power and threatening potential, how it is in control and ready to pounce. There is then a close up of Chrissie but due to the lack of light you can't really see her facial expressions much, a clever ploy so that concealment is kept (just like it is with the Shark's view). We never see a shot of underwater after the Shark's initial attack, this creates a element of mystery and doesn't give too much away, giving the Shark a more pounded ego and ultimately increasing the audiences' fear as they aren't given clear indication of what it is like. The most interesting shot is when Chrissie is shown as a small figure in the huge ocean and all you can see is the sea for miles and miles on end. Truly summing up her isolation and the audience can better connect with how alone and vulnerable she is. Also the contrasting shot of Chrissie's peril in comparison to the male who is calmly drifting away on the beach.

Sound

The music to begin is ere yet in a fast passed drumming tempo, this creates the tense atmosphere but also gives a sense of warning and violent threat. As Ive hinted at the music on the beach is calm and relaxed, creating a safe and warm environment, this is in contrast to the theme hear initially and also the music used once Christie and the man have left the group, this is used to create a sense of protection in the group which is then broken. The areas of the opening scene where there is no sound (e.g. when Christie is in the water) is used to good effect so that the audience can focus on the imagery and gather the sense of emptiness in the ocean. The non digetic music at the beginning is in a minor key thus setting a dark tone and hinting as to what is to happen later on.

Character Profile

JAWS(unseen), Christie and the young male are the 3 characters shown to the audience In this scene. As i touched on the circle of teenagers is a signifier to there mood and situation, drink, drugs, chilled, music, free love (all key components of a stereotypical 60's-70's American lifestyle). Drugs and Alcohol slow down the mind and this is evident in the case of the male, he is drowsy and unassertive, meaning the audience could doubt later actions (they would be right as he passes out). The girl Christie is portrayed as innocent and perhaps slightly childish (the she eagerly runs off to the sea and laughs), representing the perfect vulnerable figure, used as bait for the Shark that we know is coming. She is shown (in a above shot) to be out the circle and this could suggest she is unwilling to take part with the others or somewhat of a outcast.

Mise En SceneConcealment was used to begin with as the audience expects the Shark to attack straight from the off but It doesn't as It cuts to the beach scene. The hair and clothing of the characters are all in theme with the time period which is parallel with the activities they are doing (drink, drugs). We can assume it is dawn and the sun is just about to rise as the characters look worn out, tired and there is little movement, suggesting an "allnighter". The lighting is dull and grey, foreshadowing the ere atmosphere beyond the safety of this circle on the beach.  The props used (e.g. guitar and harmonica) represent the ambiance of the situation. Also the final shot just shows the sea, showing no one is alert to the attack, it has swiftly been and gone and the ocean is once again the Sharks to roam, creating a nervous feeling.

Section 1-Thriller Genre

Many misunderstand the term Thriller and accosiated it to closey with Horror films. When infact a Thriller is a totally different genre in it's own right. In my view a Thriller is one of the most complex genre's in Film, Television and Literature incorporating suspense, tension, psychological factors, excitement that is intented to keep the audience guessing and on the edge of their seats. They usually bring out the highest form of human emotion in anxiety, anticipation, fear and asousal and revolve around sub thriller catergories such as
Crime
Murder
Violence
Disaster
Medical
Legal
Pyschological
Conspiracy
Historical
and many more
Thrillers can range from crime based with scenes of a gorey nature to intense pyschological ones in which the audiences logic is put to the test. The intentions of a Thriller are to captavate the audience in realistic ways through suspense, red herrings, twists and turns, unpredictablility and gripping terror that challenges and interests the mind.