"Hollow Crown- Architects" (Molly Curtis)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KsY2bv1tfc

A video I made the other day :) only took me an afternoon so isn't very good but i'm proud of it. :D

FEEDBACK PLEEEEEASE :D

(positive and negative)

Preliminary Task

This is our final version of our Preliminary Task.

(Molly) Director Study:- Alfred Hitchcock

AKA, 'The Master Of Suspense' and 'Hitch', Alfred Hitchcock was one of the most influential directors of the 1940's.

The first complete film Hitchcock directed in fact dates back to the 1920's , was called The Pleasure Garden and starred Virginia Valli and Carmelita Geraghty.

He then continued to direct throughout the 1930s, with films like 'Murder!' and 'Secret Agent'.

(Molly) Codes and Conventions of the Thriller Genre

What are the key Codes and Conventions of the Thriller Genre?

The conventions of the thriller genre are based on sound, editing, lighting, mise-en-scene and cinematography. .

The codes and conventions are mainly what the audiences expect to see within a thriller this includes all types of thrillers, including its subgenres, (psychological, action, etc)

What audiences expect to see is what producers need to include to attract an audience. The codes and conventions in a thriller always includes a victim, which most of the time is a vulnerable female protagonist and a dominant male character. This lets the audiences relate with the stereotypes and therefore this produces more audience appeal and realism.

Psychological thrillers usually play with audiences minds by giving a false sense of security, using red herrings, or manipulating a character keep audiences guessing.

Sound is a large factor in creating tension in a thriller sequence. High pitched strings are usually used to heighten suspense, and eventually the suspense is released with a loud diagetic noise.

If the theme of the film is water or ice for instance, the sound used may be similar to the noise you get when circling a finger round a glass, this is a convention of a thriller because the image and sound are contrapuntal (synchronous). A good example to see these codes and conventions are in the opening of the film "Scream".

Past Students Work

Good points on 'Smile'

• The use of Polaroid photos on the pin board, with news clippings and notes to introduce the characters and cast as well as the crew was an imaginative device, and reminded me of 'Momento'. The pin board and Polaroid photos could be a reoccurring theme through out the film, and would make a nice touch.

• The use of voice over is a great idea, as very often the antagonist is given a voice. As the audience are told the story from the antagonists point of view, we can tell how sick and mentally ill he really is; this is disturbing and fits with the conventions of thriller openings.

• The use of simple and not over complicated music highlights the dialogue, and yet the music creates tension and suspense. The use of the low key and almost constructively slow rhythm link with the impression we gain from the antagonist, as he is shown via set up as oddly calm.

Bad points on 'Smile'

• The worst part of Smile was the key narrative twist just before the title card. I found i had to pause the video to decipher that the girl who the antagonist was stalking was tied up. To achieve a better effect i think they could have used depth of field, with the female figure out of focus in the background, behind the Polaroid picture to re-enforce what has happened. 

• The sometimes cheesey prop of photographs was overused at such points as 0:42. I think the opening would have flowed better if the characters didn't know they were being photographed, and that the killer was unknown to them.

How set up is used in Shutter Island

Shutter island, as the title explains is set on an island; this sets the theme of isolation through out the film. The Use of the word Shutter within the title is also important, as it shows as one people are on the island they wont be let off, much like looking through shutters or blinds, as you can see past them but you are restricted by them.

The set up shows that the County Marshals are out of place and feel un-comfortable by the characters feeling ill on the ferry over, by sea sickness(which the island is obviously surrounded by). This shows that what is imprisoning them is also making them ill. When the Marshals have their guns taken off them, they are particularly weary, as they are loosing the connotations of guns, that of power, dominance and control.

Teddy Daniel and Chuck Aule's relationship is shown via the transport of Mise-en-Scene and framing. The Marshals dress code is very similar showing at this moment in time they are close, even though they have just met. their clothes separate them from everyone else, such as the workers and patients on the island. Chuck is pictured on the left of teddy at all times, foreshadowing us finding out that he is the character in control, as Teddy is in fact a patient.

The colours used within them film are of a grey hint due to the film stock. This shows the island lacks life and happiness. The use of barriers, lines and wires re-enforce the feeling of entrapment, not only within the island, but within Teddy's false world.

Teddy is hostile to the guards from the start, that seems to come from an ingrained hate. This shows that Teddy is in fact a patient from first arriving on the island, and is supported by the abundance of guards when Teddy first arrives from the ferry.

Director Study- Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino, known for his gory scenes, gripping story lines as well as his sometimes obscure camerawork. Some of his work includes Reservoir Dogs, which instantly made his name critically acclaimed, Pulm Fiction and Kill Bill.

Reservoir Dogs appeared at the Sundance Film Festival, by the first-time writer-director-actor. With a complex time-code, but simple key plot, the film became a cult classic, and is many aspiring directors primary inspiration.







His company with Lawrence Bender, A Band Apart Records, issues music releases, concentrating mainly on soundtracks.
The companies work includes:

TV commercial for PerfecTV! (1996)

On Broadway in "Wait Until Dark" (1998)

Co-wrote the song "Scooby Snacks" with Fun Lovin' Criminals for their usage of excerpts from Pulp Fiction (1994) and Reservoir Dogs (1992).

Liner notes on the Johnny Cash album "Murder"

Uncredited dialogue "punch-ups" in Crimson Tide (1995).

2000: Wrote liner notes for the Johnny Cash box set "Love, God, & Murder" alongside musician Bono.

Tarantino is set to carry on with his gritty twists on American idealism, and with many more obscure prodjects that no one could have expected. After all, it is Quentin Tarantino.

"Every dog has its day"