research into cinematography ( Miss Miller )

Cinematography- the art of photography and camerawork in film-making.

During this essay I will discuss the cinematography of a certain clip: this includes the use of angles, movement and camera shots. The clip I have chosen is from The silence of the lambs. I picked this as it goes from a quiet scene to a lot more action. This provides various camera shos, angles and movements to analyse.

The first camera angle in the clip was a high angle shown at the start. This is where we were shown the police officer's from a higher angle in front of the lift. This higher angle makes the character seem smaller, as though we are towering over them. By doing this it makes the characters look vulnerable and weak. It also fore shadows what could happen. In this case the vulnerable police officers are deceived by Hannibal Lecter and they lose two of their colleagues. It conveys a sense of surprise as we see what should be organised, official police officers turn to be vulnerable and confused. This all intensifies the situation of the escaping Hannibal Lecter.

Secondly there was a use of a hand held camera shown as the police climb the stairs to investigate the shooting sound and missing officers.  As they ran along the corridor and ran up the stairs the camera switches to a hand held. The effect of this is that it highlights the panic of the situation: the sudden movement of the camera creates a sense of chaos for the audience. This emphasises the feeling of fear and suspense as the viewer is keen to find out what their reactions might be to the deaths of their partners. By creating chaos and panic it elaborates the danger of Hannibal Lecter and the importance of the situation. 

Also included in this clip was a zooming in camera movement on the lift dial. The dial shows where the shooter of the gun may have been or even where Hannibal might be. The fact the camera zooms in on it shows the audience that it is important. This builds up tension for the viewer as we find out Hannibal's where abouts and as we worry over his plans. In addition to this, by zooming in on the dial for this length of time it could highlight the fact that it is the center of attention in the room full of police officers. The fact that the movement of Hannibal is creating this huge sense of panic between the officers further more creates suspense for the audience as we see how dangerous he is.

A camera shot included in this sequence is an extreme close up. This is applied on one of the young police officers face to show his facial features. The police officer looks very scared and the extreme close up highlights this anxiety shown. This has been done to show his facial features in great detail, by doing this it emphasises the officers panic over the situation. All of this again shows the great danger of Hannibal and creates a sense of fear and suspense over what might happen. The close up also creates sympathy towards the young officer which exaggerates the effect that later events have on the audience. 

In addition to the forms of cinematography stated, the clip also included a point of view (POV) shot. This was used to show exactly what the officers can see as they enter the horrific death scene. It shows the gruesome image of the dead officer hung up over Hannibal's prison cell. The main reason this is done is to highlight what has happened with the death of the officers. It emphasises the horrific situation that the policeman are in. The shot means that we are put into the perspective of the officers, by doing this a relationship is built between the audience and the characters and a great sense of fear is created as we see the danger they are in.

To conclude, I think that the this sequence is mostly full of cinematography used to build tension and suspense for later events in the film. This is done by highlighting the anxiety of the police officers through showing their facial expressions and by highlighting the chaos of the situation. I emphasises the danger of the situation and builds upon the importance of Hannibal Lecter's escape being prevented. My analysis of the cinematography in this clip should greatly help me to highlight a facial features of characters and to create a sense of panic and chaos when it comes to creating my own thriller. 

Research into Mise on scene ( Mrs Georgiou )

Mise En Scene - the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play.

-Settings and iconography
-costume, hair and make up
-facial expression
-lighting

This is a certain scene from the film 'deliver us from evil' it shows various thriller conventions in this sequence.

Settings and iconography 

The setting in this scene is a dark enclosed prison cell, this creates a sense of suspense as the audience does not know exactly what is wrong with the possessed creature like character inside the cell. Also the bars surrounded the women shows she is dangerous and creates fear for the viewers.

Costume, hair and make up 

There is a large amount of work put into the presentation of the creature like women, this included costume hair and make up.  She is dressed in a hospital like gown, this could show us that she is ill and that something is wrong with her. It emphases the fact that she is dangerous and further more creates fear for the audience. The make up used on her made her seem ill and mentally twisted. Her face was made up to look battered, swollen, cut and bloody. the blood and cuts emphasise that she is dangerous and increase the fear put upon the audience. Her face is also made to look pale and white making her seem very ill and shows that something is horribly wrong with her. This is all done to create a sense of fear.

Facial expression 

The women in the jail was showing various deranged facial expressions putting a big impression onto the audience . She had wide eyes and an open mouth looking up at the man questing her. This made her look crazy, wild and creature-like. The expression shows us that the women is not mentally sane and makes her seem ill or possessed. This creates fear for the reader as she seems unstable, it puts the audience on edge. Although the main interrogator remains calm with a straight face throughout the clip his partner creates a different effect on the audience. He has a scared, worried expression, he looks vary of the deranged women inside the jail. These two characters are made to be the ones who the audience can trust and rely on. The fact he looks frightened by the women emphasises the viewers fear and anxiety. This fear builds a sense of suspense for the viewers as they are not sure what the women might do.

Lighting

In this clip low key lighting is used to create suspense and mystery over the creature-like women inside the jail. The lighting is coming from outside the jail, this creates a shadow over the women hiding many of her facial features and keeping many of the jail in the dark. The dark setting creates a sense of mystery about the character and builds upon the fear applied to the audience. As we cannot see the scene clearly the audience become more engaged as they want to see what will happen with the deranged women.

Evaluation 

By researching into Mise on scene I have realised how setting up and preparation of a scene is extremely vital into determining how the scene pans out. The lighting, presentation of characters and the setting itself can have a big effect on the audience, creating various emotions for the viewer. This is very important for creating the sense of suspense, shock and surprise which are crucial for a thriller. This research into Mise on scene has helped greatly with the preparation for my thriller as I now know various ways of preparing a scene to create fear, mystery and suspense which will added to my sequence. Examples of this include: the low key lighting, the deranged or frightened facial expressions and the enclosed setting emphasising the fear of the character inside.

Research into the BBFC - Mrs Miller

BBFC- British Board Film Classification 

Introduction 

The BBFC is a regulator of the moving image, its purposes are as follows:

• To protect the public from content which might raise potential risks 


• To provide the public with a way of making informed viewing choices 


• To recognise and reflect adult freedom of choice 


• To provide a cost effective, efficient classification service within our statutory responsibility

classification:

U stands for universal. A U film should be suitable for all audiences. Only a minimum amount of swearing should be allowed in this category. Sex references are forbidden and films must not include any sexual behaviour or nudity of any kind. The violence in these films must be very mild and will mostly depend on the context of the scene; however the outcome of violence will always end well and comfort the audience. Dangerous behaviour and use of drugs in a U film will generally be clearly disapproved of or punished in the film and should contain a educational message to children. Finally, U rated films are usually light hearted and easy to follow, they always end well with a positive conclusion. Some of these films may include Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, or Toy story.
 

PG - PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means it is unsuitable for younger children unless accompanied by an adult. The language in PG films may comprise of mild swear words. However, the context in which it is used it very important. For example, if the swear words are used in a threatening way, the film may have to be re-categorised to reflect this. There should not be a great amount of violence in a PG rated film, so while they may be some blood shown we should not see how the injury was inflicted in great detail. Furthermore, context of violence is also important; violence depicted in a more friendly context would be more acceptable. Any dangerous or antisocial behaviour which children could copy such as smoking, drinking, playing with electricity or bullying will go unchallenged or unpunished. There may also be mild or undetailed references to sex and sexual behaviour in a PG film. In addition to this, there may be small references to drugs. However, if drugs are referred to, there should be a clear anti-drugs message.

 

Films classified 12 and 12 A may contain material that is not suitable for a child under the age of 12. Any child under the age of 12 may only see this film if accompanied by adult, whether the film is suitable for the child is the adults reasonability. 12 films that are light hearted and positive may be more likely to pass for a 12A than a dark violent serious piece of work. The use of strong language is a lot less strict in a 12 than a PG, however the classification strongly depends on the context in which the language is used. Sex and sexual behaviour may be briefly shown in a 12 rated film, however it may not be in detail and comedy would lessen the effects. Nudity may be shown, however very discreetly. Moderate violence may be seen in these films, however shall not be dwelled upon. Any injury or blood shall not be focused on. Drugs and bad behaviour shown in a 12 will not be put in detail or endorsed in anyway, plus any misuse of drugs in a film ill not be glamourized and may even be seen punished in the movie. To conclude, 12 and 12A rated films will be made to be entertaining for a teenager or older and therefore may include the use of violence, sexual references and maybe even use of drugs; however, none of this will be dwelled upon and the film should not promote bad influences upon the younger audiences. A 12 film almost always ends well with the protagonist or the 'good' person coming up on top and a happy successful ending being shown. Examples of 12 rated films include; many of the James Bond series, various Marvel films such as the Avengers and Avatar.

 



 15 means that nobody under the age of 15 should be able to see this film, especially in the cinema. Strong language in a 15 rated film is not usually restricted, only if used continuously throughout a film may it be thought upon. A film of this classification shall also not endorse and discriminatory language, this must not be promoted. Sex and sex references are generally accepted at this category. The only restrictions ,may be that it must not be shown in detail and must be backed by the context. Strong violence is shown at this rating, however the film must not show the injury in detail and will not include any gory scenes. Verbal incidence of sexual violence is usually accepted, however physical sexual violence is generally frowned upon and not accepted. The use of drugs may be used in a 15 rated piece, this must not be focused on and should not be promoted or endorsed. The behaviour shown these films could be dangerous or unacceptable, but like other restricted features it should not be shown in a positive manner. Overall a 15 film should be an exciting and should keep the audience on edge. It may also have to keep the audience entertained through comedy or romance, with the older aged audience that may include using censored, restricted material to keep the viewers engaged.



 

An 18 piece is generally made for adults; restricted to anyone under the age of 18. In this classification there are hardly any limits on the restriction guidelines. The use of strong language is permitted and may be used frequently and aggressively, influenced by violence. There may be racist comments and discriminatory terms in an 18 film. However, the film as a whole must not break the law and breach any legislation regarding racism. Full nudity can be featured even when not in an educational capacity and 18 films can show a real sexual act. As long as it is not in a strong pornographic context. During an 18 film violence can be aggressive and be conveyed in strong detail. Pain or injury can even be focused on. The most graphic, gory images are allowed within this category . Drug use and reference are permitted to be shown during an 18 rated film but like other classifications drug must not be promoted or encouraged. Though these films and videos may cover contentious and dangerous subjects and themes, public safety is still a consideration. Very dangerous or criminal behaviour which could encourage copy-cat crime and therefore pose a risk to people's safety may be cut from the film before release. To summarise films with this classification contain detail that only appeals to adults and would shock and scare younger viewers. 18 films do not always have a good, happy ending. The plot may be twisted or unpredictable and need adult interpretation. Examples of 18 rated films are Wolf of Wall Street, The Halloween series and Good Fellows.

To conclude, although the restriction on content changes throughout the classification, the overall purpose of the controls remain the same. No dangerous behaviour that could be copied by a vulnerable audience is promoted the categories, such as the use of drugs, dangerous behaviour that could be copied by teenagers or even just images that may influence people into risking their own well being. The tone of film is the element that drastically differs throughout the classifications. A U is light hearted, humorous and will always end well, a 15 however may be darker and contain more censored material but will remain suitable to a teenager and an 18 can be extremely dark and gory or contain highly sensitive material that could have a highly serious element to it. This variation in tone emphasises how strict these guidelines should be and how the films differ throughout the spectrum.

History of thriller (Mrs Georgou)

1. Thriller timeline 
2. A genuine, standalone thriller is a film that provide thrills and keeps the audience cliff-hanging at the "edge of their seats" as the plot builds towards a climax. The tension usually arises when the character(s) is placed in a menacing situation, a mystery, or a trap from which escaping seems impossible.

   

   
   1920's-30's - In 1923 Alfred Hitchcock produced his first film called 'the lodger'. This was a silent thriller that followed a 'Jack the ripper' plot. The thriller movies in this time period were considered the most important thriller films produced. From the codes and conventions used in these films it is now clear to what classifies a 'thriller' film. 

   
   

   1940's - In 1940's Hitchcock continued to produce thrillers such as; foreign correspondent, Rebecca, Saboteur and shadow of doubt. George Cukor directs one of the first physiological thriller in 1944 called 'gas light'. Gaslight shows the origins of a thriller film. The typical conventions of a thriller are emphasised in this trailer. We are shown the theme of murder as the protagonist talks about it in a certain section during this clip. We also see the expected scene of a stronger, powerful, dangerous man towering and maybe even attacking the younger, vulnerable women. Although we do not get a clear detailed view on the film the clips still shows us that it is liable to include an antagonist and a protagonist.
   
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
                                                                                                                                                                                                               1950's-60's - In the 1950's Hitchcock made a massive change to the thriller genre. He added technicolor to his thrillers, they were no longer in black and white. He also added a touch of glamour to his films by casting 'glamorous blonds' to play his ladies. Through the reputation of these codes and conventions used by Hitchcock, he slowly built up what was expected of a thriller film. Psycho was a reknowned thriller durinmg this time period being one of Hitchokcs both well known peices. It simply conveys the orfordox conventions used at this day. Firstly, it shows a man, being the antagonist, and a women, being the protagonist. Thiller films are typically set out this way and Hitchcock obsessably applied this. Also this film has a ' gorgous blond ' staring as the victim. Directors nowdays still use an attractive actress as the vulnerable victim as the audience easily feel sympathy for them. The clip I have chosen also shows a typical murder scene in a thriller. The man uses a knife to attack the protagonist, over the past years of thriller a knife has been generally used as the murder weapon. This is beacause it shows gore and blood creating a sense of shock for the audience. Suspense is a key factor of a thriller film. The sequence builds upon suspense by prolonging the death by emphasing the details before such as the ripping of paper and the shower itself. Also we do not see who the angtagopniost is creating as sense of mystery and tension. We are given great examples of suspense, suprise and shock in this clip which are the main conventions of a thriller, still used widely today. 
   
   
   
                                                                                                                                                                                                      
   1970's-80's - Thriller films in this era began to edge closer to the horror genre, adding volume to the mix, however they still kept a clear difference between the two genres.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
3.  21st Century- During this time period the thriller genre moved closer and closer to the horror genre. Films started to contain more blood, gore and death, also containing the effects of action films. Instead of re-using any common plots of old thriller, they decided to modernize it by adding plots that included government conspiracy, terrorism and large world wide issues. A typical thriller from this time periopd is taken. This is based on governmaent issues and current worldwide problems, showing a typical plot of resent thrillers. It also provides a lot of action, this represents the new, very popular action thrillers of this period. The clip I have chjose presents various conventions that have originated from the first thrillers and the Alfred Hitchcock time period. Firstly it shows a vulnerable, glamourous, young girl being attacked and 'taken' by a more powerful men. This consept originated from the 1940s in a film such as 'gas light'. It shows how although many of the plots and content of thriller may have changed, a lot of the conventions have satyed the same. Also the clip shows an emphasis on suspense. This is built as the scene is prolonged through silence and exaggeration of details. Suspense is a key convention of a thriller as in increases the impact of the shock factor.  

Key changes over the years - Over the course of time there have been many changes made to the genre. For example the stereotypical plots, although still used, have a modern twist. Often including situations relevant to modern society. For example 'Unknown' or 'Taken', including government or terrorist based plots.

As time progressed, music and sounds were used too 'heighten the viewers mood', too make them feel tense and too create suspense.

Lighting and colour also became available to the directors, this allowed them to used dark, shadowing lighting to emphasise the dark side to characters. 

Key films

 Alfred Hitchcock's

• The Lodger - Considered the first ever 'Thriller' film.
• Rebecca - Combined other genres such as romance that made the thriller genre more appealing to a wider audience. 
• Frenzy - Changed the direction of thrillers and moved closer to the horror genre, with an array of blood, gore and death.

Dead Calm (1989) Phillip Noyce, a psychological thriller, this film followed a 'villain-driven' plot in which the protagonist is trapped and must escape from the villain, also contained elements of obsession - a plot that had a great influence on the thriller genre

Top 10 thriller list 

Rank	Title (click to view)	Studio	Lifetime Gross /Theaters		Opening / Theaters		Date
1	Hannibal	MGM	$165,092,268	3,292	$58,003,121	3,230	2/9/01
2	The Silence of the Lambs	Orion	$130,742,922	1,642	$13,766,814	1,497	2/14/91
3	Basic Instinct	TriS	$117,727,224	1,884	$15,129,385	1,567	3/20/92
4	Seven	NL	$100,125,643	2,528	$13,949,807	2,441	9/22/95
5	Red Dragon	Uni.	$93,149,898	3,363	$36,540,945	3,357	10/4/02
6	Saw II	Lions	$87,039,965	2,949	$31,725,652	2,949	10/28/05
7	Saw III	LGF	$80,238,724	3,167	$33,610,391	3,167	10/27/06
8	The Bone Collector	Uni.	$66,518,655	2,623	$16,712,020	2,587	11/5/99
9	Saw IV	LGF	$63,300,095	3,183	$31,756,764	3,183	10/26/07
10	The Cell	NL	$61,334,059	2,476	$17,515,050	2,411	8/18/00

Hannibal is top of the list, it has produced the most 'lifetime gross' therefore making the most money and being the most successful thriller. Reasons for this may of included the time it was produced, the way it was produced and the great opinion of the public. Hannibal had two extremely well known, successful actors starring in it such as Antony Hopkins, Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman. This gave the film a massive edge as they were popular actors making people desperate to watch the film. The film was also first published as a very popular book, this also increased viewings as people wanted to experience the film.

Towards the middle of the table is Red dragon. This made $93,149,898 in its life time, very near the hundred mark. This film was a sequel to the Hannibal however was not as successful. One reason for this could have been that they lost some key actors such as Julienne Moore and Gary Oldman, therefore losing the excitement. However they still had Antony Hopkins who was a very popular actor at the time which helped with their viewings. Another reason this film may have fallen in the list is that it has a very similar storyline to Hannibal. People may have thought it was too similar and therefore could have been put off it slightly.

Towards the bottom of the list was 'the cell'. Although this was a very popular film it is low in the ranking of simular films to it. One of the stars in this film was jenifer lopez, although being a famous singer she was not reknowed for being an actor, this could have damaged the film as she may not have the quality that some actors possess. It also wouldn't have had as much marketing as some of the hannibal and saw series as they have been some of the biggest thriller films in recent history. Therefor it was have not got as many viewings.     

1.