Planning: Planning cinematography, sound and editing - Mrs. Quinlan

Micro elements are essential when creating a movie. This include:

• Cinematography

• Sound

• Editing

• Mise en Scene

Cinematography is categorised into three section which are sizes, angle and movement. The shot sizes help establish a setting or focus on a specific object with the extreme close up shot. Angle can help to shoe different power distributions among the characters. Whereas, movements helps demonstrate how the protagonist is feeling or where the protagonist is going with the use of the panning shot.  Sound help create the atmosphere of the scene with added or real sound. For example the use of diegetic sound of gun shot and knife stabbing makes the audience have a fearful response, whereas a cheerful soundtrack will make the viewers feel relaxed and comfortable. Editing usually compliments the sound in order to have exaggerated effects and meaning to the spectators. Editing transition help to frame the shot fluently if edited well. Also, different edits have different meanings, for example a fade to white usually connote to a dream or something happens in past which was joyful. A fade to black is usually used in trailers, so they don't spoil the narrative of the movie and also to move to another frame fluently. It is also used at the end of a movie to signify the end. Mise en Scene includes everything that is on stage including the actor. This involves costume, hair and make-up, setting, iconography, lighting and colours, body language and facial expression.

Common use of cinematography in thriller movie:

Cinematography is one of the important microelements of the film industry. For example a high angle will be used to a female victim demonstrating her weak status, whereas a low angle will be used to the antagonist to show that he in in power to kill the victim. Not only it help to establish characters but also setting and iconography. An example that will usually use in a thriller movie would be a close up of a facial expression of the protagonist to show his determination or an iconography that has significance in the scene.

This is a list of the most significant cinematography techniques that we plan to include in our thriller opening:

Close up

One of the first cinematography techniques will be a close up of a double page spread from a fashion magazine with three beheaded women. We chose to use this shot because it will allow to show clearly the iconography and the beheaded women so the audience can put their full attention on this image. Also the close up will not reveal the identity of the hidden character who stays anonymous until the end of the sequence. This shot is conventional to a thriller because often close ups are used to show something significant without revealing the main character which helps to create a buildup of tension. This close up will have an effect on the audience as they will become curious of who could commit such a cruel act to a vulnerable female models. A similar close up is used in the opening of Seven where the character crosses out and highlights different texts from the Holy Bible without revealing his identity. This technique works well in this opening because it helps to keep the element of surprise and suspense for the viewer who is oblivious to the character on screen.

Medium Close up

Another shot that we decided to use was a medium close up which will display one of the cast names as well as a red bra which will be quickly grabbed by someone’s hand off the screen. We chose to use this shot because it will allow to show two things at once, one being the credit and second being the red bra with a hand. However it will be close enough not to reveal too much of the characters identity and keep the audience intrigued. This shot is conventional to a thriller opening because often close up shots are used continuously in order to stimulate the spectator senses as well as their curiosity. This shot will make the audience feel curious because they are unable to predict what will happen as well as are not able to tell anything about what is going on. A medium close up is effectively used in the opening of Saw where the male character is exposed to the light and realizes that he is kidnapped. This allows the audience to see his fearful facial expressions but does not show the full location, leaving them in suspense.

Zoom in

We decided that we will use a zoom in when the frame introduces the iconography of the mannequin for the first time. We chose to use this camera movement because it will help to place emphasis on the mannequin and suggest that this is something significant and will play a part in the narrative or influence the character. This movement is conventional to the thriller genre because often thrillers tend to use zoom in in order to make sure that the audience will focus their full attention on the object/ person that the frame displays. I think that this zoom in will make the audience feel intrigued because they will be wondering why is a mannequin such a significant object and how will it influence the upcoming actions in the narrative. A zoom in is effectively used in the ending scene from Psycho. This is evident when the antagonist gives his final monologue and the camera zooms into his facial expression, showing that he is in fact a psychopath. This zoom in makes the audience place their attention on the character and allows to learn something about him.

Extreme Close up

Another example that we have decided on is an extreme close up. this shot will display the character's lips which are being painted with a red lipstick. We decided to use an extreme close up to display this frame because it will place emphasis on the red colour as well as help to keep the character identity anonymous. The emphasis of red will make the audience feel fearful because red connotes evil and blood which propose danger, thus creating a threatening atmosphere for the viewer who will expect something dramatic to happen. This shot is conventional to the thriller genre because usually extreme close ups are used in order to make something very significant and show it's importance in the narrative. An example of an extreme close up is used in the thriller Knowing. The dates and numbers which were circled in red marker were often displayed in an extreme close up to show their importance in the narrative as well as to show that they are dangerous, which was evident by the use of red marker. 

Low Angle

Moreover, our group decided to use a low angle when the character is partially reveled. We wanted to use this low angle because it will show this character's supremacy as well as suggest that they are in fact dangerous. This angle is conventional to the thriller genre because often angles help to establish the hierarchy and power distribution between the characters. In thrillers, low angles, are usually used to make someone look dominant and powerful in comparison to others. This angle would make the audience feel intimidated by the character who has much more authority ans supremacy over the vulnerable viewer who needs to look up to the character. A low angle is used in the thriller Wanted where the character of Morgan Freeman is displayed at a low angle to show his high status and power within his crew.

Tilt shot

We have come to the conclusion that a tilt shot should be used to fully introduce the character, starting from bottom to top, displaying his full image. We want to use this movement because it will allow to closely display the antagonist and almost evaluate his features, including costume, make up and body language which will allow to convey the character representation. This movement is conventional to a thriller genre because often tilt shots are used to introduce a significant character who will have a massive impact on the narrative. This tilt shot is likely to make the audience feel shocked realizing that this is a man who wears female clothing but at the same time they could feel fulfillment because they finally got to know who the anonymous character is. An example of an effective tilt shot is used in the opening of a mystery thriller Chloe, where the tilt shot reveals one of the main characters, allowing the audience to see her body language and costume.

Long shot

Lastly my group and I have decided to use a long shot at the end of our sequence. This shot will display the silhouette of the antagonist walking out of a dark yet unknown location. We want to use this particular shot to end our opening because it leaves the viewer with a cliff hanger. Additionally the viewer will be in apprehension because they are unaware of what the antagonist actions, are and where did he go. This shot is conventional to the thriller genre because often long shots are used to allow to the audience see full body as well as surroundings. Because the setting is very dark the audience will be able to infer that this character has evil intentions. A long shot is utilise towards the end of thriller Seven, where Somerset runs towards Mills and the antagonist tell them whats in the 'box'. That shot allows the audience to see a full body language and the deserted location giving the audience some information in the scene.

Common use of sound in thriller movie:

Sound is significant in any movie genre because is set the mood and the atmosphere of the scene and movie. In a thriller movie we will usually hear the on-screen sound of the female victim screaming for help, also the sound of footstep and explosion to create suspense and excitement to the audience. Another example would be the eerie soundtrack to create anxiety and make the viewer feel uncomfortable, which is conventional to a thriller movie.

This are the sounds we intend to use in our thriller opening:

There will be non- diegetic/ contrapuntal sound of a ballerina box used right at the beginning of the opening credits. We chose to use this because it will not match with the dark atmosphere of the scene, making the viewer confused and intrigued. This will also express the child like innocence behind the story but how much damage obsession and hatred had caused. This is conventional as this kind of non-diegetic sound can give a background story and additional knowledge for the viewer. From this the audience will feel insecure because the simple tune will have a haunting effect giving this scene a fearful atmosphere. The innocent track will be then replaced by growing eerie non diegetic sound.

Non-diegetic sound of an eerie metallic sound track will then be used throughout the opening scene, however it will be manipulated by pitch, volume and pace in order to make the sequence exciting. We chose this because eerie metal music will support the thriller genre, already signifying the audience what they could expect from the narrative. This kind of music could also scare the viewer which is the outcome of a thriller. This is similar in the opening of Seven where the non- diegetic sound changes in volume through out to create thrill as well as tension for the viewer.

An increase of tempo of the non-diegetic sound track will be used when the unknown character in the opening scene picks up the red bra while typography is being presented. We chose to increase the pace in order to place emphasis on this iconography. This is conventional to a thriller opening scene because it shows the audience that the red bra has a significance to the whole film and gives them connotations on what to expect. However, could make the audience insecure because such iconography can cause controversy as knowing that this could have a significance in the film which could show that this thriller will be touching upon sensitive topics.

Furthermore we intended to use on screen sound of the antagonist footsteps, while he walk and kick a red lipstick demonstrating his disturbed persona. While he walks we will see his high heels boots taking heavy steps, making the viewers feel frustrated as his identity is not reveled. This is conventional to the thriller genre because it build a feeling of suspense, creating a chilling response.

Lastly, we plan to use off screen sound of a squeaky scratching while the opening credits are shown. This will create a chilling response from the spectators as they do not know what to expect and where the sound is coming from, therefore making them having a fearful response which is conventional to the thriller genre.    

The use of these sounds will help to establish the genre of the film as well as help the viewer to infer the character’s role within the narrative because of the way that he has been presented. I think that the use of the mild and innocent ballerina box music in contrast of heavy metal is effective because it shows the change the character underwent and how much hatred he has gained from being completely vulnerable and innocent.

Common use of editing techniques in thriller movie:

Editing as any other micro-elements is essential when creating a movie. In an action-thriller movie face pace editing will usually come to use when a chasing or a fight takes place to have a major impact with audience. Reaction shot are mostly used in horror-thriller as well as in the audience when they are scared by the unexpected frame and sound that are shown in the scene, which are conventional to the thriller genre.

These are the editing techniques that we intend to use:

Cross-cut: One of the first editing technique that we chose to include was the cross cut. This editing techniques is mostly used in our opening thriller which will introduces the opening credits, then cross-cut to another frame showing an Elle magazine with the front page of the model cuts out, and then again back to the opening credits of newspaper cuts-out. We choose this technique because we want the scene to be chaotic and make the audience feel intrigue and create mysteriousness. This shot is conventional to a thriller genre as it introduces two setting without confusing the audience. We decided to create mysteriousness throughout the opening thriller, thus we though that this editing will be suitable for this shot.

Dissolve: Furthermore, a dissolve will be used when the opening credits of the cast member are shown with the iconography of the red bra, then a dissolve is put in place. This is because is the first iconography where the audience are able to make assumption about the character, thus the dissolve transition will focus of the iconography and make the audience feel curious and want to find out more about the character. This edit technique is conventional to a thriller movie, because it introduces another frame fluently, or sometimes makes the scene looks chaotic if is framed well. This will make the audience engage and want to find out more what will happen next.

Jump Cut: Additionally,  a jump cut will be utilize when the mysterious character begin to wear a tights. This is because we don't want to make the audience feel bored or show them how to put on some thighs, but to save time while filming and also make the scene look disturbed which will make the audience feel curious and anxious, as the identity of the mysterious character in nor revealed. This editing technique is conventional to a thriller genre because it allows more action to take place in a short time making the audience paying attention. Also is a technique that add distortion and negativity to the frame which it's what it were looking for.

Slow Motion: This slow motion technique will be combined with the tilt shot when the mysterious character wears a lady dress. The slow motion will focus on the action that is taking place, while the tilt shot will partially shows the identity of the mysterious character. This will make the audience feel interested as they may think that he character is going out to have fun. This is a conventional editing techniques for the thriller genre because it helps emphasis in a specific object or character. This will make the spectators feel intrigue and keep them watching.

Fade to Black: Lastly, a fade to black is portrayed at the end of the scene. This is because we want to demonstrate that the opening scene is come to an end. This will leave the audience questioning what will happen. Also as black as connotations of death and misery, the audience are more likely to think that the character was the antagonist and is ready to commit negative actions. This will makes the audience feel frustrated as they do not know what were his intentions and left with suspense which is conventional to the thriller genre as the theme of mystery is presented.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, after looking all the different micro elements that we intentionally want use we are more organized and know how to make the audience feel. This important because if we use the unconventional micro elements we will not receive the right audience response therefore lose our audience. Lastly, we were able to see which techniques we were using without repeating the same which was beneficial as the audience will not get bored.