Scream Opening - Thriller Conventions
Cinematography is used in thriller films to convey different points of view to the audience. The audience are able to see occurrences from different angles and therefore their experience becomes enhanced for them. Close up shots are generally used in thriller films to portray someone's emotions or to show the significance of a certain item in the film. Angled shots are used to show a characters state of authority, whether they have the most power or the least.
During the opening scene a close up shot of Drew Barrymores face is used to show the audience her facial expressions. From the shot the audience witness how she looks petrified and therefore they relate to how she is feeling. This increases the viewers suspense and anticipation levels as they put themselves in her position. This therefore also enhances their thrill while watching the film as it becomes extremely realistic for them. The shot adds to the suspense already created and the audience are left anticipating the final outcome. This shot is conventional to a thriller film as it is employed to inform the audience of the significance of what is in the shot or to further their understanding of what they are being shown.
A handheld camera shot is incorporated into the scene when the woman is looking out of the window. The audience are presented with the outdoor surroundings as she looks out for the antagonist. The use of the shot allows the audience to feel as though they are the victim and they are therefore left frightened as they await a shock they predict is going to happen. The scene becomes even more realistic to them and an eerie atmosphere is brought upon them as they believe the antagonist is outside in the dark location. Handheld shots are conventional to a thriller film as it allows the audience to believe they are in the film which will therefore enhance the effect the film has on them.
At the end of the scene after the climax a zooming in shot is used. The audience witness the camera zoom from the front door towards the woman's body, which is hanging from the tree. The shot presents the audience with an element of surprise and they therefore respond by feeling extremely shocked and uncomfortable. In the shot the audience can see that she is covered in blood and therefore realise she was brutally murdered by the masked person. This may scare the audience and leave them guessing who the killer is and why the woman was murdered.
The use of the camera shots means the audience are able to feel as though they are part of the film and their experience is therefore extremely enhanced. Through my thriller opening I will create I will include all of the 3 camera shots as I believe they work extremely well with certain parts of the thriller films and therefore the viewers will enjoy and understand my opening.
During the opening scene a close up shot of Drew Barrymores face is used to show the audience her facial expressions. From the shot the audience witness how she looks petrified and therefore they relate to how she is feeling. This increases the viewers suspense and anticipation levels as they put themselves in her position. This therefore also enhances their thrill while watching the film as it becomes extremely realistic for them. The shot adds to the suspense already created and the audience are left anticipating the final outcome. This shot is conventional to a thriller film as it is employed to inform the audience of the significance of what is in the shot or to further their understanding of what they are being shown.
At the end of the scene after the climax a zooming in shot is used. The audience witness the camera zoom from the front door towards the woman's body, which is hanging from the tree. The shot presents the audience with an element of surprise and they therefore respond by feeling extremely shocked and uncomfortable. In the shot the audience can see that she is covered in blood and therefore realise she was brutally murdered by the masked person. This may scare the audience and leave them guessing who the killer is and why the woman was murdered.
The use of the camera shots means the audience are able to feel as though they are part of the film and their experience is therefore extremely enhanced. Through my thriller opening I will create I will include all of the 3 camera shots as I believe they work extremely well with certain parts of the thriller films and therefore the viewers will enjoy and understand my opening.
Well done Emma, you have confident use of media language and you correctly identify the camera shots with discussion around how they meet thriller conventions. Ample appropriate examples with clips to support your analysis too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, you need to develop in further detail how these shots are likely to affect the audience. You could also develop how the shots enhance particular conventions such as the close up of the mask to encourage suspense for the audience and conceal the hidden identity of the villain.