Task 2: Research into existing prodcuts

Image sources:
alpacinofanclub.com

azcentral.com

azcentral.corevenantmagazine.com

Conventions in film:

• Lighting


• Body codes


• Sounds


• Representations


• Genres


• Camera angles
  
• Mise En Scene
  
• Stereotypes
  

The three genres that we are interested in are romantic comedy (rom-com), thriller and horror, like the three films above. We have learnt about how films are produced in a way that help the audience understand the genre. For example, in a horror, such as 'the hills have eyes', the opening sequence suggests a sense of solidarity through sound, camera and mise en scene.

I have decided to choose thriller for my opening sequence. Thriller is my favourite genre, other than war. I will analyse three different thriller openings (Heat, Se7en, The Departed & Leon: The professional)

Here are 8 sub-genres, they are the most typical types of thriller.

1. Action-thriller. The most common thriller. These films often have elements of mystery and crime. A hero saving the day. For example, James Bond.


2. Disaster thriller. Conflict because of a natural disaster, such as earthquakes and volcano eruptions. For example, The Day After Tomorrow.


3. Spy-thriller. Usually contains one main character finding the plot behind an evil business man or public enemy. Usually not too violent. For example, Mission Impossible.


4. Crime-thriller. These films usually follow the criminals rather than the police. These films will almost always contain violence, drugs and bad language. For example, Inside Man.


5. Conspiracy-thriller. A hero usually confronts enemies of his own for personal reasons. For example, Capricorn One.
   
6. Psychological-thriller. Rather than overcoming problems with weapons and violence, the main character uses mental attributes and emotion. For example, Strangers on a Train.
   
7. Science Fiction-thriller. Usually based on Crime-thriller or Action-thriller with added science fiction. For example, Blade Runner.
   
8. Legal-thriller. A highly boring sub-genre (my opinion), it is usually based in and around a court. A case is usually solved through clues found throughout the movie. For example, The Innocent Man.
   
   Thrillers are made to 'thrill audiences', to create apprehension and excitement. They are associated with weaponry and police. Actors like De Niro and Al Pacino are well known thriller actors.