Analysis on Previous Students Work

Positives:

• Something that works well with this thriller opening is the 'thriller' storyline with an innocent person trapped and needing help. A common storyline for thrillers include plot twists, flashbacks and red herrings. Therefore, the storyline sticks to the features of a thriller which reflects on the opening.
• The establishing shot involves one character lying on the floor in a darkened room. The lighting is dull and creates somewhat of a show effect. This creates an eerie sense in the room and an unexpected desire to know what is going to happen next. There is a use of a 'pan' to show the audience the location and where the character is.
• The titles work well and have been thought out carefully with the type of font and colour, and what this represents. The transitions between the titles and the actual film works well and makes it clear that it is going to be a thriller film.
• The music throughout the extract creates tension for the audience especially later on where the character is trying to escape. The music is somewhat 'off putting' and non harmonious. Throughout the extract, the music builds in volume, pace and pitch and therefore increases the audiences tension whilst watching.
• There is a good use of camera types, angles and perspectives within the opening of the film. There is a point of view shot, hand held camera, close ups, low angles which all create a sense of panic and help to relate to the character and understand what they are going through.
• Inter-cutting is used very well in the extract which shows the characters point of view and also what the masked man can see. The cutting is quick paced and therefore makes the extract seem a lot quicker. The shot then shows the masked man which is somewhat secretive and adds to the dramatic storyline.

Negatives:

• Whilst watching the clip, the lighting seems unrealistic at some points throughout. The setting is in an enclosed location which would not naturally have a light inside. The light inside the location therefore is ambient (is created by a light) but does make a good effect for the narrative.
• When the masked man is speaking, it is hard to understand what he say's and therefore could be hard to follow the storyline. Also, it is something that has been used in a film before - Saw. It would have been a good idea to record him miming the speech and record his dialogue separately. Therefore, you will be able to hear what he says better.
• The lighting sometimes changes subtly without actually showing the character turning a light of for example. This is a bad continuity however, is quite subtle and hard to detect although it is important that the people editing it noticed it and try to solve this.