Todorov's Theory~

                    This theory can be broken down into 5 simple steps.

 

1.  A state of equilibrium (just as everything should be).

 

1.  A disruption of this order, by an event.

 

1.  A recognition that the disorder has occurred.

 

1.  An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption.

 

1.  Restoration of a new equilibrium.

This idea states that everything would end in an equilibrium however this would be unconventional of a thriller movie in that not everything is as it should be in the order that things happen. This presents itself in films such as The Dark Knight as the ‘hero’ at the end of the film states, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”. This shows us that it is not typical for the hero to always complete his task in being the invincible saviour.

Camera Shots~

Camera shots

There are 6 main types of camera shot.

These are:

-Extreme long shot; this is a shot which allows you to establish the place that the scene is set. It is more commonly known as an ‘establishing shot’.

-Long shot; this is a shot that allows you to see one full body length. It is usually used when you are being introduced to a new character and need to find out the ideology of the character.

-Mid shot; this is a shot which allows you to only see the portrait of the character. It is usually used in scenes where there is an interview or conversation

-Two shot; a shot simply involving two people. Commonly used when there is a conversation or a two part argument and it is important that you see the facial expressions of both characters.

-Close up; this is the head and shoulders of a person or the main features of an object. This shot is generally used to show the facial expressions of a person after something has happened and you would need to see their reaction.

-Point of view shot; this shot is where the audience (or camera) is viewing a situation as the characters eyes. This allows the audience to engage with what is going on and fully appreciate their perspective of the situation they are in. It is usually used when a character is running away from something.

-Extreme close up; focuses on just one part of the person allowing the audience to feel the tone that the scene has been set in. It would normally be a facial feature such as the eye if a character is crying it would be an attempt to make the audience to feel the emotion that the character is also feeling.

Thriller Conventions~

      Thriller conventions - Callum Morrissey

1. Music build up in scenes that aspire to add tension and build up. Consisitantly using music to accompany the mood which you are attempting to portray. 

2. Conventions of a Thriller Mirrors, low key lighting, shadows, obtrusive editing, quick cuts, changes in camera angle, tension music, stairs, flashbacks, use of photographs, black and white, disorientation of time and space, montage editing Specific to psychological thrillers: two or more characters preying upon one another’s minds, deceptive mind games, trying to demolish each other’s mental state

3. Mirrors Mirrors are used as a convention of a thriller film through the use of reflection of one’s soul and inner self Mirrors represent the darkness within some characters An example is ‘Mirrors’ directed by Alexandré Aja

4. Shadows Shadows are closely related with low key lighting and are used as a convention of a thriller film They are used to represent the inner darkness within beings, and can also add to tension and eeriness that is created

5. Obtrusive Editing Quick shots and obtrusive editing are used frequently in thriller films to accentuate the feelings of suspense and tension They are often used during an important or particularly ‘thrilling’ scene – sometimes creating a disorientation of time and space, by using montage editing

6. Flashbacks Flashbacks contribute to a sense of time and space disorientation in a thriller and this confuses the audience It is also a convention of a thriller film because it can display what has happened in the past to give the audience an insight into characters’ pasts An example is in ‘Momento’ by Christopher Nolan - We have studied this in English as it is a good example of anelepsis. 

7. Black and White Black and white is another of the conventions of a thriller, because it accentuates the use of shadows, and can often appear quite eerie and ‘dark’. An example is ‘Psycho’ by Alfred Hitchcock

Wanted Final Scene~

Thriller Backbone~

Thriller Backbone ~
My Media piece will have to follow the bases of a thriller and thus has to include specific devices used to create certain effects. Thriller is a broad genre of literature, film and television programming that uses suspense tension and excitement as the main elements. Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, surprise, anxiety and/or terror. Thriller films tend to be adrenaline-rushing, gritty, rousing and fast-paced. Literary devices such as red herrings, plot twists and cliffhangers are used extensively. A thriller is a villain-driven plot, whereby he or she presents obstacles that the protagonist must overcome.

Starting discussion~

We are currently deciding our location as the school camera is not allowed after school. The plot and methods have been decided and we are currently explanding on more detail. External charecters are also being used and have agreed to play a role in our film. We will record more than 10 minutes worth of footage and then I will edit it and fit it into 2.